Tip - Consider Agility

When trying on wedding dresses, consider how much moving around you plan to do. If you know you'll be limboing later or moonwalking be sure you have a dress that allows for ample movement.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Redistributing Florals

Brides are looking for new ways to recycle and reuse products instead of creating more waste. Think about redistributing wedding flowers to hospitals and charity events.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Survey Says - Did You Take Your Husband's Last Name?

Did you take your husband's last name? If so, when did you change it and was the process difficult? If not, how did your husband react to you not taking his last name?

I did not take my husbands last name, it is Smith and we already have problems with his identity being stolen. He was fine with it although I told him if he wanted me to I would change my name. Also keep in mind I am 47 and although this is my first marriage, my identity and career are tied up in my maiden name. It would be different if we were going to have children, but we are not. - Michelle, married March 2007

I did take his name, and I waited to start the process until after we got back from the honeymoon since we traveled out of the country, and we know how tough it can be to travel these days, so I didn’t want to get caught with one form of ID with one name, and another form with a different name. I am still working on changing my name, and probably will for some time, but all of the major stuff is done. A friend emailed me with this website that made it super easy to get the process started, it helped a great deal. (www.angelfire.com/ma/dnsassoc/need.html and www.angelfire.com/ma/dnsassoc/tools.html).- Melanie, married June 2007

I did take my husband’s last name and I made the change the week we got back from our honeymoon. The process of changing my name was not difficult, it was just time consuming. - Nona, married August 2007

Yes, I changed my last name, but to Brown-Kinell because I have a business with my maiden name. My husband was perfectly fine with whatever I did, however I know it makes him proud that I wanted his last name. Yes, the process was very difficult, especially if you own your own business because not only does your personal stuff have to be changed, but all of the business stuff too. -Lauren, married May 2007

I have not changed my name at this time, but I may add his last name in the future. My husband encouraged me to choose the name I felt most comfortable with, while insisting that he prefers me to keep my name the way it was when we first met. - Amanda, married October 2007

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Share Family Photos

When touring your venue if you notice blank walls or a minimally decorated area, consider design ideas to complement your day. You could spread family photos, family wedding day photos or photos as a couple in the lacking areas.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Rain Card

Couples are trying to be well prepared for any potential situation these days. If you're having a wedding reception during a potentially rainy season, think about including a rain card with an alternate location or directions in case it rains.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists
Design by Stephanie J Designs

Trend - DIY Directions

A wedding trend that we've seen is handmade directional signs to your ceremony, reception site, etc. Gluing shells, rocks or stained glass found on the beach to spell out instructions could add to a beach themed wedding.

Handpainted signs also add character to the experience like this one from Laura and Brian Garrison's North Carolina wedding. The bride commissioned her sister to create signs like this one to direct guests to a backyard union.

Photo courtesy of the bride via The Knot, photography by Cam Bumgarner Photography

Tip - Discuss Minimums

If the menu you're choosing doesn't meet the food and beverage minimum of the venue, ask if you can include the in-house rentals to make up the difference.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Ignite the Flame - Pack It Up

Sometimes you just can't get away for a romantic weekend. Do you both love the outdoors with crisp air, warm fires, gooey S'mores and starry nights? If leaving town is not an option right now, think about pitching a tent in your own backyard. You can purchase a personal fire pit for a reasonable price and have your own backyard camp out. The only rule is: leave your cell phones inside.

Fall For Love - Guest Blog Post For Wishpot

With Fall on the brain, it's hard not to get wrapped up in all the amazing colors and fun you can have! We recently submitted a blog post for Wishpot's wedding blog and included lots of cool, colorful pics and some awesome favors. Check out the blog post here.Don't forget to vote for Wishpot in the 2nd Annual Open Web Awards, Social Shopping category. We just did!

Photos courtesy of (row by row): The Memory Journalists (www.memoryjournalists.com), Blooms by Martha Andrews (www.bloomsbymarthaandrews.com), Allison Stahl Photography (www.allisonstahl.com), Allison Stahl Photography, The Memory Journalists, The Memory Journalists (florals by Visual Impact Design(www.visualimpact-design.com), Allison Stahl Photography, Sarah Maren Photography(www.sarahmaren.com), The Memory Journalists, The Memory Journalists, Flourish(www.flourishdesigns.com), The Memory Journalists, Flourish, The Memory Journalists

Tip - Discuss Discount Options

If holding your wedding reception at a hotel, your hotel caterers may give you a discount on food and drink if a certain number of rooms are booked.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Combine Old Designs & New Trends

Consider combining old designs with new trends to create your wedding theme. You can incorporate family heirlooms, like doilies, trinkets, vases, pitchers and mix them with new colors or bright, vibrant flowers.Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks to all experts and readers that contribute to this blog helping it to be such a success! We are thankful for you! What are you thankful for?

Image provided by evite

Your Grand Groom - Guest Blog Posting For Wishpot

We love to write up guest posts for Wishpot's wedding blog, a favorite dynamite blog around here. One of the most recent posts we sent them was on the groom's responsibilities leading up to the wedding day, which we shared with Percy of Percy Sales Events, headlined with a photograph from Sharpe Photographers. Read the entire post here.

Here's what we posted from Dynamite Weddings:

Many grooms feel removed from the responsibilities that come along with planning a wedding. Usually, by no fault of their own, grooms are asked to take on limited responsibilities such as choosing their groomsmen, helping create the guest list, pick out a tux and show up! Seems simple enough. But these days, many grooms welcome the involvement and let’s be honest ladies, it’s their day too! Relinquishing some responsibility will be a burden off you and you may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. There’s nothing that says a little oversight isn’t appropriate but treat your groom like the adult that he is and let him share in planning for the big day. There may be some discussions and compromises between you, but this could be your first time facing a challenge together and will prepare you for your life as a married couple. Tasks for your groom, in addition to the aforementioned (and obvious ones, like show up sober):

• Meeting with the DJs or bands that you’re both interested in
• Attending catering and cake tasting appointments to give input (Guys are very good at food tastings! They know what they like.)
• Checking vendor references and online critics
• Arranging for transportation for the two of you and possibly large party transportation for out of town guests
• Setting up room blocks and negotiating rates for out of town guests
• Suggesting alternatives to traditional favors for the wedding (maybe a photo booth or caricature artist?!)
• Choose the alcohol to be served at the reception
• Assign ushers (if not groomsmen)
• Choosing & purchasing gifts for your groomsmen
• Purchase a wedding day gift for your lovely wife
• Invent a creative way for the wedding party to enter the reception (fun song, share silly details about each wedding party member (ex: "Introducing John, the best man, not only for this wedding but also the best man for exercising Scarface quotes in any situation.")
• Select a song for the Mother/Son dance
• Writing a thank you speech for the night of and possibly something brief for the rehearsal dinner
• Choosing the destination for the honeymoon

Tip - Dress Considerations

During your bridal and bridesmaid dress shopping excursion, be sure to keep in mind that your dress should complement the reception setting and the bridesmaids dresses should harmonize with your dress and the reception design.Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Trend - Chic Snow Cones

Think about offering chic snow cones/cups as an intermezzo with playful, palate cleansing flavors, like mint julip or mojito.

Photo provided by Urban Daddy

Ask Marvin - Mystified Mailer

Dear Marvin,
We sent our Save the Dates out almost one year ago and are getting ready to send out invitations. Some people that received save the dates have already told us that they won't be able to make it. Should we still send them invitations?

To Mail Or Not To Mail

Dear Mystified Mailer,
Yes, still send out an invitation to all those that received save the dates. Things change. Their plans could have been canceled or moved since they first received your save the date. It's courteous to send them the invitation regardless, since you already included them in the save the dates. Besides, now you should receive a formal "no" response card which will help keep track.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists
Invitation design by Stephanie J Designs

Cloud Nine - Flaunt It

Now that you've changed your name, flaunt your new status. Order personalized stationary with your monogram or new name and get excited about sending out your first correspondence as Mrs. Wells.

Photo provided by American Stationary

Tip - Host A Welcome Party

Consider organizing a welcome party for those guests coming in from out of town. You could set up a welcome dinner, cocktails or an evening at a piano or karaoke bar. This could allow all your guests to get to know each other before the big day and give you some extra time with your guests.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Welcome Beverages

Have passed beverage service at the entrance of your reception with signature starter drinks adorned with personalized swizzle sticks. Guests will be impressed by the chic service and the signature drinks and swizzle sticks can make for a fun conversation starter.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Boy Shorts Honoring Your Boy

You can order some cute little boy shorts honoring your new hubby with I Love Tim or Mrs. Smith. He'll love that you thought of him and he'll surely love seeing you in them.

Photos courtesy of Custom Glam Girl

* Custom Glam Girl has tons of fun stuff to personalize: t-shirts, robes, bathing suits, tanks, bags, towels, hats, etc. Check it out!

Tip - Personalized Family Seating

Adding a colorful floral ball to the back of important family members chairs with an escort card is a great welcome for those closest to you. They will be honored and will have a personal keepsake from your special day.

Photo courtesy of The Knot

Trend - Supporting Local Vendors

Support your local vendors by purchasing your bridal party gifts or wedding favors from them. They may be willing to personalize your gift or give you a significant discount if you're buying in bulk to support the local economy.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Survey Says - What Has Been the Most Challenging Issue As Newlyweds?

What has been the most challenging issue as a newlywed (combining money, living together, etc.)?

Since we had been living together for more than a year before we were married, our wedding was more a celebration of our love and commitment to one another than a new beginning. However, in the first year of living together, our most difficult task we encountered was sharing space. It is important to allow an adjustment period for both people to get used to the new situation. Make sure to talk about expectations and goals before the wedding in order to avoid any surprise issues during that transitional time. - Amanda, married October 2008

We are really trying to save up to purchase a house, so I think combining all our bills and knowing when they are due as has been our biggest obstacle. - Julie, married September 2007

My husband is pretty domestic, but I'd say we pick on each other about our messiness more than anything else. - Tina, married January 2008

Becoming more "family oriented". -Lisa, arried September 2008

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Pre-Ceremony Beverages

A few weddings that we have been to recently have offered pre-ceremony beverages and some had hors d'oeuvres available. With guests coming from all over, arrival times can range. Be sure to have beverages available and possibly some hors d'oeuvres for early arrivers. If holding your ceremony at a church this may not be permitted.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Various Heights & Shapes

Mixing high (bar) top tables with standard rounds or bistro tables add dimension to a traditional reception area. Using square and round tables for guests add budgeted creativity to your reception. If you're offering a buffet for food service, add varying heights to an otherwise standard table with boxes covered by overlays.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Cloud Nine - Saving Together

What are your plans for all the money you were gifted at your wedding? Now that you're married be sure to discuss your savings goals with a banking professional. Ask what your short term and long term savings options are and which accounts could earn you the biggest return.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Cutting Food Costs

When looking for ways to cut cost on your menu without eliminating items, reduce the number of carving or interactive stations. Interactive stations don't just require food costs but also additional staff expenses.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Passed Hors D'oeuvres

Passed hors d'oeuvres are becoming more of a trend at wedding receptions instead of buffet stations. Guests can be mingling during a brief cocktail hour while sampling the bite size delights being passed without having to balance a plate, glass and fork. Everyone will enjoy the anticipation of seeing what treat they will be approached with next.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Venue Parking

Be sure the venue you're selecting has adequate parking so your guests don't have to search for parking.Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Dynamite Sites/Blogs - Butterfly Cakes

Searching wedding blogs and commenting today, I stumbled across Butterfly Cakes blog The Beehive in Burlingame, CA. Sonya Hong is the owner and cake designer with amazing artistic ability creating remarkably detailed designs.Sonya also had some amazing bridal shower cake designs that I just had to share! Some cakes are so pretty I couldn't imagine eating them!























All photos provided by Butterfly Cakes

Trend - Simplicity

Rocks, stones and petals strewn across guest tables can enhance your color theme but tend to detract from centerpieces and create obstacles. Minimizing table clutter and maintaining a simple design conveys elegance. Also, those cute glass stones you got can become cause for disaster when someone sets their wine glass on top of one, knocking it over. If you want to add these elements to your table, be sure to keep them close to the center to avoid mishaps.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Make Your Venue Accessible To All

If you have any elderly or handicapped family members or guests attending your wedding, make sure that the ceremony or reception site is not too far for those to walk or get around. If the distance is far or awkward, be sure to discuss options with your venue coordinator.

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Dynamite Friends - Blue Orchid Designs

Photo by Darby Elizabeth

We have asked one of our favorite wedding blog writers, Liene with Blue Orchid Designs to answer our dynamite friends interview. Check out the answers below to learn more about Liene and be sure to visit her blog at BlueOrchidBlog.com.

1. My favorite wedding trend right now is… the demise of the strapless wedding dress. I don't think brides realize how often they pull their dresses up after they inch their way down throughout the course of their wedding. There are tons of otherwise perfect photos that get tossed because of those awkward moments and videographers have a tough time editing around the constant adjusting. Plus, strapless really is only flattering on a select few body types so I love that brides are starting to choose dresses that make them look their best and designers are now offering more options for that.

2. If I could get married anywhere in the world, it would be… It's funny because even though I am a wedding planner, I actually don't think about what my own wedding would be like that often. I think I should probably meet whomever the lucky guy will be before I start making any plans.

3. Three blogs I stalk, besides Dynamite Weddings, are… The Weddex by wedding industry guru and friend, Rebecca Grinnals. Every wedding professional should make it a point to read her blog and attend her Engage! conferences. She is in a league all her own when it comes to industry expertise.
Kenzie Kate's Something Old Something New by Mackenzie Sala - Mackenzie has attained a high level of success in this industry, both with her stationery business and her blog and has kept a level head about it. There is no ego on her part and I really appreciate and respect that.
Kelly Ashworth Design . Kelly is amazing, hands down. Both in her design talents and just as a person. Plus her humor cracks me up and her posts never fail to bring a smile to my face.

4. The item most commonly forgotten at a wedding… One of the groomsmen will inevitably forget socks. We always keep a few pairs of nice black trouser socks in our emergency kit for those instances (purchased on the cheap at Ross or TJ Maxx because we do not ask for them back at the end of the wedding - that would be gross!)

5. The biggest lesson I've learned since starting in this industry… There is no magic wand for success. No one advertisement or media placement or big name client will open the door to everything you want. You have to work hard, be persistent and take giant leaps of faith.

6. The best piece of advice I can share with brides planning their wedding… Wedding planning theory is very different than wedding planning reality. Take most of the checklists and timelines in the magazines and toss them. Most (not all) are written by people who have only ever planned one wedding - their own. Also, trust your vendors. If you did your research and hired pros, then let them be professionals. You're paying them for a reason, so trust their expertise.

7. The song I can't get enough of… If You're Out There by John Legend. Not a wedding song, but I've been listening to it non-stop recently. I love its message.

8. 3 things instrumental to a successful wedding are… - A skilled wedding planner, at the very least for day of coordination so that your family and wedding party can relax.
- Food served on time so that it is hot and guests don't sit around hungry and a good band or deejay. These two elements can make or break your reception.
- The bride and groom getting married for the right reasons. Sounds like a given, but some people are more invested in the wedding than they are in the marriage. These are always sad to work on and I am fortunate that 98% of my couples are in it for the right reasons.

9. The one item of clothing I can't live without… dresses - I wear them all the time. I love dresses because they are low-maintenance in that they are one piece of clothing and it looks like you made an effort.

10. My favorite wedding element (flowers, photos, the food, linens, etc.)… I love love love fresh flowers, but my favorite wedding element would have to be the photos and video. These are the two things you have to keep after the wedding is said and done, so invest accordingly.

11. One thing readers may not know about me… four of the radio presets in my car are hip hop stations. This always seems to surprise people.

12. The best website and/or blog for planning a green wedding… Eco-Chic Weddings by Emily Anderson.

13. The best gift I've ever received… I LOVE gifts, so this one is tough! They are right up there on my five love languages along with quality time. The gifts I love most are ones that have some sentimental value attached to them - a cozy scarf one of my best friends crocheted for me, a vintage bicycle from an old boyfriend, a coffee mug a friend brought back from a cute shop in Bahrain - things like that.

14. I tend to blog… My blogging style is more pragmatic as I tend to tell it like it is. I don't have much patience for pretense or fluff, so I like to be honest and funny and just myself when I write. I like to think that I speak the same way on my blog as I would over a cup of coffee.

15. If I wasn't planning weddings I would be… working with the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, specifically in crisis and cross-cultural counseling for the ex-patriate aid workers. Too many volunteers burn out quickly because emotional coping mechanisms and methods are ignored in the organizations' training processes. This is actually tied directly to what I studied in college and I pretty passionate about it, having experienced some of it myself while working overseas.

Trend - Outdoor Receptions

Indoor halls or ballrooms are still popular for evening receptions but outdoor venues are becoming a chic alternative. Many couples used to opt for indoor locations to avoid lighting and sound issues. Paper lanterns, candles galore, twinkle lights provide a romantic glow for your outdoor reception. Many djs and bands will work with you to provide and set up proper lighting and speakers to make sure your outdoor celebration has the right energy. You can always rent a tent,which gives you coverage while exposing the outdoor elements. The best of both worlds!Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Ask Marvin - Processional Predicament

Dear Marvin,
I'm not close with my family except my mom. Is it weird if I ask someone on my fiance's side to walk me down the aisle? I feel closer to his family than I do my own.

Processionally Perplexed

Dear Processionally Perplexed,
The tradition of having someone walk you down the aisle to give you away is not absolutely necessary. As with all wedding traditions, there are many modifications to the original that can be made to make it specific to your day. You can walk down by yourself, signifying your independence or have your groom meet you halfway down the aisle. You can also ask your mom to walk you down the aisle, which she will surely be honored to do. If you want a member of your fiance's family to escort you, discuss it with your soon-to-be groom to see how he feels before approaching the family member. You have many options to make your ceremony intimate and personal. List all your options and then discuss them with your fiance.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Cake Cutting Timeline

When scheduling your cake cutting, be sure to keep in mind the message that you're sending. Elders usually sneak out after the cake cutting, since this usually indicates the reception is ending soon. There's nothing that dictates when you should cut the cake, so if you want to get the traditional stuff out of the way early so you can mingle and dance, don't feel obligated to wait. Besides, the earlier you cut your cake, the fresher it will be.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Fall Sure Is Sweet

Looking for a dessert option to tie in with your fall theme? A flowing carmel or butterscotch fountain would be sweet fun! Instead of, or in addition to, a chocolate fountain, let it rain carmel or butterscotch. You can offer apple slices, marshmallows, strawberries, graham cracker sticks, brownie bites, etc. Everything tastes better with a little extra sugar!

Photo provided by DFW Chocolate Fountain Catering

Wedding Idea Gallery

The Memory Journalists, a fantastic dynamite photographer, worked with a team of local vendors to capture an Idea Gallery shoot for Today's Bride wedding magazine. Their website is full of real weddings, inspirational photos, advice columns and a listing of local vendors. Check out the slideshow from this well done affair on The Memory Journalists blog here.

Congrats to all the amazing vendors that contributed to this stunning shoot!

The Location: Citizen Hotel Maria Zefo (opening soon!)
Equipment, tableware and glassware: Classic Party Rentals Kathy Newby
Flowers: Granite Bay Floral Lynne Molina
Cakes: Karen's Bakery Karen Holmes
Photography: The Memory Journalists Jennifer Dunham Star and team: Nicole Jackson, Kelly Harless and Anne Andrews
Flowers: Visual Impact Cathy Brooks and Erin DeYoung
Linens: Wildflower Linens Youngsong Martin and Lily Yeung

Trend - Creative Invites

If you're looking for a unique way to send invites consider sending out your invites in a bottle. Bottles are available with many different themes.

Check out invitationinabottle.com

Tip - Destination Tahoe

Even a cloudy day in Tahoe is beautiful!

For those near Sacramento looking for a beach or mountain destination wedding, consider Lake Tahoe. It's only a two hour drive from downtown and has glorious beach and mountain landscapes without requiring a passport or plane ride. Another benefit is that you can talk to local vendors about the possibility of them traveling to Tahoe or at least recommending vendors in the area. You can't really beat the summer weather in Tahoe or the beauty of a snowy winter evening with the lake glowing under the moon. Both North and South Lake Tahoe venues offer significant discounts in their slower seasons.

Tip - Prevent A Cake Conundrum

Since your cake delivery person departs quickly after arrival, make sure to have arrangements made with them or your caterer regarding packaging your one year anniversary top tier (if applicable). Also, be sure to ask your caterer to set a couple of pieces aside for you and your fiance to enjoy later. Chances are, you won't get to appreciate it too much during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tidbits - Groomsmen Gifts (part 2)

Your closest buddies will be there for your big day. Give the guys who stand up for you something they can use.

Rugged Sterling Silver Cufflinks with black onyx insets.
$35 from Silpada® Designs. 402-306-3705,
mysilpada.com/sites/wyn.wadginski.

iPod Shuffle. From $49 at the Apple Store, Sacramento. 916-643-0960, apple.com.

Best Buy Gift Card. For local store locations visit bestbuy.com.

Gloss Black Stingray Sunglasses by Maui Jim®.
$199 at Patrick James, Roseville. 916-789-7545, patrickjames.com.

For the ring bearer:
VTech Learning Laptop. $29.99 at Toys “R” Us, Citrus Heights. 916-969-9727

Content provided by Sierrastyle Weddings

Trend - Theme Follow Through

If you have a theme or style that you are trying to emulate through out your wedding day, give your cake designer a copy of your invitation so they can imitate the filigree or theme design.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Nurture Your Skin

Consult an esthetician and/or dermatologist months before your big day to get a skin regime in place. You want to be sure that you're not over or under doing your current skin routine and that you're using the right products for your skin type. If you can get a plan in place early, you could avoid dry patches, oily appearance or manic breakouts. Be sure to address your lips too. They're on your face and need just as much attention, especially as you get ready for that much anticipated kiss as husband and wife.

This applies for grooms too. You may not think your skin needs any attention but after some skin treatments with a professional, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Photo courtesy of J Christiaan Salon & Spa

Trend - Natural Nails

Natural, short nails with a fresh polish coat are in this year rather than long, acrylic sets. This natural beauty is easier to maintain too, with twice monthly manicures and daily moisturizing to keep your hands soft, glowing and healthy. (Don't forget your polish color in the emergency kit on your wedding day.)

Photo courtesy of J Christiaan Salon & Spa

Tip - Plan Early For A New Do

If you are planning to get a fun new haircut for your wedding, schedule your first cut a few months before your wedding so you can wear it for awhile to be sure it's the style you want to sport on your wedding day. Also have a few test runs with your stylist, since this a new look for you. It may take a few tries to find the exact look you love!

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Table Number Fun

Don't send Uncle Mark and Aunt Trish to dreary table 3, send them to the Bonnie & Clyde or Lucy & Desi table. What about placing a fun fact about their table's couple on the back of each escort card? This could be a real conversation starter as guests go around the table to share their fun fact!

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers