Ignite the Flame - Sunrise Surprise

Why not wake up your sweety with his favorite breakfast meal? You can deliver his eggs, bacon, and coffee in a cute satin nighty with a sweet little note. Nothing will put a jump start in his day better than this special delivery. ;)Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Create A Mission Statement

Planning a wedding can be challenging, especially if you have never done it before. Consider starting your planning process by first creating a mission statement. Start by creating a clear sense of purpose. You can do this by finishing this statement, “The type of wedding day that I want to create is…” You can always refer back to your mission statement to see if that next item on your list is in line with what you want to create. You will be amazed at how much easier your wedding plans (and budget) will come together once you have a clear picture of what that looks like.Next, begin your plans with the end in mind. For example: If the type of wedding day you want to create is a relaxed social environment, this tells me that the entertainment takes a back seat to socializing and conversation. You might also create a relaxed timeline by scheduling more time for conversation and less for dancing. Remember, this is based on the type of wedding day that you want to create.

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

Trend - Photo Card

To share your pictures with all your guests ask your photographer to provide you with photo business cards or make them yourself. They look best with a picture of you and your fiance on it and the the web address of your photographer. This makes it easier for the guests to check out for themselves when the pictures are posted.
Trend and photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Ordained Friends

Wedding ceremonies are becoming more personalized. Many couples are opting to have a family member or close friend perform the wedding ceremony. You can become an ordained minister by completing an application online and paying a small fee.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Tip - Check In With Your Vendors

Check-in with everyone a couple of weeks before your event. Most wedding professionals will make sure to check-on with you. If they don’t, get on the phone and make sure all arrangements are in order.

Tip provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Reception Ice Breakers

A fun way to help people break the ice at the reception is to put together a set of trivia questions about the bride and groom. The guests at each table can work together to come up with the answers. Keep the trivia light-hearted and fun by posting the answers in the bathroom. Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Trend - Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting for décor used to be reserved for only the highest budget weddings. Lighting is much easier and cheaper to get than it used to be. A little bit of lighting can make a significant difference in the look and feel of your reception.Trend provided Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Trend - Wedding Day Comfort

The thought of being pinched into your high heels all day, while dancing, walking greeting can be too much. Why not add a twist to your wedding day shoes...ballerina slippers. They are still cute and stylish, but most of all comfortable.Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Make Your Photo List of Must Have Images

Many magazines have lists of photos that you should have taken on your wedding day by your photographer. It’s important to let your photographer know the absolute must have images, but otherwise, don’t use a photo list. Let your photographer be creative!

Tip provided by The Memory Journalists
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Wow Your Guests With an Intermezzo Course

The “WOW” factor. Every bride hopes, her guests will leave the wedding saying “WOW that was amazing!” Here is one simple idea that will really get a “WOW” out of your guests. If you are hosting a sit down dinner, consider incorporating an intermezzo course between the salad and entree. Serve a small lemon or mint sorbet to cleanse the pallet and prepare the taste buds for the dinner to come. Display the sorbet in a beautiful dish, or glass. You can even float the sorbet with vodka if you really want to impress your guests. It is a small, inexpensive way to get a big ”WOW” every time.

Tip provided by Quarry Ponds
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Wedding Recovery Packages

Wedding recovery packages are the hip, new wedding favor. Provide your guests with a bag of useful items to recover from the best party of the year -- your wedding. Fill the bag with a small package of headache medicine, a foot soak, soothing eye pads and a bottle of water. This favor will not get left behind.
Trend and photo provided by Dynamite Weddings

Tip - Understand Your Final Wedding Video Early

Remember to consider what you want your finished wedding video to look like. Videographers have different styles and not every one will appeal to you, so be sure to get a copy of a demo DVD or a full wedding video from several companies. Beyond paying attention to steady camerawork, smooth pans and zooms, and crystal clear audio, you should be aware of the editing style. The best type of editing is invisible, that is to say you shouldn’t notice it unless you are particularly looking for it. Watch for a clean picture without grain or distortion, crisp slow motion, and beautiful bright colorful images.

Tip provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Scrapbook Guest Book

Scrap-booking is a huge trend. Have your guests sign paper cut-outs or scrap book pages to create a guest book later. Some couples will have someone take digital photos of arriving guests and print them out right there. The photos are a significant addition to any guest book.

Trend provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Personalize Your Flowers

Brides and grooms are making their wedding their own. Adding personality to the special day is very popular. Select flowers and accessories to complement you as a couple (jewels, unique colored flowers, pearls, greenery, herbs, etc.).

Trend provided by Visual Impact Design
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Relax and Enjoy

Once your day arrives, relax and enjoy it. Don’t spend your time worrying about details on your wedding day. Use your helpers and have confidence in the plans you have made. Your day will go quickly, so savor every moment.

Tip provided by Tsakopoulos Library Galleria
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers