5 Ways to Be Sure Your Bridesmaids Don't Hate You After Your Wedding

Photo Credit \ Brooke Anderson

If you've ever been a bridesmaid, you probably know that it's no easy task. Check out five painless ways you can keep your friendships together in the middle of planning your wedding:

Keep in mind that you're the one getting married, not your entire circle. Planning your wedding -- no matter how small or low-key -- can become all-consuming. However, your bridesmaids still have lives to attend to. Yes, your wedding is important to your friends, but they do have other things going on that often take precedence.

Be considerate when choosing their attire. Blowing $300 (after alterations) for a dress you'll probably only wear once? Not cool. There are plenty of other fashionable and affordable places that offer bridesmaids dresses such as J. Crew and Ann Taylor. Also, remember: Any dress can be transformed into a bridesmaids dress if it fits your vision; don't be scared to think outside the box.

Check out the other three tips here.

Wedding Party Gifting Dos and Don'ts

Photo from | freedigitalphotos.net

Your wedding party has been there for you through the good and the bad. To thank them appropriately, it's customary to give gifts to show your appreciation for all they've done. Here are a few dos and don'ts to think about:

Be unique. If you've ever been in a wedding party, most likely, you already know the gift routine. The typical gifts -- beer steins, watches and necklaces -- are great; however your friends probably already have lots of these items. If you really want to "knock their socks off," think of something outside the box. Check out websites like Etsy Weddings and Pinterest for unique options. Also, local vintage shops are great places to find one-of-a-kind gifts.

Don't procrastinate. Let's face it, shopping at the last minute is always a stressful experience. And that stress is multiplied when you're trying to put the finishing touches on your wedding. Chris Easter, co-founder of The Man Registry, suggests completing your shopping no later than one month prior to your wedding. If you wait too long, you may end up paying extra shipping or rush charges for purchases you make with online specialty shops. Additionally, keep in mind that some personalized gifts need extra time to create and ship.

Read the other dos and don'ts here.

RSVP Woes in Wedding Planning

Photo Credit: Matt Hutchinson

You would be hard pressed to find a couple who hasn't experienced surprise, anger, hurt or disappointment about who didn't come to their wedding and who did not RSVP without having to be asked (after the deadline).

What is going on with people? Why aren't they able to fill out a stupid card with a stamp already on it and tell you they are going to come or not come to your wedding? And then show up if they said they were coming!

The RSVP deadline is where the rubber meets the road in wedding planning. Until this point, you can live in fantasy land. You dream of the big day, you count everyone you want to be there and budget accordingly, finding the right reception space, deciding on the food and festivities surrounding the big day. The mythical princess moment is just around the corner and soon, you will have The Final Guest List or the final cast of characters to witness your Cinderella moment.

Getting those RSVP cards in the mail every day can be as exciting as the actual wedding gifts.

Ironically, this is often the small window of life when you diligently RSVP to friends' weddings. When you're single, you have no clue about the enormous task of wedding planning, and when you're married, you either get amnesia, or you're busy having your last pre-child moments, being pregnant or raising children. A simple RSVP card is just another item on a busy checklist of activities for those marrieds/singles. I remember a married-with-kids coworker of mine said to me about RSVP cards, "I figure if I don't respond, they know I'm not coming." I wanted to strangle her.

I admit, I'm in the amnesia camp with the exception of one guest who was unreachable until after the final catering count and who, to add some extra blood pressure, was also bringing an uninvited guest (someone he barely knew but had a crush on). This was two days after the catering deadline, plus an uninvited guest. The person is still living because he was a guest on my husband's side, so I stayed away from him (with a strong warning of my parents and husband to chill out). The woman he invited did end up dating our guest.

The bubble bursts when you find out that your Cinderella day turns out to be just another day for most of your guests. Your rational side knows this is not the biggest day to them, but you are shocked that they can't just respond, or you are hurt and disappointed when they decide not to come for lame reasons. (I recently heard about guests having a lot of household chores that weekend, so they wouldn't be able to make it. I was at a wedding with a half empty reception hall because a full 70 people RSVP'ed yes and no-showed. There was clearly some family drama going on there!). Hopefully, you have enough cheerleaders to keep you from being weighed down by the emotion of it all.

How do you, then, rethink your wedding when you estimated for 200 and only 100 will make it? Or when you have a huge ballroom and it will be half empty instead of brimming full? Or when the reasons cherished guests give for not coming are shockingly pathetic and dismissive on your big day? Or when they don't show and don't bother to call you to explain?

First of all, I hope this article normalizes what you're going through. You are not alone -- far from it. For any story you have, there is going to be someone else with a way worse story. Then, it's a matter of letting yourself feel whatever you are feeling about it. (Your emotions may range from, "Oh well, the important thing is I'm getting married" to "What a flipping idiot!" to "I can't believe someone would be that rude!").

The next choice is how you are going to set aside strong negative emotions, temporarily or permanently. You can't let these people ruin the build up to your wedding. Are you going to forgive or forget or stew? You can ask yourself if this is worth altering a friendship -- maybe yes, maybe no. For sure, now is not the time to make nasty phone calls or worse, write flaming emails. I encourage you to talk with your spouse-to-be. Life is full of disappointments and hurts, and this is a perfect time to remind yourself that you are marrying this person for his or her support. You can let them know what you need in the moment. Sometimes, it's as simple as, "Honey, I am going to vent right now. Please just listen!" or you may want to actually ask to get a rational perspective on why the wedding will still be wonderful and life will go on with or without the offending persons or the modified guest list or altered plans.

Once you have wrapped your head around the new wedding guest list, remind yourself of the love and support you are getting from everyone who will be there in person or in spirit. Weddings are a community event, and the number of people who are there has nothing to do with the quality of your supportive community. Most of us would take one great friend over 10 acquaintances. Your wedding day is a huge day for you, and nobody can change that by their inconsiderateness. Bask in the glorious day surrounded by those who love you and are witnessing the beginning of your married life.

Elizabeth Doherty Thomas is a co-founder of The First Dance, along with Marriage and Family therapist father Bill Doherty. The First Dance is a 2007 Modern Bride Trendsetter award-winner for taking on the complex family dynamics of wedding planning. See what engaged couples and wedding professionals are saying about their book "Take Back Your Wedding." Their entire website is dedicated to offering advice on working through the people stresses of wedding planning as a couple, with your families and how to strengthen your upcoming marriage through this enormous first task of married life.

Packing For Your Honeymoon

Preparing for your honeymoon? Check out these tips from Alexi Mintz and Kate Duff of 3Floz.com:

Photo from Highways Agency

Bring double-duty fashion items. Pack a few key items that can serve several uses, depending on the accessories you bring along. For example, a belt can turn a simple beach cover-up into the perfect sunset cocktail outfit. And a chunky statement necklace can make a T-shirt and jean ensemble perfect for a night out.

Play it safe when it comes to footwear. Shoes can be the most difficult item to pack. They awkwardly take up space in your suitcase, but they can make or break your outfit style-wise or ruin an "off-the-beaten-path" adventure if they're not comfortable. So, when thinking about what you'll wear, remember that marriage is about feeling comfortable and in love with one person the rest of your life. With that said, find a dressy pair and a casual pair of shoes you've tried ahead of time for comfort. Marry them, and stay faithful.

Roll your clothes. Mintz and Duff believe 100 percent in rolling your clothes when packing. Also, rolling  a necklace into a shirt is a great way to be sure it doesn't get tangled. And place your jewelry and accessories in your shoes to save space in your suitcase.

For more tips, check out How to Pack for Your Honeymoon.

A Wedding to Remember: Unique Wedding Ideas They'll Never Forget

By Cherie Johnson

Photo from | office.microsoft.com

There are very few once in a lifetime events quite like your wedding day. From the flowers and dress to the flavor of the cake, the option to plan and personalize your wedding with your own unique wedding ideas is truly in your court. And we've all been to dozens of weddings that follow the standard format -- the rehearsal and subsequent dinner, the wedding ceremony where the bridesmaids, groomsmen and couple walked formally down the aisle and finally, the reception.

And yes, points are given to the couples that take the time to personalize their weddings with fun favors, unusual refreshments, decorations and other unique wedding ideas. But have you ever thought about shaking up your own wedding, perhaps even changing the very structure of it? With a little ingenuity (and planning), you can personalize your wedding in a way that's fun for everyone!

My Favorite Memorable Ideas for Unique Weddings
Consider the rehearsal dinner. Whereas most couples elect to run through the standard 'meet and greet,' practice their walk down the aisle to get rid of those pre-ceremony jitters, and then sit down to a light repast, some brides and grooms choose to infuse this gathering with their very own unique wedding ideas. One example I've heard of is eliminating the sit down dinner entirely, which is usually more formal in nature anyway. The brides then invite the rehearsal dinner guests over for a picnic (in warmer months) or a potluck supper (great any time). The option not only takes away a lot of wedding stress but also encourages the guests to interact more.

The wedding ceremony itself is, of course, meant to be solemn and respectful, but that doesn't mean before or after the priest or minister marries the couple you can't infuse the ceremony with your own unique wedding ideas. One of the more unusual examples I've heard about is the entire wedding party dancing up and down the aisle to the delight of the guests who get in on the act. Without so much as a hint as to what is going on, an upbeat tempo begins playing and guests start clapping. The bridesmaids and groomsmen get footloose up and down the aisle, making way for the groom's and bride's grand entrances. After all, a lively entrance is certainly one way to personalize your wedding and make sure your guests never forget your nuptials!

Another way to personalize your wedding is seating guests at round tables at the wedding venue itself (serving as both the ceremony and reception area). Though it appears to be the reception, the guests actually watch as the bride and groom are married while seated at tables, and then after a quick swap out, the area becomes a beautiful reception. The perks? The bride and groom save lots of money because there's no need to secure two venues, and your guests don't have to travel.

And, of course, if you choose to have a wedding theme, you can incorporate all sorts of unique wedding ideas. Take the idea of a renaissance-themed wedding. Both the bride and groom, for instance, will be wearing flowing fabrics and unique headpieces, while the entertainment could feasibly be even more entertaining. Couples have hired 'court jesters,' 'jugglers' and 'dancers' to lighten the mood, carry on the renaissance theme and personalize their wedding in a unique way. However, whatever your wedding theme may be, just remember to explore all the unique wedding ideas and possibilities available to you. If it's historical in nature, do your research! If it's hobby-themed, ask your friends to share their ideas. Not only will collaboration on unique wedding ideas help you to envision a better wedding, you'll also have the support of your friends.

At your reception  just about anything goes. It's your day, so plan and personalize your wedding reception how you want. Some brides feel as though they have to please their guests. Bottom line -- if you plan and personalize your wedding activities and events, your guests will want to stay all night long. Consider, for example, the buffet or sit down style dinner served at most weddings. A few brides have elected to have wait staff circulate with heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages or have had multiple refreshment tables set up around the room. Usually, one of the most popular attractions and these refreshment tables is the giant chocolate fountain with fruit and pretzels for dipping.

Another one of the more unique wedding ideas I've heard about is a groom's cake made entirely of meat. Ideally, the groom's cake is meant for him and his right-hand men, so in many ways, it's appropriate. And you might just have a lot of extra 'cake' left over to enjoy later!

Memories that Last a Lifetime
These exmples of unique wedding ideas are just a few of the more memorable highlights I've seen at weddings over the years. Regardless of how you choose to personalize your wedding, it will always be a special day -- a celebration of love and romance with your closest friends and family members. And if you ultimately decide to play it on the traditional side, don't worry -- you have those beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Wedding Favors, a one-stop shop for personalized, unique baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceanara, anniversary and wedding favors, helping countless couples and families make their big events a success. Cherie's wedding advice has appeared on several websites including Little Wedding Guide, Wedding Lenox and The Wedding Source. Before she launched her company in 2006, Cherie worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing the most special moments of the bride and groom's big day. For more information on Creative Wedding Favors or to find a variety of colorful, customizable gifts and favors, please visit www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com.

Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Want to give your wedding a unique edge? Here are some tips from wedding planners Paige Appel and Kelly Harris, of Bash, Please and authors of The New Fashioned Wedding:

• Keep it simple, whether that means a more modern take or “vintage sensibility.”
• Consider a natural and open venue.
• Hire a videographer that will make your wedding moments more passionate and artistic.
• Have a diverse musical selection, for example, a jazz singer for the cocktail hour and an 80s cover band for dancing.

For more tips and to read the article in its entirety, click here

[Photo Credit]

How to Make a Wedding Affordable

By Tammy Paquin

Photo from: freedigitalphotos.net

I was looking over some information about articles I've submitted and noticed that one of the phrases searched that brought up some of them was, "marriage ceremony when you can't get married because of finances." We also have some new friends who are talking about how they can't get married right now because they can't afford a wedding. It made me think that sometimes, young couples don't really understand the difference between the wedding and the marriage so I decided to throw out my two cents on the subject.

First things first, a wedding is the ceremony. It's the vows you take BEFORE the marriage starts. Marriage is the ever after, the part that is most important. It's the rest of your lives together, going through the sickness and health, the ups and downs, the good and bad and everything in between. How you're going to handle all of that together is more important than the wedding itself, but I'm always amazed at how many couples spend months or years to plan the wedding but end up divorced in two years because they never discussed the MARRIAGE! They've had their $25,000 dream wedding, still owe on it and are seeking out a divorce lawyer!

That said, if you truly love one another and are prepared for marriage, then truly, you should get married. You shouldn't put off the marriage because you can't afford the wedding. I know it's hard to wrap your head around this, but this big, spectaular wedding isn't something you MUST have. It's a desire, a want, not a NEED. Living together for five years because you can't afford the wedding isn't a mature attitude. If you really wanted to be married, you'd realized the difference between the marriage and the wedding. I know this sounds harsh. Don't shoot me yet. I'm not saying you have to give up all of your wedding dreams. I'm just saying to be a realist about them.

Something that irks me to no end is the statement made by some that "courtesy dictates" or custom dictates." Okay, nothing gets me riled up more than the word "dictate." Does that mean you HAVE to do something? You're being forced against your will to do something? If "dictate" is paying the tab on the pricey affair, then so be it; but if YOU are paying the tab, and you don't want to start out your marriage in debt because of your wedding, then by all means, kick "dictate" out of the picture and do what you can afford!

First, discuss what's important to both of you for the wedding. Is it a church ceremony? Is it the long, cathedral-length gown? Is it getting all of your friends and relations together for the event? Make a list of the "must haves" and the "can do without" items. Once you have that, it's easier to find ways to accomplish your desires AND do it inexpensively.

Wedding gown - Truthfully, the gown was one of MY most important things. I imagined myself in the cathedral-length gown. I seriously shopped! I quickly found that I didn't look better in the $3,000 raw silk gown versus the $650 gown! Shocking, huh? Now, even $650 is a lot. I was recently shopping in a thrift store and found a BRAND NEW, raw silk, cathedral-length wedding gown with labels STILL ON for $50! I'm still kicking myself for not buying the dress just for the fabric (I'm a quitter). Sometimes, I kick myself for not shopping for my wedding gown at thrift stores. I always figured them for out-of-date styles, but that's far from true. In addition, the long trains are great for showy weddings and for when the pictures are taken, but if you're trimming expenses, then think more on a shorter style or floor-length, which are generally much less. Remember that NO ONE has to know that your dress was a thrift store find, off the floor sale or borrowed from a friend! All they'll know is that you look beautiful, radiant and happy in it!

Church wedding - Generally, it's not the church that is the biggest expense, especially if you're a member of that church. What IS expensive about the church weddings are the flowers, the pew decorations, the cathedral length gown and all of that stuff. Being married in our church with a Mass was very important to us. Being married in the presence of our friends and family was important to us! The total cost of the church and small donation was $175. I made simple pew bows for about $100. The church was already decorated for the fall season, and we chose not to add any more flowers. We could have paid the church organist about another $100 to play the music, but I had opted for a string quartet of our choosing which cost us $500 (having a friend handle recorded music would have cost us nothing). We could have had the entire church wedding for $175 if we had chosen though. Remember, God will be present with you as join in holy matrimony no matter where you choose to exchange your vows and no matter how you choose to decorate (or not decorate).

The photographs - Yep, BIG, BIG EXPENSE! I've seen wedding packages run into the thousands and thousands. I had friends who wanted to be married and were willing to do whatever was needed to have a a wedding but keep the cost to the absolute minimum. They decided to forego a formal wedding photographer and asked that friends take pictures to share with them. As their wedding gift to them, I offered to take more formal pictures for them. I took the time to help them set up shots after the ceremony, and they made sure to have pictures with anyone they wanted and have any pose they wanted. I developed the initial pictures as my gift and gave them everything in archival albums (negatives included, which in general, professional photographers won't give you). They were THRILLED! So, as you can see, if you have a friend who is respectable with a good camera, you might ask them to photograph for you as a wedding gift. I definitely agree that capturing the moment is important, but capturing for free or nearly free is MUCH better than capturing for thousands.

Reception - Okay, this is one of the biggest expenses by far. If you can have your church wedding, and then after the ceremony, use the church banquet hall for a buffet of sandwiches, salads, cake and punch, and THAT is what you can afford, then so be it! Some will tell you that you have to have a sit-down meal. Go back to what I think about "dictate."

The bottom line is that having the dream to start your marriage surrounded by friends and family doesn't have to be an expensive affair  A stylish, tasteful and beautiful wedding can be created from almost any budget. It does require a bit more effort and time on your part, but it also means really discussing what is important to both of you and setting priorities, which honestly, is a great way to start a lifetime together.

Tammy Paquin is a work-from-home mom of three boys and the owner and publisher of Frugal-Families, an online resource for frugality, finances, budgeting and everything else related to stretching the dollar. For more ways to stretch your income so you can afford the wedding of your dreams, visit Frugal-Families.

How to Tame Your Wedding Guest list

When it comes to your guest list, most of the time, your budget doesn't match your wish list. Translation: You can't invite everyone. So, whether you want a small wedding and your mom wants to invite everyone you've ever met, here are tips for taking it one step at a time and creating a list that everyone can happily live with:

Getting started. If you haven't already, determine the general size of the wedding you want. Do you want the biggest party you can possibly have, or do you envision a more intimate event where you can spend time with each guest? Next, you'll want to think about your budget for the reception; most couples plan their guest list around these very important numbers.

Choosing the type of setting you prefer will affect how long your guest list is. For instance, if you're thinking about your not-so-grand childhood home, those 250 guests may be sitting on top of one another (and breach fire regulations). On the other hand, if you're considering a huge space, like a ballroom in a mansion, you want your group to be large enough that the space feels full.

Now you might be wondering which step should come first. Well, since each factor influences the other, you have to consider lots of things simultaneously (multitasking anyone?) Once you've made a decision, find your inner peacemaker, and you'll be good to go.

Continue reading here >>

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3 Ways to Entertain Your Wedding Guests

While it may be your big day, you want your guests to have a great time, too. Here's how you can keep the party going:

1. Take them for a ride. Transport your guests from the ceremony to the reception tourist-style. You can hire a local tour company to pick everybody up and give them a brief tour of the area as they head to the reception venue. Want to skip a formal tour? Give them a spontaneous one as you "joyride" between events. Look for a trolley or ferry that can hold all your guests, and treat them to a free ride.

2. DIY Photo Booth. Instead of doing a traditional photo booth, put a unique spin on it. Create your own backdrop, props or gag items to make a theme for the booth. It's simple, and the possibilities are endless.

3. Try wine-tasting stations. Instead of having a signature cocktail, host a beer or wine tasting. Present the top picks from the bride and groom to make it personal; and to add authenticity, bring in a sommelier to introduce the wine and explain to guests how to properly cleanse their palate. An added bonus: Give your guests monogrammed wine bottle holders as favors.

For five more ideas, check out our source, 8 Ways to Entertain Your Wedding Guests.

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Just Engaged? Here's What to Do First

Did you get engaged over the holiday season? If so, congratulations! Here are a few things you need to do first:

Call the important people. Share your big and exciting news with your inner circle before you let Facebook and Twitter know. It's not okay for your manicurist to find out before your Grandmother.

Enjoy the moment. Yes, being engaged means you can now plan the wedding of your dreams; it also means that you just decided to spend the rest of your life with your soul mate. So, take some time (a couple of weeks) to relish in how romantic and awesome that is before you begin the craziness of planning.

Begin dreaming. Here comes the fun part! (for most people). Compare your fantasies with each other, then sign up for Pinterest; that way, you can create an online inspiration board. At this point, feel free to go crazy. You can go back and refine things after picking your venue.

Whip out your calendar. Have a range of pontential dates in mind before touring venues. Also, think about what season you envision and where you want to honeymoon; knowing this will help guide you toward your ideal time of year. Another tip: Ask other engaged friends when they're tying the knot so you can stay away from those dates.

Need more tips? Check out our source.

How to Get Started With Planning a Bachelorette Party

Have you found yourself in charge of planning a bachelorette party and not knowing what to do? Bridal party brain freeze: It's common and it's easy to get past. Here are a few things to get your party planning off on the right foot.

There's a little bit of etiquette involved in planning a bachelorette party. Typically, the tradition is for the maid of honor and the bridesmaids to throw the bride a bachelorette party. Nothing is written in stone, but it is pretty customary for all the bridesmaids to chip in on the night of fun. The bulk of the responsibility usually rests on the maid of honor's shoulders, but often times, there is a born party planner in the group and it can often be better for everyone to let that person take the lead.

When it comes to budgeting, I recommend setting a limit that is comfortable and reasonable for all the bridesmaids and then collect the money up front. This enables you to plan within your budget right from the start and eliminate hard feelings that will put a damper on the fun evening.

Another thing that you will really want to take into consideration is remembering who the night is really for. This means thinking about what the bride will enjoy. Is the bride mild or wild? This will help determine what bachelorette gifts, games, apparel and decor will be right.

Once you've got a theme, it's a good idea to start planning ahead. I know this sounds silly, but it's amazing how quickly time slips away. Believe me, you don't want to find yourself empty-handed when the big night comes around. You're going to want to start shopping a few weeks out and ordering any gifts a minimum of two weeks prior to when you need them. Most bachelorette gifts are ordered online nowadays. The Internet has certainly made it easy to get great gifts at reasonable prices. You will want to take shipping into consideration when making your purchases. Ground shipping is often going to give you the best rate, but again, planning ahead is going to be a big help with this.

As with many things, the Internet is a great place to get started with not only shopping but planning as well. Bachelorette parties have become big business, so just type in "bachelorette party" or "bachelorette party ideas" into Google, and the first page results should give you plenty of information to kick-start your brainstorming.

Personalized or custom gifts have become very popular over the past few years. This is another area that online shopping has really made getting great personalized gifts like custom t-shirts at a fairly cheap price. Custom bridal t-shirts have proven to be a big hit. Match your theme or make 'em bling. Sexy, funny or whatever you decide, you bridal party will look great.

Here is quick checklist to help you get prepared:
1. Pick a date and send out invitations ASAP.
2. Collect the money from the bridesmaids.
3. Pick your party's flavor: mild, hot or super spicy?
4. Order your gifts and accessories with enough time to spare.
5. Are you going to need an ice breaker? If so, here are some game ideas designed to get the party warmed up:

• A scavenger hunt
• How well do you know the bachelorette?
• Bride and Groom Trivia

6. If you're going out, be prepared and take a little extra cash because coming up short sucks!

Lastly, enjoy your time together. You are the bridal party, the bride's closest friends and family. Have fun!

Paul is the creator of The Funky T-shack which is all about custom t-shirts and custom t-shirt printing, providing top-notch shirt customization services such as screen printing, digital printing and custom tagging, using the latest and most advanced technologies at the best prices in the industry. 

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How to Plan a Successful Boudoir Shoot

Have you decided to do a boudoir photo session for yourself or your fiance? Here are a few tips to have the best experience you can:

• Gather as many photo inspirations as you can. Some good places to look include photographer's websites, wedding boards, men's magazines (like Maxim) and websites such as VictoriasSecret.com. Email them to your photographer so he or she can work with you in recreating the shots you love.
• Find a photographer you feel comfortable with. Many times, brides will feel more comfortable with a female photographer. Meet with potential photographers prior to booking them to be sure the one you choose has a good personality and seems fun and engaging. Also, ask to see boudoir shots they've previously done (if they have them) so you can see if his/her style suits you.
• Email around if you live in a place that doesn't offer many boudoir photography options. Contact photographers who don't advertise boudoir services; a lot of times, they'll offer less expensive options for just as good of a product. You might even be fortunate to come across a photographer who's just starting out with boudoir photography who may be willing to do your shoot for free if you allow him or her to use your photos in their portfolio.
• Bring lots of outfits. And don't forget to bring accessories, stockings, shoes and props. Bring more than you think you'll need. It's better to have too many items than to wish you had brought something you left at home.

For more tips, check out our source, 10 Tips for a Successful Boudoir Shoot.

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Fun Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

Not into the idea of having a formal rehearsal dinner? No worries! There are several alternative options for you. Here are some ideas from Yifat Oren, celebrity wedding planner and event design expert:

Have a picnic. No matter where you live, having a picnic is a great idea. Check with a local park or boardwalk and prepare an old-fashion spread (with sandwiches, salads and lemonade).
Tip: Be sure you have enough food for guests to make a meal of it, or tell them a full dinner won't be served. Although it's a picnic, you can't skimp on the servings. Don't want to be responsible for a whole meal? Consider having the dinner in the early afternoon or later on in the evening; that way, guests will know what to expect.

Fire up the grill. Organizing a casual backyard barbecue can be a great way to hang out and allow everyone to get to know each other, just be sure you balance your time away from the grill. If you're working with a planner, see if he or she can help with the rehearsal dinner as well.
Tip: If you feel that your bonding time with your new family will be utilized by serving food, consider having the dinner in a restaurant.

Play Some Games. Sometimes, nothing can be better than an old-school game night, like the ones you had as a kid. So pull out Outburst!, Trivial Pursuit and other games.
Tip: Keep it casual and order some pizza, have a nice home cooked meal or have it catered. Eat first before starting the games. That way, you won't have to worry about serving food and cleaning while in the middle of an intense Monopoly game.

For more tips, check out our source, 8 Fun Rehearsal Dinner Ideas.

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Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes

• No personality. You don't necessarily need a theme wedding, but you don't have to do what everyone else does or allow your planner to do all the work. This is one of the most important days of your life, so it needs to reflect you and your fiance's lives.
• Blowing money. While there is a ton of good wedding planning advice out there, you'll also see advice from individuals who will profit from it. With that said, make sure you're not spending where you don't need to, whether it's being talked into having more flowers or a more expensive dress. Know your budget, and know what's important to you and what's not.
• Being inconsiderate. Yes, it's your wedding and your big day. However, you should also take other people into consideration as well. Really consider what you are asking people to do; for example, is what you're asking the wedding party to do fair? Will your guests be comfortable in the weather? Do they know what to expect?
• Losing perspective. Stay focused on what's truly important to you. Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed with all the small details that you don't spend appropriate time on what's important. And if something goes wrong, take some deep breaths and envision the big picture. Most of all -- maintain your sense of humor! 

For six more mistakes to avoid, check out Top 10 Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes. 

4 Signs You're Becoming a Bridezilla

We all know that weddings can be stressful, and as the bride, you want everything to be perfect. Most brides want to call the shots when it comes to their big day. However, you want to make sure that you're not becoming a bridezilla.

If any of these signs apply to you or sound like something you'd think about doing, it's time to re-evaluate your priorities -- planning your wedding should be fun!

1. You're putting your parents into the poorhouse. It's natural to want the best of everything for your wedding. But, if your parents have a fixed income, don't have much disposable income, and you're not footing the bill, don't hold on too strong to a vision of $100 per-person dinners. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to becoming a bridezilla. You can have a fabulous wedding without your parents having to take out a second mortgage...just tone it down a bit.

2. Your pictures have to be absolutely perfect. If you're like most brides, you'll hire a professional photographer to catch every single minute of your special day. Since you'll still be admiring them when you're gray-haired, it's understandable that you want your wedding party to look their best. However, it is not okay to get rid of a bridesmaid who let you know she's expecting and you don't want her to look "fat" in your pictures. Your bridal party members are beautiful the way they are, and hey, if they're so "flawed," your beauty will stand out even more.

3. You no longer have time for anyone -- or anything-- else. Have you missed a ton of work since you've been engaged? Been too busy to be there for your best friend after a horrible breakup? If you're asking someone to postpone a planned, major surgery or you're considering telling your boss you need two days off per week to plan your wedding, you are, more than likely, being a bridezilla.

It's time to get real. Yes, your wedding is important, but so are your other relationships and responsibilities. Don't ignore everything else in your life or expect others to drop everything they're doing simply because you're saying "I do." Get back to work, and be there for your friend. You can handle your upcoming nuptials later.

4. Your registry total is more than most college educations. If you fill your registry with $100-plus items, all you're going to get is several congratulatory cards. Yes, your families will likely splurge on a nice gift and your close friends may, too. But the rest of your guests probably won't spoil you with high-tech toys and crystal. So, make sure you include some less expensive items in your registry as well.

For six more signs, check out 10 Signs You're Turning into Bridezilla.

6 Ways You May Be Sabotaging Your Wedding

1. You don't stick with your budget. Simply put, you have a budget for a reason. Early on, prioritize what you want to splurge on and what you want to save on. For example, do you care more about the flowers or the photography? When you have an idea of how high you're willing to go in each of the main categories, it'll be easier for you to narrow down your vendors and negotiate exactly what you're getting. 
2. You plan your own bridal shower and/or bachelorette party. Let your mom, aunt, maid of honor, best friend or anyone else plan these two events. It's okay to give particular guidelines (like no strippers), but you shouldn't book any hotel rooms or create a detailed itinerary. Your friends will have lots of fun planning it, and you'll be better off since you'll have more time to focus on planning the main event. 
3. You choose to do your own hair, makeup and/or flowers. Although you might be able to make your own favors or print your own menus, there are particular aspects of your wedding you should leave to the professionals -- hair, makeup and flowers are generally at the top of the list. Having your hair and makeup done professionally ensures you'll look amazing from beginning to end. And there won't be enough time for you to do every single centerpiece, bouquet and boutonniere yourself.
4. You don't have a Plan B for an outdoor wedding. Always ask about rain when you're visiting potential venues, even before you book. By doing this, you're guaranteed to get something you're equally happy about, no matter what the weather does. Also, think about other weather conditions: Get heat lamps if you're planning your wedding for early fall, and provide paper fans just in case you have an extra sunny summer wedding.
5. You wait until the big day to try on your shoes. Yes, you want to keep your fabulous shoes in perfect condition, but you should try wearing them around your house, at least, for several hours on a few different days before your wedding so you can avoid blisters or pinched toes. Even if you plan to change shoes after the ceremony, you want to be sure you can both comfortably and confidently walk down the aisle in your heels.
6. You assume you'll be coordinating the day-of. The only thing you should have to do on your wedding day is enjoy yourself. You've likely heard this many times before, but the day goes by very quickly. If issues pop up that can't be handled beforehand, try to hand them off to your mom, maid of honor or a helpful family friend to deal with. Even better: Consider hiring a day-of coordinator to be certain everything runs smoothly. 

For other things to avoid for your big day, check out 20 Ways You're Sabotaging Your Wedding.

What to Ask Wedding Cake Bakers BEFORE You Book

Because your wedding cake is the centerpiece of your reception, you want to be as careful in choosing it as you were with your dress. So, here are some important questions you should ask a cake baker before hiring him or her:

Do you customize? Will the baker create a unique cake, or does he or she have particular styles to choose from. If possible, look at photos and actual cakes. And make sure you bring along fabric swatches, pictures and any other resources if there is a custom style you want.

How far in advance are cakes prepared? Remember, cake bakers often have more than one cake to make per weekend. With that said, don't be surprised if your baker prepares your cake three or four days before your wedding. Of course, the closer to your wedding date, the better.

What are my filling options? Determine what filling options are available and the ingredients used. No matter what you're looking for, the ingredients used will make all the difference in how it tastes. A few common filling ingredients are fresh fruits or purees, Italian buttercream and farm-fresh buttercream.

How do you price your wedding cakes? It's common for cakes to be priced by the slice, and the price usually increases, depending on how complex your flavors and fillings are. This goes for custom-designed cakes, too. More intricate details add to the cost.

Is the baker licensed by the state? This question might seem silly, but it's worth confirming that your baker is licensed by the state health department.

For more questions to ask a potential wedding cake baker, check out our source.

[Photo Credit]

What To Do When You Have The Post-Honeymoon Blues

After all the craziness and excitement of wedding prep, the big day and your honeymoon, you may be a little sad when everything is over. While it's perfectly normal to have the blues when the enthusiasm of being a bride-to-be has passed, it's important to remember that you have a lifetime with your honey to look forward to. Here are a few tips for maintaining that honeymoon high as you move to the next chapter of married life:

Celebrate a little milestone. More than likely, you won't celebrate every month you're married, but you can keep the momentum after your wedding by doing something simple on your first-month anniversary. It could be simply sharing a bottle of wine while watching your wedding video, flipping through your wedding photos or reading through your guest book.
Save a little fun for after the honeymoon. Wait until you get back from your honeymoon to open your wedding gifts. That way, you'll have something to look forward to other than getting back to work.
Have some girl time. After months of bride-centered activities, it's now time to switch the focus from you to your girls. Once the wedding frenzy is done, spend some quality time with them and catch up on what you may have missed in their lives. Grabbing some coffee, visiting the beach or going shopping will put you in a better mood in no time.
Make your house a home. The best way to get out of a funk? Start working on a project. Whether you and your hubby are moving in together for the first time or just finding somewhere for your gifts, most likely, you'll have to do some work at your house after the wedding. So, dedicate a weekend to home-work with your hubby; the experience will not only strengthen your bond, but the sense of accomplishment when you're done will get you excited about moving forward.
Catch up on missed hobbies. Since you won't be knee deep in bridal magazines and busy planning your wedding, you can spend your free time doing what you love. Restart your favorite hobbies by taking an art class, getting more active or tackling the books you've put aside.

Do you have tips to share? Please leave a comment!

Ways to Give Your Wedding Personality

Celebrity Wedding Planner Mindy Weiss
(Photo from bridalguide.com)

These days, planning a wedding can be very overwhelming with all the resources you could ever want available at your fingertips. But while you're getting all those ideas from everywhere, you may be leaving out the most important aspect of your big day: making it about you and your partner. To avoid this, here are some tips from Mindy Weiss, celebrity wedding planner:

When merging your two personalities into the wedding, ask yourself this: What is something about the two of us that people will recognize as soon as they walk into the room? What would make them say, "Oh, this is definitely ___ and ___'s wedding"?

More ideas:

• Think of any meaningful locations from your relationship, like where you got engaged.
• Take some time and effort to write your own vows; you won't regret including that personal touch in your ceremony.
• A simple idea: Incorporate you and your partner's favorite colors into the wedding. 
• Include the hobbies or sports you enjoy in the theme.
• Choose a decade you both feel connected to, and  take your guests back in time with you.
• Get inspired from other brides, asking them how they personalized their weddings. Also, take mental notes while attending others' weddings.

For more tips and ideas, check out Tips For Personalizing Your Wedding.

Choosing Thank You Gifts for Your Parents

More than likely, your parents have played a huge role in making your wedding day amazing. They raised you into the beautiful bride-to-be you are and have been by your side through the stress of planning, giving their input and maybe even funding the affair. Your parents -- and your fiance's parents -- deserve a great, big thank you. Here's how to choose the right gift:

Set a budget
Of course, you know by now that weddings are expensive. It's important that you include gift giving in your wedding budget. There are no particular rules when it comes to a specific amount to spend on a gift, but it's best to spend the same amount on both sets of parents and to choose gifts that are somewhat similar. Additionally, some couples give their parents a gift both mom and dad can use, while others select two separate gifts for each of them.


Giving your parents a thank you gift they can enjoy together can be very meaningful, and it can also allow you to spend a little more on each gift. A few things to consider include: 

• Travel. Possible gift ideas are cruise tickets, hotel reservations for a weekend or a romantic retreat to a local resort.
• A night out. Your parents deserve a night after the wedding, so consider getting them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, tickets to a show or a night of pampering, complete with a limo ride.
• Gift baskets. Gourmet food collections, wine baskets or personalized his and her gift sets are a great way say "thanks" and can fit virtually any budget. 
• Something personal. Oftentimes, creative gifts hold the most meaning. Think about making a personalized video or slide show for each set of parents, presenting them with a family photo calendar or framing your favorite wedding photos. Something else to consider: digital photo frames with a personal message. Those are huge hits with parents. 

If you decide to get the parents their own separate gifts, here are some ideas:
For Dad

• Personalized cufflinks for the big day
• Gift certificate to his favorite store
• Wine and cheese assortment
• Personalized golf accessories (or any other sport he may play)
• Pens, interesting paperweights, monogrammed money clips or key chains

For Mom

• Spa certificates
• Jewelry for the wedding day
• Candles, bath soaps and fragrances in a nice gift basket
• Personalized photo albums, frames or a jewelry box
• Charm bracelet or necklace with a family theme

Ultimately, think about your parents' interests, and you'll be sure to choose the perfect thank you gift they will love and remember for years to come.

[Source; Photo Credit]