Hi! Happy Tuesday! I’m sure I was greatly missed last week but I was stuck packing up my apartment (gag me with a spoon) and all that gross stuff. And my computer got packed away somewhere with every other important thing I own, as I expected. But let’s not talk about moving or all the unpacking I have to do. Ew. This week’s trend is one of my favorites: long sleeve dresses. Because even though its nice and warm out, its still time to start planning fall and winter weddings and I think long sleeve dresses are perfect for cooler weather.

Long sleeve dresses are so elegant and timeless. See: Kate Middleton. Yes, I’m still in love with her dress after two years and designers aren’t forgetting about it just yet either. Long lace or embroidered sleeves compliment any silhouette and add such an eye catching detail. The addition of detailed sleeves gives you the option to go easy on the jewelry and other accessories.

Maybe the lace and embroidery isn’t for you. I love this simple long sleeve dress. The low back keeps it from being too boring or modest. It still lets you show off your style without all the frilly, ultra girly touches.

I really adore long sleeve dresses for fall and winter weddings or weddings in cooler climates. I think they’re so much more unique than getting a wrap or cape thing. Long sleeve dresses have been in style forever and I don’t see them going away any time soon. This makes your dress something you can save and pass down without being that crazy mom with the puffy cupcake dress.

Daring,

Amara

P.S. Do you prefer the lace or embroidered sleeves or the simple solid sleeves? Again, I’m indecisive.

Happy Tuesday! And Happy Birthday (or birth-month) to the fabulous Miss Samantha! So this week’s trend is a little different. And I have super mixed feelings about it. The trend I find both adorable and terrifying? A ring warming ceremony.

What is a ring warming ceremony? Well early in the ceremony during all the talking and reading and blah blah blah, the rings are tied together and passed around to all the guests who are asked to say a silent prayer or blessing for the couple when the rings reach them. When its time to exchange the rings, they’re full of love and warm wishes from their family and friends. Super cute right?

But now for the terrifying part which was brought to my attention by my friend Lucy. “What  if there are kids or old people with shaky hands that can drop them or drool on them?” Dropping the rings can be a big issue but there’s always a solution. You can attach them to a pillow or put them in a little box or whatever to keep them from falling. As for the drool, you might just have to take that chance and count it as another special wish. 

As scary as the thought of lost or dropped rings can be, I think this is a really great way to include all your guests in the most meaningful part of the day.

Daring,

Amara

Happy Tuesday! I hope its as beautiful where you are as it is on my porch right now. I really love today’s post. We talked about food trucks and cocktail bars already and I think their prefect child would be build your own food stations. I think these are super cute for appetizers and desserts art weddings. Maybe not for the actual dinner because let’s be honest, I’m the last person that wants to work that hard for my food. 

But really, food stations give your guests something to do during cocktail hour besides stalk the poor waiters coming out of the kitchen. Your guests can make their own appetizers however they want. You have so many options to chose from for your cocktail hour food stations from pb&j sandwiches (my favorite) to tacos or burgers (my other favorites). And your guests can go crazy and make whatever concoctions their hearts desire.

Maybe you don’t want a food station during your cocktail hour. Maybe you’re like me and slightly enjoy watching those waiters figure out how to make it more than 5 feet out of the kitchen. Or maybe you just like dessert more than anything. You can always incorporate a dessert station instead of an appetizer station. Make your own cheesecake, sundaes, snowcones and my personal favorite, s’mores. Because how much fun is it to roast marshmallows indoors?

Either way, you really only need one fun food station for your guests. They just add something different for your guests to do while they wait to tell you how fabulous you look on your big day (obviously).

Daring,

Amara

P.S. Do you have any other unique ideas for foods guests can make themselves?

Hey everyone!
Is it just me or does anyone else feel like they work ALL…THE…TIME? But using the word “work” seems odd. I love what I do so it doesn’t feel like work. I guess it’s just that time of year for the “consultation-contract-consultation-contract” cycle. Good times.

Anywhoo….guess who is now a Wedding Expert for US News and World Report? That’s right, yours truly. Check out the article in this week’s **Featured Dilemma**.

As always, have a great week and I’ll “talk” to you soon!

Blissfully Yours,
Sam

Dilemma: Are couples jaded when it comes to the cost of weddings because of reality shows?
———-

**Solution:** How Bridal Reality Shows Are Affecting The Bridal Industry

What do you all think about this article?

P.S. Stressed out planning your wedding?

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