Since my engagement, I have vowed to travel with Bridal Magazines. I always look for new titles in different airports, and have purchased some helpful wedding resources over the past few months. Despite all the variations, I tend to favor the classic covers. On my latest trip home from holiday festivities I read Brides Magazine while in flight.
I found one section (pictured below) particularly inspiring and wondered what a different perspective might offer. On the top of the page there is a circular display of vibrant boutonnieres in an effort to “spruce up his lapel.” On the bottom, Jeff Brown, an L.A. planner attempts to help brides “ease his nerves on the wedding day,” with short, insightful tips for avoiding a disaster.
December 2014/January 2015 issue with cover (left) and clever section (right, page 244)
Jeff presents straightforward advice in the face of four potential scenarios. Considering I am on the other side of the altar, I have provided suggestions for Posh Petal and Pearl grooms who may need to calm down their beautiful brides on the bustling day.
Inspired by Jeff’s dilemmas…here’s to calming the bride!
She’s stumped on writing her own vows:
Jeff suggested jotting down a love letter as a point of reference. As a frequent recipient of love notes, I happen to adore anything romantic written with pen and paper. I recommend opening up old letters that you two may have written over the course of dating, or possibly retelling the story of an enchanting evening that friends and family might enjoy. Is there a song you two share? Perhaps the bride can tap into lyrics for a musical start or conclusion to her vows.
She’s afraid to do the first dance in front of everyone:
Jeff recommended having the hubby dance with the bride for a few minutes before bringing the rest of the party on the floor. As a bride-to-be, I know quite well that there is plenty of stress just playing the role of the bride for one evening. If the bride has stage fright, I believe the groom should hit the dance floor with his handsome groomsmen.
Here’s a visual of exactly what I have in mind…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT0hj6VTFzU
(JB, don’t worry, I love to dance and would voluntarily do this for you)
Her Maid of Honor/Bridesmaid is too drunk to deliver her toast:
Jeff advises the bride to have the groomsmen rapidly escorted out of the ballroom. If the maid of honor of bridesmaid cannot contain her liquor, I suggest passing the microphone to another eligible lady. Chances are, there are plenty of gals willing to steal the spotlight. With that said, if the intoxicated guest of honor is persistent on speaking, you can always wait an hour to see if she is sober enough to sing your praises.
She has stage fright over delivering her own speech:
Jeff presents the idea of a couple’s speech. Although I am an avid believer in the independent woman, wedding days are truly about the union of two people. In this instance, I am in agreement with Jeff; the bride and groom should stand in front of friends and family as one team. However, if the bride is uncomfortable with speaking in front of large crowds, she should be encouraged to keep it brief. If you happen to have read one of my previous posts titled, “Tone Down the Toasts,” you know how I feel about dragging down the festivities with one too many speeches.
As the newly married Mrs. Peterman, I plan on reserving most words for singing on the dance floor!
