If you are considering getting wedding insurance be sure and check to see what your current home policy covers.  Typically wedding insurance covers having to rearrange or cancel your wedding or reception.  It may cover if your photographer does not show up or if your photographs are damaged.  Some wedding policies even offer stress counseling.

You might want to consider covering loosing or damage to your dress or the groom’s suit, damage to wedding presents during wedding and reception, loosing or damaging your wedding rings, wedding cake and wedding flowers.

As with all purchases be sure to comparison shop so that you get the policy that fits your needs.

Traditionally children between the ages of 4 and 8 should be chosen for this important role in your wedding.  The flower girl and the ring bearer are usually responsible for leading the processional down the aisle.  The children can stand with the wedding party or if younger can sit with their parents during the ceremony.

Pictures are another big responsibility for the flower girl and the ring bearer, this can seem long and boring to children so remind parents to explain the importance of this time and to  bring something to entertain the children while they wait.

The lighting of unity candles symbolizes the union of two people becoming one through marriage.  A unity candle has no religious significance.  Traditionally a unity candle is a set of 3 candles, consisting of a large one in the middle and a taper on each side

Sand can also be used in a unity ceremony.  This ceremony is done by having vases with colored sands.  This is a beautiful way for children to become involved in the ceremony and show the combining of families.

 

 

 

It’s all in the details! Surprise your out of town guest with a gift bag when they check in to the hotel. 

 Here’s what you should include~ 

  ·       Map’s of everything with detailed directions. Visit Map Quest on line and enter the destinations they might be going and print maps. Be sure that this includes the reception dinner location, church, reception locations. Include maps on to the mall and other places of interest.

 ·       Snacks and bottled water are a great thing for anyone to have in their hotel room.

 ·       A note from you and the groom thanking them in advance for taking the time to be part of this special weekend.

 ·       Decorate your bag with tissue and a bow. They can either be given to them at check in or left in their room for their arrival.

 

 

I just got engaged and I’m already overwhelmed with all I have to do.  Where should I start?

When you begin this process, it certainly seems overwhelming at times.  The first thing you and your fiance should do is to discuss your individual visions for the wedding.  This communication will reveal differences in opinions that can be settled right away. Discuss the wedding date, type of location, style of wedding, number of guests, who pays for what, honeymoon plans, and anything else that comes to mind. Determine if you will be hiring a wedding planner.

Once you have selected a date you must secure the wedding and/or reception location and then the photographer. After you have done those things then you can slow down a bit and investigate the other people you need to hire.  Catering, cakes, floral, rental items, entertainment, invitations, attire, all of these need to have scheduled consultations to review the services offered.  Take notes and ask questions.

It will all come together before you know it!

 

 

Are you inviting Kids to your Wedding?

 

Make this day fun for them too. 

Everyone will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Here are some tips to keep them occupied:

• Give children their own space. Create a fun children’s table with toys, games and snacks. 
• Hire a babysitter to keep them entertained.
• Give them their own favor bags with small toys and kid friendly snacks. 
• Have your caterer or venue create a children’s buffet complete with mac n’ cheese, corn dogs, mini pizzas, ice cream novelties and cupcakes.
• A basket with coloring books and crayons are a simple way to keep children happy. 
• Rent videos and have them playing in an area just off the reception room.

 

 

 

Are you thinking about having a candy buffet at your reception?  Let your candy buffet reflect who you are and what you like.   Plan your candy around your wedding colors & theme.

Here are some great candy ideas~

Jelly Beans, M & M’s, Chocolates covered in foil, Hershey Kisses (they come in all flavors and colors of foil), Gum Balls, Red Hot’s, Old Fashion Candy Sticks, Hard Candys, Bit-O-Honey, Rock Candy, Sour Balls, Twislers, Taffys, Lollipops, Gummy Bears and Worms, Sweet Tarts, Root Beer Barrels, Peppermints, and so much more.

 

Customize your M & M’s at www.myMMs.com

 

Display candy in large glass containers.  Wrapped candy can be displayed directly on the table or in baskets or other containers.   Don’t forget the scoops for the candies that are not wrapped.

 

Look for interesting favor boxes or bags with twist ties, even cute little Chinese takeout containers. You can find those on line at our wedding store. 

 

Take the time to make labels for the candy jars and maybe tell the guests something about why you choose that candy. Jars can be arranged at different levels or with flowers, candles, or greenery. 

 

Just have fun with it!

 

 

 

Cupcakes are the fashionable alternative to wedding cakes.

 

Cupcake wedding cakes are much easier to decorate, and you can even make them yourself. You can make a variety of flavors to be sure there’s something for everyone.  You can color code the cupcake liners (baking cups) to indicate flavor, or use specific decorations for each flavor.

 

The cupcake liners come in a wide range of colors, including silver and gold, so they can match your wedding theme colors. For some brides, fanciful frosted cupcakes have become a fashionable alternative to traditional wedding cake.

 

Cupcake wedding cakes are beautiful, fun and can be much less expensive than traditional wedding cakes.

 

Courtesy in part of eweddingcakes.com

 

 There are so many really fun things to do at your reception that don’t cost a bunch but can really make a difference in creating a unique and memorable wedding.

 Create a signature Drink. Your Drink can be made from any of your favorite beverages, flavorings, coffees and fruits. Maybe your Drink matches the color scheme, complements your food or is just your favorite. Pick a name and make sure everyone know what it is called. Then celebrate your anniversary with your Personalized Wedding Drink!

 Hand passed hors d’oeuvres are also a great touch. You can take any small finger food and put it on a tray and have someone walk the room offering your guests a bite. Make sure they have a cocktail napkin to offer with the food bites. A small toast with bruchetta or shrimp is perfect.

 Have your food at different sizes tables scattered around the room. You could do this with a full buffet dinner or a variety of hors d’oeuvres, it keeps the traffic flow running smoothly, and no one has to wait in one line too long.

Keep people moving and keep this interesting and you will have success!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations! You are engaged to be married. You are at the door steps of the most exciting time in your life. Enjoy it! Chronicle it! Put your journey in a journal and include your thoughts and feelings.

Keep a diary of actions taken, experiences and feelings as they occur or shortly thereafter. Put your ideas, dreams, goals, desires and aspirations on paper. Write about family happening and about activities you participated in, about your friends and your loved ones. How you feel and whatever is important to you at that moment.

Keep a little pad and a pen handy in your pocket, purse or bag at all times and to jot down thoughts. This will assure that what you write is fresh and is not written from memory.

Actually keeping a journal will help you prepare for your wedding and beyond. The action of putting your experiences, thoughts, feelings, ideas, dreams, desires and aspirations on paper will accomplish more than merely a record to look back to and share with the following generations. Journaling will help you reduce the stress that builds up as you prepare for your wedding.  Your journal will help you set goals, get organized and focus on the task at hand.

Your journal is a reflection of you! Make it very personal and very special! Choose what you will write in, what you will write with, what pictures you will include and whether you’d like to add some quotes to reflect your personality. Look at as many options as are available to you and select the ones that are “you”. Whether you opt for natural paper books and fancy pens, or prefer to write using your computer you must be comfortable with the tools you choose.
 

Writing your journal should be fun. You’ll encounter days with more, days with less and days with no
material to write about. and this is ok!

So, as you prepare for your wedding and your new life ahead, keep
a journal, and place it for safe keeping.

Happy journaling! ENJOY!