Tip - Loosen Up For Linens

You have decided your theme, location and colors. To make the magic happen within your décor allowance, consider upgrading your guest table linens, which will achieve a more finished, elegant, and detailed first impression for your reception guests.Whether renting beautiful satin, organza, velvets or chiffon table linens or choosing from the property host’s inventory of cloths, try to keep an open mind when it comes to matching the colors! Different fabric quality can make all the difference in how great it will look on top of the white/ ivory base linen you may be offered as part of the catering package. Plan to allow extra dollars for linen expenses… remember it’s your first dinner party as a married couple!

Tip provided by Slip of Elegance Chaircovers
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Floral Texture

The look of texture in flowers is really popular and continues to show very well. Flowers creating the texture have become more exotic including cymbidium orchids, james story orchids, and dendrobium orchids along with accents such as cosmos, uluhe, kermits, floral pods, safari sunset, herbs and many more. Have fun mixing and matching.
Trend provided by Visual Impact Design
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Wedding Workshop

Wedding Workshop at David Girard Vineyards

May 4th, 1p-5p

Enjoy an afternoon at David Girard Vineyards at this fun and informative approach to planning your perfect & unique wedding day. Speakers include Laurie Schmalzel and Lora Ward of A Day to Remember, both Sacramento based wedding planners with combined experience of 45 years and over 1,000 weddings! Champagne preview, food tastings, speakers, cake & wine tasting. Bring a notebook!

Please pre-register for this event:$20 per person.
Call 530-295-1833 or email weddings@davidgirardvineyards.com for more information.

Survey Says- What Took the Most Work?

What did you spend a lot of time on that you wish you wouldn’t have?

I made our own programs for the church part of the wedding and I took so long to do them and no one really noticed or even kept them after the ceremony. I could have saved some time and stress. But also, I don't know if I would have had them done professionally b/c why spend a lot of money on something that no one really looks at or keeps for very long?
- Erin, married in 2003

I spent a lot of time looking for shoes. I kept telling myself that it didn’t matter, because no one sees my shoes. But my mother insisted that I have nice shoes, and unfortunately I gave into the pressure. If I were to do it over again, I would have spent $5 and worn flip flops.
- Alison, married in 2007

I spent a lot of time on the place cards. I loved how they looked in the end but all the layers and detail took too much time the week before the wedding. I should have started earlier.
- Kirsten, married in 2006

The programs- they wound up not being set out, so nobody even got them! But I don’t know that the missed them either. Also, reserving blocks of hotel rooms for the guests. Most of our guest either didn’t use them, or made them too late for your group rate anyway.
- Julie, married in 2007

The programs. They were beautiful but they would have been just as nice if we would have done less.
- Bree, married in 2007

Worrying? Not sleeping??
- Hannah, married in 2006

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Closing Song

The bride and grooms’ last dance of the evening can create a positive close to the evening. A reception should not end like a night at the bar with the lights going on and the sounds of "Everybody go home". A good master of ceremonies can bring all the family and friends together for a memorable last dance of the evening. Think of the last dance as the beginning of your new life together with all your family around you. Choose a song that will be “your” farewell dance, whether it be extremely upbeat or soft and romantic. The choice is yours.

Tip provided by Music on the Move DJs

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Boxed Invitations

Box it up! The hottest trend in invitations is the boxed invitation - whether it's a silk box or a paper box it's what's in now. If you've got the budget to go glam, Dupioni silk boxes are the way to go. Add a sparkly brooch or a crystal clasp and you're invitation will be the talk of your event. Still want to make an impression but don't have the budget for the silk boxes, color paper boxes can be just as fabulous. Splurge on a super think silk or satin ribbon and some interesting fillers for three dimensional interest.

Trend provided by Stephanie J Designs

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame- Take A Class

Take a Class - One great way to ensure you and your honey spend some much needed time together is by committing to some type of class or organized sport. Many couples decide to take dance lessons in order to prepare for their first dance on their wedding day. Why not continue on with lessons or a group dance class after the big day. There are so many different types of dance, from ballroom to salsa, you are sure to find one that will accommodate both of your styles.

If you prefer organized sports instead, sign up for a local adult league and choose a favorite sport that you can both play together. Not only will you both have a blast, but you’ll be getting your daily workout in as well. If your not into the whole team sport thing, consider signing up for a yoga class at your gym or a near by yoga studio. Regardless of the activity you decide to commit to, you will be more likely to spend a little more quality time together.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine- Figuring Out the Finances

Mo' money, mo' problems. Now comes the fun party of working out your finances. Hopefully you talked about it before you got married and you have a good plan in place. Or at least the start of one. If you haven't talked about it now it's time to start. Make sure and pick a good time. While he is trying to watch football is probably not the best time. Come prepared too. Have all your balances on both your accounts, both your bills, etc. Don't forget your scratch paper and calculator! And be willing to compromise. You have both been taking care of your own finances and it can be a little weird and sometimes downright difficult to remember that you have consult someone else now.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Dear Marvin- Favors Alternatives

Dear Marvin,
One part of the wedding I'm having a little trouble with is the favors. I think that most of the time they are such a waste of money and people rarely remember them! I mean do people really need one more tealight? Are there any alternatives to the standard favors?

All Favored Out
Dear All Favored Out,
Here is what I think. Favors aren't necessary, it's a gesture. If you don't want to give one our you don't have to! You get to make the decision. One alternative you might consider is giving to charity. You can take the money you would have spent on favors and donate it to charity. You can place a card or bookmark at each placesetting and let them know that you have donated to charity in the name of your guests. Hope that helps!

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Etsy

If you are interested in adding a homemade touch to your wedding, visit Etsy online. This site contains all kinds of goodies: jewelry, clothing, furniture, toys, and much more. Of noteworthy mention is Etsy's wedding section. Looking for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts for your wedding party? I love these vintage crystal earrings.

These collar stays make a unique and useful gift for your fiancés groomsmen, and they can be personalized if you wish.

Wedding invitation sets, as well as save the date’s, in many different colors and styles are available too. This is one of my favorite sets...

Check out this new take on an old wedding tradition: replace the ring bearers pillow with this ring bowl. It is so simple and elegant…and of course unique!

These Silla flowers are meant to top your wedding cake, but you can use them to decorate as you please.

Etsy offers many different options to meet a variety of tastes as well as budgets. Another noteworthy feature, Etsy allows you to search the site in several different ways. You can search by color, showcase (what is currently popular), and even geographically. Interested in supporting your local economy? Etsy allows you to seach via your city or close surrounding areas. I think that is such a great search feature!

One more thing…If you are looking for a creative outlet yourself, you can sell your own designs on Etsy as well.

Men and Tools

I give major props to any woman who can identify what this thing is. For me, tools are a total mystery only to be used when my life depends on it and my husband isn’t around to save me. But for my husband, they are his second love. He organizes them, he admires them, and he finds every excuse he can to buy them.

Recently, my hubby mentioned wanting a tool to help assemble his Christmas gift (4 wheeling parts). So I said sure. It wasn’t too costly and the box didn’t appear too big for our little apartment. Boy, did I underestimate the situation. Later that night, I walked into the living room and saw this huge, bright orange structure FRONT and CENTER. I mean, it is almost as tall as me!! After approaching hysterics at our newest piece of “furniture”, I started laughing... and laughing… and laughing.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

Who knew tradition could be so much fun? I loved how creative and sentimental you can make every aspect of a wedding. I opted for a something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue that told a little story about me…

Something old: My something old was very sentimental. I used my grandmother’s engagement ring as my wedding ring (the hubby proposed with an amazing eternity band instead.) She was married in 1932, and my grandfather was a jeweler so he selected the diamond and designed the ring himself. When she passed away, she willed her wedding set to me. My grandma was my hero, best friend and closest confident (even if she was 72 years older than I). Somehow being married with her band makes me feel like she is still with me.

Something new: There are so many fun new things involved in weddings! My favorite was my made-for-me dress by Miosa Couture. It was elegant and circumspect, yet completely quirky and unexpected…it was so ME! I adore this dress!!!

Something borrowed: My mom let me borrow her diamond and pearl broach, also from my grandpa, that I pinned to my bridal bouquet. It was very special to me to have something from my grandparents and mother with me as I walked down the aisle to start my own family.

Something blue: It is fun to get creative with this one! I am a closet shoe freak: I have an absolute love affair with pretty shoes, so naturally I looked to my feet for my something blue…and found the cutest, most whimsical Hale Bob sparkly blue heels.I love seeing what other people select as their special choices too! You can get to know so much about a bride by her choices. So tell me, what are/were your something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

All photos courtesy of The Memory Journalists.

Save the date? Yes please!

It's a hot trend now, the save the date. And I LOVE it! The STD can be a way to add a little fun to your theme. There are many different types of STD's to choose from but I'm personally a fan of the FUN ones!

I think this one is so cute and would go great with a movie theme. "That's the Ticket" from Our Marriage.These cuties are perfect for you fall wedding. I love the little acorn die-cuts from Stationary Style.

Here's a good. It's called the Wheel of Love! You spin it around to see the different information for the wedding.

Since I didn't get to announce my wedding in the newspaper I should have used these Hot of the Press STD's from Carlson Craft.

Here's a couple other cute ones I found. So are you doing STD's?

Trend - Parasols For Outdoor Ceremonies

Guests appreciate you considering their comfort. For outdoor ceremonies a parasol can be a life saver. They are available in many colors, are great as photo props, and much less expensive than a tent!

Trend provided by Pfeiffer Event Planning
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Plan Your Meal Accordingly

Make sure to plan a delicious meal for your wedding reception as it is part of a wonderful celebration. Offer a variety of your favorite foods and remember to offer something for everyone’s taste. Well orchestrated buffets can provide a greater selection of interesting cuisine and guests often enjoy being able to move around the room to socialize as opposed to being served at their table.
If you prefer a sit down meal, a dual or paired entrée is a great way to serve without having to ask ahead of your guest’s choice…everyone will have two smaller entrees paired together. Always include appetizers prior to the meal service to entertain your guests while you are finishing your romantic photos.

Tip provided by Newcastle Wedding Gardens
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Wedding Crashers, Really!??!!

We've probably all seen the movie and I honestly didn't think it was going to happen at our event, but sure enough, it did and I didn't even notice.

I heard all about this the next day, which is exactly the way it should have been.

Apparently my MIL and SIL noticed two guys who just didn't appear to fit into the guests. My MIL mentioned it to her brother who agreed and then she when to my FIL. My FIL and uncle in law converged on the two at the same time. They struck up a conversation and asked they guys if they were on the bride's side or the groom's side. Poor guys. They answered groom's side. "Wrong answer!" Their very full wine glasses (they had served themselves from the server's wine station) were removed from their hands and they were told to either leave peacefully or they would be escorted not-so-peacefully. (You just HAVE to love those career military guys for getting the situation under control!) The turkeys left and that was the end of it.

It could have been so much worse. My recommendation would be to discuss this possibility with your families. Your respective moms and dads know your families and your friends. Talk to them about discreet ways to deal with the situation so that if it does happen everyone will be prepared.

Trend - Bright, Unique Florals

Unusual color combinations are making a statement. Brides are taking another bold step with fun and unique wedding colors -- steel blue and red to raspberry and violet -- there is nothing conventional about these choices.
Trend provided by Lilygrass Fresh Floral Design
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Meet Your Day Of Videographer

After narrowing down your top ideal videographers, ask to speak to the exact person filming your wedding. Some companies hire contractor videographers to film multiple events in one day, so if you can, get the guarantee of your specific videographer in writing on your contract. Make sure the samples videos you are watching were filmed by this person.

Tip provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Chivari Chairs

Many venues provide brides with tables and chairs for the reception, however the chairs are not always as attractive as you may wish. You can cover the chairs, but for the same cost or less you can rent a reception chair. Chivari chairs are a popular option for reception chairs and they are available in many different colors. A chivari chair can immediately update the look of your reception site and the different colors allow you to customize the appearance of your wedding.

Trend provided by Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Demitasse Your Way To WOW!

The “WOW” factor. Every bride hopes, her guests will leave the wedding saying “WOW” that was so great. Here is one simple idea that will really get a “WOW” out of your guests. Incorporate a demitasse of bisque or gazpacho as one of your passed appetizers. A demitasse is simply a small china cup – similar to an espresso mug. The presentation is beautiful and it makes people feel very elegant, slowly sipping out of a tiny porcelain cup. This is a sophisticated way to step outside of the box -- you’re sure to hear quite a few “WOWs”.
Tip provided by Quarry Ponds
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Bright, Colorful Stationary

Color! Whether it's elegant monochromatic or bold bright hues, color plays a big part in your special day. Use your color palette throughout your stationery. Consider using stationery ensembles that play off a monochromatic look and include pops of complimentary colors - giving your guests a hint at what's to come but not spoiling the surprise they'll see at your event.
Trend provided by Stephanie J Designs
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Plan Ahead When You Plan to Shed Lbs.

Planning to lose weight before your wedding day? Make your alterations appointment three months or more before your wedding if you are planning to lose weight. Once it’s known what alterations are needed, your alterations’ specialist should schedule at least one more appointment closer to your wedding, allowing time for additional alterations and pressing your wedding gown.

Tip provided by Alterations by Patina
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Davis Whole Earth Festival

For those in Sacramento, Davis and surrounding areas, don't pass up the opportunity to check out the Davis Whole Earth Festival.

The Whole Earth Festival takes place May 9th-11th at the UC Davis campus quad. There is live music, great food, guest speakers and amazing crafts. If you are looking for Earth friendly gifts for your bridesmaids/groomsmen or original ideas to incorporate into your wedding, check it out! There are handmade crafts, shirts, hats, candles, jewelry...everything is creative and original.

Make sure that you get your friends and your fiance together to carpool to the Whole Earth Festival. If you need bodies to fill your seats, check out the website's Ride Share link to maximize your car's potential. See you there!

Tip - Back Seat Driver

Make sure to provide guests with a ‘point-man’ in case they get lost on the way to the wedding – you never want them to be late, or even miss the event, because of a wrong turn. Try to appoint someone that is not part of the bridal party.Tip provided by Luxury Limousines
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Instant Photo Favors

If you are looking for a personalized favors – instant photo favors are the way to go! A photographer can set-up a mobile studio at your reception site, as your guests arrive they can opt to have their photo taken and receive the photograph instantly! Guests will leave with a great way to remember your day.
Trend and photo provided by Profinish Design

Top Ten Things Every Bride Should Know

#1 - Budget is a top worry for brides.

* You may not have any idea what a wedding costs, so you may need to do some research first before you set your budget. Decide first on the one word that you would want to describe your wedding: elegant, fairytale, relaxed, intimate, fun, “bling”, cheap, traditional, etc. Whatever word best describes your vision for the wedding will set the tone for your budget. Make sure that you set a realistic budget from the term you’ve selected. If you want a fairytale wedding with 400 people and have set yourself a $6000 budget, realize that this may take some trimming from certain planning categories. Once you do set a budget, set priorities in order of importance decided by you and your fiancé. Track your spending according to your priorities.

* Once you’ve decided on what size & style wedding you and your fiancé want, make sure to plan ahead. Brides are planning further out, up to 18 months in advance, so plan ahead to guarantee you get the vendors you prefer.

* Drawing up and trimming down the guest list is one of the top worries of brides (per Peggy Post). Have discussions in advance about guest size and sticking to your plan.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Family Style Dinner

So you’re torn. You don’t want a buffet, but can’t afford a sit down dinner. What other options are there? Well an up and coming new trend is “family style”-large platters of food placed on the table for passing around. Family style dishes allow your guests to help themselves to more without having to leave the table. It also exudes a more casual feel which will allow people to relax and mingle at the table.

Trend provided Quarry Ponds
Photo courtesy Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Assume the Position

Learn to shift your weight away from the camera and slightly bend your front leg. In this position, everyone looks a little thinner. Once you learn what angles flatter you the most, you will know how to assume your position and be ready every time you see the camera!Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Discuss Placement With Your DJ

Where should your DJ set up? A major part of the DJ's job is to get as many of your guests on the same page as possible and we do this through making announcements. Whether it be for the grand entrance, cake cutting or simply asking them to take their seats for dinner, it is very important to make sure that your DJ is in a central location. If your guests cannot hear the announcements, you run the risk of having an event that does not flow smoothly.
If you have control where the bar is to be set up, it would be great to have the dance floor and the bar as close together as possible. (At least in the same room.) Not everyone is going to dance and that is okay. By putting the bar in one room and the dance floor in another, however, you are completely disconnecting the two. By putting them in the same room this allows everyone to enjoy watching the activities on the dance floor and the laughter that might go along with it.

Tip provided by MR DJ Service
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Dresses Breaking From Tradition

Shorter trains or no trains are becoming popular on wedding gowns which certainly are more comfortable to move around in on your wedding day. Even two wedding dresses are starting to appear…one more formal for the ceremony and then a short dress for dancing! And finally bridesmaid’s dresses are becoming more diverse & not so typical…with different styles & sometimes different colors based on each girls shape & personality.Trend provided by Newcastle Weddings Gardens
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Top Ten Things Every Bride Should Know - #2

#2 - How to choose your vendors.

*Find Vendors you can trust: Ask for referrals from other vendors, friends, colleagues.
Remember that cost and value are not the same thing. What are your priorities when it comes to the vendors you’re selecting? Professionalism, experience, chemistry, entertainment, day of attention.

*Vendors can send a sub-contractor: Make sure the vendor you meet with initially will be there wedding day, not a sub-contractor.

*Have a list of your vendors with contact (cell phone/alt #) info. on the day of. If you do not have a wedding coordinator for the day of, make sure to give copies of this information to keep participants: best man, maid of honor, all vendors involved. You do not want yourself or your fiancé to have to be worried about tracking down their information on the day of.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day and people are celebrating in a variety of ways all across the globe. Local communities are rallying together to focus on the environment and how we all can change our impact (also known as our “carbon footprint”). Looking for easy and simple ways to participate in this global party? If possible, ride your bike to work or to the store instead of driving. Ditch those disposable plastic bottles for a reusable stainless steel container (your water will stay cooler and taste better too). Opt for reusable bags instead of plastic or paper bags for transporting groceries and other items. And, of course, one of the most significant ways to show the planet you care- Recycle! Recycling is one of the most significant ways to reduce your impact on the earth, and these days, it just makes sense. Remember, we all can participate in taking care of our beautiful planet!

Top Ten Things Every Bride Should Know

#3 - Have a Plan B: Weather Happens

Regardless of the season you choose, weather can change at anytime. Check your Farmer’s Almanac to know what the weather predictions are during your wedding. The Farmer’s Almanac can also tell you when sunset is, so you can plan your ceremony and photos accordingly.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Bringing Photos to Life

Unlike cheesy slide shows from years past that remind you of your aunt's trip to Lake Gloomy, new 3D slide shows bring photos to life by moving them around in three dimensions. Photos are brought 'alive' when the people in the photo move independently from the background. You may have seen this technique on the Discovery or History channel as a way to make old photos seems alive!

Trend provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Blot your way to Gorgeous!

Make sure that your bridal clutch has a package of blotting papers inside. These little miracle workers capture excess oil and grease. They are essential to keep you looking gorgeous in your wedding day photos.


Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - What Should Someone Have Told You?

What is the one thing that you wish someone had told you when you got engaged? (Day #2)

Relax and have fun through it all! There will be moments of stress but don’t forget to enjoy both the planning and the day because it will fly by.
- Kirsten, married in 2006

Take some time to enjoy the happiness and relish in our new adventure. Don't start planning immediately (someone did tell me this)!
- Lauren, married in 2007

That you will get so tired of talking about the wedding with your fiancé! Make sure to make wedding free time with each other so you can remember why it is you wanted to get married in the first place!
- Melanie, married in 2007

There is one thing that I am extremely glad someone did tell me – to take little moments throughout the wedding day to just soak everything in, and make my own little private memories. Otherwise, it just flashes by – I treasure those little stolen moments most of all.
- Hannah, married in 2006

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Recreate a Destination Date

Don't have the time or money to take a vacation?

Pick a place you and your husband would like to go and pretend to be there for the night. You can make the cuisine of your chosen destination, dress the part and even attempt the accent if necessary. Add a signature drink and be sure to enhance the mood with the proper festive music.

It's all about your night away, so be sure to put the phones on silent and deter any distractions. Making time for a night away will be relaxing and the fun in playing the part often brings a smile.

Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists