MOB's... Can't Plan With Them, Can't Plan Without Them

Lets face it. Weddings are stressful, crazy, and a full-time job when you're planning them on your own. But when you surround yourself with the right people including friends, family, planners, and others, they become more enjoyable and sometimes fun!

Until...

You bring the MOB in the picture, AKA, the Mother of the Bride.

If you thought brides were crazy, think again! Sometimes mothers can overstep their boundaries just like anyone else, but this is a very sensitive subject. Why? Because she is your Mom. You love her to death and want this to be a fun and amazing experience you can both look back on one day and smile about.

So if your Mom is a go-getter, control-prone, list making, take control woman, here are some things you can do to make her life (as well as yours!) a lot easier.

• COMMUNICATION!!!

Before the planning even begins, sit down with your Mom and discuss things such as budget, themes, ideas, and lay the ground rules. By opening a healthy line of communication from the beginning you will feel more comfortable talking about any issues that may come up. And make sure you keep her in the loop, even with small decisions. It makes her feel included and it will make you feel good for making her happy.

• GIVE HER SPECIAL TASKS!!!

Maybe your Mom is very craft friendly or perhaps she had dabbled in floral arrangements every now and then, but either way give her something all her own that she can focus on. By giving her little things to do she not only feels helpful and useful, but it takes some stress off of you and your Fiance. 

• USE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO HELP MEDIATE!!!

Starting to get really stressed about a nagging Mom? Ask your MOH or an immediate family member who has a close relationship with her to get the hint across. Sometimes it's easier to understand something when it isn't coming from you. It also doesn't seem like a personal attack either. Remember, emotions run high when weddings take place so be respectful and go back to the first rule of thumb, communication!

The biggest thing to understand is that this wedding day is YOUR day. And while a lot of people, not just the MOB, may feel like they should have a say in every little detail, it is ultimately up to you and your Fiance to make the final call. Everyone just wants your day to be perfect. Sometimes it may come off a little selfish, but in the end it is all for you.

Have a crazy story about someone who tried to take over your wedding?? Post a comment and tell us how you dealt with the situation! In the meantime, happy planning!

Love, 

AMH

You're engaged?? Lets Take Pictures!!

When a couple gets engaged you have certain milestones to look forward to along the way to married life. The engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelor party, the introduction of your in-laws! But one of the most important things a couple has to look forward to, and something that will give the couple the opportunity to show off exactly who they are at heart, are the engagement photos!

Engagement photos can be anything from fun and corky to simple and elegant... and everything else in-between! This is such a great way for couples to really show off who they are, get dressesd up (or down!) have fun, and just remember what weddings are all about; marrying the love of your life and spending quality time together.

On the rise?? Themed engagement sessions! Whether you're brainiac over Harry Potter, have an obsession with The Notebook, or want to bring out your inner kid with a Disney shoot, themes are a great way to get some awesome shots and have a fun time!

First things first, find a theme that fits you as a couple. You may want to do something crazy or just stick with something simple, but either way use this as a way to show your guests and family what defines you as a couple. Are you adventurous and crazy, cute and sweet, old school, or colorful?

Have fun! Getting to take crazy cool pictures with your significant other is not an every day thing so enjoy the experience! Smile, laugh, and soak it all up! The more you have fun the more comfortable you are, and the more comfortable you are the better the pictures will be!

You Tell Me.. Who's Real and Who's Fake

Lets get down to the age old debate that brides will have with each other forever; Which should I use, real flowers or fake ones?

While I used real flowers for my own wedding I have met many brides who were over the moon about using silk flowers for their bouquets, and centerpieces, and boutonnieres, and bridal party bouquets, and the list continues.

So lets make the case once and for all! What are the pros and the cons of using silk and real flowers? And which one would be better to use for your wedding? I'll let you make the final decision..

Silk Flowers:

Pros:
- They are TIMELESS! Silk flowers wont wilt, age, lose color, or tarnish with lack of water. They stay just the same as they did on your wedding day.
- Silk flowers need no maintenance. Have no access to a freezer at your ceremony? Or perhaps there is a terrible drought and water is in small supply. Either way, silk flowers will not put you or your family out any extra time or effort on the BIG day!

Cons:
- Love the smell of roses when the husband-to-be surprises you at work? Well.. you may miss that smell on your wedding day. There are some silk flowers out there that can be scented, but may not be the same.
- COST COST COST. Some brides think silk flowers are more affordable than real, which in some cases can be true. But silk flowers in popular styles, such as roses, can be just as expensive if not more expensive than the real thing. Make sure you check around before you buy!

Real Flowers:

Pros:
- The romance. The look. The smell. The tradition. Real flowers have been used in weddings ever since weddings started! And some couples find the tradition of using real flowers as special.
- COST COST COST. Real flowers that are in season have a tendency to be very affordable. Smaller flowers and fillers can also be light on the wallet. Keeping your bouquet simple can be beautiful and give you everything you want!

Cons:
- Have bad allergies? So do your guests! Remember real flowers are just that, REAL. And they come with lots of things on them that can make you sneeze "I do."
- Lets talk about the obvious con here. Maintenance and storage. Real flowers wilt, brown, and change when not properly taken care of. And if you do not properly freeze them after the wedding they will never look as good as they did on your big day.

Real or fake, the choice is up to you! Choose wisely!


Love,

AMH

P.S- Can you tell the difference?