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

Saying thank you

Thanking your guests is one of the most important tasks you'll need to complete. You don't have to use the boring pen and paper way either. 
 
With the help of your wedding photographer you can create thank you post cards. Make a pretty sign that says thank you and have the photographer snap a shot of you holding it on your wedding day. Or, you can hold a chalkboard, parasol or fan with thank you written on it. Get creative and think of something that works with your theme.

*Photos courtesy of JoyfulJoyful, Mulberry Lane Studios, By Gabrielle, Weddings Romantique, Rebecca J. Murray, Rick Stemmler, You're That Girl Designs, Stephanie Moe Photography

A special tribute to your loved ones

You'll want to recognize your loved ones that aren't able to join you for your wedding.

1. A program tribute: Put a note in your programs that says "On this special milestone in our lives, we wish to lovingly remember those close to our hearts who are no longer with us." And then list their names. Or, you could say "Although they could not be here to share in our wedding day, we know they are here with us in spirit." *Photo courtesy of: Kristen Gardner

2. Wear it: Wear something that reminds you of your loved one. This is an excellent option for remembering a loved one without drawing attention to their absence. You attach a brooch or a locket with a photo or another momento into your bouquet. You could wear a piece of jewelry. *Photo courtesy of PerfectlyPresented

3. Leave them a seat: Decorate a seat of honor with flowers and a photograph. *Photo courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Adams

4. Cheers to them: Drink a toast to your loved ones before the ceremony. To make it extra special make the it their drink of choice.*Photo courtesy of Fia Forever

5. Light a candle: Designate someone to light a candle at the beginning of your ceremony. Or, place a single candle at a table near the entrance. *Photo courtesy of Keepsakes and memorials

6. Share a moment: Have a moment of silence during your ceremony. *Photo courtesy of Sabree Hill Photography

7. A portion of the day: Play their favorite song during your ceremony or reception. Read their favorite poem or story as one of your readings. Or, set up a donation in their honor to their favorite charity. Give out their favorite candy as your favor. *Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty

A small detail: Great tunes are needed

81 percent of wedding guests say that entertainment is the most memorable part of a wedding. Select specific songs for introductions, dances, tosses and cake cutting that fit your personality. Some popular songs are four to five minutes long and can seem really long. Consider having the DJ fade the song out after a couple minutes and move on to the next musical selection. *Photo courtesy of DJ 4 Profit

10 ways to master the music

 10 ways to master the music for your wedding:

1. Play a variety of music that both your young and old guests will enjoy.
2. Pick all types of music to accommodate different tastes.
3. Avoid songs about breaking up, cheating, broken hearts, crazy exes or anything else about love gone wrong.
4. Avoid selections with lyrics that may offend older or conservative guests.
5. Pick fun songs that will make people make their way to the dance floor.
6. Tell your DJ to keep the music soft during dinner and then pump up the volume later.
7. Make a playlist and a do not play list for your DJ.
8. Select songs that are meaningful like the first song you danced to.
9. Allow your guests to make some requests via your wedding website.
10. Make sure all the special dances are split up and not all at the beginning to give guests an opportunity to dance.

*Photo courtesy of Jo Photo

Picking a place to register

Selecting a store to register can be a time consuming process so I wanted to help you out. Here are the top 10 places brides love to register.

Bed, Bath & Beyond 

Store vs. online: Registering in the store is smart because each location offers a registry consultant. You can make adjustments and additions online anytime.
Return policy: The registry itself serves as a receipt. You'll be able to return items for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: Two years after your wedding date
Perks available: Enter their incentive program which offers free gifts and allows you to purchase the remaining items on your registry for a discount.

Bloomingdale's 

Store vs. online: Registering in the store is smart because each location offers a registry consultant. You can make adjustments and additions online anytime.
Return policy: The registry itself serves as a receipt. You'll be able to return items for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: Indefinitely so it can be used for anniversaries and/or housewarming parties
Perks available: The entire time your registry is active you'll receive 20 percent off all fine jewelry. For six months after your wedding date you will receive 10 percent off remaining items. At the one year mark you'll receive 20 percent on any remaining items.

Crate & Barrel 

Store vs. online:Registering in the store allows you to attend an exclusive event where you and other registering couples have the store completely to yourselves. You can make adjustments and additions online anytime.
Return policy: The registry itself serves as a receipt. You'll be able to return items for store credit within 30 days after purchase.
Length of time registry is active: 18 months after your wedding date, but it can be extended if you make the request
Perks available: You can post your registry on Facebook or use a mobile browser to register via your phone. You can purchase remaining items on your registry for 10 percent off once online and once in store.

JcPenney 

Store vs. online: There is a bigger variety of items available online, but if you register in store you can see the selections in person.
Return policy: Items can be returned with or without a receipt for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: One year after your wedding date.
Perks available: You'll receive 10 percent off all items left on your registry for the year after your wedding. And, you will receive a free organizer and engagement portrait from its portrait studio.

Kohl's

Store vs. online: Both options offer you essentially the same merchandise.
Return policy: You can return items with a receipt for a full monetary refund. Items without a receipt you'll earn store credit.
Length of time registry is active: One year after your wedding date.
Perks available: You will receive 15 percent off any remaining items for 90 days after your wedding. You will receive 15 percent discount cards for your guests who visit the store and spend $50.

Macy's

Store vs. online: Both options offer you essentially the same merchandise. The online feature has a thank you card management system.
Return policy: Items can be returned for gift cards.
Length of time registry is active: Two years after your wedding date.
Perks available: If you register with a Macy's credit card you will receive 10 percent of the purchase price in rewards dollars. And, for everything your guests buy off your registry you'll receive five percent of the purchase price in rewards dollars.

Pottery Barn

Store vs. online: There are exclusive in-store and online items so you should register in a store and manage it online.
Return policy: You can return items for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: Six months after your wedding date.
Perks available: You will get 10 percent off any remaining items and any items that you add during the six months after your wedding. The store offers workshops on Tuesday night.

Sears

Store vs. online: Both options offer you essentially the same merchandise.
Return policy: You can return items for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: 13 months after your wedding date.
Perks available: Sears offers a Give Together feature that allows a group of people to contribute to a gift online.

Target 

Store vs. online: Target encourages couples to register online first and then visit a store.
Return policy: You can return items for cash with a receipt or for store credit without a receipt.
Length of time registry is active: 90 days after your wedding date.
Perks available: You will receive 10 percent off any remaining items on your registry. You can add items to your registry using your phone.

Williams-Sonoma

Store vs. online: You can schedule an appointment with an associate to register in the store.
Return policy: You can return items for store credit.
Length of time registry is active: One year after your wedding date.
Perks available: You will receive 10 percent off all remaining items on your registry and any additional items you add within six months of your wedding.

Get with the program

Wedding programs are an opportunity for you to share more information with your guests. You can include details about you and your fiance, your families and the wedding party. Programs are a great way for you to establish a timeline of events and help your guests understand any traditions you're incorporating.

Your wedding program should include:

1. The full names of the bride a groom, the wedding date and the city and state where the wedding is happening.
2. The order of the wedding ceremony including any musical selections with the names of the performers, as well as any readings and the name of the reader.
3. The names of everyone in the wedding party with a brief description of their relationship to the bride and groom.
4. The name of the officiant.
5. A thank you note to both sets of parents and one to all your guests.
6. Explanations of any traditions, rituals, ethnic customs, religious or secular ceremonies you'll be using.
7. A short note honoring any deceased loves ones.

Personalize your program by using photos and your favorite poem or quote.

Combine the ceremony program with the reception program. The goal is to let people know the approximate times for the must-see things like the dances, tosses and cake cutting.

Ask a friend or family member to greet guests and hand out programs as they arrive. It's a perfect way to give a special role to someone who isn't a bridesmaid or a groomsman. You can also put this person in charge of reminding guests to sign the guest book.

*Photo courtesy of Narrative Image

3 options for saving your wedding cards

You will probably receive hundreds of well wishes in the form of a greeting card. And, if you're like most people you won't have any idea what to do with them besides storing them in a box or tossing them out.

Here are three options to consider:

1. Design a card keepsake: Take the largest card you have and cut two pieces of cardboard about a quarter inch past each side. Stack all your cards together from smallest to largest and line them up at the left corner, Punch a hole in the upper left corner (in the same spot) of each card then use a giant silver ring to connect them. Design your covers by covering the cardboard with a piece of scrapbook paper. Then add a wedding picture, your initials or your wedding date. Create a bow to go around your book. Check out Bridal Guide for detailed instructions.*Photo courtesy of Of the Fountain

2. Create a collage of art: Take your cards and cut them into pieces and use them to make a collage of art. You could use the pieces to create your last name, your initials, a heart or another design. Put it in a beautiful frame and you have instant artwork.*Photo courtesy of Conquering your Debt

3. Compile a wedding card album: PostMarked offers a variety of albums featuring sleeves that will protect your cards. These albums allow you to share your card selection with others without damaging your souvenirs. *Photo courtesy of PostMarked

*Main photo courtesy of Project Wedding

Preserving your bouquet

 Are you a bride who is constantly looking for ways to keep trinkets from your wedding day? I have four ways you can preserve your bridal bouquet.

1. Potpourri: You have to take the bouquet apart and hang the flowers upside down to dry for a couple days. Take the dried petals and put them into sachets. The sachets should be lacy fabric cut into a four inch square. Tie the square with a pretty ribbon.

2. Hang and dry: Take a snapshot of your bouquet from every angle to keep for reference. Then, take the bouquet apart and hang the flowers upside down and spray them with hairspray. This will help preserve the shape of the flower and prevent drooping. Hanging them in a dark place will also help the petals retain more color. Leave them alone for a few days until they are completely dry. Spray each petal with silicia gel (available at Michael's) to protect them. Reassemble the bouquet. *Photo courtesy of ProFlowers

3. Press 'em: Take a few stems from your bouquet and place them individually into a thick book. Put the book under something heavy and leave it alone for several days. The flowers will dry and flatten. *Photo courtesy of WikiHow

4. Floral painting: Qing Flowers Forever will make a beautiful painting using the flowers from your wedding. They put your presssed flowers into a painting. *Photo courtesy of Qing Flowers Forever

5. Freeze dry: Some specialized florists will offer to freeze dry your bouquet. The flowers will last for at least 10 years. This option is expensive. *Photo courtesy of Freeze Dry

*Main photo courtesy of Narrative Image

A small detail: Set a leisurely pace

Set a leisurely pace for the morning of your wedding. Build in extra hours in case your hair appointments run late or you get stuck in traffic.

Guests can get really annoyed if the wedding doesn't start on time. Plus, you'll be charged extra fees for getting off your pre-determined schedule.

I would suggest having multiple stylists working at the same time. While one bridesmaid is getting her hair styled, another one should be putting her makeup on and the others should be getting dressed.

10 creative ceremony readings

Are you stumped trying to find a reading for your ceremony? Here are 10 creative readings you could include:

1. Select an excerpt from your favorite children's book like "Oh, The Places You'll Go," by Dr. Suess.
2. Pick a reading that describes your city, country or interests like "Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog," by Taylor Mali.
3. Ask an older happily married couple to give you advice on how to have a happy and healthy marriage.
4. Read a romantic poem like "This I Promise You," by Mark Twain.
5. Stick to tradition and pick something like "On Your Wedding Day."
6. Share your love of movies by reading an excerpt from a romantic flick.
7. Select a religious reading like Corinthians 13.
8. Inject a little humor into your ceremony by reading something like "Recipe For a Happy Marriage," or "He Never Leaves the Seat Up."
9. Pay tribute to your favorite musician by reading lyrics to your favorite love song.
10. Keep it personal by reading excerpts from cards and letters you've given each other during your relationship.

*Photo courtesy of Narrative Image

Tips for setting up your registry

You should set up your registry at least six months before your wedding.

You should set up a registry at two to three places. If you like more than three stores then set up a joint registry through Myregistry.com that will allow you to register at multiple locations and puts all of your items on one site.

Create a large registry. Guests will be annoyed if they try to buy something at the last minute and nothing is available. It's not rude to ask for lots of stuff... it's practical.

Register for at least two times the amount of guests you'll be inviting.

Select gifts from different price ranges so guests can mix and match to fit their price range.

Periodically check and update your registry. Eliminate or replace items that have been discontinued.

Sing up for the online option so guests will be able to send the gifts directly to you instead of having to bring them to the wedding or ship them.

The majority of gifts are bought two Fridays before the wedding so make sure the registry is updated.

You can also set up a registry for your honeymoon at HoneyLuna.com. It allows your guests to give money for your honeymoon or pay for excursions.

*Photo courtesy of Narrative Image.

Creative display ideas for escort cards

You can get really creative with displaying your escort cards. The key is finding something that coordinates with your theme or is in your colors. I love thinking outside the box and using items instead of using the traditional name and number on a card.

Use your escort cards as leaves on an apple. Use a push pin to attach the black paper leaves to the top of the apple. *Photo courtesy of Bellz & Whistlez

Attach your cards to a vintage piece of lace with painted clothespins. You can create the lace holes in the cards using a hole puncher available at any crafts store. *Photo courtesy of Ruffled

Pair your escort cards with your favor by attaching your cards to a box of homemade goodies. This is a great opportunity for you to show off a staple from the city. You could use salt water taffy for a Florida wedding. *Photo courtesy of Wedding Dish

If you have a limited number of guests attending you could personalize your escort cards with a picture of each guest. These come with a mini cupcake. *Photo courtesy of The Sweetest Ocassion

Hang them around a tree with different colored ribbons. You could have your guests cut them with fancy scissors or untie the ribbons. *Photo courtesy of Grise Photography

Bring out your inner kid by using toy cars to attach your escort cards. *Photo courtesy of Wedsmack

Make a personalized CD with your favorite songs and pin them to an easel with vintage fabric or display them on a table. *Photo courtesy of Samantha Warren Weddings

Make luggage tags and place them inside an old piece of luggage. You can decorate the inside with fabric or cover it with tourist bumper stickers. *Photo courtesy of Narrative Image

Movie lovers can create tickets for their guests and put them with these adorable movie clappers. *Photo courtesy of Aaron Delesie

Design tickets to a game for sports fanatics. You can also purchase these from Etsy. *Photo courtesy of Etsy

*Main photo courtesy of brides.

Cheers to the bride & groom

Traditionally the first toast at the wedding reception is offered by the best man, followed by the maid of honor, then the groom and bride, the father of the bride, the groom's father, the mother of the bride and finally the groom's mother.

The best man should offer his toast once everyone has been seated for dinner. After the best man finishes the maid of honor should propose a toast. The toasts should be short, sweet and to the point. Make sure people who are toasting know to not bring up exes or information that would be unflattering. To keep things running smoothly notify the DJ who and when the toasting will begin.

If you would like someone to give a speech ask them at least two weeks in advance and request a three-minute limit.

An atmosphere of luxury

Create an atmosphere of luxury by placing vases of fresh flowers or displaying elegant dried flower arrangements in your reception bathroom. Put heart shaped soaps in decorative dishes. If the venue allows it have some lavender candles lit to create a relaxing mood. Replace the standard towels with a decorative one with your last name's initial.

Put a container full of emergency supplies on the counter with a note explaining if that the items are there if they need them. You can purchase one of these kits from Unforgettable Moments.

Some items to include:

For the ladies:
Hairspray
Sanitary items
Bottle of clear nail polish
Bobby pins
Safety pins
Double sided tape
Comb/brush
Replacement earring backs
Hair ties
Sample size perfume

For the men:
Hair gel
Sample size cologne
Two pair of black socks

In both baskets:
Breath mints or mouthwash
Dental floss
Individually wrapped toothpicks
Band-aids
Antacids
Advil
Pocket packs of tissues
Hand sanitizer
Stain-remover wipes
AA batteries (for cameras)
Contact lens solution
Nail files, clippers and emery boards
Lint brush
Q-tips
Sewing kit
Super glue


Photo courtesy of: It! Weddings Florida