Author Archive
Tossing The Bride’s Garter Belt
By Kristin
The history of the garter belt is quite an interesting story. After the ceremony the couple would depart to the bedroom and consummate the marriage, with guests in tow as witnesses. Guests would try to snatch pieces of the bride’s clothes in hopes that they would soon to be the next to wed. Of course couples were not too happy with this ritual so the groom would toss the bride’s garter to the guests to distract them. Today, the garter toss is a bit more civil with the groom tossing it to his groomsmen and other single men during the reception.
The bride can use her garter to express who she is as a person, coordinate to her colors or surprise her new husband with a unique themed garter. For a more traditional look, you can use any one of the gorgeous laces that M&J carries, add some elastic, a simple satin ribbon and a button. Now you have a personalized garter for your special day. You could also use a blue ribbon as your ‘Something Blue’.
Whether or not you choose to actually toss the garter is up to you, but it’s became a standard item in the bride’s attire and can be a fun way to surprise your groom on the wedding night.
- Mother of Pearl Button #24078 23mm
- 1/8″ wide silk or rayon ribbon
- 1/2″ elastic #00477 in White
- Midori DF Satin Ribbon #37306 in Mink
- Organdy Ribbon #02138 in Mint
Add comment April 28, 2008
Spring Peaches
By Kristin
1. Satin Ribbon
2. Grosgrain Ribbon
3. Polka Dot Ribbon
4. Organza Ribbon
5. Hand dye silk ribbon
6. Double Face Silk Ribbon
7. Double Face Midori Satin Ribbon
8. Organza Ribbon With Satin Edge
Spring time is finally here and all the spring brides are putting the finishing touches on their weddings. While there are many popular colors year round, Spring seems to bring up thoughts of pastel colors. Peach is an excellent color for a spring wedding. Everything from your invitations, programs and favors can be decked out in this beautiful shade.
You could have a peach martini or desert to even tie the food into the color! Try wrapping the favors with delicate peach organdy ribbons and make your flower girl glow with a girly little peach satin bow in her hair. There are so many ways to incorporate this color into your big day, give it a try.
Add comment March 26, 2008
Toasting Flutes
By Kristin
Everyone knows that the toast is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s a time for those closest to the couple to express their feelings and let the rest of the guests know just how special the couple is. The Best Man/Maid of Honor, the parents or anyone else who is special to the couple could do the speech.
Now comes the hard part of finding just the right toasting flutes. This is a great place to express who you are as a couple or just make them simple to match the wedding theme. You could buy a simple pair of flutes for cheap at any store and embellish them with rhinestones, ribbons or a charm. They could have your new monogram or a simple design. These are one of the best things to make because they won’t cost a lot and will look gorgeous after the wedding displayed with your photo.
Try drawing your design out on a piece of paper and see how you like it. Change things here and there to get it just right. When you are certain you have what you want, it’s time to be creative! When you are done, you will have a one-of-a-kind toasting set sure to impress.
Add comment March 5, 2008
Wedding Favors
By Kristin

Picking out your wedding favors is one of the many exciting part of planning your wedding. I think using some handmade favor boxes is a great way to give your guest a special little “Thank you”.
A fun idea for using favor boxes is setting up a bar filled with your favorite candies and confections. You can pick candies that coordinate with your wedding colors or ones that remind you of your childhood. Place the candies in pretty jars, vases or bowls and have the boxes on the side for your guests to fill at their leisure.
You can also use the boxes as seating cards. Write your guest’s name and table number on a little card and tuck or tie it on top of the favor box. The boxes can be placed on tables and your guest will be sure to enjoy opening up their little gift from you.
The favor boxes are very easy to make and can be personalized in a variety of ways. Stamp your monogram on the side, glue on a photo or tie them with a coordinating ribbon, topped with a cute button or flower.
You can fill the boxes with anything you like such as candies, cookies or candle. I find edible favors to be the most popular and most enjoyed by guests.
2 comments February 26, 2008
Spring Wedding
By Kristin

While planning my wedding for spring of 2007, I was in a tizzy trying to get everything done and come up with ideas while keeping it cool with my soon to be in-laws. Floral arrangements, menu options, favors, gifts and attire were keeping me busy just about 24/7!
However, M&J made my life a bit easier since they provided such a wide variety in one place. The gorgeous silk ribbons and Swarovski rhinestones were just what I was looking for to add a little something extra special to my wedding day. I was able to glue rhinestones to all my accessories, but I had to stop short of bedazzling my cat in the excitement of it all.
I remember carefully arranging the rose stems and crystal sprays for my bouquet (while getting my hair done. Wrapping the stems with silk satin ribbon in ivory to match my dress. The result was just the way I wanted. It was a great feeling to tell my friends that I made the bouquet when they asked about it. However, I wish I had thought of using silk roses like my friend did for her bouquet. My poor bouquet that I had made is now all dried out and sad looking. Silk roses would have still looked fresh and new everyday as my husband and I grow old and wrinkled together.
Now that I work at M&J, it has been really fun and exciting for me to help soon-to-be-brides make their big day special. I’m able to lend advice on what I learned from planning my wedding and giving options on the choices they make. I look forward to making this blog helpful for all brides-to-be.
2 comments February 12, 2008



