After deciding who your bridesmaids are comes the actual asking part. It can be as formal or as casual as you’d like to make it but how you ask sets the tone for your big day. It gives everyone a little insight into what sort of bride you’ll be.

Here are some different ways to go about asking:

Host a happy hour at your place for your potential bridesmaids. Some hors d’oeuvres and wine is the perfect way to go. Your guests will feel relaxed and will be thrilled when you ask them to be a part of your wedding. If you want to do a little something extra, give a little gift at your gathering. Anything from a handmade bracelet to a personalized card for each of them will be totally appreciated.

If your bridal party is fairly small or if you have some extra time, do something special and sentimental with each of your girls while you ask them. If the two of you grew up in the same neighborhood, take a walk around it together and ask her then. If two of you share the same favorite restaurant, take her to lunch and ask her over a chicken panini. Whatever the activity, seize the opportunity to rekindle an old memory with her.

Have a good ol’ fashioned sleepover where you talk drama and gossip in your pajamas. This is a sure way to bring all your ladies together and have a Friday evening full of food and fun. You can even supply party favors with little notes inside that say, “Will you be my bridesmaid!?” (or something a little more creative). Your guests will love it, especially if the bag contains sweets!

Put on a picnic. Everyone loves finger food and picnics are super easy, super relaxed and super cheap. A simple basket containing cheese, crackers and some fruit is a surefire way to please everyone on any sunny afternoon. You can even kick it up a notch and play some games if you and the girls are in the mood. Volleyball anyone?

Whatever way you choose to ask your bridesmaids, make sure it showcases your personality. Your wedding day is about you, but what would it really be without your closest friends and family?

- Stephanie

COLORS FOR THE BIG DAY – Pink and Charcoal Grey

Choosing a color scheme is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. Whether you’re designing a fun and vibrant day or a feminine and sophisticated event, the color palette truly sets the tone. From the invitations to the bridesmaids dresses, the colors are carried out in pretty much every aspect of the wedding.

A favorite of mine is pink and charcoal grey. Romantic, elegant and absolutely lovely.

COLORS FOR THE BIG DAY – Black, White and Yellow

Choosing a color scheme is one of the first steps in planning a wedding. Whether you’re designing a fun and vibrant day or a feminine and sophisticated event, the color palette truly sets the tone. From the invitations to the bridesmaids dresses, the colors are carried out in pretty much every aspect of the wedding.

Black, white and yellow are dramatic yet simple when combined. The colors bring an edgy and trendy feel to any event and really pop against each other. Definitely a new favorite of mine, especially when black and white patterns are used against the yellow.