Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Wedding Websites & Blogs

Here's the deal-

Your family is spread all over the continent, your best friend is sailing around the world - and fielding question after question about dress choices, dates, times, locations & travel accommodations is making you pull the covers over your head.

Allow your guests the ultimate in One Stop Information Gathering.....

The Wedding Website

There are many options to choose from that include - free trials, beautifully created templates, online guests books, RSVP options, etc.

Surely, one will fit the bill:


http://www.wedsimple.com/

http://www.nearlyweds.com

This one is a personal fave - you can have incredible invitations made to match your website! Talk about effortless presentation! So many great invitation designers to choose from, but I have a soft spot for Izzy Girl!


http://www.ewedding.com/

http://www.weddingwindow.com/


Or, set-up an ongoing dialogue - a Blog.
www.blogger.com

The great thing about this?
The storybook romance will last way past your big day.
You can upload & share photographs with those that were in attendance, and distant relatives or friends. Complete strangers too!
A blog will not expire, and it can morph into the story of your lives together.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Giving Thanks to Parents & Family

Honestly, the nicest & simplest way is something heartfelt.

Give yourself a few minutes, several days before all the hoopla begins.
Write a little note inside a blank card. Don't overthink it, but let the emotion spill a bit.

On the day of your wedding (preferable BEFORE make-up application begins), distribute the cards - to your mom, future mil, stepmom, grandfather. You get the idea.

Jotting down a few words filled with meaning, and giving it to them personally, is the ultimate gift. You'll be satisfied knowing the moment didn't pass without the recognition so duly earned.

The glow of pride & love on their individual faces as you walk down the aisle will say it all...

Mission Accomplished

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Photo Sessions - Post Wedding Day

Your Wedding Day will fly by - with such a flood of emotion & happiness, it's easy to forget about certain photographs you really wanted to capture!

Maybe the ceremony went a little long, and those Cocktail Hour pictures felt really rushed?

Possibly your hair & make-up prep time when down to the wire? Instead of some relaxed, glowing temperature-controlled Bridal Portraits in the hotel room, you & the girls were dashing for the Town Car.

When booking a photographer, ask that one of the hours be used during the week, following your big day.
You & your groom will be so relaxed, no longer under the spotlight of family & friends, and not feeling obligated to say hello to everyone around you.

Get back into your duds, but forget about the fancy hair or make-up. Take advantage of a different locale; dance on the beach, play in a park, walk in your favorite neighborhood.
Maybe even bring your pets?

Intimate pictures such as these are just as essential. You can never have too many great memories.


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

The 'All in One' Wedding Registry

Talk about a reduction in frustration & driving!

Now you can create an online registry, that allows you to pick-out items from stores all across the web, and share with your guests.

Anyone can order from the Registry, and gifts will be delivered directly to you!

http://www.wishpot.com

Oh, and did I mention...It's free.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Island Style : Coronado

I had the pleasure of spending 5 blissful days on this Escape from San Diego in early July.
We attended a reunion (my husband is a native), and had a chance to really soak in the breathtaking scenery & colors.

I'd almost forgotten the abundance of natural beauty, and all the other positives to Coronado Island, especially for planning a wedding from near or far...

Perfect Weather year round
Hotel Room Availability - B & B's , Timeshare Rentals, Four Star Hotels
Clean, Safe & Family Friendly
Walk & Bike Friendly City
Easy access from Downtown San Diego Airport
North Beach

There's always the tried & true staples to visit:

Hotel Del Coronado
Moo Time

Coronado Florist
Miguel's Cocina
Coronado Brewing Co.
The Brigantine
McP's

I was pleasantly surprised to see a few darling new offerings too:
Seaside Papery
Offering custom design invitations; including two North County designers: elum & Delphine

Several new restaurants, including Village Pizzeria & the Beach-n-Diner, both on Orange Ave.

Hotel Del Coronado has also expanded, with new rental homes on their property.



Pretty pricey at $20k per week, for a 3 bedroom 2 bath, but this is your evening view...



Coronado is a little piece of heaven, whether planning a once in a lifetime event, or just looking to get away from it all.

Go Islanders!

Hotel Del Coronado http://www.hoteldel.com/

Seaside Papery http://www.seasidepapery.com/

Coronado Wedding Planner http://www.crownweddings.com/

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Time to get Inspired

So, you've been buying up every Bridal Magazine you can get your hands on...

Still feeling at a loss?
It's time to create your Vision. Tear out the photographs that make your heart sing, even if they don't mesh well together. There is no 'wrong' color combination, cake flavor, or dress length.
Get a piece of Foam Board (available at any Crafty store); a 16" by 16" piece should be good.
Start cutting & pasting - adding ribbon, textures, fabric. Whatever speaks to you.

Here's a great example of a Casual Beach Day Wedding: Bright Colors, Short Dress, Finger Food.

Your wedding day is all about your personality as a couple.

Now is the time to play with what appeals to you, and create Inspiration Boards to share.

You'll be surprised at what comes together - a theme or destination may very well appear before your eyes!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Favors - Make Them Edible!

This seems to be a major hurdle that couples overthink.

They're desperately seeking a creative trinket that has meaning.
In reality, guests will keep a program, a monogrammed napkin, or even a place card as a personal momento.

So, stop the order for the customized Glass Coasters.

Spend your money on your favorite treats, and they will be a huge, personal hit with your guests!