Thursday, December 17, 2009

Top Wedding Supplies May Surprise You


When you think of wedding supplies, many different types of materials and items probably come to mind. A recent stroll on several wedding forums brought some surprising results at some of the top trends in wedding supplies.

So, here they are, some of the top supplies brides are seeking for their wedding:

1. Feathers
2. Curly willow
3. Crystals

Yes, sometimes things make you go hmmmmmmmm.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wedding Invitation Tip


Wedding invitations and stationary can be an expensive investment. Shopping online can help to curb some of the sting, but the drawback is that you can't touch and feel the invitation and its counterparts like you can in the store. Most, if not all, online invitation companies provide invitation samples. For about $1 and possibly a small mailing fee, the invitation company sends out a sample for you to touch and feel in the comfort of your own home. It's worth the couple of bucks to make sure it's the right invitation before you place your order. It can save you from hating the invitations when they come in and having to replace a whole new order.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Do you think wedding planners are useful?


Many brides sit on the fence when it comes to choosing whether or not to work with a wedding planner. Whether you're a bride, a wedding planner or other wedding professional, here's your chance to chime in and let your opinion be know.

Leave a comment or response to the question:

Do you think wedding planners are useful?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Personalized Wedding Poems Make Great Toasts


Every bride wants her wedding to be different and unique. Every bride wants the best man or the maid of honor to give a magnificent toast at the reception. Maybe you're the best man or maid of honor and you're nervous about what you're going to say when it's your turn to stand in front of all the wedding guests and say something profound.

The Poem Lady, Jill Starishevsky, may be able to help you with your wedding speech woes.

Jill offers an innovative writing service, which helps brides, grooms or groomsmen and bridesmaids write personalized poems as an expression of their relationship with the newly married couple. Jill obtains all of the personal details from the client and turns it into a heartfelt, funny or serious poem--all according to the speech givers needs and wants.

The poems Jill writes are not limited to the wedding reception. Poems can also be used for showers, engagement parties or any events related to the upcoming nuptials. The poems can also be turned into momentous keepsakes.

For example, one bridesmaid shrunk the poem down and put it in a plexi-glass frame with a magnet on the back. She then glued a red wooden heart to the corner of the frame and gave them out at the shower as favors for the guests, after the poem was read aloud to the bride-to-be.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

How to Create Wedding Invitations Online


Things You'll Need

* Wedding details: who, what, when, where and why
* Electronic version of photo of the couple
* Access to self-publishing site

No matter what your wedding theme is, the primary focus of the wedding and the invitation is the couple themselves. You can create professional looking wedding invitations online with a photo of the couple as the main focal point of the invitation. Using a self-publishing site and your favorite photo can be a fun and cost effective way to create your wedding invitations online.

Step 1. Choose a self-publishing site. There are numerous Websites (i.e., Picaboo, Kodak, Snapfish) that allow you to upload your photos and turn them into invitations. Before you start working on your invitation online, log into or create an account so you can save your work online while you finish the creation.

Step 2. Pick the invitation style. The online publishing sites allow you to customize the look of your invitation by choosing a flat or foldover card style. You can then upload the photo you want to use on the front of the invitation, choose the border or design style to match your wedding.

Step 3. Choose photo paper. Pick the type of paper you want your wedding invitations to be printed. Since you’re using a photo, you have the choice of glossy or matte style photo paper.

Step 4. Add text. Add text to the front of the invitation as the layout permits. This can include your name and the wedding date.

Step 5. Design the back or inside. Move to the back of a flat invitation or the inside right panel of a foldover card by “flipping” or scrolling. Upload photos and add the wedding verse, including personal information (who, what, when, where and why) as allowed by the invitation design layout you’ve chosen.

Step 6. Choose quantity. Choose how many photo wedding invitations you need to print and submit your order online.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

How to Make a Cupcake Stand Display

Throwing a party or celebration may come down to the presentation. If you're serving cupcakes instead of a cake, you can create your own cupcake display. Not only will it present your cupcakes in style, but your guests may think you hired a professional to set it up.

Check out the step-by-step instructions now

How to Write Wedding Wishes


Wedding cards are the perfect place to communicate your personal congratulations and words of best wishes to a newly married or soon-to-be married couple. Sometimes, though, the right sentiments can seem difficult to convey. If you find yourself stumped for what to write, here are a few steps to help get you started.

Read the full story

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Techniques for Party Napkin Favors

For any party with food or drink, napkins are a necessity. Some party hosts opt for disposable napkins while others utilize cloth ones. While it may seem as if a napkin is simply a napkin, there are some ways you can turn this useful item into a party favor for your guests.

Coordinate with Theme

Disposable and cloth napkins come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Visit your local party store or speak with a linen rental company to find out about the patterns and colors they carry. For example, a jungle theme party may have leopard or zebra print napkins. Guests may want to take home an unused sample for their scrapbooks or memory books as a party favor.

You can draw inspiration from perusing party sites online. Parents.com covered a story on Napkins with a Twist on how you can dress up your table and your napkins with daisies, butterflies and starfish to name a few. View some photos for inspirational design ideas.

Personalize

Disposable napkins can be imprinted with the names of the hosts or the reason for the party, along with the date. These make great party favors for those who collect memorabilia of special occasions such as weddings, Sweet 16s and anniversaries. You can order custom imprinted napkins at local stationary and party stores or on a variety of online party stores such as www.foryourparty.com or www.napkinspersonalized.com.

Another way to turn your useful napkins into party favors is to buy linen napkins embroidered with the reason for your party and the date, initials or your guests' names. If you have your guests' names embroidered on the napkins, you triple their use: a napkin, a party favor and a place card. If emroidery is your hobby, you can make the napkins yourself (see http://www.embroideryarts.com/project/napkins1.html for a sample). Specialty gifts stores typically offer personalized linen napkins or you can order online from sites such as http://www.classictablelinen.com/custom_embroidery or http://www.pomegranateinc.com/embroidery.html.
.Napkin Holders

Whether you use cloth napkins or paper napkins, napkin holders are fun and festive party favors. Napkin holders also serve a dual duty if you decorate them to match your party theme and give them as gifts your guests can take home with them. Coordinating napkin holders with your theme is easy to do with a full range of napkin rings available in department stores and online. For example, a tropical wedding event may have palm tree napkin rings to coordinate with small palm tree centerpieces and Key West green bridesmaid dresses.

You can also make your own napkin rings to ensure the design fits your theme. You can even turn it into a small napkin ring craft party with family, friends or your bridal party. For ideas and templates on how to make your own napkin rings, visit http://familycrafts.about.com/od/birthdaypartyprintables/a/printbirthnprin.htm.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Decorate Bridal Gift Boxes

Here is a suggestion on how you can personalize and decorate gift boxes for your bridal party gifts.

Check it out now

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

How to Make a Wedding Trellis


Nothing is more romantic than a floral festooned bridal trellis. For brides on a budget, building your own wedding trellis will add to the memorable occasion. With a little planning ahead, you can wrap your trellis in fragrant flowers and create a timeless altar backdrop for exchanging vows.

Supplies

1 4’x8’ Sheet of lattice
2 4” x 4” x 8’ Posts
1 8’ 2 x 4
Nails
Hammer
Saw
Measuring tape
Paint or Stain
Spray paint (optional)

Step 1.

Cut the 2 x 4 into four 2’ pieces. Make a triangle at the base of each of the posts by nailing one of the 2’ sections to the bottom edge of the post. Making a 45 degree angle, nail the other 2’ piece to the post. You should now be able to stand your post upright. Repeat the same process for the second post.

Step 2.

Space the two upright posts 4’ apart. Nail the lattice to the posts making sure that they are level and even on both sides.

Step 3.

Carefully apply stain or paint with a paintbrush. If using white paint, be sure to carefully brush all of the open areas of the lattice. Another option is to use a brush to paint the posts and spray paint for the lattice work.

Step 4.

Move the bridal trellis into the appropriate place. You will need to allow enough time for your plant material to mature.

Step 5.

Once the bridal trellis is in place, surround the base with assorted plant material to cover the stands at the back. Either plant the chosen material or use potted plants for a more portable setting. Timing is essential; so, planning ahead for this feature will insure that your bridal trellis is covered in floral material. Allow enough time for the plant material to begin attaching to the trellis. Hint: Several varieties of climbing roses can fill a trellis in a growing season. Check with your local nursery for the best options.

Options:

Another option is artificial plant material. This allows for portability in case weather changes your outdoor wedding plans. By choosing artificial plants and flowers you can also wait until closer to the wedding to build and decorate your bridal trellis.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wedding Insurance: Is it on Your Wedding Checklist?


You insure your home and you insure your car. Should you also insure your wedding? It’s not a common line item you’ll find on a wedding checklist or in your wedding planner, but maybe it should be. Insurance covers the unforeseen and unexpected events and weddings are events where things can and do go wrong. Some thief walks off with your entire gift table? Wedding insurance covers it. Your bridesmaid steps on your dress at a fitting and you hear a big rip as you walk toward the mirror to admire it? Wedding insurance covers it. Before you dismiss wedding insurance from your wedding planning needs, here’s what you need to know to make an educated decision on whether or not it’s for you.

Wedding Insurance 101

Wedding insurance protects you from unforeseen circumstances that have an ill-effect on your wedding. It covers any money you’ve spent or a loss you incur from the unknown circumstances that can happen leading up to and during the wedding.

The best way to illustrate how wedding insurance can work to your advantage is with examples of things that can and do happen.

• You’re flying off to your destination wedding in Aruba. Your husband-to-be checks his tuxedo in his suitcase. You arrive in Aruba and when the baggage belt for your flight stops, your groom’s luggage is nowhere to be found. That’s right. His suitcase is lost and his wedding tuxedo is lost right along with it. Wedding insurance covers the replacement cost of the lost tuxedo and covers the expense of finding a new outfit for the groom in Aruba.

• You have booked your dream wedding venue for your reception. After nine months of planning, your wedding day is three short months away. Your mom comes into town for a visit and you decide to go by the venue to show her around. When you stroll up to the front door and pull on it, it’s locked. That’s when you notice a huge “Gone out of Business” sign on the front door. Wedding insurance covers the loss of the deposit money you’ve paid to this venue and covers the cost of finding a new one.

• On the way to the reception venue, the van delivering your wedding cake gets rear-ended in a traffic accident. Needless to say, your cake is smashed to smithereens. The sugary creation took three days for the bakery to make and assemble. A substitute dessert can be supplied but what about the $750 you spent on the cake? Wedding insurance covers it.

This is simply a sample of some of the realistic disasters that can cause a financial loss. These are but a few of the scenarios covered when you have wedding insurance.

The Cost of Wedding Insurance

Wedding insurance works similar to other types of insurance you carry. There is a basic wedding insurance policy, which typically covers vendor deposits, presents, wedding rings (not engagement), photos, videos and attire. This basic policy can cost anywhere from $150 to $550—varying according to the amount of coverage you choose. As is the case with almost any policy, the higher your amount of coverage, the more the policy costs and vice versa. For accidental coverage, also known as general liability insurance, you’ll pay in the neighborhood of $185 for a $1,000,000 policy. Considering that a wedding typically costs tens of thousands of dollars, this seems like a small price to pay for coverage and peace of mind on one of the biggest days of your life.

How to Know if You Need Wedding Insurance

Most wedding venues and vendors carry insurance, so do your homework before you buy wedding insurance and ask each of your wedding vendors if they carry insurance and how much it covers. It is within your right to ask for a copy of their policy so you have in writing precisely what it covers rather than go by what the vendor says. Having this information helps you see what is already covered and what may not be covered. Rather than buy a wedding insurance policy that overlaps with what is already covered by your vendors, you only need to consider wedding insurance for what isn’t covered.

The What, When and Where of Wedding Insurance


There are some restrictions and limitations with wedding insurance and there is typically a deductible. Some of what is covered by wedding insurance is the venue, weather conditions, vendors that don’t show up or provide the product or service you paid for, an illness or injury to the bride or groom, postponement because of military duty or corporate employment relocation. Some of the items that may not be covered include wedding cancellation by the bride or groom, jewelry and the engagement ring.

Policy Riders

There are riders you can add as supplements to your base insurance policy. These riders provide added coverage for specific circumstances that may arise. Coverage types include gifts, photography, videography, attire, personal liability, medical and the honeymoon.

Getting wedding insurance when disaster has struck is too late. It’s the same as trying to obtain a hurricane insurance policy after your house has been destroyed by a hurricane. It’s not going to happen. Obtain your wedding insurance policy in the beginning stages of planning—if you can. Check with the wedding insurance provider to see how far in advance it requires you to obtain a policy. Then you’ll have added peace of mind that you’re covered if something goes wrong.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wedding in the Tropics


If a tropical wedding destination is what you have in mind, there are plenty of options around the world to choose from. From small domestic islands to foreign lands, you can choose a wedding venue that fits your tropical theme. There are some factors you need to consider before booking and planning your wedding destination in the tropics.

Location and Travel

Unless you live in a tropical destination then you and your wedding guests will have to travel to the wedding destination. For you and your groom, you'll probably need to go once or twice before the wedding to take care of the planning details and at least a few days before the wedding date. With the expense of traveling, you may wish to consider how far away the tropical wedding location is and what difficulties your guests may run into getting there such as obtaining a passport and applying for a Visa to visit the country.

Guest List

Some wedding venues in tropical destinations can accommodate hundreds of guests for a sit down meal. Others, however, are located on small islands and may only be able to accommodate small wedding ceremonies and receptions. You either need to make sure that the number of guests works with the venue you choose or scale your guest list according to the amount of guests your venue can comfortably hold.

Attire

Weddings in the tropics also have to take the weather into consideration when choosing attire. While a traditional wedding gown may be fine for a church wedding in your hometown, this type of gown may be too hot for a warm climate. The same holds true for dressing your groom and groomsmen in tuxedos. Loose fitting attire in cool fabrics such as linen and light cotton may be better suited for tropical climates. Also, outdoor weddings require some thought to the bridal attire. You may want to avoid wearing a long veil or dress that is blown by the breeze, but rather choose attire that is wind friendly so it doesn't get in your way when you're walking down the aisle or saying your vows.

Decor

Often times, weddings in the tropics are held in an outdoor setting such as on the beach. In these scenarios, you may not have to worry about adding decorations because you have the backdrop of the ocean or swaying palm trees. There are needs such seating, outdoor friendly centerpieces and linens, lighting (for evening weddings) and linens that don't blow away in the breeze that is different than holding a traditional wedding ceremony and reception.

Marriage License Requirements

Whether you're getting married in a U.S. tropical location or a foreign location or island, you need to find out what the marriage license requirements are for the state or country where you'll be married. For U.S. destinations, you can contact the county clerk's office for the county where the ceremony will take place. For foreign destinations, contact the embassy for the country where the wedding is scheduled to find out what you need to do to apply for a marriage license. Depending on the requirements, you may need to arrive at the destination in advance to have blood tests, supply the appropriate documentation (photo I.D.s, divorce decrees, death certificates for previous spouses, etc.) and pay the marriage license fee.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Diamonds Made from Hair


What could be more personal than a diamond made from your or your finance's DNA? I found this article very interesting and thought you may find it interesting too.

Check out Creating a Diamond from Love by DNA2Diamonds.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Wedding Sweepstakes



Contests are a great way to win the wedding of your dreams. The more contests you enter, the more chance you have of actually winning. Wedding vendors tend to run contests to win products and services you need for your wedding. Nothing is more exciting than winning, so take a few minutes to enter a wedding contest now.

Bimini Bay Resort and Marina offers an authentic and private setting for all types of weddings, whether it is intimate or a grand affair. Nestled on the tip of North Bimini on miles of pristine beach, the destination is private, exclusive and convenient to get to, the ideal backdrop for couples looking for the perfect wedding spot. Beautiful suites and villas are exceptionally designed with romance in mind and plenty of amenities are available for family and friends including water sports, spa services and island adventures. The resort is easily accessible by a 25-minute plane jaunt or 1.5 hour boat ride from South Florida.

Be Married... On Us prize package includes:

* Wedding Ceremony and Officiant
* 4 Hours of Open Bar (beer and wine only)
* 5 unlimited butler passed hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour
* Sit Down Dinner
* Wedding Cake Compliments of Ana Paz
* Curtis Smith Destination Wedding Package
* Bimini Bay Resort Meet and Greet at the Airport for all Wedding Guests

(Max. of 20 people)


Enter now for your chance to win!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

How to Create a Table That Looks Like a Wedding Cake


Next to the bride and groom, the wedding cake becomes the focal point of the celebration and it is important that it goes through careful planning and execution. The aspects of the planning and execution must not only be focused on the wedding cake as it is equally essential that you also take into account the style and decoration of your wedding cake table. A great way to enhance and highlight the design elements of your wedding cake is to create a table that resembles a wedding cake.

Step 1

Use white tablecloth as the initial cover layer of your wedding cake table. Top this with a sheet of nylon tulle in cream or white to add texture to the surface to help blend with your wedding cake.

Step 2

Prepare the tulle. Make sure that the length of the tulle is about twice the length of the outside circumference of your wedding cake table. The tulle will serve as an accent to the edges of the tabletop and will help to complement and highlight the basic elements of the wedding cake. It represents the design feature of a wedding cake that typically separates the different layers of the cake.

Step 3

Place the wire ribbon on top of the tulle. About every 12 inches wrap the wire ribbon (or pinch it) around the tulle so that it attaches to the tulle. Because the ribbon has wire in it, you can manipulate the ribbon to create an accent similar to a decorative dot of frosting, frosting flower or other wedding cake decoration on the layers of the cake.

Step 4

Spread the rose petals on the tulle. Using the gel or liquid glue, attach the petals to the tulle. The rose petals act as decoration. If you wedding cake has flower decorations, adding flower petals to your wedding cake table decor aligns the theme of your table with the cake. The rose petals can also simply be an accent to dress up the decor. If you have jewel accents or other types of decorations on your wedding cake, then you can substitute the rose petals for another decoration.

Step 5

Attach the tulle that is decorated with the wire ribbon and flower (or other) accents along the edges of the tabletop using straight pins. You can pin the tulle to the white tablecloth covering the table to secure it in place. Use the tulle to create a drape along the sides of the wedding cake table to mimic the design of a wedding cake.

Step 6

Create ribbon bows. Using additional wire ribbon create bows. Use the gel or liquid glue to attach the bows to the tulle. You may wish to place the bows about every 12 inches where the drape of the tulle meets the cake table.

Step 7

Place the wedding cake. Once your wedding cake table is decorated, the wedding cake can be placed in the center of the table. If you want to add additional decorations to the top of the table, you can scatter flower petals, position mini cakes that resemble the main wedding cake or sprinkle confetti around the cake.
Skill

* Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need

* Mini wedding cakes
* Round Table
* Tablecloth
* Tulle (color or white)
* Lace ribbon
* Wired ribbon
* Twine wire covered with white cloth
* Gel or liquid glue
* Rose petals
* Straight pins

Tips

* Observe proportions when deciding on the ideal size and shape of your wedding cake table. Use one that will not overwhelm but instead, highlight the strong elements of your wedding cake.
* You can use edible rose petals to decorate and accentuate your wedding cake as well as your table.
* Discuss how the cake will look with the bakery so you can create a wedding cake table to accentuates the cake rather than overwhelm it.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Save on Ceremony Decorations


Whether you're having your wedding ceremony at the church or in an outside garden, there are ways you can decorate without breaking the bank. Two ideas to help you achieve both goals are:

1. Forgo the altar arrangements. With the bride, groom, bridal party and the entire wedding party standing at the altar you do not necessarily need altar arrangements. With altar arrangements usually running a couple hundred dollars each, this is one way to cut back on your flower bill.

2. If you really feel your church aisle needs some help, you can always add ribbon bows to the pew or use chiffon fabric to run along the aisle on the inside of the pews. No matter how long your church aisle is it probably isn't going to add up to the $400 you'd spend on a couple of altar arrangements.

There are some exceptions to the rule, but generally churches and wedding ceremony locations are ornate enough on their own. Cutting back on your wedding ceremony decorations can help you save hundreds of dollars that you can use to pay for something else or keep in your pocket!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Create a Wedding Savings Account


Trying to figure out where to squeeze extra money out of your already tight finances to pay for your wedding can be tough. One easy way to save little by little is to setup a savings account and a direct deposit from your paycheck on every payday. The percentage you choose to save is up to you, but whatever the percentage, have it directly deposited from your checking account (where you deposit your check) into your wedding savings account automatically.

Let's say you save 10% from each paycheck. If you get paid $1,000 per week, this is $100. If you save for your wedding over a six-month period using this method, then you'll have saved $2,400 in no time. If both you and your groom do this, you'll save double the amount. Obviously, the more you can save the faster it will accumulate. If you have a full year or more to save for your wedding, your savings can add up to almost $10,000 using this calculation with both of you saving. This is quite a chunk of money to apply toward your wedding.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Signature Wedding Drink


One way to save on the bar bill at your wedding reception is to serve a signature drink to wedding guests instead. The signature drink can be made ahead of time and since you know exactly what ingredients are required to make the drinks, you can limit the bar tab of an open bar from ringing up.

The Frozen Slushy

Ingredients:

2 cups white sugar
7 cups water
4 tea bags
2 cups boiling water
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate (12 fl oz.)
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate (12 fl oz.)
2 cups vodka

Pour water into a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add sugar and stir until it's dissolved. Then set aside and let it cool. Place teabags in 2 cups of boiling water and allow it to soak to the desired strength. In a large bowl, mix sugar water mixture, tea, lemonade and orange juice concentrate. Stir in vodka. Place mixture in freezer overnight. When ready to scoop some of the mixture into a tall glass and pour any clear, carbonated beverage over it (Sprite, 7Up, Sierra Mist, Ginger Ale, etc.).

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

How to Effectively Put Your Gift Registry Together


When you're a bride or groom registering for wedding gifts, it's more than receiving gifts. It's more about receiving the gifts you need and want to get your new household up and running. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your wedding registry helps to cover all of your bases.

1. Include the groom, but monitor his use of the gun. Some grooms may shuffle their feet at the thought of spending hours wandering through a store picking out wedding gifts. This is until they get the scanning gun in hand and realize how fun it can be. Just make sure you monitor what he's scanning so you don't wind up with items you don't need or want.

2. Include a wide range of prices. In order to accommodate the budgets of all of your guests, be sure to include a range of prices on your registry. It's fine to choose a few expensive gifts because some individuals will buy the items while groups may pitch in to buy these higher ticket items as well.

3. Approach it from the need angle. Keep the items you already own in mind when you head out to register. You want to register for items that you need. Try not to double up on items. If you own a complete set of everyday dishes, then you may not need to register for another set. It's nice to get new things but register according to what you need.

Wedding registries can be fun to put together. It's also a great way for you and your groom to spend some quality time planning out how you're going to put your new household together. Approach your wedding registry with a plan and it'll be a very effective way to get the wedding gifts you need and want.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Are You a Do-it-yourself Bride?


If you are a crafty or do-it-yourself bride, then you have to check out the website Save on Crafts. There is an entire section devoted to weddings. Not only can pick up some great ideas to put every single aspect of your wedding together, but Save on Crafts also provides you with the resources to buy the supplies you need to DIY.

Friday, September 11, 2009

AARP.org Health Discovery: Long Marriage Linked to Good Health


Read the Full Article Now

Thursday, September 10, 2009

5 Ways to Make Your Wedding Eco-friendly

Getting married does not require you to throw caution to the wind and throw the environment under the proverbial bus. Instead there are measures that you can take to turn your wedding into an eco-friendly celebration.

1. Tighten up the guest list. Travel for weddings can really wreak havoc on the environment. It can also deplete your wedding budget. Keep you guest list tight by only including close friends and family members rather than everyone you know. Not only does it cut down on the amount of emissions it takes for guests to get to your wedding, but with less guests you'll have less food, need less space and less energy to heat, cool and light the venue.

2. Do it in the great outdoors. Another way you cut down on energy use such as heating, cooling and lighting is to throw your wedding ceremony and reception in the great outdoors. There are plenty of beautiful outdoor venues such as parks and gardens that make perfect natural backdrops for your wedding event.

3. Use natural light. Even if you have an indoor ceremony or reception, plan the time of your even to use the natural might of the sun. You can save a great deal of energy by using light from outside rather than turning on lights in the church and the reception venue.

4. Double up on the use of venues. Instead of booking one venue for your ceremony and another for your reception, combine the two venues into one. Many churches have reception space you can use and most hotels and wedding halls have plenty of space to hold the ceremony and reception in the same place.

5. Plan an organic menu. Turn to local farmers to gather the ingredients for your wedding meal. This helps to support local farmers but it also cuts down on transportation costs and emissions when your food is brought in from out of the state or even out of the country.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Wedding Bouquet Tips

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Kevin Jonas Wedding Details

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Can You Wear White to a Wedding if You're Not the Bride?


Somewhere along the line, it was marked down in the rule book of weddings that only the bride can wear white to the wedding. There seem to be similar "rules" about wearing black or red (unless it's a Chinese wedding). The best way to deal with the question is to ask the bride!

Some brides don't care what color your outfit is as long as you join the festivities. Some brides aren't even wearing white, so what do they care if you do. If you're a family member or friend of the groom or don't have direct contact with the bride, then have someone who knows her ask her for you.

If all else fails on getting an answer directly from the source, then don't wear white, black or red.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Expert Wedding Make-up Advice

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Latest in Wedding Trends: Hollywood Set Venues

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Get Married: The First Bridal Magazine to Use Microsoft Tag


Last week, the new national wedding magazine--Get Married magazine--announced it will be the first bridal magazine to offer the innovative Microsoft Tag technology. Microsoft Tag gives readers instant access to videos, websites, photos and information from a cell phone and directly from the pages of the magazine.

The Get Married magazine first issue is due out in October 2009.


Brides that wish to receive a free copy of the print magazine when it debuts can sign up at GetMarried.com.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Create Favor Trees


GetMarried.com recently featured an idea that I thought was worth sharing with all of you. It suggested using favor trees to display your favor bags and even to use as decorations for tables.

It's relatively easy to do. All you have to do is buy or make your own trees with branches and a pot. You can hang organza favor bags from the branches of the trees and place them on the gift table, cake table or use them as centerpieces on your guest tables.

If you'd rather not use organza or other favor gift bags, you can tie ribbons to your favors and use the ribbon to hang the favors on the trees.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

How to Avoid Common Wedding Mistakes

Watch the Video Now

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Managing Marital Finances

Watch the Video Now

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Godiva Does Wedding Favors


If you love chocolate, then you're going to love the new couture chocolate wedding favors by Godiva. They even have chocolates shaped like wedding cakes, hearts and starfish. How cute is that?

To check out the full line of wedding chocolate and truffle options, visit the wedding favor section.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Ever After Wedding Market


I love handmade and handcrafted items because usually each piece is very unique. As an only child I have a thing for having something that nobody else has (It must stem from not having to share when I was a kid.). Brides get the only child syndrome when they're planning their wedding and it carries over to the their wedding day. It seems only natural that they be queen for the day.

That's why I wanted to share a site that has a wedding section offering handmade goods. No, it's not Etsy either--although it has beautiful wedding stuff too. The Ever After area of 1000 Markets features all of the wedding items and products you can think of or want. The best part is that they are all handmade--and many are one-of-a-kind or can be customized.

My favorite find: a silk and mohair wrap that boosts your energy too (see above)! This Silk Wonderment with Halite by On Slender Threads serves a dual purpose and whoever wears it will look great too!

No matter what you're looking for to make your wedding day complete, take a stroll through Ever After on 1000 Markets before you run out to buy any manufactured goods. You may find the wedding item of your dreams that nobody but you can possess!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

How Potted Plants Can Fit in Your Reception


When I was a wedding planner, a few moons ago, I would walk into some of the reception rooms my brides were considering and I would see the tears well up in their eyes. Stains on walls and ceilings or ugly panels covering electric switches and other items simply don't lend themselves well to wedding decor. There was also the problem for small weddings where the size of the room was going to swallow up the amount of guests in the room.

An easy and very cost-effective solution to all of these issues is the wondrous potted tree. Potted trees and plants, especially the ones with small twinkling white lights are great backdrops, stain covers and space fillers for a wedding. It's also a relatively inexpensive decoration that you can rent from your florist or from tree and plant rental services. These services (and florists) deliver, setup and pick-up the trees as part of the fee.

It's also environmentally friendly to use potted trees. So if you're looking for something to cover an ugly spot, fill some space or add some ambiance to your reception room, rent a potted tree!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Options in Wedding Bands


Wedding bands are a very old symbol of the union between couples; they have been used for centuries and today are one of the most important, unique and creative pieces of jewelry anyone can own. This means that people planning a wedding can look forward to shopping for (or even designing their own) wedding bands.

While some people like to stick with traditional and “simple” designs such as plain bands of precious metals, just as many are choosing bands that coordinate with their engagement jewelry, or make some sort of statement of personal style.

Consider that many consumers are now opting for wedding bands with diamonds and precious stones. They are also looking to unusual metals like tungsten, titanium and even stainless steel. These unusual metals are usually selected for their scratch-free finishes, long-wearing durability and interesting and appealing appearance.

Wedding bands are usually identified by their location on the ring finger of the left hand, but today they can be as ornate, decorative or personalized as the couple desires. The most important thing to remember about shopping for, or designing, jewelry is to make certain that enough time is allowed for them to be ready on the day of the wedding.

Many people have weddings that require a great deal of advance planning, and quite often the proper amount of time for getting the right wedding bands is overlooked. It is important to note that choosing the right linens, flowers, food, music and everything else is very important, but a wedding band is the one thing from a wedding day that will be seen, worn and remembered forever. Making sure that enough time for browsing and shopping, customizing or designing, and receiving and fitting the bands is a scheduling priority will allow for the best choices and options to occur.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Win a Wedding Package in Antigua


Maybe it's because I won a prize in a contest myself recently, but I feel the urge to share another contest with you this week. Contests are a great way to win your way to the wedding of your dreams. The more contests you enter, the more chance you have of actually winning! Wedding vendors love to run contests and as a bride, you should love to enter them. I'm here to tell you that real people win, so here is one for you to enter today.

Win an Ultimate Caribbean Wedding Package in Antigua
To have and to hold memories forever...

Your wedding day and honeymoon mark the beginning of your new life together. Why not create a celebration that is everything you've always dreamed it would be? Enjoy your ceremony in our wedding gazebo while listening to the waves caress the shore, or feel the white powdery sand between your toes as you say "I do" on the beach. Our wedding coordinators will ensure every detail is arranged to perfection. Galley Bay Resort & Spa is an intimate Caribbean hideaway with a refined, unpretentious ambiance. The stunning beachfront location combines an all-inclusive value with an idyllic setting for a romantic getaway.

Prize package includes:
6 night accommodations for two at Galley Bay Resort; a wedding package which includes a wedding coordinator, registrar's cost and ceremony, site decorated with flowers, bouquet of flowers for the bride, boutonniere for the groom, wedding cake, champagne and all taxes and gratuities.


Enter to win

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Destination Weddings: Get Married on Us Sweepstakes



OK, Ladies, I love a good contest. Contests are a great way to win your way to the wedding of your dreams. The more contests you enter, the more chance you have of actually winning! Wedding vendors love to run contests and as a bride, you should love to enter them. I'm here to tell you that real people win, so here is one for you to enter today.

Bimini Bay Resort and Marina offers an authentic and private setting for all types of weddings, whether it is intimate or a grand affair. Nestled on the tip of North Bimini on miles of pristine beach, the destination is private, exclusive and convenient to get to, the ideal backdrop for couples looking for the perfect wedding spot. Beautiful suites and villas are exceptionally designed with romance in mind and plenty of amenities are available for family and friends including water sports, spa services and island adventures. The resort is easily accessible by a 25-minute plane jaunt or 1.5 hour boat ride from South Florida.

Be Married... On Us prize package includes:

* Wedding Ceremony and Officiant
* 4 Hours of Open Bar (beer and wine only)
* 5 unlimited butler passed hors d'oeuvres for the cocktail hour
* Sit Down Dinner
* Wedding Cake Compliments of Ana Paz
* Curtis Smith Destination Wedding Package
* Bimini Bay Resort Meet and Greet at the Airport for all Wedding Guests

(Max. of 20 people)


Enter now for your chance to win!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Perfect Favors for Destination Weddings

Engraved Heart Luggage Tag Favor

Having a destination wedding? Make sure your guests travel with class! Give them these sophisticated luggage tags complete with a beautifully engraved heart. These luggage tags not only serve as the perfect favor for your guests but they can double as place card holders. You may choose to insert each guest's name and table number in the window. Sleek and stylish, the luggage tags come with a black leather strap and arrive boxed with a pre-tied organza bow, ready for giving. Measure 1" x 3.5".

BULK PRICING:
$3.75 each for less than 24 favors
$3.35 each for 24 to 47 favors
$2.75 each for 48 to 95 favors
$2.50 each for 96 or more favors!

Please Note: Bulk-pricing discounts are reflected at checkout.



Engraved Heart Luggage Tag Favor

Saturday, July 4, 2009

101 Ways to Save Thousands of Dollars on Your Wedding without Giving Up What You Want


You want the wedding of your dreams--all brides do! Tough times mean you have to scale back a little on your wedding expenses. This doesn't mean you should have to give up your dreams though.

You can throw the wedding you want and save while doing it!

As a former wedding planner, this guide reveals 101 of my insider secrets. You'll learn how you can save on every aspect of your wedding from beginning to end. It even provides you with the resources you can turn to save, save, save.

101 Ways to Save includes money saving tips for:

*Invitations
*Wedding attire
*Venues
*Flowers
*Food & Beverages
*Centerpieces
*Decorations
*Favors
*Wedding Cakes
*Photographers & Videographers
*The honeymoon
*And more!

Don't give up the wedding of your dreams. Learn the ways you can get what want without blowing your budget.

What would it mean for your wedding budget if you could shave thousands of dollars off your budget? It may mean the difference between having a wedding and having the wedding you've always wanted. You can scour the Internet for hours and you won't find these money saving tips all in one place anywhere else--especially not at this low and affordable cost.

These 101 secrets can be yours for only $10.95.

Order your copy now

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Beating the Heat at Your Summer Wedding


Since we are in the midst of the summer wedding season and already starting to sweat, if you have a summer wedding planned later in the summer, it may be even hotter. The last thing you want is for your guests to pass out from the heat. So if you've planned a summer wedding bash, here are a couple of unique ways to cool your guests down even when the party is getting hot.

5 ways to keep your guests cool at a summer wedding

1. Hand held fans. Consider placing a hand held fan on each of your guests' seats. You can make your own personalized fans with a craft stick and card stock or buy in bulk from online stores such as Memories of a Lifetime, where you can buy a dozen folding fans for as little as $2.79.

2. Mister machines. It's a little bit of a more expensive route than folding fans, but you can also rent mister machines to keep your wedding guests cool and refreshed. The venue where you're holding your wedding may have them available or you can call a local party rental company to rent some misters for the day.

3. Serve signature lemonades. Have waiters standing at the beginning of the outdoor wedding aisle to hand out a signature lemonade drink to each of your guests. As the guests sip on the lemonade, it helps to keep them hydrated and refreshed--offering less of a chance to pass out.

4. Personalized water bottles. There are a multitude of personalized water bottles you can choose from to serve at your outdoor wedding. This is a great way to keep your guests hydrated with your own personal flair.

5. Pick a pre- or post-hot time. Another option is to schedule your wedding for a time before the day heats up or after the heat is over for the day. Sunrise, early morning and sunset weddings are optimal times for outdoor weddings to begin so as to avoid the problems that heat can bring.

The summer season can be a great time to host your wedding. It can also be a disastrous time if you don't pay attention to the details. The heat can wreak havoc on your special day, so if you're planning a summer outdoor wedding, be sure you plan a way to keep your guests cool even as the party and the fun heats up.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Cutting Back Does Not Mean Giving Up a Honeymoon of Your Dreams


Many newlyweds are choosing to travel closer to home for their honeymoon. Some are choosing more domestic locales to leave less of a carbon footprint on the environment, while others are trying to make less of a dent in their bank accounts. After all of the tough times that planning a wedding brings, a nice and relaxing honeymoon, where you can spend time with your new spouse is in order.

From the east coast to the west, here are the top 5 U.S. honeymoon destinations for you to check out:

1. Get cozy in Alaska. Beautiful scenery and natural wonders you can't find anywhere else in the U.S. can be found in Alaska. There are numerous cabins and bed and breakfasts close to cities such as Juneau or more remote locations to choose from.

2. Hit the wine country in California. Napa Valley holds some of the most beautiful vineyards in the country. Nothing emanates romance like a stroll through the vineyards or a stay in a gorgeous room with a vineyard view while sipping some of the tastiest wine in the country.

3. Island life in the Florida Keys. From Islamorada all the way south to Key West, the Florida Keys offer the true tropical lifestyle. Enjoy scrumptious conch chowder or charter a sailboat to hit the ocean. Whatever your pleasure, you can find fun in the sun in the tropical Florida Keys.

4. Find a quaint way of life in Nantucket. Go whaling, enjoy the beautiful beaches or stroll the quaint streets of Nantucket. It's beautiful, small and romantic rolled up in one great place.

5. Walk it off in Charleston. Charleston is entrenched in history and charm. The best part is you can walk almost everywhere you go which makes it a romantic, educational and healthy honeymoon all rolled in one great city.

Do a little research and you'll find a ton of hidden jewels where you can honeymoon. Many in your own backyard. There are great U.S. honeymoon destinations where you can have a great time without emptying your bank account.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

In a Same Sex Wedding, Which Side do the Guests Sit On?


In a traditional wedding between a bride and a groom, wedding guests of the bride typically sit on the left side of the aisle and guests of the groom on the right. In our changing modern world, what happens when you have a commitment ceremony where there is a same sex couple tying the knot?

There are a couple of different options for gay wedding hosts. First, you can assign your guests to sit on one side of the aisle or another. For example, place a sign on one side side that says, "John's Guests," and another sign on the other side that says, "Beau's Guests." You can also put this information in the wedding program to let guests know where to sit.

More often than not, guests can choose which side to sit on. There is no right or wrong side so guests simply file into the seats that they choose. Most guests will try to keep a balance so that one side of the aisle isn't full while the other side is empty.

These same "rules" apply to different sex weddings. Tradition says where guests should be seated, but there are no hard and fast rules that say this is how you have to do things. Let your guests know that there is open seating at the ceremony and they can sit wherever they want.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Wedding Day


If you're a regular reader then you read my post telling the creators and watchers of Hitched or Ditched to get a grip. Another new wedding reality show, Wedding Day, is making its debut tonight at 8 pm EST on TNT.

Each episode throws a wedding of the couple's dream because they have overcome some huge obstacle in life. Tonight's episode features a couple where the woman was in a horrific car accident but she persevered and takes her walk down the aisle tonight.

It seems like this show may be bittersweet because they have to overcome heartache and pain in order to get the wedding of their dreams. Get out the tissues ladies and gentleman and tune in to TNT at 8 pm EST tonight to see how it goes. Come back tomorrow and tell us what you think.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Summer Brings a Whole New Menu of Wedding Food Options


Summer is a season that almost everyone on the planet enjoys. It probably explains why June brides are more common than November ones. Since summer has just begun we have a whole season in front of us to enjoy the wedding season and the opportunity to celebrate all of the delicious food summer brings.

Whether you're throwing a formal summer wedding, a backyard celebration or a sizzling beach wedding, there are foods a plenty that you can add to your wedding menu.

Food Options for Your Summer Wedding

* Fresh fruits such as watermelon and berries
* Fresh vegetables such as corn (on or off the cob)
* Refresh your guests and cleanse their palette in between courses with sorbets
* Fresh seafood including lobster and oysters
* BBQ
* Traditional picnic foods

Celebrate the summer season by serving summer foods your guests will love as part of your wedding menu. No matter how fancy or casual your wedding is there are summer foods that fit right into your plan. Besides, it's delicious!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Cupcake Makes a Comeback...But it's Not Just Any Cupcake


Maybe you remember baking them with your mom or grandma when you were a kid. Maybe you have a fond memory of biting into its sweet frosting and crumbly cake bottom. Whatever your memory or experience with them, chances are you've bitten into a cupcake once or twice in your life.

This sweet treat is making a new debut and it has nothing to do with childhood memories in the kitchen.

Couture cupcakes are making their way into the hearts of brides all around the country--pushing wedding cakes to the side. Don't be fooled into thinking that these mini treats are any less beautifully decorated than fondant cakes or butter cream creations. In this deduction you'd be sadly mistaken. Ornately decorated and in flavors to tempt any sweet tooth, these delicious creations are scene setters for almost any wedding celebration--and at a much more affordable price in some cases than a wedding cake.

Case in point is Cupcakes Nouveau located in Coral Gables, Florida. Owned and operated by two women entrepreneurs, their cupcake creations range from downright adorable (and tasty) to tres chic (and delicious). And at pricing ranging from $1-$2.50 for each piece of art it brings affordability to the wedding dessert table without breaking the bank or the sacrifice of elegance or beauty.

Instead of getting your cake on at your wedding, consider getting your cupcake on. It's an adorable way to add a sweet dash to your sweetest day ever!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Hitched or Ditched: Ladies & Gentleman, It's Time to Get a Grip


If you aren't familiar with the CW's latest show, Hitched or Ditched, it features couples who are in long-term relationships but haven't taken the step into the marital bliss zone. Someone who knows the couple recommends them for the show and then the couple reveals their relationship to the world, including why they have yet to take the plunge.

By the end of the episode, the couple reveals whether they are going to tie the knot or bring their relationship to an end.

Hmmmm.....interesting or devastating approach to getting hitched?

With divorce rates already at an all time high, why would you want to increase your chances for divorce by pressuring or giving your significant other an ultimatum? I have never understood the marriage ultimatum. Why would you want someone to marry you because you said marry me or it's over? Don't you want someone to marry you because they love you and they WANT to marry you? And if you are going to take the ultimatum route, why would you want to do it on national television where you can share your pain and embarrassment with all to see?

Hitched or Ditched. I say get a grip! The same applies to those giving the ultimatum to their significant other. Think long and hard before you say marry me or else. If you pressure someone into marrying you, will you wonder if it's the only reason they married you? Is that really going to provide you with a happy and healthy marriage?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Wedding Statistics & Top 10 Wedding Favors

One in every 64 Americans will tie the knot this year.

The average wedding costs $22,000

The U.S wedding industry is a $72 billion dollar a year business

46,000 weddings will take each weekend across America

The #1 ranked wedding favor site on the Internet, according to Google and Yahoo is My Wedding Favors. You'll find high quality and unique wedding favors that portray your personality (or that of your groom).

Here are my top 10 favorites (and some of the best sellers):

1. Palm Tree Favor Box with Multi-dimensional Detail (Set of 24)
Palm Tree Favor Box with multidimensional detail (set of 24)

2.
Hugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs. Personalized and Scented Soaps

3.
A Slice of Love Pizza Cutter

4. Personalized Shot Glass
Personalized Shot Glass

5. Sea Breezes Beach Glass Photo Coasters
Sea Breeze Beach Glass Photo Coasters

6. Personalized Custom Design Wedding Cake Cookies
Personalized Custom Design Wedding Cake Cookies

7.
"LOVE GROWS" Plantable Wildflower Favors-Heart (Set of 12)

8.
"Seasoned with Love" Heart-shaped Salt and Pepper Shakers"

9.
"Love Beyond Measure" Spoons in Personality Box (25 styles/colors available) (Set of 4)

10.
"Love Beyond Measure" Measuring Tape Keychain in Sheer Organza Bag