Simply Charming

Now, here is something truly unique and “charming” to give your bridesmaids. Designer Allison Nowlin, aka Madame Fortuna , makes custom charm bracelets. You tell her the name and birthday as well as maybe a favorite memory or drink and personal style of each of your besties. She will then shop at flea markets, thrift stores or estate sales to find the perfect, unique and vintage charms for each of your ladies. She may even include a small watch face set to the time of your wedding.

All you have to do is send Madame Fortuna an e-mail with your ideas and she’ll design it until it’s just what you want. Her e-mail is: madamefortuna@gmail.com.

So cute! Get one for yourself, too.

Photo courtesy of Madame Fortuna Web site.

Quick Checklist for Wedding Planning

As you are beginning to plan for your wedding, you may be wondering just where to begin. Well, I have developed a little quick checklist for all the different wedding professionals and services to consider that you will need to hire and/or purchase, rent, etc.

This list is for the purpose of just giving you a little head start in the planning process. If you would like my complete Bride's and Groom's To Do lists, just shoot me an e-mail and I will be glad to send you one.

These items are listed in no particular order of importance.

Consultant/Coordinator
Ceremony/Reception musicians or DJ
Ceremony site
Reception site
Officiant
Florist
Photographer
Videographer
Caterer
Wedding cake
Servers, bartenders, etc. if having a DIY reception
Seamstress for alterations
Save-the-Dates, Invitations, etc.
Paper products (personalized napkins, etc.)
Transportation (limousine, other)
Rentals (arch, tents, linens, etc.)
Entertainment for children – coloring books, games, small toys, etc.
Jeweler
Accommodations for out-of-town guests
Rehearsal dinner location

Happy planning!

Planning: Ten Biggest Pre-Wedding Mistakes

Even the smartest, most organized couple can make mistakes during wedding planning. Below are ten things you should keep an eye on before walking down that aisle.

1. Budget, what budget?
If you have started planning your wedding, you know it can cost a lot of money. Many excited brides start booking wedding professionals and making purchases without having a real budget, and then they're shocked to discover they've spent all of their money (or their parents' money) and still don't have half the things they need. If you bounce checks, don't have the money to pay your deposits, or make your final payments past your wedding professionals’ deadlines, your wedding will not happen as you have planned. The flowers won't be delivered, your cake will not be decorated, and the band will not play all night -- unless you don't pay up. Planning a wedding is serious business. Make a budget and keep track of your expenses.

2. Wedding gown/bridesmaid dresses ordered too late.
If you are not going to buy your gown “off the rack,” then you need to place your gown order six to eight months prior to your wedding. Most gowns are made to order. If you wait too long before your wedding date to make your selection, you may risk the gown not arriving on time. Bridesmaid dresses should also be decided upon during the same time period, but only after your gown has been selected. You want to make sure your ladies have enough time to get measured and find accessories.

3. Not hiring wedding professionals.
Seriously. Would you have a friend fix a plumbing problem? Of course not. You would want a professional plumber to come in and do the job right. Same goes for your wedding. You want professionals who do this for a living – photographers, videographers, florists, wedding coordinators, etc. They have the experience and skills to help you have the wedding of your dreams. Don’t risk your friendships by depending upon them to do a professional’s job. There are wedding professionals that fit every style and budget. Rely on them to keep you stress-free.

4. Marriage license application woes.
Since every state has their own set of policies for marriage licenses, brides are bound to make mistakes. Be sure to investigate time restrictions well in advance of your wedding date. Get your license 31 days before in some states -- and you won't be able to legally marry on your wedding day because it may be valid for only 30 days. Go for your license the day before your wedding and you may not get it in time, because some states have a 48-hour waiting period. Another common mess-up if you're remarrying: not having official divorce papers in time to get the certificate. Be sure to check your state’s marriage laws.

5. Out-of-town guests have a room?
Brides often leave blocking out hotel rooms for out-of-town guests until the last minute. If you're marrying in a city (particularly one where conventions take place) or in a resort town and you don't investigate hotel availability in advance, you can literally end up with not a single room for any of your guests to stay in. Your wedding might go on -- but no one will be able attend. Reserve a room block as early as possible, up to a year in advance, in some cases.

6. Inviting too many guests.
Make sure your guest list and your reception site match numbers-wise. You can't invite 400 people assuming only 250 will RSVP with a yes (because your “must-have” reception site can only hold 250). What if 300 happen to say yes, you may have to turn 50 away at the door. Some sites may not be able to add several more tables, as fire laws limit the maximum number of people in any room at one time. To avoid this, assume 80% will respond "yes" and limit your guest list accordingly.

7. Beauty treatments scheduled too late.
Many brides think that scheduling chemical peels the week before their weddings will leave their skin looking angelic on their big days. Others think having their teeth bleached within days of their weddings will leave those pearly whites sparkling. Thinking of tanning the day before your wedding? Remember that scene in “The Wedding Planner?” You may end up with blisters instead of sun-kissed skin. Last-minute beauty treatments can lead to breakouts, mistakes, or -- even worse -- serious infections. Start a long-term beauty regimen months before the big day and save the heavy-duty beauty treatments (i.e. chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, extracting facials, deep-tanning sessions, teeth whitening, and so on) for at least two weeks before the big day, or you could risk ruining all the hard work you've done to make your wedding -- and photos - perfect. (Never mind putting your health and happiness at risk for the most important day of your life.)

8. Invitations – didn’t put enough postage on the envelopes?
You'd be surprised how many brides just stick a 44-cent stamp on their invites and drop them in the mailbox. All but a few wedding invitations require additional postage. The postal service will not take pity on you -- your invites will be returned (and rubber-stamped with that ugly "insufficient postage" message) -- and it will take at least two weeks (never mind the additional $$) to get them back out the door. Always take a complete invitation to the post office to be weighed before purchasing all your stamps.

9. Ignoring religious restrictions.
Think your rabbi didn't mean it when he said you needed to cover your arms in the temple? Guess again. If you plan on marrying in a church, synagogue, etc., you need to abide by their rules. Wearing inappropriate attire or not completing pre-wedding requirements could be grounds for your Officiant to stop your wedding before it begins. As soon as you get engaged, be sure to contact your house of worship to find out about any potential issues. Some houses of worship won't let you marry on certain holy days; make sure to check your wedding date with your Officiant before putting down any deposits for your reception site or wedding professionals.

10. Rain or shine? Don’t ignore weather warnings.
Brides marrying outdoors often test fate and just wish for the best when it comes to bad weather. Always have a backup plan, or else you may not have a place to marry at all -- or your guests (and you) may be in misery at the hands of Mother Nature. Temperatures normally around the balmy 70-degree mark may unexpectedly turn into a boiling 100-degree debacle – have fans available for guests and it wouldn’t hurt to have bottles of water, too. A hurricane, flashflood, or gale force winds may visit on your wedding day; make sure you have an interior alternative or a tent as a back-up location.

Just discovered these in the latest online wedding issue of My Daily Candy. Oh, my. When I saw these, my mouth started watering.

Wouldn’t these be fantastic little gifts for your wedding guests? I know I would love to receive these as I was departing the reception.

A fairly new company called, Panna Dolce, makes these airy, very French macarons. They come in myriad flavors from raspberry ganache to Key lime. They can be shipped anywhere around the world and you can even custom order them in your own colors and flavors. Another benefit – all their macarons are 100% gluten and wheat free.

Check them out and see if your mouth doesn’t start to water, too.

Photos from Panna Dolce Web site.

Cute New Favor Box

Is your color scheme using the color of the year – turquoise? Then, you may want to look at these new favor boxes from Kate Aspen.

The white boxes come with a patterned sleeve in an “elegant damask pattern in rich, dark chocolate that is softened by the joyous shade of turquoise on the overlay.” These favor boxes also come with a personalized label with your first names and wedding date.

So cute. I love these!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hope everyone went "green" today.

Here's an Irish joke for ya'll.

During a recent password audit at the Bank of Ireland it was found that Paddy O'Toole was using the following password:

MickeyMinniePlutoHuey
LouieDeweyDonaldGoofyDublin

When asked why he had such a long password, Paddy replied. "Bejazus! Are yez frickin' stupid? Shore Oiy was told me password had to be at least eight characters long and include one capital."

Have a very "green" day today!

Pretty Funky and Unique Scarves

If you are looking for something different to give your bridesmaids, then you may want to check out Leigh & Luca scarves. These scarves are feminine and will make a statement wherever they are seen.

They are on the pricier side, so these aren’t for the real budget conscience bride, but if money is no object and you want to give your bridesmaids something really special, check them out.

Photo courtesy of Leigh & Luca

Filene's Basement Spring Designer Event

No, this is not the annual Running of the Brides for wedding gowns. However, if you are looking for designer clothes at great prices, you don't want to miss this sale.

Filene's Basement's annual high-end courture sale is now underway. You can find name brands, such as, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Chloe and much more for 30 - 80 percent off.

Hurry, because through Sunday, March 14, you will be able to take an extra ten percent off your entire purchase. This includes regular, sale and clearance items. Print off a copy of the above coupon and take it with you when you shop.

Spring Forward

For all of you who are having weddings tomorrow, don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour before saying goodnight.

One nightmare I would have would be to wake up the next morning to find out I missed my flight to Hawaii for my honeymoon. Don't let that happen to you.

Have your DJ remind everyone at the reception to set their clocks ahead before going to sleep Saturday night. That way, your guests won't miss their flight back home either.

Simple Ways to Reduce That Pre-Wedding Stress

As your wedding day approaches, you may begin feeling anxious and nervous. It’s totally natural to feel this way.

I have listed below eight ways to help reduce that anxiety and nervousness. They are all very easy and FREE!

1. Start walking! That's right. Take a brisk walk around the block, up the street, wherever. The more energy you use, the more stress you rid yourself of (and it helps to tone your legs and build your cardiovascular system so that you can dance all night long at your reception!)

2. Take a few moments each day, preferably at night before going to sleep, and do breathing exercises. Yes, the same ones moms do when they are in delivery. Why? Because breathing deeply, in a rhythmic fashion, exhaling slowly helps to relax your mind, body and nervous system and it slows down the adrenaline flow. Take these minutes to think only of relaxing and how good you will feel tomorrow. Think about your groom and how happy you are going to be for the rest of your lives.

3. Start drinking more water instead of caffeine and sugar loaded liquids. Reduce salt intake. Caffeine, sugar and salt cause chemical reactions to your nervous system by making you jumpy, nervous and high-strung. Salt or sodium, also helps your body retain water, causing that bloating, puffed up feeling.

4. Laughing, singing and dancing are great ways to reduce the stress.

5. Another stress reducer is to stretch your muscles out. Do leg and arm stretches to help tone and remove built up tensions in your muscles. Head and neck rolls can do wonders while sitting all day in the office!

6. Dim the lights in the bathroom and take a nice, hot bath. Use candles and play classical or easy listening music.

7. A glass of wine can help you to relax, but don't over do it.

8. If you prefer, that old home remedy of warm milk will do it every time!

Don't delay. Start stress-releasing today!

Tips for Stocking the Bar at Your Reception

If you are having your reception at a location where you have to hire an off-premise caterer, you may consider stocking your own bar in order to save money. If you do stock the bar yourself, don’t forget you will need to hire bartenders or ask your caterer to provide same.

What kind of bar should you have? Basically, there are three types: Open Bar, Limited Bar and Cash Bar. I am only going to address the Open Bar and Limited Bar. Because, you really wouldn’t think of having a cash bar, would you? Do you really want your guests to pay for their own drinks? I don’t think so.

Open Bar

In this type of bar, you pretty much are going to stock it with just about everything your guests love to drink. Obviously, this would be the more expensive option. To help pare down the cost, you could opt to close the bar about an hour before the reception ends.

Limited Bar

This type of bar would only serve beer, wine and maybe a signature cocktail. Thus, this would be a less expensive option.

When you begin planning for your bar, set a budget. Contact a good liquor wholesaler who will work with you to stay within your budget. There are such a wide variety of wines in different price ranges, that you will be able to find a good one to fit your budget. Additionally, you can choose between "top shelf" liquors and "house pour" liquors.

If the wholesaler is a good one, they should also be able to help you choose the right wines, champagne, etc. to go with your cocktail hour and menu.

For the toasts, you can save money on the champagne by having the caterer bring out the glasses already poured at the time of the toast. This way, the guests will not see the brand and you, therefore, could choose a less expensive champagne. Most people only sip it anyway for the toast and don’t touch it again. This will enable you to spend a little more on the wines you'll be serving with dinner, if that is more important to you.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure the liquor wholesaler will credit you for any unopened bottles.

Monograms Everywhere

No doubt, you have seen the use of monograms on towels, sheets, napkins, etc. for years. At wedding receptions, some couples have their monogram illuminated on the dance floor or on the wall.

I just discovered custom monogrammed housewares by Sarah Drake. You can mix and match pieces for a custom registry. Once Drake completes a monogram based on your story and style, you can have it printed or embroidered on anything from stoneware and china to table linens and bedding.

You could even have a family crest designed by Sarah Drake. The possibilities are endless.

Check out some of Drake's different styles and to create a registry at: www.sarahdrakedesign.com

Photos from Sarah Drake Design Web site.