BridesClub.com Wedding Blog

Wedding Colors That Will Make Your Friends Jealous

Picking wedding colors is the #1 question we get at Brides Club each day. Because there are so many factors involved with choosing your colors it's hard to answer what would work best for you. So we decided to give you a ton of colors ideas and then share with you a secret place to create your own wedding color choices.

The colors come as a 5 color choice, some of which are not our first choice, but you can get an idea of how to match all your colors or just choose a few.

You can also create your own colors at http://kuler.adobe.com

Tags: wedding colors wedding planning wedding show

Color Scheme Dilemma

Here at BridesClub.com we get emails from brides all the time asking questions about wedding planning. I've noticed a common theme in that most questions from brides have to do with the color scheme for their wedding. This major wedding decision seems to cause a lot of stress and frustration for brides.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing a color scheme for your big day:

• Season? What time of year are you getting married? Depending on when you are getting married it may help determine what colors you use. What flowers will be available that time of year?
• Time of day. Is it an evening wedding or mid-day? Dark and dramatic color palettes are usually used in evening weddings vs. lighter pastel colors for daytime weddings.
• What color's are appealing to you? Not just your favorite colors, but what color combos grab your attention.

We suggest making a mock up inspiration board for your wedding of colors that you are considering. If you are a visual person like me, this will help you pull the look of your wedding together. You will be able to picture the look and feel of your wedding, and then determine if it was the look you were going for.

Here are some examples we found over at Snippet & Ink. They have a lot of fabulous color ideas to look at for a little inspiration.

IDEA 1

IDEA 2

IDEA 3

Tags: hawaii wedding las vegas wedding seattle wedding

Will Unforeseen Events Ruin Your Wedding?

This morning a bride and groom in Las Vegas were evacuated as a result of a hotel fire. The good news: no one was injured as a result but because of safety all their plans were changed. Will unforeseen events ruin your wedding or will you persevere?

Guests, including a bride in wedding dress, were relocated to nearby hotels.

Source: BBC News

More information is available at Yahoo! News.

There are so many things that can go wrong but if you're prepared to be flexible it doesn't have to be a disaster.

Bebe Spa and Bure ni Loloma Wedding Chapel at Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji

Outrigger Hotels have always done a great job with their properties, but this image from Fiji is just overwhelmingly beautiful. Who wouldn't want to get married here?

This 5-star resort, by Outrigger, opened on May 5th, with a wedding chapel surrounded by unmatched beauty. The Bebe Spa and Bure ni Loloma Wedding Chapel will have you relaxed, pampered, and ready to be married and honeymoon in Pacific Islands.

Tags: wedding, honeymoon, fiji honeymoon suite, destination wedding in fiji, day spa, hawaii destination weddings, tropical honeymoon

Related:

• May Bridal Expos
• Honeymoon Seminar
• Less Stress: Destination Wedding
• Honeymoon Travel Checklist
• Destinations around the world & experience too!
• Honeymoon in Romantic Italy
• February 7 Sandals Night & February 15 Tahiti Night
• Cabo San Lucas All Inclusive Honeymoon at the Riu Palace
• Weddings and Special Anniversaries
• Tahiti and South Pacific Honeymoons
• Italy Day 1
• Tropical destinations for your honeymoon

Wedding Planning Tools

I just found this tool (disclaimer: I know the person who runs the website) that can be used to manage your wedding professionals for your wedding and then converted to be used for its intended purpose after the wedding. Plus it's got a free version or you can upgrade this week for just $99 for a lifetime.

This service is great for keeping in touch with any group of people because it helps you manage how you know all the people in your network. Your account can be converted later to be used for your own personal contacts, job hunting, networking, and more.

Jibber Jobber was built to be:

• a contact management system for job seekers
• a relationship manager for hired employees
• used by anyone who needs to keep in touch with a group of people for networking purposes

If you're looking for a new job before/after the wedding or you're trying to find a way to keep in touch with people until school is finished this is a great way to manage your relationships with people in a web-based system that can be accessed from anywhere -- especially if your computer crashes because you won't loose your information.

Tags: wedding planner find wedding professionals grooms wedding show destination weddings

Related:

• April Wedding Shows
• The Invitation from Jeff & Natasha
• Huge Gown Sale in Honolulu, HI
• Lucky Wedding Date 7-7-7
• March Bridal Shows
• Sandals Honeymoon Seminar - March 21
• Travel Tips - Hotel Card Information
• Marriage Proposal on YouTube
• Podcast Mention for BridesClub.com
• Las Vegas Tourism Sets Record

Last Oklahoma Wedding Docket Closes

In Oklahoma County there will be no more wedding docket after this week so you better find another place to get married before all the dates are gone.

Performing nearly 2200 weddings a year has become too much for Oklahoma County judges so they will now refer you to a list of wedding chapels nearby to exchange vows.

Visit the Oklahoma Wedding Expo on March 23-24, 2007 to find local wedding professionals and to plan your wedding.

Tags: oklahoma weddings okc weddings wedding chapels in oklahoma oklahoma bridal shows,

Las Vegas Tourism Sets Record

No doubt that Las Vegas is the hot spot for tourists including conventions, weddings, gaming, entertainment of all kinds, and let's not forget the food. In 2006, Las Vegas hosted nearly 39 million visitors and hotel occupancy rates at 89%, higher than Hawaii at 83% and New York City at 82%. This has also increased room rates to an average of $120 per night.

Link

Tags: weddings in las vegas wedding chapels las vegas hawaii weddings new york city weddings

Related:

• Las Vegas Gears Up for Valentine's Day Weddings
• Las Vegas Free Wedding Planner
• Renewing Wedding Vows Becoming a Popular Tradition
• Las Vegas Weddings in the U.K.
• Las Vegas Marriage License Requirements
• Getting Married in a Las Vegas Chapel
• Less Stress: Destination Wedding
• Geek Weddings to the Max
• Top Las Vegas Wedding Reception Links

Las Vegas Gears Up for Valentine's Day Weddings

Las Vegas has long been the place for couples in love to wed, whether planned ahead or not, and because it's so easy to marry at the last minute it has become the go-to place for eloping as well.

As we approach Valentine's Day this week, the hottest day in weddings in Las Vegas, one must wonder how many couples will marry on Wednesday, February 14. With some statistics showing that 5x the amount of brides marry on Valentine's Day in Vegas than any other day and other stats showing that more than 130,000 weddings occur in Las Vegas each year, my rough calculations say that nearly 2,000 weddings will happen on Wednesday. That's almost 100 wedding per minute.

Keep in mind the new hours for obtaining a marriage licence in Las Vegas.

Tags: las vegas, las vegas weddings, valentine's day weddings, wedding chapels las vegas, honeymoon in las vegas

Related:

• Las Vegas Free Wedding Planner
• Renewing Wedding Vows Becoming a Popular Tradition
• Las Vegas Weddings in the U.K.
• Las Vegas Marriage License Requirements
• Getting Married in a Las Vegas Chapel
• Less Stress: Destination Wedding
• Geek Weddings to the Max
• Top Las Vegas Wedding Reception Links

Some Sports Fans Go Too Far

Ok, I get fan loyalty and all but some people take it to far, maybe being a girl its just a gene I wasn't born with. Earlier this week in the news there was a story out of New Orleans about a bride who is getting dozens of people calling to tell her they can't make it to her wedding because the Saints are playing the Eagles in the Superdome. Did you get the part about dozens, not just a few, seriously people. Luckily for this poor girl two loyal bridesmaids, and one loyal groomsmen who had tickets have decided to give up their tickets, and attend her wedding.

If you would like to read more of this story follow the link

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=333&sid=794548

Tags: sports wedding wedding wedding show wedding planning wedding vendor

Contracts and Your Wedding!

Can you imagine how you would feel if you put months of planning into your wedding only to have a vendor cancel a few weeks before the big day? What if you don’t receive everything you were promised!? What if substitutions were made without your permission? What if the final bill is double what you anticipated? Do you know your rights? What will protect you? Detailed written contracts are the simple answer. There are 6 essential elements to a contract - do you know what they are?

To be valid, a contract is made up of several factors. Here are some basic elements to be aware of:

1. OFFER - The offer is a conditional promise. Examples: The wedding day director offers to give on-site professional coordination on the day of the wedding. The consultant offers to answer specific etiquette questions regarding children at weddings. The coordinator offers to help a busy bride find suitable suppliers and assist her in making a reasonable budget.

2. ACCEPTANCE - The bride accepts the offer presented. It can be accepted as presented or as modified.

3. CONSIDERATION - This is usually a return promise from the bride in response to this offer. In the wedding industry, consideration probably will be monetary compensation. Most of the time, the courts will not inquire into the fairness of the consideration in a specific contract unless it appears to be unreasonable. If the courts deem the consideration to be unreasonable, the contract might be unenforceable.

4. LEGAL CAPACITY OF THE PARTIES TO CONTRACT - Who should sign the contract? People who are classified as minors, mentally ill or defective, under a guardianship, or intoxicated cannot sign a contract and make it binding or enforceable. The rationale is that these people may not have the mental capacity to understand what the contract is all about.

5. SUBJECT MUST BE LEGAL - This is fairly self-explanatory. The contract is unenforceable if what is bargained for is tortious (any wrongful act, damage, or injury done willfully, or negligently), criminal, or contrary to public policy. Example: An offer to serve marijuana at the reception is illegal and, therefore, unenforceable.

6. IN WRITING - There are two instances that a contract must be in writing. The first is when it deals in real estate. The other is when the contract cannot be completed within one year of the contracted date. Oral contracts are very valid but more difficult to enforce. For your own protection, you should have all of your contracts written. But, since there is a long lead time for planning a wedding, you may be required by law to have a written agreement in order to enforce it.

Article by Christine Loe at Blissful Events

Tags: wedding planning wedding planner wedding show bridal expo wedding vendors wedding professionals seattle wedding tacoma wedding hawaii wedding las vegas wedding wedding honeymoon

Related:

• 5 Steps to a Custom Wedding Cake
• Choosing the Minister For Your Wedding
• Choosing a Photographer
• 9 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Reception
• Lynnwood Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Bellevue Wedding Expo - January 2007
• New Wedding Expo the Magazine Coming January 2007
• New Bridal Expo Magazine Coming January 2007
• Tacoma Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Hawaii Bridal Expo - January 2007
• Top 10 Places in Hawaii to get Married
• Top Bridal Shops in Hawaii

9 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Reception

After almost 30 years of helping bridal couples plan their weddings, I’ve refined the following ideas as the easiest and most common ways to keep costs under control:

1. Invite fewer guests. It sounds silly, but this one choice can have the single largest impact on your total budget. Caterers charge by the person for food plus you may need to rent additional equipment for larger groups. Often, having fewer guests will mean that you are able to choose a nicer menu that would be beyond your budget for a larger group.

2. Schedule your wedding for very early afternoon. An afternoon reception is usually shorter than an evening reception, resulting in lower staff costs. It is perfectly acceptable to offer only light appetizers or a light lunch for an afternoon reception. Guests will expect a meal to be served at evening receptions.

3. Have your wedding during the week. Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings and venue rates are always highest on weekends. Most locations offer lower rental rates on Fridays or Sundays. Caterers and other vendors often will charge less for receptions held on weekdays.

4. Pick a date during the off season. Most weddings are held May through September. Have your wedding during the slow season when venue rates are usually lower. Many wedding vendors offer lower prices or other incentives during their slow season as well. (As an example, my company, Snuffin’s Catering, offers a free chocolate fondue station during our off season.)

5. Choose a location that includes tables and chairs in the rental rate. Having to rent your own tables and chairs can add substantially to your total bill.

6. Choose a location and caterer that will allow you to provide your own alcoholic beverages. Clubs and other locations that provide liquor service make a substantial amount of their profit on alcohol sales. Providing your own beverages can save a great deal of money. Check with your caterer to see if they allow you to bring your own beverages and if they charge corkage fees.

7. Hire a disc jockey rather than a band. Disc jockeys will play any type of music you want – at a much lower rate than a band.

8. Have your friends and family set up and decorate the hall. Friends will offer to help you with your wedding – let them!

9. Use disposable serving items instead of china & glass. Not only are china and glassware more expensive than disposables, their use also requires additional staff for set up, bussing and dishwashing.

By choosing one or several of the above money saving ideas, you can reduce the total costs for your wedding reception.

My most important piece of advice is saved for last: decide what’s most important to you about your reception and allow enough in your budget to accomplish that dream. Make less costly choices on items that are not as important to you.

Your wedding day should be joyous and stress-free. Once you’ve make your choices, relax and have a wonderful day!

Article by Sharon Snuffin. Sharon Snuffin is president of Snuffin's Catering, the award-winning caterer in the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Menu and pricing information are available at http://www.snuffins.com

Tags: wedding catering, wedding catering seattle, tacoma, seattle, wedding food, tacoma wedding, wedding planning, seattle wedding, wedding caterer

Related:

• Lynnwood Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Bellevue Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Tacoma Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Hawaii Bridal Expo - January 2007
• Something for the Grooms
• What to expect out of a wedding show

Choosing the Minister For Your Wedding

A very important part of your wedding planning is choosing the minister to officiate your ceremony. I feel that it is very meaningful that the person represent your personal views. Your wedding should be your expression of this cherished ceremony of love. Some considerations in making your choice may include:

• Choose someone both of you have a warm repose with
• Choose someone who is open-minded to your ideas
• Choose someone who is willing to help you co-create the perfect ceremony for you
• Choose someone who will represent couples who are from different religions and/or different cultural backgrounds if this is a factor
• Ask for references, the wedding will not happen without the officiant present
• Confirm the fee; a required deposit, what the fee includes etc.
• Does the minister have a backup if they get sick or if there is an emergency at the last minute and they can not make the wedding
• How many years has the minister been performing weddings
• Is the minister willing to travel to different locations in the area

Article by Rev. Suzanne Marlatt

Tags: wedding ceremony wedding officiant wedding minister ceremony sites reception locations reception sites seattle wedding seattle wedding officiant hawaii wedding officiant las vegas wedding officiant wedding planning wedding

Related:

• Lynnwood Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Bellevue Wedding Expo - January 2007
• New Wedding Expo the Magazine Coming January 2007
• Going to Press with the Hawaii Bridal Expo Magazine
• New Bridal Expo Magazine Coming January 2007
• Tacoma Wedding Expo - January 2007
• Hawaii Bridal Expo - January 2007
• Top 10 Places in Hawaii to get Married
• Wedding Show Schedule for January 2007
• Top Bridal Shops in Hawaii
• Top Honeymoon Vacations
• Honolulu Wedding Chapel May Not Happen

Top 10 places in Hawaii to get married

Here is a list of the top ten places in Hawaii to get married. This list was compiled by wedding professionals in the area rating places that they had performerd weddings.

• Makena Cove, Maui
• Saint Peter’s Church, Big Island
• Chapel by the Sea, Kauai
• Kapalua Bay, Maui
• Na Aina Kai Botanical, Kauai
• Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, Big Island
• Olowalu Plantation, Maui
• Kikaua Point Beach Park, Big Island
• Makapu’u Beach, Oahu
• Paradise Cove, Oahu

For a description and photos of each place visit: http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/10_best/wedding_locations.html

Tags: hawaii reception locations hawaiian ceremony sites oahu maui kauai big island beach weddings in hawaii wedding chapels in hawaii hawaii wedding photographers hawaiian destination weddings

Cruising: The Perfect Honeymoon

The Seamaster Cruises blog has a great post on the top 5 reasons cruising is great for honeymoons. My husband and I just returned from our first cruise. The boat that we were on had 4 weddings that we knew about and many many more honeymooners. I didn't realize how popular cruising is in the wedding industry, but I can see were it would be the perfect honeymoon. Now getting married there I'm not so sure about, (unless you are eloping) because honestly, I wouldn't want my in-laws along for the honeymoon.

Tags: honeymoon cruise honeymoon cruise destination wedding honeymoon suites honeymoon vacation honeymoon travel honeymoon destination

Most Popular Blog Entries

These are the most popular blog entries on Brides Club for 2006.

• Honeymoon Travel Checklist
• Top Bridal Shops in Hawaii
• 11 Tips for a Stress Free Wedding
• Invitations & Calligraphy
• Top Honeymoon Vacations
• A Romantic Anniversary
• Top Las Vegas Wedding Reception Links
• Top 10 Father Daughter Songs
• Borrowed Bling Gets New York Times Attention
• Lynnwood Fall Wedding Expo
• Something for the Grooms
• What Hairstyles Are Right For Your Wedding
• Lose 2 Dress Sizes in 90 Days
• 4 Tips for Tanning Before the Wedding
• Eye Makeup 101
• 5 Fun Wedding Trends for 2006
• Colored Bridal Gowns
• Fashion Show Booty Shaking Contest
• Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo
• Seattle Fall Wedding Expo
• Bridal Expo in Hawaii
• New York City's Luxury Wedding Show
• Join Us for Brides Against Breast Cancer
• Celebrity Weddings
• Las Vegas Marriage License Changes
• Lisa Marie Presley Marries
• Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Wedding Date Set
• Honolulu Wedding Chapel May Not Happen
• Beyonce Engaged to Jay-Z
• Less Stress: Destination Wedding
• 5 Fun Wedding Trends for 2006
• Wedding Dress Poll: Top 10 Favorite Gowns
• Getting Married in a Las Vegas Wedding Chapel
• Lane Bryant Launches New Line of Wedding Gowns
• Fun Wedding Favor Idea
• Wedding Flowers and Their Meaning
• 10 Ideas for Outstanding Wedding Receptions
• Free Wedding Planner
• The Best Wedding Ring Idea Out There

Tags: Wedding Blog, Wedding Planning, Brides Club, Free Wedding Planner, Seattle Wedding, Honeymoon, Hairstyles, Wedding Receptions, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Wedding Dress, Wedding Show, Wedding Flowers, Vacation Planning

Wedding Pictures Galore

Finding good wedding pictures is a great starting point for getting ideas. Here are 25 of the latest photos on Brides Club for you to begin searching.

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
Life should be about those behind the scene moments. Serenitea Catering Norhtwest Flanders Enterprises Bartending 253-212-8476 We love what we do!

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
Serenitea catering and Flanders Enterprises Bartending Services, the best blend of cocktails and catering in the Northwest. Call for more information: (253)212-8476

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
Serenitea Catering and Flanders Enterprises Bartending Services are joining forces to bring you the best of both worlds, cocktails and catering (253)212-8476

CARA VINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
This photo makes a wonderful addition to any album, or is even a great background for a digital Zookbinder or Digicraft type of page.

CARA VINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Good Photographers MAKE the shot, they don't just take the shot. I looked all over the wedding/reception venue for this place. It was a wonderful scene for signing the certificate. The mirrors really worked well capturing the bridesmaids.

CARA VINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Involve everyone, don't just do the expected! This was a great integration of a blended family. What a wonderful and touching way to include everyone! WELL DONE!

CARA VINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
I create a moment for the two of you to share alone. To see each other for the first time uninterrupted. A precious and private time. My obligation and gift to you!

Cadillac Escalade ESV Seating Capacity: Comfortable: 3 Passengers Maximum: 5 passengers Roll out Red carpet. Just married sign. Complimentary soft drinks. Professional chauffeur

2005 H2 Hummer Limousine Seating Capacity: Comfortable: 16 Passengers Maximum: 20 passengers

2006 14 Passenger Ford Excursion SUV Limousine Roll out Red carpet. Just married sign. Complimentary soft drinks. Professional chauffeur.

A TRIEM ENSEMBLE
ATriem Ensemble: Elegant wind & string music suitable for ceremony, cocktails and reception. www.atriemensemble.com (425) 785-2134

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
We bring the glassware, the bartenders, and you provide the liquor. This is the perfect marriage of two people. We don't charge a corking fee, and you don't have to rent glassware, or pay us hourly. We have a flat rate for the event and we will help you create a bar menu for your event, and help you in the selection of many of today's and yesterday's popular drinks. Whatever your theme is, we can cater to your bar needs. We go where you go. Teresa Potter northwestbartender@yahoo.com (253) 212 - 8476 We do every kind of event, give us a try. Check us out at http://www.geocities.com/northwestbartender/aboutus.html

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
We go where you go. Music ( check ) Entertainment ( check ) Bartenders who know thier stuff ( check ) We are the best in the Northwest, we provide the glassware and bartenders, that will go where you go. We can make whatever your heart desires, and are certifide, and experienced in keeping the party going all night. Let us be a part of your Bacherlotette party, and maybe even your wedding. Call for rates, northwestbartender@yahoo.com (253) 212-8476 Check us out at http://www.geocities.com/northwestbartender/aboutus.html

BARTENDING SERVICES/ SERENITEA CATERING
Indoor, Outddor, Private home, Hotel, where you go we go, and we go all over Washington Check us out at http://www.geocities.com/northwestbartender/aboutus.html

DESERT FLORIA
Our Fragrance beads are as beautiful to look at as they are to smell. One of our 55 scents is sure to be the perfect fit for your wedding. Afforable yet elegant, these are sure to be a hit at your reception!

DESERT FLORIA
Our wedding Bears make great Wedding Thank you gifts for your Wedding Party.Your names are embroidered on the back of the bears and your wedding date on the feet!

MASTER MUSICIANS INCORPORATED
www.MasterMusiciansInc.com A South Florida favorite for years. Call us today at: 1-866-954-MUSIC for assistance in choosing the right musician/instrument that will compliment your special day perfectly!

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Romantic Setting Blank Wedding Programs are perfect for those "Do It Yourselfers"! You can create a custom wedding program that expresses your style.

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
We have invitations that express your style! Whether you're look is contemporary or elegant, we have the perfect invitation for you!

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Perfect Touch Blank Programs - these stylish wedding programs are perfect for printing yourself. A great way to add a personal touch on your special day!

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Paige Program - a contemporary way to inform your guests of your wedding day. Professional printing available with your wedding day details.

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Monogram Cake Topper - Give your wedding cake that extra personal touch with our monogram topper. An elegant touch!

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Elegant Favor Pouches are a perfect way to treat your guests to a little something sweet! Available with your names and wedding date printed on each pouch.

MASTER PRINT AND WEB
Bride & Groom Favor Boxes - Gives your guests something special to take home with them. Available with your names and wedding date printed on each box.

Tags: Wedding Pictures, Wedding Planning, Bridal Show, Wedding Invitations, Catering, Wedding Limousines, Photography, Beauty, Hair, & Make Up

Little Details That Mean A Lot

While planning your wedding you are no doubt bombarded by more advice than you can handle, but the bottom line is you have to make your wedding personal. This is your day make it look like you, not your friends, your mother-in-law, or the latest hot celebrity. Your wedding should reflect your groom's and your personality.

The key is in the details, the small things that reflect who you are. My sister attached little silver charms that said "love", to almost everything. She then used similar silver charms that said "thank you" to the party favors. She carried the theme of the small charms with red ribbon thru out her wedding. It tied everything together, and reflected her personality, and likes. Find a theme that fits your personality and go with it.

Another little detail that often gets overlooked is the stamps you use on your wedding invitations, and on the return envelopes. The USPS offers wedding stamps that are much more attractive than the standard issue stamps everyone gets. You can look at the stamps at http://shop.usps.com , then search for "wedding". (Blog credit Paperjam) The small detail make all the difference.

A fun idea for your centerpieces is to incorporate your engagement pictures, using your pictures helps make your wedding more personal, and gives guests that may not know both of you a look into your life together.

Be creative and have fun, its your day.

Honeymoon Travel Checklist

Planning for any travel is the least fun part, but getting ready for your honeymoon is doubly stressful because you have so many other things to remember at the same time.

Today I found help from the Weddingbee and this exhaustive list of what to pack.

I don't think you'll forget anything with this list and I'm currently using it to get ready for our Western Caribbean cruise this weekend.

You can buy this and other fun things from Knock Knock.

(click to enlarge)

Tags: Honeymoon Planning Honeymoon Travel Passport European Group Tours Group Tours to Italy

11 Tips For A Strees Free Wedding

Keeping the Stress Level Low

The worst thing that could happen to any bride on her wedding  day is have a nervous breakdown!  A wedding is certainly one of the most significant events in any person’s life.  But it doesn’t mean that one has to spend each and very waking hour worrying about it.  Here are some tips on how to minimize the stress when planning your wedding.

1. Get all the help you can get.  If your budget allows, hire a wedding planner.  There is no one that could help you best than someone who knows the ins and outs of planning a wedding.  However, if you do not have the money to spare, seek help from family and friends.  Make sure that you assign important tasks especially during the day of the wedding and that you assign them ahead of time.
2. Be organized.  Write down all your TO DOs and assign each one a target completion date.  Be realistic with the timelines.  Allow some buffer when assigning your target date.  Keep the list current.  Mark the tasks that get completed and add new ones that come up.  And avoid making major changes to your plan a couple of months before the wedding
3. As much as possible avoid straying from your schedule.  Allow yourself plenty of time to complete each of the tasks.
4. Prioritize!  Do the most important things first – select a date and an alternate date, select a wedding planner, make the necessary ceremony and reception venue reservations.  The earlier these things are completed the better.
5. Set a budget and stick to it.  Resist the urge to overspend and avoid making unnecessary splurges.
6. Select your vendors well.  Get recommendations from family, friends and co-workers.  Pick vendors that have been in the business for a good number of years and those with good track records.
7. Agree on the details and the terms with your vendors and put them in writing.  Changes should be discussed and agreed to and reflected in the document.
8. Choose your battles wisely.  And if possible, have your wedding planner fight your battles for you.
9. Take some time off from the preparation.  Go on a night out with the girls, have a romantic dinner with your fiancée, go to the spa and the salon, do some shopping.  In short, do something to help you relax and recharge.
10. Call each of the vendors a couple of days before the wedding to review with them the important details, the date, the time and the location.  If you do not have a wedding planner, assign someone to be in-charge of coordinating with the vendors on the day of the wedding.  Give him/her a copy of vendor’s contact information to bring to the wedding.
11. Probably the most important advice we could give a bride – DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!  Learn to compromise.  Sometimes things don’t go the way you want to.

Johanna Docena is the owner of Docena Bridal, an online wedding store that sells bridal jewelry, wedding attendant gifts and wedding accessories at http://www.docenabridal.com/.

Tags: Bridal Planning, Free Wedding Planner

Wedding Day Do's and Don'ts

You’ve worked your butt off for months to make this wedding the wedding of your dreams. Everything is all set and you are ready to walk that aisle… But before you do that we want you to go through our list of wedding day DOs and DONTs. These are simple reminders that could spell the difference between a wedding day success and a wedding day disaster. 

DOs

Eat a good satisfying breakfast. Chances are you will not be able to eat a full meal for the rest of the day. 

Have a dip in the tub. This will help calm your nerves and help you feel relaxed.

Prepare early. Have your make-up and hair done ahead of time.  Have your attendants arrive early too.

Apply white or colorless polish. Unless you are wearing a colored gown, do not put on colored nail polish as it will overpower your whole attire.

Bring a bridal pouch with you to carry your wedding day necessities. You do not want to be calling on your mother, sister, best friend, or wedding planner everytime you need a lip gloss.

If you haven’t written your vows and speech yet, write them neatly in a small index card. Do not ask somebody to write it for you.

Eat a little before leaving for the ceremony. Keep a candy or two in your pouch.

Keep an emergency kit in the car. Stuff it with panty hose, safety pins, bobby pins, spot remover, aspirin, needles and thread, a pair of scissors.

Keep a blush and lip gloss with you for touch-ups.

Spend some time with your guests especially your family.

Enjoy your wedding day.

DONTs

Do not overdo the make-up. You do not want to look like a vampire on your wedding pictures.

Don’t be late. Allow extra time for the unforeseen – traffic, detours, etc.

Do not trust your wedding rings to your ring bearer. Ask a more responsible adult to safekeep them for you.

Do not ask unexpected guests (most of the time, invitees who did not RSVP but decided to attend in the end) to pay for their meals (this happens).   

You do not want to ruin the most important day in your life by getting involved in the details of the wedding. Leave that to the wedding planner.

Do not forget to bring your sense of humor with you. You will need tons of this especially when things are not going the way you wanted to.

Johanna Docena is the owner of Docena Bridal, an online wedding store that sells bridal jewelry, wedding attendant gifts and wedding accessories at http://www.docenabridal.com.

Tags: Wedding Hair, Wedding Make Up, Wedding Planner, Wedding Day Planning, Bridal Jewelry

Invitations & Calligraphy

Weddings are special events for the entire family, not only the bride and groom. There are few events that bring a family together like a wedding.

Mail order and Internet invitations?

It is easy to get catalogs, however it has been my experience that often brides are disappointed with the final product. The paper wasn’t what was expected or the color wasn’t right. Meeting with an experienced and qualified wedding consultant is always your best choice.

What details do I need before I order my invitations?

You do not need everything in place to select your invitations, however you will when you order them. Confirm the time and location of the event. Check the correct spelling and name of the site as well as the correct address. Double check on the correct spelling of everyone’s names and middle initials if you are including them; it would be very embarrassing to get names wrong. With a wedding, if the groom’s parents are not contributing money, you should still plan to include their name on the invitation. This gives them recognition as well as identifying whose wedding the quests are being invited to. If you are doing a foreign language wedding invitation, it is helpful to have something written out legibly as the consultant may not know the language.

What do I really need and what should they cost?

Invitations vary greatly in price. Many companies charge for everything such as colored ink, envelope liner and extra lines over a certain amount, as well as the reception card and response set. The price is also affected by the quality of paper plus additional layers of paper or trim. Most couples spend $1.50 to $7.50 per invitation. This includes everything needed except postage. To determine exactly what to budget for your invitation, you need to look at the albums to see what you truly like. Start early so you don’t feel rushed!!

How many invitations do I need to order?

Your count for wedding invitations has nothing to do with how many guests you will have. Many guests are couples or families and can receive only one invitation. Proper etiquette dictates to send invitations to anyone over age 16. However, with the cost of weddings, invitations and postage, it is not expected. Please order about 25 extra invitations as people “come out of the woodwork”. You will want to include them after the invitations are mailed. Don’t cut yourself short as it could be very expensive to order them after the initial order has been placed. Even if you don’t think that they will be attending, still send the invitation. Feelings get hurt when some people are not included.

When do I send out the invitations?

Most caterers expect payment in full before the event happens, in some cases up to three weeks before. Many bridal guides suggest sending the invitations 4 to 6 weeks before your special day. This does not soon enough, if you have a lot of guests coming from out of state. Everything needs to be started and decided upon 3 to 6 months before the wedding if at all possible. Invitations need to be sent out 6 to 10 weeks before the event, in order to give you time to make all your plans and catering needs. Should you have out of town guests coming in for your event, send a “SAVE THE DATE” announcement up to 9 months before the wedding. The card should include the date of the wedding, the location and any prearranged packages you may have available for them to book. Gift Registry can also be included with your Save The Date card.

Response cards

For most receptions, you need to know how many people are going to attend to tell your caterer. Always include some way to tell you how many people are attending or you may have unexpected guest show up. People are amazing and don’t think anything of adding people to your guest list without an invitation. Number the back of each card to correspond to your list to make it easier to check off, especially if you cannot read their writing or you have duplicate names. The response card price includes the return envelope to you.

Thank you notes…do they need to be sent?

Yes, thank you notes must be sent, preferably within two months of the event. Many people send gifts via computer, gift registries, etc. How do they know the gift was received, UNLESS they receive your Thank You Note. They do not want to pay for something you didn’t receive. It also lets them know you appreciate the fact that they took the time and expense to send a gift, whether you liked the gift or not. The note does not need to be elaborate or long, just sent. If you can, write them as the gifts arrive, then the task won’t be overwhelming.

What is Hand Calligraphy?

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing. A calligrapher is someone specially trained in the art and should address your envelopes in a style complementing you invitations. Some calligraphers only know one style of writing, and that style might not work effectively with your invitations. When invitations are received that have been addressed beautifully, they stand out in your guest’s mail and announce a special event. Some of the bridal magazines suggest you get your bridesmaids or family together to address them. Please, don’t spend money on invitations and then address it with a ball point pen and sloppy penmanship. If you do it yourself, get a good pen and use your best writing.

Is computer calligraphy nice looking?

There are all types of computer calligraphy. Some look like a data base mailing label and others are beautifully done. I have developed my own program and do each envelope individually on the computer. If you want to do your envelopes yourself via computer, be sure your printer will accommodate your envelopes without creasing them or ruining them. Never use mailing labels or a postage meter when sending out the invitations.

Original article by Madelyn R. Used with permission and modified by Brides Club Wedding Planner.

Photo by LOLLY INVITATIONS.

Tags: Invitations, Wedding Invitations, Wedding Announcements, Calligraphy

Invitation advice from a bride

I recently had the opportunity to help my sister with her wedding. She (like many of you) decided to make her own wedding invitations. After 3 weeks of running around, many late nights assembling invitations, and tying ribbons she figured out that making her own invitations does not save you money, and causes a lot of undue stress. The invitations we made were beautiful, but not nearly as nice as what pro's can do. Save your self time and money and go with someone who knows what they are doing.

Visit your local bridal show, or check out the wedding invitations page on BridesClub.com for great invitation companies in your area.

Unique Fall Wedding Ideas

Ok ladies, how many of you have been to multiple weddings that all look the same. We all like to follow the trends, but we don't want cookie cutter weddings, so try something different. Why not try to decorate with the season. I went to a beautiful wedding that was decorated with Christmas trees, and white lights. A fall wedding would be beautiful with fall colors, why not get away from the same color combinations everyone else is doing and do something truly one of a kind.

For more information on unique decorating for the seasons visit Weddings By Designs blog

Photo from franziskas garten's photos on Flickr.

Top 10 Father Daughter Songs

I have the worst time trying to remember the names of songs, and the artist who sings them, so when trying to pick a song to dance with your father you can use this list of the top ten most popular father-daughter songs.

1. Butterfly Kisses- Bob Carlisle
2. The Way You Look Tonight-Frank Sinatra
3. Have I Told You Lately- Rod Stewart
4. Unforgettable- Natalie Cole
5. Wind Beneath My Wings- Bette Midler
6. Through the Years- Kenny Rogers
7. My Girl-The Temptations
8.  Father's Eyes- Amy Grant
9.  Hero- Mariah Carey
10. Isn't She Lovely- Stevie Wonder

Blog credit: In Style Events & weddings

Lynnwood Fall Wedding Expo 2006

This weekend is the Lynnwood Fall Wedding Expo, the final Fall Wedding Expo in the greater Seattle area.

Lynnwood-Everett Fall Wedding Expo

September 23-24, 2006

Lynnwood Convention Center

3711 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Directions

Phone: 425-778-7155

Sponors: Lovers Package, Marci Jewelry, and Men's Wearhouse.

Promotions:

• Grooms attend bridal show FREE
• Print your $1.00 off coupon now
• Free Wedding Magazines
• Honeymoon in Tahiti

Come plan your wedding in one location with hundreds of local wedding professionals and thousands of ideas. Shop for 30 categories of stuff for your wedding including:

• Bridal salons
• Tuxedo stores
• Caterers
• Photographers
• Reception facilities
• and much more

Tags: Wedding Expo in Lynnwood, Fall Bridal Show, Wedding Show in Seattle, Fall Bridal Fair, Bridal Show, Lynnwood Wedding Show, Everett Wedding Expo, Fall Wedding Expo

Something for the Grooms

In the greater Seattle area, grooms are welcome to attend the 2006 Fall Wedding Expos for free so they can support their woman and get involved. More grooms are getting involved because more grooms are helping foot the bill for their wedding than ever before.

According to Fairchild Bridal Infobank, publisher of Modern Bride only six percent of weddings today are financed entirely by the parents of the bride and groom.

This means that getting more value for your money is not only a goal but a necessity when planning and choosing the right vendors for your special day.

One Seattle wedding dj decided to offer something no other dj has -- a pair of home theater speakers just for hiring him as your wedding dj. Now that's a deal. And, ladies, yes we want those speakers.

So guys, while your bride-to-be is off buying the perfect wedding dress at the Tacoma Dome this weekend, you can visit with Sound Waves about where to ship your home theater speakers.

Tags: tacoma wedding dj home theater speakers wedding dj tacoma tacoma wedding show home theater blog

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo 2006

This weekend is the Seattle Fall Wedding Expo and next weekend is the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo.

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

September 16-17, 2006

Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall

2727 East D Street, Tacoma, WA
Directions

Phone: 253-272-3663

Sponors: The Princess Bride Couture Bridal Salon, Lovers Package, Marci Jewelry, and Men's Wearhouse.

Promotions:

• Grooms attend bridal show FREE
• Print your $1.00 off coupon now
• Free Wedding Magazines

Come plan your wedding in one location with hundreds of local wedding professionals and thousands of ideas. Shop for 30 categories of stuff for your wedding including:

• Bridal salons
• Tuxedo stores
• Caterers
• Wedding cakes
• Photographers
• Reception facilities
• and much more

Other shows coming up in Seattle and Lynnwood:

• Seattle Wedding Expo - September 9-10, 2006
• Lynnwood Wedding Expo - September 23-24, 2006

Tags: Wedding Expo in Tacoma, Fall Wedding Expo, Fall Bridal Show, Wedding Expos in Seattle, Wedding Show in Seattle, Fall Bridal Fair,