It's All About the Groom

Ribbons, bows, sequins, decor. All words that make a groom-to-be cringe. While he is ecstatic to marry the woman of his dreams, many grooms would prefer an intimate day, or just a big celebration and forget about the flowers, the linens, and the neatly folded napkins.

Through the months of linen options - napkins, runners, overlays - it is no wonder he is  just ready to get this party started!

Generally, the wedding is more about the bride than the groom. Well, bad choice of wording there. The elegance and the details are generally more centered around the bride, because she is generally the one who cares about all of that. Not saying that all grooms don't care - my hubby was very involved in all of the planning.

But at some point, it gets to be too much in his eyes and he is ready for the planning to be over.

So after months and months of appointments, decisions, and details, why not plan a special surprise just for him, a thank you for putting up with all of that, a thank you for sticking by your side to make sure the big day is exactly as you have dreamed.

Today, I've put together some great groom surprise ideas for the wedding day so you can add a little personal touch that he will love, a touch that will make him feel very special.

Because who doesn't love surprises?!

A Wedding Day Gift

Send one of your bridesmaids to his room a couple of hours before the ceremony for your hand-delivered gift! And personally, I would include a letter, maybe a love letter to let him telling him how excited you are to marry him in a couple of hours. Tell him all of the things you love about him and why he is forever. This personal touch will definitely make him smile :)

And then for the gift...

Surprise him with that watch he has been looking at for months. To make it even better, he can wear his new gift for the wedding day!

Or if there is not much money left in the budget, create a fun gift that he can use which will be much less expensive!

Here is what I did:

I created a gift package for him with a couple of items he could use on the wedding day and a little note attached to each. Of course, I included a letter to him too :)

"Just in case your feet get chilly"

"Just in case your feet get chilly"

Christopher Todd Studios

Christopher Todd Studios

"To ease those nerves"

"To ease those nerves"

A Groom's Cake

One idea that I totally would have done if we had some more room left in our budget would've been a surprise groom's cake! To be honest, he didn't care even the slightest bit about what our cake looked like. Cakes are a little girly to begin with...the guy's just like the tastings. Am I right or am I right?

So after you cut the "real" wedding cake, surprise him by bringing out a cake make specially for him! If I were to choose, I would've done one that combined football and Coors!

But whatever you choose, pick something that screams him, something that will make him feel happy and very special!

CakeChooser.com

CakeChooser.com

CakesEspecially4U.com

CakesEspecially4U.com

Music, Music, Music

One area where a groom is generally ecstatic to be involved is the music. How about taking it a step further and surprising him with his favorite band or DJ to play for part of the reception?? That sure will make him smile a little bigger!

A Personal Slideshow

While slideshows are often played at receptions, surprise him with one that is meaningful - maybe a trip through your relationship or all the things you love about him. It'll make his heart skip a beat and he will fall in love with you all over again...not that he isn't in love with you already ;)

A Boudoir Shot

I saved one of my favorites for last and this is one that I did on my wedding day too!

Before it is time to get into your dress, have your photographer or even a bridesmaid snap a couple of boudoir shots to text him right before the ceremony! But of course, don't show your face or it will be bad luck!

It'll make him that much more giddy to see you walk down that aisle :)

And I would show you mine, but those are for the hubby's eyes only!
No matter what you choose to surprise your groom with, make it personal. Choose something that you know he would absolutely love without a doubt, something that will make him smile a little bigger. While the wedding plans may be all about you, make this special gift all about him!

Today on the Bridal Boutique: Bling Wipes

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Hello Brides! We have another awesome product for you on this Bridal Boutique Friday!

Your engagement ring is one of the most precious things you own and when you look at it, you fall in love all over again. But do you ever look at it and realize it’s a little less shiny than usual and needs a cleaning yet you don’t have time to drop it off at the jeweler? Of so, then Bling Wipes are the perfect solution!

Each towelette is individually packaged, giving you the perfect on-the-go solution for removing things like makeup and lotion from your sparkly stunner. On top of the adorable retro wrapping, Bling Wipes are also made in the USA and never animal tested!

These wipes would make a great engagement gift or bridal shower present (you could even put them in a wifey tote!) and they’re great for all kinds of jewelry, even men’s watches and rings!

If you’re dying to get your hands on some of these wonderful wipes you can buy them online or check out the list or retail stores that carry Bling Wipes! Follow Bling Wipes in social media (below)for a daily dose of cute pictures, wedding inspiration and updates!

Buy Them Here
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Bling Wipes in Social Media

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

If you have any comments, feedback, or even suggestions for products,
please feel free to contact us at meredith@theoverwhelmedbride.com


All photos courtesy of Bleudog Fotography

My $1,090 Wedding

As many of you know, my one year wedding anniversary was on June 1st. And with that special day coming around, I knew I wanted to do something wonderful for my husband. Just a week and a half before our anniversary with no gift decided on, I had a thought. Why not renew the beautiful vows we made one year before!

My family made the long drive down from Northern California and his family drove in too! The day turned out beautiful and it ended up being a complete surprise for him! And it was all more perfect than I ever could have imagined!

And I did it all on a very tight budget.

And while I just love showing off the amazing photos that Bleudog Fotography took of our renewal, that is not the reason for today's article. I want you to learn some great lessons from this...and maybe even get some great ideas for your own one year anniversary ;)

Planning On A Budget

I definitely didn't want to spend our life savings on this and my dad sure wasn't going to pay for another wedding for us, but regardless of how much I had as my budget, the day turned out beautiful! So from this, just understand that no matter what your budget may be, your wedding day can be and WILL be absolutely amazing for the two of you :)

- Minister: $250 + $25 travel fee - Pastor Dave Page
- Photographer (and edits!): $700 - Bleudog Fotography
- Bouquet: $50 - Bluebelle Floral
- Dress: I already had it but it cost $65
- Venue: $0
- Venue: $0 (no chairs and no altar so beach permit was needed!)
- Music: $0(the sound of the waves crashing behind us was beautiful
!)
- Hair & Makeup: $0 (I did it myself...although not recommended!)
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TOTAL:
$1,090

A Short Timeline

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I planned our renewal in just a short week and a half and although it was small, I promise it is doable for your wedding too! So don't stress out because your date is nearing, just relax and have fun with it! You will get everything done, I promise!

It's the marriage that matters!

I know I say it time and time again but really, it is the marriage the matters. Whether there are 300 guests, just your immediate family, or just the two of you and your minister, your day will be absolutely stunning and just perfect. Because you will be married to the love of your life.

Whether or not you have to cut down your guest list or have to eliminate some floral that you saw and liked, none of that matters and none of that will make a difference in the end. Keep that in mind always.

So whether you want to tie the knot and can't afford a large wedding and reception at this time, need to plan a beautiful day on a short timeline,  or you just don't want to start your marriage in debt, I just wanted to take a moment to show you that your day can be absolutely perfect, filled with friends and family, and the very special person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with!

I did it on $1,090 and a week and a half of planning, and so can you :)

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A special thank you to all of the vendors who made this day happen and more importantly, made it so special for the two of us!