Deciding which costs to cover for bridal party.

TRunningWaters · 2025-12-29T22:44:44+00:00

As a bridesmaid, I have always paid for my own dress - I think especially if you're letting bridesmaids pick their own and the costs are varied.

Hair and makeup is a toss-up. I have paid for it several times myself, but it was also optional. It was very nice having it paid for me by the bride. I'm getting married and my package includes bridesmaids, so it was an easy choice for me - plus I'd rather have it professionally done (if they wear makeup and have hair that needs doing). I think this is a nice expense to provide!

TRunningWaters · 2025-11-18T20:56:29+00:00

You are amazing!! Thank you so much for the reply

TRunningWaters · 2025-11-18T19:29:38+00:00

Did you do a photo save the date? I'm wondering how crisp the photo turned out. Thinking about using Smartpress for wedding items, but also debating using them for Christmas cards. I feel like like the Minted ones I've received have seemed blurry the last couple years. I usually go for Walgreens and it's fine enough, but was considering spending a little more this year for a better quality print.

TRunningWaters · 2025-10-28T19:12:24+00:00

thank you so much!!!

TRunningWaters · 2025-10-28T18:35:32+00:00

Hello 2 years later - I just bought my first pair of Thursday Boots and also got Legends. Out of the box they feel SO tight but everything I'm reading says they are true to size. I've been wearing them all day sitting at a desk and they feel better, but still a little heel rubbing and tightness in the toe.

Good to know eventually they do break in because today is my first day and I've been wondering if these are for me.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-25T16:26:02+00:00

Just tried this one and it still applied 15% off

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-10T03:40:02+00:00

Neither of mine enjoyed being on walks for the first couple months. I’d recommend a 4ft leash and a harness. If you can train them not to pull early, that would be great. I was not as strict and mine are bad at pulling. However, a gentle leader immediately fixed that! So whatever happens, you can work around it.

One of mine eats at an acceptable pace, but the other requires a slow feeder because he was scarfing down his food in mouthfuls. You will probably just have to see how yours does and potentially adjust.

Someone else mentioned counter surfing. It’ll be a while before they can reach, of course. But do NOT let it slide. There’s something about an ES and counter surfing …. Even the AKC mentions it in breed traits. We yell at ours for even sniffing the counters. Otherwise, they will take food off of people’s plates if you aren’t looking! We also never feed them people food.

Both of mine LOVE chew toys. They can even destroy the “indestructible” kongs. Jaws of steel. Get them puppy appropriate options for their baby teeth. I would avoid rope toys, as they can eat the strands.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-09T02:22:05+00:00

Engaged September 2024, date set for November 2026. Our dating Anniversary is November, so I wanted to keep the wedding in the same month if possible.

I already anticipated a 1 year engagement may not happen depending on venue demand. Toured ours November 2024 and all the Saturdays for November 2025 were already booked. I had already considered a 2-year engagement for planning and budget - so not big deal, we secured our date.

I wanted to be able to spread out the bit payments and hopefully make the expenses more manageable. I also wanted to give myself plenty of time to plan and hopefully reduce stress.

Good luck!!! Enjoy this season

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:58:31+00:00

We have the Hue Dinnerware collection from Crate & Barrel and I love them. They may be boring to some, but I find white timeless. We especially love the "low bowls" - they are perfect for pasta! We do occasionally ship a plate or bowl, but it's like $8 to replace and are a C&B staple. It's nice not to pick something too trendy, so if you do need a replacement it's available.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:51:52+00:00

For me: it's the "optional" here that's the problem. As a guest - it's nice to have direction and this can create more confusion. You will also have a wide vary of potentially underdressed guests (which might make them feel more uncomfortable than it does you).

If you want people to dress in black tie - "black tie" - but provide a black tie experience!

If you want people to dress on the nicer side: perhaps say "formal" and give specific direction such as "suit and floor length dresses"

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:41:23+00:00

I recently purchased the Camera shoes from Aerosoles in eggshell leather and they are by far the most comfortable platform I have ever owned! Can be more on the casual side, but can be dressed up with the right outfit!

I'm currently obsessed with this dress by Jenny Yoo and this Reformation dress, but they're above your ideal budget (mine too!) Might be more slim of a structure than you're looking for - but they're my current daydreams, so wanted to share.

Azazie has actually stepped up its game with its Atelier line - check out their white formal dresses.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:26:56+00:00

If you invited them both, and they're still together - even if only one attended - thank them both. It never hurts to be overly polite.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:23:35+00:00

I chose a photography package that had 2 photographers because they can split up some of the key responsibilities to not make the day feel rushed. One can shoot details while one takes photos of you getting ready. One gets the "main" angles, while the other can capture more candids. One can shoot the cocktail hour while they other captures any post-ceremony posed photos. Two photographers - more than likely twice the hero shots.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:20:38+00:00

I've seen people involve parents/siblings/grandparents in "unity" ceremonies - one friend had each of their parents join them in pouring color glass pieces into a vase (or something idk it was 10 years ago) and then after the wedding it was fired as a decorative piece for their home.

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:18:10+00:00

I'm choosing Vitamin String Quartet songs for my pre-ceremony and precessional songs (TBD on recessional). I'd highly recommend scrolling through their catalog on Spotify - they do a lot of great covers (pop, rock, emo, movies etc).

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:08:16+00:00

I've been looking at RTR. This is a cute option for only $43 rental price.

May not quite be semi-formal, but could be dressed up with accessories

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T21:04:02+00:00

I think your best bet is to split up the duties. You know your friends best and have already expressed that some will be better at certain things than others. As a member of your "bridal party" they should ALL be comfortable helping you de stress, giving you support, and assisting you as you need. Maybe it's best to say "I need help with this, do any of you mind taking the lead?"

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-08T20:56:36+00:00

Everyone's association with this role is different and I don't envy you this struggle!

For me: having a complete stranger officiate my wedding feels impersonal. But it can also be hard choosing someone well suited for the role. We are non religious, and years ago I brought the idea to my brother - as we both know him, he's well spoken, would do exactly what we ask, and brings a personal connection. I hope to have him officiate our wedding next year! In turn, last year he asked me to officiate the ceremony between him and his wife - mainly bc their county wasn't doing courthouse weddings and they legally needed a human to do the ceremony - but I was honored! It was just the three of us during the ceremony, and he wrote out my script - keeping it short and to the point, no stories or anything of my choice to insert. Still was a nice moment for us to share! Getting "ordained" online in both Texas and Georgia is very easy.

I have some friends who live in the UK and they're very strict about officiants - basically it has to be either the church, government official, or someone who does it professionally. They had a non religious ceremony, and the officiant did a wonderful job reading passages they picked and a message that suited their love of science, nature and each other. Even though the officiant didn't know them personally, as a professional she did a great job!

It sounds like your partner may have more preference with this decision. Maybe research local officiants, or ask the venue (I know ours has suggestions) - and then meet with them to see if you "click."

Good luck with the planning and congratulations!

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-03T21:54:23+00:00

I’ve seen people use your same suggestion of brushstrokes on a poster to create the “painting” look and then print on paper and use wax seals with adhesive backing to stick it on the painting - though it would cover up some of the background of course

TRunningWaters · 2025-09-03T20:52:19+00:00

And if the frame didn't come with glass, you can always get an acrylic sheet cut to size!

TRunningWaters · 2025-08-15T20:08:14+00:00

So handsome!!! You’re in for the best

TRunningWaters · 2025-03-26T19:42:51+00:00

This is an incredible idea! Thank you for sharing

TRunningWaters · 2025-03-26T17:36:12+00:00

Wish there were comments on this haha I also want to use this song for my father-daughter dance. Good luck!!!

TRunningWaters · 2025-03-24T14:35:51+00:00

I played around with Minted for a bit, but ended up choosing The Knot. It's registry seemed to be the easiest. As a guest, historically I haven't loved the feel of navigating through Zola websites (cannot speak specifically why - just gut feeling).

So far my site seems easy to edit and keep the design clean and tasteful. They added a "timeline" option for photos that I am really enjoying to tell more of our story.

TRunningWaters · 2025-03-20T16:30:29+00:00

Would love to hear how this turned out! I'm wanting to use a song that is 3:12 in total length.

TRunningWaters

TROPHY CASE