Dîner en Blanc - Portland Fun!

This weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying Dîner en Blanc - Portland and it was a blast! My significant other and I decided to make the trek from Seattle to Portland to participate and it was well worth the drive. In case you're wondering what Dîner en Blanc is, it is basically a group of random people coming together in a secret location dressed in all white to dine, sip, and dance the evening away. Starting in France 25 years, this fun way to have an exclusive dinner has spread across the world. Click here for more details on this super fun event. I always love documenting fun events with pictures and video (a lesson in Karen's Basic Fundamentals of planning a party) so I created this fun, short video to share in our experience. Check it out and be sure to participate in Dîner en Blanc in a city near you! 

Can I Wear White To The Wedding?

The answer is: It depends on the bride.

In a world where many traditions have been lost, some traditions are here to stay when it comes to weddings. However, that doesn't mean that every bride follows them. Wearing white as a guest to a wedding has been as of late, taboo. But, it's important to understand the story behind the tradition of the Bride wearing white to better understand if the color white is really off limits.

Here's a brief history:

The tradition of a white wedding dress is commonly credited to Queen Victoria's choice to wear a white wedding dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. Before her, many brides were wearing different colored wedding dresses in addition to veils. The wearing of a white wedding dress soon turn into a representation of wealthy status as well as innocence and sexual purity. The color white was also the color girls were required to wear at the time when they were presented to the court.
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For the most part, most people have it engrained in their heads that you shouldn't wear white to a wedding. But, my suggestion is to ask the Bride how she would feel about you wearing white. However, if you don't want to make a big deal about it or draw unnecessary attention to yourself, I would avoid wearing white altogether {yes, that includes the white stripes and white polka dots on your tentative outfit of choice...haha!}. Check back next week for my list of awesome stores and latest dresses to wear at a wedding {that aren't white of course!}.

5 Ways To Have A Non-Alcoholic Bachelorette Party

It's the last fling before the ring for your friend who is about to tie the knot, but at her request, she wants a non-alcoholic Bachelorette Party. What to do, what to do.....In all honesty, you don't absolutely need alcohol to have a memorable Bachelorette Party experience so here are five (5) ways that you can have a FUN, non-alcoholic Bachelorette Party:

1. Have a Spa Day!
Life (and the wedding planning) can be so chaotic, so what better way to start off the Bachelorette Party by having a nice, relaxing day at the spa? Sip on ice cold lemonade and everyone can enjoy the soothing touch of the masseuse and girl talk.

2. Private Dining
Exclusivity is the key when it comes to making the Bachelorette feel special. Reserving space at a restaurant where she and her closest girlfriends can chat/mingle can prove to be one big party as everyone gets to know each other.

3. Host a Passion Party
A little sexy passion party never hurt anybody! Bring a Passion Party to your private event to spice things up. Learn about different ways for the Bride-to-Be (and you too!) to get creative in the bedroom.

4. Sing At a Karaoke/Piano Bar
Some of the greatest moments are held when you're with your girls belting out your favorite songs. Karaoke/Piano Bars are a perfect atmosphere to dress the Bride-to-Be in fun Bachelorette gear and force her onto the stage to give her singing debut! Secure a table front row for some sing-along fun!

5. Take a Pole Dancing Class 
Nowadays, pole dancing companies will come right to your home and show you a thing a two about working the pole. It is so much fun to learn new tricks and giggle and laugh with friends as you attempt to be a Vegas Showgirl for the night.

Bachelorette parties don't need alcohol to have a good time. Having the Bachelorette be at the comfort of her greatest friends, sharing laughs, taking pictures, and taking in the moments before officially getting tied down is what matters the most.

Can you think of any fun Bachelorette activities you can get into that don't have to involve alcohol? Share them in the comments below!

Karen's Wedding Guide: Should He Come To the Bridal Shower

The answer is: YES! Now, I have been to my fair share of bridal showers and for the ones that didn't have their hubby-to-be present, a lot of things went through my mind. Weddings already have the stigma that they're more "for the bride" than the groom so not having your fiancé at the bridal shower sends a message that this is all about you. It should be "All About Us". Now, I know that bridal showers tend to be more fancy or cutesy than a typical man's taste, so include your groom-to-be at a part of the event. Example: Ask him to show up during the time where you will be opening up gifts. After all, the gifts will be used by the BOTH of you. This also makes for a cute couples photo op! Or, ask him to periodically walk through the event and greet guests. Often times, the bridal shower might be the only other time that your guests can meet your fiancé if they haven't met him already before the wedding. This is a great time for mingling and allowing your guests to see why you and your fiancé love each other so much.

At the end of the day, you're not marrying yourself; your fiancé should be present at all wedding functions (if he can) until the Big Day! Whether or not you think he wants to be there should be out of your mind because your hubby-to-be will want to do anything to make you happy.

xoxo,