Less Stressful Wedding Planning

Here are some of our top tips for making it through the wedding planning process without stressing yourself out.

1. Hire a wedding planner! Seriously, hire a planner ladies and gentlemen. We have done this hundreds of times and can help guide you in all of the decision making. Many brides and grooms we meet, come to us close to their wedding day because they relied too heavily on their mothers, aunts, sisters etc. to take care of major details. Remember, most of those people are playing a significant role in your wedding day, let them enjoy it.  Wedding planners will not only be with you during the planning process but will help your wedding day run smoothly and put out any fires that may arise.

2. Accept that fires with arise. There will always be something that doesn't go as expected and that's ok.

3. Be prepared. There are things that can be planned ahead for. Such as the weather. If your wedding will be held outside, reserve and extra tent to have the ceremony in case of rain. Is your wedding during the warmer warmth, make sure to reserve portable fans.

4. Don't overbook yourself the day of your wedding. In short, don't schedule a manicure, pedicure, facial and plan a large brunch. Focus on hair, makeup and relaxing.



5. Don't be tempted to drive past your wedding venue to see how it is going. More than likely you will see the staff preparing and it will look nothing like you had envisioned. Wait for the big reveal, it will be worth it.

6. Take time the week of the wedding to spend alone time with your fiance. Reconnect and remember why you spent months getting to this point.

7. The last bit of advice is so important! This is great advice from an article from RealSimple.com. You can't control everything. Zippers will break, flower girls will cry, and what matters is the marriage, not the height of the centerpieces. As the bride, you drive the mood. It won't matter if the storm of the century is sweeping through-if you're all smiles and thrilled to be married the love of your life, the guests will have fun too.

The Do's & Don'ts of a Planning a Small Backyard Wedding

During a discussion between you and your fiance, one of you mention having a backyard wedding. There are many things to consider before making that final decision.

1. Hiring a planner is a must when planning a backyard ceremony/reception. There are many details that need to be handled and an experienced planner can make sure that everything runs smoothly during the planning process as well as the day of the event. A planner can also guide you in selecting the right vendors and to help keep cost down.

2. Whether moving everyone inside in case of bad weather or renting a tent, having a plan B in place is a must.

3. Where will your guest park? Do you have the space to accommodate parking for 50-200 guests? Consider off site parking and renting shuttles to bring guest back and forth to wedding.

4. Renting port a potties is mandatory when inviting a large number of guests. One bathroom per 50 guests is usually best. 

5. The cake should be kept in a cool place or refrigerator especially on warm days and not left outside during the ceremony. It should be kept inside until right before the cake cutting. 

6. Heat can be very uncomfortable for guests and damaging to your food. Consider shaded areas and/or tents for cocktail hour and serve cool refreshing drinks and appetizers.  

7. Make sure to provide enough lighting if the ceremony and reception are held in the evening hours.

Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

So you have asked all of your best girlfriends to stand next to you as you marry the man of your dreams. Of course you would like to thank them for all of their love, support and assistance over the past several months. Below you will find some wonderful gift ideas that will surely show them how much they mean to you!

Beautiful Wristlets

Stunning Jewelry

Scented Candles

Lovely Color Palette

Personalized Satin Robes

Stationary

Spa Gift Set