Unique Beach Wedding Décor

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Andrea

A beach is the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding and reception. With plenty of sunshine, water and sand, your beach only needs some unique décor to make it outstanding. Consider these unique ideas for beach wedding décor when planning your romantic beach wedding.

Abalone Shells

Abalone shells are a wonderful decorative accent for a beach wedding, and feature a gorgeous mother-of-pearl coating on the inside. They can be placed on tables, filled with a little sand, and then used to hold candles. When turned upside down, they make such a great container that they can also be used to hold tiny flower arrangements for each guest.

Abalone Shell Alter Decor

Photo Source: valleyandcoblog.com

Abalone Shell Chair Decor

Photo Source: briggsphotography.com

Driftwood

Driftwood is a beautiful and natural accessory that can be used many different ways for beach wedding décor. Brides can glue tealight candles to larger “branches” of driftwood for an elegant candle display, and bundles of driftwood can be tied with raffia and placed as table centerpieces. Include a few colorful flowers and you’ve got a gorgeous centerpiece that works very well for a beach wedding.

Driftwood and Flower Centerpiece

Photo Source: diy-enthusiasts.com

Driftwood and Flower Aisle Decor

Photo Source: yvonnedesign.com

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can make an ordinary beach wedding into an extraordinary affair. Large umbrellas can be purchased or rented to provide shade for guests as the couple says their vows. Colorful drink umbrellas can also be used to decorate tables and dress up foods in a tropical beach wedding.

Parasols for Wedding Guests

Photo Source: juliemikos.com

Umbrella Wedding Decor

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Large Garden Poles

Garden polls with hooks normally designed to hold planters can double as lantern or hanging candle holders at a beach wedding. They’re great as aisle markers that the bride will walk through as she meets her future husband at the altar. Although they traditionally come in black, they can be painted in the bride’s wedding colors easily.

Garden Pole and Flower Aisle Decor

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Garden Pole Aisle Decor

Photo Source: prwedding.com

Messages in a Bottle

Few things are more romantic than a message in a bottle, and they make fantastic beach wedding décor. They can be used as table décor, and with careful construction, can even be used as place cards for each guest.

Message in a Bottle Decor

Photo Source: partyresources.blogspot.ca

Beach weddings are beautiful and memorable, and with the right décor, can be breathtaking. Consider these décor elements for your beach wedding, and let your creativity and imagination run wild.

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Wedding Tips: How to Look Your Best on Your Big Day

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Andrea

Every bride wants to look her absolute best on her wedding day, especially when the photographer starts snapping pictures. If you want to ensure that you are glowing on your big day, you should start a few months in advance. Here are some tips for looking great for your wedding.

2-3 Months in Advance

If you want to lose a few pounds before your big day, now is the time to start. Increase your exercise regimen to include a 15 to 30 minute brisk walk each day, and start eating lighter. Avoid sugary and fatty foods and snack more on vegetables and fruits. You can also burn more calories by making your day a little bit harder. For instance, take the stairs rather than the elevator, swim for an hour each day and park further out in the parking lot when you go shopping.

Woman Exercising

1 Month in Advance

You’re probably considering a spray tan or several afternoons in the tanning bed to give you a healthy glow before the big day. If you’re going to start tanning, you’ll want to start now, and visit the tanning bed 1 to 2 times a week. If you’re going to get a spray tan, try one now so you know it’s not going to be too orange or streaky for your wedding day. If you want a brighter smile, now is a great time to consider having your teeth whitened or using an at home whitening kit.

Woman getting a Spray Tan

Photo Source: jadabeauty.com

1 Week in Advance

Now is when you should get your final spray tan. You never want to get it the day before, just in case the tan doesn’t work out well. Getting it now gives you a week for it to fade slightly. If you’re considering having a haircut, now is the best time to get it. Again, doing this the day before could create panic if the haircut doesn’t turn out how you planned.

Wedding Day Haircut

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2 Days in Advance

Exfoliate your skin thoroughly now, so it has time to heal and any reddening can fade before the big day. You’ll want to do your manis and pedis now, too, so your fingers and toes look great (especially if you’re wearing open toe shoes). Now is also a great time for waxing to make sure your skin is smooth, silky and hair-free.

French Style Mani Pedi

Photo Source: nagelstudiohennie.com

If you follow these tips, you’ll have the day before to relax before getting make-up and hair done the morning of your wedding, and you’ll look fantastic for your groom and your wedding pictures.

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Fun Wedding Diary: Future Gift

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Andrea

Here’s a wonderful idea for soon-to-be brides that plan on having a family. Create a wedding diary to give to your oldest daughter when it’s time for her to start planning a wedding! It’s a super special gift that she’ll absolutely love. Here’s how to do it.

The Book

Purchase a small scrap book with plenty of pages and make sure it’s acid-free paper so it will last a long time without fading or turning yellow. There are many different kinds of books, and you can even get one embossed with your name and wedding date.

Wedding Scrap Book

Photo Source: flickr.com/photos/84195770@N02/8557972943

What to Add

As you go through the wedding planning process, make little notes and tips that will be useful for your future daughter. You can add magazine clippings, pictures from brochures, pictures you’ve taken yourself or other little mementos from your planning. Add invitations from your bridal shower, wedding invitations and save the date cards, etc.

Bridesmaids

Photo Source: wedding-diary.me

Making it Extra Special

When the wedding is over, place a beautiful wedding photo at the end of the book and perhaps an inspirational quote or something similar. This will wrap up the book and create the “happily ever after.” This is a wonderful gift that your daughter will absolutely love, and if you don’t have a daughter, it can be a very touching gift for a daughter in law or close family member.

Wedding Kiss

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5 Fun Wedding Ideas Involving the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Andrea

If you’ve chosen your flower girl and your ring bearer, you’re probably super excited to see them in action. You can make their job more fun and add some cute details to your wedding with these fun ideas!

Ring Bearer and Flower Girl

Photo Source: logancoleblog.com

Love Note

Send a love note down the aisle with your ring bearer or flower girl and instruct them to give it to the groom. It can say whatever you’d like! Try something like, “I can’t wait to kiss you,” or “I can’t wait to be your wife.”

Banners 

Give the flower girl a flag to carry or if you have 2 flower girls, give them a banner that says, “Here Comes the Bride.” This is super cute and a charming touch to your wedding.

Flower Girls with Banner

Photo Source: http://thestarryeyedbride.tumblr.com/

Roses

As the flower girl goes down the aisle with her basket of petals, have her select a few guests to present flowers to! This is a charming gesture and will really delight your guests. You can do the same with the ring bearer!

Themed Weddings

Make the most of your themed weddings by dressing your flower girl appropriately. For instance, for a country wedding, dress your flower girl in cowgirl boots and a tutu! For a hollywood wedding, give her oversized sunglasses and a head scarf. This is super cute and a great way to play up those themes.

Flower Girl in Tutu Dress with Flag

Photo Source: bridalguide.com

For Older “Flower Girls”

If you want to include a young girl who is too old to be a flower girl, ask her to be your junior bridesmaid. This is perfect for a girl between the ages of 10 and 16. Her dress can be more age-appropriate, and she could walk hand in hand with an older ring bearer.

These fun ideas will delight your flower girl and ring bearer, and will add a touch of charm and a lot of “cute” to your wedding!

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Wedding Websites: Keeping Friends and Family Informed

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Andrea

Wedding websites are the perfect way to provide information to friends and family members who will be attending your wedding. It gives them a centralized location to obtain information, such as the time and place, where you’re registered, and additional important information. Here are a few tips for utilizing your wedding website to its full potential.

RSVP

Many wedding websites will give you the option of allowing guests to RSVP through the website. This is a wonderful idea because it’s so simple that many guests are likely to RSVP quickly. It gives them an additional RSVP option and allows you to determine more quickly how many guests are attending.

Wedding Website RSVP

Maps

One of the benefits of a high quality wedding website is the ability to upload maps. This is a wonderful help, especially for guests who will be attending from out of town. Maps can outline the ceremony and reception sites, as well as local area hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

Wedding Website Maps

Mailing Lists

Another huge benefit of wedding websites is the ability to create a mailing list. You can have guests sign up so that they can quickly receive information as soon as it is posted. This might include information regarding meal choices, attire, location or anything else. It’s beneficial and convenient.

Wedding Website Mailing List

Photos

Photos are an integral part of a wedding website, and will allow your family and friends access to a sweet, intimate part of you and your future spouse’s life. You can include photos like the engagement photo, a series of photos outlining your relationship, wedding planning photos to get tips and advice, and more.

Wedding Website Photo Albums

Overall, the benefits of a wedding website are substantial. It allows friends and family the ability to keep in touch even during the months that you’re extremely busy planning your wedding.

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DIY Wedding Food: Creating Delicious. Elegant Meals on a Budget

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Andrea

These days, brides are taking more things into their own hands when it comes to their weddings. Rather than hiring wedding planners, DJs, and a whole slew of individuals, a lot of brides are doing things themselves or recruiting friends and family for help. Wedding food is no different, and your meal can be even more delicious if you do it yourself instead of hiring a caterer.

Delicious, Cheap Hors D’Ouevres

Cold hors d’ouevres are easier because you don’t have to worry about keeping them warm, but both can be done fairly easily and cheaply. Make delicious fruit kebabs with fresh sliced cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi and peaches. You can also make tinier cold hors d’ouevres with mozzarella cheese, grape tomatoes, zucchini slices and black olives drizzled in vinaigrette.

Fruit Kabobs

Photo Source: kid-friendly-cooking.com

For hot hors d’ouevres, consider a buffet style warming plate to keep them hot. Broiled slices of roma tomatoes on top of wheat crackers and sprinkled with parmesan and herbs are a great and affordable option. Sliders are a very popular appetizer and very affordable as well.

Main Meal

For your entrée or your main meal, working with a budget can be difficult. However, there are some great ways to save money while creating delicious food. Consider foods that make large portions easily, like chili, certain types of stew, or spaghetti. When the food is cooked well and served elegantly, your guests will love it. You can also consider having a “potluck” meal where friends and family bring different dishes.

Italian Wedding Soup

Photo Source: asweetroad.com

Alternatives

Many brides are doing non-traditional snacks or meals for their reception. Rather than serving food, have a candy buffet with an assortment of candy in pretty glass jars with scoops and bags available. Or, have a dessert menu that features some of your favorite desserts. These are great options for receptions that fall between meals when guests have likely already eaten.

Black and White Candy Buffet

Photo Source: bestdayever.fi

While wedding planning can be stressful when you’re on a budget, there are always DIY wedding food and other alternatives you can consider.

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5 Wedding Hacks to Make Your Day Perfect

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Andrea

Every bride fears that something is going to go wrong on her wedding day. While there’s no way to ensure that absolutely nothing will go wrong, there are some great “hacks” that can help you take care of problems that arise quickly and easily.

1. You Wake Up with a Pimple

The last thing you want to notice in your wedding photos is a pimple on your face! You can shrink a pimple quickly by putting a dab of Listerine on it and leaving it for 10 minutes. The swelling will go down and it will be easier to cover with makeup.

Checking Ance in Mirror

Photo Source: katienormalgirl.com

2. You Forgot to Include Something in an Invitation Envelope

If you forgot a RSVP card or a map in one of your invitation envelopes but don’t want to ruin the envelope, stick it in the freezer for 15 minutes. It will open easily and you will be able to re-use it. This is perfect for brides who pay for professional calligraphy.

Wedding Invitation Inserts

Photo Source: smittenonpaper.com

3. You Feel Nauseous

It can be normal to feel nauseous on your wedding day – whether it’s your nerves, the heat, etc. To stop this feeling, eat a peppermint or chew mint gum.

4. Shoes Too Tight?

Whether it’s the bride’s shoes, the groom’s shoes or someone in the wedding party, here’s a quick trick. Put on a pair of socks, put the shoes on and then blow-dry the shoes for 10 minutes. They will fit!

Wedding Shoes with Rhinestones

Photo Source: brides-book.com

5. You Got Deodorant on Your Dress

This is a simple fix. Simply rub the deodorant stain with a dryer sheet. It will absorb the deodorant!

Blue Stripe Wedding Dress

Photo Source: alowcountrywed.com

While you can’t prevent small disasters on your wedding day, you can certainly make them more bearable with these easy and simple fixes!

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5 Ways to Calm Your Nerves on the Big Day

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Andrea

Pre-wedding jitters are not necessarily a sign of cold feet, and this is something that happens to almost everyone who ties the knot. It’s a big step and the future is always uncertain, so feeling anxious and nervous is normal. There are some things you can do to soothe your frayed nerves and enjoy the moment! Here are 5 simple tricks.

Learn Centering Techniques – When you learn to center yourself, you can calm your nerves almost instantly. A quick way to do this is to close your eyes, breathe slowly and imagine roots growing from your feet and into the earth below you. Imagine those roots curving back up on both sides and going back down into the crown of your head – a never ending cycle. Visualize this for a few minutes until you feel centered and grounded.

Yoga/Meditation

Photo Source: growsoulbeautiful.com

Breathing Techniques – Have you ever been so nervous that you feel light-headed? Most of the time, this is due to breathing too quickly or hyperventilating. Practice breathing slowly; in through your nose and out through your mouth. Inhale slowly for eight seconds and then pause for eight seconds before exhaling for eight seconds. Breathing slowly will help you get your nerves under control.

Breathing Technique

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Sneak a Cocktail – You don’t want to go down the aisle smelling of booze but having a pre-wedding cocktail can really calm your anxiety and allow you to enjoy the process rather than being a bundle of nerves.

Cocktail

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Chew Peppermint – You can settle your tummy by chewing on peppermint candy before the wedding. The plus is that your breath will be minty fresh for your kiss with your new hubby!

Peppermint Candy

Photo Source: justkeepswimmingirl.tumblr.com

Stay in the Moment – Many people have a defense reaction where they feel like they’re moving through a blur when they’re nervous. Force yourself to stay in the moment by noticing various things. For instance, “this is my wedding day. There is my future husband standing at the altar. This is my father’s hand that I’m holding.” Keep noticing small details like this to keep yourself firmly in the present.

Each of these techniques can help you calm down so that you’re able to enjoy the day and remember it clearly when you look back!

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How to Preserve Your Wedding Dress after the Wedding

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Andrea

Most brides want to hang on to their wedding dress after the big day, and many will want to pass their dresses on to their daughters in the future. It’s important to learn how to preserve the dress so it will last throughout the years of your marriage.

Have a Seamstress Examine It

After the ceremony, have a seamstress examine the dress to make sure there are no loose threads or missing bead work. The seamstress can make any necessary repairs before you store the dress to ensure that it’s in excellent condition.

Wedding Dress

Have the Dress Cleaned

Next, you’ll want to have the dress professionally cleaned. You can take the dress to your local dry cleaner’s and ask them to make sure it’s professionally cleaned, and not with other types of clothing. If your local dry cleaner doesn’t have the equipment to properly clean the dress, they will have resources that you can use to get the dress cleaned.

Storing the Dress in a Box

It’s best to store your dress in a box, because years of hanging on a hanger can be stressful on the fabric. There are acid-free boxes and acid-free tissue paper online that you can order to store your dress in. Carefully fold the dress, wrap it in tissue paper and place it in the box. It should be kept in the closet, away from sunlight. The dress should be taken out of the box every year or so and allowed to breathe for a day before you store it again.

Wedding Gown Preservation

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There are professional companies that offer wedding dress preservation services, if you don’t feel you can do it or don’t want to risk doing it yourself. It’s important to preserve that beautiful dress so you can pass it on to your loved ones in the future.

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Wedding Thank-You Note Cheat Sheet

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Andrea

So you’ve looked up tips on writing wedding thank you notes, but you’re still not sure what’s right and what’s not. Well, you’re in luck. We’ve created this helpful wedding thank you note cheat sheet to help.

Personalized Thank You Note

Photo Source: etsy.com

Dear _____ (always insert the proper name!),

Thank you [thanks] so much [a ton/a whole bunch/ever so much] for helping us celebrate [being present on/attending/being a part of] our special day [our wedding and reception/our big day/one of the most important days of our lives].

We couldn’t be happier with [are thrilled with/are so thankful for/are in love with/absolutely adore] your amazing [your wonderful/your very kind/your special/your perfect/your thoughtful] gift. We plan to use it for our first Christmas dinner [our first home/our honeymoon/our kitchen/our first dinner party].

Again, thank you so much for attending and for [driving all that way/looking fantastic/all of your help/all the memories/the laughs and the love].

Sincerely [Love/All Our Love/Best Wishes/With Our Love],

Name

This helpful cheat sheet shows you exactly what should be written on a wedding thank you note! It will make the process of writing thank you notes go by faster while everyone gets a hand-written note that is proper etiquette!

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