
Alright, it’s true: Everyone’s eyes will be on you, but there’s another lady on the scene who just might steal the hearts of guests before you’ve even made your grand appearance. We’re talking about your flower girl. Already found the perfect dress for your big day’s littlest star? Complete her look with one or more of these 16 unique accessories guaranteed to make an adorable impression.
1. Giant Agate Balloon ($7): Why play it safe with pastels? A giant agate balloon, or even an entire bouquet of balloons, promises maximum wow factor. (via Snippet + Ink)
2. Here Comes the Bride/Just Married Banner ($48): Not into traditional petal tossing? No one will miss it when she announces your grand arrival (and exit!) in style with a too-sweet cotton-linen two-sided banner.
3. Tulle Pom Pom Wands ($18): Perfect for even the littlest ladies, these whimsical wands will charm guests and help flower girls channel their inner fairy princess. (Photo via FreshPhotography)
4. Floral Crown: By working with your florist to design a custom flower girl crown just like this one, you can easily keep the colors popping everywhere you want them. (via United with Love)
5. Laser Cut Pinwheels ($28): Quirky yet understated, these pretty pinwheels bring an unexpected twist to your processional… and did we mention they’re laser cut?
6. Flower Dog Wreath: Who ever said your flower girl has to be human?! Make woman’s best friend a part of your day by letting her loose in a custom crown or necklace that’s truly one of a kind. (via Weddbook and The Merriment Blog)
7. Boho Headband ($90): Feathers plus flowers make a show-stopping statement on a bohemian-inspired headband.
8. Crinkle Fans ($12-20): With a variety of motifs to choose from, including sky and sea, flora, gold-gild and blooming ombre, it’s fun finding the set that best suits your theme.
9. Paper Hand Fans ($38): When it’s solids, not patterns, you’re after, these colorful creations offer the perfect alternative. Send her down the aisle carrying any one of 10 shades, including bold black or of-the-moment mint. Extras can be used as favors, escort cards and décor.
10. Flower Pail With Custom Arrangement: Simply ideal for a garden ceremony, this stunning arrangement can also double as a centerpiece during the reception. (via Snippet + Ink)
11. Wooden Wagon: Guests will ooh and smartphone cameras will snap as your youngest celebs roll down the aisle in a vintage wagon. (via Amanda Archer)
12. Garland: Simple and fun — add some sparkle to your aisle parade with a Confetti Systems inspired look. (via Ashlee Raubach Photography)
13. Ribbon Wand: One sweet flower girl plus a colorful ribbon wand equals unforgettable cuteness. Check out this helpful Hey Gorgeous Events tutorial for instructions on how to DIY your own. (via Ruffled)
14. Oversized Flower: While bouquets are tailor-made for soaking up the limelight, we think this oversized bloom looks incredible all by itself. Want to DIY your own paper version of a gigantic flower? Draw inspiration from tutorials by Spoonful and Carte Fini. (via Want That Wedding)
15. Butterfly Hairpiece: A multicolored butterfly hairpiece, or even several combined, adds the ultimate finishing touch to an already amazing flower girl ensemble. We heart this one, available for $45 on Etsy. (via Vika Pobeda)
16. Pixel Sign: Taking a page from our very own Brit Morin’s wedding playbook, we just can’t help falling in love with this tech-inspired throwback that calls up childhood memories of Mario and Princess Peach. Whether you choose to DIY or work with a designer, an original element like this one brings plenty of personalized flair to your day. (via Brit. + Co.)
How will you up the cuteness factor for your flower girl? Let us know in the comments below!
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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