Trend - Makeup Bridal Gifts

Not sure what to get your bridesmaids for being in your wedding? How about a fun gift bag of makeup? You could set it up as a makeup buffet if you really want to make it different. Choose a few different nail polishes, lip glosses, shadows, bronzers, lipsticks and small perfume bottles. Grab a couple extra to make sure one girl doesn't get stuck with the leftovers. Put them in different containers by product type and let them create their own gift! You can do this reasonably inexpensively by picking out gift packs that offer different shades and crack them open. A few shops with reasonably priced makeup: MAC, Sephora, ULTA, BareMinerals.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Giving Treats As A Favor

If you are planning to host an open bar, it's not a bad idea to offer edible treats as favors for your guests. Some guests will skip the cake to finish their beverage of choice, but they usually pick up their favor. Give them a fun treat, cookies, truffles, nuts, etc. which will serve double purpose to help them soak up some of the libations.

(On that note, if you missed September 11th tip check it out addressing large party transportation to transport guests and avoid the worry of those that may have had too much to drink.)

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Hidden Dress Details

While many brides want to keep with the tradition of wearing a white gown on their wedding day, they want to be able to add in a little hidden detail to highlight their originality. Brides are choosing dresses with colorful tulle or fabric underneath (polka dots, bright colors, stripes, etc.) that you can only see if they share!

Photo provided by Pamela Marie Photography courtesy of Polka Dot Bride.

Tip - Limit Accents

Adding accent colors and additional details like floral accents on your cake, polka dots and beads or jewels can add glam to your wedding. Just be careful not to overdo it with the accents which can make your wedding look too busy and take attention away from the key elements.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Groomsmen Grillin'

Lots of guys think they make the best BBQ sauce or rub for the meats they grill. If your guy is one of those, think about creating a few personalized labels for jars of his special rub or sauce and giving it to his like minded groomsmen. This is a gift you know they'll like and use!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Magical Music Mix

Many brides and grooms most recently realize that live music adds a different element to the evening than DJ played jams. Having a band or solo artist play during the ceremony and possibly certain parts of the reception can engage guests, while the DJ can play some great dance songs later in the evening. It's a great mix that you and your guests will love!
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Digital Programs

Skip wedding programs and choose to post wedding program information on a digital display frame near the ceremony entrance or near a busy spot at the reception. This can clearly save money by avoiding having the extra materials printed and also help save the environment by not printing. By using a digital display you could also add some photographs that might help tell your story. Use a photo of your maid of honor from a fun trip and add some text that lets people get to know her. Have fun and be creative!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Follow Your Heart

So you announced that your man popped the big question… now everyone is coming out of the woodwork it seems telling you that you have to do this, you MUST do that. Remember that your big day is just that; YOUR big day. If you think doing a bouquet toss or a garter toss is just a little to “cheesy” for your taste then don’t do it. If you really want there to be an ice cream sundae station at your reception, well then bring it on. It is you and your fiance’s day, so follow your heart and make it your own!!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Love Story Table Names

Share your love story by using photos from your recent engagement shoot or photos you and your fiance have taken together. With the photos add the names of places that you and your fiance have shared together (ex: Camping in Monterey, Wine Tasting in Napa, etc.). Guests will go around checking out the other table names to learn more about the journey you two have shared.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Think Ink

So you have a bridesmaid that has a little ink (tattoo) or maybe a lot. Are you questioning weather or not you want the ink to show in the wedding? Yes, there are makeup’s that will cover up their artwork, but think of it this way. If you asked them to be a member of your wedding party on the biggest day of your life then they are obviously a pretty close friend right? Well you love her how she is, ink and all. So consider letting her art show, after all it is a part of her. If you think that it will be too much for your grandma or your great aunt to handle than kindly ask her to cover them.
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Look Into Large Party Transportation

Consider renting large party transportation to get your out of town guests from the hotel to the ceremony/reception. This allows guests to get to know each other, guarantees they'll be on time and makes sure that no one is drinking and driving.Photo courtesy of Luxury Limousines of Sacramento

Trend - Take A Minute

Between the ceremony, photo time and the reception make sure to take a few moments with your new beau to reflect on what just took place. You will be grateful you took a moment to yourselves before sharing your excitement with all your guests. Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Great Effect w/o Wallet Affected

Florists have seen and done it all! Their minds are a plethora of design ideas. Many floral designers will tell you there are ways to cut cost and still make a big impact by highlighting your accent color. Single blooms can make an elegant display in adding to the design decor and help you save in the long run.

Florals by Blooms by Martha Andrews
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Frankel Photography

Tip - Not Too Fragrant Florals

We have addressed the tip of avoiding mixing too many scents before. Along with that you want to make sure that you don't pick flowers that are too fragrant. This too can add to the melting pot of aromas from perfumes, colognes, food, etc. potentially creating a not so lovely potion.

Floral design by Blooms by Martha Andrews
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Frankel Photography

Cloud Nine - Proactive Protection

Cloud Nine is directed at the reality of being married now, how things change and the responsibilities that go along with your nuptials.

Something that many of us don't think about as a single person running around town is life insurance, a will or an advanced healthcare directive. While our site is geared towards the fun of planning, getting, and being married, we need to remind you of the not so "fun" stuff that needs to be addressed now that you have someone else sharing your life. Life insurance and a will are designed to help safeguard your partner and outline specific requests should something happen to you. An advanced healthcare directive clearly outlines your wishes, should you be unable to cognitively voice your healthcare decisions. Once you have children this may move to the forefront of your mind a little more...but start thinking about it.

Check out LegalZoom.com for forms and directions to make these tasks easier.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers