The Bridesmaid Luncheon

Whenever I hear the term 'bridesmaid luncheon' I think of cakes stuffed full of trinkets, tea parties, flowing summer dresses and all manner of stuffy and entirely elegant moments. The Bridesmaid luncheon has been around for quite some time and I'm sure that back in the day fluffy frosted cakes, antiquated traditions and the desire to show off wedding presents was one of the reasons that these lunches were given. These days it is simply a way for the bride to say thank you to her friends for being part of her wedding. And sometimes for putting up with her.

Ashley, one of our featured brides, recently held her bridesmaid luncheon and it was a fun mid-day event that wasn't at all stuffy. She treated us all to a nice waterside lunch, gave us goody bags full of treats including a divine shawl to wear to her wedding and necklaces she made herself to match our bridesmaid dresses. It was touching, sweet and really quite lovely. No fuss, no muss.

Typically, these lunches are held one to two weeks before the wedding. It is a good time for out of town guests to meet each other too. The bride thanks her attendants, doles out any gifts she may have and basically spends a fun afternoon with 'her girls'. You know what else is great about this event? It is entirely optional. You don't have to throw it. Sure, if you have the time and spare cash - go for it! However, there should be no stressing out if this isn't your thing or you simply cannot find the time or coin to do so. A simple thank you note can also do the trick.

For some great ideas regarding a bridesmaid thank you fete as I've decided to call it visit the following sites-

Simple Answers Here!

From Brides Magazine

Always Fabulous

Photo from vibride.com

Reception Venue: Fort Belvoir Officers' Club

Friends of our had their wedding reception at the Fort Belvoir Officer's Club. We missed the wedding unfortunately but they go back often for Sunday Brunch, so we joined them one Sunday and I have to say I was impressed. My husband's a former marine officer but he never really got in to the officers' club thing and I was expecting cheap food and lots of tackiness. Some elements did seem a bit tacky to someone like me who's not military-minded and the food was a little heavy and overseasoned for both my and Mike's tastes (what I could eat of the food--my allergy limited my choices of mass-produced brunch offerings). But the great appeal of this venue is the sweeping views of the Potomac River from the wall of huge windows.

The food was plentiful and the service was excellent. All of the staff was friendly and helpful. Our glasses of water and champagne and cups of coffee were never empty.

In looking over the PDF of their wedding packages, it looks like they are a soup-to-nuts reception venue. If you're not picky and want someone else to plan the reception it looks like this is a good deal. They'll take care of tablecloths, napkins, wedding cake, open bar, centerpieces... and the prices seem reasonable, especially for this area.

There's a catch of course... Someone has to be a member of the military or work for the Defense Department. You'd have to call them for specifics, say if neither you or your fiance are military officers but one of your parents is.

If you're looking for a venue that will impress your guests, especially civilians like me, I would check out the Officers' Club.

(Images from the Fort Belvoir Officers' Club website.)

Cherry Blossoms Wedding

Okay, so there's at least one thing I like about living in the D.C. area: Cherry blossoms in springtime! Walking around the tidal basin under the cherry trees in bloom is so peaceful, even when it's crowded. The trees have such a calming effect on everyone.

And did you know you can get married under the cherry blossoms? According to the National Cherry Blossom Festival website:

Please call (202) 619-7225 and ask the Office of Park Programs/Permits Office to fax you a Public Gathering Permit application. The rule is that groups of people over 25 persons are required to have a permit. You will need to fill it out and fax it back to them at (202) 401-2430. This office will help you find a location for your event so that it does not interfere with other groups who already would have a permit.

If I weren't already married I may seriously consider this. Wouldn't it be beautiful and memorable?

(Photo from the Washington Post.)

Need an Excuse to Buy Something Cheeky?

Check out these magnets for the bride and the bridal party from Baby Brewing. Yes, the name of the company will throw you a bit but she's branching out has created these very cute and fun magnets-















Photo by Kristen Hammond.

Meet Tricia- Our New Featured Bride!

We here at Flaming Tulle have been busy scouring the area for a new featured bride and we finally found one. Meet Tricia, our new featured bride. In the next few months we'll follow her and her fiance, Mike as they pick a date, settle on an idea and do all the wedding things we all love to hear about. So join us in welcoming our newest featured bride!






Vicky: Hi Tricia! Welcome! Let's get started shall we? When and how did you meet Mike?

Tricia: We first met in 2001 when I worked at the Iron Workers union hall, and he was an apprentice, but at the time he had a girlfriend. Four years later when he and the girlfriend split, he called me. It took me about two months to finally go out with him. I did not want to be a rebound girl. I finally did agree to go out with him and the rest is history!!

Vicky: I love that story! How long did you date before you got engaged?

Tricia: It was one year and seven months.

Vicky: That is a good amount of time to get to know each other. How did he propose?

Tricia: He surprised me at work on a Friday by picking me up. He had everything I owned packed for a weekend trip that I knew nothing about. He took me to Rocky Gap Resort, had roses in our room, a couples massage and a romantic dinner. The next day, we took a paddle boat to the middle of the lake, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and fall foliage and proposed there. It was wonderful!!!

Vicky: Wow! That is really beautiful and thoughtful. Any wedding plans set yet? Date? Ideas?

Tricia: No! Wow, I never realized how hard it would be. But we think we want to do a destination wedding in the fall.

Vicky: That's a very popular idea right now. Speaking as someone who did a destination wedding herself I can tell you it's a lot of work but completely worth it. If you could do anything with your wedding what would you do?

Tricia: If I could do anything, I would definitely do it big. I would love to have everyone we know there. But I have a HUGE family and with the cost of weddings these days, I don't know if that is going to happen. I really wanted to get married outside and have the reception in a barn, I know it sounds redneck, but I like rustic weddings.

Vicky: I think that sounds beautiful and not at all redneck! We can't wait to hear more in the coming months and learn more about the two of you! Welcome to Flaming Tulle!

Featured Bride Ashley- Post-Shower

This past weekend was our featured bride, Ashley's Bridal Shower. To date her wedding is less than one month away. Planning is in full swing and the festivities have begun!

Vicky: OK, Ashley, let's talk Bridal Shower! What was your favorite part of the shower?

Ashley: My favorite part of the shower was having everyone there. The people invited were not all from the same "group" so it was nice to have everyone there and watch as they mingled.

Vicky: That's great! I can't think of any better way to do that. A mixed guest list is always a good idea. It helps people get to know one another before the big event. Did you help out with it at all or where you totally hands off?

Ashley: I offered as much help as possible but for the most part was hands off. I did help cut some of the croissants only becasue mom hadn't gotten to them and people would be arriving soon. I'm such a planner when it comes to a party that it was really odd that I didn't do much prep or cooking.

Vicky: I noticed you tackling those as I walked in. I'm glad you didn't do too much work. Did having the shower make the wedding date seem that much closer or real?

Ashley: Actually the shower did make the wedding seem real. With just about a month to go I'm finally getting excited about the whole wedding and not just individual parts.

Vicky: What did Brad (fiance) do while you were 'showering'?

Ashley: Brad and his dad went and had pizza and hung out at our house. Oz is such an animal person he loves to play with Tope (Ashley's dog) and Jasper (her cat) so they just hung out.

Vicky: Well I thought it was a success! Not too many games and the ones played helped to break the ice, familiarize people with you and everyone else and got people laughing. I think everyone had a good time!

*Photo by Victoria Mason, Ashley gets a domestic goddess gift from yours truly.