Wedding News and Advice

As you may have read in one of my previous posts, the Knot teamed up with Eight O'Clock Coffee for the "Gr8 Wedding D8" contest to give away a dream wedding that will take place on one of this year's most talked-about wedding dates -- 8/8/08.

Last week, The Knot introduced the contest's lucky winners, Vikki Capparelli and Mike Bonick, two kindergarten teachers from Palm Beach, Florida. This week, they need your help! You can cast your vote for your favorite hot-off-the-runway dress that Vikki and her bridesmaids will wear at the lavish outdoor ceremony in Southampton.



Choices for the bride include:

- Melissa Sweet trumpet-style wedding gown - This strapless, taffeta gown with a ruched, asymmetrical waistline evokes old Hollywood glamour, and the floral corsage detail at the waist gives it a trendy edge.

- Priscilla of Boston ball gown - Priscilla of Boston's silk, strapless gown would make any bride feel like a princess. The crystal-encrusted, lace Empire waistline offers a touch of sparkle while the back-button detailing and extra-full, dropped-waist skirt give this fairy-tale design an updated look.

- Platinum for Priscilla of Boston A-line bridal gown - This sophisticated, strapless, silk cotton gown by Platinum for Priscilla of Boston has a simple yet elegant design with its pleated back train -- the regal, silver-beaded waistline also gives this dress an unexpected twist.

Choices for the bridesmaids include:

- Melissa Sweet Bridesmaids knee-length dress - This shorter, satin dress by Melissa Sweet is a great option for an outdoor wedding. The gathered fabric on the waistline and large bow detail in the back add a sophisticated, sassy touch to an otherwise demure design.

- Priscilla of Boston Bridesmaids pleated, full-length dress - This satin gown by Priscilla of Boston features a fashion-forward bubble skirt hemline, a draped, pleated bodice, and a classic, full-length silhouette -- perfect for an elegant wedding in the Hamptons.

- Vineyard Bridesmaids ruched, full-length dress - The boho-inspired design on this full-length dress by Vineyard is so pretty, especially when combined with a strapless neckline and ruched bodice. It's laid-back, elegant, and ideal for a summer wedding.

To view the gown choices and to vote your favorite wedding and bridesmaid dress, visit The Knot's website at http://www.theknot.com/ch_article.html?Object=A80702162242&keywordID=156&keywordType=2&parentID=527

Labels: bride, bridesmaid, contest, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:34 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

The bridal shower is an event to honor the bride-to-be, and planning one does not have to be a difficult task. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a bridal shower:

Choose a theme for the shower. Try to find one that reflects the bride's personality or interests such as wine tasting, gourmet cooking or travel. There are also more "traditional" themes such as lingerie or a bridal tea.

Find a location to accommodate your theme. A restaurant, day spa, hotel, or private home are all good choices. Many restaurants have private rooms you can use for free as long as you are purchasing food from them.

Decide on a time frame. Depending on the theme, guests and activities you have planned, most showers last between 2 to 4 hours. It helps to have a rough outline of what you are planning to include such as:

• Arrival and introduction of guests
• Food/beverages
• Games
• Gift opening
• Cake serving

Send invitations - it's best to have the bride help you create a guest list so you do not leave anyone out. Shower invitations should be sent out after the wedding invitations have been mailed so you can confirm everyone on the guest list has been invited to the wedding.

Plan a menu to be served at the shower. This does not have to be a complicated decision. If you are using a restaurant or hotel, they will have limited choices for you to choose from, and if you are using a private home, you can stick to one type of food (i.e. appetizers, full meal, desserts, etc.) Consider the time of day when planning food for your shower. You don't want to serve dinner at 2:00 PM. Most bridal showers incorporate a cake.

Select games to play at the bridal shower. Games help all of the guests feel involved and help keep the event moving. It's also a great way to help strangers get to know one another. See example here of Bridal Shower Bingo.

Choose decor to fit your theme. Look for centerpieces and props as well as table linens and wall hangings. Purchase a take home gift for your guests in conjunction with your theme such as personalized wine glasses for a wine tasting, or a mini cook book for a gourmet cooking theme. You can include the bride and groom's names and wedding date to make it a keepsake.

Stay organized, use your creativity and have a fantastic bridal shower!

Labels: bridal, bride, invitation, shower, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 6:28 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Shoes are the finishing touch to every outfit - including a wedding gown. Every bride takes time to find the perfect pair to complete her dress, and her bridesmaids do too!

Shoes can show a piece of your personality - high fashion, traditional, comfortable, casual. The great thing about shoes is that you can choose a style that fits you. There are no rules that say you have to wear 4" stilettos or satin covered heels.

Many brides opt for dyeable fabric covered shoes. One nice reason to choose them is that after your wedding you can always dye them. Dying them black is a great option because it can go with almost any outfit. Many bridesmaids also use dyeable fabric shoes so they can find a perfect match for their bridesmaid dress. Dyeable fabric shoes do not have to cost a fortune. In fact, Payless Shoe Source carries them.

Are you in to high fashion? I found great resource that includes bridal shoe styles from Vera Wang to Stuart Weitzman at http://www.onewed.com/bridal-shoes/. You find the style and they link you to the seller. Don't look for a deep discount though. These are top quality and priced selections.

A new trend in bridal shoe wear are flip-flops. Now, I have to say that I personally do not find these attractive. I think a bridal gown deserves something a bit more formal. But flip-flops seem to be popular, especially with outdoor weddings. Check out www.savvysneaks.com for some creative flip-flop and sneaker style shoes for weddings.

Whatever your style, here are a few tips when choosing shoes for your wedding:

• Don't wear heels that are higher than you are used to. This is not the time to go from flats to 4" heels. You want to actually be able to walk down the aisle on your wedding day.
• Break in your shoes! So many brides don't do this and the end up with sore feet on their wedding day. Just stick them on your feet while your walking around the house for a week or two before the wedding.
• Try them on before and after you leave the store. Keep your receipt and try them on inside your house so you don't wear on them. This way you can still change your mind and return them.
• Try them on with your wedding dress - especially when you get it hemmed. You want to make sure you like them with your dress and that your wedding gown falls to the right length with them on.

Labels: bride, bridesmaid, shoes, wedding

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

Brides are fast changing wedding "rules". According to the WeddingChannel.com, brides are creating new rules that include:

RULE 1: GENDER-BENDING THE BRIDAL PARTY

Man of honor or best woman? An overwhelming 63% of WeddingChannel.com brides would ask their best friend to be a bridesman or man of honor if they were a guy. While there are no rules regarding attire, Kleinfeld Bridal co-owner and WeddingChannel.com fashion expert Mara Urshel suggests you play it safe but chic.

"When it comes to what to wear, a bridesman should wear a tie, pocket kerchief, and boutonniere to match the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. As for the groomswoman, it's best if she wears the same color as the bridesmaids, but not the same dress nor the same flowers."

RULE 2: FRIENDLY OFFICIATE

Another growing trend is asking someone other than a clergyman to officiate your wedding. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 59% of couples would be interested in having a friend or family member officiate. The process is fairly simple: A friend or family member registers online, they pay a fee (which ranges between $15-40), and an official certificate is mailed out to them.

"Make sure whoever you choose to officiate your wedding understands the style of the ceremony, their responsibilities, and is up to the challenge," advises Yifat Oren, WeddingChannel.com style expert and wedding planner to the stars. "An ideal officiate is not only someone who is important to the bride and groom, but is articulate and capable of handling such an important event. Couples should offer to help write the ceremony content to ensure there won’t be any last-minute surprises."

RULE 3: THE NAME GAME

Torn as to whether or not you should take your future husband's last name? Over 12% of WeddingChannel.com brides say they're keeping their own while 3% insist they're open to blending both their last name with their groom's. If you're not sure how that sounds you can test it out with the WeddingChannel.com's Name Game Tool (www.weddingchannel.com/thenamegame.html).

RULE 4: ALTERNATIVE REGISTRIES

Already have a food processor and a crock pot? Many couples are opting to create wedding registries for their honeymoon or favorite charitable causes. When registering on WeddingChannel.com you have the option of starting a charitable registry in your name for organizations like the ASPCA or the Red Cross. Your wedding guests can then make donations in your name to your charity of choice. You can also create the ultimate honeymoon registry with the help of companies like Cloud 9 or Traveler's Joy. Couples can register for everything from horseback riding lessons to spa treatment -- just keep in mind not everyone might be comfortable with your alternative registry choices. WeddingChannel.com editors suggest that you do create one normal registry to placate your traditional wedding guests.

For original article, visit www.weddingchannel.com

Labels: bride, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: bridal, bride, shower, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 4:25 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

When I look back on my wedding and the gifts I received, I remember thinking "What am I going to do with this stuff?". Part of it was poor registry on my part, but our guests were all trying to give us that unique gift that no one else would think to purchase.

It's not that I didn't appreciate their thoughtfulness, and I thanked everyone whole-heartedly, but we really needed some stuff we could use! After all, we were just college students before we were married so neither one of us owned "home stuff". I really wanted that toaster!

So here are some gifts I recommend that newlyweds, especially ones right out of college, can use:

Dishes, glasses, and place settings – most of us as tend to have mismatched dishes and place settings when we are single. Give the newlyweds a nice new set of dishes.

Towels – bath towels and kitchen towels are both great gifts. Find out what colors they prefer so you can match their décor.

Kitchen gadgets – Get those cool kitchen gadgets that make cooking easy. My favorites – the garlic press from Pampered Chef, a salad spinner, and a nice set of knives. Also great gifts are cookware such as a nice set of pots and pans, a waffle iron or an electric wok.

Cook book – most of us eat out a lot when we are single so a new cook book can help them break in those new kitchen gadgets they might be getting.

Sheet sets – an extra set of sheets is always handy, but one of those items you tend to put off buying.

Serving platters – one of my favorite wedding gifts was a nice, ceramic salad bowl. I use it every time we have guests over for dinner.

Throw – a nice soft throw is great to cuddle up on the couch with.

Shop vac – OK, this may only make sense if they own a house, but they are sure nice to have.

Do you have any suggestions for wedding gifts? If so feel free to post your comments.

Labels: bride, gift, groom, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:25 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

7 Eyewitness News
in partnership with

Why take engagement photos? (Besides just to document what a good looking couple you are.) Submit a shot to your local paper with your engagement announcement, use them creatively in your wedding day decor, or give framed prints as gifts to your families. Need an ultrapractical reason to schedule an engagement photo shoot? It's a great opportunity to test-drive your wedding photographer. Read on for the basics to help you make the most of your premarital mug shots.

Make it Snappy

The best time to snap your paired-up pics depends on how and when you plan to use them. Here's a rundown of photo scheduling options -- choose whatever works for you:

Day one/two: Take a picture of yourselves to commemorate the moment you get engaged -- you'll already be wearing a photogenically (and naturally) happy smile!

First month: Schedule a photo shoot early in your engagement if you plan to submit a formal engagement announcement with a photo to your local paper. (Check your paper's guidelines for specific pose or print quality requirements, which are often listed on the newspaper's website.)

When you set the wedding date: Have a photo taken for your wedding website or save-the-date -- many couples incorporate photos of themselves into the design. If this trend appeals to you and you're planning to send guests an early heads-up, have photos taken eight to ten months before the wedding, in time to print and send save-the-dates no later than six months before the wedding.

Six to eight months before: You can also take engagement pictures once you've booked your wedding photographer or when you're narrowing down your final choices (which should occur when your planning countdown hits the eight-months-prior mark).

Three months before: If you plan to submit a shot with your newspaper wedding announcement, check their guidelines for specifics and schedule a picture-taking session at least three months before the wedding. Larger newspapers ask to receive wedding submissions up to six weeks before the event, and you'll want to factor in four to six weeks before that deadline to see your proofs and make prints.

Two months before: Trying out wedding day looks? Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments the same day as your engagement photo session to capture a preview of your wedding day fabulousness on film (you could do the salon in the morning and the photo studio in the afternoon). Factor in some in-between time for damage control, on the off chance that the salon results aren't as great as you hoped.

Up to one month before: Planning to feature your smiling faces on the wedding program, the favors, or plastered on the hot air balloon in which you'll be leaving the reception? Schedule pictures in plenty of time to see proofs, select your favorites, and get everything you need printed up.

To see entire article visit http://ww2.7online.com/Global/story.asp?S=7795682.

Labels: bride, engagement, groom, photography, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Labels: bridal, bride, games, groom, party, shower, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

In a recent article from the Liverpool Daily Post, Emma Johnson reported the top wedding trends of today. Here's a breakdown of what she discussed:

Dresses - Strapless in traditional fabrics are big this year, with beautifully beaded bodices. And although ivory and cream are most popular, wedding dresses are also being done in darker colors like cappuccino.

Flowers - Chocolate, mocha and cream are also popular colors in flowers, although red (the traditional color of love) is still popular.

Hair - Big updos with a soft look are popular. It's best to choose a hairdo that incorporates your headdress and veil (which are getting longer this year).

Wedding rings - Men are choosing rings with diamonds as "bling" is in style. White gold, titanium and platinum are more popular than yellow gold. The nice thing about titanium is that it doesn't scratch and therefore can be a better choice for a plain band.

To read this article in its entirety, visit www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk

Labels: bride, groom, planning, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

So, as I was sitting her uploading the new Bridal Shower collection to InvitoCards.com, I thought it would be nice to post a series of ideas for bridal shower themes. For my first shower post, I thought it would be best to mention a Couple’s Shower.

In the original tradition of the Bridal Shower, it was a special celebration between the bride and her friends. Lingerie, bath crystals and other personal items were presented to the bride as the shower gifts were just for her.

A Couple’s Shower allows the groom to participate in this age-old tradition with a new twist. It’s a celebration that both the bride and groom attend. Couples are invited to the shower, and the gifts are for the bride and groom to enjoy – lingerie is still a perfect gift!

Here are some ideas to make the perfect Couple’s Shower:

Activities – Ask each guest to share advice for keeping a marriage exciting. Use the first letters of the bride and groom’s names to begin each statement. Consider playing a game with teams like Scene-It (men vs. women, or couples vs. couples)

Menu ideas – Have an interactive menu such as create your own pizza, submarine sandwich, or a taco bar.

Gift ideas – Bring gifts the couple can use together, such as his and hers matching bathrobes, outdoor games, or books.

Decorations – Find old movie posters or prints of famous couples-in-love throughout history and display them at the party.

Favors – Take pictures of each couple at the shower, and provide them with the print and photo frame.

Labels: bridal, bride, groom, shower, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

“I’ll pick a style that you can wear again,” says the bride to her bridesmaids. Her intentions are good, but that’s not how it works out is it? Why are bridesmaid dresses a style that we can only wear in a wedding?

Thankfully, today’s styles are not what they used to be. It used to be puffy sleeves and enormous butt bows, Why on earth would you stick a huge flower right in the center of the bust line? Today, most styles are more sleek and flattering. A-line skirts and flowing fabrics look great on almost any figure.

Bridesmaid dress colors are more flattering now too. In the 80’s it was all about colors like teal, peach and hot pink. Then came the iridescent phase where fabrics were used that had metallic thread in colors like purple, green or gold mixed with black thread for a color-shifting look. Now, popular hues are deep chocolate browns, sage green, red or even black or white.

But even with today’s better styles, bridesmaid dresses are rarely worn again. Thankfully, author Cindy Walker has written “101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress”. Her unique ideas include making everything from hair scrunchies and shoe bags to hammocks or a bee keeper outfit. So take those old bridesmaid dresses out of the closet and recycle them into something new. You can tell your friend that you have been able to use that dress again after all!

Cindy Walker’s book is available at Amazon.com.

Labels: bride, bridesmaid, dresses, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Have you ever considered taking your wedding photos underwater? Yes, I did say underwater.

Labels: bride, groom, photography, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Your best friend calls to say she’s getting married.

Then she pops the big question, “Will you be my bridesmaid?”

You’re honored, but a little unsure about what comes next. And unless you’re like Katherine Heigl’s character in the film “27 Dresses” — who has been a bridesmaid 27 times — you probably don’t know exactly what’s expected of you.

The romantic comedy is opening Friday. In the movie, Heigl, of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame, plays a woman who struggles with her “always a bridesmaid” lifestyle.

But what if you’re new to the bridesmaid’s game? We talked to local wedding experts to get the lowdown.

Becky Nunnelly, owner of the Belmont Village on Hay Street, said bridesmaids’ duties aren’t as clear-cut as they once were. Today, the role of a bridesmaid varies from wedding to wedding, she said, depending on the bride’s needs.

“Every wedding seems like it’s unique and different,” said Nunnelly, whose business is a one-stop shop for weddings.

One obstacle for many brides, especially in a military town such as Fayetteville, is having out-of-town attendants. That will determine how much a bridesmaid is capable of doing if she and the bride don’t live in the same place.

“Some brides don’t get to see the bridesmaids until the day before the wedding,” Nunnelly said. “It makes it hard for the bride, especially if she chooses all out-of-town friends.”

Make it easy for her from the start by accepting her proposal with some immediacy. Let her know in a timely manner whether you will appear in the wedding.

The sooner, the better, said Elizabeth Caro, owner of Lola’s Special Occasions in Fayetteville. That way the bride can pick an alternate in case you’re unable to be an attendant.

Remember, bridesmaids are responsible for buying their dresses and shoes and paying to get their hair done. If the wedding is out of town, be prepared to pay for your own hotel and travel expenses. So before you say yes, be upfront with the bride about how much you can afford to spend. If time and money doesn’t allow it, then you may want to consider sitting in the audience instead.

Also keep in mind that this is a happy time for your friend, and an honor just to be asked to participate in her special day.

“When you are asked to be a bridesmaid, the bride really considers you a special person,” Caro said. “It means you’re special to them.”

Fayetteville resident Madison Deal has been a bridesmaid about four times over. Deal will appear as the maid of honor Saturday at the wedding of her friend, Meagan McKinney, at the Belmont Village.

“This is my first time as a maid of honor,” Deal, 21, said. “It’s a lot different than being a bridesmaid.”

The maid of honor traditionally has more responsibilities than the other bridesmaids. Deal said she has been busy planning the bridal shower, making the party gifts and helping the bride run errands.

She and McKinney are roommates, so Deal asks her friend how she can pitch in to help with the planning. The two have been friends since they were babies.

Deal said she’s looking forward to seeing “27 Dresses” because she can relate to the character.

“It seems in the movie she’s always a bridesmaid and never a bride,” she said. “I’m the only single one right now.”

Her advice for other bridesmaids: “Just go with whatever the bride wants.” Because, after all, it’s her day.

www.fayobserver.com

Labels: bride, bridesmaid, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 6:42 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Today’s wedding couples are no longer content with the traditional wedding dance. Nope, now we have choreographed dances to entertain everyone who attends their wedding. And why not? It gives us all something unique to remember. You may not remember the color of the ribbons or what the bridesmaid dresses looked like, but you’ll remember that dance!

Here are a couple of my recent favorites:

"Brian and Katie’s Evolution of Wedding Dance"




and a couple who have been named as the “Best Wedding Dance Ever”

Labels: bride, dance, groom, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

When I planned my wedding, I had already worked in the bridal industry for many years. So when it came time to choose a wedding invitation, I knew exactly where to get what I wanted and where to find it. Now, with so many choices, it can be hard to know what to choose. Are you getting a good quality invitation? Is the pricing fair? Here are some tips to help you along the way:

- Professional high quality wedding invitations are usually printed with a process called thermography, also referred to as "raised ink". This type of printing is created by adding a resin powder to wet ink, which when heated, creates a raised surface. The raised ink gives the look and feel of engraving without the expense. Engraved invitations are available but tend to cost more.

- When comparing prices, check the price for a quantity of 150. Most price breaks end at 150 and there is a flat rate based on increments of 25 above that quantity. If you look at prices based on a quantity of 25, where most invitations begin, you are comparing the worst pricing per invitation. (For instance Invitation A may cost $100 for 25, $115 for 50, and $125 for 150 vs. Invitation B at $90 for 25, $112 for 50 and $124 for 150, at the 150 quantity pricing is about equal)

- Choose an invitation printed by a well known manufacturer such as Carlson Craft. If you are not sure check out the manufacturer's website. If it looks home made, it probably is.

- Order a sample. Most places will send you a sample for a couple of dollars and it makes sense to see it in person before you buy 100 of them.

There are different parts to wedding invitations that you may or may not need. Here is a breakdown for you.

Your main piece, the wedding invitation, will come with double envelopes, an inner and outer envelope, and sometimes tissues. The tissue is to be placed on top of the printing before sliding it into your inner envelope which is then placed inside the outer envelope which is addressed.

Many companies offer to have your inner envelopes "lined" for an additional fee. This is where you choose a color that is adhered inside the flap of the inner envelope to give it an elegant look. Its not necessary but does look nice. You can also pay an additional fee to have your return address printed on the outer envelope flap. Personally, I think this is worth the additional cost as it saves you time in printing labels or writing a return address and looks more formal.

In addition to your wedding invitation you can buy Reception cards. These cards tell your guests where to find your reception after the wedding ceremony. I suggest you use these if the reception is in a different location than the wedding ceremony and you have to include a complete address. The reception card is put above your tissue with your invitation inside the inner envelope. An alternative to buying a Reception card is called "corner copy". This is two to three lines of copy placed in the bottom left or right corner of your wedding invitation and usually costs a small fee (but considerably less than buying Reception cards). Examples of corner copy text:

Reception immediately
following ceremony

or

Reception following
Burton's Restaurant
110 3rd Street

Another card you can purchase is called a Respond card. This card is filled out by your guests and mailed back to you. It includes a line for their name and a check box or line to confirm the number of guests attending. The Respond card comes with preprinted envelopes (your address), and typically the bride and groom include postage on them. If you are having a catered event, a Respond card will help when you need to give a final count to your caterer. If you are having menu choices, you can also include these on your Respond card so your guests can choose a meal in advance. Respond cards are also mailed with your invitation inside the inner envelope.

The final card you can purchase is a personalized note card. I am a fan of these because the are elegant (they are card stock that matches your invitation) and they are printed with the bride and groom's names or monogram on the front and blank inside. These are typically used as thank you notes after your wedding ceremony, but can be also used for simple notes to your friends and family.

Save the Date! These are becoming more popular. Save the Date cards are mailed long before your wedding invitations (6 months to a year) so that your guests can keep your wedding date open on their calendars. Save the Date's are recommended if you have guests that are coming from out of town.

One final tip. Before mailing your wedding invitation, especially if you have multiple cards inserted, be sure to check the postage rate. You don't want to have them all returned to you...

www.invitocards.com

Labels: advice, bride, carlson craft, invitation, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

ABC 7 Eyewitness News
By Celeste Perron

You're a bride-to-be, so now you can indulge your every emotion and whim, right? Not so fast. It's most definitely your moment to be pampered and reign supreme, so maintaining perspective will make the whole planning process more fun and less mentally exhausting. We suggest you use the New Year as motivation to follow these 10 sanity-preserving rules:

1. I can live without lady's slipper orchids. As you've discovered, there's a big world of amazing, over-the-top wedding options -- from caviar tastings to three-color origami letterpress invitations -- and many of them are jaw-droppingly expensive. If you find that you're being attracted to things that will have your budget bursting at the seams, it's time for a reality check. Ask yourself: What will those fragile flowers (or whatever your expensive obsession is) truly add to my wedding? If the answer is just "impressed glances from five in-the-know female guests," then you're better off spending that dough on something more people will appreciate -- a killer band maybe? -- or, better yet, splurging more on your honeymoon.

2. I won't make my bridesmaids look like clones. Every good friend knows that along with the honor of being a bridesmaid comes the obligation to wear a dress in a color and style that's not of her choosing. So your girls accept that, but it doesn't mean they'll submit happily if you force them to wear identical shoes, jewelry, wraps, and hairstyles. In order to have a great time at your wedding, your bridesmaids need to feel attractive too -- something that's impossible if you've micromanaged their looks down to the lipstick hue. (Plus, buying a bunch of matching accessories they may never wear again gets expensive.) And your bridesmaids will look even better if you give them leeway to let their individual styles shine through the blush-colored chiffon gowns you've dressed them in. So let them choose their hair and makeup styles; give them more than one option with accessories like shoes, jewelry, and cover-ups.

3. I won't invite my second cousin's fling. When you're putting your list together, a spirit of irrationally warm hospitality might take over, making you inclined to invite all of your single guests' guys/girls-of-the-moment. We know you're thinking: "What if they get married one day? I'll feel terrible if my cousin by marriage wasn't at our wedding." But remember, aside from the (big) expense of inviting every single person with a date, you don't want to celebrate the most important event of your life thus far with a bunch of people you'll likely never see again. Trust us, if you invite cousin Bill's arm candy, she'll somehow wind up front and center in half of the photographs, but he'll dump her before you return from your honeymoon, and you won't remember her name in a year. So make a rule about plus ones (maybe it's "only couples who've been dating for more than a year" or "only members of the wedding party get to invite random dates") and stick to it.

4. I won't obsess over my registry. Once you delve into the world of fine stemware, charger plates, and exotic kitchen gadgets, it's only natural that you'll want to get even more immersed in it -- and start second - and third - guessing every registry decision. And online options make it all too easy to review and revise what you've asked for at every whim. So give yourself a deadline after which you're not allowed to tinker with your registry -- say, six months before the wedding -- so you can stop fixating on "bone china vs. Limoges?" and start obsessing over seating charts instead!

5. I'll loosen up about the rehearsal dinner. As a bride, it's pretty much your inalienable right to micromanage every aspect of the wedding if you choose to. The rehearsal dinner, not so much. If you're lucky enough to have the night-before celebration thrown for you by the groom's family or somebody similar, everything will go most smoothly if you offer your input only when asked and on a few issues that are super-important to you. If your future mother-in-law sends out invitations you find unbearably tacky or fills the centerpieces with your least favorite flower, keep in mind that everybody in attendance will understand that the rehearsal isn't reflective of your style.

6. I'll write thank-you notes as the gifts come in. Yes, you're busy, but you can always carve out 10 minutes from your schedule to write a thank-you note. So place your stationery box and a big sheet of stamps in the center of your desk and sit down to express your gratitude within 48 hours of a gift coming in. If you wait, your note-writing list will quickly grow to a frightening length, and it'll become that much more intimidating to tackle it. And if you let too much time pass before writing your notes, the gift-giver might wonder if you received the present.

7. I won't stress out about his bachelor party. What happens on his stag night is totally out of your control and not for you to know or ever find out. He wouldn't be marrying you if he didn't vastly prefer being by your side instead of being surrounded by 10 intoxicated buddies and expensive entertainment named Bambi. 'Nuff said.

8. I won't have unrealistic weight expectations. Choose a dress you look gorgeous in at your regular weight. Sure, you're likely to shed a couple of pounds in the weeks before the wedding due to a packed schedule and jitters, but consider that as a bonus. Don't strive to lose any more than that at the last minute. Crash dieting will make you exhausted and bitchy, and no number on the scale will compensate if you're too weak to handle the demands and savor the excitement of your wedding celebrations.

9. I won't let downers dampen my enthusiasm. As you've no doubt already noticed, there are people out there who seem determined to make you feel bad about your wedding planning excitement. Maybe they're single and jealous, or not-so-happily married and bitter, or just the types who can't bear to witness other people's joy without trying to chip away at it. It can be hard to ID these people because their negativity is often backhanded and disguised as advice ("Don't stress about the details so much -- it's just a party that will be over in five hours!"), or because they might ask you lots of questions about your wedding day details only to teasingly call you "Bridezilla" when you answer. But once you've noticed that discussing your plans with certain people leaves you feeling defensive or deflated, cross them off your list of conversation partners. You have plenty of others in your life who are genuinely excited for you and eager to hear about (almost) every aspect of the planning process.

10. I'll make my album within one year of the wedding. When you come back from your honeymoon, putting together your wedding album may seem like a daunting task. There will be so many beautiful and funny photos to choose from, and after months of daily wedding-related decisions, you may decide to take a break and do the album later. Not to mention the fact that a nice album doesn't come cheap, so it'll be tempting to wait until your funds have been replenished before shelling out for it. But as many of your married friends who had similar plans will tell you, the years slip by quickly, and it's all too easy to wind up with nothing but a proof book and some Snapfish albums on your fifth anniversary. So bite the bullet and order your album while the memories are fresh and you still have a little wedding planning momentum driving you forward.

http://ww2.7online.com

Labels: bride, planning, wedding

Posted by Invito Cards at 9:41 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post