Q. Can I have flower girls in lieu of bridesmaids?

A: How darling! In Victorian England, having child attendants was all the rage, and it’s still a popular British custom. Your only problem? Making sure that the women (or men) close to you are still on board to help out with pre-wedding tasks, throwing a shower, and much more. Even the cutest flower girls in the world can’t provide you with the help you’ll need for this event. So if you go the flower girl route, make sure to publicly thank the fairy godmothers who help to make your wedding happen (in the program or at the reception) and throw in a nice gift, too.

Q. My daughter is a flower girl in my sister’s wedding. We’ve had conversations about her attire, but it’s unclear who’s paying. I want her to look picture perfect, too, but what’s the deal?

A. Usually, child attendants’ parents pay for their clothes, but the bride and groom will sometimes purchase a flower girl’s dress (or a ring bearer’s adorable little suit) as a gift. Ask your sister in plain terms, so that there are no misunderstandings. If they’re receptive, maybe you can split it, or, you pay for dress, they pay for accessories and shoes. Just keep in mind that, like bridesmaids and groomsmen, agreeing to be in the wedding generally means you’re willing to purchase an outfit. So, we say go for a multi-purpose gown (the wedding, birthday parties, holidays, etc.). Paying for your childs outfit is not in lieu of a wedding gift(s). So isn’t it great our dresses are so inexpensive?

Q. There’s some concern about inviting our 6-year-old flower girl (a niece) and 4-year-old ring bearer (a nephew) to the rehearsal dinner, especially since the reservation is for 8pm. My fiance’s mother does not want to invite them to the dinner because they are so young; my parents disagree — they are part of the wedding party. I can understand both points of view, but I don’t know what we would do with them after the rehearsal. Who makes the call? The host (my fiance’s mom) or the couple?

A. There’s no strict etiquette — whether or not child attendants are invited to the rehearsal dinner is up to you (”you” meaning the couple and the hosts of the party, often the groom’s parents). It is appropriate to invite her to the dinner, since she will be at the rehearsal and they are part of the wedding party — especially if their parents will be there, too! Perhaps you and your fiance should try to talk about this issue with his mom to see if you can change her mind. It might be a something very logical. Is your wedding the next day? If so, let the poor child sleep! You will be sorry if you don’t! Check in with the parents, too. Maybe they already have a plan (i.e., a babysitter is coming to pick them up at 9:30).

Q. I’m a bridesmaid, and the bride’s having her baby sister as the flower girl. I mean, she’s cute, but I really don’t want to have to be in charge of policing a 4-year-old’s every move. Is “babysitting” her one of my duties?

A. Yes and no. For the day of the wedding, the bride may ask you to check her sister’s appearance before she goes down the aisle, smooth her dress, fix her hair wreath, etc. You might also have to take her to the restroom a couple of times. You can handle this, we know you can! As for the reception, we think you’re off the hook. Parents will probably take charge, anyway. When it comes to the party, you should be free to run with an older crowd. But, ask what the expectations of the bride are first. But, yes during the ceremony, if you’ve been asked, you must be someone the bride trusts, so be honored!

Q. Does the flower girl or ring bearer stand in the receiving line?

A. Not usually, but if she’s daughter or son to one of the newlyweds, then they should definitely be included. This is a big day for them, too. Don’t forget her/him.

Q. I’m one of 6 bridesmaids, and I was wondering what the seating at the head table should be. In addition to the 12 attendants (6 guys for the 6 girls), there are two 5-year-old flower girls. Is it proper for the girls to sit with us or should be directed to sit with their parents?

A. It’s not up to anyone in the the wedding party to decide where anyone’s going to sit at the reception — only the bride and groom can say that. And it really would go back to what they gave the caterer or event planner for seating arrangements. Still, the young children in the wedding party (under 12) generally sit with their parents at the reception. Its only fair because the parents are the ones who know what they will and will not eat.

Are the flower girls or ring bearers daughters or sons to the bride or groom? If that’s the case, then you should count on sharing table space with their little ones and helping out as much as you can! Remember, this is only one day, try to help make it as smooth as possible.

Article by:

Sally Hudson is a designer having a blend of French, British and US taste. She designs and sells blended design collection of Flower Girl Dress.on his online store at www.flowergirldressforless.com

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What Are They? Do I need to have them?

While wedding invitations generally go out 6-8 weeks before the wedding, save the date cards are a nice way of letting guests know in advance what the wedding date will be. This is especially helpful for guest who will need to make travel arrangements.

So do you need them? If your guest list contains guests who will need to travel you should at least send save the date cards to those who will need to book time off and plan to travel. This gives them extra time to book flights, hotel rooms, etc. If you wedding is a destination wedding, those who you are inviting should receive save the date cards for the same reason.

What Information Should They Include?
Basically, they need to include your names, the wedding date, and something to let them know that an invitation will follow at a later date. There is no right or wrong way to do it: they are a perfect way to add your own unique touch to your wedding. The actual style of the invitation should reflect your wedding in some way: for example, if you are planning a very informal affair, have a formal looking card.

Some Things That Can Be Used as Save The Date Cards:

- Cards similar to your invitation, or even a different style

- magnets

- Martha Stewart had a neat idea to use large numbers strung together on a ribbon

- calendar pages

- postcards

- the magnetic photo strip favor posted earlier would also make great DIY save the date cards. You could make it magnetic, or use cardstock and make it into a bookmark.

- on that note: bookmarks, lol

- business cards

 Other Information You Can Include:

- your wedding website if you have one

- hotel information if you have arrangements with a particular hotel

- any information that you feel may help guests with their travel plans

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Now here is a website EVERY groom should visit!! There are checklists, ring shopping advice, proposal ideas, fashion advice, bachelor party ideas, tips for great toast/vows and more! There are also sections for Best Man as well! Send you guy over to the Groom Guide for great, no-nosense advice just for guys!

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“O.k. so 12 years bridal retail sorry I have to point out… NEVER NEVER use club soda on your wedding gown.  On most silk fabrics, club soda will actually leave a HUGE liquid mark, that is often more sightly then the original stain.  Always ask the salon the best stain remover for your particular dress.  The salon should know, if they dont then they can call the manufacture and ask.  If you dont ask then the savest bet is actually a bar of ivory soap.  Just the bar and it has to be ivory because nearly all other soaps put dyes, and perfumes, etc… in the soap.  Ask the person you bought the dress from though. Most gowns though club soda is a NO NO! Just an FYI.  FOr more on cleaning a wedding gown visit our group page http://groups.myspace.com/weddingwhispers”

Found on Dreaming Bride’s Wedding Day Emergency Kit post - also worth a read.

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You may remember a few months ago, we posted about a toilet paper wedding dress contest with last years winning gowns. Now, this years contest winners have been posted! Here are a few that I loved! You can see more on the 2006 tiolet Paper Wedding Contest Website.

Bride's Attire, In The News | No Comments »

WHEN Kate Moss took her family and friends to an exclusive villa in Bali last week, they were told to expect a very special celebration.

The supermodel flew her brother Nick and friends to the upmarket resort of Bukit, where she was yesterday due to “marry” her drug addict lover Pete Doherty.Moss, 32, had planned a Balinese-style ceremony and had told friends that it was to be the intimate “spiritual ceremony” she and the Babyshambles singer had always dreamed of having.

But last night the wedding was off after 27-year-old Doherty, a self-confessed drug addict, failed to show up for the nuptials after he was ordered into a rehabilitation clinic in Britain following his arrest for possessing class A drugs.

The singer was bailed by a judge on Friday on the condition that he immediately checked into The Priory clinic.

Moss was said to be “in tatters” and speaking to lawyers in the vain hope of finding a legal loophole so Doherty can go to Bali this week.

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Bachelor parties are about guys getting together, sharing old stories, and maybe creating some new ones. They are a chance for the best man to send the groom off in style, in appreciation for years of friendship. Traditionally, this has involved drinking one’s fair share of alcohol, heading off to a gentlemen’s club, and waking up the next morning in a strange place with a new tattoo. Recently, a new trend has emerged. Guys are now spending weekends immersed in outdoor adventures: leaping out of airplanes, roping cattle, reeling in trophy fish, and riding wild whitewater.

Picture it: 10 buddies sitting in a rubber raft, getting tossed back and forth, and paddling like crazy through a menacing drop-off the guides call, “The Meat Grinder.” Besides whitewater rafting, parties can perform airborne ballets after leaping from planes at 10,000 feet, reel in fish ranging from 30 lb king salmon to 300 lb sharks, or drive hundreds of cattle alongside real-life cowboys. As an added bonus, guys return from the adventure, with pictures, mementoes, and memories that will always remain special.

Although these adventures bring a fresh, new idea to the bachelor party concept, groups are given many opportunities to do some old-school partying. Typically, the extreme adventure locations are located off the beaten path, requiring a couple-days excursion. Everyone usually congregates in a major city near the adventure site and spends the first night enjoying the urban nightlife. Day Two kicks off with an early morning rise, followed by a trip out into the wild for the adventure activity.

Some detailed examples of adventure-based bachelor parties paint a clear picture of exactly how extreme adventure combines with traditional fun to produce an unforgettable experience.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is an adventure that can take place in multiple locations across the country. As long as there is a flowing river, someone will put a boat in it. The trick is finding the rivers that will take you to the edge, without throwing you over it. Under the guidance of an adventure expert, guys paddle, dodge, and hold on through class IV and V rapids, all while taking in spectacular views of the scenic beauty and wildlife. To compliment the adventure, the group spends the first night at an upscale hotel in a bustling downtown area and the second night in more rustic accommodations surrounded by nature. This combination creates a solid mix of fun and adventure.

Cattle Wrangling

Imagine living out the movie, City Slickers. Saddle-up the crew, ride the open range like old-time cowboys, and drive longhorn cattle through rugged mountain terrain. In the morning, work alongside real cowboys to move the thundering herd to greener pastures. Enjoy the sights and sounds of rolling rivers, towering mountain ranges, and native wildlife while attempting to control the wild herd. After the drive, see if anyone lasts eight seconds on the mechanical bull before taking aim at the skeet shooting range. Recount the day’s highlights during a Texas-style-barbeque dinner including steaks, potatoes, and plenty of beer. Before you dive headfirst into the cowboy lifestyle, enjoy a night with upscale hotel accommodations, fine dining, and outstanding nightlife characteristic of the adjacent downtown area.

Charter Fishing

In groups of four to six people, the guys board separate charter boats and compete in a private fishing tournament. Someone not only has the satisfaction of wrestling a trophy fish into the boat, but also the sweet taste of victory in catching the winning fish to beat the rest of the bunch in the tournament. While everybody breathes in the fresh air and takes in picturesque views, the expert captains and crew guide the team to the hot spots and teach the boys how to reel in the big one. After a full day of fishing, camaraderie, and competition, a chef “cooks the catch” at a restaurant overlooking the water. Since most fishing trips are located in beach side towns, nights will be spent at Buffet-like bars sipping Margaritas, watching the fade over the horizon.

Skydiving

What’s better than jumping out of a plane, free-falling for over a minute at 120 mph, and seeing for miles in every direction? Doing it all with some of your closest friends. After some basic training, everyone flies to 13,000+ feet and prepares for the jump. Hearts pound, men begin to fade to the back of the line, and adrenaline pumps as everybody peels out of the plane into the open sky. Once everyone has returned safely to Earth, the party begins. The boys enjoy beers in the hanger, a bonfire on the grounds, a delicious catered dinner, and a viewing of the days skydive video. To enhance this exceptional skydiving experience, upscale accommodations, fine dining, and locally distinct nightlife in a lively downtown setting complete the package.

Regardless of the adventure theme you choose, it will be important to make the outing an “experience” rather than just a trip. Answer these questions when planning your weekend to remember:

• What adventure activity is the group interested in?

• What areas of the country offer this type of activity during the group’s seasonal
time frame?

• Is there a major city near the event where people can fly to at a reasonable price?

• What hotels offer high-class accommodations and fit the group’s price range?

• Is there a restaurant with a private banquet facility near the hotel, where champagne toasts and words of encouragement can be uttered without upsetting the other patrons?

• What are the best bars?

• How will the group get from the hotel to the adventure outfitter?

• If the adventure is outside of the city, where will the group stay the second night?

These are just some of the questions that will come up as the event planning takes shape. The most important part of the trip is making sure the groom has a great time. So, if you are the best man, make sure to have his best interests in mind at all times. If all goes as planned, you will have successfully orchestrated a weekend filled with memories to last a lifetime and maybe even overcome some fears along the way.

———————————————–
Article written by:
Darren Hitz, Founder of Adventure Bachelor Party (ABP).
ABP plans unique, adventure-based trips for groups of friends looking to make great memories. By planning everything from the lodging to the adventure, ABP allows the groom and his friends to enjoy the experience without all the worries and hassle of planning a group trip. Contact ABP at www.adventurebachelorparty.com or call 248-910-8152.

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(originally posted on Plan Best Weddings)

Choosing the right decorations for a wedding reception can be a real challenge. This can be further complicated if you are trying to decorate on a tight budget. However there are tons of sources of cheap wedding decorations that can add a lot of zest and sparkle to the reception. If you plan ahead, work carefully and buy strategically you can save a ton of money while still having a beautifully decorated reception. This article will help with some practical ideas and tips for decorating your wedding reception on a budget.

Do It Yourself

One of the best ways to save money on wedding reception decorations is to do some of the work yourself. You can often buy the pieces and parts separate and then simple assemble the decorations. The great thing is you will save money, while personalizing your decorations. This will ensure that you wedding decorations look different from a standard cheap store bought ones. For example you might buy some streamers and balloons and then assemble these together in an interesting arrangement.

Buy In Bulk

Another great way which really goes along with the Do It Yourself concept is to buy in bulk whenever possible. This is easiest to do online these days as you can find many stores that will sell in large quantities. For example you can get 250 tea light or floating candles and sine you are purchasing so many at one time you will save big. Then you can use the concept from above and assemble them on your own.

Use Friends

An easy way to get the decorations done fast is to have a pre wedding decoration party with your girlfriends. Have them come over for an evening of hot soup and sandwiches and then spend the rest of the evening enjoying everyone’s company and conversation while everybody works away at assembling the decorations for the reception.

Use Candles

Buy a ton of candles in bulk and then pick up a few large glass bowls or large open vases and you have your decorations set. You can float the candles on water inside of the vases. This makes a wonderful sparkling environment for the reception that people will just love. It is simple yet very elegant and can be done with very little work. For an extra personal touch you can include some candles at each persons sitting place also.

So get started early, purchase in bulk then divide and conquer to get the assembly of your decorations done for very little expense.

DIY Projects for Brides, Decorations | No Comments »

According to a Beyonce Knowles Fan Blog, even a pop diva needs a budget. Beyonce has reportedly set a budget for her uncoming wedding - a whopping $3M! Some how I doubt we’ll see here her looking for money saving advice anytime soon, lol.

Of course, so far, the actress has not offically announced an engagement, so we will have to wait and see.

Celebrity Weddings, In The News | No Comments »

Cori LocklinThe flowers, the dress, the caterer, the guest list. Our focus during engagement is obvious - the ever so important details in planning the perfect wedding. Yet if we can manage to tear ourselves away from the 5th revision of the seating chart for just a moment, we realize that engagement is one of the most significant psychological transitions in our lives, packed with an assortment of tangled emotions and conflicting feelings. Inside the newly engaged woman often lie fear, anxiety, sadness and loss. It is these important internal details, so largely ignored by conventional wedding guides and planners, that an engaged woman must face and confront if she ever hopes to arrive at the altar fully prepared to enter into a healthy marriage.

Feelings of loss?

There is no other time in your life when you are truly giving up one identity for another. The transition is more complex than simply taking a new last name, a literal change of identity and a decision that brings with it its own set of questions and anxieties. You are also giving up your symbolic identity as a single woman, even a child. Women often worry, “I’m losing my youth,” or, “I won’t be able to relate to my single girlfriends.” A stage in your life, the only stage you have ever experienced, is ending, and many women experience feelings of loss as a chapter closes on their lives.

What if

As one chapter closes, another begins. A chapter of commitment and togetherness. This new stage brings forth feelings of joy and excitement, but fear and uncertainty are also involved. You are entering into a partnership with another human being, causing your future’s happiness to rely so heavily on the actions of another. Needless to say, this realization can expose feelings of fear. What if our marriage doesn’t last? What if he cheats on me? What if I cheat on him? What if the passion fades and we grow apart? What if something terrible happens to him? These questions can penetrate the veneer of even the most outwardly joyous bride.

Am I making a mistake?

Popular culture and society seems to conveniently ignore these questions and uncertainties. As engaged women, we hear a barrage of “congratulations!” and “what will your dress look like?” when we announce the big news. Even those closest to us neglect to recognize the importance of more internally probing questions and advice during our engagement. As a result, many women begin to question their readiness for marriage. Any feeling less than euphoric is deemed as indication of making a mistake, as we have been conditioned to believe that anxiety and confusion are a reflection of “not being ready” or choosing the wrong partner. Thus, instead of accepting and discussing these feelings, we distract ourselves with the wedding planning and ignore our internal emotions.

Harness and Accept your feelings!

In reality, these thoughts could not be more normal. In every other major life transition, simultaneous feelings of loss and gain are not only expected, but encouraged. When you graduated high school, when you graduated college, when you moved away from your hometown, when you left your first job for a better opportunity, those around you understood and sympathized with your conflicting emotions. But did those feelings of sadness and loss hinder you from taking that next step and succeeding with flying colors? Of course not. You allowed yourself to address and analyze your thoughts, and then you proceeded with the change. This is exactly what you need to do during your engagement as you prepare for your journey to the altar and marriage. Realize that feelings of sadness and anxiety are normal, allow yourself to feel these feelings, and discuss and analyze them with those around you. Don’t allow your friends and family to focus on the wedding planning process to the exclusion of your internal struggles.

The engagement stage involves more than simply planning a big party. It involves introspection and emotional analysis. It involves open communication with your fianc?family and friends. It involves acceptance of fear and sadness. Once a bride realizes the complexity of this transition, she can address her emotions and move forward in planning for both a fabulous party and a successful next chapter in her life.

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit www.elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.

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