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Right now your odds of winning are pretty darned good - and your odds of receiving the discounts are, well, 100%! So point your browser at http://www.wednet.com/survey/ and join in.
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WedNet is running a survey to learn what brides really need from a wedding planning site. And we have some cool incentives.
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So, how do you participate? Simple - your honest opinion, as a bride, as to what makes for a great wedding planning site. Just complete our online survey and we will send you your discount codes.
- The survey will remain open until April 30th 2008.
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Registering can be one of the best parts of the wedding planning. It is a fun day that you and the groom can enjoy together. This is a great activity to get the groom involved in as you will find that he may not care what your centerpieces look like, but he will care about the items that he will be unwrapping from your guests.
When registering, remember to keep it simple. Register for items that you know you will actually use. It is a common mistake that many couples make by registering for items that look pretty on the shelves, but have no practicality in their everyday life. Make sure you give your guests a list of items that they can purchase that you will use, rather than have locked up in a cupboard collecting dust.
Many stores will provide you a list of items that are common registry items. Don’t feel that you have to register for all these items if you aren’t going to use them. Many couples are now choosing not to register for fine china, crystal goblets and sterling silver trays. These items can be a great addition, but only if you really want them. Just because the store says you should, doesn’t mean you have to. Remember to register for items that are in everyone’s price range. It is great to go to your large department store and register for a variety of items, but keep in mind those prices may be a bit much for some of your guests. A store that has great items, but is on the cheaper side is a great idea to register at as well. This will give your guests the option rather than make them feel they need to take out a second mortgage in order to attend your wedding.
Don’t overdo it. Registering at too many locations can make things hard on your guests. Don’t register for too many items either. Evaluate the number of people that are receiving Save-The-Date notices and the number you are inviting to your wedding. A good estimate is to register for three items, in all price ranges, per person/couple invited. This will give options for your guests to select from, but will also not make you look like a greedy bride that wants the entire store.
Times have changed and so has fashion. It may be your dream to walk down the aisle in a white wedding gown or maybe even an ivory wedding gown, but how about a soft pink? Pink is a very fashionable color this year for wedding gowns. Adding a hint of tint can make a subtle color statement. Check with your local wedding gown store to see what they have in the way of a soft pink selection.
If you chose to go with something other than traditional, make sure that you will be happy with this choice 5, 10, or even 40 years from now. I like to warn brides that fashion may be fun, but you need to look back on every detail of your day without regret. You are the only person that can make that choice, as you know what you will be okay with as you show your kids or grandkids the photos of your wedding day. So, if you are bold enough to wear something other than traditional, go for it.
Because it is that time of year again, I thought I'd repost our bridal show know how entry.
Bridal shows are probably the best tools you can use as a busy bride to plan your wedding. These shows are exciting, festive and full of great ideas. You get to talk directly with the professionals, see samples of their work and get an idea of what costs are involved.
Plan ahead before you attend so you can best optimize your time.
- Set your priorities. Make a list of the products and services you need the most. Decide what your budget will allow for each of the products and services. You will be prepared, when you get to the show, to first visit those service providers who have what you need the most, and to give them an idea of what you are able to spend.
- Bring your calendar with you. This will help you mark dates that you will need to order products or book services. The vendors will be able to give you a great idea of how soon to get these items done. Most venues and photographers will have their appointment books with them and are ready to book at the show.
- Bring with you people that are going to help you plan all the details of your wedding, be it your best friend, sister, mom or wedding planner. The more decisions you can make at the show, the more items you can check off your planning list. They are also great to bounce ideas off of throughout the day.
- Prepare to bring some important items with you. Besides your date book, you might want to bring with you your checkbook (or credit card) to put down deposits on bookings. Swatches of material and ribbon in the colors of your wedding are helpful when speaking with florists, bakers, balloonists, gown shops and other professionals.
- Most exhibitors (as well as the show producer) have drawings to enter, so bring a business card, labels or a stamp with your name, address, phone number, email and wedding date printed on them. This will save you time and prevent writer’s cramp.
- The more time you plan to spend at the show, the more you can accomplish. Most shows last six to eight hours per day, including fashion shows. Wear comfortable shoes – you will get your exercise walking.
- Most of all, plan to have fun! Attending bridal shows is sure to help you enjoy planning your wedding and to share this exciting time with others.
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To help create wedding lighting that really shines, follow these tips.
- Setting the mood is one of the most important parts of the day. Lighting will help create this mood. A soft glow creates a warm environment that literally brightens people.
- Avoid placing lights in spots where they can harshly glare on your guests. No guest wants to be blinded or put in the wrong light.
- Rose and amber hues are flattering to everyone and should be used around your ceremony and reception venues. Although, using white lights to accent your floral centerpieces is very important. This will allow for the true color of the flowers to show.
- Many people put out a lot of candles. Using too many can make your room overly bright. Use candles sparingly.
- Have table lamps and overhead lights on dimmers so you can adjust their intensity to your liking. If the venue is serving as both the ceremony and reception site, dimming the lights for the reception can create a completely different mood.
- Always make the room a bit darker than you think it should be, but allowing yourself to still be able to see your feet! Low lights create a sexy vibe and allows you to disguise features in the venue that may not fit your theme or style.
Having a signature drink served at a wedding is becoming more and more popular. Brides and grooms come up with their own recipe or take an old favorite that everyone loves and names it something different for the evening. Although most weddings involve alcohol, that doesn’t mean they all have to. Some fun variations to the signature drink idea are to have a coffee bar or a milkshake bar at your wedding. Bring in a coffee company that specializes in weddings or other formal events. They can make hot and cold drinks, regular and decaf. Large coffee chains are popping up with new stores everywhere for a reason - people are addicted to coffee. Whether it is the flavor or the caffeine they crave, your guests will love this idea.
Milkshakes anyone? Having an old fashion style milkshake bar is a great idea. Couples could even come up with a signature milkshake, whether it is a favorite like chocolate or something a bit more daring like Oreo or cookie dough, your guests will think this is a unique, fun way to celebrate. This will also allow the younger guests at your wedding to enjoy every bit of your reception as well.
These helpful tips will help you find the flower arrangements you want on the budget you have.
- In your bouquet, use larger blooms, like orchids or calla lilies. You will need fewer of them.
- Add greenery, such as ivy or ferns, to a bouquet. Greenery looks lush, and you’ll find it’s less expensive than flowers.
- Add ribbon or tulle to an arrangement. It is pretty and makes the arrangement look larger as well as helping keep your expenditures down. This can also help add an element of drama that you cannot accomplish with using just flowers.
- To decorate the ceremony and reception sites, rent trees. They look especially romantic when the branches are woven with tiny white lights or a beautiful ribbon or fabric.
- If getting married in a church, ask to see if anyone else is using the site that same day. If so, contact the other bride to see about splitting the cost of flowers.
- Some florists are creative enough to be able to use your ceremony bouquets as centerpieces for the reception site as well.
- Picking a site that has a lot of natural greenery, flowers and trees is a great idea to help cut back on the amount of items you will need to bring in.
- See what vases or interesting containers your florist has for rent instead of purchasing expensive items.
- Use in-season or locally grown flowers. They are much better value than the varieties that have to be flown-in. Although, that doesn’t mean you can’t have tropical. Believe it or not, you can order tropical flowers at a very reasonable rate.
- Fill empty spots on your table spots with votives or small potted plants that can also be used as wedding favors.
For more on selecting the perfect flowers for your wedding, check out our Flowers WedTopic at:
http://www.wednet.com/wedtopics/flowers.aspx
WEDNET RECAP
This section highlights some articles and features that
have been online for a while but hopefully remain helpful in
your wedding planning.
Military weddings
http://www.wednet.com/articles/wedding-attire.asxp
With Valentine's Day in the air, how about a little romance?
http://www.wednet.com/articles/wedding_romance.aspx
How to word invitations when parents are divorced
http://www.wednet.com/articles/estranged-family.aspx
Can MOB wear same colors as bridesmaids? Black?
http://www.wednet.com/articles/bridesmaid-dresses.aspx
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A Wedding Poem
Shoshone Wedding Song, by Mary Austin, adapted by Robert Hass
Him:
"Not a spirit, not a bird,
That was my flute you heard
Last night by the river.
When you came with your wicker jar
Where the river tugs at the willows,
That was my flute you heard
Calling, Come to the willows."
Her:
"Not a spirit, not a bird
Made the lupine rustle.
That was my heart you heard
And the rustle of my hem
As I walked in the grasses.
That was my heart you heard
When you came to the willows.
Sensual Food
Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean an expensive dinner out.
Try making a special dinner at home, but spice it up with
traditionally sensual foods: Clams, oysters, and other seafood are
great dinner and appetizer ideas for your special night. Folklore
has it that if your sex life is lacking, cook turnips in milk.
Sexual powers are said to heighten from eating vegetable roots,
carrots, and asparagus. Champagne and fruits such as strawberries,
bananas, dates, apricots, peaches, and pears are said to arouse
sexual feelings. Wrap it all up with pumpkin and cinnamon pie,
truffles, and chocolate. Then, go retire in front of the fireplace
and enjoy the company.
Valentine's Day Cocktails
Wine is a perennial romantic favorite, but why not use the
holiday as a reason to try some new and exciting drinks? Try:
¨"BETWEEN THE SHEETS" 1 ounce brandy, 1 ounce Cointreau, 1
ounce light rum, 1/2 ounce lemon juice (optional), and 3 or 4
ice cubes. Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake
vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass.
¨"SEX ON THE BEACH" 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce peach schnapps,
2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces cranberry juice. Pour all of
the ingredients into a highball glass almost filled with ice
cubes. Stir well.
¨"MAIDEN'S BLUSH" 1 1/2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounce Pernod, 1 teaspoon
grenadine, 3 or 4 ice cubes. Combine all ingredients in a mixing
glass and stir well. Strain into a cocktail glass.
¨"BRAZEN HUSSY" 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec,
1/2 ounce lemon juice. In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes,
combine all of the ingredients. Shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass.
¨"HONEYMOON" 1 1/2 ounces applejack, 2/3 ounces Benedictine,
2 tablespoons lemon juice, 3 dashes curaçao, 3 or 4 ice cubes.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Make Every Moment Count on Valentine's Day
A great Valentine's Day doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. It
simply takes some planning. Try leaving little "I love you" notes
all around where you know your honey will be that day. On the
bathroom mirror, on the steering wheel, in the wallet, the
refrigerator, etc. Maybe even a single red rose under the windshield
wiper while he or she is at work. Get creative!
Has Your Honey Got a Sweet Tooth?)
Surprise your sweetie on Valentines day! Roll out a thin layer of
marzipan, cut it into a heart shape with a large heart-shaped
cookie cutter, then coat it with chocolate. Decorate the top with
chocolate writing, sprinkles or even chocolate shavings.
Valentine's Wedding Favors
Valentine's Day is a tough day for a wedding. Try to find a florist
who wants to work a wedding that day! For the brave: if you are
looking for a fun and inexpensive change of pace for a Valentine's
Day wedding, give your guests candy "Be Mine" hearts tied up in tulle.
Make Every Moment Count on Valentine's Day
A great Valentine's Day doesn't have to cost an arm and a
leg. It simply takes some planning. Try leaving little "I
love you" notes all around where you know your honey will
be that day. On the bathroom mirror, on the steering wheel,
in the wallet, the refrigerator, etc. Maybe even a single
red rose under the windshield wiper while he or she is at
work. Get creative!
http://www.wednet.com/wedding_store/favors_romantic.aspx
If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd Have Baked A Cake
A square 8" pan and a round 8" pan can form a perfect
heart-shaped cake. After the cakes have cooled, turn the
square one so it sits like a diamond, then cut the round
one in half and place half on either side of the square.
Frost it up with some pink frosting and write a special
message on it. It's quick and it's fun!
Where are the Gifts?
Be sure to assign someone to transport your gifts from the
reception to your home. Traditionally this responsibility
goes to the best man or the bride or grooms' parents.
===========================================================
WORDS OF WEDDING WISDOM
"Love one another, but make no bond of love; Let it rather be
a moving sea between the shores of your soul. Fill each other's
cup, but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread,
but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be
joyous, but let each one of you be alone."
Kahlil Gibran
===========================================================
DID YOU KNOW . . .
Best Man
As marriages were historically accomplished by capture (the
groom would kidnap the woman), a warrior friend was often
employed. This Best Man would help the groom fight off other
men who wanted the captured woman, and would also help in
preventing the woman's family from finding the couple.
===========================================================
Wedding VENDOR NOTE
If you are not listed with WedNet, you should know that we can
provide a free listing for your business. For more details,
please refer to our Vendor Services page, which you can find at
http://www.wednet.com/wedding_vendors/vendor_submission.aspx
1/5 update: I attended the Seattle Wedding show today. Wow! Some amazing booths. And although I am biased, the Safeway booth was very impressive. They have a garden theme with green turf afoot, a beautiful gazebo decorated with their wedding floral, and a gorgeous display of their cakes and wine selections. I saw some of their new wedding cake designs that even we don't have on our web site, yet. (They promised me new pictures as soon as the show is over. Can't wait!).
Oh, and grab a sample (or two or three...) of their cakes. Pretty tasty. If you stop by their booth tomorrow (Sunday, 1/6), tell them David from WedNet says "hi".
Side note: If you do attend the show tomorrow, be sure to catch the fashion show. Beautiful gowns and bridesmaids dresses, and dashing tuxedos, set to some very fun music.
Here we are in wedding planning business, and little did I know that just around the corner, literally, from my house there is a solution to one of the many decisions facing couples. The wedding cake! One-, two- or three-tier? Fondant or buttercream? Gumpaste flowers, fillings, icings, live flowers? Oh my! And what about these fabulous cupcake cakes I've seen at recent weddings? Who does those and do they dip, whip, swirl, gloss, confetti?
Until recently, I didn't realize that Safeway does wedding cakes. But after chatting with the baker/decorator in our local Safeway (Sammamish, WA!), they most certainly do wedding cakes. And not just a few!
In fact, after having very interesting meetings with several super nice folks in the Seattle division of Safeway, we are pleased to be able to help spread the word that Safeway has a lot to offer couples for their wedding day, including wedding cakes, flowers and even wines.
Read up on what Safeway has to offer, http://www.wednet.com/wedding-cakes/safeway/, and then browse their selection of available wedding cakes, http://www.wednet.com/wedding-cakes/safeway/cake-viewer/Default.aspx. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you, especially if you have enjoyed a Safeway wedding cake at your reception.
Enjoy!
A majority of couples get engaged over the holidays. Now that you are engaged, you need to know how to announce the engagement. Here are some helpful hints to make sure you don’t offend anyone.
If you have kids from a previous marriage, they should be the first to know. You don’t want them to find out through the grapevine. They are often overlooked during the announcement period. Hopefully, you have prepared them for the possibility. This may be hard news for some children. Reassure them that the new spouse will not replace them in your heart.
Your parents should be on the list next. If you’re close enough to tell them in person, this would be the best option. Having both sets of parents over for a nice dinner to announce the news is always a great idea. If this isn’t an option, then typically the bride’s parents are the first to be told with the groom’s immediately afterwards. If they are not near, over the phone is a fine way of letting them in on the news.
Grandparents, siblings and other close relatives should follow the parents. Some want their best friends to know prior to everyone else, but consider the fact that it will hurt feelings if family discovers they were not one of the first to know.
A phone call to your closest friends is the next step, unless you want to surprise everyone and tell them all at once. A nice get together is the best way to take care of that.
Once you are ready to announce your engagement to everyone else, you have a few options.
Publish your announcement in the local newspaper. Make sure that you really want to take this step as many people that aren’t that close to you may see the announcement and feel they should be invited to the wedding. This makes the guest list a bit tricky.
Hosting a gathering is a great way to announce your engagement to all of family and friends. It is acceptable to invite close co-workers to this gathering if you choose. If you choose to host a party, make sure you register prior to the shindig as many will want to purchase an engagement present for you.
Create a wedding website. This is one of the most common ways couples are announcing today. This is a very easy thing to do through hosted sites. It allows you to email the link to those you want to share your news with, keep them up-to-date with wedding plans and details as well as allow them to link to your registries. Make sure this is not the way you announce to your family or close friends. This way can seem a bit impersonal and you should not use this as your tool for sharing your news with those closest to you.
Mailing formal announcements is a great idea. These can also serve as a save-the-date. Make sure that you are registered prior to them hitting the mailboxes. If you have an engagement photo session, a nice photo of the couple is a great touch to the announcement.
Many people choose favors that get tossed in the trash or left behind. These are often a waste of money, time and effort. Giving your friends and loved ones something to keep forever to remember your wedding is most likely not realistic. How many favors have you kept over the years? If you choose to still give favors at your wedding make them edible. Chocolate boxes, covered Hershey’s Miniatures, Jelly Bellies, Kisses, personalized M&M’s – these are ideas of some great favors that people will use, enjoy and most likely have finished before they leave!
Many toy between the idea of having a DJ or a band at their reception. Why just limit your choice to those two when there is a new alternative to music at your reception. Many people are now setting up their IPOD to play the music they want at their reception. This is a great way to go if the option is available to you. You would be able to pick your own play list and make sure the songs you don't want played remain that way (like the chicken dance). You could even set the order of which you want the songs to be played.
One downfall to this system is that you would not have the ability for those attending your reception to make requests unless you had someone manning the IPOD, which kind of defeats the purpose. Make sure the space at which you are holding your reception has the capabilities to either plug your IPOD into or plug in your IPOD base to the speakers at the site. You don’t want to get to the location and find out that you don’t have the ability to run your music. Yikes.
A DJ or a band are still the two most common sources of reception entertainment, and they are still great options, however; IPOD is a rising fad that is cheap and extremely easy!
Young guests and party members should not be forgotten on your big day. To most of them, your wedding is a stuffy, boring event that they can’t wait to end. Give them something to feel special about, to help keep them occupied and to keep them out of trouble. A lot of parents don’t keep all that close of an eye on kids once the reception begins. The kids meet other kids, and off they go. You can’t imagine how much trouble young kids can get into at a reception when not attended.
So, help with that by setting up a “kids only” table. This won’t feel like the normal kid’s table at their holiday dinners, but will actually be way more fun. Cover the table with butcher paper, put color crayons and coloring books on the table. This will allow the kids to color in the books or on the table – how fun is that?! Activity books for a slightly older crowd are a great idea as well.
Kids also love to get goody bags that are all theirs. A great way to do this is to fill an easy to carry container with treats that are not messy, such as age appropriate toys, animal crackers, Smarties, etc. You can even fill the container with note cards and crayons and you just might get a one-of-a-kind card! Remember to stay away from too much sugar, chocolate or sticky candies such as suckers. These are a recipe for disaster.
Having a holiday wedding, and you want it to still say elegant and sophisticated instead of Christmas? An easy fix to that problem is to make sure you pick a color scheme that can give you the feel of a warm holiday yet allow those attending to remember they are still celebrating your special day.
For hues that work well together try a scarlet red and cool it with a silver or graphite. Or how about a dramatic navy blue with silver? These tones paired together are perfect for an intimate formal evening wedding. For a warm wintry daytime or dusk wedding pair a high-gloss gold with an earthy olive or a lighter blue with silver. These tones create a dynamic duo.
These colors are guaranteed to make your holiday wedding a sure fire success!
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