Wedding News and Advice

Wedding Invitation Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:51:00 +0000

I came across this article on wedding invitations today. I couldn't have worded it better, so I'm going to paste it in on here.

Invitation should fit style, taste, budget
The Birmingham News
by Alene Gamel

Planning a wedding can be a fun and exciting adventure.

It can also be very stressful, confusing and time consuming.

One area of concern is choosing the proper invitation. This can be a daunting project, with the bride, mom and groom all weighing in on paper weight, font, color and wording.

In choosing the right invitation for you, think about the style and formality of your wedding.

For instance, if you are having a casual garden wedding, don't pick a traditional, formal invitation. You might instead pick something with a little color on it, use a more casual font and forgo the double envelopes.

Remember that it is important to convey the essence of the event, as the invitation will prepare your guests for the type of event you are having.

Why does it matter, you might ask?

Personally, I would like to know so that I might be able to choose my clothing appropriately.

I would dress very differently if I were going to a beach wedding, than I would if I were going to a formal, sit-down dinner in a ballroom.

All that said, let's discuss wording. If the bride's parents are hosting the wedding, then the wording should read: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, request the honor of your presence.

If both sets of parents are hosting the wedding then they should both be included, and the wording should be: Mr. and Mrs. John Doe and Mr. and Mrs. James Smith request the honor ...

There are several things to note here, the phrase "request the honor of your presence," is used only if the wedding ceremony will take place in a house of worship.

All other venues, such as a garden, back yard, beach and ballroom, would use the phrase "request the pleasure of your company."

As for including the groom's parents' names, this is only done if they are sharing in a major part of the wedding expense.

This concept is based purely on monetary commitment, but look at it this way - if you are throwing the party, then you can invite the guests.

If the groom's parents are not involved monetarily, they are not hosting the party, and therefore, are guests of the bride's parents.

Also, never, ever put the name of a deceased parent on the invitation.

One of our fine stationers here in Birmingham said it this way - this is a celebration of the living and the future, the growth of life and its continuance from parent to child.

I suggest that you honor the memory of the deceased in other ways: Include them in the program or light a memory candle at the ceremony.

A couple of other things to think about are:

Never place an RSVP on the invitation itself, unless it is for a very casual wedding. If you need to keep up with a head count, you should send a separate response card along with the invitation.

A formal invitation should always be hand addressed. A mailing label gives the impression of mass production instead of the personal delivery from the host to the guest.

Hopefully these little tips will help prepare you as you begin the process of choosing the perfect invitation and knowing what to put on it.

The view the original article go to The Birmingham News website.

Beautiful weddings winter and fall

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:42:00 +0000

The fall and winter are beautiful times for a wedding. Rich colors, elegant dresses and the guys sure appreciate the cooler weather when they are wearing a tux.

Use the season to help create a beautiful theme for your wedding. If you are getting married in the fall, incorporate the rich colors of brown, gold or red. Decorate with fall leaves, candles, and deep colored tablecloths.

You can take the fall theme through to your wedding invitations like this one called "Trailing Maple Leaves" featuring an embossed maple leaf border. Finish the look with a gold embossed maple leaf envelope seal.

Winter weddings are beautiful with rich jewel tones of green, red, blue and purple. Use the holidays to help create a theme for your wedding. An example is my brother who was married a week before Christmas. He and his bride decided to give away Christmas ornaments printed with their names and wedding date. It's a keepsake we still use every year.

Don't feel that you have to incorporate Christmas into your winter wedding. You can use winter themes without Santa. Try dusting your centerpieces with fake snow. Use candles wrapped in holly or festive ribbon in a jewel tone to match your wedding theme. Accent your wedding colors with silver or gold.

Take your winter theme into your wedding invitations. My favorite is the "Winter Holly" invitation featuring pearl embossed holly leaves with berries. Complete the look with envelopes lined in a tone to match your wedding theme, or use silver or gold lined envelopes for an elegant accent.

Don't forget, Invito Cards has a Summer Special going on
5% off on everything! So order your invitations today!

Win a free trip to Cancun

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:08:00 +0000

I am personally not a fan of Northwest Airlines, but if I won this contest I would probably give them a chance again.

Northwest Airlines has launched a new contest to win a WorldVacations' trip to Cancun, Mexico, including round trip air and hotel, valued up to $2,200.

Having been to Cancun I can assure this would be a very nice vacation or honeymoon. Picture hotels lined up along the coastline. All with outdoor bars and waitresses bringing you drinks while you lay out on the beach.

Don't want to swim in the ocean? Take a dip in the ocean side pool, also equipped with a bar in the center. It is a wonderful place to relax.

Cancun also has lots of activities - tours, nightclubs, shopping, parasailing. Just be sure to drink the bottled water...

So what do you have to do to enter? Just submit a 600 word essay offering a favorite travel memory or tip to NWA WorldVacations(R) Travel Blog. You will be automatically entered into the contest. Here is the link

http://blog.nwaworldvacations.com/271/win-a-free-trip-to-cancn-mexico/

Contest ends September 14th so enter soon!

Gr8 Wedding D8 Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:59:00 +0000

In earlier mentions on my blog, I wrote about the wedding contest from Eight O'clock Coffee - "Gr8 Wedding D8". Well, on Friday the winners were announced. Vikki Capparelli and her fiancé, Michael Bonick are elementary teachers from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The lucky couple received a wedding celebration for 100 guests -- at a multimillion-dollar estate in Southampton, planned by celebrity designer Evette Rios. Ms. Rios is a regular guest on "The Rachael Ray Show" and on the new "Planet Green" Discovery network. The wedding -- sponsored by Eight O'clock Coffee in partnership with the wedding planner, TheKnot.com, among others -- will cost an estimated $50,000. Travel and accommodations for their wedding are also provided for the couple and eight guests.

In addition they received a honeymoon at the Sandals Resort in the Caribbean island of Antigua. Unfortunately, the honeymoon is going to be postponed due to their classes beginning two days after the nuptials.

Their winning entry was cute and catchy:

"We're teachers (whose)...classes start at 8 and we can't be L8, for our students are so gr8. That's why 8-8-08 is the perfect d8, for teachers to cut a wedding" cake during summer break.

On the salaries we (make), we couldn't set this summer d8, because all our bills are L8, the wedding had to w8.

2008 didn't start off gr8...(We couldn't buy) a home in our new st8, because the bank said we didn't r8....

I'm 28, he's 38, ready to start a family, we can't w8. Any wedding you cre8 will be a blessing for this couple's f8.

He's a musician; the guitar he can play, even in school 8 hours each day. I've just won the honor of Teacher Who Makes a Difference ....

8-8-08 is 2 teachers' perfect wedding d8, for all the reasons above and because we're in love.

An American success story we can be, just like Eight O'clock Coffee, you see. From the Atlantic to the Pacific you can search high and low, but we are the couple to choose, we just thought you should know!"

Best of luck to the wedding couple! I hope they get to enjoy that honeymoon soon!

Destination Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:36:00 +0000

Destination weddings have become very popular as they provide a beautiful wedding location combined with a vacation for everyone involved. Many couples choose to keep their destination weddings small involving only immediate family and close friends.

Benefits of a destination wedding include:

Easier to budget: The average wedding in America is estimated to cost $30,000 before the honeymoon. That's quite a nice trip for 6 - 8 people.

No-stress guest list: Are you concerned about having to invite that family with the loud children? With a destination wedding, you can enjoy the day with your small group and invite friends over later for a housewarming party.

Fewer invitations: You don't need the wedding invitations, RSVP's, reception and save the date cards. All you need is an announcement after the wedding.

The down side to a destination wedding is that some of your friends and acquaintances may be upset that they were left out of the big day. So you really have to decide what is important to you before you plan a destination wedding.

So how do you go about finding your destination and wedding vendors?

Start with an internet search for wedding planning vendors. There are tons of wedding referral websites out there. Many have ratings from prior brides and grooms to help you pick out the best options.

Browse social networks. MySpace, Facebook, and others have social groups for every subject, including wedding planning. Talk to fellow brides and grooms to see who they are using and how well their vendor is working with them.

To pick your destination, hotel, etc. review feedback on travel websites such as Orbitz and Expedia. If you choose a specific destination, for example Hawaii, you can find that area's official website, like www.hawaii.com, to connect with local businesses.

Many airlines have destination packages to help you plan your wedding. Another great option for destination weddings are cruises. Check out websites for cruise lines like Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Cruises can come with hotel or airfare packages as well.

Once you choose your destination, see if your hotel or venue have preferred vendors for catering, flowers, etc. This can help you since you will unlikely be able to meet with your wedding vendors in person beforehand.

With a little planning, your destination wedding can be perfect.

Invito Cards Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:41:00 +0000

Hi there everyone,

Just wanted to share that I've posted some additional wedding resources on the Invito Cards website. If you are looking for places to shop for your wedding, check them out at http://invitocards.com/sources.php.

Also, Invito Cards is still running a 5% discount on summer orders. Place your wedding invitation, personalized napkin, or accessory/gift order today.

If you would like to see the entire Carlson Craft catalog collection or if you need to ship outside the United States, visit www.invitocards.cceasy.com.

If there is anything else I can help you with, let me know. Wishing everyone a beautiful wedding day!

- Lisa Leverich, owner of Invito Cards

How to plan a honeymoon

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:29:00 +0000

When choosing a honeymoon destination, we want the perfect experience. After the stress of your wedding, you want to be able to relax and enjoy being newlyweds.

Here are a few tips for brides and grooms to help choose their post wedding travel:

Style ~ what type of climate would you like to travel to? Tropical, city, mountain, safari, desert... This will help narrow down your destination right away. Obviously you want to choose something you would enjoy. For instance a cruise to Alaska would not be my thing. I like the beach better - like Hawaii!

Weather ~ this is the most important factor when picking your location. Be sure to check references for weather patterns in your destination city. For instance, August and September are not great months to travel to Florida since it's hurricane season. The Weather Channel and Acu Weather are both great resources online.

Tourist Season ~ you need to decide if you want to travel during peak tourist season when weather is usually at its best and crowds are plentiful. Benefits to traveling outside of tourist season can include better rates and less crowding. Check to see if there are any special events being held while you are there. For instance, New Orleans has Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival which both draw in huge crowds, but could also make for a great experience.

Specialty Activities ~ decide on the types of activities you want to do. Don't plan a tropical vacation to Mexico because you want to snorkel and then find out the ocean current is too strong to do so. For activities such as golf, skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking... you need to pick a location that specializes in that activity. This could mean picking the one resort on an island that has a top-notch golf course, but it can also mean switching to a better location.

More than one location is okay ~ once you have narrowed down your selection, keep a few destinations in mind. This will allow for more flexibility when choosing a place to stay. If the hotel or resort is very important to your vacation, you may have to change your destination if you aren't finding the type of hotel you desire. You may also find that fares to one destination are much more affordable than another. Keep your options open.

Check for honeymoon specials ~ Many popular destinations offer honeymoon packages that include travel and hotel combination rates such as Las Vegas, Hawaii and New Orleans. Do your research online, but be sure to book with a credible company such as an airline website or popular booking site like Orbitz or Expedia. You don't want to book a honeymoon and find out later it was a scam.

Read reviews ~ There are so many review websites around, you are sure to find some information on our destination. Find out what others have to say before you book your honeymoon.

With a little time on the internet, you are sure to find all you need to know about your honeymoon destination. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

The Wedding Day Dress Code

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:44:00 +0000

I found this article from the WeddingChannel.com about the proper attire to wear to a wedding. I thought this would be of interest to brides and grooms as it helps to know the proper terms when specifying requested attire.

Tips for cracking the wedding day dress code

BY BRIANNE DISYLVESTER

WeddingChannel.com

From the location to the time of day to the type of wedding, figuring out what to wear can be tricky. To avoid being over- or underdressed, follow our guide to cracking the cryptic wedding day dress code.

Type of wedding

Formal, casual, beach chic... each wedding style comes with its own set of rules. Don't feel overwhelmed; just follow these simple guidelines:

• White Tie: The most formal and rarely seen except for state occasions, guests are required to dress in their most luxe ball gowns and tuxedos with tailcoats. Bare shoulders may not be appropriate, so women should bring a shawl.

• Black Tie: A common wedding style among the rich and affluent, black-tie weddings are extremely formal. Men don tuxedos and women wear cocktail dresses or ball gowns. Generally, the more formal the location, the longer your dress should be.

• Creative Black Tie: Fairly less formal; guests can add creative panache to their attire. While men still wear tuxedos, they can swap a bow tie for a collar stud and also wear a playful vest or cummerbund. Women should still be formal in cocktail dresses or ball gowns, but they can wear bright colors or patterns as well.

• Semiformal: A little bit formal but still slightly casual, this is the trickiest type for which to dress. Look to the venue and time of day for extra hints on what you'll be expected to wear. Usually a cocktail dress and a suit and tie will do the trick.

• Casual: Although the invite reads casual, this doesn't mean anything goes -- proper attire is still required. Men should consider khakis or dress pants with a button-down shirt, no tie necessary. Women should wear a trendy dress or a skirt with a stylish top.

• Beach or Outdoor Chic: Whether set on sand or grass, beach or outdoor weddings allow for very lax attire. Men should sport linen pants, khakis, or a summer suit with a button-down shirt. A tea- or knee-length sundress is ideal for women.

Location, location, location

After figuring out what type of wedding you'll be dressing for, look to the location for further instructions. Is it in a grand ballroom or a country club? Check with the venue to see if there's a dress code (although it should be listed on the invite).

Ladies may need to bring a wrap to cover their shoulders for exceptionally posh places, and men might need a tie and jacket. For formal locations, follow the invite and venue dress code down to the last detail.

Meanwhile, outdoor weddings have their own guidelines. Sand and grass allow you to dress very casually; flats and loafers are acceptable, but remember that you should still look classy and put-together.

Time of day

Even though the location and type of wedding are the most important, you'll want to alter your attire slightly depending on the time of day. Keep it more casual in the morning, slightly more formal midday, and most formal for late-evening nuptials. Most likely, the style of wedding, time and location all go hand in hand; however, some couples are planning less traditional weddings these days, giving guests a little room for slight modifications.

If you're still unsure, ask the maid of honor or mother of the bride for some dress code suggestions. When in doubt, keep it chic and simple and just have fun.

To see the post, visit http://www.kansas.com/living/fashion/story/464241.html

Easy RSVP - do it online

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Here's a recent article I found with a wonderful suggestion to receive your RSVP's online...

Steuben Courier

Receive RSVPs quicker online
BY TRESA ERICKSON

Picture it. After hours of addressing the envelopes for your wedding invitations, you finally send them out, complete with RSVP cards. Three months later, you have only received responses from three-quarters of your guests, and in order to get an accurate head count for the caterer, you must spend a few hours calling all of those who failed to respond. This is the scenario that many brides face every year. In spite of their best efforts to get an accurate head count through RSVP cards, some guests misplace or lose the cards and forget to respond. All of the time and money the bride put into those cards is simply gone.

To reduce the risk of misplaced or lost RSVP cards, many brides are now giving guests the option to reply to their invitations online. Guests simply go to the Web site listed on the invitation, fill out the required information and submit their RSVP. The advantages of online RSVP are numerous. The bride does not have to provide RSVP card envelopes and stamps, which saves on the budget, nor does she have to worry about guests misplacing or losing RSVP cards. The bride also receives responses faster through the Internet.

Of course, not all people are Internet savvy. For brides that have a mix of Internet savvy and not-so-savvy guests, sending out invitations with the Web site address listed for online RSVP, along with printed RSVP cards, may be the best option. Guests can either RSVP online or by mail. Because there is the option of online RSVP, brides can forgo putting stamps on the RSVP envelopes and let guests who use the printed cards take care of the matter themselves.

While brides may set up online RSVP through email or a free Web site, experts recommend they use an RSVP service provider. Depending upon whom they choose, brides may receive any number of special features, including the ability to set up RSVPs for multiple events surrounding the wedding, 24- 7 access to all reports, e-mail confirmation for guests, meal tracking and more. Of course, RSVP providers will require a fee, but for brides with hundreds of guests, it may be worth it.

Who knew how simple responding to a wedding invitation could be? Online RSVP makes it so easy for guests who use the Internet often and speeds up the process significantly for brides. The bride can confirm the number of guests attending her wedding at any given time in a matter of minutes rather than sitting around waiting for the mail to arrive.

Original article: http://www.steubencourier.com/news/2008/0713/social/020.html

Help the Gr8 Wedding D8 Contest winner choose her gowns

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:34:00 +0000

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

Shower the groom

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:32:00 +0000

Men need showers too.. Not the soapy kind, a wedding shower.

Grooms these days are not letting the bride have all the fun. They want in on the action too. They are celebrating their upcoming wedding with a shower just for the guys.

Unlike bridal showers, groom showers are not about cake, gifts and games. An example is a party that included playing football, drinking games and Rock Band, a video game where players perform in virtual bands. At another groom shower, guests ate from old licence plates, participated in a nail pounding contest and were judged on how manly they wrapped their gifts, most of which were tools.

But don't think this is a replacement for the bachelor party. It's just a warm up before that age old tradition.

And what do you bring the groom for gifts? Men are recognizing that showers are a great way to acquire tools and other necessities to maintain a home. Check stores like Lowes and Sears to see if the couple is registered there. Tools, electronics and equipment are all manly gifts.

Another great place to shop for your groom is the themanregistry.com. The website is all about the guys and not just about weddings.

Don't forget the invitations! Most shower invitations are flowery and girly. Try using a note card or a simple, elegant wedding invitation. You can include any wording you desire. For example, "The Color Blue" wedding invitation or note card from InvitoCards.com.

So grooms, get creative and have a shower just for you!

2008 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:38:00 +0000

When you think of your wedding dress, you think of fabrics like satin and tulle - but have you ever considered toilet paper? Every year Cheap-Chic-Weddings.com holds a wedding contest to find out who can design the most beautiful wedding dress out of toilet paper.

This year Katrina Chalifoux of Rockford, Illinois was the winner with her sheath dress decorated with a raised flower pattern from molded toilet paper. She tool home $1000 for first prize.

Other sponsors included Charmin and Ripley's Believe it or Not.

To see the other entries for the 2008 Toilet Paper Wedding Dress contest, visit http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/wedding-contest-2008.html

Travel tips for newlyweds

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 22:40:00 +0000

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!

Champagne and Wine

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:53:00 +0000

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

Wedding gift etiquette?

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:39:00 +0000

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...

MTV casting call for brides!

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 03:30:00 +0000

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!

A few personal beauty tips

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:55:00 +0000

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.

Let your inner Bridezilla out!

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:35:00 +0000

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

A favor for you

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:51:00 +0000

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...

Trash that wedding gown

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 29 May 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Here's an article I thought you would enjoy...

Down with the gown

Tracy Frank, The Forum

Stacey Larson perched on a 5-inch ledge about 3 feet off the ground, her elegant wedding gown a stark contrast with the rusted metal building she leaned against.

She tried to effect a serene expression while the sun blinded her; she fought to maintain balance as photographer Shawn Coulter snapped her picture from various angles.

Less than an hour into the photo shoot, Larson’s $800 dress was covered in dirt. The formerly brilliant cream lacework along the bottom had turned a muted gray.

But she had some stunning photographs to show for it.

Coulter, who owns Coulter Photography in Fargo with his wife, Shellee, offers brides “Trash the Dress” photography sessions.

After the wedding day, Coulter takes artistic photos that will at a minimum get the dress dirty. It may also be snagged, torn or destroyed – depending on how far the bride wants to go.

“The brides that have done this have just had a blast,” Coulter said. “It’s very relaxed because there’s nothing else to worry about that day.”

Coulter, who describes his style as photojournalism infused with fashion, has photographed brides sitting in the middle of Broadway, lounging in a field and walking in a lake.

“At first I was a little taken aback, thinking, ‘I don’t want to wreck my dress,’ but I thought, ‘Why not?’ It was a great opportunity to get the dress out again and not be stressed out,” said Tara Kempfer of Fergus Falls, Minn., who, with her husband, Randy, participated in a “Trash the Dress” session with Coulter in October.

Larson’s photo session also included shots of her lying in a field of dandelions, draped over a railroad track and sprawled across a fallen tree on the edge of the Red River.

Larson said her husband and parents weren’t thrilled with the idea, but she thinks they’ll change their minds when they see the photos.

“I’m just going to box it up, and it will probably never get worn again,” Larson said of her dress. “My friend did it and I loved the pictures.”

The idea behind the new wedding photography trend is it gives women more than one use for an expensive gown.

“I wanted her to do it,” said Larson’s sister, Jamie Johnson, who accompanied her on the shoot. “You actually get more use out of it and more money’s worth getting the pictures.”

It also gives brides, and in some cases grooms, a chance to express themselves in ways posed cookie-cutter photographs don’t allow.

“We could let our personalities shine and have fun with it,” Kempfer said. Coulter recommends that grooms who want to participate buy insurance for their rented tuxedos.

The Coulters started Coulter Photography in September 2003. Shawn Coulter also does wedding photography, senior portraits and photographs of children. He has been doing “Trash the Dress” photography for a year.

“I had seen a lot of these being done out West and I thought it was time to bring the Fargo-Moorhead market up to date with wedding photography,” Coulter said.

John Michael Cooper, a Las Vegas wedding photographer, is credited with starting the trend. Some brides cut up their dresses. One popular Cooper photograph shows a bride wearing a wedding gown engulfed in flames.

Coulter said Photoshop was used to create that image.

Not all “Trash the Dress” sessions destroy the gown. In most cases it can be cleaned and preserved, Coulter said.

“I like to do them as high fashion as opposed to just shredding the dress or getting it really dirty,” he said.

Though Kempfer’s dress was stained and had been submerged in water, it was like new after she had it cleaned, she said.

“It was a nice way to show (Randy) that it wasn’t about the dress and it wasn’t about the material things. It was about him and me and if the dress got dirty it didn’t matter,” Kempfer said.

Coulter recently started offering “Trash the Prom Dress” photo sessions.

“It’s a way to get some very high-fashion photos where they’re looking their best,” Coulter said. “It’s something that they can look back on later and think, ‘I was pretty good-looking.’”

Business profile

Coulter Photography

- Location: 14 Roberts St., Fargo

- Owners: Shawn and Shellee Coulter

- Contact: (701) 491-0489 or shawn@shawncoulterphotography.com

- Web Site: www.shawncoulterphotography.com

Original article from www.in-forum.com

Planning a bridal shower

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Thu, 22 May 2008 01:28:00 +0000

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!

Music Advice for your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 20 May 2008 03:55:00 +0000

I came across an article on the Post-Gazette called "Music Advice for your Wedding". It is written by Jessie Rosen from The Knot. I couldn't have said it better, so here is the article below:

Music is a key factor during almost every moment of your reception, from the cocktail hour to dinner and your first dance. So make it count and try to avoid some of these common missteps.

Skipping the Sound Check

With destination weddings becoming more popular, brides and grooms have to consider making remote locations microphone-friendly. Crashing waves could easily drown out a string quartet or trio of flutes, and a windy mountain peak could render even the strongest voice silent. Ask the site manager about acoustic limitations. And be flexible; though you may have your heart set on a harp, not being able to hear it will be far more disappointing.

The Unending First Dance

You may have fallen in love with "Freebird," by Lynyrd Skynyrd, but imagine how long nine minutes and eight seconds will feel while you're dancing with everyone watching you. Pay careful attention to your song's length before committing to it. Even four minutes can be brutal if you're just rocking back and forth. If your heart is set on a certain ballad, look into having it cut down to a reasonable length. You can either work on this with your DJ; find a local music studio; or, if you know your way around iTunes, you can download the song and cut it yourself. See a list of favorite first dance songs at TheKnot.com/music.

Letting the DJ or Band Take Total Control

While you should feel comfortable letting your band or DJ guide the music, providing a play list (or, better yet, a no-play list) will make you feel less anxious about their song choices. You certainly don't want a song with painful associations to pop up unexpectedly. Start by consulting with your DJ on just how many songs will fill the night; then sit down with your fiance and go through your MP3 collection to create a master music list. You are each allowed veto power, of course.

Blowing out the Speakers

Despite the presence of alcohol and all your college friends, the reception shouldn't resemble a frat party. Club-level volume will frustrate older family members and make it impossible for your guests to talk to one another. When creating the play list with your band or DJ, be sure to give input on the volume for various transitions: low for chatting during dinner, and loud for the final song of the night, "Livin' on a Prayer," by Bon Jovi. On the day of the wedding, ask a bridesmaid or your day-consultant to keep volume on her radar. One of them can serve as the point person for dealing with the band or DJ based on your requests.

Playing Inappropriate Songs During Dinner

Sure, you want to hear all of your favorites from your iTunes collection, but don't destroy your sit-down dinner because you had to fit in "I Wanna Be Sedated," by the Ramones. Music should match the mood of the moment. Stick with instrumentals or soft ballads during dinner, and then transition into the dance party with something more upbeat. Work with your music pros to pick an appropriate number of dinner-friendly selections so your guests can digest without Van Halen screaming "Right Now!" in their ears.

Rocking out to R-rated Songs

Yes, these are more liberal times, but be careful not to confuse progressive with perverted. This is your day, and you shouldn't focus on pleasing everyone with your musical selections; however, there's a glaring line you should avoid crossing. "The Humpty Dance," by Digital Underground -- fair. "Thong Song," by Sisqo -- pushing it. Beyond blatant profanity, really consider the song's lyrics and meaning. There may be a very innocent inside joke behind your choice of "The B**** Is Back," by Elton John, but keep in mind that your flower girl will be listening too and probably isn't in on the joke. Keep the songs to a sensible PG-13 so all age groups will have fun and feel comfortable.

Too Much of a Good Thing

You both may truly love late '80s hair bands, but if Grandma listens to five full hours of Def Leppard, she might actually go deaf. Including your favorite genre is perfectly fine, but do so in moderation. Your wedding is a celebration of your relationship, but it's also a gift to share with family and friends. Keep them in mind when developing your play list. Play a thank-you song for your parents, such as Frank Sinatra's "Chicago," or "Thank You for the Music," by ABBA. Seeing them enjoy the night will be well worth a little Bobby Darin.

For the original article, visit http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08140/878730-355.stm

Wedding shoes are important too!

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:30:00 +0000

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.

The Best Wedding Toast Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:20:00 +0000

The wedding toast is one of the treasured traditions in American weddings. It's a time when friends and family show how much they love and cherish the bride and groom and offer them best wishes in their new life together.

However, I can definitely say I've never seen it done like this. Check out this video from YouTube posted by Amy - the bride in the video. I hope this sparks some creative ideas for future weddings.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Invito Cards) — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Eco-Friendly Weddings: Online Bridal Boutique Launches Contest to Find Best Green Wedding Ideas

With the growing popularity of eco-friendly weddings, Beautiful-Bridal.com has launched a contest that challenges brides to come up with original suggestions for green weddings.

Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB) April 30, 2008 -- Beautiful-Bridal.com has issued a green challenge to all brides-to-be. The online bridal boutique has launched a contest in honor of Earth Day asking brides to submit original and unique eco-friendly wedding ideas. The winner will receive a free bridal tiara valued at $55.

Kathleen Terrana, owner of Beautiful Bridal, says the contest (called "Brides Make Smart Choices") is intended to make us more mindful of our consuming habits. She says weddings can be extremely wasteful if they aren't planned with the environment in mind.

"The choices you make at your wedding will eventually affect me, and the choices I make will eventually affect you, because they all impact on the environment. So it makes sense to share our environmentally-friendly wedding ideas with each other and celebrate the happiest day of our lives in a responsible way that leaves a positive legacy for our children," says Terrana.

The movement towards green weddings is gaining momentum as more and more brides include environmental choices in almost every aspect of their planning. They're choosing, for example, second-hand or rented wedding gowns, rings made of recycled gold, a reception serving local food and drink, hybrid limos for the bridal party, organic in-season flowers, a honeymoon that's close to home, etc.

Ms Terrana has come up with a few of her own suggestions for environmentally-friendly weddings to help inspire contest entrants:

Make personalized wedding favors by decoratively wrapping up garden seeds or tree seedlings, then customize them with blessings, poems, or personal messages.

Use biodegradable or recycled paper wedding invitations, wrapping paper, ribbons and gift cards.

Give your attendants jewelry made from recycled metals and stones.

Book the wedding and reception within walking distance of each other so car travel is reduced.

The "Brides Make Smart Choices" contest closes on June 30, 2008. Details on how to submit ideas to the eco-friendly wedding contest can be found on the Beautiful Bridal blog: http://beautiful-bridal.blogspot.com/

About Beautiful Bridal:

Beautiful Bridal began in 1995 as a retail boutique in Virginia Beach, VA, offering discount bridal tiaras and wedding veils to discriminating brides on a budget. In 2005, owner Kathleen Terrana took Beautiful-Bridal.com online and expanded her product line to include designer veils, discount bridal jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry, and the very popular matching tiara and jewelry sets.