Fathers and the Grooms

Yet another great question from a reader: My father and the groom are exceptionally close. Would it be acceptable for my father to walk me down the aisle and then join the wedding party as a groomsman?

These days you can do whatever makes you and your family happy! Go for it.

Traditional role for the father of the bride:

• Responsible for most of the cost of the wedding

• Hosts the wedding

• Walks the bride down the aisle

• May stand in the receiving line

• Gives a toast after the best man, groom, and bride (if she makes one)

• Dances with the bride

• Covers final checks/tips

Traditional role of a groomsman:

• Stands with the bride and groom during the ceremony

• Supports the groom through planning process and on the day of the wedding

• Attends prewedding activities and helps the best man plan the bachelor party

• Pays for own attire chosen to coordinate with the groom's

• Can serve as an usher

Classic Party Rentals -- Live from Tennessee!

Early this morning, Classic Party Rentals (the nation's largest party rental, which has 34 locations nationwide) arrived to our wedding site here in Franklin. It's important to have a site visit when planning with your rental company so you can go over logistics.

Knowing Liesl's wedding ceremony is in an open field, Mark Ermshar (the GM of Classic Party Rental here in Nashville) brought us some natural canvas market umbrellas since we are expecting an 85-degree afternoon -- at a 4 p.m. ceremony. These will be placed around the seats on the lawn (make sure guests are comfortable with whatever temperature -- heating if it's too cold and protection from the heat if it's very sunny.

Mark also uses these 9-foot umbrellas over individual tables as an alternative to one big tent. He also says one of the ways he makes a great impact is with his linens (especially colored). He also rents everything from ottomans to designer furniture to tents.

Final Fittings

For the past two months, the weddings department has been busy helping Liesl Menning (Martha's assistant) plan her wedding in Franklin, Tennessee. I cannot wait for you to see all of the incredible details -- we will be featuring it in our Winter issue! I went with Liesl last week for her final fitting at Amsale. We were lucky enough to have Amsale meet us to discuss everything from veil length (we chose a blusher and a chapel-length veil) to jewelry options (we chose no necklace or bracelet -- just earrings -- which are from Tiffany & Co. See above).

I also learned how to bustle the train -- don't forget to bring a friend with you to your final fitting who will be at the wedding and can help bustle your dress. It may be better to choose a bridesmaid or a planner -- or someone other than your mom, who will obviously be very distracted by all of her friends and family wanting to congratulate the happy mom!

Transporting Your Dress

Make sure to discuss with your dress shop how to properly transport your dress when you pick it up and how to care for it on your wedding day.

Today, we are heading down to Tennesse for Liesl Mennng's destination wedding. Liesl's dress designer, Amsale, suggested that you let the airline know when checking in at the gate that you have a wedding dress with you (you can even call ahead to give them a heads up). Most airlines will be very accommodating.

Liesl's dress is stuffed so it does not get crushed; it is also in a double garment bag so the bag is secure. Amsale suggested keeping the dress hanging in a safe place -- and come the wedding day (this Friday!), a light warm iron if it needs pressing (no steam).

Vera Wang and Bloomingdale's

I had the privilege of interviewing Vera Wang at Bloomingdale's about her amazing Wedgwood line, her experience with celebrity brides, how to pick your registry, and so much more. On Vera's site, she breaks down the four types of brides: the traditionalist, the modernist, the sensualist, and the individualist.

Vera and I discussed that many brides have a little of each characteristic, especially when determining what their wedding style will be. It's that mix that makes each couple individual and results in a unique and personal wedding registry. If you're near the Bloomingdale's flagship store in New York City, check out their table settings in the registry department and think about what kind of bride you are. As Vera suggested, engagement is just the beginning of the planning process. There is plenty of time to determine what type of bride you are to create the perfect registry for you.

Pictured from left to right: Lord Wedgwood; Vera Wang; Lou Scala, president of Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Rosenthal; Darcy Miller; and Joanna Kartalis of Bloomingdale's Registry.

Calling all bloggers to "The Martha Stewart Show"

Just got back from taping of "The Martha Stewart Show" show. It was a fun show -- all about blogging. The highlight was getting to see Mrs. Bee from Wedding Bee blog (she was blogging all show long -- be sure to check it out). Also Martha gave a few of us MSLO bloggers a CanonG9 Powershot camera for our blogging -- she loves this camera -- in case you're looking for a new camera for your honeymoon!

'Martha Show' and Blogs

The new season of "The Martha Stewart Show" started airing this week. I'm excited to go to a taping tomorrow. They are featuring blogs and bloggers. Since I think about wedding blogs specifically, I thought I'd share a list of wedding blogs you may be interested in checking out:

• junebugweddings.com
• etsywedding.blogspot.com
• ohjoy.blogs.com
• snippetandink.blogspot.com
• blushevents.blogspot.com
• www.polkadotbride.com
• thebridescafe.typepad.com
• www.thepreppywedding.blogspot.com
• www.bklynbride.blogspot.com
• bridalbarblog.blogspot.com
• toastandtables.blogspot.com
• iloveweddings.blogspot.com
• affairswithelegance.blogspot.com
• www.stylemepretty.com
• www.styleguide.com.au
• www.weddingbee.com
• kenziekate.blogspot.com
• www.ecochicweddings.com
• www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com
• fayeandgreer.blogspot.com
• www.weddingbee.com
  

Cupcake Stand

This morning I was checking out some of our fantastic new products from the Martha Stewart Celebrate line available at Wal-Mart. I came across our cupcake stand; it's a 3-tiered stand with decorative scalloped trim that could be used to display cupcakes, favors, or other treats. It even could be used as a centerpiece. I think I need to order one for my daughter's birthday party.

Sparkles & Tulle

Of course many brides opt for dresses with crystals and tulle -- but if you want to win the hearts of your flower girls, why not dress them to feel like it's their special day, too!

We are busy planning a wedding in Nashville, and one of our choices for the flower girls is this adorable Us Angels tulle-and-sequin dress with a ribbon sash. I think this dress would be a top pick for any flower girl!

Vintage Ribbon

I'm always looking for beautiful and inspiring ribbons and accessories. Recently, I was at the New York Stationery Show, and I ran across Accessories Of Old. The vintage accessories retailer has an amazing selection of ribbons, applique, beads, trims, and much more. Consider trimming the edge of a cake board with special vintage ribbon, or incorporate it into your bouquet to make the arrangement even more beautiful!