How to choose a Maid of Honor?

Georgiann Marie Photography

When planning a wedding the most supportive and helpful thing, is the people around you. So when choosing your maid (or man) of honor, take time to carefully consider who fits that role the best out of your crew. To help you make your selection, today on the blog we are sharing our guide for; “How to choose a Maid of Honor”.

Georgiann Marie Photography

What Is a Maid of Honor?

In traditional wedding parties, a maid of honor (also known as a “matron of honor” if the woman is married, or a “man of honor” if your honorary person is male) is a specially chosen lead bridesmaid or wedding party member that serves as the bride’s right hand helper. She is appointed by the bride to help with additional tasks beyond the typical list of bridesmaid duties. In most cases, the maid of honor is a close friend or relative of the bride

Georgiann Marie Photography

What Does a Maid of Honor Do?

Etiquette assigns the maid of honor a wide range of duties, from planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party to helping choose the wedding dress to holding the bridal bouquet during the ceremony—the list goes on. In general, she’s there to assist the bride with items on her checklist and support her emotionally before and during the wedding festivities.

What to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Maid of Honor

When you begin thinking about your maid of honor, first ask yourself is there’s an obvious choice, such as a best friend or a close sibling. If there’s no clear pick, think about the individuals in your wedding party and how they might handle the long list of duties that go along with the title. A few things to consider:

1. Is there anyone who has party or wedding planning experience?

2. Is there anyone who will be hurt if they aren’t chosen?

3. Is there anyone that would be burdened financially?

4. Who has the best leadership skills?

5. Who is organized and punctual?

6. Who understands and knows me best?

7. Who is least likely to cause drama?

8. Who is has great taste?

9. Who is great at offering advice without being pushy?

10. Who is best at delegating tasks?

11. Who can commit extra time to maid of honor duties?

12. Who can financially afford to cover the maid of honor duties?

13. Who is great at staying calm under pressure?

14. Who is my go-to person when I need to talk?

15. Who is okay not being the center of attention?

Remember, you’ll know how to make the right choice but hopefully this post will help you narrow down the decision. Happy planning

XOXO

Georgiann Marie Photography

Georgiann Marie Photography

Winter Wedding in Arizona

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Having a winter wedding in Arizona isn’t the same everywhere else. In the Arizona valley, you don’t have to worry about snow, if heater is working or any of those inevitable issues that go hand in hand with weddings held during the darker months. That is why Arizona was made for winter weddings.

So enjoy the utterly magical and romantic view of this beautiful wedding shot by Ashtyn Nicole Photography as we share our 5 favorite things we love to see in planning a winter wedding.

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

1.  Winter Accessories

   It CAN be cold so consider accessorizing with faux fur or a chic cardigan, all good options. Also, long sleeves wedding dresses are in!

2. OPT FOR RICH COLORS

   Winter weddings crave rich and moody color schemes.

   Think navy, burgundy, and dark greens. Plus, don’t be afraid of a little shimmer dust. Winter is the perfect time to unleash a bit of sparkle!

3. Add Romance With Candles

   It will be dark quite early. Embrace it with lots of romantic candle light in both your ceremony and reception space.

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

4. INVEST IN WINTERY DECOR

Winter decor is fabulous. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking to turn your venue into a winter wonderland

• Pine cones- You can use them as table decorations, or scatter them around the bar.

• Christmas trees- Perfect for filling up a bare corner of the room.

• Lanterns and tea lights- These help create both a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. They’re ideal for lighting up footpaths, hanging outside your venue, or, creating mood lighting at your reception.

• Wooden decor- This is very in right now. Rustic themed decor compliments any wintery theme.

• Wreaths- Perfect for decorating your venue or as an alternative to the traditional bridal bouquet.

5. KEEP YOUR GUESTS WARM

We all know that Phoenicians look for any reason to wear a coat. However, it is nice to add some options for your guest to stay warm just in case they did’’t bring a coat. Consider draping stylish blankets over your guest’s chairs. They can use them as the evening draws near.

Additionally, you can always provide a Hot Cocoa Bar, with all the toppings for your guest to customize.

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Happy Planning the perfect time to get married in Arizona, Winter!

XOXO

Ashtyn Nicole Photography

Wedding Day Timeline

Before you can walk down the isle, you’ve got to plan the day! That is why today on the blog we are sharing a sample timeline that goes through the events of the day itself. As seasoned planners, we know this like the back of our hand (probably better!). So trust us as we give the flow for the day but don’t be afraid to personalize it for your wedding party.

Shea Brie Photography

• 9:00am Hair & makeup begins at hotel; mimosas please

• 10:30am Groomsmen arrive at barber shop for hot shaves

• 12:00pm Lunch delivered to wedding parties while last details are finished

• 1:30pm Travel to venue - (not in wedding clothes)

• 2:00pm Arrive to venue and get wedding dress on

Shea Brie Photography

• 2:00pm Vendor arrivals begin at venue

• 2:15pm photographer begins with detail shots of ring, clothing and venue

• 2:30pm Bridal and bridesmaid portraits begin

Shea Brie Photography

• 3:30pm Groom and groomsmen arrive at venue, dressed and ready for photos

• 4:00pm Wedding couple has First Look at special location

• 4:10pm Photography of full wedding party continues

Shea Brie Photography

Shea Brie Photography

• 4:45pm Wedding party retreats out of sight

• 4:45pm Guest arrive and sign guest book

• 5:00pm Guests seated for ceremony; Wedding party staged for processional

• 5:10pm Ceremony begins

Shea Brie Photography

• 5:30pm Ceremony concludes, newlyweds + witnesses sign marriage license; Family portraits follow and cocktail hour begins

• 6:15pm Guests move to reception space; Wedding party staged for Grand Entrance

• 6:30pm Grand Entrance begins

• 6:35pm Blessing by the Father of the Groom

• 6:40pm Dinner service begins

Shea Brie Photography

Shea Brie Photography

• 7:40pm Champagne is passed and toasts begin

• 8:00pm Thank you speech by the bride and groom

• 8:05pm Followed by First Dance

• 8:10pm Father-Daughter dance; Mother-Son dance

• 8:15pm Dance floor is open!

• 9:00pm Bouquet toss & garter toss; Cake cut and served

• 9:55pm Last Dance

• 10:00pm Grand Exit sparkler tunnel

Shea Brie Photography

Shea Brie Photography

Shea Brie Photography

Tips:

Plan on a 30 minute ceremony

Plan at least 45-60 minutes for dinner service, which gives you time to mingle with each table

It’s okay to move the cake up and right after dinner

And if you want to go home earlier (we know it’s been a long day) remember, it’s better to end the night with guest than you being the last one to shut it down

Happy planning

XOXO