bridal shower

Hosted by the Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor or a friend of the family, The Bridal Shower is an old custom started centuries ago with family and friends "Showering" the bride and groom with gifts since the couple usually did not have much to begin their new lives together. It is customary to have at least one bridal shower but many times a bride may have multiple bridal showers hosted by different friends. Furthermore, some couples today have co-ed showers, including the groom and his friends.

Shower Gifts are customary to bring although traditionally they are not as large of a gift as the Wedding Gift. The shower gift is usually something practical and small, such as some of the more small items off of the wedding directory.

If you are planning the bridal shower it is important to work with the bride in who she wants to attend. If there are multiple showers, many times different people that are going to the wedding attend the different showers with some overlap. It is customary for the guests of any of the showers to be attending the wedding unless they are co-workers. As for the rest of the planning, it is sometimes nice to get a general idea of what the bride would like, although it is nice to plan many surprises (i.e., themes, games, etc) in which the bride has no idea.


Location: There are many great places to have a bridal shower. Traditionally, the shower was held in a home of the Maid of Honor, although now they are held in places such as restaurants, bars, hotels, halls, and country clubs. Regardless on where you have it, make sure it is convenient for most the guests.
Time: Bridal Showers usually take place a few weeks prior to the wedding. It is important to check out availability with the Bride, Groom and their families. In addition, it is important to take season and hour of day into consideration (i.e, Is it during the rainy or windy season which would make you have an indoor party).
Themes: Although traditionally there were no themes of Bridal Showers, recent times have shown different. Themes have become more popular with some ideas including:

• Lingerie Shower: Have the girls come over in P.J.'s or their nightime clothes and decorate the party as a "sleepover" Have the gifts of the bride consist of "bed and bath", lingerie, bikinis or anything sexy that her and the groom will enjoy!
• Recipe Shower: Have all the guests do a pot luck, serving their greatest meal while also bringing the recipes. Guests can either give kitchen items as gifts or serve the food in the bride and grooms gift (i.e., pot/pan, bowls, cups, utensils). This is a great way to feed the party as well as give reasonable gifts for the bride and groom.
• Multi-Cultural Shower: Have all the guests bring their favorite cultural dish "in" the bride and groom's bridal shower gift. Whether it is egg rolls and suschi on japanese plates (gift) or pasta fresh from a pasta maker (gift) it is a great way to give the bride and groom unique gifts. Decorate the party with decorations from different cultures.

Be sure to purchase your bridal shower favors, bridal shower invitation themes and bachelorette party supplies as early as possible.

www.bridesmaid101.com

seasonal wedding flowers

When you are planning on what flowers to use for the bridal dresses or wedding dress as well as the wedding itself, we have listed the top choices for each season. These are the flowers that seem to work the best:

Fall: Celosia, Chinese Lantern, Chrysanthemum, Crosnia, Dahlia, Statice, Yarrow. Note that in the Western US, most flowers are available this season.
Winter: Amaryllis, Casablanca Lily, Freesia, Gerber Daisy, Heather, Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Rose, Stephanotis.
Summer: Anemone, Azalea, Calla Lily, Camellia, Daffodil, French Tulip, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Jasmine, Lilac, Lily of the Valley, Mimosa, Pansy, Peony, Primrose, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Tulip, Violet.
Year Around: Baby's Breath, Carnation, Cattleman, Chrysanthemum, Cymbidium, Orchid, Daisy, Dendroblum Orchid, Freesia, Gardenia, Gerber Daisy, Gladiolus, Iris, Lilies, Protea, Roses, September Aster, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, Tuberoses.

Let us know if you have any other flowers you would recommend.

www.bridesmaid101.com

honeymoon destination USA

Do you wonder what USA destinations are most popular with couples on a honeymoon?

Based on traffic to http://www.about.com/, which reveals destinations most often researched on Honeymoon/Romantic Getaways, these are the leaders, in order of popularity:

TOP 10 USA HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS
1. Hawaii
2. New York/Niagara Falls
3. Florida
4. California
5. Las Vegas
6. Pennsylvania/Poconos
7. Colorado
8. Georgia
9. Virginia
10. Wine Country (California)

MORE ABOUT THE TOP 10 USA HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Despite the fact it's expensive to fly and lodge there, Hawaii ranks as no. 1 in honeymoon desirability -- and deserves its first-place status. Beautiful beaches and hidden coves; world-class hotels; fresh, inventive cuisine; watersports galore; extraordinary natural beauty; and perfect weather make this an ideal honeymoon destination year after year.

Coming in second, thanks to cities as diverse as New York and Niagara Falls, the Empire State has plenty to attract couples on a honeymoon. Everyone should see New York City at least once. If you have a few extra wedding dollars to spend on your honeymoon, this is the place to splurge. The world's best restaurants, hotels, shops, and theaters are all here.
Nearly 500 miles away, at the other end of the state, The Falls are affordable on both the US and Canadian sides, there's plenty to do, and seeing one of the natural wonders of the world adds to the excitement of a trip away from home. Nearby Niagara on the Lake is a charming and romantic wine growing area.

Third in popularity among honeymoon couples, Florida offers coast-to-coast fun. From the festive atmosphere of Miami and the Keys, to upscale Palm Beach and Boca Raton, to Walt Disney World in Orlando, to the action in Daytona and Cape Kennedy, to the gentle beaches and great sunsets on the Gulf Coast side, to the affordable accommodations of the Panhandle, it's one destination that offers something for all couples on a honeymoon who enjoy warm weather.

www.about.com

giving a maid of honor speech?

LEAVE THEM LAUGHING: The best speeches are usually the funny ones ... the kind where everyone in the crowd is laughing, not just the bride. A great way to start out your speech is to tell a story or two about growing up together, and the amusing things that happened to you.

When it comes to this speech, a lot of maids like to wing it — not write anything down, and hope for the best. I think they often hope this will create a natural, spontaneous effect, but I'm not always sure that's the result. At any rate, on such a big day, it makes sense to put in the extra effort and write down a few prepared remarks.
We all know that most of us don't like to speak in front of other people. We tend to get nervous when we know we have to make a speech, and we procrastinate a little. Having a few prepared notes makes life a lot easier on that front as well.

www.favorideas.com

processional and recessional

One of the grandest part of any wedding ceremony is when the bridal party makes its entrance. The air is full of anticipation, and the groom anxiously awaits his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress. But do you know what order your bridal party should walk in? And who escorts the mother of the bride?

Different types of wedding processionals

The order of wedding processionals follows a general pattern, but varies according to religious traditions.



For example, here is a Catholic wedding processional:

1. The priest, groom, and best man enter through a side door and wait at the altar.
2. The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down in pairs, starting with the two who will stand farthest from the bride and groom, and ending with the best man and maid of honor.
3. The ring bearer and/or flower girl
4. The bride and her father, or other close family member.
5. The bride walks on the left side. If the bride's escort is her father, he leads her to the front of the aisle, then takes his seat next to the bride's mother.

However, for a Jewish wedding processional, the order goes something like this:

1. The Rabbi and/or cantor
2. Grandparents of the bride, who are then seated in the first row
3. Grandparents of the groom, who are then seated in the first row
4. Groomsmen, walking in pairs
5. Best man
6. The groom, who is escorted by his parents.
7. Bridesmaids
8. Maid or Matron of Honor
9. Ring bearer and/or flower girl
10. The bride, escorted by her parents

*from http://www.about.com/

wedding tips: pre-ceremony

• Have a designated person to be the personal attendant of the day. This friend - usually not part of the wedding party - will be responsible for assisting the bride in matters such as making sure the vendors are doing what they are paid to do, the right photo is (photos are) taken, the bridal party is announced, wedding participants are in place ready to go, etc. It may even be helpful to have a separate bride’s attendant and groom’s attendant.
  
• Be extremely specific about when each person involved in the wedding should arrive. Don’t automatically assume that everyone will know when to show up…you might be surprised as to how many people think they are exceptions! Be clear on when musicians vs. vendors vs. the bridal party vs. family members and other helpers such as ushers and greeters should arrive.


• Have 2-3 greeters and a separate gift table attendant, and be clear on who is transporting what to and from the ceremony. The 2-3 greeters can focus on making sure people know where to go and ensuring guests sign the guestbook properly, while the gift table attendant should focus on receiving and tracking the gifts.
  
• Regarding the gift table, a great way to track gifts is to have a gift log with some stickers that you can write numbers on. When each guest drops off a guest, stick a number on the gift and note it in the gift log (i.e. sticker #1 refers to Mr. and Mrs. Smith). This will go a long way in making the thank-you-care-writing process much easier! Another reason it is important to have a person focused specifically on the gifts is for their watchful eye, as there have been occasions when gifts have disappeared. Weddings are prime targets for theft, as passersby know that guests are bringing lots of bright and shiny things for the newlywed couple!

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september bridal shows

THE GREAT BRIDAL EXPO
Sept 5, 2008 at 5:30 PM~9:30 PM
New York Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, New York NY 10036)
Online purchase of $7.00 per ticket. At show $9 per ticket (if available)
http://www.greatbridalexpo.com/

Bronx's Ultimate Bridal Fashion Show
Sept 10, 2008 at 7:00 PM~9:00 PM
Villa Barone Manor (737 Throgs Neck Expressway, Bronx NY 10465)
FREE admission
http://www.bridalaffair.com/

Cake Decorating & Candy Class
Sept 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM~2:00 PM
Creative Cakes & Candy making school (115 Lincoln Road Suite 3B, Brooklyn NY 11225)
$100 for four classes
http://www.scrumptiousbitescateringservice.food.officelive.com/

2008 Fall Bridal Extravaganza
Sept 17, 2008 at 7:00 PM~9:30 PM
Surf Club (New Rochelle, NJ)
FREE admission
http://www.everythingbridalshows.com/

Bosco's NY Bridal Show & Wedding Planning Expo
Sept 17, 2008 at 6:30 PM~9:30 PM
Villa Barone Hilltop Manor (466 Route 6, Mahopac, NY)
Admission is $8.00. All brides who purchase their tickets through the web site will receive a FREE CANVAS TOTE BAG at the show, a $15 value. Plus you will get a COUPON VALUED at $100.
http://boscobridal.com/

Bosco's NY Bridal Show & Wedding Planning Expo
Sept 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM~9:30 PM
Antun's of Queens Village (96-43 Springfield Blvd., Queens Village, NY)
Admission is $8.00. All brides who purchase their tickets through the web site will receive a FREE CANVAS TOTE BAG at the show, a $15 value. Plus you will get a COUPON VALUED at $100.
http://boscobridal.com/

Brooklyn's Ultimate Bridal Fashion Show
Sept 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM~9:00 PM
The Rex Manor (1100 60th Street, Brooklyn NY 11219)
FREE admission
http://www.bridalaffair.com/

Wine and Cheese Bridal Showcase
Sept 23, 2008 at 6:45 PM~9:00 PM
Union Square Ballroom (27 Union Square West, Manhattan NY 10003)
FREE admission
http://www.thepros.com/

Wine and Cheese Bridal Showcase
Sept 24, 2008 at 6:45 PM~9:00 PM
The Forge Restaurant (Rt 9, Woodbridge NJ 07095)
FREE admission
http://www.thepros.com/

South Jersey Wedding planning Showcase
Sept 24, 2008 at 6:30 PM
The Merion (Rt. 130 South, Cinnaminson, NJ)
Tickets are $5.00 in advance for our VIP line otherwise $10.00 at the door the night of the event.
http://www.bridaltradeshows.com/

Honeymoon Bridal Expo
Sept 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM~6:00 PM
Helen Mills Event Space and Theater (137-139 West 26 Street, New York NY 10001)
Tickets are $25.00
http://www.honeymoonbridalexpo.com/

lucky rice

The wedding toss is a lovely American tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome. Throwing things at a newly wed couple is intended to symbolize good luck, fertility and abundance. It is also a wonderful way for your guests to partake in the ceremony and share in the festivities.

Fun Notes: Some individuals, churches or communities choose birdseed because of a widely believed myth that the birds eating the rice will burst.

'must know' about outdoor weddings

If you decided to have an outdoor wedding, first of all, congratulations! You've probably been envisioning of your outdoor wedding since your brain acquired the word 'wedding.' As beautiful an outdoor wedding can be, there can be small flaws that can prevent the 120% perfect wedding...
Therefore, I've summarized some of the 'must-know' for your outdooor wedding.

1. Lighting. If it's possible, visit the location in the same month and around same time of your wedding (for example, the previous year) to know how, when, and what is the best spot for your wedding. Some of the questions you might want to consider are:

• What time is sunset? Will the guests need extra lighting after sunset? Will the photographer need additional lighting after sunset?
• Will the sun shine directly to the bridal party and guests? Will the photographer be uncomfortable in taking pictures because of the strong sunshine?
• Are all the pathways for the guests bright enough, such as path to the parking lot, from and to tables?
• Things that help: ushers serving cold beverages, fans (either personal or huge electric ones) and tent to shade the sunshine.

2. Bad Weather. Always have a back up plan. The most imporant thing you must remember is that you should always stress-free. Do not panic. Just have all the back up plans ready. Another tip is let your guests know that the wedding is outdoor so that they can dress appropriately.

• What if it rains? Find out if there is an option of an indoor hall. This would be the best 'plan B.' If else, renting a tent would be a second choice. However, make sure that this second plan will only work for showers or light rain. A third option, you may change location. You can find out a different location nearby the original location where it is indoor. But make sure you let your guests know of this by posting a visible sign at the entrance and/or calling guests and have the guest inform other guests.
• What if it gets too chilly? Again, make sure you let your guest know that it is an outdoor wedding so that they can dress warm. You may want to add a note onto your invitation. Things that might help: personal blankets and portable heaters.
• What if it gets too windy? Make sure you pin all the table clothes, either with large vases or pins. Also, weddings are full of candles. Be aware that the wind can blow out the candles. Alternatives can be if you use large candle holders, fishbowls or decorative hurricane lamps.

Most importantly, the bride, you should look pretty at all times. Make sure you tell your hair stylist and make-up artist about the outdoor wedding. Also, you might want to choose appropriate dresses for yourself and the bridesmaids. Choose dresses that are not too puffy but yet not of a too-light fabric material as it can easily be blown out by the wind. The length of the dress is very important as well...

3. Bugs. These can be very dangerous. They can make your guests, bridal party and family uncomfortable. Make sure you know what can prevent the bugs from invading your wedding: ask the manager and/or specialist. If the location is known for too many bugs, have citronella candles or bug zappers to keep these uninvited bugs away.

4. Noise. If your wedding is at a beach or at a noisy park, make sure you prepare appropriate sound system. Ask your DJ to accomodate this. You do not want your guests to leave your wedding feeling that they have not heard one word from the ceremony. On the other hand, some places may have noise restrictions on how loud you can be (for example, parks or other public places). Make sure you read your contract to find out rules and details on this. Some places you may even need permit to have the wedding itself.

5. Decorations. The best part. You may be able to save money on decorations as the outdoor environment is itself a beautiful decoration. However, you may need to worry about different issues: make sure that the grass is nicely mowned, ground raked, trees are not interfering with the ceremony location, and supplement with chair decorations, topiaries, columns, aisle bows and runners, and ceremony arch to jist up the outdoor setting.

Hopefully, my 'must-know' helps your outdoor wedding be 120% perfect!

My Experience with the Marriage License

So....my hubby and I totally forgot about getting the marriage license, with running around getting all the final details checked, the license did not even cross our minds! lets just say Thank God that I remembered it two days before the wedding! If not, because of the 24 hours waiting period (meaning, that you must not get married within 24 hours) who knows what would have happened.

I had a intensive checklist, but how did I forget the most important item? Brides and Grooms, this should be on your top TOP to do list.

Some tips that might help out....

1) Go early! depending on the season your wedding is in....the wait is going to be long. I got married in June, so that was a busy season. We had to wait outside of the court (not even inside!) for almost 45 mins. I suggest to go maybe 15 mins before the court opens and just wait there, grab some coffee and breakfast, this can reduce the wait time.

2) $40 Fee ONLY in money order. The court does not accept anything else. Luckily there are plenty of stores around that has money order services.

3) DO NOT FORGET GOVERNMENT ID!!!! My hubby and I were good to go on this, but I saw lots of couples inside where one forgot to bring, sucks to come back!

4) There is a municipal parking lot right next to it. It's not really out in the open, so my hubby and I had to drive, and drive to find parking =( On the main road, there are only one hour meter parking....there is no parking around the residential areas....municipal parking lot is the way to go! You park and pay for whatever time you think you need.

5) Lastly, Don't forget to mail in the license after your wedding. Once again, my hubby and I forgot. It says on the license that it must be mailed in within 7 days of the wedding, we mailed it in 2 weeks after. But all was good, and we were issued the marriage certificate. phew~

I went to the court in Queens, NY...which is on Queens Blvd.

Hopefully this will help...

Next....my DIY projects~