Welcome to The Hampton Roads Wedding Guide Newsletter where you can plan the wedding of your dreams from start to finish. From inspiration to checklists and planning articles, to the best wedding professionals in Hampton Roads, it's all here!

August 2018 Newsletter
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Choosing Your Bridal Party 

Will Hawkins Photography

For some, choosing a bridal party is one of the easiest things to do when planning a wedding. For others, there's a lot to consider before asking someone you love to be a part of your big day:

Size of Bridal Party: Most importantly, remember that you don't have to have the exact same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. There are no rules! You can do what works for YOUR wedding. But one thing to keep in mind is if you are planning a small wedding (less than 100 guests), you may not want a large bridal party. The other thing to consider when you have a large wedding party is coordinating all of those people. A great planner can help make this easier.

Including Family: If you have 5 sisters, maybe that's your entire bridal party right there- or maybe you decide to include just friends instead. A common tradition is including your spouse-to-be's siblings in your bridal party (ie: your husband's sister as a bridesmaid!). 

Remember that this is YOUR wedding. Imagine the people you can't imagine NOT being by your side on your wedding day. When you look back in twenty years, will you be happy with your choices?

What to Expect From Your Bridal Party
Eleise Theuer Photography

Going into all the wedding festivities, it's important to give a little grace to your bridal party. Weddings are expensive and time consuming so try to have a little respect for your bridal party's time and wallet. All that aside, here are some common things you should expect from your bridal party:

  • Attendance of both the rehearsal and wedding day festivities: Obviously there are exceptions like travel from far away or family responsibilities that may keep you from attending EVERYTHING, but it's definitely reasonable to assume your bridal party will be in attendance of all rehearsal/rehearsal dinner and wedding day events. 
  • Purchasing wedding attire: Try to keep this within reason, of course. Weddings, as you know, are pricey, so try to keep the wedding attire within a reasonable price point. One way to help your bridal party cut costs is by letting them wear their own shoes (within a color scheme you're ok with) and gifting them the jewelry they'll wear. For guys, provide the tie!
  • Help shop for the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses: Speaking of wedding attire, bridesmaids typically come with the bride to find the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses. But it's also ok if you just want this to be an intimate moment between you and your mother or close family. 
  • Planning/attending bridal showers and bachelorette parties: Showers may also fall on family members, but typically bridesmaids plan showers and bachelorette extravaganzas!
Bridal Party Beauty Guide 


Heather Hughes Photography

Your bridal party's attire can be a reflection of your wedding style! The color scheme you're going for, the structure of the fabric- there are so many different directions you can go in. When you go in for your bridal party dress appointment let your consultant know the vision you have for your day and the color you're looking for. 

You can opt to have all your bridal party where the same dress/suit or give them the option of the same color but a different style. 

Here are some fun styles to choose in 2018 from  Brides Magazine!

Bridal Party Gift Ideas
Skylar Wyatt Photography

It's traditional for the bride and groom to give their bridal party a gift on the wedding day- a way of saying thank you for everything they've done thus far in the wedding process and for standing by your side on your big day. 

We love the growing trend of gifting your bridesmaids with a fun robe to wear while they're getting their hair and makeup done. Here are some more fun ideas:

- Jewelry for the wedding day (bowtie for the guys)
- Coozies with your wedding #
- Mini bottles of champagne or your favorite liquor
- A personalized letter thanking them for everything they've done
- Tote bag for all their wedding day gear
- Personalized hanger for their dress 
Featured Vendor
Studio I Do Bridals
Jordan Keenan Photography


Studio I Do has three different locations, two of which are in Hampton Roads! Not only do they have a gorgeous selection of bridal gowns to choose from, but they have a large amount of bridesmaid gowns to choose from. Not only do they feature some amazing designers, but they also have gowns in the same pattern or color but different styles. Studio I do has been featured on The Knot Hall of Fame, The Knot Best of Weddings, and Wedding Wire Couples Choice.

Not only can you follow them on social media, but they also have a great blog. One of their recent blogs was Bridesmaid Trends to Try This Fall!
Real Weddings

Angie McPherson Photography

This beautiful wedding was at one of our favorite VB wedding venues: The Water Table! We love the bridal style because it is traditional, with a twist! All the bridesmaids are wearing very beach friendly dresses in the same gorgeous jewel tone color. The twist is that the bridesmaids were able to choose their own gown as long as it was within the color family and length. This is a great way to let your girls throw a little of their personal style and comfort into choosing a gown. 



Nicholas Woolsey Photography
Upcoming Events

The next Showbride event is the Endless Summer Bridal Expo August 26th  from 2:00 pm  -  5:00 pm at the
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center.

 For $10 you will be able to meet so many amazing Hampton Roads wedding vendors! Get your tickets now when you visit their website.



We're also very excited about the Vow Bride's  Brides and Brews event on September 30th. Tickets are $45 and include access to l ocal wedding vendors, music, beverages, a groom's room and a live fashion show.

Eleise Theuer Photography
Check Out Our Latest Issue!

The latest issue of Hampton Roads Wedding Guide is available in  over 50 locations throughout  Hampton Roads as well as digitally on our website. For a complete list of where you can find a copy check out our website! 

In our latest issue you can learn more about all of the incredible vendors we have featured, from venues to photographers to delicious catering options. Plus, you can learn some great tips for your big day!



"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." -Audrey Hepburn

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