Tag Archive for: Guides
Guide to Choosing the Right Bridal Lingerie for the Wedding Night, Honeymoon, and Beyond!
Your family has left, your friends have departed, the bouquet has been thrown. What now?
Well, if we want to get traditional about it - your new husband (or wife) should scoop you up and carry you to the bridal suite to consummate your marriage.
Do…
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Your Wedding Flowers
From walking down the aisle to tossing a bouquet at the reception, flowers will accompany you at each and every moment of your wedding day. It’s why choosing your wedding flowers is such an integral part of the overall planning process.
More…
The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring Online
In this article, I guide you through the ins and outs of finding and purchasing an engagement ring online. Picking a perfect engagement ring is no small feat, but there are plenty of ways to make the process easier. It's going to be an easy…
Guide to Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette, Fashion & Fun
In today’s article we take a look at rehearsal dinner etiquette, and we’re throwing in some super hot fashion picks too! Our goal is to help ease some of the innumerable stresses you're undoubtedly feeling, so that you can focus on enjoying…
5 Art Deco Wedding Dresses with Gatsby Glamour
In this post we’ll take a closer look at Art Deco and how you can pull off the fashion look on your wedding day, as we highlight a few of our favorite Art Deco wedding dresses! We did a few stationery posts on both Art Deco and Great Gatsby…
6 Steampunk Wedding Dresses for Fairytale, Antique, and Victorian Styles
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the steampunk wedding style. We'll explore options as far as steampunk wedding dresses go, and show you a few of our favorite steampunk bridal looks!
Are you a fun-loving bride who thinks…
How to Write a Best Man Speech that’s an Unforgettable Tribute!
If you’re reading this article, it means that you’re in (hopefully not desperate) need of some sound advice. Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we take a look at the importance of writing a brilliant best man speech and give you…
Valentino Bridal Shoes: Vows in Rockstud Style
In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at Valentino wedding shoes, what’s behind the brand, and whether or not they’re really worth splashing your hard-earned cash on! Beware: there’s some serious swooning about to go down!
Designer…
Christian Louboutin Wedding Shoes: Luscious Red Sole Designs
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why Christian Louboutin wedding shoes stand out, whether or not Louboutins are comfortable to wear, and finally, telling you a little more about their bridal collection.
It only makes sense…
Guide to Diamond Engagement Ring Alternatives: Try These 22 Gemstone Beauties Instead
In this article we'll take a look at the exciting world of diamond alternatives for your engagement ring! They're becoming more and more popular as engagement ring options, as brides realize that there are a whole range of non-diamond alternatives…
How to Change Your Name After Marriage (with Zero Stress)
Note: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. This article is for educational purposes only.
In all the excitement of planning your wedding, it can be easy to overlook the less glamorous…
Airbrush Makeup vs Traditional Makeup: Battle of the Beauties
Your wedding date is fast approaching, and you still can’t seem to decide between going with airbrush makeup vs traditional makeup on the big day.
Not to worry, you’ve landed at the right place!
In this article, we’ll take…
Guide to Personalized Wedding Stamps: Types & How to Use
A wedding should be one of the most special occasions in your life. And one way to make it even more special is to add personal touches throughout the entire process. Personalize your decorations, the food, and even the stamps that…
Kate Spade Wedding Shoes: Playful Sophistication
Anything with glitter or sparkles on it makes my eyes wander and hone right in. So when I walk by a rack of Kate Spade shoes, I'm overwhelmed with gleeful joy and don't know where to look!
Known for crisp colors, graphic prints,…
8 Morganite Engagement Rings that Burst with Blush
Classic engagements are for diamonds and blush colored flowers. White gowns and expensive food fills the light of a single day. The honeymoon to an exotic land follows and all live happily ever after.
But, what if you want something different?
The…
7 Critical Wedding Invitation Etiquette Questions Answered
If you're reading this, you must be beaming and about to expire with happiness. At least that's how we believe the period leading up to your big day should feel!
Planning a wedding is no walk in the park. It's hard work, especially…
Wedding RSVP Etiquette: 9 Tips All Brides Should Know
In this article, we're going to cover everything there is to know about wedding RSVP cards. We're going to explain how to create them, and what to do about those invitees who forget to RSVP...
Getting ready to send out your wedding RSVP…
7 Wedding Save-the-Date Tips Every Bride Needs
If you've recently gotten engaged, your head is probably swimming with visions of tulle and lace, twinkly lights, and even llamas in tuxes. You may also be panicking, just ever-so-slightly, about everything you need to get done before you dance…
Wedding Thank You Card Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know
(Get this invitation here)
Writing as part of daily life
House sitting in London (UK) has allowed me to visit more than a few phenomenal museums, such as the Charles Dickens Museum. On a tour of Dickens' old house from the 1830's I saw…
How to Word Engagement Party Invitations (with examples)
Any excuse to party!
An engagement party is the first true public celebration of your newly engaged status. There is no obligation to host a party, but it is a wonderful way to introduce each side of the family, along with different…
How to Properly Pack and Fold a Wedding Dress
I bet you've been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were a little girl. And now that you're all grown up, its time to hunt for that perfect gown. Buying a gown you'll love is no easy task - in fact, many brides say they've tried on over…
Guide to Wedding Dress Preservation for After a Wedding
If you need a reason to look into wedding dress preservation, these ugly-cry inducing photos of women in their mother's wedding gowns will pretty much do the trick.
Your wedding dress has a high sentimental value, both for you and…
How to Hang a Wedding Dress Before the Ceremony
You've sent out your invitations, booked your honeymoon, and finally conquered the seating chart. The big day is almost here!
But, you're still finalizing what to do to keep your dress looking gorgeous on the big day. Perhaps you've spent…
Build vs Buy a Wedding Day Bridal Emergency Kit
Unexpected stuff happens. That's why we tell brides that a little planning now can make these emergencies and unexpected events much easier to handle when they come along on the day of a wedding.
In this post we'll guide you through…
Guide to Wedding Day Undergarments: Our Best Tips & Advice
On the surface, every wedding has its share of stress. From the wedding gown to the bridesmaids’ dresses to make-up and hair, it’s a confusing and sometimes daunting process to pull off the perfect celebration of love. People often overlook…
14 Jimmy Choo Wedding Shoes: Sassy Style
Picture it: you find yourself at Neiman Marcus with bridesmaids in tow, trying on a most perfect pair of shimmering Jimmy Choo heels. Taking them out the box is an almost religious experience, and you swear there's an angelic humming sound…
Best Honeymoon Luggage Sets: Packing Made Easy!
In this article we review our top five luggage set recommendations for honeymoon travel. First though, we'll examine all things luggage and provide tips about sizes, wheels, and suitcase types to help you make a decision.
Also, check…
15 Vintage + Unique + Colorful Gemstone Engagement Rings
We know that vintage, unique, and colored gemstone engagement rings may not be to everyone's taste, but take a look at our top 5 picks in each category as an alternative to a world awash in diamond gems!
60 Stylish Unique Mens Wedding Bands for 2024
On the hunt for a handcrafted and stylish symbol of your eternal love?
Here is our massive curated list to highlight some of the most unique men’s wedding rings from all around the world, broken down by material type and theme to make…
How to Use Dried Lavender for Your Wedding: Bulk, Bunches, and Buds
While you can interpret the name of this wedding blog in different ways, there is no denying that lavender plays a role in shaping our blog's identity. With that in mind, I thought it was finally time to see how you can incorporate dried lavender into your wedding ceremony, reception, and even after your big day!
Avoid Awkwardness: How to Choose a Wedding Officiant
Want to avoid awkwardness at your wedding ceremony? Let us show you how to choose a wedding officiant you'll remember fondly forever after.
How to Care for a Cathedral Length Bridal Veil
You've bought a lengthy veil for your wedding day! Now read my guide and see how to care for a cathedral length bridal veil.
The Best Place to Buy Wedding Envelopes Online
In this guide I will review where to buy wedding envelopes online by comparing the best companies that sell cute, colorful, and craft-worthy envelopes!
Let's face it, selecting envelopes can often be overlooked in a DIY wedding stationery…
11 Bridal Garment Bags to Buy for your Wedding Day
In this article we take a look at how to pick the right wedding garment bag to hold your dress. Okay, so obviously I don't recommend buying all 11 wedding garment bags listed below. Unless by chance you have a severe fetish for wedding bags.
After…
10 Tips to Save Money on Wedding Stationery
Read More: A Guide to Wedding Stationery Costs
My guess is your lotto numbers have not come up if you somehow stumbled across this article on how to save money on wedding invitations and other wedding stationery. That's okay, mine haven't…
Guide to Wedding Stationery Costs in 2021
In this article we look at exactly how much wedding stationery costs in 2021, and how much you should expect to pay.
When I planned my wedding, I didn't budget enough for the total cost of both wedding stationery and postage. So I have…
Guide to Types of Wedding Invitation Enclosure Cards
In this guide we will look at a few extra wedding invitation enclosure cards that you may want to include, besides the standard reply envelopes & cards.
A lot of your wedding information (like the directions and hotel information)…
Wedding Tradition: The Cake Pull
I love learning about wedding traditions past and present, and then sharing those traditions on the blog with you!
At first I set out to write a post about charm gifts for your Bridesmaids. You know the ones that you can attach to a bracelet,…
How to Buy Wedding Invitations with a $200 Budget
Do you think buying wedding invitations with a $200 budget is impossible?
We wanted to explore what is available in the stationery market. We did a bit of digging, and came up with this article to show you how to buy pretty wedding invites…
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Stationery Printing Techniques
Brides are inundated with terminology they may have never heard before like taffeta, tulle, chiavari, and bentwood, or in the case of today's topic: wedding stationery printing techniques such as letterpress and engraving. Lucky for you, I…
Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Ireland
Imagine an Irish Castle Wedding
Go for a drive through the heart of Ireland, meandering among lush green fields strewn with sheep and cows until you reach your destiantoin. Up a long winding path, drive towards the resurrected…
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Ireland
Note: I contacted HSE Ireland (County Wexford Branch) at phone number 053 924-3706 to obtain information for this article. The material provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace…
How to Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring
In this article I'll show you how to choose a sapphire engagement ring for your special someone. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but sapphires are making a comeback. In any event, you might as well start learning all about these blue…
Is it Rude to Ask for Cash as a Wedding Gift?
It was once thought rude and money-grubbing to ask for cash for your wedding instead of material gifts. And while some may still hold that opinion, giving monetary gifts is becoming more popular.
Money as a Wedding Gift?
Asking…
The Complete Guide to Wedding Veil Lengths
A few things simply make a bride feel like a bride:
Wedding Gown waiting patiently in the closetGarter belt with a cute little blue ribbonBridal veil to complete her look
Of course, I can't forget a fabulous wedding morning (together…
How to Make A DIY Wax Seal with Sugru
In this article I will show you how to make a DIY wax seal for your wedding stationery.
I love finding unique DIY projects that are easy, not too messy, and will have your guests thinking you must have spent a fortune on wedding details! …
Guide to Wedding Cake Styles, Shapes, and Icing
Let’s talk wedding cake styles, shapes, and icing. Judging by the photos below, wedding cakes and their designs seem only to be limited by the imagination of the cake maker. A wedding cake is a piece of art to be proudly displayed. It…
Find the Perfect Wedding Ring to Match Your Engagement Ring
In this article, let's chat about how to find the perfect wedding ring to match your engagement ring.
Hint: Blue Nile has the perfect tool that I recommend you check out - More about that down below.
He finally proposed and you're…
How does an Amazing Honeymoon in London Sound to You?
My husband and I lived in London for about 10 weeks on a house sitting assignment (years ago). I would never have thought to honeymoon in London. I had too many visions of rain and cold weather. However, having lived in that wonderful city…
Simply Sweet Wedding Invitation Keepsake Frame
I am excited to introduce you to Erica Jackson Curran who put together the creative post below on how to DIY your own invitation keepsake frame. A big thank you to Erica!
Your wedding invitation is one of the first details you choose after…
How to Choose the Best Wedding Stationery Paper
In this article I will show you how to choose the best wedding stationery paper for your PDF wedding printable like the one seen below.
Creating wedding invitations is becoming more popular with brides as a way to keep costs down. High…
How to Use Vistaprint for Wedding Stationery
In this article I will discuss how to use Vistaprint for wedding stationery, including a site walk-through from start to finish. This beginner’s guide will show you how to create an account with Vistaprint, upload PDF images, and make sure…
DIY Baby’s Breath Floral Crown Tutorial
A few weeks back we received a treat that I couldn't wait to show you. It is a DIY baby's breath floral crown tutorial featuring a model in a beautiful blue depths BCBG dress. A DIY floral crown is perfect for any member of your bridal…
How to Host a Successful DIY Stationery Party
In this article I thought it would be a fun idea to show you how to host a successful DIY stationery party to get your invites and RSVP cards done in a jiffy!
Recently, I received an email from a Love & Lavender bride who wanted to use…
The Ultimate List of Popular Designer Bridal Shoes 2022
When it comes to designer bridal shoes for your wedding there are a handful of specific designers that we see brides wear over and over again. And clearly designers have kept winning designs around for many seasons with only minor tweaks –…
Wedding Guide: How to Word Wedding Thank You Cards
'Simple Sprigs' thank you card by Minted
The wedding is finished and you can finally put your feet up and relax. Suddenly, you're reminded that you have one more major task to do before you can officially hang up your bridal veil - write…
Guide to Wedding Vision Boards
Assembling a wedding vision board is fun, and so is finding a couple photos and envisioning small snippets of what the rest of the wedding day may look like. No single wedding is ever the same, especially when it comes to the myriad…
DIY Ribbon Wedding Ceremony Backdrop Tutorial
Yesterday we received a request from a reader who was interested in finding out how to make a ribbon wedding ceremony backdrop, which L&L featured in a couple real weddings a few weeks ago.
With the gratefulness of modern technology…
How Much to Spend on an Engagement Ring in 2024 [with Average Cost]
So, how much money should you spend on a wedding ring? It's a delicate topic, but one that I want to try to provide advice.
I'll never forget the time I drove with my best girlfriend and her new fiancé. He turned to me and asked my opinion…
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wedding Theme Vision Board
A midsummer night's dream wedding in the eyes of Love & Lavender would consist of touches of navy blue, pinks, oranges and phthalo green. Announce the magical soiree by sending guests a whimsical wild flower crest wedding invitations…
A Quick Guide for How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding
Many brides opt out of a traditional indoor wedding and choose to get married in the great outdoors. Whether your marriage takes place in a field, backyard, mountain top, or on a beach, an outdoor wedding really captures…
Wedding Guide: Stress Free Bridesmaid Gown Shopping
My husband and I didn't have a big bridal party. In fact, my husband's brother was the best man, my best girl friend was my maid of honor, and our niece was the flower girl.
Originally we planned on having a destination…
Autumn Wedding Inspiration: Rustic and Whimsical
The leaves are starting to change in the Pacific Northwest as we officially say "adieu" to summer. So, we thought some autumn wedding inspiration would be fitting. My wedding was held in the late summertime, but I would definitely choose…
The Complete Guide to Wedding Event Insurance (Plus Ring Insurance!)
Your wedding day is the busiest (and happiest) day of your life, and the last thing you want to think about is disaster striking. Still, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict what might happen and that’s where wedding…
How to DIY Glitter Letters for Your Wedding
I want to show you a great DIY wedding project that you can accomplish in a few hours. As some of you know, my wedding theme was a 1920's glam look with lots of gold, champagne, balloons and glitter. Using good ol' Pinterest in my…
DIY Menu and Table Place Setting Card
Have you ever thought of making your own DIY wedding menu? Or how about your own DIY place card setting? I did both!
After partnering up with Xyron and Anna Griffin, L&L was put to the challenge of making our own fabulous…
4 Simple Tips for Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses
Today's post provides simple tips for brides who are deciding whether or not to have mismatched bridesmaids dresses. I decided to have a Maid of Honor at my wedding, and let me tell you, it made my life a whole lot easier! I didn't have…
DIY Wedding Project: Ornate Chalkboard Sign
You may remember Ally and Ian's wedding that we featured on the blog. When I first saw their ornate chalkboard sign I immediately had to pin it on our Pinterest board. The frame in the photo was very familiar to me, but I couldn't place…
How to Address Wedding Save the Dates: A Simple Guide
Wedding planning involves many little etiquette details that most people only need to use once in their lifetime. I want to make it easier for you to plan your big day by sharing my well-researched wedding stationery tips.
In today's article…
(FREE) 12 Month Wedding Planning Checklist
The average US engagement is 16 months long (or in my case 15 months). My husband and I got married August 15th, 2014 and we lived through many wedding planning hurdles.
My goal is to help you with some of your own…
Essential Guide to a Backyard Wedding on a Budget
When it comes to wedding venues, it doesn’t get more intimate or personal than your very own patio or your in-law’s lakeside cabin. And planning a backyard wedding on a budget is not only possible, it can be downright FUN. No, really, we…
5 Tips for How to Start the Wedding Planning Process
Congratulations, you just got engaged!
Now, the real work begins - starting the wedding planning process to create your dream day.
If you've never been a part of someone’s wedding, or never planned a wedding before, don't sweat. I suspect…
Easy Custom DIY Cloth Napkins for a Wedding or Event
When I say these DIY custom cloth napkins are easy, I mean easy! In fact, they are so simple and cheap to make that you'll wonder why you didn't think of it yourself ;-)
You can customize the napkins with whatever words or images you want.…
How to DIY Concrete Table Numbers for a Wedding or Event
In this article I show you a fun and creative tutorial on how to DIY concrete table numbers for your own wedding or other event!
Have you noticed the concrete trend all over the place? I jumped aboard the concrete train and went to town…
How to Make a Wedding Bouquet with Real Flowers (6 Easy Steps)
Today on Love and Lavender we have a special guest. Patricia Hall is a florist and she is going to explain how to make a wedding bouquet in 6 easy steps!
Weddings are beautiful but potentially expensive affairs. One popular way that brides…
Board Game Theme Wedding Ideas
We both love playing games, and we think they can be fabulous inspiration for a wedding. Here are some of our favorite ideas that we hope inspire you!
1. Seating cards
Use game pieces like dominoes and checkers to designate the tables,…
11 Handmade Wedding Invitations We Absolutely Adore!
Whether your dream wedding is a dazzling black-tie affair or a barefoot backyard celebration, opting for handmade wedding invitations adds a level of romance that makes the entire affair feel more precious and intimate. Plus, handmade wedding…
How to Reuse Items from the Wedding in Your Home
It can be hard to know what to do with all your wedding decor after the big day is over. You can always try to sell things, but we like the idea of reusing your wedding supplies as fabulous and meaningful home decor! I think it is great to…
