My Wedding To-Be.com

Will You? I Do. (Q/A)

2008-08-15T13:21:00.001-04:00

Will You? (Q:)

How do you find someone to officiate the wedding when you haven’t been an avid church attendee?

I Do. (A)

There are a few ways to find an officiate. First of all, when you get married there are two people involved. If one person has a family church and one person does not, head to the family church first and ask them for their guidance. This is of course if you are looking for a different church. Sometimes they will be able to assist in finding a church they are affiliated with in the location you desire. Also, you can call any church and ask if they will be willing to hold the ceremony under their roof. If you are baptized usually a church will consider doing the ceremony.

The Initial Change ...

2008-07-16T15:07:00.002-04:00

How to change your Maiden Name!

With every state and county there are slightly different rules to changing your last name once you’re married. If of course you choose to change it at all! The general idea is here though … from hyphenating to changing, it’s all the same! There are also some tips about the initial change

Before the “I Do”

1. Tell bridesmaids, family, guests – anyone who will listen – you’re changing your name. You will have guests who want to monogram towels for you and you want to make sure those gifts have the correct initials.

2. When making honeymoon reservations, plane reservations etc. PLEASE make them with your MAIDEN NAME! I repeat, your MAIDEN NAME! It takes time to change your name and you won't have a passport or drivers license in your new name – you would not want to spend your honeymoon in the airport trying to convince security it’s you.

3. As a courtesy, tell your job you will be changing names. This way if they order new business cards, change paycheck companies etc. they will know and be prepared with the correct information.

After the “I Do”

1. You’ll want the government to know who you are so you’ll have to get a new social security card. Once you get your marriage license (which usually takes a couple of weeks to arrive in the mail), download a form from the Social Security website. Then take that completed form, the marriage license and your ID to your local social security office to get a new card. (If you've gotten creative with your last name, you may have an additional form to fill out)

2. Now that the IRS can find you during tax season, the police are the next guests on your list. Your driver’s license is easy; just take your marriage certificate to the DMV and they will change it up. Some state's DMV may require your new social security card but most will accept only the marriage certificate. Just contact your local DMV to be sure before you head over.

3. Now… just the basics at work. You’ll have to take your new social security card to your Human Resource department at the office and change your financial information. Even your taxes will change and you want to be sure to get credited correctly!

~

For everyone else, including bank, insurance policies, credit cards, utilities, creditors, and membership organizations, type up a letter with all of your information on it, including name, address, new name, account number, and possibly your social security number, and include a copy of your marriage license. There should be no charges to change your name. Also, be sure to order new checks, new credit cards … new stationary.

After all the changes have been legally made, all you have to do it get used to the sound of someone calling you by a different name! It will sound funny at first, but as you start using your new last name, everyone else will catch on. Don't be afraid to courteously correct people when they erroneously use your maiden name.

Happy Summer!

2008-06-11T11:25:00.001-04:00

Well ...

It's about DAMN time I get back on this thing! I have been so busy with work and my own wedding planning I haven't had time to spread the love.

Just wanted to let you know, I am back. It may take a while to kick-start me up again but there will be posts. Promise.

Thanks everyone, hope you're having a great summer so far!

Groom-To-Be 101

2008-02-29T23:23:00.000-05:00

So, you emptied your bank account, bought the ring, popped the question, and now you get to kick back until your wedding day rolls around, right? That's one way to do it but the best way to keep your future wife happy and keep you from sleeping on the couch, is to get involved. In the end you'll be glad you were involved and the payoff will much more worthwhile.

1. Free Your Mind (and the rest will follow)
This is just as much your wedding as is it your bride's. Let your opinion on reception location, church, color scheme, food & music be known. It is important that this day be something that represents the two of you as a couple. She will appreciate the fact that you are getting involved. Not to mention, when Aunt Clarice asks about the planning you will have an answer... she will also be thankful to you taking some of the questions.

2. Relish Your Registry

It may seem like an awful way to spend your Saturday or Sunday; especially if it's football season, but think about it: You get to wander around a store (granted it has a lot of kitchen stuff), picking things you want that you know someone most likely will buy you -- you can’t beat that. Better yet, it’s now common to shop beyond the kitchen department. Go to the power tool department or the grill department - Hell, just go to Home Depot! Seriously. You can do that!

3. Don't Be a Pushover -- Really

She wants to register for a yellow comforter with little pink flowers. All you can see when you look at it all your friends laughing at you. Try to meet her in the middle. Tell her the color yellow is fine but you're just not too sure about the pink flowers, maybe there is another yellow with a different pattern... slowly remove the scan gun from her hand and walk her away. She most likely is on wedding overload and just needs a fresh opinion. She needs it from you. Find something you both like and you'll both be happy.

4. Give Her a Break
You need to make sure she doesn't have an ulcer by the time she walks down the aisle. Give her a night to relax and cook her dinner, do the dishes, rent her favorite movie (yes, even a chick flick), and remind her why wedding planning is worth the stress. Also, along the way, make sure you tell her what a great job she's doing.

5. Don’t Add Insult

Your fiance may complain about her mom who’s being a control freak, or about her uncle who wants to bring his new girlfriend, or her cousin who wants to bring all four of her kids. Don’t join in on the family bashing. Hear her out, agree with her, but don’t take this opportunity to tell her the things about her family that annoys you. Her bad mood will pass, but your careless comments may stick.

6. Arrange the Attire
Send out detailed emails to all your groomsmen filling them in on the info for the formal wear -- let them know when and where to get fitted for their tuxes, and remind them to return the suits the day after the wedding to avoid annoying late fees. Copy your fiance on the emails to prove that you've got everything under control. It may also be helpful to ask the guys to reply to all if they have a questions. This way you could avoid answering the same question 100 times and if you're not sure maybe your girl can help you out.

The more info you can share, the better. Got directions to the tux place? Include them. Don't assume they'll know anything about this stuff. Did you before you got engaged?

7. Manage Your Men

Know your friend who loses his car keys at least once a week? Probably better not to make him responsible for bringing your ring to the ceremony. And your buddy who tends to drink too much? Make sure one of your more reliable (or sober) groomsmen keeps him from flirting with your fiance’s mom at the rehearsal dinner. Your guys don't have to be saints, but they will have responsibilities, and it's your job to make sure they know what they are.

8. Get Sentimental

The day of your wedding, send her a gift, flowers, or a sweet note to read while she's getting ready. It will remind her all her hard work has been worth it, not to mention it will remind her of why she said 'yes' in the first place.

Groom Tested, Bride Approved.

2008-02-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

So you're the best bud, the wingman, the broski, the amigo, the comrade... the Best Man. Well, old chum, old pal, it looks like your best friend has tired of the days of 'scoring hot chicks' and smashing beer cans against his forehead. It is your job to wish him well with the biggest, baddest bachelor party this country has even seen. And by God you're gonna do it with a keg and a stripper!

Stop.

Think.

Haven't you been too about 100 of those kinds of bachelor parties before? Don't you get sick of those dollar pinching girls, EVER? Why not do something really manly, something adventurous, something you need some big you-know-whats to do. Try one of these ass-kicking, gut punching, scream like a girl activities and make sure your best friend knows what he is going to be missing as he says good-bye to his single life.

(If you are a bride, don't worry. All of these ideas have been "bride approved!" It's just good clean fun...)

Surf's Up, Bro

If the groom you're planning for knows how to surf and lives near the beach, grab your boards, your old Ace of Base tape (ok, ok... CD) for the road trip, pack a color of great 'beach' beers and go surfing. If he (or anyone in the group) is surf-impaired, try to arrange some group lessons to learn to ride the waves.

White-Water Rafting

Push the memory of you peeing the boat on the family canoe trip out of your mind, you can control your bladder now. White-water rafting is the perfect macho bachelor party activity and you can make a weekend out of it by camping - what could be more manly than man vs. nature and wiping your ass with a leaf?

Day of Thunder

Take the groom to the race track! He will be able to work off a little of his nervous energy in a fast and furious way! Check out RacingSchools.com for local tracks and programs, they have everything from dragsters, to stock cars and even go-karts for the daredevils! He'll be asking you to call him Mario Andretti by the time the checkered flag is waving.

Deep Sea Fishing

Fishing is an age-old bonding activity for men. Why not charter a deep-sea fishing boat and hope the groom gets to spend the better part of an afternoon wrestling with a marlin? Follow it up with crabs and beer on the deck.

Skydiving

You are going to be wearing one-piece jumpsuits, you are going to have another guy strapped to your back, your life depends on them... what could be better? This truly is a heart-pumping adventure if you really have a daredevil to plan a party for. Bring some portable horseshoes or a frisbee while you wait to jump and when you are teetering on the edge at 14,000 feet, don't forget to look down!

Bridesmaid 101... part 1

2008-02-16T21:05:00.010-05:00

Oh the glamour of a bridesmaid; you wear the finest dresses and are escorted down the aisle by the best looking men at the wedding. Ok, ok ... at least they are wearing tuxes.

So, your close friend asked you to stand by her on one of the most important days of her life ... heres what she did not ask you to do.

Lean on Me.

As a bridesmaid, you are the one the bride will turn to when stressed or frazzled from the details of planning. Most importantly, you just want to help in any way. Let the bride know you want to do whatever you can to help her, from picking up the grooms parents at the airport to addressing thank you notes!

Do whatever you can and let her know you are more than willing to help - and do not stop asking for a "job" to do until the "I do" and first dance are long over with.

Rain Over Me (the Bridal Shower).

Most showers today do not have the same pomp and circumstance they had in the early 20th century, but the purpose remains the same: gifts! As a bridesmaid, consult the bride on the theme of the party and the guest list, but ask in advance as to not overwhelm the bride.

Just remember, the bridal shower is supposed to be a little more classy than the bachelorette party, after all mom and maybe even grandma will be there. So smile, cut the crusts off your cucumber sandwiches and have some good, clean fun!

Girls Gone Wild! (the Bachelorette party).

A quiet evening of tea, crumpets and a game of mind tingling Scrabble is what bachelorette parties are all about. SOME bachelorette parties, however, decide to compete with the bar-hopping, raucous excitement of the notorious bachelor party. Some brides simply want a tame evening of martinis with their closest friends, but the most important thing as a bridesmaid is to remember who you are planning the party for ... you or your friend.

If your friend really is someone who would rather have a martini and play Monopoly all night with her closest friends, then that is really what you should try to plan. If your friend would rather go to a strip club and carry around a blowup man, then go for it. Whatever the style, location and gender of the stripper (shh!), the bridesmaids have the opportunity (read: financial responsibility) to make a memorable celebration!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-05T11:04:00.000-05:00

Well, you're either single or paired off and it's the most romantic time of year. Valentine’s Day. (Don't all jump for joy at once.) So, whether you're putting together a romantic dinner for two at home or throwing a Singles Only Valentine’s Day bash, below are some fun (and, of course, inexpensive) ways to decorate and have fun this February 14th ...

Stomachs Are the Way to Anyone's Heart:
- Bake cookies and cupcakes. Crate & Barrel have great heart shaped cookie cutters for just over $5; with those and Nestle Tollhouse’s pre-made sugar cookie dough you’re not spending a lot of time or money! You and yours (friends included) can decorate the cookies when they finish baking and then enjoy them over a nice glass of wine!

- Use a low open vase or clear glass bowl and fill it with conversation hearts! This will provide a colorful “centerpiece” in addition to tasty (?) snack and conversation starter.
(I saw this recently at a friend’s house and it was the cutest thing!)

Setting the Mood: (wink, wink!)
- All you need are some tea light candles and maybe some red streamers or faux red rose petals! Light the candles and scatter them all throughout the house (or bedroom) and sprinkle faux red rose petals (both available at Michaels & AC Moore) around the tea lights and you have instant romance …

- Music gets any party started, pick something that sets the mood you want. I would recommend Wynton Marsalis for a little romance and a little Cindy Lauper for a Singles Only bash, after all, “Girls, They Wanna Have Fun!”

Entertainment:
- At your singles only party, you can have fun laughing with and at each other playing, “Would You Rather? Love & Sex” (Urban Outfitters).

- Movies are an easy way to go, there are so many to choose from! When Harry Met Sally, Casablanca, Good Fellas… you name it, it’s out there!

Gifts:
- Books are always a nice gift on Valentine’s Day. Try ‘Other People’s Love Letters’, edited by Bill Shapiro or ‘Guess How Much I Love You’, by Sam McBratney (both at Barns & Noble)

The list of things to do together or by yourself is endless, just have fun this Valentine’s Day, after all there are 364 other days to say I Love You.

Tips for Planning a Menu

2008-01-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

1. Get Creative, But Not Too Creative
Even though you and yours may be willing to try all different types of food, that does not mean your guests will. When working with your caterer ask for things that the two of you enjoy and have them fill in the blanks with classics that everyone loves! This way all your gusts are happy and get to share another side of the two of you. You can also dedicate a whole course to yourselves, make dessert something that you love but maybe not everyone else will and give the rest of the meal to the guests with traditional items.

2. Save Money on Dry Cleaning
Don’t pick an appetizer or meat that has a sticky, messy sauce on it that has the potential to drip all over your guests clothing!

3. Dress It Up
If you’re going with a buffet, choose food that looks just as good at the end of the evening as it does in the beginning. When planning the menu for a lunch or a dinner, think of the plate as an empty canvas and have your food be the artwork. It is a great touch to “wow” your guests.

4. Plan for Picky Eaters
Guests can have a host of food restrictions, preferences, and allergies. When interviewing caterers, ask for an example of a time they've had to accommodate an unusual circumstance on the fly. Also, be sure the caterer or banquet manager has briefed the wait staff on the menu's ingredients. It is also always nice to ask guests on their reply card to list food allergies or vegetarian requests. .

5. Tasting are a MUST
Always, always … ALWAYS do a tasting! No matter how much you love crab cakes you never know what they put in theirs! You may no enjoy it at all and you would hate to find that out, right along with your guests on wedding day. Go taste everything you like in the proposal and maybe even some stuff you didn't. It is worth every minute of being there.

Will You? I Do. (Q/A)

2008-01-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

Will You? (Q):
Do the fathers of the bride and groom wear tuxedos or suits?

I Do. (A):

The fathers wear what the Groom's Party is wearing. If the groom and his merry men are wearing tights, then they should as well. Oh wait, that's Robin Hood and his merry men. I meant, if the groom and his groomsmen are wearing tuxedo's the fathers should. If they are wearing suits, then suits all around.

If you want to make the fathers differentiate a small bit from the rest of the fine looking gentlemen, give them a different color tie or vest. Get creative but make sure all the colors match and everyone looks like they belong at the same event!

My Favorite Websites ...

2008-01-07T13:14:00.001-05:00

I thought I would share two of my most favorite websites, I utilize them all the time when I need a creative jump start on any event I am doing!

Plum Party
http://www.plumparty.com/

Wedding FAVORites
http://www.weddingfavorites.com/

If you know some great websites that inspire ideas, please share them!

6 Easy (and some obvious) Ways to Cut Costs

2008-01-04T10:54:00.000-05:00

The idea of cutting costs on a wedding is not ideal for a bride – but almost always needed, unless the bride & groom want to pony up some extra cash ... here are some easy ways to keep your costs low!

1. Reduce the size of your guest list. Extra guests mean extra invitations, extra catering costs, extra centerpieces, extra favors and extra transportation worries. Why take on more than you need. Do you really want to have a huge wedding full of people you do not really know all too well? Easy ways to cut the size of your guest list is to not invite co-workers, unless you are particularly good friends with them, ask that guests not bring children, have guests come solo if they are not in a serious relationship and not to invite distant family relatives.

2. Shop for wedding dresses during sales season. December and May are particularly popular months for wedding dress sales. You may also be able to buy sample dresses, your chances being increased if you wear a common dress size. A number of charities also hold sales for donated wedding dresses where you can often snap up a bargain. Do not rule out shopping online for your dress either, just bear in mind that if you buy online you will probably need to find a local seamstress to make any alterations.

3. Make your wedding invitations as light and small as possible. This will save you money on the cost of postage. If your wedding guest list is quite sizable all those stamps will add up pretty quickly. There are even options these days to do save-the-dates as emails and you can set up a wedding web page for guests to look up information usually sent in an invitation.

4. Hold your ceremony on a weekday instead of a Saturday. Saturday is the most popular day for a wedding so you will be competing for vendors and wedding locations. As your vendors and your venue will not be short of customers for that day this can allow them to hike up the prices and you may well find that they do just that. Holding your wedding on a different day, when your venue and vendors are struggling for customers can give you great leverage to negotiate a lower price. A college roommate of mine did this - as a guests it was wonderful. I still had my whole weekend to look forward to!!

5. Get crafty. Do it yourself cannot only save you a lot of money, but can be great socially as well. You and your bridesmaids can get together regularly to get crafty. Common DIY wedding projects are invitations, favors, programs and save the dates. It also gives your wedding your personal touch - and this may be a GREAT way to get the groom involved. He has ideas and this may be a great and easy way to make his ideas stand out.

6. Cut the cost of your food by offering fewer choices of meals on the menu and fewer courses. A buffet reception may also be less expensive than a seated meal as it requires less staffing.

Picking Your Reception Site

2007-12-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

First things first, trying to decide when and where your wedding reception and ceremony is going to take place. Keep in mind your budget when even looking for places. In any event planning ask right off the bat what the space costs. If you know your budget you should know right away if you have to cross the space off you list before wasting time going to see it. When you do go and check it out, below are some important questions to ask – and these aren’t all the questions just a good start!

 How much will it cost to use this site? Is there a payment plan?

 Is there a reception package? What's included and how much does it cost?

 Does the site have liability insurance? (If someone gets injured during the party, you don't want to be held responsible -- if the site doesn't have insurance, you'll need to get your own.)

 How long will you have the site? Is there an overtime fee if you stay longer? Must you rent the site for a minimum amount of time?

 Will there be another party just before or just after yours? If so, will there be enough time to clean up and redecorate before the next wedding begins, or is an awkward overlap possible?

 Are tables, chairs, plates, and glasses available, or will you have to provide (rent) them yourself or get them through your caterer? This can send your costs a lot higher then you may anticipate

 Is there an in-house caterer (or a list of "preferred" caterers), or must you provide your own? Can you choose to use an outside caterer instead?

 Are there kitchen facilities? Caterers charge extra if they have to haul in refrigerators and stoves and that is usually not something that works with a budget.

 Must you leave everything as is, or can you move things around and decorate to suit your purposes? Are there decoration guidelines?

 If there's parking, is it free? If not, what are the rates and gratuities for valets? (You can and should pay this up front so your guests don't have to tip.)

 Will there be, or can you set up, a coatroom? Are there sufficient restroom facilities?

 If there's no bar, can one be set up? Does the place even have a liquor license or does the caterer (outside) have to provide one?

 Is there a dress code?

 Does the site have restrictions on what kind of music you can play, or a time at which music must be turned off?

 Will someone who works at the location supervise your wedding? This should be the person you plan with, not someone you won't meet until the wedding.

 How about security? Must you hire your own security guards, or does the site hire them or have them on staff? As much as we all love the movie wedding crashers, you should feel comfortable with the security level so there isn’t one.

 What’s the cancellation policy? Some places will refund most of your deposit if you cancel far enough in advance (often 60 days), since there's still a chance they can rent the space.

Good Luck!

Will You? I Do.

2007-12-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

Will You? (Q):

Who walks the bride down the isle when her parents are divorced and she has a great stepfather?

I Do. (A):

There are many ways to approach this dilemma. I think one of the main things is deciding how the stepfather should participate in the wedding. Does he assist in walking the bride down the isle or does he have another important role – and even sometimes, a not so important role. It is up to the bride and groom, they could have him do a reading or help light the unity candle, and he could also have a dance with the bride at the reception.

Guests “Gifts”

2007-12-11T22:17:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of wedding gift giving, in my opinion one of the most anti-climatic gift giving experience.

Don’t get me wrong, it is wonderful to buy a blender for the newlyweds– maybe even a stainless steel one! It is a comfortable gift buying incident, you know they want it, they know they will most likely get it; it’s a win-win situation.

However, maybe the Bride, Groom and the checkbook are not thinking about other things they really want in respect to their wedding… maybe they have been living together for years and have a stainless steel blender and they just don’t need another one. Maybe they would rather have really fun favors for all their wedding guests.

If you, as a guest, the Bride & Groom, and the wallet think outside the box a little maybe you can all walk away with a true sense of gift giving (and receiving) bliss and a great memory of really pitching in to send the newlyweds into married life with some style!

The chances the Bride & Groom will ask for these things are pretty slim, speak up and offer and if they insist “no” then it’s back to the ‘ol registry …

- Wedding Cake
- Invitations, Menu Cards, Place Cards etc.
- Special Linens, Glassware etc.
- Wedding Favors
- Centerpieces
- Bridal Party Bouquets & Boutonnières

You’re Getting MARRIED!!

2007-12-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

Bridal showcases are designed to give you more information you could ever want or need for your wedding. Take the girls, a snack, some water, comfortable shoes and an open mind – you’ll need it! These are only some of the many that are being held in January – and there are more every month (check back later for monthly updates)

Sometimes you can get admission discounts depending on the venue – be sure to do some research to see which vendors are being showcased, if any. HAVE FUN!

Washington, DC
January 2008

20th
Great Bridal Expo

Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
999 Ninth Street NW

Maryland
January 2008

13th
Washington Bridal Showcase
Martin’s Crosswinds
7400 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt MD

20th
Hagerstown Bridal Show
Clarion Antietam Creek
901 Dual Highway, Hagerstown MD

20th
Washington Bridal Showcase
Bethesda Marriott North Hotel & Conference Center
5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda MD

27th
Wedding Expo 2008
Holiday Inn, Francis Scott Key Mall
5400 Holiday Drive, Frederick MD

Virginia
January 2008

6th
Greater Virginia Bridal Show
Holiday Inn Select
2801 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg VA

6th
Richmond Bridal Showcase
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North Third Street, Richmond VA

13th
Southside Bridal Show
The Founders Inn
5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach VA

20th
Greater Virginia Bridal Show
Hotel Roanoke
110 Shenandoah Avenue, Roanoke VA

20th
The Wedding Expo
Downtown Richmond Marriott
500 East Broad Street, Richmond VA

27th
Washington Bridal Showcase
Dulles Expo Center
4368 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly VA

'Tis the Season

2007-12-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

They say the season of Joy and Cheer is upon us; well whoever “they” are couldn’t be more right! This little diddy is for all those who aren’t planning a wedding but just a FUN holiday party!

No one has to spend a lot of money on their friends & family when putting together the perfect holiday party… don’t be afraid to go to Target, K-Mart and all those less expensive stores – who needs Crate & Barrel?

Whether you are having a seated dinner or a cocktail party there is plenty you can do – and you don’t have to spend a lot of extra cash!

- Make up a specialty drink with self-serve Cosmos and call them Rudolph’s Red Nosed Martini!

- If you’re adventurous, make chocolate dipped marshmallows and call them Snowman Droppings! (My Aunt did this about 10 years ago and we STILL laugh about it!)

- Buy mini stockings (Target, Michaels, the Party Store, CVS – they all have them) and make napkin holders out of them by folding the napkins length wise and inserting them into the stocking. If you have the time you could even buy glitter paint and put everyone’s name on the stocking – now it is doubling as a place card and napkin holder!

- Buy red and white candles in all different heights and sizes and place them all over the house for warm ambiance and a great splash of color! Buy rhinestones and put them around the bottom for a little holiday sparkle! (easier to clean then glitter)

- Use old ornaments (ball ornaments work the best) and fill a clear glass vase with them for a centerpiece

- Make your own Charlie Brown Christmas trees all over the house by clipping a pine branch from the backyard, put it into a clear glass vase and top with a single ornament - perfect for the bathroom or other small space!

My favorite thing to do is flip through the Crate & Barrel, Pier 1 and Pottery Barn holiday magazine and re-create everything they show in the magazines. It can usually be done for less moola and you can add your own little flair, as long as you’re having fun then it is going to be great!

Happy Holidays!!

Keeping Everyone Happy at YOUR Wedding

2007-12-10T16:35:00.000-05:00

Now that you, your fiancé, your families and all your friends have decided to take the plunge - you have a lot of fun, stress and happiness ahead.

When planning your wedding the hardest thing you will come across is remembering while it is important that the people who are paying for it (usually mom & dad) are happy with how their money is being spent, the wedding is about you and your fiancé.

When making floral choices, color scheme choices, linen choices etc. keep in mind it doesn’t matter is Aunt “I’m going to complain about everything” Louise doesn’t like the color purple. It doesn’t matter if your brother hasn’t worn shoes in 13 years because he is a self proclaimed “mountain man” – he has to wear those shiny, patent leather penguin shoes because you say so.

Just keep in mind that you don’t want to become a Bride-zilla and Groom-zilla (do those even exist?!). During the planning process make sure to say thank you to everyone who helps, breathe slowly when something is getting a little stressful – and take a break with each other from the wedding planning! By keeping yourself happy, stress-free and calm, all of your friends, family and guests will be happy too!

P.S: As long as your wedding party isn’t dressed like they are from another galaxy, everyone should be JUST FINE with the way YOUR wedding pans out – enjoy, and may the force be with you…

Keeping Your Wallet Full

2007-11-23T16:59:00.000-05:00

Congrats Dad! Now that your daughter or son has made the biggest decision of their lives all that has to be done is finding the money to fullfill their dreams - and don't you know you're the one who always told them to dream big!

There are plenty of ways to save money without compromising those dreams! Below is a simple suggestion (more to come) for you to keep in mind (some that won't be offered to you by those wonderful vendors!) when you're wheeling and dealing with vendors who have been in the industry for years!

- Beverage Costs: The bride and groom are most likely going to want to offer their guests an open bar during their reception and this can work out very cost effectively.

Most hotels or restaurants will ask you to buy a bar package per person (per hour!!) which can add up very quickly! When the hotel or restaurant asks you to pick from a list of bar packages you will see they are around $35 per person (most, not all, are PER HOUR! Be sure to read the small print).

- Ask them if they have different levels of liquor brands that you can choose from and ask if you could see that list. These different options are going to be separated into tiers which will effect the cost.

- Once you decide which level of liquor you would like to offer (guests will be just fine with Beefeater instead of Bombay!) ask the hotel/restaurant if you can base your bill on consumption instead of doing a bar package per person. This is where you can potentially save money! This way you are paying for what is actually being drank instead of assuming everyone is going to drink $35 an hour!

- Also, when you choose the cocktail and dinner wines, go for a less expensive bottle. The based on consumption payment method gets you to buy the bottle, not the glass. (Liquor too) - this way you are paying $20 for the bottle and not $6-7 per glass. (There are about 5 glasses in a bottle so you are saving $10-15 per bottle of wine!)

There is of course nothing wrong with buying the bar package if you just don't have a group who drinks a lot - just make sure you read the fine print and ask as many questions as you can until you understand exactly what you're paying for!!

Cheers!

Going Green?

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Going Green at your next event, bridal shower, wedding or birthday party is possible! I’m not talking about having all your guests sit outside on picnic blankets or using twigs for utensils. I mean wearing hemp skirts and going barefoot! Not your style?! No need to worry, there are tons of ways that your event can be environmentally friendly, check out these ideas below and don’t hesitate to think outside the box!

- As wedding favors, give each of your guests tiny tree saplings or a Tree In a Box. When they arrive back home they will plant a new tree and have a long lasting memory of your special day! Check out Tree in A Box to start growing - they will even personalize the box!

- Ask your caterer to utilize local farmer’s crops. Not only will you be supporting your neighbors (who support the environment daily) but your food will be delicious, fresh and most of the time organic! Try http://www.localharvest.org/ to find a farm near you!

- Use recycled paper for your save-the-date, invitations, programs, menu cards and thank you cards! Recycled paper products have come a long way in the past few years and you can find beautiful paper, ink and even stamps that are recycled! Check out http://www.naturallyeverafter.com/ for recycled ideas!

- There is nothing like getting pampered with the girls the day before your party or wedding – or any day for that matter! Take the girls to an organic spa and get back in touch with “natural” beauty! Check out http://www.spafinder.com/ to find a perfect match for spas all over the world!

There are plenty more ways to have your wedding or event be eco-friendly and no reason not too! Don’t get me wrong you don’t have to have solar panel energy to cook dinner for everyone but every little bit counts! Do your research and ask around, a lot of vendors may already be using eco-friendly ways to make your dream wedding or party a success!

Welcome!

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Welcome to MyWeddingToBe.com, where the idea is simple...

This is a place to ask questions and get answers from other Brides-To-Be, Grooms-To-Be, Mothers of the lovebirds and all the other important people in and at your wedding!

Those important people (Dad, you too!) can come and look at budget sheets (still you, Dad!), ways to skim costs that add up, find sample dress sales, try to plan the perfect bridal shower and more!

Enjoy, ask questions, share stories -- good and bad! -- and don't keep us a secret!