Who Should You Give Gifts to on Your Wedding Day?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Andrea

Aside from giving your guests wedding favors, how do you decide who to give gifts to on your special day?

Wedding history holds many traditions that dictate who you should give gifts to on your wedding day. For years, the main tradition was for brides and grooms to gift each other with something (not necessarily anything large or ornate) as a way to express their love for one another. This gift-giving tradition was also used to express excitement and gratitude for their new life together.

Over the years, though, new traditions emerged that varied from culture to culture that were based on the bride and groom gifting other family members and members of the wedding party. To some brides and grooms, gifting others aside from each other may seem unnecessary and even excessive. Still, many brides and grooms choose to honor these various traditions just for the fun of it.

If budget is an important factor to you in gift giving, or you’re having a small, laid-back ceremony and want to skip on all of the lavish gift giving, then it helps to know who you should and shouldn’t gift on your wedding day. Of course, you don’t have to follow any of these traditions, but if you’d like to do some gift giving for sentiment or sake of courtesy, here are some common people you may want to consider gifting.

Your Significant Other: Your future spouse is the first (if only) person you should think about gifting. You can choose something as large or as small as you’d like.

Your Parents: You can gift your parents with something simple to thank them for being there for you over the years and to symbolize your adulthood and your moving on with your life. This is not a necessity, but it’s often a nice exchange for sentiment sake.

Your Maid of Honor/ Best Man: Many couples choose to gift their entire wedding party, but if you can’t afford to do so, gift only your maid of honor or best man in private.

Remember, your big day is about you, and you shouldn’t worry about giving everyone gifts—that’s their job to gift you! But there’s nothing wrong with giving gifts to do something special for your loved ones. Who you should give gifts to on your wedding day is entirely your decision.

Posted in Bridal Party, Bridal Shower, Bridesmaids Gifts, Wedding Budget, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Gifts, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends | Leave a comment

Bridal Gown Keepsake Ideas

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Andrea

Out of the many keepsake ideas out there for brides who want to remember their wedding day fondly, bridal gown keepsakes are the most popular, and with good reason. Here are some bridal gown keepsake ideas to check out if you want your dress to provide memories for a lifetime.

Bridal gown keepsake ideas are plentiful, and they offer brides one of the most unique, sentimental ways to remember their special day. Brides save all kinds of things from the wedding day, including pieces of silverware, champagne glasses, and jewelry. Some even have their bouquets dried and preserved.

However, bridal gown keepsake ideas are often the most popular due to the fact that the gown is what represents the whole day; how you felt, how you looked, and what you hoped for on the big day all comes rushing back with one look at the gown. And to top it off, your gown was uniquely yours, fitted just for you. It’s hard to find another wedding keepsake with qualities as personal and special as these.

Here are some bridal gown keepsake ideas to consider if you want to preserve one of the most prominent parts of your wedding day:

Material collage—One fun keepsake idea is to request additional material from your gown during alterations, or if you can part with some of the dress, take the shawl component or a piece of the sleeve to use for a framed collage. Use the material as the backdrop and add pictures or any other mementos you’d like to create a wall collage.

Professional preservation—This is a classic bridal gown keepsake idea, and one that is affordable and well worth the investment. Have your entire bridal gown preserved by a professional company that offers this service. Your gown will be sealed into a decorative box or case to keep it from fading and deteriorating over the years.

Bridal pillow—Another keepsake idea to consider is to take a piece of your gown (or that additional material we mentioned earlier) and hire someone to sew it on to a pillow keepsake. If you’re crafty, you can try this yourself. This is one of the many special bridal gown keepsake ideas you can use to remember your big day.

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Three Ways to Blow Off Steam Before the Wedding Day

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Andrea

Wedding planning stress can be a real bummer. Don’t let it take all of the fun out of the wedding planning process! Try these tips to blow off some steam before you walk down the aisle.

If you’re on the verge of pulling your hair out because of wedding planning stress, it’s time to slow down and blow off some steam before the wedding day. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the wedding planning process and to let your downtime fall by the wayside. However, if you don’t take some time for yourself during the planning process, you’ll quickly fall victim to wedding stress burnout, and there’s nothing fun about that! After all, planning your wedding should be fun, so don’t let the stress that accompanies the planning take all of the enjoyment out of the experience.

Here three effective ways to blow off steam before the wedding day:

Take some time for solitude. One of the best ways to blow off some of that wedding stress is to take some “you” time. Slip away to your favorite spot at the beach for a day, grab a good book and hit the pool, or go treat yourself to a day of pampering. Surround yourself with peace and quiet and take some time to reflect on your life and the things you’re grateful for.

Get moving. Without a doubt, the best way to kill stress before the wedding day is to get active and exercise. Kick up the intensity of your daily workouts or work more cardio into your routine. You can also take a yoga class a few weeks before the big day to help strengthen your muscles and clear your head. Make exercise a habit and you’ll find that managing your wedding day stress is much easier.

Paint the town. Another surefire way to blow off steam before the wedding day is to paint the town with a girlfriend or two. Go shopping, have some dinner and some drinks, and have a few laughs. Nothing kicks wedding planning stress to the curb like a fun night out!

Let your hair down and blow off steam before the wedding day with these three easy tips.

Posted in Bridal Party, Caterers, Destination Wedding, Hair & Beauty, Honeymoon, Wedding Accessories, Wedding Budget, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Color Theme, Wedding Dance, Wedding Decor, Wedding Ensemble, Wedding Entertainment, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Favors, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Gifts, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Location, Wedding Looks, Wedding Meal, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planner, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception, Wedding Registry, Wedding Shoes, Wedding Songs, Wedding Speeches, Wedding Stress, Wedding Trends, Wedding Videography, Wedding Vows, Wedding Websites | Leave a comment

Three Things Your Bridal Party Won’t Tell You

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Andrea

You might be best friends with your bridal party members, but that doesn’t mean your bridesmaids and groomsmen will tell you exactly what they think—especially when it comes to your wedding day.

Many couples are so focused on choosing their bridal party members and dictating all of the requirements and tasks to them that they forget the bridal party members have feelings, too. This is often where the term “Bridezilla” comes in, right? It’s not uncommon for busy, nervous brides to get flustered during the wedding planning process (and on the big day) and disregard the bridal party’s feelings. While couples can’t cater to every single bridesmaid and groomsman, it helps to be aware of problems that arise for the bridal party and how to tackle them.

Here are three things your bridal party won’t tell you and what you can do to handle the bumps in the road:

They’re broke. This doesn’t apply to everyone, of course. However, many bridesmaids and groomsmen fear committing to participating in a bridal party because they’re unable to pay for the required expenses. Others know they cannot pay for the expenses but agree to be in the party anyway because they care about you and want to be there for your special day. Help them out by giving them a little list of expenses that explains which ones they’ll be responsible for and which ones will be provided out of courtesy (if you can afford to do so).

They won’t wear their dress, tux or (insert any outfit here) ever again. Don’t be offended if you never hear or see your maid of honor or best man wear their dress or tux again after your wedding day. Chances are it’s not their style in the first place, or they downright hate it. Whatever the reason, it’s not personal. Just thank them kindly for wearing your choice in attire and don’t bring it up again unless they do.

They don’t want to spend the entire wedding day with the other bridal party members. Although many bridesmaids and groomsmen are already friends or have at least been introduced to one another, don’t automatically assume they are all BFFs. Sure, they’ll likely be seated near one another during the reception and they’ll spend a lot of time together during the photo sessions, but don’t expect them to spend every second together throughout the event. Keep in mind that one bridal party member might not be crazy about the other, and try to provide opportunities for them to circulate and mingle with other guests to keep things cordial. This is something your bridal party won’t tell you, but they’ll certainly appreciate your effort.

Posted in Bridal Party, Bridesmaids Dresses, Wedding Budget, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Gifts, Wedding Planning | Leave a comment

Simple Tips that Will Help You Look Your Best on Your Wedding Day

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Andrea

If you’re like most brides, then you know that your look goes well beyond the dress, the hair, the makeup, and the jewelry, but you may not know just what looking your best entails. Never fear! This list of simple tips will have you looking your best in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Like every bride, you want to look your best on your wedding day. However, like most brides, you don’t have a lot of extra time to put into crazy workouts or expensive beauty treatments. What if there were ways to make looking your best simple and easy? Guess what—there are plenty of ways! These simple tips will help you look your best on your wedding day without a lot of work or effort.

Avoid Fad Diets

Resist the temptation to buy into a fad diet just because you want to lose a few pounds before your big day. Crash diets are unhealthy, and worst of all, they will actually counteract your efforts. Crash diets will leave you looking dull, dehydrated, and can even make losing weight harder. Instead, opt for three healthy meals and two small snacks each day to look your best on your wedding day.

What You Should Eat

Opt for foods that are high in antioxidants and good fats. Avocados, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils like olive oil are a great start. Avoid foods high in fat or empty calories. Consider changing over to whole grains, particularly oats, brown rice, corn, and quinoa. These will help you look your best on your wedding day by cutting out empty calories and may even reduce bloating.

Nix the Booze

Consumption of alcohol can worsen conditions like acne rosacea. It can also lead to broken capillaries and dark circles. Additionally, alcohol consumption can deplete important minerals that your skin needs to look its best. Consuming alcohol can also make it more difficult to lose weight. To look your best on your wedding day, cut out all alcohol consumption at least two weeks before the big day.

Free wedding websites from www.eWedding.com

Posted in Hair & Beauty, Skincare, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Ensemble, Wedding Looks, Wedding Planner, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception, Wedding Stress, Wedding Trends, Wedding Websites | Leave a comment

Three Questions You Should Ask Your Wedding Planner Before Hiring Them

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Andrea

So you already know that you need a planner that will suit your personality, style, and wedding needs, but you have no idea how to go about finding the right wedding planner. Here are some questions you can ask a potential planner that will help you determine if they are the right planner for your wedding.

Did you know that there are certain questions you should ask your wedding planner before hiring them? These questions can help you single out the very best wedding planner for your wedding needs. These questions can also help you choose the wedding planner that will fit your budget. These questions will even help reduce your wedding day stress by ensuring that your wedding planner is equipped to meet your needs leading up to the big day.

How Do You Charge?

Wedding planners can charge on one of three pay scales, which makes this a really important question on our list of questions you should ask your wedding planner, especially when you are planning a wedding on a tight wedding budget. Flat fees, commission fees, and percentage fees all have their pros and cons, so be certain that you understand what their fees mean and how they will have an impact on your wedding budget.

How Do You Keep in Touch with Your Clients?

Some wedding planners are fully accessible. Others are only reachable through planned meetings and phone call appointments. As you lead up to the final days of your wedding, you will understand why this is one of the most important questions you should ask your wedding planner. Last minute thoughts, details, and worries can easily be handled with a quick and easy e-mail or even a text message.

Can You Help us Stay on Budget?

When it comes to budget, this is one of the most important questions you should ask your wedding planner. A good wedding planner will be mindful of your budget and work hard to find the best venue discounts possible. A wedding planner that isn’t right for you will try to gloss over this all-important question on our list of questions you should ask your wedding planner.

Posted in Wedding Budget, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Location, Wedding Planner, Wedding Planning, Wedding Stress, Wedding Trends, Wedding Websites | Leave a comment

The Top Three Wedding Dress Faux Pas

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Andrea

Whether you’re in the midst of wedding dress shopping or you’ve already found your dream gown, make sure you know these top three wedding dress faux pas before you walk down the aisle!

Finding the dream wedding dress is usually the very first priority on a new bride’s list, but wedding dress faux pas can completely ruin the look of that dream dress if you’re not careful. Even the simplest things can alter the look of a gorgeous wedding gown, and depending on the venue, lighting, and weather, your dream gown might end up looking like an entirely different dress if you don’t prepare your ensemble carefully.

Here are the top three wedding dress faux pas and what you can do to avoid them:

1. Overwhelming the dress. The last thing you want to do is draw attention away from the dress. After all, it is the main focal point of your entire wedding day ensemble, and it’s likely you spent a fair amount of time—and possibly money—on that dress! One of the biggest faux pas brides are guilty of is weighing down the look of the dress with too many accessories. If you wear too many accessories, the dress will look busy and cause guests to look at all the wrong things. Balance your wedding dress look by wearing one main accessory, such as a single necklace or a pair of elaborate earrings.

2. Wrong fit. It’s natural to see changes in your body over the course of the wedding planning process. Some brides gain a few inches, while some lose a few inches. Make sure you attend each bridal dress fitting with the proper shape wear and undergarments so the seamstress can alter your dress correctly. A wedding dress that is too tight or too loose is very noticeable when you walk down the aisle, and it won’t flatter your shape.

3. Mismatching. Another wedding dress faux pas that many brides fall victim to is mismatching the formality of the gown with the accessories, especially the veil. If your wedding dress is very formal, wearing casual accessories will throw the look of the gown off. Likewise, if your gown is semi-formal or informal, wearing a long cathedral veil and elaborate tiara crown will be too over the top.

Keep these top three wedding dress faux pas in mind as you put together your wedding day ensemble.

Posted in Bridesmaids Dresses, Dress Trains, Hair & Beauty, Wedding Ensemble, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Planner, Wedding Planning, Wedding Shoes | Leave a comment

Style Tips for Plus Size Brides

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Andrea

If you’re a plus size bride in the process of putting together your wedding ensemble, use the following style tips to pull your look together and to ensure you feel fabulous when it’s time to walk down the aisle!

Looking for style tips for plus size brides? We have them right here! Just as petite brides with small frames need to work hard to choose gowns and accessories that flatter their figure, plus size brides need to select ensemble pieces that flatter their figure and accentuate their curves as well. The right look can pull the entire ensemble together, and it can boost your confidence when you feel comfortable in your outfit.

If you’re on the hunt for some style tips while putting together your wedding day look, check out these style tips for plus size brides:

Pay attention to the fit of your dress—This is perhaps one of the most crucial areas to pay attention to when putting together your wedding day ensemble. Plus size brides benefit greatly from paying attention to the waist and silhouette style of their gown. Asymmetrical designs and shapes work especially well for plus size brides, and when it comes to selecting the dress, one of the best style tips for plus size brides is to consider a dropped-waist ballroom gown or an A-line gown. Speak with a bridal consultant to find out the best dress for your body shape. Choosing the right fit will set the entire foundation for your ensemble!

Don’t go overkill with the accessories—This is another important style tip for plus size brides. It doesn’t matter if you’re short or tall—don’t go overkill with the accessories! The more busy your look, the heavier you’ll appear in your photos. Too many accessories, or chunky, elaborate accessories, can really bog down your look. Keep it subtle with one necklace or an elegant pair of earrings.

Don’t forget the do—Many plus size brides underestimate the power a great hairdo has on their wedding day ensemble. Some styles flatter face shapes differently than others and some can even balance out your gown’s look to help proportion your figure and accentuate the most flattering angle. This is one of the most essential style tips for plus size brides, so be sure to talk to your hair stylist before the big day.

Posted in Bridal Party, Dress Trains, Hair & Beauty, Veils, Wedding Ensemble, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Looks | Leave a comment

How to Choose a Caterer for Your Wedding

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Andrea

Food is often the highlight of your wedding, but it is also one of the most expensive items on your budget list. Additionally, it is one of the worst areas to make a mistake or a have a misunderstanding, especially if it happens on the day of your wedding. Find out what you need to know about hiring a caterer and how you can ensure that the day goes smoothly. 

Overwhelmed while trying to decide on a caterer for your wedding? You’re not alone! Catering options are vast, and prices can vary greatly from one caterer to the next. To make things even more complicated, there are often costs or small extras that couples sometimes fail to consider when hiring the caterer, leaving room for mistakes. But don’t panic—these tips can help you choose a caterer for your wedding and help prevent any catering hitches.

Count the Cost

When hiring a caterer for your wedding, it is very important that you consider all costs associated with the catering service. Silverware, tableware, and glassware may not be included in the price. Drinks may also be excluded, especially alcoholic beverages. To cut costs a little, ask if the catering service offers child portion plates so that you don’t have to pay full price for children who, in most cases, eat much less than adults. Above all, make sure that you get a full list of services and items provided for the price quoted in writing.

Consider the Type of Service

Buffet style may be great for a small wedding, but it could result in a bunch of hungry, disgruntled guests if you have a long guest list. Family dinner services may work for large weddings, but they might not be cost-effective for smaller weddings. Plate service is generally the most expensive, but is also the easiest to plan for large and mega weddings. No matter which type of service you choose for your wedding, make sure that you keep your guests’ best interest in mind and be certain that the caterer you choose for your wedding offers this type of service.

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The Best Wedding Dress Styles for a Summer Wedding

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Andrea

Some gown styles just work better for summertime weddings. If you want to look great and feel comfortable, too, check out the best wedding dress styles for your summer wedding.

Wherever you reside, familiarizing yourself with the best wedding dress styles for your summer wedding can help you combat the summertime weather so you feel and look your best on your special day. The summer season can bring rain, shine, humidity, and lots and lots of heat, so if you’re looking to pick a gown that is stylish and ideal for day-long comfort, any of the following gown styles are the best wedding dress styles for a summer wedding.

Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter whether you’re getting married indoors or outdoors. You’ll encounter hot weather either way throughout the course of your event, so these gown types are ideal for all kinds of summer weddings.

Tea-length dresses—Tea-length dress styles are often associated with bridesmaid dresses, but many summer brides love the vintage look and feel of a tea-length gown. This gown style is less formal than others, but is still super chic and trendy.

Retro cocktail dresses—Retro cocktail-style dresses can be found in lengths similar to those of tea-length dresses, but some extend to the ankle or the hem hits the floor. These types of gowns are also less formal, but they are perfect for hot days. If you’re having a beach wedding, a retro cocktail dress is a perfect gown style to choose.

No train or sweep train—Floor-length gowns or gowns with sweep trains that only extend about eight to twelve inches from the waist are great for summer weddings. They are made with less fabric, so you don’t have to lug around a heavy train, and they are often lightweight, making your ensemble more comfortable.

Voile, charmeuse, chiffon fabrics—Gown styles made of any of these fabrics are much more lightweight than other gown materials, such as brocade or satin. If you want to wear a breathable gown that won’t leave you sweaty and uncomfortable, any gown with these fabric types will do.

Look for all of these elements when trying to find the best wedding dress styles for your summer wedding.

Posted in Bridal Party, Bridesmaids Dresses, Dress Trains, Hair & Beauty, Wedding Ensemble, Wedding Gowns, Wedding Looks, Wedding Shoes, Wedding Trends | Leave a comment