Gifts for Each Other

Is it necessary to buy each other wedding gifts? That’s a pretty good question. The answer will depend entirely on what the both of you want as well as how much change is left in your pocket book/ wallet. Like with so many other decisions in the wedding design process this is totally up to you. There is no right or wrong answer here. Talk to your significant other and decide what you both think is best. Maybe you want to do something on a smaller scale. You could put a price limit on it. Or if you are the creative types you could each make something for each other and present it on your honeymoon night. Let us know what you decided and how it worked out, we really want to hear back from you!

Bride's Side or Groom's Side?

Worried that one side of the aisle is going to be fuller than the other? This is sometimes a concern for the happy couple, but there are a couple of things you can do to solve it. First would be to simply have your guests sit on both sides, you can just let your ushers know to keep it as even as possible when they are seating people. Of course this will not apply to the parents of both the bride and groom. They should definitely be lead to the corresponding sides. The other option would be not to worry about it all, as long as the two of you are standing up front that’s all that matters!

Seating Arrangements

It’s about that time to start thinking about where you are going to seat your guests during the reception. This can be challenging to say the very least. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if we could just say everyone just sit where you want? Unfortunately, this is not how it is done. When planning your arrangements try to keep in mind who gets along, and who has similar interests. If you can make sure you utilize your parent’s, and his parent’s opinions. You will be surprised how valuable their insight can be on this subject. Just do you best and remember that once dinner is served everyone will be able to mingle and move around for the rest of the reception.

The Invitation List

One of the most frustrating tasks of your wedding design plan can be the invitation list. You don’t want to leave anyone out, but it can get pretty costly. So how do you decide? Well first of all you are going to include all of the family members on both sides. Once that is complete do a count and figure out exactly how much this is going to cost. After this you can decide how many more guests, if any you can both invite. Make sure you do your best to keep it fair on both sides you don’t want to include all of your friends and leave his out! Remember if you had an engagement party etiquette dictates that any guest that attended should also be included as a guest to the ceremony. At the end of it all remember that the two most important people will be there and that’s what this day is all about!

Engagement Party Etiquette

The question has been popped, you have accepted, so now what? Well if you want you can start planning your engagement party. Traditionally they have been used to announce and celebrate the engagement. However not everyone has one. Here are some tips to follow if you are not sure if you should have one or not. First, how long will your engagement be? If it’s going to be six months or then etiquette dictates that you should not. This is because it could be awkward to have another party so close to your wedding day. Another to remember that everyone you invite to the engagement party should also receive an invitation to your wedding, so you will want to keep track of this. And then there is always the cost to consider. Take these points into account while deciding if you are going to have one. To find out more visit http://weddings.about.com/

Bridal Party Gifts

Looking that special way to say thank you to your bridesmaids, maid of honor, and groomsman? Well look no further we have some great ideas that say just the thing! For the ladies you could have crystal (or regular) wine glasses engraved with their names along with a little thank you note, or give them a special little trinket like a bracelet with matching earrings, or how about a little basket filled with their favorite chocolates, bubble bath, etc. Now for the men you could go with an inexpensive watch engraved with a thank you note, or a bottle of their favorite scotch, whiskey, etc. I’m sure they will appreciate whatever you decide.

Your Honeymoon

Haven’t decided where you’re going to spend your honeymoon yet? Well let’s get thinking! Obviously you want it to be a romantic getaway. But the reality is it’s going to be romantic no matter where you go. The Poconos are a nice relatively inexpensive place to go. Or maybe you’re thinking on a larger scale like Hawaii, Aruba, Mexico, goodness the list can go on an on! Don’t forget about cruises either, they are a great way to spend your honeymoon. Do your research and let us know what your choice is, we can’t wait to hear from you!

The Modern Bridal Shower

Traditionally bridal showers have been strictly for the ladies of the families. But today you see more and more of them being held that include the men of the families as well. When it comes down to it, it’s really just a matter of preference. If you would like to include your fiancé in the shower then by all means go for it! You really can’t make a wrong decision here. Of course, you are not really the one who is planning this (it’s supposed to be a surprise, remember!). But there is no harm in dropping little hints around that you would like to include the men. Besides, they’re really handy to have around to help load up the car with all of the gifts you’ll be receiving!

Marry Monograms

Ok ~ so you want a special monogram to use as your logo motif for all things your wedding. But where do you start? What if you just want the deign to ue on whatever printed materials you have - even if printed by someone else? Well I say start here ~ Marry Monograms - Personalized Logos for Weddings and Special Occasions. Select from an enormous selection and customize for your needs, then use it on anything you like. Check them out - and some of seom great examples below!

The Bachelorette Party

Your special day is fast approaching and most of the designing plans are complete. Now it’s time for a party!!! Let’s talk about your bachelorette party. Now first of all do not confuse this with your bridal shower, that’s right according to my book they are two different things. Your shower is for all of your loved ones, usually the ladies, which include your aunts, mom, sisters, you get my meaning. Now your bachelorette party that’s when the ladies in your bridal party take you some place that you can relax, maybe have a couple of drinks, and just enjoy yourself. Some ideas that you might enjoy may be the hottest club in town, a nice restaurant, a spa, or maybe even a little overnight trip to the destination of your choice. Wherever you end up make sure you relax and enjoy!

REAL WEDDING: Jia & Charles - a day to remember!

WOW - what an incredible day Sunday May 3rd was...Jia & Charles finally got married. And what an amazing celebration of love, joy, family and just plain big time party. Jia wanted a dramatic and memorable atmosphere for her day so we worked tirelessly for 14-months to make it so...and it was. Check out the blog of Art Pinney Photography - an amazing artist is what he is...nothing less! Thank you all - couple, friends, family and vendors for making their day what it was....phenomenal!! http://www.artpinneyblog.com/

The Bachelor Party

One of the wedding design plans that brides usually have no control over would be the planning of the bachelor party. This can be quite irritating to some brides out there. Now ladies, I get it. I really do. But let’s take a deep breath and try our best to relax. I want you to start thinking about that great guy who will soon become your husband. You said yes for a reason right? Start remembering them and decide to trust your man. Consider it the first test of your marriage even though you are technically not married yet. I promise trust will go a long way in the success of your relationship. Besides don’t forget that you get to have a bachelorette party! Trust works both ways, right!

Outdoor Ceremonies

Spring is here and summer will arrive before we know it. This means that some of you will be designing outdoor wedding ceremonies. Outdoor ceremonies can be quite beautiful if planned for appropriately. Since the weather is unpredictable at best, it will pay to have a back up plan ready and waiting just in case it rains, or if it just becomes too darn hot! If you are planning to have an outdoor ceremony, make sure the vendors you are working with have a contingency plan available and ready to be implemented. For example, if it rains will there be an indoor facility available, or will there be an enclosed tent large enough to keep all of your guests dry, etc. So if you’re designing an outdoor ceremony contact your vendor on the phone right now to find out what their back up plans are. I promise you’ll be glad you did!

Destination Weddings

Are you torn between deciding on a destination wedding or keeping it local? This can be a tough one for those of you with large families. The idea of a destination wedding is wonderful however there is a lot to consider before making the final decision. The biggest issue that may arise though is the cost to your guests. Is it proper or fair to expect them to pay for their travel, hotel, and other costs that will arise during their stay? I am sure that all of your family members will want to be there to share this day with you. Just something to think on before you set the schedule. At the end of the day the question that must be answered is this: How special will your day be if some of your loved ones may not be able to attend? If your answer is that it will be just as special then go ahead and plan! However it the answer runs in the opposite direction maybe keeping it local is the best answer.