Tip - Hand It Over

Kudos for putting in so much time and effort to make sure that your day goes accordingly. It's getting close to the big day and while you've arranged coordination of vendors, venue, wedding party, etc., you don't want to be bothered on your wedding day to be asked for final payment or where the extra glasses are being stored. Arrange for day of coordination; it will be so worth it! You worked so hard to create this perfect day and now it's time for you to enjoy it.

Be sure to check out our dynamite coordinators for day of coordination or full package deals:

A Day To Remember
Arcularius Events
Pfieffer Event Planning



Photo by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Coordinate With Your Vendors

If you're planning to have an event coordinator for your wedding, put them in touch with your photographer early to work on the timeline. Photographers sometimes have their own suggested times that things should happen due to natural lighting (sunset, etc.) which is helpful for your event coordinator throughout the planning process.

Be sure to also keep you DJ in the loop on timeline plans so they can prepare accordingly. They may have a few suggestions which could be helpful as well.

It's better to pow wow with the key vendors early to make sure your day goes smoothly and so no one feels like they're getting their toes stepped on.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Set Priorities Before Meeting With Vendors

Be sure to set your priorities before meeting with vendors to know where your wedding day spending will go. You could meet with a vendor that you really enjoy, but don't book on time because you think you don't have enough in your budget. There could be ways to shift priorities if you know in advance what your goals are.Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Couples Left Without Wedding Day Gifts

Recent brides and grooms are planning to stage a protest against, WrapIt, a gift registry firm who never followed through with the delivery of gifts and donations to approximately 2,000 couples, leaving around 100,000 guests without delivered gifts or refunds. According to Sky News, " Some of those brides and grooms will be wearing their wedding dresses and suits to march to HSBC headquarters this afternoon in an attempt to persuade the bank to fulfill the wedding list orders. WrapIt is blaming HSBC for its collapse because the bank is withholding its credit and debit card income."

We found this statement from a previous officer of the company, "I am now writing to you as the ex-MD of Wrapit plc, as I predicted in my last email. However, I am still very committed to trying to achieve the best possible resolution for Wrapit couples in this awful situation.

I had a meeting with the Wrapit plc receivers, KPMG, on Monday morning during which they informed me that they had met with HSBC and agreed that they would not fund Wrapit to deliver your gifts to you, but, instead, were going to go down the ‘refund the gift purchasers’ route favoured by the bank - regardless of the angst and inconvenience and embarrassment that this will cause to 2,000 couples and 60,000 gift buyers."

While WrapIt is a UK based company, this can happen anywhere. Be certain before registering with an online gift service that there is some sort of refund policy in place in the case of sudden closures.

08/08/08 - A Big Day For All!

So today is a big day all over the world! The start of the Olympic Games in Beijing. The festivities begin on 08/08/08 at 8 p.m., signifying a lucky day, according to the Chinese who relate the number 8 to good fortune.

While the athletes are getting revved up to compete, many couples in China are getting ready to tie the knot on this very lucky day. Over 15,000 couples are set to marry today in Beijing, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, claiming 08/08/08 to be the luckiest day on the Chinese calendar. Choosing to marry, or register for marriage on 08/08/08 helps promote the prosperity and happiness of all newly weded couples. Congrats to all those couples choosing to tie the knot on 08/08/08. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and prosperity!

Get ready everyone and let the games begin!!

Tag, You're It - Flare

1. When I began planning my wedding, I was completely against having a veil. I didn’t believe in the traditional symbolism of the veil and was set against wearing one just because “all brides should wear a veil”. When I was buying my wedding dress, I changed my mind last minute and ordered the most beautiful, simple ivory veil, just in case of course. Now, I can’t even imagine my wedding day without my veil.
   


2. I cried at my Bridal Shower…let me explain: While browsing at a local antique store, my Aunt found an exact replica of my grandmother’s silver (my grandmother, an amazing woman, has been gone for over 15 years). Since her daughter, my cousin, was the recipient of that silver at her bridal shower, they decided to mix the two sets and randomly choose the pieces to complete each set. That way, both of us girls could share my grandmother’s silver. I was touched by the gesture, and moved by the memory of my grandmother, I enjoyed a good cry.
   


3. I decided against the tradition of choosing a Maid of Honor. I picked my three closest friends (one being my sister) and decided that they would all share the title of my most honored friends. My groom, following suite, did not choose a Best Man either. I believe there was some grumbling among a few, but in the end, everyone understood and supported our decision.
   


4. We decided to incorporate vows to our daughter during the ceremony, before our vow exchange. We presented her with an oval, silver locket, inscribed with a single initial. Since we had not told her she was going to be included in the ceremony (other than being a Jr. bridesmaid), she was so surprised and excited. We had so many compliments and most of our guests said that was their favorite part of the ceremony.
   


5. I actually wanted to elope rather than plan a big wedding. My husband is the one that wanted to have the whole big to do! Now, I am so happy that we had the wedding that we did. I definitely think I would have regretted all the experiences we had because we didn’t run away together.
   


6. I was up until 2am the night before writing my vows…talk about procrastination! I had planned on writing my vows in the weeks preceding the big day, but somehow I found more than plenty of tasks to fill up my time. We decided to read our vows together that night, in the quiet and peacefulness of our room…just the two of us. I am so happy we shared that moment. The next day was so busy, and happened so fast, I only vaguely remember our vow exchange.
   


7. My hairdresser was 45 min late the morning of my wedding…eek! Fortunately, I had prepared myself for just such a mishap. I couldn’t let myself become upset or distracted by (relatively) unimportant events on such an important day. When she finally arrived, she styled my hair perfectly. Although we were behind schedule for the rest of the day, and my anxiety level was a bit on the “high” side, we made it to the site only a few minutes behind schedule and started the wedding almost on time!
   


8. Several of our friends, my groom, and yours truly, got stuck in the elevator at our hotel the night of our wedding. I probably didn’t remain as calm as I could have, but I was not enjoying that moment in the least. I can truly say that I now understand the concept of panic. The elevator was reset and, after a short time, we arrived at the 1st floor... only mildly hysterical.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Bridesmaid Blues

I know this is going to sound a bit odd…but nonetheless, it is the truth. I have the bridesmaid blues. Now, let me explain. Although I have been a bride, and loved everything (well, almost everything) that came along with that title, for some unknown reason I am feeling the urge to wear a new title: Bridesmaid. I have been a bridesmaid only one time in my life, and want to enjoy the experience again. Could it be that I have wedding fever, and since I have already enjoyed playing the role of bride to be, I am left trying to re-create that moment the only way I know how? Have I really moved into the world of full self absorption???Actually, I prefer to interpret my feelings in the following way: Now that I have planned my own wedding and learned all the “to do’s” and the “not to do’s”, I feel as though I have a lot to offer, especially to my dearest friends! Unfortunately, I don’t see any of my girls tying the knot anytime soon. So, in the meantime, I will perfect my wedding planning skills and repertoire of oh so valuable wedding information. Who knows….perhaps one of my girls will experience a whirlwind romance and end up planning a wedding sooner than I think! A girl can always dream…

Tip - Create A Style File

Every bride should have her very own Style File. A Style File is an organized place to put anything that inspires you and illustrates the ambiance you envision for your wedding. Start with a binder, accordion file or even a plain envelope and whenever you come across an inspirational element place it in your Style File.

Some good places to search for inspiration:
* Media- magazines, Internet, books
* Fabric stores- ribbon, trim and fabric samples
* Paint store- paint chips can be wonderful for choosing colors and combinations
* Farmers Markets, gardens, plant nurseries- take pictures of textures and colors in nature
* Scrap booking stores- paper samples can also be great color tools

File your inspirational pieces by category. Some categories are: Theme, Color Scheme, Bridal Party Attire, Hair and Make-up, Ephemera (invites, save the dates, menu cards, programs- anything made of paper), Ceremony Decor, Reception Decor, Flowers, Food and Cake and "Must Take" Photos.

Don't be afraid to share your ideas with the wedding professionals you are considering. A good professional will be as inspired by your Style File as you are.

Tip and photo provided by Flourish

Martha Stewart Helps Plan Your Wedding

I know we were all worried that when Martha was thrown back into the "real world" that she would have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

Martha has now teamed up with Wedding Wire to create a free online planning guide with all the tools you could need, including seating arrangements! Say goodbye to your jumbled sketches. Stop paying for upgraded planning programs. Martha's gotcha covered. Check out this amazing gift at Martha Stewart Weddings. What will Martha do next?! She never ceases to amaze us.

The Ultimate Registry

What if you could register for ANYTHING you wanted? And money was absolutely no object? What would you register for? Here's my picks if even everyone I knew was a gazillionare.

Reflections Bed Suite

$5400 at Neiman Marcus

Evelyn Etched Mirror

$500 at Neiman Marcus

Savannah Chandelier

$1220 at Neiman Marcus

Capresso Coffee Center

$1400 at Neiman Marcus

Danby Silhouette 166-Bottle Wine Cellar

$1700 at Beverage Factory

There's my list! What would you pick?

Tip - Emergency Kit

Are you a worrier? Always thinking about what COULD happen? Help yourself relax and be totally prepared by creating a Wedding Day Emergency Kit. Ask each bridesmaid to help out by bringing something and designate someone to carry it with them all day. Don't forget to include straws, super glue, bobby pins and some travel hairspray.
Tip and photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

This is normal right?

One of my cousins just got engaged. Her mom told my dad who in turn told me and my sister. I was SO excited about it I immediately called her and congratulated her. And do you want to know WHY I was so excited about it? Because I was hoping that I could be the guru to her wedding planning.

I’m not quite sure what has happened to me! I used to be such a normal girl. And then the wedding bug bit. Well, actually the wedding planning bug. I have never been one for party planning or entertaining or any of that stuff. Even during my own wedding there were parts of the planning that I absolutely dreaded. But I am finding ever since I got married I am still addicted to reading about weddings, researching wedding stuff or generally giving advice. Which I guess is good since I blog here!

So don’t worry girls if you find yourself still longingly looking at Dynamite Weddings months after you are married. It’s normal. You’re normal. I’m normal. Right?

Tip - Create A Wedding Binder

Create a wedding planning binder with a simple 3-ring binder. Slip magazine clippings with your favorite ideas into clear plastic page protectors. You can also keep all of your wedding contracts and venue information in the binder. All of your wedding information and ideas will be at your fingertips!

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

Tip - Wedding Website

Set up a wedding website, which is useful, fun, instructive, and the best way to advise your guests of necessary bits of information concerning the wedding and reception. This is a perfect avenue to list your wedding registry (which is never to be included in the wedding invitation).
Tip provided by A Day to Remember
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Tip - Timelines & Itineraries

One way to make your wedding day go by with ease is to have a timeline/itinerary. Make sure all the key players (Photographer, Mom, Wedding Planner, Bridesmaids, Groom, DJ etc.,) have one. Most vendors already have a template you can work with. Be sure to ask for one.
Tip and photo provided by Profinish Design

Survey Says - What Area Of the Wedding Took the Most Work?

What area of the wedding took the most work?

Figuring out a vision and finding vendors to implement that vision. The process can be very time consuming and frustrating but do it right and it more than pays out in the end.
- Alyssa, married in 2007

Seating.
- Rosie, married in 2006

The details: linens, place cards, favors, all the little things that make a big impact when it's all put together.
- Jennifer, married in 2006

The parts we took charge of ourselves seemed to be the most work – our vendors made the flowers, photography, music, food, etc., really easy for us. But, we made our own save-the-dates, invitations, seating cards, etc., so that was a lot of work, and took a lot of planning. I’m glad we did it ourselves, though – it was mostly a lot of fun, they came out really beautifully, and we saved so much money.
- Hannah, married in 2006

Towards the end, I spent the most time on assembling the favors and figuring out the seating chart. The favors turned out really cute, but I spent a lot of time on them. The seating chart was a nightmare. Trying to make everyone happy is impossible. You just have to do it once, and try to resist the urge to change it repeatedly.
- Alison, married in 2007

We reserved blocks of rooms at hotels in the area for our guests to make reservations at, and in the end most of them went unused. Luckily we steered clear of the hotels that would have charged us for unused rooms, but I definitely wasted a lot of time making the reservations.
- Julie, married in 2007

Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

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

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.

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

Tag You're It--Wedding Style

Tag You're It with a twist--make this one all about your wedding! You have to write a blog with 10 weird, random things, facts, habits, or goals about anything to do with your whole wedding process--anything from engagement to relationship to planning to day of is open territory.

At the end you're supposed to choose 10 people to be tagged, but for this version I'll tag all the B2B girls and challenge them to really think about their answers...maybe some of the random info will actually help some bride to be's surfing the site.

If you aren't a B2B girl so you can't share your own random tidbits here, leave a comment with one or two things about your own experience...or consider becoming a B2B Girl!

1) I got engaged in Italy, and didn't tell my mom until the next day (and only then bc I called home for Christmas and felt guilty), and didn't tell anyone else until we got back weeks later. I just wanted the moment to belong only to us--nothing wrong with that!

2) I had my first dress fitting the day before the wedding and picked up my dress 5 hours before the ceremony. I had my (fabulous) dress custom made, but after deciding on the dress design and ordering the material, I moved the wedding date up 6 months! Can we say problemo! But the designers somehow managed to pull it off on an impossibly short time line. I knew not to sweat the small stuff and learned not to sweat the big stuff--everything always works out one way or another.

3) I got extensions for the wedding...they turned out AMAZING and looked oh so au natural, but can you say PAINFUL!! Not so much the process of putting them in, more the sleeping on them. Ouch...won't be doing that again.

4) We had a 6 month engagement and I think it was more than enough time. My wedding turned out spectacular, I got to enjoy the highlights of wedding planning...and be done with the stress sooner too! Don't feel like you have to have a long engagement just to fit all your details in, so not true if you are organized.

5) I HATE wedding shower games. HATE, HATE, HATE. I threatened to boycott my own shower if any were present...just because you are getting married doesn't mean you have to be a cliche bride and LOVE it all...rock it your own way. No shame in that.

6) I did all the paper products myself (with my mom). Cheaper, more fun, not terribly time consuming, just how I wanted them and they looked professional. Not too shabby.

7) I am anti the humiliating ritual of calling out all the single ladies to the floor for the flower toss...it feels way too scarlet letter to me. So I ditched it and dedicated our bouquet to my groom's parents as it was their 30th wedding anniversary this year and they didn't get a party.

8) The best man was my grooms bro...and his toast was a DISASTER. I could sum it up in two words: drunken nonsense. At first I was livid, then I got over it. I learned that day that even in-law family is real family, and I suddenly had a lot more tolerance to forgive and forget just like I would with my own brothers (not that I don't reserve the right to rub it in every now and again). Funny-and really neat- how that happens.

9) I walked myself down the aisle. Blame it on one too many Bronte sister novels I read as a young and impressionable youth, but I was disturbed by the symbolism. I am not property, nor do I need to be spoken for, and didn't like the idea of being "given" away. I walked halfway down and met my groom in the middle and we walked to the alter together. It was the sweetest moment, and it was all ours. Everyone was aghast when I told them what I was going to do, but in the end everyone agreed it was lovely. Break with tradition if you want--its your day, do it the way that feels right for you.

10) Even though hubby and I had been together 4 years, something about being married has changed our dynamic. People say marriage is just a piece of paper, but we've found that it is SO much more in ways impossible to describe and impossible to imagine living without.