Eco-Friendly Weddings

With all of the months or even years that go into planning a wedding, many brides do not really think past their big day.  Making efforts to be eco-friendly as much as possible along the way, can reduce the waste at the end of your event. Paper save-the-dates, wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations, bachelorette party invitations, wedding programs, menus & thank-you cards are the typical stationary that is used throughout the course of an average wedding.  Depending on how many guests you have, that is a significant amount of paper being used.

If you are not planning to rent flatware, plates & glasses you will most likely end up with several garbage cans full of plastic cups and plates from your event.  In the scheme of things, most brides have their minds on "higher priority" issues such as making sure the day goes smoothly, no one forgets the marriage license and that she doesn't trip while walking down the aisle.  All of that is understandable, and that is why companies are creating easy to use products that are still fashionable, yet a little more kind to mother earth.

Here are some of the latest eco-friendly products that will not only help you create a beautiful and thoughtful event, but will also help out the environment.

Compostable Cups, plates, cutlery & more are available as an alternative to plastic.  These clear corn plastic cups are 100% compostable.  With the same look and feel as clear plastic cups, our PLA cups will completely compost under commercial composting conditions in just 45-60 days. The great thing about these products is that they are relatively the same price as plastic products, and they are becoming more easily accessible in local stores. (http://www.biodegradablestore.com) (http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com)

Blooming Favors by Cast Paper Art; Guests will first enjoy it as a decoration on their table at your wedding but when they take it home, they can plant it and watch it bloom.  Choose from year round or holiday favors & ornaments or gift tags, which would be great for a bridal shower, or a garden themed wedding.  Buy the gift tags to use for adorning packages, for all sorts of occasions.  The favors and gift tags can be specially ordered, and can have lettering printed on them. Cast Paper Art also carries stationary such as invitations, save the dates, reception cards and more made from 100% recycled cotton and abaca (banana) fibers, both acid and chlorine free. Inclusions are natural plant materials and/or perennial wildflower seeds. The inks are water soluble and natural-based. All envelopes and components are comprised of 100% certified post consumer waste stock.  Visit Cast Paper Art for more great products.

Featured in Bride & Bloom, these dress lines are setting trends for being ecologically aware.  Adele Wechsler, has an Eco Couture Collections, which features dresses made of certified organic hemo or silk, vegetable dyed silks, fair labor practices, and hand-cut elements.  www.adelewechsler.com

PURE by Justin Alexander, is a line that features all organic fabrics without sacrificing fashion and beauty.  The organic fabrics used include cotton, organza, pure silk, cotton sateen and chiffon.  "The laces which adorn the dresses in  the PURE collection are made from organic,cotton sometimes with shells, wooden beads or real pearls sewn within the pattern. " (Bride & Bloom) Check out Justin Alexander's PURE collection. Flowers can eat up a large portion of your budget, and are often thrown away after your event unless your guests decide to take home your extra flowers.  If you have a backyard or access to some good soil, water & sunshine, a great idea is to plant the flowers for your wedding! Certain types of flowers such as hydrangea and peony's can be very expensive to buy from your florist.  But if you buy the flowers from your local garden or hardware store you can simply plant them and watch them grow. The added bonus is you get to enjoy the flowers much longer, and for flower arrangements on the more simple side you can cut the flowers that you need and the plant will continue to produce more buds in the future. Simple Gerbera Daisy Centerpiece

Simple Hydrangea Centerpiece

As favors, set-up a seed station where your guests can select the seeds they would like to plant. Provide a variety of mixed flowers, or even vegetables for them to plant, and you can dress up the seed packages or create your own envelope with your monogram or wedding date filled with seeds.

If you are curious to see what your carbon footprint is for your wedding, check out the Carbonfund.org site where you can enter the number of guests attending your wedding, number of flights taken to attend your wedding and also the number of cars & average miles driven.  If your goal is to have a ZeroCarbon wedding, the website has a link to donate to their fund to offset the C02 emmission from your event.

Check back to find more Eco-Friendly wedding ideas, favors & gifts.  Do you have an eco-friendly idea? Share it with us and other local brides by leaving a comment!

Planning a Small Wedding

It is easy to get lost in all of the wedding buzz and excitement after you announce you are getting married.  It is even easier to get persuaded by other people's ideas of how your wedding should be.  You know who you are, and what you like! Focus on what is going to make the two of you happy in the long run instead of trying to impress or please everyone else.  Having been in your shoes, I know that isn't easy. So let me help you clear your mind of everything wedding, and start from a clean slate. Read a few of the following statements and answer honestly, either in your head or say it out loud!

1. I love to be the center of attention, the bigger the crowd the better. (yes or no) 2. My wedding is going to be the event that people rave about for years (yes or no) 3. Having my close friends and family members present as we say our vows, is the most important part. (yes or no) 4. You only get married once so why not splurge and go big! (yes or no) 5. Napkins, centerpieces, and table numbers need to correspond with the linens perfectly, or my day would be ruined! (yes or no) 6. We need a DJ to get people dancing because our wedding is going to be a party! (yes or no) 7. Our wedding party will be over 10 people (yes or no) 8. I will need a wedding coordinator to help me with the planning details (yes or no) 9.  I want to have a "Platinum Wedding." (yes or no) 10. I am comfortable spending at least $10,000.00 on our wedding. (yes or no)

If you answered no to more than half of these questions, you may be leaning towards having a small and intimate wedding rather than a large event.  We are here to tell you to go for it, and have fun with it while you are planning.  Small and more personal weddings are becoming very popular not only due to finances, but it helps you connect with your guests. There is a misconception that you only get to have an informal out of the box wedding if it is your second or third marriage..that is so not the case!

Find a location that speaks to you, whether it is a cabin in the forest, a beach-house, bed & breakfast, a friends backyard or Paris, at the end of the day you will have the rest of your lives to think back to this wonderful time in your life so make it special. Checkout some of these photos of real weddings on IntimateWeddings.com.

Some of the challenges you may face are: - Deciding if you should elope, or have a very small intimate event with friends and family - Finding a venue or location that is appropriate for just the two of you, or for a smaller group - Choosing your wedding party members, or not to have them at all! - Paring down the guest list

Some unique touches & benefits for small weddings - Having a friend or family member be the officiant for your ceremony - Maid of Honor & Best Man instead of a large wedding party - Guests bring a dessert or favorite dish for the reception - Including your pets in the ceremony - Displaying old photos at each of the tables - Make your own wedding cake - The bride and groom serving the guests their cake or champagne - Personalized notes to your guests in the ceremony programs - If you have children, having them walk you down the aisle - With less guests you can afford higher quality items such as better wine or champagne, or possibly plated dinner instead of buffet.

Advice from Real Brides:

".... To make the final decision we created our golden rule: If we haven’t seen or spoken to them on a regular basis in the past year, they’re not invited." (Melody, Real Bride/Intimate Weddings.com)

"You know, weddings with hundreds of guests are merely big productions, and distractions. All big weddings have at the core, moms and sisters, grooms and dads, kids, (yours or your relatives) and a couple friends. Everything else is background noise, even the other bridesmaids.  So with a small wedding, you have most everything a big wedding has, only more time to spend with the ones that matter most."(www.personal.umich.edu)

Look for restaurants in your area with a banquet room or private patio, wineries, bed & breakfasts, hotel banquet rooms, community centers & memorial halls, parks & other city owned locations that allow events.

Gold vs. Platinum

We have talked about diamond shapes, color and clarity so naturally the next step would be to choose your metal and setting for your ring.  Have you ever wondered what the difference is between platinum  and gold?  While there are many debates on which is more durable, we have done our best to find the answer! Gold:

Gold jewelry has been the norm for decades, and still seems to be the most popular choice for bridal jewelry.  When choosing gold jewelry you should be informed about the gold content which is going to be a factor in price and durability.  To measure the purity of gold, there is a carat or karat system that measures the gold content that is mixed in with other metal content such as alloy to create the final product of a gold ring or other piece of jewelry. So for example:

9kt gold contains 37.5% pure gold (375 parts per thousand parts).

14kt gold contains 58.5% pure gold (585 parts per thousand parts).

18kt gold contains 75% pure gold (750 parts per thousand parts).

Essentially the price will go up as the gold content rises, especially with the price of gold increasing.

Gold colors include: Yellow Gold, White Gold & Rose Gold

Currently, white gold seems to be the most popular choice of the three, while rose gold seems to be rising in popularity. Rose gold has a vintage appeal, and has inspired some beautiful pieces such as the rings below.

With colored gold such as white gold & rose gold, you should understand that the jewelry is made with a mixture of metals.  "White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat. For example, 18kt yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold (750 parts per thousand) with 25% (250 parts per thousand) other metals such as copper and zinc. 18kt white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different." (http://gilletts.com.au)

You may have to get your jewelry rhodium plated "dipped" after awhile depending on how often you wear your jewelry and how much the white gold gets worn off.  There are cases where you could own your ring for years without ever having to get it re-rhodium plated, yet for some they may have to do this as often as every 6 months to a year.  Make sure to ask your jeweler if they offer this service in their store, and determine the cost if it is not included in a warranty plan.

Platinum:

We did a little homework on platinum, to see why it has become so popular.  From the scientific standpoint, we can definitely see why a jeweler would prefer to work with platinum. It is highly resistant to corrosion, has a melting point of 2041.4 compared to gold at 1337.58 and a boiling point of 4098 k compared to gold at 3080 k. Not that you would ever boil your ring, but it is interesting to see how strong platinum really is.  So what does that mean for you? Platinum is a great option for Men's Wedding Bands as well, because of the scratch resistant surface.  Platinum prongs are sturdier and can keep your diamond secure in its setting. Plus, you won't have to worry about tarnishing, and you wont have to get your ring "re-dipped" / rhodium plated.

Because platinum has more durability, you will be paying a higher cost for the jewelry itself and will have a higher expense should you need to size your ring or make any repairs.  Platinum is not completely scratch proof, so you may need to have the surface of the jewelry refinished or buffed out.  Ask your jeweler for pricing on sizing, and repairs for platinum jewelry to make sure that you are informed on what the maintenance costs will be.

We know your wedding jewelry will be beautiful and priceless to you as it should be, so share with us what you like about your ring!

Bridemaids Movie Review

The hype about the Bridesmaids movie is well deserved because its a movie that will make you laugh out loud!  We can't go as far as saying that it is "the Hangover movie for girls" because it has slightly less shock value than the Hangover.  Bridesmaids is first of its kind, as the main character is the Maid of Honor (or shall we say Maid of Dishonor!) who feels rivalry with another bridesmaid (Little Miss Perfect), for the brides attention.

Lets meet the characters!

We will try not to spoil the movie if you haven't seen it yet, but you can learn some important lessons from the film.

Brides:

• You can choose your bridesmaids and maid of honor without having to worry if they will get along, because they will find a way to work things out because they love you!
• Give each bridesmaid a task or a way to help you so that they all can have a moment to shine, and feel like they are helping.  Plus, You don't want to try to do all of that work on your own so let them help you.
• Try to keep the events budget friendly, so that you don't put anyone in a hard spot.
• Stay true to yourself and your vision for the wedding, your wedding party may have their own ideas but you shouldn't have to compromise what you want.
• Your wedding may consume a lot of your free time, but don't forget to be involved in your friend's lives so that they do not feel neglected.  Make sure to be there for them, listen to them and support them in their lives too!

Bridesmaids:

• The bride chose each of you for different reasons, and you are dear to heart.  Avoid bickering or feeling like you have to compete to be the best bridesmaid, because the last thing the bride wants is to have her favorite ladies fighting!
• Each of you ladies may have your own idea of how the bridal shower and bachelorette party should go, but try to agree on a plan that will make your bride feel special, and focus on spending quality time with her during this exciting time in her life!
• It isn't your job to plan her wedding, so you will have to try to step back and let her make her own choices.  Offer your assistance and support, but you don't want to influence her to stray from what she wants.
• If you are the Maid of Honor try to gracefully run the show but remember that it is not a dictatorship, so be open-minded to the other bridesmaid's input.

Did you see the movie? Leave us a comment and tell us what you thought of the movie!

Celebrity Bling!

After this week's announcement of Kim Kardashian's engagement to Kris Humphries all anyone can talk about is her ring!  It isn't surprising.  The ring cost only 2 million less than her Beverly Hills mansion. 20.5 carats and 2 MILLION DOLLARS. This seems to be a growing trend in Hollywood. Each starlet showing off a bigger rock than the last.

Check out a few of our favorite celebrity rings.

Carrie Underwood's husband Mike Fisher codesigned this yellow-  and-white 12-carat diamond ring worth about $800,000.

Kim K's little sister Khloe rocking her 9 carat sparkler from husband Lamar Odom. Picture courtesy of RingSpotters.com

And of course we had to mention the bling that started the bling  craze...the 6.5 carat pink Harry Winston that cost Ben Affleck 3  million dollars to put on J-Lo's finger.

How Many Lives Does a Wedding Dress Have?

We don't have to tell you that the times have changed when it comes to parents footing the wedding bills.  Couples have become more creative in finding ways to save and budget for their wedding without compromising their dreams.  DIY projects have become the new buzzword, because brides are getting hands-on for everything from napkin folding & making their own favors to even creating their own wedding gown. When it comes to the price tag, it may be hard to find a designer wedding gown to fit into your budget.  Not every bride was born a seamstress, and we don't think you should have to settle for a wedding dress that doesn't take your breath away.  What if you could have the dress of your dreams, and not feel bad about a little splurging?

No one thinks twice about the groom renting his tuxedo & shoes, and then returning it in a couple days and never wearing it again.  The budget for your grooms attire is considerably less than what you will have to spend to get a dress, shoes, & other wedding accessories.  We understand that a wedding dress is not just an ordinary dress and is symbolic in many ways.  But is an inexpensive wedding gown any less symbolic?  Consider asking other brides what they did with their gowns after their big day, and many of them will tell you that their dress is stored away somewhere in their closet or in their attic!

You may want to open your mind and consider one of these ideas:

Buy a Used Wedding Dress - Buy a beautiful used gown from a consignment store, local classified ads such as Craigslist, or an online bridal store. If you have a local American Cancer Society Discover Shop, buy a used wedding gown and the proceeds will go to supporting the fight against cancer. Save hundreds of dollars when you buy a used gown, often only worn once or sometimes never worn at all!  Find the designer dress you have always dreamed of wearing, and pay only a fraction of the price. An added benefit is knowing that its okay if you end up changing your mind and purchasing another dress, because you will have saved so much on buying the first gown!

Rent a Wedding Dress - Wear a beautiful gown for your big day, without having to to worry about getting it cleaned or having to store it away somewhere.  Bridal shops offering rental services are popping up all over the map, and are easy to find online.  Make sure to do your homework by getting sized, and trying on several wedding gowns to be sure about which style of gown you would like to rent.

To read some great tips on renting a wedding gown or formal dress, checkout Alexandria's Formal Gown Rental.  Have you rented or bought a used gown before? Share your experiences with other brides by leaving us a comment!

Style Trend: Purely Purple!

We are excited to say that purple has been a leading trend this wedding season, and we would like to share some ideas we found on how to use purple to add a pop of color to your big day.  Add a touch of color to your event by using purple elements such as purple heels, sashes, jewelry, or even accenting purple with some peacock feathers.  If you really want to add some shock and awe, dare to wear a purple wedding dress!  In the past we have featured some colored wedding dresses, but a newer trend is not wearing a "traditional" wedding dress but instead wear a formal gown. We couldn't get enough of this beautiful bride and her unique wedding vision!

To see more photos from this lovely wedding, check out Simply Bloom Photography.

Vintage, formal, beach & backyard weddings can all be accented with purple in many creative ways.   If you have your dream dress already but want to add some drama, check out these lovely photos of purple wedding accents.  We have compiled an inspiration board full of creative ways to incorporate purple into your wedding decor.

If you are a bride using purple in your wedding, or have photos of your wedding you would like to share just click here!

Our List of The Top 10 Wedding Decor Items

1. Tables and Chairs - We felt this had to be number one, because we haven't seen a wedding yet where the guests didn't need to sit down at some point! Depending on your wedding venue or location you may have to rent tables and chairs if they are not included in your wedding package. Make sure to consider your guest count and how many people can be seated at a table, so that you will have plenty of room to move around. For a basic outline of table sizes and how many guests per table, check out www.kpeterson.com where we found this great diagram.

If you are having your ceremony and your reception at the same location, you might want to consider using the chairs from your ceremony for your reception.  You can opt to have designated helpers to move the chairs, or ask the guests to bring their chair into the reception area after the ceremony has ended.  This cuts down on your rental costs because you won't have to double your chair rentals.

Which style of chair will match your event? The first chairs are Chiavari Chairs which come many different colors and usually include a matching cushion.  These stylish chairs don't come cheap depending on where you rent them from so plan on spending anywhere from $3 -16 dollars per chair. Photos Courtesy of ChiavariChairRental.com

If you are looking for more reasonably priced chair rentals, the most common chairs are one of these varieties which range from $1-2 dollars per chair.

2. Wedding Altars - Say "I Do" at a beautiful altar which is a cymbal of your union as husband and wife, and a focal point for the ceremony. For ceremonies in a church use flowers, ribbons or tulle to dress up the pews or create a custom aisle runner! For backyard or outdoor weddings use gazebos, pillars, large trees, or even your back porch for an altar. Tie in your theme, add flowers or leave it simple its up to you!

3. Table Settings & Linens - Have you selected your plates & glassware, cutlery, chargers and napkins yet?  Keep it simple, or go all out! When it comes to table linens you will have the option of the more budget friendly basic linens that can come in almost any color, or select premium overlays, sheer or even textured linens. Ask your rental company what types of linens they have and the price per table or linen.

4. Centerpieces - Centerpieces are the wow factors of your reception (aside from your beautiful gown of course) this is where your creativity and vision for your event really shines.  Floral arrangements, paper flowers, vases, votive candles, glass pillars, manzanita branches &  candelabras are popular items for centerpieces. Coordinate your decor with the season or with your wedding colors.

5. Wedding Cakes - Cakes are for eating, but these days they are also an elaborate design element.

6. Candy Buffets & Treat Stations - Satisfy any sweet tooth by serving up treats! Candy buffets, sundae stations, serve smores, or chocolates.

7. Wishing Trees - Your guests can write all of their well-wishes for your new lives together and display them on the limbs of a beautiful wishing tree. 8. Photo Booths & Polaroid Scrapbook Stations - Guests will have a blast taking pictures in the photo booth, use the photo strips as a wedding favor and guests can also put their photos in your scrapbook. While guest books are still popular, another trend is to have your engagement picture matted and have the guests sign the matted portion of the photo as a keepsake such as the one below.    These ideas are  interactive elements to your reception which is entertaining for your guests and it will make them feel more involved with the festivities.

9.  Fairy Lights, Up-lighting & Chandeliers - Set the mood with romantic lighting, and change the atmosphere with amber, blue  & purple hues.  Fairy lights create a natural glow in an indoor or outdoor setting, while up lights transform the room.

10. Lounge Seating - This trend has become more popular over the years and is starting to become more affordable, so we felt it deserved to be in the top 10. Your guests will be sitting pretty while they take a break from dancing!

Open House at The Palms Recap

If you weren't able to attend the open house on May 10th, at The Palms Pavilion in Chico, we don't mind showing you the highlights of the event!  If you attended, but just want to see some of the beautiful table settings and decor again, we don't blame you.

The open house at The Palms Pavilion featured:

• A Tour of the venue
• Samples the excellent cuizine of Chico Catering Company
• Discounts on the beautiful desings and colors of WeDo Designs
• Free photo sitting with Drozian PhotoWorks
• Samples of delicious wine from New Clairvaux
• Samples of delicious cakes from Van Gooey Cakes
• Delicious gourmet coffee drinks from Espresso Express
• Sound and Lighting by Dream Lighting and Sound
• Floral Displays by Cambray Rose Floral Design
• Full Bar by Duffys

To better describe the inspirations behind each of the featured table settings, we will let Nyala & Rabina Khan with WeDo Designs take you through each concept one by one!

"Every year we try to renew our contract with the design world. Competing in various way to capture the attention of brides and event hosts. We want to be identified as a design team not just a rental facility. The biggest factor in any design is color, so we took that element and made it the forefront of our presentations at the May 10th Open House at The Palms Pavilion.

Every year Pantone, a company known as the color authority releases 10 colors for each season as colors of the season/year. The colors are chosen from a plethora of picked brains from the fashion and design world. To follow those color trends we infused them into our table designs. One color however reaches to the honor of "Color of The Year". This year, that color is called "Honeysuckle," which is an elegant pink. To use this color we had to place a custom order for a fabric that matched the Pantone color formula for Honeysuckle.  As you can see on our first table.

The honeysuckle table has a glitter platform pump flower garden theme centerpiece, accented by gold chains and leaf pendents medallions. This next table is using the color "Phlox," a deep royal purple from the fall lineup that carries a richness and glamor.  We used this color as an accent, as it shares glimpses in the ribbon work on the runner and chair cover. The table design is center-pieced with a wine inspired look designed by Cambry Rose Florist. The color showcased here, is "Coral Rose" which was pulled from the spring collection. It's an orangy color with a hint of warmth, and we layered it with a monochromatic organza ribbon detailed overlay. The centerpiece is as fun as the spring color.

"Nougat" from the fall collection is my favorite of them all, and we had the luxury of being able to showcase this color with the ultra luxe satin ribbon wave overlay. This table was kept monochromatic from top to bottom. This table boasts a flowerless centerpiece using feather, fabric, and crystal elements. Showing you that you don't have to have flowers to have effect.

This next table was outside of the color pallet, but is in tune with a special moment of history; The Royal Wedding. We used a soft butter cream luxe lamour table cloth and a exquisite beaded and crystal-ed lace overlay. Nothing short of royal, this table setting was donned with a gorgeous centerpiece designed with a royal crowd in mind by Cambry Rose. This table setting is a true platinum bride vision.

Lets not forget about the great food, drinks & entertainment!

Smores station provided by Chico Catering Photo Booth Provided by The Palms Pavilion

WeDo Designs also has an on-site showroom at the Palms, so lets take a peak!

WeDo Designs always seems to outdo themselves! Contact Rabina Khan with WeDo Designs at www.WeDoDesigns.net or check out them out on Facebook!

If you would like more information on any of the vendors at this event go to www.openhouseatthepalms.com

We want to say a huge thank you to Burns Photography, for their beautiful images of this great event.  To contact Burns Photography in Chico, check out www.burnsphotographystudio.com

Personalize Your Wedding Registry

Traditionally, a wedding registry consists of crock pots, cutlery, kitchen gadgets & bathmats, but times have changed.  Many couples move in together prior to getting married and may already have the majority items needed in the home department. If you are still in the early planning stages of your wedding, consider asking potential vendors like photographers, DJ's, florists, or caterers if they have registry services available or if they are willing to make an arrangement with you.  If so, you will be able to include information for your guests to help contribute to your wedding by helping you upgrade to better photography packages, and maybe a few extra decor features that you wouldn't have opted for without their help.  We recommend sticking to your wedding budget, and simply registering for the "extras," because you do not want to count on your registry gifts paying for your entire wedding.

Your guests can contribute towards upgraded packages including more hours with your photographer, premium wedding album, custom canvases. Wedding Photo Albums, make a great keepsake and are a  neat way to always have your wedding memories handy!

A wedding photography registry can increase your budget for photography and give your friends and family a way to give you something meaningful that you really, truly want! This is a personal gift that won't be returned or re-gifted.

Floral budgets can take up a large portion of your wedding funds, by adding your florist to your wedding registry you may be able to add some of the premium centerpieces and decor that you have always dreamed of!

How to let your guests know about your registry: - Include an insert with your invitations with vendor information, and what you have registered for. - Post your registry information to your wedding website, Facebook or your personal blog. - Word of mouth, pass on the information to your friends and family and delegate your mother or another relative to be in charge of providing all of the details.

For your own privacy, most vendor registries will not include the balance, or the price of the package you register for.  You might also have the option of having your guests purchase gift cards towards a package or service as well.  Make sure that you have discussed all of the details with your vendors in regards to what happens if you receive extra money after the balance has been paid in full.  Another detail to find out is if there is a charge to your guests for using online registry payment methods such as paying by credit card.  Some websites charge a nominal fee, and others charge a percentage of the monetary gift.

Travel Companies such as Unforgettable Honeymoons, offer a registry option for your guests to help you pay for your dream honeymoon.  Create your own wedding website, blog  & photo album to share with your guests and let them in on all of the details of your wedding & honeymoon plans.  We are willing to bet your guests will be thrilled to make your trip even more amazing by purchasing some of these honeymoon essentials!

-  Airfaire -  Champagne & Strawberries Welcome -  Room Upgrades -  Sunset Cruises -  A night on the town -  "It's Always Happy Hour" Drink Vouchers -  Snorkeling Adventure -  Glass Bottom Boat Rides -  Breakfast in Bed -  Dining ( local dining, steakhouses, romantic candlelight dinners) -  Couples Massages -  Grooms Day at the Spa -  Manicures, Pedicures, Facials & Body Wraps -  Gratuities -  Tray of Hand Dipped Chocolate Fruit

For more information on Unforgettable Honeymoons' Registry click here. If you have already booked your honeymoon and have made your travel arrangements, ask your travel agency if they can set up a registry arrangement for your trip.  They may have a deadline of when all monetary gifts must be received, in order for them to ensure your trip is paid for.

Spend Quality Time with Your Guests

One common regret that many couples have after their wedding has come and gone, is not getting to spend time with their guests.  Before you know it, your big day has flown by and you may not have a chance to even greet all of your guests at your reception. If you have a lot of out of town guests, consider planning a brunch the day after your wedding if you aren't leaving right away for your honeymoon.

A next-day brunch either at your home, or at a restaurant is a great time to recap all of the highlights from the wedding, take some more family photos, & give goodbye hugs to all of your out of town guests.  Keep in mind, this can be as relaxed and informal as you want so you wont need to send out invitations & don't feel like you have to go big! Depending on the number of guests who can attend the brunch, it may be easier to just touch base the morning after your wedding and get a plan together.  If one of your friends or family members would like to be in charge of planning the event, give them the reins and enjoy.

Here are some ideas for creative ways to celebrate, and spend time with family after your event. - Brunch, Champagne Brunch - Taco Bar - BBQ - Put some meat on the grill and enjoy some cold ones! - Picnic - pack some sandwiches and head to your nearby park or share your favorite scenic spot with your family and friends. - Host your guests at your home, provide some veggie or deli trays and drinks while you open gifts. - Sports events or hobbies such as golf, invite them to play a round of golf as a way to have some fun competition! - Get in the kitchen, and learn some of the family recipes. Enjoy good company and bake some muffins, pies, or cook one of your grandmothers best recipes. Not only will you have fun in the kitchen and get some quality time in, but everyone will enjoy tasting your creations!

Some of your guests may have traveled far to be able to make it to your big day, so making the effort to show your appreciation is really a kind way to say thank you. Weddings tend to be a family reunion in a sense, so take advantage of having everyone in the same place at the same time.  In some cases, this may be the first time your extended family is meeting your new husband or wife and they may just want to get to know them a little!

Did you have a creative idea for the day after your wedding? Share your stories, we would love to hear your comments and ideas!

For the Tech Savvy Brides!

Wedding Planning has modernized, so now instead of carrying large folders and planning books you can simply login and go!  For the brides who are planning their weddings without the help of a professional coordinator, but would like to stay organized; We have the answer for you! Software programs have been developed specifically to help you stay organized with your guest information, RSVP's, table settings, budget, vendor contracts, and more.  With price ranges from 49.95 to 299.95, there are some variations to the software program features so we found a great online review of wedding software programs that should be helpful!

*click on image to view full review at http://wedding-planning-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

As with any software programs, we recommend that you read the reviews on these products to ensure that you are confident that you will be satisfied.  Reading product reviews will make you aware of issues such as freezing up & data loss.

If you would prefer not to use wedding software, consider some of the wedding websites available online that can save you time by helping you stay organized. Plus, these tools are easy to use no matter how tech savvy you are!

Wedding Countdown Tickers create your own wedding countdown tracker (ticker) which can be used web sites, blogs, email, forums, any where that accept HTML. TheWeddingTicker.com

WeddingCountdown.com

WhenisMyWedding.com

HitchedTickers.com

Manage Your Budget, Invitations, RSVP's, & Seating Charts

SimpleSeating.com is a website created to help you organize your seating arrangements including RSVP tracking, and meal choices.  It is free to use for up to 50 guests, and has different packages available depending on the number of events & guests you would like to upload.

WeddingWorkbookPro.com allows you to manage your guest list, rsvp's, itinerary's & budget.  Plan your bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, & wedding and keep track of all of the details! There are packages designed for individuals planning their own events, and wedding professionals planning several weddings & events.  Check out their pricing and package options here.

TheKnot.com, this website has pretty much every planning detail you will need.  If you have questions about etiquette and how to decide where to seat people, check out their How-To Article on Wedding Reception Seating Arrangements.

Create Your Personalized Wedding Website - Keep friends & family informed about all of the wedding details, and let them in on the fun.  It may be stressful at times, but planning a wedding is a special time in your life, so share these exciting moments with your guests as they will feel more involved.  This is a good place to share your engagement pictures, let guests know where you are registered & also give your out of town guests itinerary information and hotel accommodations.

eWedding.com

MyWedding.com

ProjectWedding.com

WeddingWire.com

TheKnot.com

With so many great tools out there, we love to hear about your experience with wedding software and online planning websites.  Leave us a comment, and let other brides know what you think!

Show Up to Your Event in Style!

These days, there are some pretty sweet rides out there designed specifically for making a big entrance! Have you thought of how you would like to arrive to your wedding? Match your transportation to the theme of your wedding, such as a vintage classic, or a modern limo.  Can you see yourself  in a carriage maybe, or is a stretch Hummer or Cadillac Escalade limo more your style?  Check out the photos of some of your transportation options! Keep in mind these are only examples of what's out there, and each limo company will most likely offer different vehicles and features. Horse Carriages

Standard Black Limo

Stretch Cadillac Escalade

Stretch Hummer

Triple Axel Hummer

Chrysler Limo

Ford Excursion Limousine

Brides, if you are only booking one limo we suggest that you have them pick up the guys first! This will help to make sure that you stay on schedule, because the guys will be ready on time.  You don't want to run behind schedule,  it's your big day so don't miss a moment of it!

Check out our vendor directory to find a great limousine company near you!

Bachelorette Party on a Budget! Bringing back the Slumber Party!

These days everyone is pinching pennies and watching their budgets carefully so when it comes to doing your duty as a Maid of Honor, we've got a great idea for how to throw a fun memorable party for your Bride-to-be without breaking the bank. Bringing back the Slumber Party!

Remember as a little girl when the most fun thing EVER was 10 of your friends a ton of junk food and staying up all night gossiping and playing silly games? Well slumber parties aren't just for 10 year olds anymore!

Here are a few suggestions for making your Slumber Party great!

If the Maid of Honor (or one of the other bridesmaids) doesn't have a house or apartment large enough or local enough to host the party...look into getting hotel room for the night! Why not have your party, and not the clean up!

Start the night off with a fun dinner, find out what the Bride's favorite meal is and order in or make the meal as a group(if you are the culinary type). Mix up a pitcher of Margaritas or a batch of yummy Champagne Punch, watch a couple of sappy wedding movies, decorate cupcakes and pamper yourselves with some at  home spa treatments.

Another fun idea is to have a Romance Specialist at your party. Nothing says Bachelorette Party like Adult Toys and party games. If you are looking for a local consultant check outAmanda's Party Gals.

If you and your gang like party games...check out these DIY Bachelorette Party Games.

Here are a few suggestions for recipes, spa treatments and party favors to make your Slumber Party great!

Easy Champagne Punch Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz frozen fruit punch, partially thawed
• 10 oz frozen strawberries
• 2/3 cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 24 oz Ginger ale
• 1 qt Champagne
• 3 cups water

Preparation:

1. Place a frozen ice ring in a punch bowl.
2. Add the fruit punch, water, strawberries, and juices.
3. Stir to dissolve the punch.
4. Slowly pour in the ginger ale and Champagne.

Avocado Carrot Cream Masque

• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 carrot, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.  Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes.  Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

DIY Photo Magnet Favors

Flat-bottomed glass gems (the kind for filling vases with; you can find them at any craft store) or Glass squares. Pictures Mod Podge Paintbrush Magnets (strong ones since the glass gems are heavy) Gorilla Glue Clamps

Cut out your picture to fit the bottom of the glass gem.  Trace if you need to.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the flat side of the glass gem and affix your paper.  Let it dry.

Apply Gorilla Glue to back of gem and add your magnet.  Then clamp it per Gorilla Glue instructions.

*For Bachelorette party supplies online check out Bachelorette Party Superstore

Mark Your Calendars! Northern California Bridal Fairs!

Northern California Bridal Fairs

If you haven't attended a Bridal Fair, you are missing out on a lot of fun! No matter where you are in your planning stages, it is can be  helpful to see all of the different vendors in your area.

Take the opportunity to meet local wedding professionals , and see first hand what they have to offer.  Local Photographers,  Venues,  Bakeries,  Event Coordinators,  Salons, Dress Boutiques, Caterers, DJ's and many more will be there to answer your questions. Many catering companies, and bakeries offer samples and tastings, and there will most likely be champagne, wine, or other beverages available while you browse.

Take part in the raffles & drawings to win fun prizes, and look for some exclusive discounts. Many of the vendors will be offering promotions if you book with them at the Bridal Fair or within a certain amount of time after, so don't be afraid to ask them what deals they are offering.

Okay Ladies & Gentlemen, Mark your calendars!

August 14, 2011 Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico

September 18, 2011 Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, Yuba City

December 4, 2011 Red Bluff Community Center, Red Bluff

January 15, 2012 Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, Chico

For Ticket Information, Vendor & Exhibit Info, Maps and more details visit WeddingsNorthValley.com ________________________________________________________________________________________ Contemporary Bridal Show by Brilliant Celebrations

Sunday, September 25, 2011 The Atrium, 1670 Market Street, Redding CA

For more information, visit  Brilliant Celebrations ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dream Wedding Show

• February 26, 2012
• Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento CA 95815
• Exhibits open 11 a - 4 p. Over 150 Wedding Vendors
• Fashion shows at 10:15 - 12:30 - 2:30. All are different

For more information, check out Dream Wedding Show ________________________________________________________________________________________ Check back for more wedding show details!

We would love to hear how you're Bridal Fair experience was,  so come back and leave us a comment!

2012 Spring Bridal Fashion Week

Ok ladies, those of you who dream of the perfect wedding gown should be excited because 2012 is going to bring you a lot of options! We are willing to bet you will bring a tear to your mom's eyes when she sees her little girl all grown up, looking like a princess in one of these ball gowns.

Ball Gowns and dramatic A-Lines have made quite the comeback, and have been featured in many of the most popular designer's collections such as Vera Wang, Ines Di Santo, Lazaro, Marchesa and so many more.   Also, if you are not afraid to break the mold, you will love the idea of not wearing white on your big day.  Gowns have graced the runway in gray, purple, champagne, pink & even light blue!

Check out some of the top designers, and their beautiful gowns! Remember, that even if your local dress boutique doesn't carry some of these names, it is helpful to find styles that you like so that you know what you are looking for when you go dress shopping.

It is a good idea to cut out some pictures of dresses and styles you like, and show them to the bridal consultant at the dress shop because it will help her find the perfect gown for you!

Marchesa

Vera Wang

Ines Di Santo

Monique Lhuiller

Lazaro

Alvina Valenta

Kenneth Pool

Pronovias

Alita Graham

Justin Alexander

Don't forget to check out our Vendor Directory for your local dress shops!

Style Trend: Manzanita Branches & Wishing Trees

Wishing trees have become a popular feature of event decor for baby showers and weddings.  Have you ever wondered where the tradition of wishing trees came from?  Some say that it is a Dutch tradition, but we have seen many styles of wishing trees from various cultures for many different reasons aside from weddings. For example, we found that as part of a Lam Tsuen tradition, Wish-makers write their wishes on red paper "josses," which are offerings dedicated to Chinese deities. No matter where the tradition comes from, it is a beautiful sight to see a tree filled with thoughts and well-wishes dedicated to your new life as husband and wife!  With so many fun ways to decorate and make it your own, a wishing tree can be a great focal point for your event. A word of advice is to leave instructions for your guests, so that they know that you would like them to write on the cards and hang it on the tree.

Whether you are using manzanita branches, or a living tree you should be able to find relatively inexpensive ways to decorate it.  Although if you plan to use crystals, you may want to opt to rent the strings of crystals rather than buying them yourself (they can get pricey!)

We found these photos inspiring!

Manzanita Branches can be painted to match your decor, and you can use them as centerpieces as well.

Many Decor & Event Staging vendors will have wishing trees available to rent, but if you would like to make one yourself here is what you will need.  Most of the materials can be found at your local craft store, or for large amounts of manzanita branches check out this website: Blooms and Branches.  They also have moss, curly willow, votive candles, vases, birch branches & centerpiece kits.

- Large manzanita branch or several small branches, which can be painted to match your decor.  If you are having a more      natural style theme, you won't need to paint the branches because they are a nice deep red color on their own. - Paint for the branches - Glitter, if you would like the tree to really shine! - Strands of Crystals, (or create your own with fishing wire & crystals or beads.) - Add flowers or greenery depending on your theme. - Vase, try to find a sturdy vase with a wide base so that it is less likely to tip over.

Okay now you have created your own wishing tree!

For some great aisle decor ideas, check out this great website Koyal Wholesale.  They have some couture designs for walking down the aisle!

Sources:

Lam Tsuen Tradition ( http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/varsity/0003/culture2.htm) www.herecomesthebride.com www.theoaks.com www.cupidsarrow.com

Let's Talk about Mom's!

It's Mothers Day, so it is only fitting that today we talk about the Mother of the Bride and their role in the wedding planning process. So what are the responsibilities of the mother of the bride?

First, she needs to be so excited and supportive of her daughter. She is taking one of the biggest steps in her life and will need her mother to be her guide, confidant and supporter.

This is a time for her to make her decisions with what she wants, not what Mom wants. Offering advice is one thing, taking over is another.

This can be a fun experience for Mother and Daughter if Mom can let go of the control and enjoy the process. It can be magical when she chooses her wedding dress, sees the perfect flower arrangement and finds the right venue. These will be moments to be  treasured forever.

There will be times when all engagement etiquette can go out the window. This is when the bride and groom have reached levels of stress that they never imagined they could find,  Mom should try to be the calming force in the engagement.

Other than being a great support for the bride, there are other mother of the bride etiquette items to follow. These will help move the planning and execution of the wedding along smoothly.

• Budget~ if Mom is helping fund the wedding, she will need to sit down with the bride and groom to determine the wedding budget. This needs to be done right away and throughout the engagement.
• Mother of the Groom~ if she does not contact your Mom, ask your mom to contact her. It is a good idea for her to establish a good relationship with his mother.
• Guest List~ compiling a guest list quickly is a good thing to do. There will be people that are important to Mom that she wants to include that the Bride may not know.
• The Dress~ Once the bride has chosen her dress and colors, Mom will need to select her dress. Good mother of the bride etiquette will have her in a long, modest dress that fits in with the colors the bride has selected. Once Mom has chosen her dress, let the mother of the groom know so she can select hers.
• Accommodations~ It is one of Mom's jobs to help the bride's guests make travel and hotel arrangements for the wedding day. If there are a number of guests coming in from out of town, reserving a block of rooms at a nearby hotel will be the best bet.
• Ceremony Instructions~ Make sure that the wedding party has instructions for the ceremony. This will include the seating arrangements, the order of the receiving line and any other requests the bride has. Making sure the wedding party shows good wedding etiquette is very important.
• Enjoy!~ Last but not least enjoy the day! The Bride may be the princess for the day, but remember Mom is the queen. Take the time to cherish the occasion and the people who are sharing it.