4 Ways to Avoid Serious Bridesmaid Burnout

Being a bridesmaid can often feel like a part-time job that has you running around town, doing errand after errand, and working overtime just to keep the bride happy and stress free. It doesn’t matter if the bride is your closest friend from childhood or your second cousin, as her bridesmaid you will find yourself feeling like you’re always on-call, doing what you can to be by her side. But what happens when you spend too much time and dare i say it, money, on being a bridesmaid? You may find yourself exhausted, resentful, and just desperate for the whole thing to be over. If you’re eager to make sure that doesn’t happen, here are 4 ways to not get burned out as a bridesmaid.

1. Take Time Off

You’re not a bridesmaid for just the day of the wedding or the month before. Often times, your bridesmaid duties begin long before the wedding even rolls into your calendar view. It can be anywhere between a year and eight months that you’re the bride’s go-to gal pal. That’s why it’s important to carve out time for yourself and make sure that your life is still progressing, even when things get stressful as a bridesmaid.

2. Stop Procrastinating

When you have a bridesmaid to-do list that becomes two pages long, it’s time to knock off those items as soon as you can. Try not to wait for the last minute. That’s when the pressure will kick in and if you still need to book travel, accommodations or buy your dress, you may be shelling out way more cash than you even need to.

3. Pick and Choose
You don’t have to say yes to everything as a bridesmaid. If the bachelorette party is going to be too much money for you to attend or the bridal shower is in a different state, you can politely decline on going to those events. You don’t have to show up to show off how supportive you are as a bridesmaid.

4. Skip the Drama
Try to stay out of any bridal party drama, whether it’s with caddy bridesmaids starting fights or arguing over the color of what they would like the bridesmaid dress to be. The more peace you can keep, the more being a bridesmaid will feel like a yummy slice of wedding cake.

See More:
7 Major Bridesmaid Pet Peeves as Told By Real Bridesmaids

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry's Marriage Proposal Timeline — REVEALED!

katy perry orlando bloom

Photo: Getty Images

Will wedding bells be ringing soon for Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry? While there have been numerous stories and speculations about a Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom engagement — the latest update is that a proposal is on its way.

After a little more than seven months of dating, the 39-year-old “Lord of the Rings” actor has shared that he is hoping to get married to his pop star girlfriend very soon. A source close to the couple revealed to People that the pair has been talking about marriage and kids. “They are in love and happier than ever. [Orlando] would like to get engaged to [Katy] before the year is up.”

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Courtesy of Giphy

The 39-year-old actor and the pop star have been linked ever since their fateful night at the Golden Globes after party in January 2016, where they were spotted cozying up together. Since then, it’s been romantic trips to Cannes, Hawaii, Hillary Clinton rallies, and most recently (and importantly?) — a nude paddleboarding trip around Sardinia (you probably remember the pretty memorable package that Bloom paraded around the open seas…).

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Courtesy of Giphy

While 39-year-old Bloom’s most recent images didn’t break the internet as readily as Kim K’s, the actor was definitely in “full bloom” if you know what we’re saying — with his leading lady sitting in front of him on the paddleboard like it was NBD. But we digress. The real point of the story is that the two are pretty head-over-heels for each other and a wedding may finally be on the horizon. “He would love to settle down with Katy and have more kids. He hasn’t been this serious about a girl since Miranda,” the source shared with the magazine, referencing his ex-wife, Miranda Kerr.

The couple has been plagued with breakup rumors in the past (after the Pirates of the Caribbean star was spotted with Selena Gomez in Las Vegas). This minor setback seems to be just a blip on their relationship radar, as the two have been seen getting closer than ever in recent months.

As for Perry’s thoughts on the proposal matter? The star, 31, appears to be pumping the breaks a bit more than her British BF. “She’s not going to rashly make a huge commitment like marriage again unless she thinks it’s absolutely right,” a friend close to the singer shared. Both have been married before: Bloom ended his marriage to Kerr (with whom he has a five-year-old son), and the “Dark Horse” singer divorced from her ex, Russell Brand, after just a year of marriage in 2011, according to The Daily Mail.

See More: The 10 Signs He’s About to Propose

Fast-forward to present day — she’s pretty smitten with her new man — birthday suit and all. “They’ve been getting along really well. Katy gives [Bloom] space, and they’re both pretty independent. They are serious about each other and their relationship.” Sounds like a marriage match made in heaven. Okay Orlando — what are you waiting for? Time to buy that ring and propose (fully clothed, we hope).

These Are the Top 2016 Wedding Trends on Pinterest

What’s the first thing a gal does once she gets engaged? (After taking the perfect #EngagementRingSelfie, that is.) Start pinning away, of course! Countless brides-to-be flock to Pinterest for some major big day inspiration, pinning images of gorgeous gowns, elaborate DIY projects, and rustic barn ceremonies to their dream wedding board. Don’t worry Pinterest-obsessed brides, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, there are thousands of to-be-wedded ladies just like you. And if you were wondering what they’re pinning, look no further! Here are the the top 2016 wedding trends on Pinterest this year, according to the social media platform’s blog. Consider this the end-all, be-all of wedding Pinterest boards.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
Whether you’ve been musing having your ‘maids don black dresses in varying styles or have been picturing your gaggle of gals in a rainbow of frocks, the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is not going anywhere anytime soon. And we couldn’t be happier about it — and neither could your ‘maids! What could be better than giving your friends the freedom to choose a style that suits them? And the resulting look is fresh, modern, and pops in photos.

Food Trucks
Brides and wedding guests alike have been flipping for these meals on wheels. Whether as a late-night snack or for your reception dinner, food trucks have been owning the wedding menu game thanks to their endless options of cuisine, accessibility, and quirkiness. It’s no wonder why guests start cheering when these curbside chefs pull up at the reception.

See More: This Is the Most Pinned Wedding Dress on Pinterest

Honeymoon Funds
Instead of stocking their newlywed nest with six different types of slotted spoons no one needs, brides and grooms have been opting to have guests contribute to their honeymoon in lieu of giving traditional wedding gifts. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon of this major trend thanks to honeymoon fund websites like Wanderable, Honeyfund, and Zola which allows guest to easily donate to your post-“I do” destination.

Wedding Toss Bars

Photo: Brklyn View Photography and Rebecca Hansen Weddings

Toss Bars
According to this highly-pinned wedding trend, rice should only be found in the cocktail hour appetizers and reception dinner — not in the bride’s hair! Couples have been exchanging the traditional rice toss with DIY toss bars — tables lined with bowls of confetti, glitter, flower petals, and anything else your heart desires for guests to throw as the newlyweds head off into the sunset. Just think about how amazing those wedding exit photos will be…

Circular Ceremony Seating

Photo: Corbin Gurkin

Circular Ceremony Seating
Instead of a traditional straight ceremony aisle with guests sitting on either side, couples have been opting to seat their guests in circular-style seating. Pinterest searches of this unique trend are up 80 percent this year and it’s not hard to see why: Everyone gets a fantastic view, while you get fantastic photos!

Blac Chyna Reveals the Surprising Reason She's Waiting to Marry Rob Kardashian

Why Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian Are Waiting to Get Married

Photo: Getty Images

We’ve been imagining the big day details of Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna’s wedding ever since that dazzling diamond engagement ring was slipped on Chyna’s finger. Will the Kardashian girls serve as bridesmaids? Will Kris Jenner, the official family matriarch, pronounce her son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law husband and wife as the wedding officiant? Will Kanye West pull a “I’m gonna let you finish, but..,” and interrupt the vows? We’re DYING to know! And to be honest, we’re getting a little impatient with the Kardashian/Chyna wedding waiting game. Just when are these two crazy kids going to tie the knot?! Well, in a recent Facebook Live appearance, the couple explained why they’re holding off on getting hitched — and we never would’ve expected the reason!

What’s a wedding without champagne? (If you ask us, still just as fun — but a little less delicious!) That’s apparently what the pregnant Blac Chyna was wondering as she planned her nuptials to the reality star.

“If it was up to Rob literally we would go tomorrow!” Chyna joked during her and her to-be hubby’s Facebook Live interview yesterday. “Every woman deserves to have a beautiful wedding not when they’re pregnant,” explained Kardashian as his bride-to-be chimed in, “Because I want to turn up after. I want to turn up on my honeymoon and I want to turn up on you.” Oh. Okay then…

blac chyna baby bump

Photo: Getty Images

But, hey, if this bride’s wedding day vision consists of endless tequila shots, who are we to judge? It’s her day after all, and even we have to admit that a glass of champagne before walking down the aisle does wonders when it comes to calming those nerves. So it sounds like we’re going to have to wait a little longer to see the latest Kardashian wedding take place.

“I think next year to kind of give you guys an idea,” said Chyna. “It’s not going to be this year. I kinda want to get my body back,” she explained.

At least we’ll get a peek at the newest little Kardashian sooner rather than later! The parents-to-be are busy preparing for their little one — and that means choosing a name! During their live chat, a fan asked if the pair planned to carry on the Kardashian tradition of ‘K’ names. But before you start flipping to the ‘K’ section of a baby book to suggest some ideas, these two revealed that they’ll probably forgo the Kardashians’ tradition. “Probably not,” both Chyna and Kardashian said.

Oh well… But as long as the newest addition to the Kardashian clan makes a wedding day appearance in an itty bitty tux, we’ll be happy campers!

See More: Blac Chyna’s Dad Reveals What He REALLY Thinks About Her Engagement to Rob Kardashian

The Best and Worst Real Life Excuses for RSVP'ing No to a Wedding

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Photo: Getty Images

A little white lie never hurt anybody right? We’ve all been there before. You get invited to so-and-so’s wedding and for whatever reason you’re just not super stoked on it. So you either grin and bear it and go or make up a somewhat reasonable excuse that gets you out of it. For better or worse, here are some of the best and worst excuses guests have given for RSVP’ing no.

Paintball Rules
“I know I sound awful, but I’m not a big fan of my cousin and really didn’t want to go to her destination wedding. So I told her I had a paintball tournament that weekend, which I did, and had to attend that instead. Maybe I should have come up with a better excuse because I know the paintball thing was probably insulting. Oh well! Needless to say she didn’t attend my wedding when I got married, which I’m kind of happy about.” — Danielle

Zika Fears
“My cousin was having a destination wedding in Mexico, and we used the excuse that we were going to be trying for a baby soon and we couldn’t risk it due to Zika. Worked like a charm! And it was kind of true except we don’t plan on starting to try before her wedding.” — Teresa

Another Wedding
“We used this one recently even though the other wedding we had to go to was on that Friday (not Saturday) so technically we could have made it to both. The one we opted out of though was a few hours drive and we weren’t that close to the couple so we didn’t feel too bad.” — Naomi

See More: Food Porn Alert! How to Create a Modern Wedding Menu Your Guests Will Love

Super Pregnant
“This was the best excuse ever (for everything really) and it was true too! A friend of mine from college that I wasn’t really in touch with much anymore invited me to her wedding, which was a month before my due date and a plane trip away. Obviously I wouldn’t have been able to fly at that point so it was an easy out for me.” — Caila

Guilt Trip
“We had so many weddings to attend last year, two of them being out of town, so we used the excuse that we had already planned a family vacation a year in advance to get out of one destination wedding. Well, we hadn’t actually planned anything yet but we did wind up booking a family trip during that time so that we could enjoy an actual vacation that wasn’t just for someone’s wedding. Oops!” — Shaelyn

Explosive Diarrhea
“No one asks questions when you use this excuse! I was actually feeling pretty shitty (ha!) and wasn’t that close to the bride. She was also having a huge wedding and I knew I wouldn’t be missed. I offered to pay for my plate at the wedding, which she declined, and she was so sympathetic that I had a bad stomach bug. I feel bad in retrospect that I lied but what can you do now?” — Meg

BRIDES Washington DC: Best Vintage Shops for Your Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

Finding the perfect rehearsal dinner outfit can be just as stressful as finding the actual wedding dress for many blushing brides to be. Not only does this dress kick off your wedding weekend festivities, it’s the last dress you’ll wear as a single lady. If you’d prefer a dress that’s less “off the rack” and more unique and tailored to you, forgo the chain stores and expensive malls and opt for a find at one of these vintage shops. Favorites for Georgetown students, the politico fashionistas of Capital Hill and even the First Lady, you’re sure to find the perfect rehearsal dinner outfit that fits your style and your budget.

Polly Sues Vintage
Located in hip Takoma Park, Polly Sue’s Vintage Shop is a haven for vintage finds from the 50s, 60’s and 70’s. Billowing jazz music plays as you sort through the racks of pristine items, ranging from big statement jewels for as little as $18 to Edwardian wedding gowns. in addition to cute clothes, you can also find rehearsal dinner props and accessories for cheap, like vintage greeting cards, lighters, and perfume bottles.

Via Gypset
Adjacent to the National Zoo and the trendy bistros of Woodley Park sits Via Gypset, a favorite shop for young professionals and hip students. Offering a dreamy, Pinterest-perfect collection of consignment pieces and vintage outfits, there’s no telling what you’ll find in this cute boutique. With shoes and haute couture on the first floor and a treasure chest of sparkly, brightly patterned consignment pieces on the second, you’re sure to score the perfect dress, skirt or retro pant suite you desire for your celebration.

See More: Pick Out the Perfect Wedding Favors on Our Local Vendors Page

Lipstick Lounge
Situated in neighboring Gaithersburg, MD — a trip to Lipstick Lounge is well worth the drive. Founded in 2009, this consignment store looks more like a high-end boutique, featuring an dazzling array of vintage and fairly new frocks to choose from. Plus, you’ll find all the designers you love for a price you can afford, from Gucci, Louise Vuitton, Coach, Burberry and even Tory Burch!

Treasury Vintage

Known DC area favorite (and winner of the Washington City Paper’s Best Vintage Store for the past 3 years), Treasury Vintage is a clothing staple in the ultra-trendy 14th street neighborhood. The open, breezy space welcomes you with live music and tons of natural light and is filled with carefully edited and procured vintage finds, ranging from nautical inspired 50’s dresses to flowy 70’s maxi skirts and a collection of shoes and purses.

Gypsy De La Lune

Another 14th street must, Gypsy De La Lune is the ultimate stop for girly, glamorous tops, dresses, skirts and pants. Owner Ashley Duffy Grant is picky about her features, and choose vintage finds that fit her artistic vibe. Often home to art pop ups and the like, you never know who or what you’ll find in the feminine hued shop. In addition to a perfect outfit, score bridesmaid’s gifts (like parasols and fans) or cute jewels for your big day.

Still not sold on an outfit? Check out more options on our Local Vendors page!

UPDATED Find Local Vendors Button

Vanderpump Rules' Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz's Wedding Was Epic: See the Stunning Photos

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy of Katie Maloney via Instagram

Vanderpump Rules stars Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz are officially married — and their wedding is everything we would have expected from the super chic bride. After years of dating, and keeping their relationship in the public eye on the hit Bravo reality show — which included a very traumatic “ring on a string” encounter” at co-star Scheana Shay’s wedding well before the actual proposal — these two lovebirds are officially wed. And it looks like their wedding is everything Pump Rules fans could ever hope for — a gorgeous white-themed wedding ceremony, tons of selfie Snapchats, a bevy of beautiful bridesmaids and, of course, Lisa Vanderpump’s famous dog Giggy.

What seemed liked the entire cast of the Bravo show (okay, maybe just Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor’s girlfriend Brittany Cartwright and Shay) posted photos of both the rehearsal dinner and wedding celebrations to Instagram and Snapchat through Tuesday night and into early Thursday morning. We saw the crew wining and dining at the rehearsal dinner, playing what appears to be Heads Up during a girls sleepover the night before the big day, tons of bridesmaid selfies while getting ready for the walk down the aisle, AND an absolutely stunning photo of Maloney and Schwartz’s wedding ceremony.

“I’m so happy to have married my best friend and love that I finally get to call Tom my husband,” Maloney told E! News. “Celebrating with our closest friends and family has been nothing short of an amazing experience.”

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Mr. Kate via Instagram

The Pucker and Pout co-founder and her new husband exchanged vows in front of nearly 100 guests Wednesday evening in an elegant, rustic wedding at the Twenty Mile House in Northern California. The bride and groom were wed underneath a ceremony arch of white drapery, with white flower petals at their feet.

“We wanted to be secluded and in the woods and we are just that. It’s so pretty,” the groom told E! News just before before the big day. “Our theme is woodsey-elegance and the thing I’m most, most excited about is that we get to have so many of our close family and friends there. It just makes it that much more special.”

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

Katie Maloney wedding

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

It appears that the bridesmaids, who all got ready in matching pink robes, wore white halter dresses with metallic belts for the wedding and carried bouquets of ivory roses.

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

See More: Is Vanderpump Rules Star Jax Taylor Ready for Marriage?

While we saw Maloney say “yes” to the dress at Kleinfeld in NYC during a shopping excursion with our friends at Glamour, we weren’t sure which wedding dress exactly the Bravo star selected as her final bridal gown. But, with this slew of new wedding photos, we’re almost positive that Maloney went with this lace illusion Zuhair Murad gown, which retails for $12,000.

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Photo: Courtesy of Glamour

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Photo: Courtesy of Glamour

“My dress, when I put it on, I got goose bumps and I knew that was the dress I was going to marry him in and it had all the elements that I really, really wanted,” the bride, who also wore a classic white robe with lace sleeves for her getting ready event of hair and makeup, told E! News. “For me, it’s unique and its different and it’s very me.”

Amazing wedding of those two love birds KatieandTom in the wood out of nowhere! #fairytale #wedding #katie&tom #forever #pumprules

A photo posted by by Nathalie Z. ??? (@theparisienneinla) on Aug 18, 2016 at 12:19am PDT

It appears that this particular Pump Rules party definitely did not disappoint. Maloney and Schwartz’s wedding reception included a live band, a photo booth and a beautifully set-up venue space made to feel like an intimate party in the woods, complete with string lights and towering trees. Their reception tables were decorated with beaded table runners candles, and it seems as though their guests, including their fellow cast-members, danced all night long.

See all the photos from their epic wedding below!

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

katie maloney wedding photos

Photo: Courtesy Snapchat

Team Krossi Schroute and our stunning bride to be.

A photo posted by kristendoute (@kristendoute) on Aug 17, 2016 at 3:27pm PDT

The bride to be #PumpRules

A photo posted by Currently Filming Season 5$$$Y$ (@sur_rules) on Aug 17, 2016 at 2:40pm PDT

Murder is our fave. @pandoravt

A video posted by Stassi Schroeder (@stassischroeder) on Aug 17, 2016 at 11:52pm PDT

BRIDES' 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up Challenge: Day 18, The Mega Benefits of Omegas

Wedding Workout Plan Omegas

Photo: Getty Images

This is it… The final countdown to your big day. And along with settling those last few details — figuring out where to seat your eccentric Uncle Carl, firming up the flowers — you’re likely also making one last push to make sure the body that will be wearing that gorgeous white gown looks as good as it possibly can. You and nearly every other woman with an engagement ring on her finger. In fact, research shows that an overwhelming 91 percent of brides-to-be are anxious about their weight. But from here on out, you won’t have to be!

Whether you want to drop those last few pounds or look more toned — or both — we’ve got a month’s worth of daily tips (none of which require starving yourself or working out nonstop!) that will help you feel stunning and confident when you walk down that aisle. You know where to send the thank-you card. Let’s get started!

Day 18: Get More Omegas

As you may know, omega-3 fatty acids — healthy fats found in foods like salmon, tuna, avocado, walnuts and flaxseeds — have a whole host of benefits, from lowering your risk of heart disease to improving your mood. But did you know they’ve also been linked to reduced weight and body fat?

See More: Cook Your Way to a Perfect Bridal Body with These 3 Recipes

Research shows they’re also particularly effective when combined with exercise. In addition to increasing satiety, they may also crank up your metabolism and fat burning potential.

“The bonus is they’ll also make your hair shine and your skin glow,” notes Sheth. So get your O on and aim to get several servings of omega-3-rich food in your diet each week.

Add some avocado to your sandwich, toss walnuts into your morning oatmeal or slather some pesto on a piece of salmon and roast it for dinner. Delish.

Just getting started on our 30 Day Wedding Shape-Up? Kick off your journey from Day One, here.

Wedding Welcome Bag Ideas to Pamper Your Guests

Beauty Wedding Welcome Bags

Photo: Jose Villa

No pressure, but the gift bags you leave for your out-of-town guests play a major role in setting the tone for your nuptials, which means you want to make sure you fill them with thoughtful, wow-worthy items. Why not pamper your favorite people with some beauty items sure to make them feel relaxed and ready to celebrate! Here, some fun ideas to get you started.

State Perfume Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of United Scents of America

If you’ve moved away from most of your wedding guests, or, you’re getting married back home and want to share with your friends what your home state is all about, United Scents of America is the perfect thing. With fragrances that are intended to embody the essence of the state (think citrus and ocean breeze notes for Florida and fresh rain and cedar for Texas), it will leave an impression long past the wedding. (State fragrances, starting at $18, United Scents of America)

State Necklaces Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of Jen Boaz

Following the same theme, jewelry designer Jen Boaz’s handmade States of Love necklaces are the perfect way to leave a piece of your home state pride with your guests. (“States of Love” necklaces, $30, Jen Boaz)

Coffee Soap Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

If you’re a coffee lover (or have any early morning activities on the agenda), treat your guests to this Kalastyle Modern Wash Soap. It’s organic and made with actual coffee grounds, so it smells amazing and gives you a real pick-me-up in the shower. (“Modern Wash” soap, $4.95, Kalastyle available at Anthropologie)

Tea and Skincare Set Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of Miyu Beauty

Offer the gift of beauty from the inside out with Miyu Beauty A Prettea Little Quartet Bridal Edition kit, a sampler of beauty essences and teas to de-stress and hydrate your skin — plus, the brand offers special bridal pricing! (“A Prettea Little Quartet” bridal tea and skincare set, $24, Miyu Beauty)

Bath Salts Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Give the gift of relaxation in a beautiful package. Gem Honey Bath Salts are made with wholesome, organic ingredients and ease your muscles and smell divine, plus the amber-colored jar looks beautiful in a basket, bag and eventually, sitting in your guests’ bathroom. (Bath salt jar, $28, Gem Honey available at Urban Outfitters)

Lush Bath Bomb Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of Lush

Add some personalized humor with bath items from LUSH! Getting married in Southern Florida? The Pink Flamingo Bubble Bar is ideal. Heading to Paris for your honeymoon? Pay tribute to your trip with the French Kiss Bubble Bar. You or your groom a techy? The Ickle Baby Bot Bath Bomb will surely put a smile on every guest’s face. (Bubble bars and bath bombs, starting at $3.95, Lush)

NFL Candle Wedding Favor Idea

Photo: Courtesy of TheSaltyTurtle

Give a nod to your team of choice (and try not to stir up any rival trouble!) with NFL Football Team Soy Candles from Etsy shop TheSaltyTurtle. You can also personalize your candle with a wide variety of scents, making it even more specific to you as a couple. (NFL soy candles, $19.50, TheSaltyTurtle)

See More: Beyond Welcome Bags — 5 Ways to Make Your Out-of-Town Guests Comfortable at Your Wedding

5 Creative Ways to Make Your Wedding Bar Stand Out

Why have an ordinary wedding bar when you can have an extraordinary one? That’s our philosophy at least. Whether you’re looking to spend the big bucks or only want to allot a small portion of your overall wedding décor budget toward it, we’ve got more than a few ways to make your wedding bar the center of attention (next to you, the bride, of course!).

1. Add some artwork
Graphics are always a good idea, according to Allison Arrone, wedding producer at Fete NY. “This can really add an element of personalization and fun to any bar.” For the artsy couple, she suggests using one of your own personal hand-drawn pieces of artwork to tailor make the bar.

2. Try a different shape
Treat your guests to a real bar (like the ones you go to on a Friday night) experience. As Arrone points out, a rectangular bar allows for service on all four sides and can centralize the energy in the room. “In fact, a new trend at weddings is designating half of the bar for drinks and the other half for small plates, and a rectangular bar allows surface area for both.”

3. Incorporate the environment
For winter weddings, Arrone thinks birch tree bark is a nice touch or fresh cut flowers for summer to add a seasonal accent to your bar decor. You could also use freshly cut boxwood hedge to breathe some life into a bare bar space too. “Instead of flowers, place lanterns on top to enhance a garden feel. This is ideal for any spring wedding.” We couldn’t agree more!

See more: 25 Wedding Bouquets Full of Fresh and Fragrant Herbs

4. Fill it with flowers (like Kanye/Kim style)
Who needs a flower wall when you can have a full-on flower bar? Arrone suggests filling your bar with beautiful orchids for an incredibly chic and sophisticated design. “This bar is an absolutely stunning statement piece.” And is bound to be at your wedding too. Of course, any flower (or flowers) that go with your design will work and wow your guests equally so.

5. Chill out with an ice bar
Ice, ice baby! Seriously though, when looking for a way to make your wedding bar truly one-of-a-kind, transform it into an ice bar, offers Arrone. “Guests will be shocked when they feel the bar is actually ice.” She recommends drilling holes into the ice to keep the bottles cool throughout the wedding too. Perfect for a winter wonderland theme.