T.G.I.Fabulous: From Casual to Black Tie--The Wedding and Party Attire Dresscode Mystery Revealed!

Happy Friday, bloggers! As school time approaches, wedding season comes to a close. I bet you are thinking, “Why are you giving me advice on wedding attire now instead of in May when I needed it?” I apologize. I really should have thought about this earlier! The good news is this blog post isn’t just applicable for weddings. You can use these guidelines for parties and other social events throughout the year. Now, when you receive an invitation, you know exactly what (and what not) to wear!

Casual attire: Casual attire is usually reserved for day-time and outdoor weddings. As you all know, it gets very hot during the summer--especially in Texas! The bride and groom want you to be comfortable during the wedding festivities. However, this doesn’t give you permission to wear flip flops and shorts. A cute sundress or blouse with a skirt or linen pants will do. Keep in mind, the word “casual” on an invitation translates to “Sunday best” and go from there. Below are some examples of casual wedding attire.

Here I am with my best friend in perfect casual wedding attire! Don't we look fabulous?

Courtesy of Komorov


Courtesy of Maggie London

Courtesy of Laundry by Shelli Segal

Beach Casual: Beach casual is a bit dressier than casual. If you are going to a wedding on the beach, don’t forget about the sand, ocean, and other outdoor elements that you will encounter. Heels are not a good idea so settle for a nice strappy sandal. A pretty, resort style sundress is an excellent choice. You will want to wear a light weight fabric such as chiffon. Linen may be too casual. Long dresses are acceptable for this type of attire.

Courtesy of BCBGMAXAZIRA

Courtesy of Xscape

Semi-formal: This is the dreaded category of attire. It’s hard to define semi-formal. You’re in luck! We’re here to help. Basically, you should wear a cocktail dress or a beautiful blouse matched with a skirt. Remember, this is a wedding. It’s important not to look like you are going to a club or night out with the girls. But please, look fabulous!

Courtesy of Jay Godfrey

Courtesy of Donna Morgan

Courtesy of Max and Cleo

Formal/black-tie: Chances are a black tie wedding will be in the evening. This means you can wear a stunning evening gown! Sequins and beaded embellishments are allowed, just don’t get too crazy. An elegant cocktail dress is also perfect! Don’t forget to spend some extra time on your ‘do and make-up!

Courtesy of Adrianna Pappell

Courtesy of JS Collections.

Here are a few other tips:

· Ivory and white are an absolute NO. These two colors are reserved for the bride. It’s her special day, not yours.

· Black can be worn at night and night only.

· Err on the conservative side when attending a wedding. Many weddings are in churches. It’s important to be respectful. Although you may look fabulous, plunging necklines, tight and/or short dresses, and sometimes even strapless can be inappropriate.

· NO JEANS. Don’t even think about it.

All looks were found on Nordstrom.com. Nordstrom has an amazing selection of wedding attire from casual to black tie! Feel free to check all the styles out.

We hope you feel fabulous this Friday!!! Feel free to browse our blog, check out our Facebook page, and visit our website. We also have our store Happenings in Galveston located on the corner of Tremont and Church. Come see us! Don't forget about our blog follower prize give away. We need 100 followers to begin the contest! Have a fabulous Friday and an amazing weekend!

Wedding Wednesday: Megan and Jesse

It's Wedding Wednesday! This week we are featuring another Texas wedding. Megan and Jesse were married March 7, 2009 in Sugar Land. The ceremony took place in the First Colony Church of Christ courtyard. The reception was held at the Sugar Creek Country Club. Megan chose elegant black and red for her colors.

Hayley designed the 7"x7" pearl and charcoal invitations for Megan and Jesse's wedding. They included Hayley's signature calligraphy that we all love. She also designed the "G" monogram at the header of the invitation.

Here is the "G" custom monogram for the happy couple.

Invitations were sealed in hand-written calligraphy envelopes.

Roses are a symbol of true love. These kissing-ball roses were beautiful decorations for the courtyard wedding.

The wedding guests stand for a prayer during the ceremony.

Make a wish!

The couple exchanged personalized vows.

The bride and her bridesmaids are so happy.

We hope you are having a great week so far! Summer is coming to an end but we think you should still come see us at our store, Happenings, in Galveston. Look us up on Facebook and visit our websites too! Tell your fellow blogger friends about us and make sure they become a follower. We are still waiting on our 100th follower so we can begin our fabulous giveaway contest!!! Have a great day! See you on Friday with our T.G.I.Fabulous post.

Wedding Wednesday: Megan and Garrett in Galveston

Happy Friday! We were encountering some computer problems on Wednesday so we are bringing our Weekly Wedding Post to you today. This week, we are featuring a Galveston wedding in light of the Boutique Bridal Show we will participating in this Sunday. Megan and Garret were married here in Galveston on May 21, 2011 at the Hotel Galvez. From the engagement pictures to the honeymoon sendoff, this wedding had Galveston all over it. We love the stunning photographs taken of this wedding by Brooke Oglilvie, a fellow alumni of Abilene Christian University where Hayley went to college. Hayley designed the invitations for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding. Her calligraphy and designs were also used at the wedding and reception. This engagement and wedding were captured perfectly.

A sweet moment, the newly engaged couple are standing on a dock in the Galveston harbor.

This place looks familiar! This is actually the alley behind Happenings!
Just a block away from our store.



Here is another photo taken behind our store....Love seeing how such 'ordinary' places to us Brooke made look picturesque!The perfect backdrop for a Galveston Wedding.

What a great day in Galveston! Sometimes overcast days have such great lighting because the shadows don't overwhlem anything.

Outside the Ashton Villa is such a pretty place!

CUTE!

Megan's bridal portraits are absolutely stunning. They reminded us of an ad in a fashion magazine....which is fitting since Megan has worked in New York both in fashion and for a Magazine! How beautiful!

Taken on a ranch outside of Richmond, Texas, Megan's bridal portraits displayed classic rustic elegance.

A one of a kind dress.

The perfect shoes for the perfect day!

Like mother, like daughter. Megan is so excited about her big day!

We are such a sucker for detail shots! Rings for the future Mr. and Mrs. Winder.

The bridesmaids are happy for Megan.

The ecru and champagne, Royalty Size invitations for the wedding featured hand calligraphy beautifully designed by Hayley. The envelopes were also done by hand with the couple's "MG" monogram above the return address. A custom champagne and ecru paisley backer was placed in each envelope to add an elegant touch.
Galveston nostalgic postcards were used for the rehearsal dinner invitations, also designed by Hayley. The rehearsal dinner was held at The Original Mexican Cafe. Yay Galveston!

One of the bridesmaids in holding the program with the MG monogram designed by Hayley.

Megan and her bridesmaids are posing outside of the Hotel Galvez, where the wedding was held.

The decorations for the ceremony were so simple and pretty, letting the backdrop truly be the seawall and ocean.

The mother of the bride looks back at her daughter walking down the aisle.

What a beautiful ceremony!

The bride's bouquet.

The bridesmaid's bouquet.

Megan and Garrett pose with their "flower dog" Hallie after the ceremony.

The wedding party looks fabulous!

The reception featured several different centerpieces, all designed with simple elegance.

These hand written place cards were designed by Hayley.

The cake is one of my favorites at a wedding reception, and this four-tiered confection with lace flowered decorations and edible pearl centers did not disappoint!

We love the vintage cake topper!

Yummy cookies were baked for the wedding guests. The menu item cards were hand written by Hayley. They chose vintage suitcases with London images since the newlyweds will be moving to England for studies for a year! Look out, William and Catherine...there is another set of newlyweds hitting the London scene!

A magical moment: the couple shares their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Winder.

Father and daughter share their dance and some laughs.

Garrett's fraternity brothers carry out a tradition singing a song to Megan

The well -wishing wedding guests hold sparklers as Megan and Garrett leave for their honeymoon.

A perfect ending for a perfect day! Bon voyage!

We are so excited about this weekend! Happenings and HH Design House will have a booth at the Boutique Bridal Show at the Tremont House this Sunday from 12-3. The show will be featuring area businesses, photographers, caterers, and boutiques perfect for your wedding. Admission is complimentary. We'd love to see you!

Don't forget to visit out website, Facebook page, and our store, Happenings, in Galveston. Also, we are having a contest for our first 100 blogger followers and will be giving a way a fabulous prize! Tell your friends about us!