The Best (& Cutest) Pre-Wedding Workout Gear for 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

2014 is here.  Have you finally entered the year you're going to get married?  Is it officially crunch time (no pun intended)?

If you're like pretty much every bride I've ever met, including myself, then you probably have some really good intentions about getting in stellar shape before the big day.  Maybe you've already gotten started and religiously hit the gym every week (the rest of us hate you); maybe you think about it on a daily basis but just can't seem to form a routine (that was me at this time last year); or maybe you're waiting for inspiration to strike.

First let me say that I thought I'd be lean, mean, exercise machine in the months leading up to my wedding.  I was wrong.  Sure, I sporadically worked out and went for the occasional run.  I thought about working out a whole lot more than I actually did it.  I can blame it on the fact that I was working a full-time job, planning a wedding, helping my fiancé finish his Master's degree, and recovering from a gnarly knee injury (marathon training gone wrong). 

But when I really think about it, the motivation just wasn't there.  Exercise was not a top priority for me.  I wish it had been because it would have alleviated an immense amount of pre-wedding stress.  It's scientifically proven. 

I find there's no better motivation out there than SHOPPING.  There's just something about a fresh pair of sneakers or a racer-back tank that can kick your rear into gear.  I recommend you treat yourself to some of this cute pre-wedding work out garb.  Then I recommend you stop thinking about it and in the famous words of Nike, JUST DO IT! 

Tank Tops:

I own this tank.  It's comfy, flattering and sparkly.  Buy it!

Etsy - $24.99

 

Etsy - $24.99

Sweatshirts:

http://www.customizedgirl.com/design/8d8e6d80f70b68a6f9aa88cefefc220f_1362876

Bridal Party Tees - $34.97

 

 





Customized Girl - $39.97

Shorts:

Etsy - $14.00

Sweatpants:

 



Classy Bride - $40.00

 

Etsy - $25.00

10 Creative Non-Floral Centerpieces

Guess how much the average bride in New Jersey spends on flowers for her wedding.  Go ahead - guess.

$3,000.

I will let that sink in.  That's a whole lot of money for something that will most likely get thrown away at the end of the night. 

Most brides think they absolutely have to have flowers everywhere.  Says who?  Yes - flowers add beauty, elegance and glorious pops of color.  And yes - flowers will always be equated with weddings.  And I'm not saying you should eliminate flowers from your budget altogether. 

But how about some creative, out-of-the-box centerpieces that are sure to "wow" and have absolutely nothing to do with flowers?  Now we're talking...

I give to you my personal favorite 10 Non-Floral Centerpieces:

1. Fruit

2. Candles

3. Books

 

4. Greenery

5. Lanterns

6. Beachscape

7. Pinwheels

8. Candy

9. Paper Flowers

10. Live Fish

If you've come across any clever non-floral centerpieces, please share them in the comments!

DIY Bride & Groom Champagne Flutes

Tis the season... TO GET ENGAGED!!!

My sister-in-law got engaged right before Thanksgiving.  Luckily, since her fiancé was a perfect gentleman and asked for my in-laws' permission, I knew ahead of time and was able to prepare the most adorable engagement gift.

You should know that my sister-in-law drinks champagne for pretty much any occasion.  I'm serious - the girl can find any excuse to pop some bubbly (a trait I admire).  Getting her a champagne-themed gift was a no brainer. 

However, since an engagement is such a festive celebration, this DIY gift is appropriate for any newly engaged couple.  It's also really simple to make if you have some patience and the right supplies.

I bring you... BRIDE & GROOM CHAMPAGNE FLUTES!

 

Here's what you'll need:

• (2) Champagne Flutes (I found a box of 4 flutes for $12.99 at HomeGoods)
• (1) Package of White Elastic
• (1) Small Swatch of White Fabric
• (1) Small Swatch of Black Fabric
• (1) Small Roll of White Tulle
• (1) Package of Adhesive Pearls
• (1) Small Package of Mini Faux White Flowers
• (1) Black Rubberband (I used a hair elastic)
• (2) Paperclips
• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Bride Flute:

1. Take the white elastic and wrap it around the champagne flute.  Leave a little bit of overlap when you cut it and then secure it with a paperclip.
   
2. Remove the elastic from the champagne glass and hot glue it together where the paperclip is.  Remove the paperclip after the hot glue dries.
   
3. Cut a piece of tulle by measuring it against the height of the champagne flute.  Wrap the top of the tulle around the elastic.  Use the hot glue gun to secure the tool to the elastic.
   
   
4. After the hot glue dries, slip the elastic back onto the champagne flute.  Use the hot glue gun to affix the mini faux white flowers.
   
5. Remove a full strip of adhesive pearls.  Hot glue each end of the "pearl necklace" to the elastic.  The rest of the pearls will simply self-stick to the champagne flute.   
   
   

Step-by-Step Instructions for The Groom Flute:

1. Repeat Steps1 & 2 for The Bride Flute.
2. Take the white fabric and wrap it around the flute.  Trim  the fabric so that it covers the top 1/2 of the flute.
   
3. Hot glue the white fabric to the elastic by wrapping it around the "inside" of the elastic loop.
   
   
4. Slide the elastic back onto the flute.
5. Cut a 1" x 3" strip of the black fabric.  Twist the black elastic around the middle of the fabric to create a "bowtie effect." 
   
   
6. Hot glue the bow tie to the white fabric.
   
7. Remove 3 single pearls and hot glue them onto the white fabric for the "button effect."
   
   

{If you LOVE this gift but don't have the time or energy to make it, you can purchase it at my Etsy Shop, Backyard Cards & Crafts.  I'll never tell!}