LilSugar

Something Blue For the Expectant Wedding Guest

LilSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

What is cooler than sporting a shade of blue for Summer weddings? While it's easy to blend in by slipping on a black dress, expectant mamas should strut style and their burgeoning bellies in beautiful hues. Take a cue from the wedding theme, "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" and select a stunning azure gown that will have fellow guests doing double takes. With dresses available in all shades from blueberry to midnight and flattering maxi, empire, wrap and tank styles – the only hardship you'll have is finding equally stunning, comfortable shoes!

Forget the Honeymoon, Familymoons Bond Blended Families

LilSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:12:42 -0700

Honeymoons might be made for two, but these days weddings aren't just made up of a couple exchanging vows. Blended families are becoming more and more common with divorce rates on the rise. So what's the best way to celebrate the new clan? A familymoon!

Nuptial ceremonies and proposals often include the bride and groom's kiddos so why leave wee ones out of the honeymoon - especially when childcare factors in? While newlyweds normally seek out exotic locales for their time away, parents look at different factors for these jaunts. Check out a few of our favorite family destinations.

Hawaii: Long considered to be the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination, Hawaii also offers parents and kiddos enough activities to keep everyone happy. Families may consider renting a vacation home or condo rather than staying in a hotel to provide everyone with privacy and communal space. It offers beach and pool play, water sports, volcano hiking and picturesque sunsets.
Amelia Island: The Ritz Carlton may conjure up images of posh surroundings and luxury living, but the hotel chain’s Ritz Kids program offers supervised “day camps” for tots that include swimming, sand play, sports and more. At the Amelia Island, Florida, resort, newlyweds can relax on the beach or play a round of golf knowing that their kids are having an equally indulgent time.
Alaskan Cruise: Families with older children may consider an Alaskan cruise. In addition to the kids programs on the ships - including the pools, rock-climbing walls, arcades and playrooms – the excursion offers families the opportunity to bond while exploring a new destination as a unit. Whale-watching, gold panning and glacier-hiking, provide options for getting active.

To see a video from the original familymooners, The Brady Bunch, read more.

Photo courtesy of Source

When Wedding Bells Include Kids

babysugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:00:57 -0700

While I can appreciate adult only weddings, I do get a kick out of a sweet flower girl tossing petals and a dapper ring bearer scooting down the aisle. If the engaged couple wants to include tots in their nuptial festivities, there are a few things they can do to keep the babes blissful and enjoying the blessed event.

Try these tips to keep kiddos content:

Instead of setting the kiddie table with pristine linens, cover the top with butcher paper and place cups full of crayons on the table. The tots can doodle away whilst the adults toast to the newlyweds.
Bring bottles of bubbles so youngsters can blow spheres till their hearts content.
If it's an outdoor wedding, set out a bucket of chalk so the mini artists can create a work of art or hopscotch game on the sidewalks.

To see the rest of my list, read more.

In addition to the butcher paper, supply the babes with coloring and activity books.
Arm them with loads of books, puzzles and cards.
Stickers can go a long way - adhering them to hands or creating a picture with them.
Set out small pots of playdough for aspiring sculptors!

Keeping within a budget, the engaged couple may ask their mommy friends to help pitch in books, games, and other supplies to lighten the load. And if money is not a concern, hire a sitter to watch the munchkins. I've been to some affairs where a separate tent was set up entirely for wee ones and caretakers. It was a pleasure filled paradise for the tots and it allowed mom and pop to dance the night away while stepping away for the occasional check-in.
Source

Best Place and Way to Wedding Shop With Kids

LilSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:00:17 -0700

An hour spent perusing fine china and glassware doesn't mix well with a mom toting tots. Sure, the easiest way to shop for breakables when you have wee ones is online, but if you're like me - sometimes you like to check out your choices before presenting the bride-to-be with her shower or wedding gift. I've long been a fan of Williams-Sonoma for quality products, how easy their stores are to navigate- especially with a stroller - and who can say no to complimentary gift wrap? But, now there's a convenience factor for mamas in a rush that has me hooked.

A few weeks ago, I was running late for my sister's bridal shower (not acceptable when you're the maid of honor!) and called my local store and asked for the goodies I'd selected on my sister's registry (which can be viewed on the store's website) to be wrapped and ready at the counter so I could swing by and pick them up on my way. All I had to do was drive over, park, dash in with my kids and pay - the entire excursion took less than ten minutes!

Mommy Dearest: Black Tie Required Wedding, Even For Tots?

LilSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

Our family was invited to a black tie wedding, which we will attend in a few weeks. Understanding that it's a formal affair, I purchased a long gown to wear and my husband is renting a tuxedo. But, I think the bride's request for even our 2-year-old son to wear a tux is ridiculous despite my offering for him to wear comfortable chinos and a button-up shirt. He's not even in the wedding. Should I tell her that my child isn't going to abide by the required pricey attire in advance or just dress him the way I see fit?

- Black Tie for Tots Is Beyond Reason

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Black Tie For Tots Is Beyond Reason,

While you raise valid points about your son's comfort level and the expense of renting or buying a two-year-old a tux, it's the bride's day and as a guest it's best to abide by her rules. Since you already addressed the issue and she wasn't accepting of your offer to dress your child in slacks and an oxford shirt, your only real option is to outfit him in a tux or not bring him to the festivities. You may also want to consider how kid-friendly this formal affair will actually be or if your youngster would be happier staying home with a sitter.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

When Kids Aren't Invited to the Wedding

babysugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 05:00:04 -0700

The last few weddings I attended were kid free. While many parents are bothered by such restrictions, I appreciate the limitation. I understand why the engaged couple wants all eyes on them while they exchange vows and not on a screaming infant. Not all children misbehave at such events, but unfortunately there aren't guarantees when it comes to kiddos at adult events so the safest bet for brides-to-be is to deny them the opportunity all together.

Why as a mama of two do I like the "no kids" rule? I appreciate the bride and groom making the decision for me. All I have to do is find a caretaker for my children while I dance the night away with my husband. Depending on the location, relatives or family babysitters have watched the tots. In rare cases, I have used care services like Sittercity to provide me a nanny.

I look forward to enjoying marital festivities with my babes one day, but until they are officially invited - they will sleep well knowing mommy and daddy are enjoying each other and other adult company.

10 Wedding Themed Toys to Gift the Flower Girl

LilSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:16 -0700

Lil girls spend hours practicing for their role in a wedding, but when the big day arrives, nerves often get the best of them. Whether you are the bride or the flower girl's anxious mother, prepare the wee member of the bridal party with some toys that will help her replicate the wedding day. Here are 10 of my favorite wedding-related toys that will also occupy the lil darling during the reception as well. Source

View Slideshow ›

Simple or Swank: Black Maternity Dress

babysugar — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Whether it's for her own baby shower or a Summer wedding, baby mama has got to outfit that beautiful bump in something comfortable and flattering. The little black dress does the trick and will work for more than one occasion. The wrap function will take her into her postpartum nursing days, too!

Simple: The cotton and Modal blend Old Navy dress is machine washable and hardly looks like a $25 bargain.

Swank: The polished DKNY cap-sleeve frock has a more fitted look thanks to the spandex and viscose components. The $345 garb may turn heads, but unfortunately it's dry clean only.

Wedding Season Continues, It's Time For Planning Mania

PopSugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:55:00 -0700

Hey there brides-to-be, it's time to move beyond the newly-engaged bliss and get down to some serious planning. This week we are going to help you kick things off with Wedding Planning Mania!

Start by getting organized with Savvy's Wedding Planning Checklist and have some fun choosing your registry with Casa's Registry Roundup and our Downloadable Registry Guide. Thinking about a destination wedding? Check out these helpful tips from destination wedding planner Alison Hotchkiss. Geek has some helpful tips on how to choose a photographer, videographer and more, while Fit reminds you how to stay healthy during this stressful time with her Dos and Don'ts of Healthy Wedding Planning.

Not planning a wedding, but still want in on the fun? No worries, we have plenty for you as well! FabUK has rounded up Ten Floral Dresses for a Garden Wedding and check out Pop's Couples We'd Love to See Engaged!

We have lots more where those came from, check out all of our wedding coverage here!

It's Wedding Season on the Sugar Network!

PopSugar — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:29:31 -0700

Welcome to the third annual edition of Wedding Season here on the Sugar Network!

This week we kicked things off with Engagement Week, bringing you everything you need to know to get you started during one of the most exciting times in your life. Start off by finding out How to Announce Your Engagement at the Office and then get to work on those strapless dress-ready triceps with these five simple exercises. Finally, wind down while whipping up your wedding website. Check out even more of our engagement coverage here.

Stick around all Spring as we bring you everything from Wedding Planning, Showers, Bachelorette Parties, the Big Day, the Honeymoon, and then finally newly-wedded bliss!