The MIL Factor

Does your future Mother-in-Law make you wish you were MIA?

What's a girl to do?
This summer has been filled with brides-to-be with one major common denominator. The overbearing, ultra nosy, control freak MIL to be.

It's so sad to see friendly, put together, independent brides getting all worked up. Here's a few pointers on how to 'shut it down' before you waste any more mental or emotional energy on this.

How to Practice Diplomacy in a High Stakes + Stressful Situation

1) Run! {just kidding}

2) Develop a personal barrier : Team Buffer
Hopefully, fingers crossed, you have at least one friend who's great at dealing with difficult people, and has your best interests at heart. Utilize them. Bribe them. Sit them down, share with them a few of your wedding planning 'war stories', and your fears about possible wedding day disasters.

3) Schedule personal time {aka: spa appointments}
Having this 'on the books' is half the battle. Treat these appointments with the greatest level of respect. Maintaining your mental health cannot be rescheduled.

Nouveau Wedding Style: Shoes at Clementine

Are you looking for an alternative to tradition, but crave quality & flair?

Clementine in West Seattle has the shoes for your Big Day.

Check out these 2 gorgeous pairs recently found by Bridetiquette!

Giraudon "Snoflake" $268

Giraudon "Jackal" $288

Available for purchase online or in person:

Clementine

4447 California Ave SW

Seattle, WA 98116

#206.935.9400

Located in the West Seattle Junction

Seattle’s Largest Bachelorette Party

No feather boas, tiaras or phallic symbols.

Make history by being a part of the new definition in bachelorette parties– where it’s all about creating memories with your girls that you'll cherish forever. Not memories you'll want to forget!

Sponsored by

A Grand Wedding.com and the Alexis Hotel, your ticket includes.....

Cocktails, appetizers, mini-spa treatments, private suite tours, psychic readings by chocolate, two DJs and dance floors and a fabulous Swag Bag;

Plus the chance to win designer purses, one-of-a-kind jewelry, private photo shoots, exclusive spa packages, and once in a lifetime experiences with your girls.

Bid on high-end items in the Silent Auction or try your luck in the Raffle; shop for celebrity style clutches, scarves, sunglasses and snag some professional beauty products or last-minute wedding items.

Proceeds from the event are being donated to BRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER, a non-profit that grants the last wishes of women who won't win their battle against breast cancer.

With over $100 of free products and services right when you walk in the door, ditch Happy Hour for three blissful hours at Beyond the Boa.

Tickets go on sale May 11th on A Grand Wedding.com $20 online, $25 at the door.

Further details + participating Vendor information is available here.

Vendor Spotlight :: Spa Scotta

A welcoming ambience, sophisticated color palette, professional staff, chic boutique and a one of a kind owner .

This Seattle spa truly has it all.

Owner Jessica Campbell's story is one of pure inspiration, and a perfect example of what can happen when you follow your true calling.

Bridetiquette recently sat down with her, to get the scoop on all things Spa.

Tell us a little about yourself….

I'm the owner of Spa Scotta, spa and chic boutique. I was born in Cleveland, raised in North Carolina, went to college in Michigan and moved to Seattle in 1993. My father was from Seattle and I always wanted to live here so I packed up my car after college and here I am.

What inspired you to start your business?

I actually started with Spa Scotta as its first employee in 1998. I was the esthetician, then manager, spa director and finally owner in 2007.
I have a passion for this business and the people in it.

What special things do you create for weddings?
When I built this new spa, I designed it to create an environment for celebrations.
The spa is able to accommodate parties and events quite easily.

What unique services do you offer to brides getting ready for their big day?
We have a fabulous package called the “Bombshell Bride” that includes a spray tan, lash extensions and a gel lacquer nail service with a complimentary manicure.
The bride leaves ready for her big day and honeymoon looking and feeling glamorous.
And, the services are designed to last so you get good quality for the price.

What sets your spa apart?
My staff + I are very dedicated to keeping ourselves educated about the latest techniques and trends so we can offer the best to our clients.

What advice can you share for all of the brides getting married this year?
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your spa day.
Ask lots of questions.

What inspires you?
I want to be the best. I get inspired by my staff on a regular basis. We have created a strong atmosphere of creativeness and are constantly asking ourselves…”What if we tried this?”

How long have you been in business? In our 11th year.

Where can clients contact you? info@spascotta.com
Where are you located?
Our address is 4915 25th Ave NE, Suite 103W. We're in the West Northcut Landing Building, across the street from University Village.
We're also online at http://www.spascotta.com

Thanks to Jessica for sharing her passion about business & beauty.

Something Blue Boutique :: Spring Bridal Sale

Something Blue is having it's Annual Spring Sale!

3 Days Only - April 17, 18 & 19th.

Be sure to call for an appointment - filling fast!
#360-466-0415

This shop is well worth the drive north to La Conner, offering exquisite dresses and accessories.

623 Morris Street
Suite E-3
La Conner, Washington 98257


Just think - you can head up to see the Tulip Festival, and find your gown too.

25% off retail ALL NEW BRIDAL GOWN ORDERS SOMETHING BLUE

**Take an additional 10% off already highly discounted "Off the Rack" Sample Sale Gowns during the 3 days only Tulip Festival Spectacular Sale.
Discontinued samples are now offered at 50% to 70% off retail**

How to Interview a Vendor

Many Brides feel intimidated when meeting with several Vendors in each category.

They don't feel that all of their questions are answered, and when that happens, they tend to wait until the last minute to make a decision. This can result in a BAD decision.

It's all about Preparation. Determine what your needs are specifically, what you are willing to spend, and if this Vendor category is a high or low priority for the event.

Here's a general Vendor Questionnaire I provide to clients, to get them started.
You can tweak for different categories, by adding specific questions for your needs.

Vendor Questionnaire Sample

Category:
Name:
Price Range (circle one): High End In the Middle Low End
Recommended by:


How would you describe your style?
How many times will we meet before the Wedding Day?
Do you only book one wedding per day?
What sets you apart from other Vendors?


Do you have a price list, or price range available?
What happens if I have an unexpected change in plans? What are your cancellation terms?
Is there a monetary penalty for reducing my order number, or hours of service?

Do you require a deposit?
Is my deposit refundable in part?
Do you accept checks and credit cards?
Can you provide a few current references?


What’s your favorite part about a wedding celebration?
How do you interact with the wedding party and guests?
What attire will you wear at our wedding?

Do you anticipate and prepare for the possibility that something will go wrong?
How would you handle it?
What is the farthest distance you’ll travel? Are travel fees additional?

Being prepared builds confidence, and you'll walk away with the information you desperately want!

Unique Ideas + Settings for Marriage Proposals

Part 2 of Marriage Proposal Tips + Ideas

Setting the tone for a proposal is key.

You want to feel confident, comfortable, and familiar with your surroundings.

Winter Wonderland Stroll

Assuming you have snow at your disposal, go on an outdoor jaunt, make Snow Angels, throw some snowballs...and then drop to one knee.

Decorating the Tree
Be sure to participate in hanging of the ornaments, and trimming the tree. Slip the ring to her as if it's one of the ornaments, and ask her then + there. This format works best for those with little stagefright!

Dog Park
Do you frequent one with your pooches? Could you get a friend/regular to co-inspire with you? Create a large sign stating '_______, will you marry me?' and have your buddy hang it somewhere along the walk route. Now that's unexpected!

Local Pub/Restaurant
For those that love Trivia Night - get the question added to the mix.

You'll both be surprised with the timing!

Movie Night
Plan a great evening at home :: Favorite movies playing, snacks 'o' plenty.

Create your own Intermission.

Whatever your plan, put your own personal twist on it.

Make it Memorable for all the Right Reasons.

Here's to Stylish Sanity!

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ....To Get Engaged!

Part 1 :: Proposal Tips

The holiday season brings out strong feelings of nostalgia + love. It's also the natural time to reflect upon all we have, and all that we want in the New Year.

Proposals are a plenty during the last two weeks of December + New Years Day.

Here's a few tips for all the nervous people out there:

Keep it Simple

Avoid plans that are super elaborate, time consuming, or expensive. The sheer joy of being surprised, seeing the ring, and sharing that Once in a Lifetime feeling will be more than enough.

Be Comfortable + Relaxed

This isn't the time for a new restaurant, or a drive to a small town B & B.

Familiarity breeds Romance.

Memories of places already ventured have a built in feeling of happiness + security.

Be Present in the Moment

You may be surprised when the mood + words come to your lips.

Allow yourself some wiggle room, it doesn't HAVE to happen on Christmas Eve.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment...

Part 2 :: Unique Ideas + Settings for Marriage Proposals.

Here's to Stylish Sanity!

Stephanie & Ryan : Memories At Last

This August Wedding was a dream - Vintage, Black Tie, Pure Class. I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of these photographs, as it was a breathtaking event, and a favorite of Go2Girl's Summer 2008 Wedding Season.


The Bride & Groom were so lovely. It was a pleasure to be there, providing Peace of Mind for them both, at the Washington Athletic Club in Downtown Seattle.

You can feel the excitement!






Bride & Groom : Stephanie & Ryan










Venue, Catering & Cake : Washington Athletic Club
Florist: Laurel Mitchell
Linens: BBJ Linen
DJ: Sounds Unlimited
Photographer: Debora Spencer

Isabella : Flower Girl
Checking herself out before showtime!

Isaak : Ring Bearer
Could he be any cuter?

Bridetiquette Welcomes You!

Bridetiquette is all about you.... cosmopolitan, stylish, creative, crafty.

A 'How to' Guide - filled with planning anecdotes, frank storytelling from former brides, insights shared by wedding professionals - and of course - etiquette advice on your role as Bride to Be.

Learn to handle yourself with grace, be confident in your decisions, embrace alternative ideas, but most importantly........
practice diplomacy with all of the characters that will soon cross your path to blissful wedding planning.

Here's to stylish sanity!