DIY Project: Fan Programs

I have been on a kick the past few weeks talking about things relating to outdoor weddings. I guess since it has been so hot and it is in the midst of summer weddings it is fitting.

I always try and recommend that people doing any outdoors wedding provide things that are going to help ease the outdoor elements for their guests. One great thing is a Fan Program. This is a great idea because you need a program so why not make it one that is useful.

Fan Programs can get very costly when getting into very ornate and elaborate designs but they are very simple and easy to do on your own. I have gotten together three websites that provide the instructions and resources for you to make your own.

Custom Programs






This was a great site because you could actually purchase the kit that included the paper and instructions already in a package. So this alleviates having to go out and buy everything sepearte.






Ayleebits


I liked this site because they gave a template plus the option of purchasing predesigned ones. Their directions were very good and easy to follow.






Wedding Paper Products




I LOVE this site because they give you all the information from A-Z on how to make these lovely fan programs. They give supplies, explicit directions and all the templates that you could ever want. This is definitely my best choice.

Would you use any of these sites?

Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Designer Wedding Dress Thrift Store

Yes, you heard me right. A thrift store with designer wedding dresses. I came across the site and was amazed by 1. the prices of the dresses and 2. the brand names.

The site is Once Wed and they have everything from Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier to David's Bridal.

The site is set-up like a thrift store where people sell their gently used wedding gowns. It is amazing how nice the dresses look and the cost reduction that you get compared to the regular retail prices.









And truthfully I think that if I could change it I would have gone this route because so much is spend on the dress and you only wear it one time and then it sits in a box in the closet.

Would you ever use a site like this?

Happy Planning,

Living together before marriage?

This is becoming more and more common, especially with the economy the way it is. I know for my husband and I we did live together before we got married but I required that we were engaged first. I guess that was my way of making sure that he truly wanted to be with me and didn't just want someone to help pay the bills. (lol)

I found a great blog by Isabella Snow and she did a post about living together before marriage and I thought that it had some good points to think about.

If you're a very religious person who believes that you shouldn't live with someone until you're married, that's fine; I'm not trying to change your mind or even alter your opinion. This article is for those who don't share in those beliefs, and who may be wondering if they should move in with a boyfriend or girlfriend. This article is based on both personal experience and the collective experiences of others I've known in similar situations. Personally, I believe moving in together prior to marriage is a very good idea; read on to learn the five biggest reasons why.


1. It takes time to learn how to be partners.
When you marry someone, you're automatically partners from a legal point of view, but this doesn't mean you're mentally ready for such a thing. You've got to learn how to give and take before you're ready to give everything up for someone, and you can't learn this simply by giving up that one corner in your bathroom for your girlfriend's makeup.

2. Quirks are easily hidden when you don't live with someone.
If you're dating someone who gets psychotic when the bathroom light is accidentally left on, you've got a better chance of discovering this when living with them, as opposed to just visiting them. If you're dating someone who downs a fifth of Jim Beam before bed every night, this is more easily discovered when living with them, rather than when sleeping over once in awhile. Nearly everyone can behave normally on a short-term scale -- few disturbed individuals can hide that on a consistent basis, though.


3. It can take time to learn that you don't want to marry someone.
Love can sweep over people pretty quickly and it's easy for some couples to fall in love with the idea of getting married. The last thing you want, however, is to get married, move in and then find out you can't stand your new spouse's sleeping, eating or drinking habits. And like I've said, you can't know these things until you have moved in with them. Yes, you may love them, but that doesn't mean you're going to be able to tolerate living with your girlfriend or boyfriend.

4. Your love life can be a good indication as to the strength of your relationship.

It's easy to stay attracted to someone you only see a few times a week. But if you're living with someone every day, you'll have a much better idea of how strong your bond (emotionally and mentally) is, and whether or not marriage would be a good next step or not. It's not "marriage" that kills the love life, it's learning that you're not compatible through all the little things one experiences when living with someone else.

5. You need time to learn what their real values are.
Compatible values are very important when it comes to relationships, and you can't know what someone's real values are just by talking about them. You need to see how they react to things, and to people, on a daily basis before you can really know such a thing. And when I say values, that includes the whole gambit; anything you can think of. For example (and this is just an example!) it's easy to think your man believes in women's rights, but later discover that your new husband sits in front of the tv all night and bashes female politicians simply for being female. You don't know what someone really believes until you see them act those beliefs out on a regular basis.

Did you live with your wife/husband before you got married or for the to-be's out there are you living with your fiance before you'll get married.


Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Martha Stewart University

I must say that I LOVE, Martha Stewart and all that she does. She just embodies everything chic and classy about weddings.

So I was catching up on my latest posts on The Bride Guide and I noticed that she has something called Martha Stewart University. Well, you know me being in awe with Martha and all that she knows, I instantly went and found out what it was.

Well, she now has a place where you can download informational segments about everything from gowns to flowers, hence the name Martha Stewart University. The segments are 60 minutes and are 12.95 but you can actually walk away with all of her knowledge and expertise on everything wedding.

They even have it where you can purchase them as gift for a bride to be, an aspiring wedding planner or someone who just loves weddings.

Check it out and learn from the pro.

Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Beat the Heat at your next Summer Wedding

So you are looking at your calendar and it is full with Summer wedding. So I have gotten together some tips to help you beat the Heat and stay cool.

I found a great article on About.com by Nina.

Your Outfit
Look for a cotton sundress or other clothing made of natural fibers. Loose fitting clothing will be your friend.For men, consider a light tan suit, or the old-fashioned chic of seersucker.

Stay Hydrated Everyone knows water helps keep you cool. So carry a bottle of water in your purse. If you're a man, ask your date to hold it for you, or bring it in a white gift bag.

Horses Sweat, Men Perspire, Ladies Glow
To combat sweat, don't cover your face with a thick layer of powder. Instead, do what top beauty editors do to rid themselves of shine - blotting papers. These powdery pieces of paper will absorb oils without coating skin. I especially like the blotting papers that Bobby Brown makes, which come in chic little packaging. But there are less expensive options that work as well.

Don't Sink!
The Wedge Will Save You!Stilletos are great, but they won't work at an outdoor wedding. Whether sinking into the grass, or tripping on cobblestones, you'll wish you'd worn a more sensible shoe. A wedge heel will be far more comfortable. Or, you can go for the very trendy ballerina flat.

Act Like an Onion – Wear Layers
If you're traveling to another city, make sure you pack a cardigan or jacket that coordinates with the outfit you plan to wear to the wedding. Even on a warmer day, a light sweater will keep the sun off of your shoulders, preventing sun damage.

Wear Sunscreen
It may seem like a no-brainer, but sunscreen is a must. Especially when you're trying to stay cool, the last thing you want is a blistering sunburn. You never know when the sun will shift, and you'll be standing in full sun, without the possibility of moving to shade.

Consider a Hat
In Europe, wearing a hat to a fancy wedding is de rigueur. So adding a hat to your outfit will not only shield your face, but it will add some European punch to your ensemble.

Parasol Means Stop the Sun
You remember how chic Audrey Hepburn looked in My Fair Lady. You don't have to be as fancy as she was to carry a parasol to shade you from the sun. Be sure to sit in a place where you aren't blocking others' views.

Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Cosmo's Anyone?

So it has been so hot lately that I was setting last night thinking about drinks and the all time classic came to mind "The Cosmopolitan".



It is such a great drink, esspecially in the summer when it is warm. It would be a great choice for a signature during a cocktail hour or a wedding reception.

You could even put a nice twist to it by calling it a cute name like "The ____ Cosmo" and put in your name or your new last name. It really personalizes it.




So I figured for all those out there that might not have experienced the Cosmo, the recipe is below.

Basic Cosmo Drink Recipe

1 ounce vodka

Cranberry juice cocktail

Pour 1 ounce vodka and cranberry juice cocktail over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake til chilled. Serve on the rocks in a Highball glass.


Spiffed Up Cosmopolitan (This is the best Cosmopolitan Drink recipe, in my opinion.)

1/2 jigger lime juice

1 jigger vodka (Absolut Citron vodka is best)

1 jigger Triple Sec

1 jigger Cranberry Juice Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients. Shake til very cold. Strain into chilled martini cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Recipe courtesy of Hubpages.




Happy Planning,
Shafonne

Do and Don'ts of Cutting your Wedding Cake

Cake by Hanic's Cake Shoppe






I found an article today that I thought was very informative and well written in regards to the traditional cutting of your wedding cake. The article was found on WeddingCakeCreations.com

Weddings are heavy with tradition and symbolism and cutting the wedding cake is certainly among the most significant acts that the married couple will do at the reception hall. It is a moment that symbolizes so many things including the couple’s fertility, the first act performed together and the beginning of their new life. It is a sentimental moment that is also very festive and merry. In order to make sure that the cutting of the wedding cake goes off without a hitch, here are a few tips for you to follow:

Dos:

1. Make sure that the timing is appropriate. If you are hosting a brunch or tea, cut the cake just after the guests have gone through the receiving line. If you are throwing a lunch or supper reception then cut the cake after supper and just before the desserts are served.
2. Make sure to get everyone’s attention by either having your MC announce the event or by replaying the first dance song. Then have someone from the bridal party – typically the best man make a toast to the couple.
3. Cut the cake with the groom’s right hand gently holding the bride’s right hand – and make sure to slice through the bottom layer!
4. Feed one another from the slice you cut. Typically the groom will first feed the bride and then the bride will feed the groom.
5. Make sure that the bride serves the groom’s parents a piece of cake and that the groom serves the bride’s parents a piece of cake.
6. Designate a friend or someone from the catering staff to cut and serve the rest of the cake to your guests.
7. Make sure that the photographer and videographer are aware of the event before cutting the wedding cake.
8. Try to use a special silver cake knife – either an heirloom or one that you purchase especially for the occasion.

Don’ts:

* Although some people like to smash cake into each other’s faces, it is not a very elegant or dignified thing to do. Not only will it ruin the bride’s makeup (which in many cases was applied professionally) but as this is the first act that the couple performs as husband and wife, it does not bode well for a future of wedded bliss – besides, everything you do will be captured on film and video for generations to come.

If there is a sweet table being served at a wedding, it is generally opened with the cutting of the cake. After this tasty ceremony it is time to hit the dance floor and truly enjoy this day on which you begin your new lives together


What flavor did you get for your wedding cake?

Happy Planning,
Shafonne