Take A Trip

My husband and I are truly very fortunate. One of our wedding gifts was a trip to NEW YORK. And, now I completely understand why people confidently wear their I Love New York shirts. We chose to delay the trip for awhile due to work schedules, weather, etc. This flexibility allowed us several months to enjoy being newlyweds and get work time off. We also knew that right around the corner, a fun trip was waiting. It was like having 2 honeymoons, really. Our friends (who live there and gave us the gift) were amazing. They allowed us the opportunity to go to fabulous restaurants, great sites, fun attractions and the top of the Trump Tower (and, yes the view is quite spectacular, not to mention the other aesthetics). It was so nice to be able to have one on one time with my husband too. If you like to travel, I definitely suggest trips as gifts. Sometimes groups of people enjoy going in on a large gift, so I recommend picking a fun destination. I don't know how I managed to get soooo lucky in receiving this gift because I hadn't even thought of it, but I will tell you, I can't imagine my life having not gone on the trip. We got to get away for two honeymoons?? What a great first year of marriage!!

Tip - Secure Your Venue In Writing

Be sure that when you are scouting out a venue you ask them about possibility of "penciling you in" for your date. Some venues will give you a heads up before someone else books your date, since you were the first to inquire. Other venues will not hold your date without a deposit guaranteeing you will book that date. If you do want this venue for certain and leave a deposit, be sure to get a guarantee in writing. Some venues will bump your date if they get a larger booking.Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Trend - Wedding Directions

We recently saw this trend on Polka Dot Bride (a favorite blog) from a recent wedding. The couple had a hand painted sign directing guests to the ceremony and also directing them to their favorite vacation spots.Photo provided by Genya Garrett via Polka Dot Bride.

Fill Your Sack At Saks To Help Fight Women's Cancers

One more reason to love Saks Fifth Avenue!Be sure to shop Saks Oct. 16 - 19th, order Karl Lagerfeld's t-shirt (seen above), share your Key to the Cure story or (if you're feeling extra spendy) buy a Mercedes-Benz S550! Hats off to Saks for organizing this!

This super cute t-shirt by Karl Lagerfeld could make a great prize gift at a bridal shower, for your bridesmaids or just because.

Trend - Entire Wedding Party Photos

Some would love to have a shot of their entire wedding party. It's a great idea and gives you a chance to play a little Where's Waldo, I mean Uncle Bob? Everyone will enjoy an entire wedding party photo. They're actually rarely done but are a great trend to follow!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Tent Lighting

If you're planning to hold your ceremony or reception in a tent in the evening be sure to think about lighting options. To enjoy the festivities and capture event photos you want to think carefully about lighting. Some DJs can provide and set up lighting for your venue while another option is a rental or lighting company. If you're going to add lighting yourself think about candles, twinkle lights, battery/solar lamps.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Giving Thanks

When having your final meeting with your photographer think about a possible photograph for your thank you cards. If you want to be holding a sign that says thank you in ten different languages, sitting in your car with a thank you license plate, thank you on the back of your chairs, etc. Discuss your options with your photographer and determine your way to give thanks.
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Cookie Silhouettes

Cookie silhouettes of the bride and groom can make a fun wedding favor. Send in a drawing or photo of yourself and your fiance to Victor Trading Co. for these personalized treats.

Photo provided by Victor Trading Co.

Trend - Give Your Little Angels Wings

Angel wings for flower girls are a cute trend that brides are loving! It makes those sweet angels seem just a little more precious.Check out Mother Plucker, the maker of the wings for the Victoria's Secret fashion shows.

Photo provided by Mother Plucker.

Tip - Rehearsal Dinner Photography

If you have many family members coming in from out of town and want to make sure to capture photos of them, you may want to think about asking your photographer to attend the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes guests with long travel will leave the reception early and you want to make to have a photograph of them enjoying the festivities.Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Full Mass Seated

Some churches want you to stand, while some will ask you in advance, or you can inquire about yourself and your fiance being seated during the majority of the full mass. Be sure to ask so you're not getting light headed or uncomfortable throughout the event.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Ushered In

If you plan to have ushers at your wedding, the standard rule of thumb is one usher for every fifty guests.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Wedding Day Maps

Many guests appreciate detailed or calligraphy maps included with the mailed invitation. Including an additional map, not necessarily a detailed calligraphy map, in the ceremony programs is a great idea if you're planning to hold your reception at a separate location. Some guests forget their original invitations when they get to the ceremony and will need an additional map.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Don't Get Your License Too Early

In some counties, marriage licenses expire 90 days after the date of receipt. Don't get too anxious to rush down and pick up your marriage license early if it could expire before your wedding date!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Free Wedding Photo Album

Inkubook is offering a free (excluding tax and shipping) wedding photos book to new members that sign up, uploading digital photos to create their album. The new member must also invite at least one friend to join Inkubook as their friend and they too will receive a copy of the album. Visit Inkubook.com for more details!
Photo courtesy of Inkubook.com