A small detail: Weigh your invitations

Be sure to weigh your completed invitation before applying postage. You don't want your beautifully crafted envelopes returned to you. Keep in mind that if your invitation isn't a standard size you'll be charged more for postage.

Personalize your bridal bouquet

A simple ribbon around the stems of your bouquet will work, but you can add some extra flair by adding a vintage brooch, a couple pearl-studded pins or a simple strand of faux pearls for instant glamour. You could use lace from your mom's wedding veil, a locket with a photo of a loved one or a piece of heirloom jewelry. Your options are truly endless. *Photo courtesy of Square Root Designs.

Be my bridesmaid

The days of calling up a friend and asking them to be in your wedding seem to be fading fast. The new trend is sending elaborate packages or putting together neat surprises to request your friend's presence. Are you looking for something extra special to do?

I love the idea of sending a bridesmaid survival kit.

Some items you could include are:
Flip flops for when your feet get tired
Ear plugs for when you want to tune me out
Coffee for those late night projects
Bridesmaid tank top for the day of the wedding or the bachelorette party
Starburst for a burst of energy
Lifesavor because that's what you've been for me
Puzzle piece because you're an important part of the wedding and my life
Bandaids to mask all your boos boos from making invitations
Tissues in case you should cry
File if a nail should break
Calendar to keep us on track
Safety pins to hold your nerves

Include a note that says "I put everything in this handy pack so you'll know that this bride has got your back. Will you be my bridesmaid?" Or, you could stick with something more traditional like "You've been by my side through so much and I can't imagine you not being by my side when I get married. Will you be my bridesmaid?" *Photo courtesy of Better Life Bags.

Giving thanks for your attendants

Thanking your attendants should be at the top of your list. This group of individuals have likely helped you construct centerpieces, address invitations, package favors, plan showers and purchase wedding attire. Thank you gifts are typically passed out during the rehearsal dinner.

For your bridesmaids you could:

Plan a day at the spa. Treat everyone to a massage, facial or manicure and have lunch ordered in. You could set this up for a couple weeks before the wedding. *Photo courtesy of Etsy.

Instead of treating everyone equal why not give them a personalized goodie bag. Fill it with a few of their favorite things. *Photo courtesy of Jaylee Photography.

Give each one a monogrammed bathrobe that they can wear on the day of the wedding. *Photo courtesy of Etsy.

For the groomsmen you could:

Treat the guys to a day of golf, paintball or whatever they like to play or tickets to a local game. *Photo courtesy of Dinofa.

Personalized bobble heads are a unique gift that every man would love to display on their desk. *Photo courtesy of Bobblehead Customize.

Give them cufflinks that they can wear on the wedding day. *Photo courtesy of Mlive.

A small detail: Registering for sheets

Register for at least three sets of sheets. One for the bed, one for the linen closet and one for the hamper so you're not forced to do laundry when your sheets are dirty. *Photo courtesy of Valencia at Home

A small detail: Day-of gift for the groom

Are you looking for day-of gift for your groom? Find an old-fashioned photo booth and take four pictures holding up the words: Can't wait; to; marry; you! Then blow it up to fit a 16"x24" picture frame. It will look like a vintage piece of art. *Photo courtesy of Photography Cameras.

Off the cuff

Your groom can accessorize for the big day with selecting the perfect cufflinks. There are so many options available. There is something for the gamer, the hopeless romantic and the geek at heart.

Are you marrying a writer or someone with a love for the written word? These cufflinks offer the definition of forever. *Photo courtesy of Etsy.

Get a map of the city where you'll be tying the knot or the city where you met. *Photo courtesy of Mid South Bride.

Or, how about getting your initials and wedding date? *Photo courtesy of Etsy.

Golfers will love this option. *Photo courtesy of  Uncommon Goods.

These vintage game controllers are an awesome dud for the gamer. *Photo courtesy of E-Junkie.

*Top photo courtesy of Dhgate.

Cufflinks.com has lots of option to choose from.

A small detail: Bridesmaid totes

Write each bridesmaid's name on a cute bag that she can use to tote her primping essentials or order tote bags with their names printed on them. Nothing will get lost and clean up will be a snap. *Photo courtesy of Exclusively Weddings.

A small detail: Pay tribute to your parents

Ask your parents what their wedding songs were and play them at the beginning of your ceremony when people are arriving. Make a note about it in the program. *Photo courtesy of Ear Candy.

A small detail: Savor the moment

Carve out about 10 to 15 minutes to be alone after the ceremony. Sneak into the reception dining room for a preview before all your guests pour in. Or, use the time to drink a glass a champagne or give each other a small gift.*Photo courtesy of De Nueva Photography

Making the most of your honeymoon

8 ways to make the most of your honeymoon

1. Do research on your location. Find out the best places to visit, the local currency and the exchange rate, the local language and any local customs.
2. Tell everyone you're honeymooning -- your travel agent, hotel front desk staff, airlines, group leaders, etc. There could be "special treatment" or "extras" provided.
3. Before you leave, make two copies of your passport, travel documents, travel insurance policy and credit cards. Leave one copy safe at home and keep the other copy locked in your luggage or the hotel safe.
4. Leave a copy of your itinerary with maid of honor, best man or parent. Be sure to include the names of your hotels and any contact information along with your flight information.
5. Research if the water is drinkable and about the local cuisine to help you avoid sickness.
6. If you're traveling abroad write down the international numbers for credit cards and other important contacts because toll free numbers won't work.
7. Make sure you get any shots or immunizations that are necessary.
8. Determine where the closest medical facility is... in case of emergencies.

A cake for you & a cake for me

 

If you've been to a wedding in recent years then you'll know how much the cupcake craze has hit modern day weddings. Cupcakes are springing up at weddings across the country replacing the multiple layered traditional cakes. Many bakeries and guests alike with love the idea of an individual cupcake for everyone. Photo courtesy of Weddings by Lilly.

Mini cakes were popular for a number of years, but I think these have been replaced with the cupcake trend. Mini cakes were tedious because of the intricate details and decoration. And, transporting these mini sweets can be a feat. Photo courtesy of Pink Cake Box.

I've also seen cakes used for table numbers or centerpieces. With this method a one layer cake is placed on each guest table. While the bride and groom cut the cake... guests cut their own. Photo courtesy of For the Love of Beauty.

A small detail: Ordering your invitations

You should order your invitations at least six months before your wedding to give you plenty of time to assemble, address and get them in the mail. Remember that destination invitations must be sent out three months before the wedding.*Photo courtesy of B Wedding Invitations

A small detail: Gratitude for your vendors

Calculate all of the tips before the wedding day. Place the cash in separate labeled envelopes for each vendor. Designate someone (you trust) to distribute the tips on the wedding day. The host of the reception, the wedding planner, best man or maid of honor are all excellent choices to tackle this task for you.

Create a dramatic entrance

Skip the traditional aisle runner and create a dramatic path by laying down thick rows of rose petals, leaves or other colorful plants. Photo courtesy of Thoughtfully Simple.

Or, decorate the aisle with meaningful items like shells from the beach where you got engaged. Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty.

Use leaves from a tree in your backyard. Photo courtesy of Pop the Questions.

Joining as one

The unity ceremony symbolizes the bride and groom joining as one. This is usually an integral part of every wedding ceremony. You need to determine what type of ceremony you want to do. Here are few of my favorite unity ceremony traditions:

Warm the rings: Warm the rings by passing a length of ribbon through the rows during the ceremony. Have the rings threaded into the ribbon and allow each of your guests to bless the marriage before you slip them on. Or, set up a station at the entrance of your wedding that has the rings attached to a ribbon. *Photo courtesy of With the Rings Handmade

Unity candle: The bride and groom each have a single taper candle. They use that one candle to light a large unity candle. Leave individual tapers still lit to put emphasis on your individuality. All three lit candles stand as a celebration of the bride and groom as individuals as well as their union. *Photo courtesy of Romantic Italian Weddings

Oh, Holy Night: Have ushers light two candles in the back of the room and then everyone lights their neighbors candle filling the church with candlelight. The bride and groom's mothers come forward and light their children's individual tapers. Then, the bride and groom light the large unity candle. *Photo courtesy of Shelley Paulson Photography

Sand ceremony: The groom has a jar filled with one color of sand while the bride's jar is filled with a different color sand. The two combine the colors into one larger vase. *Photo courtesy of Poems, Candles and More

A small detail: Update your registry

The majority of wedding gifts are bought two Fridays before the wedding so make sure your registry is ready to go. Make sure any last minute additions are added and any items that have been discontinued or unavailable are replaced or eliminated. 

A small detail: Use postcards for RSVPs

Save money by using reply postcards instead of tiny reply cards with envelopes. Postage rates for postcards are about 13 cents less than the rate for stamping envelopes. Simply print the response information on one side of the card and your address on the other side. *Photo courtesy of PrintHouse

Share your love with a day of gift

The majority of brides are familiar with traditions and rituals associated with planning a wedding. Many grooms find themselves lost during the preparation. The giving of gifts between the bride and the groom is a longstanding tradition that started in the Victorian Era. This gift should be something special that can be cherished for years to come.

Ideas for bride 

Jewelry to wear on your wedding day

A heart locket with the groom's photo and a personal engraving on the back

Jewelry box

Bottle of perfume

*Photo courtesy of GlowWish

Ideas for groom

Boudoir pictures of the bride

Watch engraved with "Loving you all the time," or the wedding date

Cuff links to wear on your wedding day

Engraved picture frame with the wedding date  or a personal note

A monogrammed handkerchief

An engraved money clip with his initials

*Photo courtesy of Estate Weddings & Events

For either

Plane, helicopter or balloon ride for two

Hand written love letter

An original poem or song

Personalized stationary

Tickets to a performance or sporting event

Personalized CD of love songs

Basket filled with wine and cheese 

*Photo courtesy of Leanne Pedersen

Recruiting wedding assistance

 It's OK to ask for help. There are hundreds of tasks to complete, projects to tackle and lists to check off. Don't be afraid to ask your friends and family to pitch in.

You can ask someone to:

Check for personal belongings left behind after the ceremony and reception.
Move ceremony flowers and gifts to the reception site.
Coordinate place cards and seating chart at the reception.
Emcee reception activities.
Assist the photographer so candids of important people are captured.
Cut the cake.
Tend to the guest book.
Hand out programs, maps, favors and umbrellas.
Gather the top tier of the wedding cake and all the cake utensils and topper.
Take the groom's tux back to the rental location.
Retrieve any leftover favors, disposable cameras and programs.
Return any rental items or anything unopened.
Thank and pay hired vendors.
Conduct any necessary cleanup.
Have your wedding gown cleaned and preserved.
Develop any film from your camera.

*Photo courtesy of Love Hudson-Maggio

7 tips for finding a signature cocktail

Selecting a signature cocktail for your reception can be an easy process. Follow these 7 tips for finding the perfect drink.

1. Follow the theme of your day. For a Hollywood themed wedding serve a Shirley Temple. *Photo courtesy of Coupon Clipping Cook

2. Use a color. If color is a big factor for your wedding consider it for your cocktails. Pink, green, silver, purple and yellow can all be recreated in liquid form. *Photo courtesy of United With Love

3. What liquor? Ask yourself what your favorite spirits are and then select a drink. *Photo courtesy of It's a Bride's Life

4. What about garnish? Use your favorite fruit or flower (just make sure it's edible). Garnishes serve two purposes: to look pretty and add flavor. *Photo courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess

5. Save cash: Only offer one or two specialty cocktails instead of a full bar of liquor. To save more money only offer them during cocktail hour. *Photo courtesy of Bridal Guide

6. Keep it simple: Use a simple, ready-made or easily prepared drink. Catering bartenders usually don't have much experience with creating elaborate cocktails.*Photo courtesy of The Nichols

7. Don't forget about your non-drinkers: Offer non-alcoholic versions of your signature cocktails.*Photo courtesy of Wedding Elation

How sweet it is

Do you have a sweet tooth? Then, I have a wedding trend that you should build into your plans. Brides and grooms across the U.S. are setting up self-serve candy buffets for their guests. You set up a tower of sweets in 8 to 10 heaping bins. Most brides order bulk candy in their wedding colors, but I have seen buffets with a rainbow of colors. *Photo courtesy of Homeketeers

I love using apothecary jars that can be purchased at any crafts store. Make sure you select jars will wide enough mouths to allow for easy access. And, Party city has adorable metal candy scoops with a tiny heart that your guests can use to retrieve their favorite candy selections.

Provide small bags or boxes for your guests to grab their personal favorites. Add a personal touch by attaching a sticker with your wedding date. *Photo courtesy of Beau Coup

Something old and something new

For luck every bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe.
Something old signifies the life you had before your marriage. Something new stands for your future married life. Something borrowed is an item borrowed from a happy married woman to ensure the current bride's happiness. Something blue represents the bride's purity and faithfulness. The silver sixpence in your shoe is to ensure wealth to the couple during their married life. It is typically put in the bride's left shoe.*Photo courtesy of Todd Pellowe

Something old: 
Print an old family recipe as share it with your guests as a simple favor
Or, have your caterer prepare an old family recipe for your reception dinner
Use a classic car for your wedding day transportation
Attach a piece of your mother's dress and sew it on the inside of your gown
Use lace from your mother's veil around your bouquet.
Sew a button from your dad's old suit jacket to the inside of your gown
Wear an old piece of your mother or grandmother's jewelry
Wear or carry a locket of an old photograph
Carry a childhood treasure like a ring, bracelet, locket, etc.
Tuck a love letter from your mother to your father in your gown pocket or purse
Use a childhood pillow for the ringbearer's pillow
Display wedding photographs of your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents at your reception
Host your wedding at an historic location
Use champagne classes from a family member's wedding
Use your parent's wedding cake topper as your wedding cake topper
A family rosary
*Photo courtesy of Wedding Bells

Something new:
Makeup bag
Purse or clutch
Jewelry and accessories
A lucky penny minted on the year you are getting married
Bridal shoes
Use a new car for your wedding day transportation
Key to your new home tucked inside your bouquet
*Photo courtesy of Narrative Image Photography

Something borrowed:
Handkerchief from your mother or father
A book from a friend with a quote or poem for a reading during your ceremony
Borrow a song from your parent's wedding to play during your ceremony
Headpiece or veil
Flowers from a loved one's garden
Jewelry or accessories

Something blue: 
Have your bridesmaids autograph the bottom of your shoe with a blue marker
Use blueberries in your table centerpieces
Have a monogrammed blue ribbon with your initials and wedding date and attach it to the inside of your wedding dress
Paint your toenails blue
Wear a pretty blue ring or earrings
Wear a blue garter
Serve a blue signature drink at your reception
Include one blue flower in your bouquet
Wear blue shoes
Sign your marriage certificate with blue ink
Tie a blue ribbon around your favors
*Photo courtesy of Wedding Bee

Silver sixpence in your shoe:
*This is an English coin that can be purchased online.
Mint coin
Travelers checks if honeymooning internationally
Another valuable object like jewelry
*Photo courtesy of TheBrideandGroom.com