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Category: Weddings

  • To Do Checklist

    Week of the Wedding “To Do” Checklist

    With only a few days left before the wedding reception, it’s  totally understandable that a few things on your growing Week of the Wedding “To Do” Checklist might slip your mind.  You should use the whole bridal entourage (including the future spouse) for help on the to do list. Keep track of your master checklist, but delegate tasks as needed. You will need all the support you can get. It’s best to get all of your to do’s in order sooner than later, so you can kick up your feet up and enjoy every second of your wedding reception. Below is a checklist to help with wedding week to do’s.

    Wedding Dress, Shoe and Jewelry “To Do’s”

    Try on your full wedding dress, including shoes and jewelry. Practice walking down the aisle and make sure everything looks and feels comfortable. Try going to the bathroom in your dress as well so there are no surprises.

    Go to your jeweler to get your engagement ring professionally clean so it’s extra sparkly on your wedding day especially for pictures.

    Break in your wedding shoes. Wear them for a short period of time each day around the house and walk around on a few different surfaces.

    Things to get ready for your Wedding vendors.

    Shoot all your vendors an email or give them a quick call on the Monday before the event. Be sure to confirm arrival times. This includes your hair and makeup team!

    Send off your pictures to take list to your photographer and designate a responsible family member or member of the wedding party to regularly check in with the photographer on the wedding day to ensure they are all your key pictures are being taken.

    Get any checks or final payments ready for vendors. Check your contracts for payment deadlines.

     

    Other Week of the Wedding “To Do” Checklist Items

    Be sure to give your email a last minute read through and answer any emails that are filled with pressing wedding questions a few days before you get to your wedding day.

    Reach out to the last-minute stragglers who haven’t RSVP’d yet to see whether or not they’re coming to your wedding. It’s better to know the final count sooner than later for seating arrangements, final venue bill, or for those guests who might show up and have nowhere to sit.

    Sit down with your spouse-to-be and finalize the seating arrangements. Be sure to send a copy to those who need it, like the wedding planner, photographer and designated bridesmaid.

    Make sure your marriage license is in order and assign someone to keep track of it on your wedding day to ensure it’s signed correctly and doesn’t get lost in the mix.

    Take care of any work to do assignments so that you don’t have a Week of the Wedding “To Do” Checklist work tasks floating around in your head. Work should be the last thing you want to think about heading into your wedding weekend.

     

  • Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Parents

    Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Parents

    Parents usually play a major part in the lives of brides & grooms. They’ve been with you through all the major milestones in your life. From high school & college graduations, birthdays, major life events, etc. It only feels right to thank them for helping couples get to this major milestone: their wedding day. Take this opportunity to remind them that they, no matter what, they will always be important to part of your life. Here are some suggestions for Thoughtful Ways to Thank Your Parents from BridalGuide.com.

    Special Message

    • On your wedding day you’ll be showered with gifts and special gestures all day.  Take this opportunity to give back to those closest to you. An embroidered handkerchief with a special message is a touching and useful gift. A special piece of jewelry, such as an engraved necklace, watch, or cufflinks is touching as well.

    Meaningful Token

    • Incorporate part of your mother’s gown, veil, or jewelry into your bouquet handle or gown. Attach or wear a meaningful token such as miniature-sized version of their wedding photo.

    Mini Display

    • If you don’t like the idea of cutting up your mother’s wedding gown, then you can put it on display. Create a mini display by showcasing your mother’s gown, grandmother’s gown, or any other special ladies’ dresses. This is a great way to decorate the walk up to the ceremony area.

    Great Picture

    • Parents love a great picture with their child your wedding is a great opportunity. When compiling your picture list for your photographer, ask them to take pictures with them to pay respect to Mom and Dad. Some ideas are a picture of you holding your parents’ wedding photos. Another would be a “first look” with Dad and a “last hug” with Mom before you tie the knot.

    Special Song

    • If you don’t have a song that’s special to the two of you, pay tribute to your parents by using their wedding song for your first dance. If you prefer to use another song, you could always play their wedding song later in the evening and dedicate it to them. Either way, it will be such a special tribute to them.

    Something Borrowed

    • If you’re having trouble selecting a cake topper, re-use the one from your parents’ wedding. It’s a great way to add a little something borrowed to your dessert tables. 

     

    All of the above are touching and thoughtful ways to thank your parents that they’ll most probably love.  But don’t forget that a simple handwritten thank-you note goes a long way and will always hold a special place in their hearts. 

  • Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    We found Some Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips from our friends at Brides.com that seemed very helpful. These tips will take the stress out of your ceremony, take a look.

    Taking A Break

    • Taking a pre-reception break between the wedding ceremony and reception is a good idea so you can take your formal pictures and still mingle I your cocktail hour. But keep in mind your guests may be sitting around twiddling their thumbs if a “short” break means hours. Try to keep the break to under an hour & possibly invite guests to a hospitality suite either at the hotel or the venue, where they can grab a light refreshment. If everything is happening at the same location, considering extending cocktail hour so that guests can mix and mingle while you take a breather. With a little longer event, you’ll get to enjoy it too.

    Avoiding Drama

    • Couples are avoiding drama by having a small wedding party. Even though it’s a great way to honor your friends and family, it’s not the only way. The wedding party has morphed into the VIPs of the day who are also helping the to-be-weds. But that brings a lot of drama, commitment, & expenses to those you ask and sometimes it’s easier not to pick and choose among your best buds. Just keep in mind that you will need two witnesses for your marriage license, usually the maid of honor & best man—so be sure to give two guests a heads up that they have an important job to do after the ceremony recessional.

    Include Your Pets

    • Many couples are choosing to include their dog or pets in the wedding ceremony.  Besides dogs, couples have included cats, llamas, and even turtles to help their owners say “I do”. But, you should check a few items before doing so. If the ceremony takes place in a religious institution, consult the officiant to make sure it’s ok to have a pup/pet present. You need to be honest with yourself about how your dog/pet will react to large crowds. Will your pet sit quietly during the ceremony or start barking, run off to find the appetizers or possibly have an accident on your train. If you think they will react reasonably include them and designate a dog/pet attendant to escort them down the aisle and hold the leash during the ceremony. Keep a treat on hand to keep them calm.

    Wedding Ceremony Etiquette Tips

    • As we suggest some wedding ceremony etiquette tips here is another idea. Many brides have best/close friends that are guys and/or gay and are including them in their bridal party. You can include them as a man of honor or a “bridesman” and have him participate in all the same activities as the ladies. The same goes for grooms who want to include their close lady friends as “best woman” or “groomslady.” Definitely include them and have a good time with it.

    Not So Traditional

    • Some brides don’t ever normally wear dresses and sort of feel pressured to wear a gown on their wedding day. In this day and age, brides are following the not so traditional current trends so they can let go of the expectation of having to wear the traditional wedding dress. Designers are taking into consideration that it’s not just all about strapless lace ball gowns and are designing elegant pantsuits and jumpsuits for sale at local bridal salons and online. Brides are even custom designing their own bride in pants wedding dress. Search and you’ll find the perfect pair of wedding gown dress pants.

    Personalize Songs

    • Brides are shying away from walking down the aisle to a classical song such as Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D’. They are picking their favorite pop songs instead. Outside of religious institutions who have a list of specific, approved songs you must choose from, it’s fair game. Whether it be your favorite song or artist, brides are choosing to personalize songs for their wedding processional & recessional songs. The only etiquette requirement is to make sure the lyrics are appropriate for all ages. You may want to consider the instrumental versions which avoids any questionable words or have a string quartet play arrangements of popular music.
  • Some Unexpectedly Costly Wedding expenses, budget accordingly

    Some Costly Wedding expenses, budget accordingly

    Some Unexpectedly Costly Wedding expenses, budget accordingly

    As you plan your wedding you’ll quickly find that weddings are costly. There may be some wedding expenses that you would never expect to have such a big price tag. Below are a few wedding expenses that might surprise you on how much they will actually cost.

    Custom wedding invitations can cost a pretty penny.

    Invitations are the first impression your guests will have regarding your wedding. Things such as handmade elements or special details such as quality paper, thicker stock, letter-pressing, calligraphy, gold foil, or heavy customization. All of these can increase the price.

    The wedding cake cost can be totally unexpected.

    High-quality bakers justify charging anywhere from $10 to $20 per slice. That’s because they’re using better ingredients and creating a delicious work of art to wow your guests to your personal preference and wedding theme. The ingredient list for the cake can be costly depending on your palette. It takes much time into creating handmade sugar flowers & other decor. In addition to the actual cake part, the per-slice price covers artistic design and the structural elements. That requires skill to keep it looking beautiful & tasting delicious until it’s going to be served. Careful transportation means & delivery add to the cost too.

    A high end wedding band or DJ that offer a multitude of different options & enhancements can be costly as well.

    Wedding entertainers do more than just play music & make a couple of announcements. They create the overall vibe for your reception to your personal preferences. Entertainment has a direct impact on the success of your wedding. Cost factors for professional entertainers include proper insurance coverage for liability & property damage. Also transportation cost of gear to venue, proper attire, high end sound equipment, lighting effects, professional techs/roadies, etc. All of this is to make sure a band/DJ is worth the price they charge. See them in action! Check them out at a bridal showcase prior to booking them to make sure you have a connection with the entertainer(s). Ensure they will play the music you love as well as take care of any formalities you want & don’t want in a professional manor.

    Booking a full service Wedding Planner can easily add to your wedding expenses.

    But keep in mind number of hours a first-rate planner will give you. In essence that will save you over the course of the year leading up to the wedding. This may include possibly up to 16 hours on your wedding day. You’re paying to benefit from their experience, industry knowledge, and vendor relationships as well. Remember that the rate is also covering their assistants/staffing as well to help coordinate the multitude of events happening throughout the day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a planner can bring to the table for busy and career driven couples.

    Custom preferred details such as chair covers, linens, dishes, custom chairs/tables, and lighting decor add up quickly.

    If you are having your reception at a remote venue, add the cost of servers, delivery, setup, and cleanup besides the costs listed above. Plus, consider the cost of hiring skilled labor. There is a difference between someone just delivering items and someone setting up properly, running electrical wiring, programming, following a floor plan, etc. Someone putting something down versus someone styling & properly setting up are totally 2 different options.
  • writing your wedding vows

    Writing Your Special Wedding Vows

    Tips on Writing Your Special Wedding Vows

    Exchanging vows during your wedding ceremony is one of the most intimate and nerve racking moments of your life. Standing in front of the person you love & making that life long commitment in front of all your guests can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on writing your special wedding vows we found at brides.com It’s a moment of laughs, tears, and a request for tissues so that your mascara won’t run and stain your veil.
    -You don’t have to make your vows perfect, just speak to your spouse. Right from the heart in your own words as if it’s just the both of you.
    -Don’t make your vows all mushy. You can add some humor about the both of you to get your guests laughing.
    -Keep your vows under 2-3 minutes. That’s just enough time to keep your guests’ attention. It’s also long enough time to say and express your feelings without rambling or being repetitious.
    -Don’t wait till last minute to write your vows. Give yourself time to brainstorm on what you’d like to say. If you wait for the night before your wedding you may be overwhelmed. When you are a bundle of nerves you won’t seem to string together a sentence.
    -Skip clichés, instead use specific details of your relationship with your spouse. Make it very personalized and geared towards sharing your passion, commitment, and connection. Writing your special wedding vows makes the ceremony all about your relationship. Isn’t that what all of this is about?
  • Unity Ceremony

    Unique and Special Unity Ceremony Ideas

    Looking for ways to make your Ceremony your own? Unique and Special Unity Ceremony Ideas represent the ritual of two becoming one. There are traditional ways to add these ceremonies. These touches will make your special moment even more heartfelt. Here are some common and not so common ideas from BRIDES.com.

    -Lighting a Unity Candle

    Unity Candle

    This usually involves the couple lighting one large candle from two smaller family candles. Usually lit by each of their moms, this represents the coming together of two families.

    -Pouring of Sand

    Sand Poring

    The couple takes turns pouring colored sand from smaller vases into another larger vase. When this is done they blend their sand together to make a pretty colorful display. This is a great unity-ceremony ideas for blended families. The couples children can also add sand to the family vase to show the coming together of 2 families.

    -Handfasting Ceremony

    -In Handfasting the bride’s and groom’s right hands are bound together during a portion of the wedding ceremony. Thus symbolizing their commitment to each other.

    -A Lasso Ceremony

    This ceremony usually takes place after the vows have been said. The officiant or designated person or persons drape a floral garland or rosary around the couple, twisting it into an infinity symbol. At the end of the ceremony the lasso is removed and the couple saves it as a symbol of their love and unity.

    -Releasing a Wish Lantern

    Wish Lantern

    This ceremony is very moving. The couple releases a paper lantern into the air, allowing their love to pass into the universe as one.

    -An Anniversary Capsule

    Before the ceremony, gather up important mementos from your relationship: ticket stubs, hotel room keys, cards, etc. Some couples also write a love letter to each other. This ceremony is a reminder of the durability of the love and the lifetime commitment of marriage. During the ceremony, all these items of love are sealed in a box, and then you can open it on your 5-, 10-, or 20-year anniversary.

    -Circling Ceremony

    -In a Circling Ceremony, a Jewish wedding tradition, each partner takes turns circling around the other. This is typically seven times each. This symbolizes the creation of a new family and the circle of protection and love each is placing around the other.

    Adding one of these Unique and Special Unity Ceremony Ideas will make your ceremony more personal. With that not only do you create a memorable moment for your yourselves but a special moment you guests will take with them.

  • Trendy Lounge & Decor

    TRENDY LOUNGE DECOR IDEAS

    Ready for some trendy lounge decor ideas for your reception!  Your guests will be in AWE as they enter your ballroom! Our friends at Aviance Lounge Decor have some great tips on room transformations that will say WOW!

    Unique Seating Ideas

    -Incorporate different colored & styles of lounge couches & seating. This will create a more casual/clubby feel around the dance floor area

    -Custom chairs for the bride & groom can range from a regal look with king & queen high back regal chairs to a tufted love seat sofa.

    -Up lit custom high tables around the dance floor will give your guests a place to gather, socialize, & place their drinks. They will also serve well to keep them in proximity to the dance floor area allowing for a higher energy dance floor.

    -Adding black acrylic top tables with mirror bases can add a trendy sexy look to any ballroom. Add different size table top sizes to accommodate different groups of guests. Add black or silver custom chairs to compliment this look.

    -Incorporate communal tables with black or white acrylic tops and led bases with ghost bar stools to give a trendy casual vibe in the ballroom. This also allows seating for large groups of related guests.

    Backdrops that POP

    -Up lit custom built hedge walls can serve as a backdrop for the couple.  Another use would be a backdrop prop for photo opportunities throughout the ballroom. You can also use these as dividers to section off or trim the ballroom size.

    Awesome Draping and Accents

    -Decorate your reception hall with drapery or sheer curtains to your color theme with the option of uplighting them for a warm glow & ambiance around your ballroom.

    -Fairy lighting draping to different colors ca serve as a backdrop for the bride & groom. Connect sections of these beautiful fairy light drapes around the ballroom to give your ballroom a whimsical atmosphere.

    -Add Black, White, Starlit, or LED dance floors to accent any ballroom. Or try incorporating seamlessly vinyl wrapped dance floor with a centered monogram for a more sophisticated look.

    These trendy lounge decor ideas have been proven to give the WOW factor many couples have been looking to add to their receptions. With so many options and ideas, you are bound to come up with something that will be perfect for you. Have questions on what will be best for you click here.

  • Wedding Table Center Piece

    Wedding Table Centerpiece Ideas to help fit your personal style.

    Decorating your reception tables with the right centerpiece can be a time-consuming process.  From floral arrangements to LED lit vases, there is a multitude of different options and choices that can become overwhelming. Our friends at Brides.com found some different Wedding Table Centerpiece Ideas that are worth checking out.

    Traditional floral

    • These have been the most popular over the years. Keep your venues size and decor in mind as you select your floral centerpieces.  Smaller centerpieces are more for intimate wedding setting that is conducive to guest having conversations across the table.  Tall arrangements work well in larger venues with high ceilings. Keep in mind what flowers are popular during certain seasons as well as your wedding theme. You can’t go from a rustic theme in a barn type setting for your reception to a palatial type setting with big centerpieces placed atop tall decorative stands or tall lit glass vases. If you’re trying to stay within a budget, keep in mind the larger the floral centerpiece the higher the cost.

    Candles

    • Candles will add a romantic glow to any ballroom. It is a great way to give your ballroom a sophisticated look while not breaking the budget.  Candles come in many different sizes, shapes, and colors to accommodate different themes. They can be put on candelabras for an old world statement, votives among a floral arrangement, or tall clear hurricane vases is for a bold sleek statement. Just keep in mind that some older or historic venues may have restrictions on candles.

    Greenery

    • Garlands and loose leaves are different and simple ways to decorate your tables.  Greenery really works well on long tables and give us a lush look without breaking the bank.

    Chandeliers

    • Be it a crystal chandeliers, floral chandeliers, lanterns, etc. this is a unique centerpiece decor. As a result hanging chandeliers are a great way to make a statement. A crystal chandelier works well in venues with castle, mansion, or château in the name.  Lanterns work well in a tented venue or rustic setting venue.  Floral chandeliers in the shape of chandeliers but using flowers,  can be rigged with a thin wire over tables and dance floor giving the illusion of floating in air.

    Books

    • A small stack of the bride & grooms favorite hardcover books with a simple vase with some flowers or candles on top is an intimate way to share with your guests some of your personal tastes.

    Lights

    • LED light bars & neon lights in custom shapes are a contemporary & cool centerpiece idea to bring some color & energy to your ballroom.  Name your tables in neon lights to classic movies or sports team name & color.  Have LED light bars set to different colors at different parts of the night and even change colors and chase around the tables during dance sets.  LED light bars and neon lights can be used to compliment more traditional centerpieces.

    Using these Wedding Table Centerpiece Ideas will give your reception those unique touches to help fit your wedding theme and personal style.

  • brides maids

    What your bridesmaids should & should not pay for?

    Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility and could be very costly proposition. Weddings in this day and age involve so much more than just the reception. There are several events and expenses for your bridal party to incur leading up to the big day. Are you thinking what your bridesmaids should & should not pay for? Below is a guide we found on Brides.com for who pays for what on events leading up to the big day as well as expenses for the big day.

    Bridesmaid Dress

    ⁃  This is usually covered by the bridesmaid. If the bride requests a general type shoe or accessory to go along with the dress, it is paid for by the bridesmaid as well. If the bride wants the bridesmaids to wear specific shoes and accessories to go along with the dress, then the bride should pay for them.

    The Bridal Shower

    ⁃ If the bridesmaids are hosting the bridal shower then they should all share in the expense of paying for it. If a family member, like a grandmother or aunt, offer to host a party then they will pay for it but the bridesmaids should also contribute to help cover the cost. Bridesmaids should also help with setup, breakdown, or any necessary cooking. Bridesmaids are expected to bring gifts to the bridal shower as well, either individually or as a group.

    The Bachelorette Party

    ⁃ For a single night event, the bridesmaids are all expected to split any expenses incurred for food, drink, entertainment, and transportation for the bride. This would include champagne and sage for the bride as well. If going away for a weekend everyone, including the bride, should pay for their travel and accommodations. The bridal party should split the expense of any favors, T-shirts, games, or other gifts for the attendees and treat the bride. The weekend activities should be split by all including the bride except for the “big night out” or highlight night of the weekend where the bride will be treated as above.

    Hair and Make Up

    ⁃ If the bride requires everyone to have it done by the same salon or same artists, then she should pay for it including the tip. If hair and make up is at the discretion of the bridesmaid to do it themselves or use their own artists, then it’s at their own expense.

    Travel and Hotel Accommodations

    ⁃ The bridesmaids are expected to cover their own costs to the reception for a destination wedding. Brides will usually book a block of rooms at a cheaper rate for accommodations. This makes it more cost effective for the bridesmaids. Brides will also research and shop for travel options to help find less expensive options for the bridesmaids.

    ⁃ With all of what your bridesmaids should & should not pay for they are expected to give a wedding gift on the wedding day.

  • Word, writing, text Guest List. Business concept for Planning Wedding Or Event Important Guests Lists written on notebook book paper on the wooden background Today

    Trimming your Wedding Guest List with Minimal Drama

    Couples are usually trying their best to stay on budget when planning their wedding. One way is to limit the guest list. But how can you do it? We found these helpful tips at Brides.com.

    Trimming your Wedding Guest List with Minimal Drama

    ⁃ Your wedding is a celebration of close family and friends. Try to avoid inviting family or friends missing in action or you haven’t spoke to in years, who are really not part of your life anymore. Shy away from sending reciprocating invites to people that invited you to their weddings years ago. Unless you are still good friends with them this would be a good way to trimming your wedding guest list with minimal drama. Draw the line or give limitations on friends invited by your parents and in-laws, especially if you’ve never met them before.

    ⁃ Work friends could inflate your wedding guest list by a couple of tables. If they are coworkers who you just have an occasional casual lunch with or share workspace with, you can just have a happy hour celebration. Have something with them after work one day instead of inviting them to the reception.

    ⁃ An unruly guest can put a damper or ruin the reception of your dreams. Avoid inviting people with a track record of being unruly at previous weddings or is always getting kicked out of clubs or bars. You’ve spent so much time planning and investing funds into this day, don’t take that chance.

    ⁃ Another way to trimming your wedding guest list with minimal drama. is make it an adult only wedding. Most couples would welcome a night out away from the kids and routine for a little bit where they just kick up and enjoy.

    ⁃ Avoid giving your plus ones to guests who are not in a relationship. Especially if the plus one is going to be someone you’ve never met before. This avoids the awkwardness of meeting someone for the first time at your wedding reception.