5 Bachelorette Party Themes & Ideas: For the Extraordinary Bride

Sometimes we could all use a break from reality. This is especially true while in the midst of gearing up for your big day.  Fast forward to your bachelorette party— a night filled with laughs and excitement.  Not just any old party will suffice. No, yours needs to be exquisite, unique,  sans humdrum card games and trail mix. One of a kind —like you. And because we love you, our experts at Utah Bride & Groom have crafted a list of bachelorette party themes and ideas for whatever adventuring you’re into…thank us later, party first

1. The Nature Loving Bride

Image Credit: Brushfire Photography

For the outdoorsy bride who loves backpacking, glamping or “getting lost” atop a mountain. Luckily for us, Utah is home to a vast array of hiking trails. Imagine  spending your last day of freedom fly fishing while enjoying a picnic near a river, surrounded by your closest gal pals. Don’t forget to bring the trail mix.

Additional ideas & links: Rock climbing, Alpine slides in Park City, a trip to Moab, sand dunes, tour the Great Salt Lake. Winter: Skiing, snowboarding, ice-fishing, snowshoeing

2. The Boho Bride

Image Credit: Jessica Janae Photography

Who doesn’t love a festival or two? Fortunately, there are a number of festivals that take place at different times throughout the year. For a September bachelorette party, stroll through downtown Salt Lake City with freshly baked baklava during Salt Lake’s Greek Festival. Party in January — catch a film and try spotting your favorite celebs at the Sundance Film Festival.

Additional ideas & links: Oktoberfest at Snowbird, Utah Arts Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Twilight Concert Series

3. The Artsy Bride

Image Credit: Abbey Kyhl 

And for those who prefer the artsy side of life, whirl on over to the Capitol Theater for one of their spectacular shows. Feeling like a lighthearted day of creating with the girls, try a cooking or pottery class.

Additional ideas & links: Off Broadway Theater, Paint Night, Plant Night, Desert Star theater, Wise Guys, Salt Lake Acting Company, Craft Lake City: DIY Organization

4. The Overworked Bride

Image Credit: K Ell Photography

With all the stressors of everyday life,  there’s  always room for rejuvenating self care. For the overworked bride, some good old fashioned R & R is in order. Treat yourselves to a Glamping Yoga Retreat in St. George or a day at the Grand Spa.

Additional ideas & links: The Visit Utah website encompasses a wonderful and extensive list of local spas and retreats.

5. The Hipster Bride

Image Credit: Keri Michelle Photography

For the avant-garde bride-to-be, escape zombies at Virtualities at the Gateway Mall with one of their virtual reality parties — or hone in on your hand to hand combat techniques and road trip it to Las Vegas’  Stiletto Spy school.

Additional ideas & links: Indoor sky diving, Indoor surfing, sky-diving, paragliding,  play paintball, laser tag,  indoor climbing, or try shooting an uzi

—Ashley Baker

Pritchétt, A One-Stop Shop

written by: Maxx Chan

All right, ladies, it’s happened. A successful proposal, and all the excitement of coming nuptials. But then reality hits you. How do you actually plan a wedding? Dress? Train? Heels? Flats? Flowers, colors, cakes, guests, tables, catering, spas, bridesmaids… and the list goes on. It takes a lot to make one of the most memorable days in your life happen, but don’t worry. We’re here to let you in on a little secret.

Pritchétt, formerly Avenia Bridal.

This new bridal store is changing the entire bridal experience by making it a one-stop shop for the bride’s big day, especially in Utah. The wedding industry here is different from anywhere else in the world. There are many weddings throughout the year, making Utah one of the best, and most competitive, markets. Pritchétt will stand out as a leader in the bridal world as they move forward with this unique concept and experience for brides.

Tiffany Pritchett, the owner says, “I came up with the concept of a full-service salon that specializes in brides within a bridal store when I was 14. My dreams are now coming to life, and I get to help brides bring their biggest wedding dreams to reality every day, and I can’t think of a better job than that.”

To help with that dream, Pritchétt has completely remodeled the entire store and expanded to create a full-service salon and makeup counter. With the changes, brides can expect a seamless experience, from their first consultation to the day of their wedding. They’ve added new designers and gowns to their collection, from classic styles to natural to bohemian and everything in between.

Pritchétt is bridal, salon and beauty for a reason! It’s three incredible things in one place, cutting down on the stress of a wedding. They will make you feel special and one of a kind, whether it’s to buy your dream dress or get a haircut.

Wedding Etiquette: Tipping Tips

Tipping Tips

You’ve budgeted for every last penny and think you’ve accounted for every possible wedding expense, but what about the tip?  Yes, tipping is expected, and it’s a great way to say thank you to all those vendors who helped make your wedding day special.

be prepared

Make someone responsible for delivering tips, usually the best man.

Separate each tip into separate envelopes—do this ahead of time, and label each one for the recipient.

Check to see if gratuity is already added into the bill. You don’t want to double-tip, and sometimes gratuity is taxable. Check with vendors on tipping policies. 

Keep an additional envelope on hand with a little extra cash in case you forget a tip or need a larger one.

Set aside 15 percent of your wedding budget for tipping.

whom to tip

The maitre d’ will split his/her bonus with the wait staff (typically 15–20 percent of the food and drink bill); don’t tip them directly.

Caterers should receive 15–20 percent of the food and drink bill, but only 10 percent if there is a maitre d’.

Bartenders should receive 10 percent of the total liquor bill.

Powder and coatroom attendants usually receive about $.50–$1 per guest, or arrange a gratuity bill with the hotel or club management.

Parking attendants will usually receive $.50–$1 per car. Make sure to pay this before guests start to arrive and display a sign stating, “Gratuities have been arranged by the host.”

Limousine drivers receive 15–20 percent of the total limousine bill. Delivery truck drivers for florist, baker, etc., will usually receive $5–$10 each.

Musicians and deejay are optional, but if you do decide to tip them, $20–$25 each is appropriate.

The Five C’s of Diamond Shopping

Written by: Melissa Barreiros

Selecting a diamond is one of the most important decisions to make when choosing the perfect ring. From clarity to cut, there are a lot of things to consider when diamond shopping.

While this experience can seem intimidating, our diamond experts at OC Tanners have put together a quick guide to the five c’s of diamond shopping.

 

Wedding Invitations: A Guide

Written by: Melissa Barreiros

One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is choosing wedding invitations. Your wedding invitations not only set the tone for your festivities, but give your guests all the important details for the big day.

With all the styles and patterns to choose from, shopping for and designing wedding invitations are essential to planning the perfect day. They should be designed to reflect you and your partners style and theme for your wedding.

Our wedding experts here at Utah Bride & Groom have put together some tips on crafting the perfect wedding invitations. Here are some of our top Do’s and Don’ts to wedding invitations wording and etiquette.

Wedding_invitations_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this real wedding: Cari + Mark. PC: Jacque Lynn Photography

1. Do consider your wedding theme

Your wedding invitations will most likely be the first thing your guests see about your wedding. Be sure to customize your invitations to incorporate both your wedding’s theme in the invitations. This can easily be achieved by integrating your wedding colors to the design.

2. Do be consistent with the wording on your invitations

Whether you decide formal or informal, the wording on your invitations should be consistent from the very beginning. For a more formal invitation, address individuals with their title and spell out calendar dates.

wedding_invitations_think_pink_utah_bride_groom
Click to see more of this wedding invitation inspiration: Think Pink. PC: Heather Nan Photography

3. Do proof-read your invitations more than once

After designing and writing your wedding invitations, ask your stationer for a proof. Proof-read it with more than one person to catch all possible errors before printing.

4. Do put stamps on the RSVP envelope

Including a stamp on the RSVP envelope with your wedding invitations will make responding much easier for your guests. Not only is it a courteous gesture for your guests, you are also more likely to receive your RSVPs quicker.

5. Don’t forget to verify the venue addresses

Nothing is worse than showing up to the wrong address for a big event. Before sending out your wedding invitations, be sure to verify the venue addresses with your selected vendor or wedding planner.

wedding_invitations
Click to see more of this wedding invitation inspiration: Perfect Wedding Dress and Bouquet Pairings. PC: Hawkeye and Life Looks Photography

6. Don’t forget to order extra wedding invitations

Always order a few extra invitations. Chances are you may have forgotten a great-aunt or two in the wedding process. Placing a new order is far more expensive than adding a few more to the original amount.

7. Don’t set the RSVP date too close to the wedding date

Setting the RSVP date a few weeks before the wedding makes wedding planning a little less stressful. It gives you plenty of time to both notify vendors, such as catering and florals, and contact those who haven’t RSVP’d yet.

Featured image above can be found in: Autumn Wedding Inspiration. PC: Julie & Nathan Argyle and Convincing Image

Quiz: What’s Your Signature Wedding Drink?

Daiquiri or an Old Fashioned, what’s your signature wedding drink? Take our quiz to find out!

 

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Featured image  can be found in our sister magazine, Salt Lake Magazine website- Classic Cocktails: The Big Seven

You may also like: Apple of My Eye; Pucker Up: Gin Shines as the Liquor of the Moment 

 

5 Tips for a Magazine Worthy Wedding

*note: This would be better as a collection of Real Weddings. I need to roundup my favorite ones and link to them throughout the article. These images should be another inspo blog.

written by Ashley Baker

There’s nothing better than scouring through gorgeous wedding photos on Pinterest, trust me, by the way have you seen our boards lately, they’re stunning. But, just in case you’ve ever wondered how to get that Utah Bride & Groom magazine worthy wedding for yourself, I’ve decided to let you in on a few of our secrets.

1. Set a Theme

Choosing a theme, such as boho-chic or city sleek, will help you remain cohesive and carry you throughout your planning process.

2. Location, Location, Location

I’ll say it again, ahem, location. How will the lighting will play with the décor? Is your wedding going to be inside or outdoors? All of these factors come into play.

3. It’s in the Details

Pay attention to the details. When planning, think about how the flowers, gown and makeup will look in each photograph.

See Perfect Wedding Dress and Bouquet Parings

4. It’s All About the Photos

Photography can make or break your wedding day memories. Since magazines are highly visual, excellent photography and photo editing is a must.

See 7 Things to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Day Photographer

 

5. Tell Your Story

Magazines are all about telling a compelling story. I’ve interviewed numerous couples over the years and one thing I’ve come to realize is that these stories are like snowflakes–no two are alike. Tell your story because that’s what will set you apart from everyone else.

–

For more inspiration, check out our magazine!

 

Vendors 

Photography Fox + Sloane Photography

Models Anna Hise  and Colton Parker

Dress J. Noelle Design

HMUA Daphne Orullian

Floral Raw Floral

Cake Frosted Custom Cakes

Tie My Tie Shop  

Candy Crush

Photos by Heather Nan Photography | Styling and design by Allison Baddley, La Fete

We Utahns are famous for a sweet tooth. The state’s refined taste for sugar has made national celebrities of bakers—Sweet Tooth Fairy, One Sweet Slice and The Mighty Baker—all winners in various TV baking competitions, all from Utah. Utah’s party scene featured candy buffets before they were cool and is currently creating a soda fountain revolution.

Cavity jokes aside, wedding stylist Allison Baddley of Le Fete says candy is more than corn syrup and sugar. It’s a, dare we say, sweet inspiration for a wedding. “Wedding inspiration can come from anywhere. With
so much neutrality the past few years, wedding design is begging for color and pattern,” she says.

If you are ready to party with colors aplenty, Baddley and her photographer friend Heather Nan shed new light on wedding design with four sugary-sweet patterns—bold stripes, iridescent waves, geometric kaleidoscope and monochromatic color blocking.

Waves

If you’re enchanted by mermaids or unicorns in your design, here’s a wedding style for you. La Fete’s Baddley dives deep into iridescent clouds of cotton candy. “This mood can go bad fast, but if you want a white, cream or beige wedding that makes your guests jaws drop, adding iridescence can help.”

Have your cake and eat it too

Fondant frosting blankets a “funfetti” vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles by Flour & Flourish, while delicate gelatin shreds decorate each layer. “Let the style of the cake shine,” says pastry chef Cassidy Harrison. “If a cake is simply frosted, go with varying layer heights. If you want to decorate with something unique, keep your cake’s shape simple.” Galaxy cheesecake and champagne cotton-candy cocktails from Cuisine Unlimited round out the space-age sweets, along with Maison Confiserie et Boutique’s pink vanilla cotton candy and cotton candy sugar strings.

Set a shimmery table

La Fete foraged feathery branches to add to a taupe-hued collection of protea, astilbe, lavender and Quicksand roses and blushing bride blooms. Pearlized glass vases and acrylic ghost chairs from Glass House add a see-through sheen to the milky linens and neutrally toned backdrop.

Don’t be shy

Hair and makeup artist Janelle Ingram creates ultimate sophistication with a classic chignon and flawless makeup. A dramatic shimmer-encrusted tulle ball gown ($5,500) from Bitsy Bridal elegantly pairs with Roberto Coin diamond pavé flower earrings in 18k white gold ($5,300) and a Pomellato amethyst Nudo ring with diamonds in rose gold ($5,800) from O.C. Tanner Jewelers.

Push the envelope

Announce your wedding day with something special. “Blush tones will forever be popular wedding colors, so I started there and added more depth and punch,” says Refine Studio’s Nikkol Christiansen. “An iridescent layer softens the pink and adds a fashion-forward statement to the suite. A modern edge takes form with unexpected type placement and minimal wording.” Jewel-toned cocktail rings—including this amethyst and rose gold beauty ($5,800) from O.C. Tanner Jewelers—add glow and glam to the mood.

Vendors

Photography: Heather Nan, SLC

Styling and design: La Fete, SLC

Invitations: Ann Elizabeth, Murray; Refine Studio, SLC; Ink Press & Co, SLC; The Write Image, SLC

Cakes: Flour & Flourish, SLC; Pippa Cakery

Flowers: Sage Floral, SLC; La Fete, SLC; Orchid Dynasty, SLC;
Tinge Floral, SLC

Hair and makeup: Janelle Ingham, Cottonwood Heights

Gowns: Bitsy Bridal, SLC

Desserts and cocktails: Cuisine Unlimited, Murray

Candy: Maison Boutique, SLC

Linens: La Tavola Linens, via La Fete

Photography assistants: Lexie Fuell and Claire White

Food styling: Derek Deitsch and Misky Merino, Cuisine Unlimited

Yellow chairs and tabletop decor: Glass House, SLC

Styling assistant: Carpe Diem Design, Layton

Model: Abigail Johnsen

This is the place. Or is it? Utah is blessed with hundreds of sensational venues, but how do you decide on which one is right for your big day? Cost, location and accessibility are all key factors to keep in mind.According to Alta Lodge’s Director of Sales and Marketing Rosie O’Grady, , there are five must-dos when choosing a wedding venue.

 

1. Determine Your Wedding Experience
“Your wedding venue should match the overall vibe of your wedding and what you hope your guests will experience. For example, if you’re looking for a mountain setting without a lot of distractions, so you’re able to focus on spending quality time with your guests, a venue like Alta Lodge might be the right choice for you,” O’Grady says.

 

2. Create a Checklist for Research and Planning
Planning a wedding on your own is fun and exciting, but there’s so much information out there to sort through that it can become overwhelming at times if you’re not organized. O’Grady recommends creating a checklist or spreadsheet to help you keep track of various tasks and information. She also recommends that if your venue has an event planner, that you ask them to keep a checklist that you can glance at throughout the planning process.

 
3. Ask What All-Inclusive Means

Oftentimes, venues claim that they’re are all-inclusive, meaning they take care of every last detail of your event, from planning, to food and drinks and even the wedding cake. While most venues actually perform all of these tasks, other venues may claim that they’re all-inclusive, but don’t provide event planning, catering or bar services, so it’s always a good idea to ask what services all-inclusive includes.

 

4. Ask for a Complete Charge Breakdown

“Budgeting for your event is important. It’s also good to know where your charges come from. Nobody should be caught off guard by hidden fees, so make sure your venue is transparent in everything they do. Ask about parking fees and any other charges they may not tell you about right up front. A venue should be willing help you make your event easy to plan and budget for,” O’Grady says.

 

 

5. Relax and Enjoy

Once you’ve determined where you’ll be getting hitched, enjoy your moment.

It’s no wonder Utah couples opt for outdoor weddings. One of Utah’s greatest asset is its expansive outdoor space. Alta Lodge is a favorite among the outdoorsy set due to the rustic lodging and sensational views.

“What makes the Lodge so cool is that it can be a one-stop shop for couples who are getting married. We offer a unique experience for everyone. We host a lot of destination weddings, and for locals, the lodge can create a staycation in the mountains,” she says.

For more information on a mountain wedding at Alta Lodge, visit their website and follow them on Instagram.

 

Fit Friday: Healthy Recipes to Prepare a Bride for Her Wedding Day

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.”

Joyce Meyer

written by: Andrea Peterson

Follow us on Instagram at @utahbridemag and #UBGFitFriday for weekly fitness and health tips in our stories and on our newsfeed.

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