- When it's time to try dresses on you might feel more comfortable having your best friend or family member with you. Your day will be so much more fun, also a second pair of eyes and some moral support never hurt either. P.S. Don't forget to take along a strapless bra!
- To make selecting your bridal arrangement simple - consider the color first.
- If you are looking for invites which are a little more "one of a kind," think about hiring a graphic design student to design your invitations while still remaining within your budget. Or do it the DIY way- it's alot easier to ensure your invites are completely custom when YOU make them!
- Before ordering invitations, consider which of the following related stationery items you might also need to save time: Save the Date Cards, Reply Cards and Envelopes, Other Enclosures (Directions/Maps, Accommodation Info., etc.), Other Enclosures (Directions/Maps, Accommodation Info., etc.), Marriage Announcements, Ceremony Programs, Place Cards for the Reception, Printed Cocktail Napkins or Number Cards for Reception Tables, Gift Bag Tags, Wedding Favor Tags, Note Cards, Thank You Cards, or Address Change Announcements.
- To help reduce stress and increase excitement when planning your wedding - accept help when offered!
- Choose a photographer who is a wedding specialist. Settle for nothing less than a first-rate wedding photographer. Even though Uncle Joe has great family photo albums, unless he shoots them for a living, gracefully decline his offer of photographing your wedding.
- To help reduce stress and increase excitement when planning your wedding - remember to take time to enjoy each other and life.
- To make selecting your bridal arrangement simple - research floral symbolic meanings.
- Consider manicures and pedicures. They are relaxing, and if your budget allows it, you can have a mani-pedi party for yourself and bridesmaids for a great day-before the wedding.
- Choosing a wedding cake is always alot of fun, all of those tastings, YUM! It is a great idea to have and idea of the cake you are looking for, especially if the traditional layer cake with a bride and groom topper is not your style.
- Think cost . I know. It tastes so good and looks so beautiful. Great, as long as the price tag fits within your budget. However, if it doesn't, theres a designer out there with the perfect dress for you, with the exact right price tag to go with it. Or, of course there's always DIY!
- Beware of amateur bakers. Not that they aren't great, but the last thing you want to stress about on your wedding day is the cake. Bakers with great reputations and experience with wedding cakes is the best way to go here, you can always decorate it yourself or simply add on your own cake accessories.
- Know how many people you are serving and be sure to choose a wedding cake large enough for everyone to have at least one piece. Because size does matter, at least when it comes to wedding cakes, and you know you will never live down the fact that your Aunt Meg didn't get a slice of 'the big day cake.'
- Presentation is everything . Your wedding cake should have its own table. Decide the decorations you want on the table and don't forget you don't want to detract from the cake. So don't go over board with it, just decorate to enhance the display. And, if it's dark, use lights or candles to illuminate the area. If it's hot, be sure to cover it, a chic umbrella does the trick.
- Make sure that the cake knife is included in your bakers service. Otherwise, make other arrangements to buy or make your own.
- Make sure you know when the baker is going to deliver the cake, and arrange for someone to meet them. This could be a great way to include a friend or family member who otherwise, might have felt left out.
- Before you book your ceremony venue, visit it and ask every question you can think of- FourWhiteMice.com has a really comprehensive list!
- If you choose to have your ceremony in an unusual location, some things you’ll need to consider are: noise levels, electrical needs, lighting, seating capabilities, permissions, fees, accessibility, special arrangements for handicapped and elderly individuals.
- Things you want to keep in mind when selecting your gifts are: your budget, the guests attending, reliability of sources, religious considerations, timing involved to have them made or make them yourself, and of course your wedding style.
- If you would like to have a calligrapher address your invitations and announcements, consider hiring an art student from a local college to save money.
- To make selecting your bridal arrangement simple - consider fragrances.
- Gift registry-Visit a lot of stores with your future husband before making your selections. The stores you select for your gift registry should have a wide variety of items that you both want. It's super helpful to bring along a gift registry checklist to keep you both on track!
- To make selecting your bridal arrangement simple - consider seasons.
- Remember to be grateful for every moment you have- so it's stressful sometimes- but you're marrying the man of your dreams, right?
- When choosing accessories for your bridal jewelry, you want to keep in mind the color of your gown. You want to compliment your gown with colors, not compete with it. Whatever you choose should coordinate together. Other considerations are your skin tone and hair color.
- Consider the time of day your wedding is when choosing your bridal jewelry. For an afternoon wedding you'll want a little less flash. Evening weddings are a little more dramatic and you can bling to the max. Just don't let any accessory take away from that special moment when that wedding band goes on your finger!
- While you want to show your personal flair, you don't want to overdo your bridal accessories. Pearls are classic choices, they're tasteful, simple and flatter most skin tones. Borrowing your mother's adds a personal touch to your choice. Matching sets of other types of jewels are also an easy way to ensure your jewelry is coordinated and compliments your wedding dress.
- When choosing wedding attire and beauty care, keep in mind your figure. If you're short and heavy, and also stay away from knits. They have a tendency of clinging to all of the wrong places. If you’re on the tall and heavy side of the fence, you'll want to check out the princess and A-line style dresses.
- Full skirts can provide camouflage and make you appear a bit shorter. For the short and thin, or tall and thin look for a shirtwaist, they help you to look either taller or curvier.
- When choosing wedding attire keep your skin tone in mind. Off white, cream or beige may look much better on you than white. So before reaching for that traditional white dress make sure it's right for you. It's fine to go completely different and maybe choose purple, it's your wedding. Just make sure it flatters your skin tone.
- To help reduce stress and increase excitement when planning your wedding. Stay on your budget. Starting a marriage with a large financial debt is a burdon you really do not need.
- One way to reduce stress is to book your honeymoon well in advance. It can also save you alot of money and give you something extra special to dream about.
- When choosing where you want to go on your honeymoon, the first thing you have to think about is your budget. A week in the French Riviera may be your dream, but if your budget won't allow it, don't waste your time.There are so many beautiful places that won't break the bank.
- Another thing you want to think about when planning your honeymoon are your mutual interests. Do you prefer lounging or hiking. Historic sites or amusement parks. Remember your destination should offer plenty for the both of you to enjoy. Settling this in advance will be a great help in planning your honeymoon.
- The season is also something that you should think about when planning your honeymoon. There's nothing worse than going to a tropical island in the middle of the winter when you had planned a beach getaway. But remember, you can get great deals choosing locations in their off-season. When planning your honeymoon you can never have too much help.
- To make selecting your bridal arrangement simple - consider floral shapes.
- When you’re looking at gift registries, ask a lot of questions. You want to know about return policies, special orders, and deliveries. To help your out-of-towners ask about gift-wrapping services.
- Keep your gift registry prices in the range between $25 and $100. This fits a wide range of budgets, and helps your guests feel comfortable about how much they have to spend. But, a few higher priced items can accomodate those who want to go all out, or go in together on a gift.
- To help reduce stress and increase excitement when planning your wedding. Don’t let anyone pressure you into things you really do not want.
- Make sure you're comfortable with your photographer. Ask about his or her styles, if your not comfortable with their style, opt for one that you are. A photographer with your style will help you feel completely at ease and the relaxed atmosphere will make a huge difference in the quality of your wedding photography.
- You want to see some of your wedding photographer’s most recent work. Make sure your styles jive. It's important that you both have the same idea about the photography of your wedding- communication is key! If you want a lot of candid shots- make sure you find a photographer who's comfortable with the style. Do you want a lot of formal shots? Be sure to find someone who is knowledgeable in wedding tradition and is able to plan enough time for the shoot. Also be sure to check out the number of shots pre and post ceremony, pre and post cocktail and everything in betweem An expert wedding photographer’s portfolio will have a broad range of shots from the very beginning of the wedding through to the last dance.
- When it comes to weddings- sooner is better than later. Always.
- Use a wedding checklist. Seriously. For real.
- Buy a wedding preperation book or join a site like www.FourWhiteMice.com :)
- Prepare a budget , and check it OFTEN for goodness sakes.
- Look at your total income and decide who will be paying for what items, or if its a collective arrangement then be sure to allot certain funds for specific purposes. This will provide a good financial plan and ensure no shortfall at the end.
- When planning your wedding, please, ask for help.
- Keep in mind that you don't have to do it all alone. It's just fine to ask friends and family members to help you with the process. In fact it's expected.
- Ask friends and family (who have great taste!) to help with things such as gown selection, flower choices, and decorating your venue. People are more than happy to say "yes" in order to make your wedding day as special as possible.
- Everyone looks good in candlelight.
- Choosing a crystal monogram cake topper is perfect because it can be used each year on your anniversary cake and displayed in the china cabinet year-round. Helllooo heirloom piece!
- Rent chair covers from the same place you're renting your chairs. Nothing looks worse than a sack chair because they're too big, or if it's too small it rides up or won't fit at all.
- Make sure to try the chair covers for size before the big day, you wouldn't buy a wedding dress if you hadn't tried it on! If you have to, cruise up to the rental company with one of the chairs you'll be using. That way you'll ensure it fits.
- If you are having an outdoor wedding, white chair covers are bad news. With the weather and environment taken into consideration things can get a little messy. Outdoor weddings are a little more casual, take advantage of that and skip them all around.
- When it comes to chaircovers- don't worry about what they say- think polyester! Cotten is too stiff and satin is too slippery.
- Take "real time" into consideration! For example, tying perfect bows takes a long time... it takes 3 helpers a little over an hour to put 200 chairs together.
- Consider the cost. Expect to pay at least $8 for nice chairs, covers, and sashes. In New York expect to pay twice that amount.
- If you've chosen an outdoor wedding, choose a public forum that doesn't generally have a lot of people trying to access it on the weekends. Think upscale office courtyards or luscious private school property. Just make sure to plan ahead and REMEMBER to get proper permits beforehand.
- Choosing an ordained minister is often less expenxive than a priest.
- You can forego chairs and ask guests to stand during a short ceremony. Nice white linens or themed rugs is a luxerious touch.
- For an outdoor ceremony, you can opt for a portable arch instead of one of the permanent structures. It is just as elegant but easier to transport.
- An outdoor wedding theme can greatly reduce the cost of your wedding and allow guests to dress more casually and be more comfortable too!
- Choosing an outdoor ceremony can save you money because you won't have to use two venues for the ceremony and the reception.
- If you live in a rain proned area, buy chic white, red, or black umbrellas to keep on hand in case of an emergency. Leave the tags on until the last minute so that you can return them if you don't need to utilize them.
- To combat under-eye puffiness sip a cup of tea the morning of. Place your used tea bag on the puffy part of your eye- not your lids. Make sure your tea bag is cooled down enough to be comfortable, but still hot enough to do the trick.
- K.I.S.S.- Keep it simple sweatheart!
- It's your wedding not theirs. Even if your parents are paying. Be sure to be thankful of course, but also be confident in your own choices. It must be clear that you have been looking forward to your day being the one of your own dreams.
- Seperate the fantasy from the reality and create a true to life budget. Weddings are expensive. Don't worry if you need to trim down the guest list. (Or you could go DIY!) All that money could go toward your new home's down payment.
- Don't think that you can only afford to elope. Spend some time asking about the best deals in your area and be sure to do your research before planning your budget. And, you can save big bucks with DIY projects- so be sure to register at the DIY wedding site www.FourWhiteMice.com.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You can wear heels for the service and change into great looking flats for the reception.
- Your groom should break his shoes in before the happy day. It will be much more fun if he's not in pain!
- Keep it small. A small charming wedding is still more eco-friendly than a big wedding with organic flowers and recylcled paper invitations. Don't be guilted into inviting people you'd rather not damage the environment for.
- Go vintage. From dainty Edwardian to flambouyant 50's ballgowns these dresses can be found at local thrift stores at a lower price for strapped bridesmaids or pulled out of closets for sentimental reasons. Either way it's eco-friendly and fun.
- Reuse that outdated diamond ring your grandma gave you. It won't be a 'blood' or 'conflict' diamond, and will create a lighter environmental footprint.
- Think local.
- Think seasonal.
- Think organic.
- For wedding favors think green or sentimental. The thought is what matters here- no one will remember them otherwise.
- Use recylcled paper for your wedding cards. Glossy finishes make them unrecyclable FYI.
- To offset your carbon footprint donate to a green non-profit organization in lieu of providing your guests with chinsy wedding favors. Give them a plantable note telling them you've done so in their name.
- Eco-frinedly and less expensive... Hold your weddding at gardens, beaches, etc. to cut down on electricity.
- Get married outside to reduce waste and money on decorations- nature will provide all the beauty you could ask for!
- If you've had your flowers shipped, make sure to remove the plastic water tubes and arrange them in fresh water. Sounds simple, but when you're in a rush...
- When making your wedding arrangements be sure to remove any leaves that would be under the water. This will keep everything fresher, longer.
- To ensure long floral life, cut 1-2 inches diagonally off the bottom of each flower stem before placing it in an arrangement.
- For long flower life after the big day, keep your wedding roses in a big vase full of FRESH water. To be sure your flowers stay beautiful check the water daily.
- To prevent your wedding day roses from wilting keep them in a cool place and be sure they are not in direct sunlight or wind drafts.
- For a formal wedding, invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before your wedding date. That is if you've sent a save the date notice beforehand.
- For a completely casual and close relative affair, in addition to mailing "save the dates" at least a month ahead of time, just be sure to send out your invites at least 10 days prior.
- When ordering invites order 25 more than you think you need. It's cheaper to order them sooner than later.
- When ordering envelopes for your wedding cards be sure to order at least 10 more than you need in case you make a few mistakes.
- Send an invite to the President. President Obama will send you a formal congratulatory notice to keep in your memory book forever. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican, it's still cool to have.
- Purchase two identical bridal garters. Keep one. Toss one.
- Travel with an emergency kit including everything from a fresh set of undies to clear nail polish and Tums.
- Check out cinematography using real 8mm or 16mm film stock. It'll be just like the movies.
- Make sure all your groomsmen fit their tuxedos several weeks before hand. Don't trust them to take care of this detail themselves...
- For a destination wedding- instead of sending complicated invites- create a personal wedding website! It's cost-cutting and eco-friendly.
- Do an online engagement announcement. A lot of fun- with little waste.
- Make sure to arrive at your destination wedding at least a day before-hand to clear up last minute arrangements.
- To relax and rejuvinate before the day's events, book an early massage or day spa appointment.
- Think healthy. Eat a healthy breakfast. Keep a healthy prespective. And remember why you are getting married in the first place. No matter what ensues, keep your mind healthy and calm. Make "love" truly the only word of the day!
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