Use Excel

Today while I was busy creating my own wedding checklists in Excel, I decided it might be wise to see if they already have some sort of checklist template for me to use. So, I brought up a new document, started to type in "checklist" to search the templates, but decided to type in "wedding" just for kicks. Much to my surprise a good handful of wedding templates popped up!

Now, I'm the kind of person that is very specific when creating a way to keep track of details, so a lot of the tools wouldn't work for me because I wanted them formatted differently (but that's not to say they wouldn't work for you). However, there was one that I couldn't find a single thing wrong with- the "Guest List and Gift Tracking" template. This template keeps track of every single guest you send any type of invitation to, as well as if they sent you a gift, the type of gift and whether or not you have sent back a thank you. Even the formulas are there, ready to calculate your totals! This sheet would be especially helpful to those that have to keep track of which meal each guest wants, if giving them a decision. So if you are still looking for a way to keep track of what Aunt Peggy sent you for your engagement and whether or not the Smith's 5 children are attending, download this form, it will make your life a little easier. And after all, what bride isn't looking for someone (or something) to do her work for her.

Hire a Secret Photographer

Ok so this tip is more of a pre-engagement tip for the one doing the proposing, but it's a wonderful idea all the same!

In my opinion, the one thing better than the proposal itself is the look on the person's face when marriage is proposed to them. However, it's the one wedding event that most people don't have authentic pictures of. Yes you can re-enact him popping the question, but its' just not the same!

The solution is to hire a secret photographer. "Hire" doesn't necessarily mean pay a professional $200 for an hour of their time (although you can go that route if you choose). It simply means to have someone there, out of site, with a camera ready to go. Ask a relative or friend. If you are proposing in a public place (like a restaurant), slip to the bathroom and ask the waiter to take pictures with your camera. Regardless of how you choose to do it, it will be a wonderful treat to have photos of that special moment.

So ladies, do yourself a favor. If you're pretty positive a proposal is in your near future, leave this page up for him to stumble upon- you'll be thankful afterwards!

Pinterest

If you have not heard of Pinterest by now, go check it out! I'm officially addicted.

Pinterest serves as a virtual pin board for it's users. By becoming a member you have the ability to create your own virtual pin boards for anything you want. It's the perfect way to keep track of all of those great wedding ideas that you come up with while browsing the web. (I personally am also keeping track of fun recipes to try and things for my future home!) You can even download the "pin it" button for your favorites bar. When you see a picture online that you absolutely love, just click the button and it automatically gets pinned to whichever board you wish, straight from the original website. Or, you can browse the Pinterest website itself and "re-pin" pictures you love from other boards. Find a board that you just love everything about? Then choose to "follow" that board's pins. You can even pin your own personal photos. You won't have to worry about forgetting an idea you found or losing track of where you placed the picture of that perfect hairstyle. There are endless ways to keep track of ideas by having a virtual pin board.

Not into the whole pin board thing, but love browsing pictures and fun ideas? You can browse the many pictures on the website at anytime, without even being a member. The best part, Pinterest specifically has a wedding category, making it super simple to browse!

Regardless of how you choose to use it, Pinterest is a great tool to have while planning a wedding and an overall fun website to use!

A snapshot of my Pinterest boards!

365 Days of Wedding Tips!

Happy New Year!

For most people, a new year means new possibilities, new goals, and new adventures. For some of you, those new adventures just might include an engagement and wedding. Although exciting, this calls for quite a bit of work, effort and planning. So here's my goal; 365 days (oh wait, 366, it's a leap year!) of wedding tips. Every day I'll share a new tip, fact or fun idea with you. Planning tools, creative ideas, wedding websites; I'll cover it all! Enjoy, the first one is easy :)

Tip #1: RELAX

Who wants to start off the new year stressed out? No one, that's who. And being stressed out certainly isn't going to help you accomplish planning a wedding. So whether your waiting for the engagement you know is coming, or are already halfway through picking out colors and trying on dresses, just take a deep breath. I promise, one deep breath goes a long way.

And don't forget, those bridesmaids of yours are supposed to be doing everything they can to keep you, the bride-to-be, stress free!

Central Park-Style Weddings in Baltimore

In New York earlier this month, I stumbled upon a wedding photo shoot taking place in Central Park. I'm assuming it was for a magazine, but it got me thinking about all of the wonderful ideas for an actual wedding in Central Park, and if we have any similar locations right here in Maryland. Afterall, with that type of scenery, you have the best of both worlds; the gorgeous landscape around you (in the Spring and Summer of course) with the city peeking over the tree tops. There are acres and acres of areas for bridal party photos and romantic shots. You can be whisked away in a horse drawn carriage. There is even a gorgeous venue that we passed called The Boathouse (you may have seen it in the movie 27 Dresses)!

So do we have locations like this right here in Maryland? Of course we do! Although none are quite the size of central park, there are numerous parks right here in Baltimore that offer the perfect place for a wedding with both land and city as your backdrop.

Patterson Park
http://pattersonpark.com/

Carroll Park
http://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/AgenciesDepartments/RecreationandParks/Parks/CarrollPark.aspx

Druid Hill Park
http://www.druidhillpark.org/

Central Park Photo Shoot

 

SugarBakers Cakes

I just finished meeting with Ashely at SugarBakers Cakes in Catonsville. What a wonderful venue! Ashley was so sweet and the cakes were to die for! If you are searching for the perfect wedding or specialty cake, check them out!

SugarBakers Website

SugarBakers Facebook

You can also check them out on Groupon! As of November 28th they have a deal listed.

Groupon Deal

Greatest Marriage Proposal EVER

A friend of mine showed this to me and I thought it was the cutest thing! The title really says it all!

Brookie's Custom Creations

If you are looking for a fun and unique gift for someone, check out Brookie's Custom Creations! She does everything from birthday gifts and diaper cakes, to bridal baskets and more! My personal favorite is the Bridal Survival Kit! It comes with everything you could possible need on your big day.

http://www.facebook.com/brookiescustomcreations

 Bridal Kit

 Christmas Gift Basket

Ladybug Diaper Cake 

Toy Story Toddler Cake



Spring Colors for a Fall Wedding

When it comes to weddings, a lot of people stick to tradition. But not the couple whose wedding I attended and helped set up over the weekend! Typically when you think of a November wedding you think of a fall color scheme and fall themed decorations, and that's usually the case in my experience. But this couple went against the reds and oranges and opted for purlpe and yellow; and man did it turn out great!

Something to Consider: Food Stations

Food stations are more in demand than ever, and venues are offering them on their menus!

I have recently attended a few events where food stations took the place of the main course. There was no seated dinner, no served coffee and no pre-set salads.. and it was fabulous!

So this begs the question, are food stations an acceptable option for a wedding? Absolutely! Food stations are a contemporary alternative to a traditional buffet, and when done right, can be just as tasteful as a seated dinner. They offer your guests more options and will leave everyone, even your picky guests, happy! And when it's all said and done, who doesn't want to throw an event that pleases everyone? With everything from pasta and sushi stations, to mini desserts and cappuccino stations, you really can't go wrong.

Perfect Wedding Guide Launch Event- Pasta Station

Daniel McGarrity Photography