Rachel Brantley

August 1, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Find Your Wedding Colors

One of the first steps in the wedding planning process is choosing your wedding colors. There are a million different combinations but only one palette that is perfect for you. Think about shades that will go well with your venue. For example, if you are having an outdoor wedding consider the setting surrounding the ceremony. What shades will make the area stand out? It’s also important to consider the season you are getting married. Some shades look beautiful in the winter but lose their elegance in the summer.

Here are some color combinations to get you inspired. You will find shades for every season and location. See what colors stand out to you and then play around with different combinations. We hope these color palettes help you design your dream wedding! Have fun planning!

Woodland Adventure

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July 25, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

6 Ways To NOT Be a Stressed Out Bride

We are not going to lie and tell you that wedding planning is all smiles and excitement. It takes a lot of work to plan a magical wedding day of your dreams. There are many decisions, deadlines and responsibilities that tend to fall on the bride’s shoulders. Instead of reaching for cookie dough or simply not eating anything at all, deal with your stress in a more productive way.

At Wedding and Party Network our vendors have years of experience working with brides. They have given us many suggestions on how brides can avoid stress during their engagement season. Take a look at what you can do to have a stress-free wedding planning experience.

1.Say no to the DIY projects
With Pinterest and Instagram it’s easy to get caught up in a long list of projects that you want to get done for the wedding. DIY projects are a great way to save money but typically add to a bride’s stress level. Although it is tough to admit, sometimes it is worth it to spend a little bit of money on an item even if you know you could do it yourself.

2. Eat right
This is especially important the month of your wedding. As the day approaches if you start to feel overwhelmed don’t indulge in junk food or not eat anything at all. Keep healthy snacks in your kitchen that you can grab when you need a stress reliever. We also suggest keeping a water bottle on your person at all times. Staying hydrated keeps headaches away and helps your skin stay clear.

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July 18, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Falls Trends To Look Forward To

The Earth displays its beauty during the magical season of fall. From delicious desserts to romantic shades, see what brides are doing to capture the beauty of this season for their walk down the aisle.

Marsala
Marsala’s deep red paired with a light blush is the perfect color combination for a fall wedding. The rich tones mimic the colors of the vibrant changing season. Hints of peach and regal gold soften the contrasting colors and add sleek elegance to the overall look. This rich, romantic red brings a warm and intimate feeling to the wedding ceremony space. See how brides use this unique color this fall.

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July 11, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

10 Details Brides Tend to Forget

Planning a wedding is a daunting task and minor details can easily slip through the cracks. Avoid any emergencies on your wedding day by reading through this list of details that brides tend to forget.

1. Bring the legal documents
This is the most important part to make your wedding official! Research the application process for a marriage license long before your wedding date. Sometimes a blood test and other documentation is required. Gather this information early so that after your ceremony you are ready to go!

2. Select a transportation manager
Rallying your bridal party together to get them from point A to point B can be a difficult task. Ask someone you know with good leadership skills to make sure that everyone is where they are supposed to be.

3. Bring the chargers
A phone charger seems like an easy item to remember but is often forgotten. Create a short checklist of items to grab from your room to throw in your overnight bag or purse before you walk out the door.

4. Pick someone to take home your things
Most wedding day planning ends after the last dance at the reception. There are several item though like your guest book, leftover food and decorations that have to be cleaned up and taken home. Ask your immediate family or a small group of friends to grab these items for you as they leave.

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July 4, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

What’s In and What’s Out This Year

Trends are constantly changing and with 2016 being halfway over it is time to give an update on what’s “in” and what’s “out” in the wedding world. We hate to see some of these fun styles go but we love the fresh new ideas we have been seeing. Also get a sneak peek into what our wedding experts have predicted will be big trends this fall.

As you read this remember to not get caught up in what’s “in” and “out” when planning your wedding. Use this list to spark ideas and to find a style YOU love.

What’s In
– Personalization
From the food to the decorations couples are searching for ways to personalize every aspect of their wedding. What makes a wedding special are the little details. [Read more…]

June 27, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

4 Flattering Bridesmaid Dress Styles

Trying to choose one dress that makes all of your bridesmaids happy is a difficult task. Take a look at these four flattering bridesmaid dress styles that work well with all body types! Hopefully these suggestions will make your selection process a little easier.

1. Cinched Waist
A flattering belt is a great way to highlight the waist but having a cinched waist can really work wonders. This style creates a natural hourglass shape that will look great walking down the aisle.

Photo by: Low Country Bride & Gown

2. Graphic Neckline

V-Neckline
This type of neckline gives a vertical impression to the overall outfit, creating a longer, leaner, and taller silhouette. Your bridesmaids will feel graceful and elegant in this shape.

Square Neckline
The square neckline really highlights the collarbone. This type of neckline is typically good for women with larger busts since they provide a structured frame without revealing too much cleavage.

Scoop Neckline
The scoop neckline is great at elongating short or thick necks. A large scoop will flatter women with narrow shoulders. This type of neckline is especially great for women with an athletic build.

Sweetheart Neckline
The sweetheart neckline is very popular for bridesmaid dresses. The shape adds a nice flirty detail to the overall look of the dress. More skin will be showing in this shape so a simple necklace is typically paired with it.

3. A-Line Dress
Women typically worry the most about their stomach. An A-line dress that hits right above the knee will accentuate the positives and hide the problem areas. Look for dresses with ruching or overlay fabric.

4. Lace Illusion Sleeves
If you have bridesmaids that are self-conscious about their arms, consider adding lace illusion sleeves. These sleeves are very lightweight and will give your bridesmaids the confidence they need.

When you look for bridesmaid dresses remember that dresses with structure are always going to be more flattering.

If you’re engaged and looking for somewhere to find the perfect bridesmaids dresses in your price range, visit our Wedding & Party Network Directory today.

Wedding & Party Network Directory

June 24, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Our Story – Conner & Blaire

The Beginning
It all started a few years ago at an event called Greek Week at Arkansas State University. As I was leaving the event a blue-eyed babe casually said, “Hey,” as I walked by. I cautiously said, “Hey,” back because I was unsure if he was speaking to me. Later that night someone with the name of mconner_5 added me on Snapchat and we started to snap almost everyday. A few weeks after Greek Week my big sister in my sorority, Madison Caldwell and her boyfriend set us all up to all hang out! I was so excited and anxious but it went great! After that Conner and I went on our official first date to see Spider Man.

The Proposal
Conner and I had plans to go on a normal date night but when I got in the car I knew something was up. He told me the plans had changed a little bit and said that I couldn’t ask any questions. He started handing me cards with little clues as to where we were going! We went and got my favorite candy, then shopped for a little bit, got some ice cream and then the next card said we were going home and getting ready for dinner! When we pulled into my driveway I had to close my eyes and was told to get on Conner’s back! He carried me to my backyard… There were pink petals leading to a beautiful gazebo lit up with string lights. We sat down and he told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I happily said YES and we went to celebrate with family and friends!

Happily Ever After
Conner and I got married on June 11th! We had our wedding outside at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro, AR. It was an amazing day that I will remember for the rest of my life!

Are you looking for vendors for your wedding? Type in your zip code on our Wedding & Party Network Directory to find local vendors that fit your budget!

Find Vendors

June 20, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Must-Have Wedding Photos

On your wedding day the last thing you will be thinking about is your photographer. To make sure that your important memories are captured, we recommend making a list of the shots you want taken about a month before your big day. Meet with your photographer before the wedding and relax knowing that you will have the important photographs you want. Here are some must-have wedding photos to get your list started!

First look
One of the most exciting photographs is always the “first look” picture. This special moment holds so much emotion and you will want to it remember for a lifetime. If you choose to do a first look make sure to have your photographer in a convenient spot ready to capture the joyous moment.

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June 13, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Creative Ideas for Wedding Flowers

Flowers set the tone and bring life to weddings. Most people typically think of bouquets and centerpieces when they hear wedding flowers, but there are so many other creative ways to incorporate beautiful blooms into the ceremony and reception. Here are three ways to add the elegant beauty of flowers to your big day.

Flower Arch
The wedding arch is the focal point of the whole ceremony as the bride and groom exchange their vows. A lovely curved arch decorated with colorful blooming flowers is a great way to make a ceremony more romantic and it also creates beautiful wedding photos.

This beautiful arch was designed by Ann’s Petals in Longview, TX. It features grapevine with purple hydrangeas, roses, spider mums, trick, delphinium, lavender roses, picasso mini callas & silver dollar.

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June 10, 2016 by Rachel Brantley

Top 20 Wedding Reception Songs of 2016

Whether you want modern or classic music at your wedding reception, this playlist has songs that both you and your grandparents will love. It is easy to set the right mood by kicking off your reception with a popular song. Get your guests dancing with this list of the top 20 weddings reception songs of 2016.

1. Cheerleader – OMI
2. Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett
3. One Call Away – Charlie Puth
4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
5. Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations
6. Jumpin, Jumpin – Destiny’s Child
7. I Want it that Way – Backstreet Boys
8. Stand By You – Rachel Platten
9. Honey I’m Good – Andy Grammer
10. Cupid Shuffle – Cupid
11. Watch Me – Silento
12. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
13. Wobble – V.I.C.
14. Shout – The Isley Brothers
15. Here for the Party – Gretchen Wilson
16. Heartbeat Song – Kelly Clarkson and David Bowie
17. Marry You – Bruno Mars
19. All Night Long – Lionel Richie
20. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson

If you want to guarantee that your reception is going to be a blast, hire a D.J. with experience. For example, DJ Marty The One Man Party is known for his spectacular parties in the Tampa, FL area. There is no chance of dull moments with his fun entertainment. He lets brides create a request list in the music library and he handles the rest. He even offers laser lights, strobe lights, black lights, fog machines and bubble machines. The best way to bring the excitement level up at your reception is with the help of a fun, experienced DJ.