Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Aqeel & Nawaz Event: Westin Lombard

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

How to Write a Maid-Of-Honor Speech in 10 Easy Steps

                The moment you receive the exciting news that you have been chosen to be the Maid-Of-Honor, you are filled with so many happy emotions!  There are a lot of duties as a Maid-of-Honor that every girl looks forward to… helping choose her perfect dress, cake tastings, food tastings, helping her down the aisle and just being her emotional and supportive rock.  With this being said, there is an element of being the Maid-of-Honor that most are nervous about, and maybe even dread… The Maid-of-Honor Speech.  There is a lot of pressure that comes along with preparing and giving this speech, and I am here to make the process a lot easier!  Follow these 10 Easy Steps, and you will be writing a speech that you will be proud of, and one that might even bring a tear to the Bride & Groom!

1.       Do Not, I Repeat, Do Not Procrastinate

I know as the Maid-of-Honor you are busy with all of your fun and not-so-fun duties.  The Bride is counting on you to help her in every way possible, but she is also counting on you to write a meaningful and memorable speech.  With this being said… although you are busy, do not put off writing the speech until the week, or even the day before.  Trust me, when you have more time on your hands, the words will come together beautifully!     

2.       Know Your Audience

Knowing your Audience can be difficult, yet it is important to know the demographics of who you are speaking to.   Asking the Bride & Groom can be a great resource to review you on who will be attending the wedding, and what the best style of speech they would recommend.  Say your audience is mostly above the age of 50 and they are more of a serious group.  I would not recommend telling a lot of jokes, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend talking about those “good old college days”.  Knowing your audience will not only bring you a sense of comfort, but it will also help create a speech that the guests will appreciate.  

3.       Keep It Short & Sweet

Unfortunately, we see this mistake all of the time.  The Maid-of-Honor’s Speech is way too long, and you can tell she has lost the audience.  There is not a need to tell every moment you two had together...  You are standing there as the Maid-of-Honor, they all know how close you are.  So make it short and sweet and try to keep it at the most 2 to 3 minutes!

4.       Take This Seriously

Your Best Friend/Sister/Cousin/etc. has put you in this position because they trust you to take this speech seriously.  Be completely mature about the whole thing, and remember who is counting on you.  Although it may seem like a quick little speech, it is something the Bride is really looking forward to!

5.       Start with a Story

Starting with a quick story will set the mood for the rest of your speech.  If you would like your speech to be upbeat and funny, start with a silly (and appropriate) story of you and the Bride.  If you want the speech to be emotional, start with one that maybe brought you both together or a moment where you truly bonded.  Whatever this story may be, remember your audience, and make sure that it is one the couple will truly enjoy. 

6.       Go Down Memory Lane

Included with your initial story, also tell another story of a funny and/or touching moment you had with the Bride or with the couple.  This could be childhood memories, how you first met, when they first met, or a time you spent with both of them together.  Make it one that will touch their hearts and possibly make them laugh.  Whatever it is, make it a memory that they will appreciate reminiscing with you and their guests. 

7.       Why They’re Meant To Be

This is critical to any Maid-of-Honor Speech.  Letting them know what you see in both of them and how it makes them perfect together, can truly be a tear jerker.  This could be a story on how they met, a story on how they act together,  or maybe even the time that she came to you and told you he was the one.  Validating that they belong together is a beautiful moment for the couple and for your audience.

8.       Stay Calm, Cool & Collected 

Although you may feel a lot of pressure to deliver the perfect speech, just remember… there is no such thing as a perfect speech!  All you need to remember is to express your emotions, let them know how much they mean to you, and hey, if you’re confident in your humor, throw in a good joke or two.  Whatever your style may be, just stay calm, cool & collected, and know that the Bride has given you this position, which means she completely believes in you!

9.       Practice, Practice, Practice!

You may feel confident in your speaking abilities… or you may not… either way, practice is key!  Standing in front of a mirror, or speaking to your family/friends beforehand, will help tremendously, and can only boost your confidence!  If you have gone over it many times and still don’t seem to have grasped it completely, it doesn’t hurt to make notecards.  Notecards can be there for you as an outline and help guide you throughout your speech!  Whatever your style may be, practicing will go a long way, and you’ll be glad you did

10.   Most Importantly… Be Yourself!

The Bride loves you for who you are; so remember when writing and presenting your speech to be your complete self!  This is the most important advice I can give you when writing and giving your Maid-of-Honor speech… Give it your all and have it come from your big heart!  If you at least follow this step, I promise, it will come together perfectly!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Design Studio Showcase: Khan & Hussain Wedding: Intercontinental O'Hare

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now), 

Oliva

Oliveaire Design Studio Showcase: Chandrasekaran & Lamoreaux Wedding: Intercontinental O'Hare

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now), 
Olivia

Top 10 2014 Unique Catering Trends

What you are serving and how you are serving it, is still a major decision regarding your Wedding.  Although this is a major decision, today’s brides are more concerned with the party then having a formal sit-down dinner.  Having your food match your theme, the atmosphere and the décor can be difficult, but here is the top 10 Unique Catering Trends of 2014, that might be what you’re looking for! 

Vegan and Gluten-Free Bars

                Not only will you be accommodating to your guests who may have food allergies or preferences, you are also giving them a healthy and unique alternative.  As the world is focusing on a more “green” way of life, this is a perfect addition that fits just that.  Examples of a vegan and gluten-free option are sushi stations, salad bars, and a Mexican station featuring guacamole with tortilla chips and Pico de Gallo.

These Sweet Tables are on Another Level

                Cake does not seem to be enough this year!  2014 is bringing sweet tables to a whole new level, and it looks delicious!  Incorporate your themed décor to your sweet table by making the candies match your colors!  This is not only a great opportunity to shower your guests in yummy treats, but it is also a way to show your fun personality! 

Add Your Favorite Breakfast Items

                Breakfast… it’s what’s for dinner!  Breakfast items, such as waffles, pancakes, French toast and more, are turned into mini bites and are being served for both dinner and appetizers this year!  The most important element to remember is to make it unique, and make it look like it belongs amongst your other food options.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not incorporate it into your Wedding!

Staying Classy: Add A Cheese Station

                Yes that’s right; add a cheese station for one of your appetizer choices!  Wine, cheese and grapes have become one of the most popular food stations at a wedding!  This element would go beautifully with a rustic or vintage theme, and do not forget to hire a cheese connoisseur for a special touch! 

Food Trucks are here to Stay

                In 2012, we wrote a blog about how food trucks were the latest trend for catering a wedding!  Well here we are in 2014, and the food truck is still a unique catering trend!   When using a food truck, you can incorporate your favorite foods & restaurants in a fun and stylish way! 

Oldies But Goodies: Incorporating Your Childhood Favorites

                Go back in time, and think about your favorite childhood foods, and then add this to your menu!  Incorporating childhood favorite foods has become quite the trend this year, and we cannot deny how much we love it! From Ho Hos and Twinkies, to Pop Rocks and Lunchables, these items would make your Wedding one your guests will love and remember!

Incorporate A Lot by Adding Mini Options

                You cannot go wrong with mini food options!  You can turn your favorite meals into bite-size, adorable creations that your guests will enjoy!  The most requested items that we have seen is mini French fries, sliders, mini grilled cheeses with a cup of tomato soup, mini popcorns, mini pizzas and much more!  The Mini options are perfect for appetizers and late night snacks! 

“Create Your Own” Stations

                This has been very popular for quite some time now, but is still going strong in 2014!  “Create Your Own” stations allow your guests to create exactly what they want to eat!  These stations can range from a Smore or popcorn station, to creating their very own tacos, sliders and pastas.  Give you guests plenty of options to choose from, and it will definitely be a hit! 

Make It Your Own: Signature Cocktails

                Signature Cocktails is one of my favorite catering trends!  This is a fun & unique way to add your very own touch to the bar!  Mesh your favorite drink, with maybe your name, your new last name, or something that is special to you and your fiancé.  Examples of this would be the “Michelle Martini” or the “Maulik Mule”.  What ever you decide, it will be fabulous!    

Pass It Around: Family Style

                Since you are surrounded by loved ones, why not make your wedding dinner like the ones you had at home!  Family style is a brilliant way to serve your food, and we are glad that this is trending!  Instead of having a buffet or plated meal, why not make bowlfuls of each of your favorite items and have your guests serve themselves and pass it along?  This style of service is also a nice way to have your guests determine what and how much they would like to eat.   

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Top 10 Wedding Cake Trends

When you walk into the reception hall, you look around at the beautiful décor, and then your eyes go to the center of the dance floor, where the Wedding Cake is sitting with a spotlight on it.  Since this is a focal point of your reception, how you design your Wedding Cake is pretty important.  We have created a list of the Top 10 Wedding Cake Trends for 2014.

1.       The Ombre Cake: As we discussed in the bouquet blog, ombre is not just a hair trend anymore.  The ombre cake has become a very popular trend, and we adore it!  Start at the bottom with your darkest color and work your way up, getting lighter and lighter!  This is quite the statement piece and it will be one your guests will remember!

2.       Give it a Personal Touch: Monogram It! Monogram has also become a trend with not only personal items, but with Wedding Cakes too!   Monogram it by adding your initials as your cake topper, or even have it hand-painted onto the cake itself!  Whatever you choose, it will add a personal touch of your very own! 

3.       Fresh Fruitsn Attention Summer Brides!  Fresh Fruits distributed throughout your wedding cake is all the rage this summer!  It adds an amazing touch and flavor that you and your guests will be sure to enjoy!

4.       “Naked” Wedding Cakes This trend has been going on as long as the Vintage Wedding has become popular, and Brides are still keeping this trend alive!  The Naked Wedding Cake is different, beautiful and perfect for those who are not a fan of frosting!  Add flowers or fruits to the top, and you will have the perfect Wedding Cake for you Vintage Brides!

5.       Hand-Painted Cakes Want something unique?  Well the latest trend is the hand-painted Wedding Cakes that will give you something of your very own!  This takes time and effort, but it always comes out beautifully!  You can choose a design and place it throughout the entire cake, or give each layer it’s own personality!  Whatever you choose, your cake will be a reflection of you, and it doesn’t get better than that!

6.       The Combination of Metallic & Neutrals This is my favorite trend of Wedding Cakes in 2014!  The combination of a metallic and a neutral color cannot be any more exquisite!  Whether you combine gold and pink, silver and blue, or your own creation, it will be sophisticated and modern masterpiece at the same time! 

7.       Bold Statement Colors Bright and vibrant colors have become the latest Wedding trend for 2014, and we cannot get enough of it!  It is a unique way to display your bright and bubbly personality and you can definitely incorporate this into your Wedding Cake!  Don’t just go with the typical white wedding cake… choose blue, red, orange, yellow, green or even purple for your frosting color!  It is fun and will beautiful with your décor!

8.       Neutral Tones For you sophisticated, feminine & vintage Brides, the neutral tone Wedding Cake will be a perfect fit for you!  It is classy and fits the décor beautifully with a Vintage or Boho themed wedding! 

9.       Bling, Bling: Also discussed in our bouquet blog, adding some bling, bling to your Wedding Cake is a stunning way to make your cake POP!  Whether it is completely covering your cake in crystals, adding crystal belts to each layer, or having the cake topper be a crystal masterpiece, your cake will be a bold statement that everyone will love! 

1.       Cupcakes Having cupcakes instead of a Wedding Cake is a trend that is still going strong in 2014!  This is a cute and unique idea that would be perfect for those of you who are having a smaller wedding!  The cupcakes can be formed into any shape for the presentation, and is easier to pass out to your guests!  You can choose many different flavors and frosting colors for your cupcakes, and that makes the cupcake such a brilliant trend!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia