Wedding News and Advice

Labels: bridal dress, contest, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 7:38 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I just recently took a business trip to Denver and noticed that travel really has become worse than ever. This made me think of all the newlyweds out there who may be on their honeymoons - which should be one of the best trips of your life - and having to deal with delays, fees, new rules, etc. (It also made me swear never to fly United again, but that's a different issue altogether...)

So here are some things you may want to think about when you plan your honeymoon:

With gas prices skyrocketing, airline prices are high too. You may want to consider choosing a honeymoon destination where you can either drive or take the train. I recently found fares on Amtrack that were 1/4 the price of airfare. The downside to both train and car travel is that it can take you longer to get to your destination.

If you are going to fly, be sure to book the brides' ticket in her maiden name. We all want to start out our new life using our new married name, but it is unlikely you will have your identification changed over to your new name in time for your honeymoon. So enjoy your trip and get to all the name changing paperwork afterwards.

If you are flying out of the country, give yourself plenty of time to get a passport. It can take several months, and get this piece of identification for the bride in her maiden name. It's best to start the passport process when you begin your wedding planning so that will be one last minute detail you don't have to worry about.

Airlines are making it harder to fly with luggage. It's like they think you shouldn't carry anything with you. When booking your flight, go to the airline's website and look up their luggage rules and fees. For instance United is now charging $15 for your first bag, $25 for your second and $100 for any bags that weigh over 50 lbs. vs. Alaska/Horizon who let you take one bag for free, $25 for a second bag, and $50 for any bag over 50 lbs. FYI - Southwest Airlines allows for two bags without any additional fees.

If you are planning a short honeymoon, you may want to consider carrying on your luggage. If you go with this option, you are limited to what you need to be aware of the "liquids and gels" rule. This is a rule from the FAA, not the individual airlines. You are limited to a 1 quart zip lock bag with bottles or containers that are no larger than 3 ounces. So if you travel with large amounts of sunscreen, hair gel and shampoo, you may want to consider taking a small bottle to get you through the first night and then buying the rest at your destination. Or, just use the hotel's complementary stash. You may want to compare the check luggage fee vs. buying your toiletries at your destination.

Wear shoes that are easy to get on and off. When you go through security at the airport, you have to take off your shoes. A slip on style works best.

Give yourself at least 90 minutes before your flight to check in. With the amount of cancelled flights these days the lines are getting longer and longer at the airport. If you do get to the airport and there is a crazy long line, see if you can curbside check outside. Sometimes there is a small fee, United charges $2 per bag, but it's worth it if it gets you on your flight on time.

Bring snacks! I know it seems like there is plenty to purchase at the airport, but long waits are inevitable anymore. And it always seems to happen around the dinner and lunch hours. So bring snacks to tide you over. It's not unheard of to spend an hour on the tarmac waiting to take off.

Bring the phone numbers to your car rental and hotel in case you are delayed. If you find yourself significantly delayed, your hotel room or car rental may go to someone else.

If your honeymoon is going to be a week or longer, check into park and fly rates at the hotels around the airport. This is great if you have to be at the airport early too. Many hotels have a special rate where you can stay the night before your trip and leave your car in the hotel parking lot to avoid the airport's outrageous parking fees. You have to weigh the cost benefits on this one though - it's not always a better deal.

Hope these bits of information are helpful - happy honeymooning to all brides and grooms!

Labels: honeymoon, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I thought this article has some good information on champagne and wine:

Wedding season brings a chance to toast and taste

Richard Breshears
The East Oregonian

OK, it happens to most of us at least once in our lives. We're planning a wedding - either our own or someone we must care about quite a bit because wedding planning is far from fun or easy - when, inevitably, the big question comes up: "What are we going to serve at the toast?"

I frequently am asked what would be a good Champagne to serve for the toast. Frankly, unless you know and really like sparkling wines, I would suggest that you go ahead and serve a fun sparkling wine that is easy on the budget. Many sparkling wines provide a fantastic visual, are reasonably priced and taste good as well.

First, it's important to know not all sparkling wines are created equal. "Champagne," as it is widely known, is only produced in the region of France that holds its namesake. Typically, Champagnes such as Dom Perignon or Veuve Clicquot are best known for their amazing flavors, depth and price tag. Having personally attended hundreds of weddings, I would suggest that you keep the good stuff for yourself or the bride and groom to enjoy later.

A good sparkling wine, of which there are many available, is usually marked with the term "Methode Champenoise," which means that the wine is prepared in the age-old traditional manner, even though it isn't from a specific geographical region. As we say in the business, "It's good stuff."

Even though I am a huge red wine fan, I personally prefer a sparkling wine that is a bit sweet, soft and with lots of bubbles to provide a creamy finish. Probably my favorite right now is Domaine Ste. Michelle's Frizzante.

This bit of Northwest has been growing in acclaim since its introduction in 2006. The bottle presents well enough for any wedding table or portrait, is very inexpensive at under $10 and its flavors of pear and candied apple will have the bridesmaids kicking up their heels on the dance floor in no time.

Domaine Ste. Michelle also provides several other notable sparkling wines, including their Cuvee' Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and their Extra Dry.

Another brand that has been hitting the wedding scene pretty hard over the past two years is Barefoot Bubbly. Barefoot provides a fun label concept paired with really good bubbly. A new release of a White Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio will hit the shelves this month and should be fun to taste.

When considering the amount needed, a good rule of thumb is to offer one glass of sparkling wine to each guest over 21 years of age. One bottle of wine equals approximately six fluted glasses. So, if you have 50 adult guests you will need 9 bottles, or 200 adult guests would require 36 bottles, or three cases.

In any case, best wishes on your wedding and many happy years.

To see original article, go to http://www.eastoregonian.info/main.asp?SectionID=27&SubSectionID=92&ArticleID=79080&TM=61892.94

Labels: reception, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

So I found this article today on Smartmoney.com about wedding gift etiquette. Let me quote a piece of it:

"WEDDING GIFTS ARE big business — billions of dollars big. According to research firm The Wedding Report, this year alone guests will spend $6.9 billion on wedding gifts.

Each time an invitation arrives in the mail, wedding guests face a common and sometimes frustrating dilemma: What should I buy the bride and groom, and how much should I spend? Depending on the couple, where they live and their culture, giving cash is either considered apropos or gauche. And then there's always the quandary over the registry, especially when the only two options left are a $200 waffle maker and a $5 garlic press. After all, there's a fine line between breaking the bank to buy a generous gift and looking like a cheapskate.

The idea behind a wedding gift, according to etiquette doyenne Peggy Post¹, is indeed a noble one: "It is a tangible representation of love and support, a generous offering to help married couples get a head start in their lives together."

It sounds lovely, but for guests who don't know the bride and groom well enough to conjure up such a representation or are on a tight budget, here's a gift etiquette primer to get you through wedding season:

1. How much should I spend on a gift?

The amount you should spend on a gift is one of those gray areas that vary based on the wedding location, your age and your budget. A typical amount, says Betsy Goldberg, features editor at Modern Bride magazine, is $75. If you bring a date, expect to give a present worth double that. Don't be afraid to ask other attendees what they plan to spend to get a better sense of what people within your social circle are giving, she says.

Though the gift amount is somewhat arbitrary, Summer Krecke, deputy editor of WeddingChannel.com, offers a few guidelines based on the guest's relationship to the bride or groom: If it's your co-worker's wedding, you should spend $75 to $100; a relative or friend, $100-$125; and if it's your close friend or close relative, anywhere from $100 to $150 or more is acceptable."

Now, I don't know about you, but I rarely spend that much money on a wedding gift unless it's a really close friend or relative. Most people I know, including myself, spend between $20 - $50 on wedding gifts - especially if they are just an acquaintance. And here are a few tricks to save some money when you buy a wedding gift:

• Find out what they have on their wedding registry and then go to a discount store like Ross or TJ Maxx to find it at a great price. They are usually 50% - 75% less expensive for the same items, including designer items.
• Get a gift card to the store where the bride and groom registered. They can use it towards whatever they want after the wedding. Want to give a big gift card? Go in with a group of people.
• Pool together money with a group of other guests to buy a really nice expensive gift. The bride and groom will appreciate the special item.

Don't feel pressured to overspend. Especially with today's economy, no one expects you to go broke over a wedding gift. And if they do, they probably aren't really your friend...

Labels: bride, gifts, groom, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 7:39 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Hey brides and grooms! How would you like your wedding planning documented on a reality show?

Today as I was perusing Facebook, I came across the following event post:

"MTV is casting for the hit show "True Life"
Only this time, the subject is destination weddings!

The producers from MTV have enlisted Destination I Do Magazine's help for casting an upcoming episode of "True Life: I'm having a destination wedding"

Whether you're getting married in a tropical area such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii or if you've decided to celebrate in Europe, Asia, Africa or even a domestic seaside location we want to hear from you. Make your wedding even more extraordinary by having MTV document your journey.

If you appear to be between the ages of 18-28, are having a destination wedding in either July or August of this year and have a special story to share, email us and you may be selected to be on the show.

Send your name, wedding location and date, phone number and a photo of you and your betrothed to info@destinationidomag.com for consideration.

Thanks and good luck!"

So, for all of the wedding couples out there that may want to participate, get your entries in soon! And good luck from me too!

Labels: bride, contest, groom, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Every bride wants to look her best for her wedding day, but days at the spa can get spendy - especially when most of our hard earned money is going to buy gasoline these days. So what's a girl to do? Well here are a few of my personal beauty secrets.

Do you have acne prone skin? If you are like me, you've probably tried it all from Neutrogenia to Proactive, and the last thing you want on your wedding day is pimples on your face. Well I found my final answer - Niora's Alpha Clear System. The difference is they use natural alpha hydroxy acids instead of synthetics like most products. It truly is the best thing out there, and it doesn't cost a fortune. Check it out at http://www.niora.com/.

Brides want their makeup to look flawless on their wedding day. You don't want to look too oily, too dry, too cakey or too plain. My perfect solution is Loreal Bare Natural makeup. The powder lasts a long time and doesn't look flaky. It also contains sunscreen to protect your skin. I like the concealer too. It looks like you don't get much for your money, but it lasts a long time and does a great job of brightening up dark under eye circles.

Don't we all want a perfect pout? My favorite long lasting lipstick that won't wear off on anything is Maybeline Superstay lip color. The finishing gloss feels great, not gooey, and it doesn't dry out your lips. My husband likes it because my kisses don't turn him pink.

Want the perfect bikini line but don't want to pay for the spa to do it? Andrea Naturals Brazilian Bikini Wax is the way to go - even if you aren't going for the full "Brazilian" effect. Unlike painful was strips, it doesn't hurt nearly as bad. However, give yourself plenty of time to try it out. The wax takes some practice getting used to, and be sure to read the directions or you will have wax stuck to everything.

Want a perfect tan for your wedding day, but you don't have the time or money to go to the tanning salon? My favorite at-home-tan-in-a-tube is Loreal Sublime Bronze. But here is the thing. Don't buy the tinted gel. The "tint" tends to rub off on your clothing and can cause your tan to look blotchy after you get in the shower. Go for the clear gel and patiently wait for your tan. If it's not dark enough, then you can always apply another coat. I suggest doing this at least two to three weeks before your wedding. Once you get the color you want, then apply one to two times a week to keep it there.

Do you have some personal beauty secrets or a favorite product? Feel free to share.

Labels: beauty, bridal, bride, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:55 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Have you ever thought that your wedding planning is just too overwhelming? Did you think you were going to lose it at any moment? We'll when you feel you are at your worst, just know you are not alone.

On June 1st WE TV began its new season of Bridezillas. This reality show is about brides who spin out of control. From a bride upset about her bridesmaid's tattoo to an uninvited future mother-in-law, Bridezillas promises all the drama you can possibly imagine in a wedding.

Want to participate? You can visit their website at http://www.wetv.com/bridezillas to turn yourself into a Bridezilla to share with your friends and family via email, mobile device, blog, YouTube or Facebook.

They also feature top 10 lists for everything from wedding cake flavors to tips for the groom. My favorite groom tip is #8 "Elated, not inebriated - Your friends at the wedding reception will all be eager to toast your marriage. But remember, this is your wedding, not your bachelor party, so watch your intake of alcohol. Drunk is not the condition in which to spend your first night of marital bliss."

If you take a moment to visit the site, be sure to sign up for their Platinum Wedding Honeymoon Sweepstakes on the WE TV home page. If you already paid for your honeymoon, you can still win $5000 cash!


Check out the Bridezillas sneak peak for the upcoming season at http://wetv.com/video/1532921035/bridezillas-sneak-peek

Labels: bride, contest, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:35 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

I went to a wedding once that was held outside at a bed and breakfast. The location of the ceremony was set up beautifully right down to the last detail - every chair had a little monogrammed box sitting on it. Turns out inside the boxes were butterflies that were let loose at the end of the ceremony. The box? It was a favor for the guests to take home.

Wedding favors are the finishing touch to a wedding. They are usually laid out at the reception on tables or where guests congregate. Personalized favors are a way of saying "Thank you for being part of our special day" and offer your guests an item to take home to remember your wedding. They can be keepsakes, treats, or whatever you choose that works with your theme.

Here are a few suggestions when choosing wedding favors:

Think about how much you want to spend. If you are having a smaller wedding, you may want to have personalized keepsakes. For instance, my sister-in-law had special Christmas ornaments made with their names and wedding date for her holiday themed wedding. We still hang it on the tree every year.

For larger weddings, you may want to have a more affordable option. Consider candy or potpourri inside netting tied off with ribbon.

Consider what works with your theme. If you are having a formal wedding, you may want a more elegant favor. For instance, high quality truffles inside a personalized box. Having an outdoor wedding? Consider mini flower vases with fresh cut flowers inside - complete them with a ribbon in your wedding colors.

You can order personalized ribbon with your names and wedding date to finish off almost any favor you can come up with. One suggestion is a wallet sized portrait in a small frame tied off with a ribbon personalized with your wedding date.

Will you have a lot of cake leftover? Consider personalized boxes to put pieces of cake in for your guests to take home for later. Or fill small personalized cake boxes with mints or candy.

Wrap votive candles with ribbons or beads in your wedding colors, or specialized printed wraps with your names and wedding date on them.

You can purchase candy wrappers personalized with your names and wedding date on them to create special candy favors for your guests.

Not a fan or candy or food favors? Print thank you scrolls with a special message to your guests and place small wedding bands around them. Some other personalized items that you can find are note pads,sewing kits and bubbles.

Do your guests like to read? Print special bookmarks with your picture, names and wedding date on them. You can include a special thank you message to your guests.

The possibilities are really endless when it comes to wedding favors. Your theme, your message, your style...

Labels: favors, reception, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 6:51 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post