According to Wikipedia, the original role of the bridesmaid was to dress in identical clothing as the bride and groom so that evil spirits couldn’t figure out who the bride and groom were.  It also kept ill-wishers from casting curses on the wedding.  In other traditions, the bride and groom would dress as the wedding party so that they blended in.  There were by tradition, 10 bridesmaids in attendance because Roman Law required that there be 10 witnesses at the wedding.

Gifts were given to the bridesmaids as a way of saying thank you for all they had done for the bride.  Originally the brides family would pay for the travel expenses and clothing requirements.  And in return bridesmaids would be expected to help pay for the parties the bride would want to have before the wedding (ie. wedding shower, bachelorette party).

Are you trying to decide on a wedding favor that feels just right for your wedding?  A wedding favor from Kate Aspen’s in Favor of a Cure(tm) Pink Ribbon Collection might be just the way to go.  They donate 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of our Pink Ribbon favors to two national breast cancer charities.  You are thanking your guests and donating money to an important cause at the same time.

Another great way to go is, a charitable donation, in lieu of favors. It is a wonderful way of thanking guests for sharing in your special day.  Make your donation on JustGive.org and they will send you a personalized PDF that you can print for your wedding tables.

A JustGive Charity Certificate is also a wonderful way to thank people who participated in your wedding.  Gift Certificates can be redeemed to any of one million local and national charities.

We see so much information for the bride, but there is also good information out there for the groom-to-be.  Find out what to do for bachelor parties, what the groom’s responsibility is for the honeymoon, what his Groom Duties are and much more.

One of the big decisions in the wedding process is whether you want to change your name to your new husband’s, or keep the one you’ve always had.  It’s a very difficult and personal decision, but if you decide you DO want to make the change, we’ve found msnowmrs.com which can literally walk you through the 3-step process and make the logistical nightmare a dream come true. 

If you are looking for an original location for your wedding, then you need to check out The Housing Works Bookstore in New York.  Not only is it a really cool place to get married, but every dollar of profit goes back into helping homeless people currently living with HIV/AIDS in the New York area.  The Works Catering is a high end caterer with a heart.  They will customize your menu with quality foods and amazing service and ensure that you have the wedding of your dreams.

The simplest things in nature are often the most beautiful.  Our Acadia Wedding Invitation features a few fluttering leaves with fine detail….a wonderful choice for a Spring or Fall wedding.  Alter the color of the leaves if you wish!  Also available in a Save The Date Magnet.

After months of looking at flowers, cake toppers and fabric swatches, we thought it was time you indulged in a little man-pampering.  There is no better place for this than Hair M.  They specialize in men’s grooming…think hot towel shaves, massages, pedicures and hair cuts all performed in an environment that provides relaxation, comfort and is designed just for men.  That’s right, men’s magazines, a complimentary beverage (including beer and wine) and ESPN!  Could it get any better?  Check them out today so you can start feeling like the King that you are!

And for all you brides that are reading this…how about treating him like a king with the Cupid Package as a fabulous Valentine’s Day gift.

We love finding unique invites and these wood veneer invitations certainly fit the bill.  They are ultra thick and can be completely customized with your unique design.  Corresponding pieces are letterpressed on heavyweight crane lettra paper and the matching envelopes are amazing.  Believe it or not these invitations are affordable too.  100, 2-color, wood invitations with matching envelopes and letterpress response cards and printed reply envelopes are just $1140.  Call the New and Blue store today to order.  1-877-268-7117. 

If you are looking for a simple, yet elegant, wedding invitation, New and Blue’s vintage inspired Laurelhurst wedding Invitation is a great option.  This is also a nice choice for Black and White themed weddings.  Complete the theme with matching Laurelhurst Save the Date Cards and Laurelhurst Thank You Notes.

“Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe.”

Why do brides wear blue rather than green or yellow? 

According to Yahoo, in ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity. Christianity has long dressed the Virgin Mary in blue, so purity was associated with the color. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, as evidenced in proverbs like, “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

Find blue crystal garters here.