Do Assigned Seating
Figuring out a seating chart for your guests can seem like a chore. I know figuring out who wants to sit with who and where to sit the single people is not always the simplest task. But it's usually the best thing to do, even if you are doing a buffet style dinner. Typically a venue only sets up as many tables as necessary for your guest count. So, without assigned tables, when the last few larger families are arriving there may not be enough seats for them left at any one table.
Also, this is your best bet if you have any family/ friend drama. You can seat feuding people as far away as possible. Hopefully you don't have to deal with that though!
It might seem like a huge hassle, but you will be thankful you had assigned seating when no one is fighting and everyone has a seat next to who they want!
Keep Everything in a "Wedding File"
This one is simple- keep everything. You never know when a venue will forget about something they promised you, a photographer will lose your list of must-have photos, or the bakery will try to say you hadn't paid for the cake you are picking up. Get a folder or binder and keep it all together so you can find anything at a moment's notice!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Save Photography Ideas
If you are anything like me, catering and photography are going to be 2 of your biggest concerns, without counting the dress of course!
That being said, in the midst of planning a wedding you are probably going to forget some ideas you come across. Don't let that happen with photography! Most photographers will go through a list with you of all of the types of pictures you want taken. However, if you come across some really cute and unique shots that you want, it might be hard to describe them to your photographer or you might forget about them with everything else going on during pictures. The simple solution is to clip these photos out of magazines, print them offline, or take a picture with your phone if the other options are not doable. Then, along with your list of the traditional photos you want, hand your photographer your collection of photo ideas. The photographer will know exactly what you want and you will get all of the photos you want. Everyone wins!
That being said, in the midst of planning a wedding you are probably going to forget some ideas you come across. Don't let that happen with photography! Most photographers will go through a list with you of all of the types of pictures you want taken. However, if you come across some really cute and unique shots that you want, it might be hard to describe them to your photographer or you might forget about them with everything else going on during pictures. The simple solution is to clip these photos out of magazines, print them offline, or take a picture with your phone if the other options are not doable. Then, along with your list of the traditional photos you want, hand your photographer your collection of photo ideas. The photographer will know exactly what you want and you will get all of the photos you want. Everyone wins!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hair Trials, Postage & DIY
Sorry for the lack of posts over the weekend! Here are a few quick wedding tips to make up for the last few days!
Do a Hair Trail
After selecting the stylist that you are going to have to your hair, make sure that you do a hair trial a few weeks before the wedding, and don't get your hair cut in between! This way there will be no surprises, mistakes or anything you don't like the day of when it's too late to change your mind!
Check Postage/ Weights
Before ordering/mailing out all of your invitations, make sure that you check postage rates for whatever weight they are. If you don't, you might have to pay an unexpected amount for postage that you didn't fit into your budget. Definitely do this if your invitations are an odd shape or weight!
Don't Try to DIY Everything
For those brides that are trying to save a lot of money, you might be thinking of DIY projects, which is great! However, don't try to do everything. If you do you will leave yourself stressed and rushing around. Now if you have a huge bridal party willing to pitch in, you can handle more. Just make sure you weigh the pros and cons- sometimes its worth it so spend the money!
Do a Hair Trail
After selecting the stylist that you are going to have to your hair, make sure that you do a hair trial a few weeks before the wedding, and don't get your hair cut in between! This way there will be no surprises, mistakes or anything you don't like the day of when it's too late to change your mind!
Check Postage/ Weights
Before ordering/mailing out all of your invitations, make sure that you check postage rates for whatever weight they are. If you don't, you might have to pay an unexpected amount for postage that you didn't fit into your budget. Definitely do this if your invitations are an odd shape or weight!
Don't Try to DIY Everything
For those brides that are trying to save a lot of money, you might be thinking of DIY projects, which is great! However, don't try to do everything. If you do you will leave yourself stressed and rushing around. Now if you have a huge bridal party willing to pitch in, you can handle more. Just make sure you weigh the pros and cons- sometimes its worth it so spend the money!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Personal Wedding Websites
If you are engaged and have started the planning process, you have probably already had relatives and family members asking you tons of questions. Once the invitations go out, you will get even more questions. Especially if you are having a lot of out of town guests who will need travel arrangements, hotel rooms, rental cars, etc. Although getting back to all of these questions may seem like a burden, they are also necessary so your guests are prepared.
One of the best ways to answer all of these questions at once is to create a personal wedding website. This can serve as a platform for all things pertaining to your wedding. Most couples even have a page about themselves so friends and family can read the proposal story and other fun little facts! You can also put things on the website that are typically considered inappropriate to put on the invitations themselves, like the dress code and where you are registered for gifts.
Out of town guests will especially find this website useful, as you can put the information for the hotel that you have blocked rooms at and the best time to purchase plane tickets, as well as places of interest in the area that they might want to check out if they are in town for a few days.
You can create this valuable tool with little to no website skills whatsoever. Many website offer free wedding websites that are designed in a way that you only have to put in the information and it is designed for you. Below are some websites to check out if you are interested in creating one!
The Knot
Perfect Wedding Guide
My Wedding
Wedding Window
Wix
I personally love using Wix to create all websites! However, this site may take someone with a little more time and skill. Although you can use templates or build your own site from scratch, it doesn't walk you through the process the same way the other websites do. But the benefit is a lot more personal creativity can be put into the site!
One of the best ways to answer all of these questions at once is to create a personal wedding website. This can serve as a platform for all things pertaining to your wedding. Most couples even have a page about themselves so friends and family can read the proposal story and other fun little facts! You can also put things on the website that are typically considered inappropriate to put on the invitations themselves, like the dress code and where you are registered for gifts.
Out of town guests will especially find this website useful, as you can put the information for the hotel that you have blocked rooms at and the best time to purchase plane tickets, as well as places of interest in the area that they might want to check out if they are in town for a few days.
You can create this valuable tool with little to no website skills whatsoever. Many website offer free wedding websites that are designed in a way that you only have to put in the information and it is designed for you. Below are some websites to check out if you are interested in creating one!
The Knot
Perfect Wedding Guide
My Wedding
Wedding Window
Wix
I personally love using Wix to create all websites! However, this site may take someone with a little more time and skill. Although you can use templates or build your own site from scratch, it doesn't walk you through the process the same way the other websites do. But the benefit is a lot more personal creativity can be put into the site!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Create a Bridal Emergency Kit
For some brides this step will be easy. If you have hired a wedding planner, check with them first. Chances are they will provide the bridal emergency kit for you.
However, if you do not have a day-of planner, you will want to create your own bridal emergency kit. You can make it as simple (just the bare minimum like Tylenol, bobby pins and clear nail polish), or as elaborate as you would like. The benefit is less stress on you the day of the wedding. Although I hope you need absolutely nothing from this kit, you will be prepared no matter what happens to your make-up, attire or accessories. You'll also be covered for last minute headaches, cuts, etc.
Below are some suggestions for a bridal kit that will prepare you for anything on the big day!
Band-Aids
Pain Relievers
Water
White Chalk
Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
Corsage pins
Dental floss/toothpicks
Eye drops
Extra earring backs
Extra panty hose
Hair pins/ponytail holder
Hand towelettes
Hem tape
Mini sewing kit
Safety pins
Tape
Scissors
Spot remover
Static-cling spray
Tissues
Tweezers
Breath mints/ gum
Comb/brush
Cash (because you never know)
Hair spray
Makeup (for touch-ups)
Mirror
Nail file
Perfume
Tampons/sanitary napkins
Sun Screen
Flip Flops
Crazy Glue
However, if you do not have a day-of planner, you will want to create your own bridal emergency kit. You can make it as simple (just the bare minimum like Tylenol, bobby pins and clear nail polish), or as elaborate as you would like. The benefit is less stress on you the day of the wedding. Although I hope you need absolutely nothing from this kit, you will be prepared no matter what happens to your make-up, attire or accessories. You'll also be covered for last minute headaches, cuts, etc.
Below are some suggestions for a bridal kit that will prepare you for anything on the big day!
Band-Aids
Pain Relievers
Water
White Chalk
Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
Corsage pins
Dental floss/toothpicks
Eye drops
Extra earring backs
Extra panty hose
Hair pins/ponytail holder
Hand towelettes
Hem tape
Mini sewing kit
Safety pins
Tape
Scissors
Spot remover
Static-cling spray
Tissues
Tweezers
Breath mints/ gum
Comb/brush
Cash (because you never know)
Hair spray
Makeup (for touch-ups)
Mirror
Nail file
Perfume
Tampons/sanitary napkins
Sun Screen
Flip Flops
Crazy Glue
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, January 2, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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!
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!
Monday, December 19, 2011
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/
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
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