M&J Blog

By Kristin

“Twenty- Thirty-grand. In small bills, cash. In that little silk purse.
Maron, if this was someone else’s wedding, sweet tonato!” - Godfather

Maybe you remember that line, maybe you don’t. Either way, it applies to this week’s bridal blog. While you are making your rounds talking to your guests at the reception, they are bound to hand you an envelope with a beautifully written card and sometimes a monetary gift inside. A money bag or money purse is a great way to hold those envelopes as you go table to table. It will make giving hugs, kisses, and handshakes easier as the cards get more numerous. When you are done greeting your guests, simply hand the bag to your Maid-of-Honor, Best Man, or parents to hold onto. At the end of the night they can then take that home with the other gifts for you.

The money purse is also a lot safer than a card box in that you don’t need to worry about a catering hall employee or party crasher stealing the cards. While you wouldn’t think on your happiest of days, nothing like that could possibly happen, it unfortunately can. Make sure you also inquire about wedding insurance, it helps for more things than just your location getting rained out or band not showing. Try Wed Safe at www.wedsafe.com

While researching a money purse for my own wedding, I was disappointed in the styles to choose from, all were very boring and too traditional for my more modern affair. I ended up not making one due to time constraints (I was still working on making my dress). I decided instead, to show you one based on a design for my friend and her San Diego beach side wedding.

Materials:

Note:  Items can also be ordered by phone.  1.800.9.MJTRIM ext 377

• 16″ of ½” grosgrain ribbon (item #34377 in cream featured)
• 1 yd.  25mm imported organdy ribbon in Lt. Beige
• Button/tassel appliqué (item # 36930)
• 16″ of 1″ heavy apron tape in natural
• 1 piece 8 ½” x 22″ medium weight non-transparent silk blend fabric in a natural/champagne color
• 1 yd 2mm imported rayon twist cord in off white or antique
• Scissors, sewing machine, needle, cream/natural colored thread, straight pins, large safety pin

Directions

1. Use a sheet of 8 ½ x 11″ paper as a stencil and trace 2 rectangles on your fabric. Cut out and lay on top of each other.  Pin one 11″ side together and hem a ¼” inseam, backstitching at both ends.  Open and press.
2. With the wrong side up, pin down the twill tape about 2″ down from one of the newly created 16″ sides (this will be the top).  Hem along both edges.  This will later be used as a tunnel for your drawstring cord.
3. With the right side facing up, pin down your cream grosgrain ribbon and hem along both edges.  This piece is purely aesthetic. 
4. With right side facing up, pin organdy ribbon across widthwise and over where your twill tape is hemmed.  This two is purely aesthetic but also will hide your twill tape if your fabric happens to be slightly transparent.  Set aside the remainder of this ribbon for later.
5. Fold fabric in half so your first hem remains unfolded.  Pin the bottom and other side edges together and hem.  On the second side hem stop and backstitch ¼ ” into the area where the twill tape and organdy ribbon meet.  Restart hem ½ ” from there and continue to the end.  Remember to backstitch each time you begin or finish a hem.
6. Tie a knot at both ends of your twist cord to prevent fraying.  Pin your safety pin into on knot and use it to jimmy your cord through the tunnel you created earlier with the twill tape.
7. Turn bag inside out and press hems.  Tie a bow with the remainder of your organdy ribbon and hand sew onto the center of one side of your stitched on organdy ribbon.  Hand sew button tassel appliqué on top of bow. 
8. You are done!

By Kristin

In these times, most brides opt for the Best Man and Maid of Honor to hold the actual rings.  The ring bearer is now just a part of the wedding that has simply become tradition.  Usually between the ages of 2-5, it can be a nephew, son, cousin, or friend.  Why not save a little cash and make one yourself that matches your wedding style.  It could be something simple with a little ribbon and button, or a more elaborate one incorporating fine laces and silk ribbons.

Materials:

• 23″ of 1.5″ side pleated ribbon in ivory [34298]
• 23″ of 3/8″ sheer ribbon with satin edge in ivory (32691)
• 23″ of 1 3/8″ imported metallic lace (27769)
• 7″x14″ of silk taffeta fabric in ivory
• Sewing Machine, straight pins, double sided tape, needle + thread to match the fabric and the lace
• Loose pillow Stuffing

 Steps:

1. Cut two 7″x7″ squares out of your fabric
2. Lay the side pleated ribbon along one of your squares so that the sheer pleated part is going towards the center and the edging lines up with the edge of your square. Pin down.
3. Machine stitch where you have pinned.
4. Cut one 7″ piece of sheer ribbon with satin edge and lay across your other square of fabric. Pin and give a quick machine or hand stitch on each edge to hold it in place.
5. Cut the rest of your satin edged ribbon in half and line one end of each of the two pieces up with the other sides of that same square of fabric.  Give a quick stitch to hold in place.  Leave the loose ends loose; they will be used later to tie the rings onto the pillow
6. With the same square that you just stitched the ribbon onto, create another square within it about an inch from the edge.  You can use double sided tape to temporarily hold the lace down.  Hand-stitch the lace using matching thread.  You will have to stitch along both edges of the lace so it is smooth to the fabric.
7. Lay the two squares of fabric together with the wrong sides facing out.  Pin along the edges with your straight pins.  Turn the square so that the side with the machine stitching from the pleated ribbon is facing up.  Use that seam as a guide and machine stitch the two pieces together, leaving about 2″ unstitched.
8. Turn pillow form inside out and stuff little bit by little bit.  You don’t want it to be overstuffed because that will create lumps and highlight any imperfections in your stitching.
9. Hand stitch the 2″ gap and you’re done!
10. Now all you have left to do is wait for him to propose to you.

By Kristin

The history of the garter belt is quite an interesting story. After the ceremony the couple would depart to the bedroom and consummate the marriage, with guests in tow as witnesses. Guests would try to snatch pieces of the bride’s clothes in hopes that they would soon to be the next to wed. Of course couples were not too happy with this ritual so the groom would toss the bride’s garter to the guests to distract them. Today, the garter toss is a bit more civil with the groom tossing it to his groomsmen and other single men during the reception. 

The bride can use her garter to express who she is as a person, coordinate to her colors or surprise her new husband with a unique themed garter. For a more traditional look, you can use any one of the gorgeous laces that M&J carries, add some elastic, a simple satin ribbon and a button. Now you have a personalized garter for your special day. You could also use a blue ribbon as your ‘Something Blue’.

Whether or not you choose to actually toss the garter is up to you, but it’s became a standard item in the bride’s attire and can be a fun way to surprise your groom on the wedding night.

1. Mother of Pearl Button #24078 23mm
2. 1/8″ wide silk or rayon ribbon
3. 1/2″ elastic #00477 in White
4. Midori DF Satin Ribbon #37306 in Mink
5. Organdy Ribbon #02138 in Mint

By Kristin

1. Satin Ribbon
2. Grosgrain Ribbon
3. Polka Dot Ribbon
4. Organza Ribbon
5. Hand dye silk ribbon
6. Double Face Silk Ribbon
7. Double Face Midori Satin Ribbon
8. Organza Ribbon With Satin Edge

Spring time is finally here and all the spring brides are putting the finishing touches on their weddings. While there are many popular colors year round, Spring seems to bring up thoughts of pastel colors. Peach is an excellent color for a spring wedding. Everything from your invitations, programs and favors can be decked out in this beautiful shade.

You could have a peach martini or desert to even tie the food into the color! Try wrapping the favors with delicate peach organdy ribbons and make your flower girl glow with a girly little peach satin bow in her hair. There are so many ways to incorporate this color into your big day, give it a try.

By Kristin

Everyone knows that the toast is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s a time for those closest to the couple to express their feelings and let the rest of the guests know just how special the couple is. The Best Man/Maid of Honor, the parents or anyone else who is special to the couple could do the speech.

Now comes the hard part of finding just the right toasting flutes. This is a great place to express who you are as a couple or just make them simple to match the wedding theme. You could buy a simple pair of flutes for cheap at any store and embellish them with rhinestones, ribbons or a charm. They could have your new monogram or a simple design. These are one of the best things to make because they won’t cost a lot and will look gorgeous after the wedding displayed with your photo.

Try drawing your design out on a piece of paper and see how you like it. Change things here and there to get it just right. When you are certain you have what you want, it’s time to be creative! When you are done, you will have a one-of-a-kind toasting set sure to impress.

By Kristin

Picking out your wedding favors is one of the many exciting part of planning your wedding. I think using some handmade favor boxes is a great way to give your guest a special little “Thank you”.

A fun idea for using favor boxes is setting up a bar filled with your favorite candies and confections. You can pick candies that coordinate with your wedding colors or ones that remind you of your childhood. Place the candies in pretty jars, vases or bowls and have the boxes on the side for your guests to fill at their leisure.

You can also use the boxes as seating cards. Write your guest’s name and table number on a little card and tuck or tie it on top of the favor box. The boxes can be placed on tables and your guest will be sure to enjoy opening up their little gift from you.

The favor boxes are very easy to make and can be personalized in a variety of ways. Stamp your monogram on the side, glue on a photo or tie them with a coordinating ribbon, topped with a cute button or flower.

You can fill the boxes with anything you like such as candies, cookies or candle. I find edible favors to be the most popular and most enjoyed by guests.

By Kristin

While planning my wedding for spring of 2007, I was in a tizzy trying to get everything done and come up with ideas while keeping it cool with my soon to be in-laws. Floral arrangements, menu options, favors, gifts and attire were keeping me busy just about 24/7!

However, M&J made my life a bit easier since they provided such a wide variety in one place. The gorgeous silk ribbons and Swarovski rhinestones were just what I was looking for to add a little something extra special to my wedding day. I was able to glue rhinestones to all my accessories, but I had to stop short of bedazzling my cat in the excitement of it all.

I remember carefully arranging the rose stems and crystal sprays for my bouquet (while getting my hair done. Wrapping the stems with silk satin ribbon in ivory to match my dress. The result was just the way I wanted. It was a great feeling to tell my friends that I made the bouquet when they asked about it. However, I wish I had thought of using silk roses like my friend did for her bouquet. My poor bouquet that I had made is now all dried out and sad looking. Silk roses would have still looked fresh and new everyday as my husband and I grow old and wrinkled together.

Now that I work at M&J, it has been really fun and exciting for me to help soon-to-be-brides make their big day special. I’m able to lend advice on what I learned from planning my wedding and giving options on the choices they make. I look forward to making this blog helpful for all brides-to-be.