Real Wedding Planning: Brittany Cadwallader & Philip Burton

 

A few days ago I talked with another bride-to-be, Brittany Cadwallader, about her plans to marry her fiance Philip Burton next April and am now bringing you audio of some of the fun details of hers and Philip's wedding planning process.

Q: Where are you and Philip getting married?

 

Q: What do you have planned for the ceremony thus far?

Q: Have you decided on your colors?  What will they be?

 

Q: What are your plans for wedding dress shopping?

DIY Wedding Boutonnieres

In the spirit of all my recent DIY project posts, I came across this great article from BRIDES magazine online on how to create your own wedding boutonnieres.  The article walks you through how to create these flower pieces step-by-step.  The cool thing about this article is that it is so simple that you don't have the use the exact flowers and ribbon used in the instructions.  You can mix and match with flowers and ribbons and other materials to cover the stems!  Check it out and see what you think!

Real Wedding: DIY Envelopes Costs

When assessing the idea of doing DIY projects for your wedding, cost is always something to think about.  Creativity can sometimes come at a cost so it is nice to know what supplies will cost and where you can cut costs if necessary.  If you are the creative type who enjoys doing DIY projects, you're probably wondering about the cost of the supplies of Lauren's envelope project.  Below is a visual compilation of supply costs:

Card Stock: $15
Glue: $7
Rubber Stamps (2): $5 each
Stamp Cleaner: $5
Ink Pad: $3
------------------------------
Total: $40 for 150 envelopes

With this project, there are a few places to cut costs.  Card stock is the first.  Instead of using card stock, find another type of paper that will be thick enough for your envelopes.  Try going to your local office supply store and trying out different weights of paper.  Many times you will be able to find a weight that is less than card stock and less in price.  The next is with the rubber stamps.  Lauren chose to use two different stamps to create the image on the bottom of her envelopes spending a total of $10 on rubber stamps for the envelopes.  If you are trying to save money, consider only using one stamp or even none.  If you do not use any stamps, you do not have to spend the $5 on stamp cleaner or $3 on the ink pad taking your cost down to $22 total for 150 envelopes.

Real Wedding Planning: Lauren Kelley and Will Mack

As a follow up to yesterday's DIY projects from Lauren Kelley, I decided I would include some video from the interview I did with her about her and her fiance Will's wedding coming up on May 21.  They have done quite a few projects to get ready for their wedding including the Save-the-Dates, invitations and reply cards, lighting for the barn they are getting married in, their own centerpieces and a few other projects to stay a surprise until the wedding.

Q: Tell me about the process of your Save the Date cards.

Q: How did you decide to do the invitations and reply cards yourself?

Q: Tell me about the barn you are getting married in.

Q: What about the lighting you created?

Q: Tell me what you can about the centerpieces.

Q: How did you decide on the colors for the wedding?

Real Wedding: DIY Envelopes and Save the Dates

In the spirit of do it yourself projects, I decided to talk to a friend of mine, Lauren Kelley who has done quite a few DIY projects for her wedding coming up later in May including her own Save the Date cards and envelopes.  After creating her own Save the Date cards using the photo strip idea, Lauren realized that that there weren't any envelopes in the perfect size to fit her special cards.  So she decided to create her own out of cardstock.  After measuring the cards, she created a template for her envelopes and started cutting!  "The glue for these was a little bit expensive, but definitely worth it.  It worked really well to hold them together," she said.  She then finished off the envelopes with cute stamps for a personal touch.  In total she made 150 envelopes!

Top Tips for Being a Groom

Kevin Meyers Photography

As the groom, sometimes it is hard to know what your role is.  Many times the bride's role is clear as she is the one who does most of the planning and decision-making.  But grooms play a large role too! The Knot has a great article with its top tips for grooms, but I decided to do a little research of my own and ask some men who have already been through the groom process what their top pieces of advice would be for grooms-to-be.  This is what they said:

1. Sit down before the wedding planning even starts and write a list of what things are truly important to you about the wedding and rehearsal logistics. Whichever things you pick, cut them in half. If you're a smart groom, you'll have no more than one or two things you want (for instance, I wanted to write my own music for the wedding, and I wanted no alcohol at the reception). After you determine those things, only get involved when your fiance asks for help beyond those one or two things.

2. Remember that while we may have thought a lot about being married throughout single life, we've thought about the ceremony for about 5 minutes compared to your fiances' dreaming about it her entire life. Let her have the spotlight!

3. Remember that the wedding is one day, it's a wonderful celebration but put as much thought into your marriage as your wedding day

4. Listen to your bride-to-be.  You may not have an opinion but it's important to her that you care and at least listen to her wedding plans.

5. Don't let family or friends dictate what you and your bride envision your wedding being.  Take their advice, but at the end of the day it's your wedding so you and your bride make the decisions.

6. Be clear with your best man; hand off responsibilities.

7. If you don't care about a wedding plan, say "I have no preference" instead of "I don't care."

8. Get your wife a wedding day gift.

9. Organize beforehand your transportation plan for the wedding

10. Give your cell phone to your best man on the wedding day and have him field all the calls

11. Be supportive and do whatever the bride says to do. Really, it's her day anyways.

12. Make sure all the logistics for your lives together are in order to reduce stress while planning and after the wedding.

Real People, Real Wedding Planners: Courtney & Taylor

Elon University seniors Courtney Corr and Taylor Hughes are planning for their big day on June 17, 2011.  I wanted to get an inside scoop from two young people in school who are planning for their day so here is an inside look at their wedding planning process.

Q: Tell me a little bit about the wedding.

 

Q: Has is been hard planning a wedding while in school?

Q: What are you most looking forward to for the wedding?

What about the groom?

As the bride, it is very easy to get wrapped up in all the planning for a wedding and to get excited about all the small details.  But as a groom, it can be hard to know your place, what you should do, or what you can do to help.  The Knot has a great article that is a groom's 12-month plan for what to do to get ready for the wedding.  Get ready to do everything from choosing registry items to planning the honeymoon to writing sweet "I love you" notes to your bride-to-be.

Thank You Notes Galore

We've all been there for one occasion or another whether it was thank you notes for birthday gifts, graduation gifts, or for help with planning an event of sorts.  You want to show your appreciation for the gifts given or effort contributed, but life starts to get busy and things start to pile up until writing thank you notes just becomes that pesky thing that needs to be done.  And the further from the event it is, the more urgency with which these need to be written.  This article from The Nest outlines some fantastic points for how to make thank you note writing efficient and quickly getting the task done rather than having them be that one thing that stays on your to-do list for months.

Another personal favorite idea of mine for avoiding what becomes the hassle of thank you notes is to choose thank you notes that you love.  Just because thank you note writing can be dull doesn't mean that the notes themselves have to! Choose colors and patterns that reflect your likes and personality, even unique blank cards that can be turned into thank you cards.  Or you can use a service like Shutterfly or Wedding Paper Divas to put pictures of you and your husband on fun themed cards.  Then you will want to show off your taste and you will be more motivated to write these cards and get them sent out! Not only will you be happier looking at cards you love, but those who receive your cards will feel like you put even more time and effort into choosing cards and writing them showing even more of your appreciation!

Wedding Tents Transformed

When having an outdoor wedding reception, one of the most important elements can be a tent.  Tents come in all shapes and sizes, depending on how many people you are having at the reception.  A fun way to dress up your tent is by using decorations (gossamer, chandeliers, paper lanterns, lamps, etc.) to make the ceiling fancier than just your average tent ceiling.  This is also a great way to create light inside the tent where it can get dark, especially on an overcast day or during the night.  Just because you're inside a tent doesn't mean you can't act like you are having your reception in a fancy venue.  These are some of my favorite ideas for transforming your tent into something unique for your wedding day.

Royal Wedding Invitations

The royal wedding invitations have been sent out and are very simple and elegant, perhaps even old-fashioned.  The editors at Brides.com weren't thrilled with the invites either so they asked some of the top stationery designers from around the nation to submit their own ideas of designs for the royal affair.  Check out what these designers came up with!

Wedding Shoes Galore

Because your wedding is a special occasion that means, you guessed it, a reason to buy new shoes!  And what girl doesn't like an excuse to buy new shoes?  The greatest thing about buying shoes for your wedding is that they can be anything you want.  I have seen brides wear everything from customized Chuck Taylors to sparkly gold flats to orange stilettos.  Whatever your style is, this is your time to shine!

Honeymooning on a Budget

The honeymoon is supposed to be the relaxing part of the wedding process, but it can be hard to relax when you are worried about the money you might be spending on a honeymoon.  This article from The Knot gives 15 great tips for saving money on your honeymoon so you can have the vacation of your dreams without spending the amount of money you have in your dreams.  Some of my favorite tips include making a "honeymoon registry" where your guests can help pay for your honeymoon as their wedding present to you, traveling during shoulder seasons (the season between off-season and peak-season), and mentioning to everyone that you are newlywed (some might offer you special treatment!).

Simple Wedding Decorations

From planters as centerpieces to tissue pomanders to add color to your ceremony chairs, there are plenty of simple, fun wedding decorations you can do yourself (and with friends!) for a stylish but stress-free wedding.  Pretty much anything can be recycled and turned into a classy wedding decoration for a low cost.  Vegetables can be used to hold table numbers (and you thought they were just for healthy eating) and things like surf boards can create a unique altar for a beach wedding.  Check out this article from the Wedding Channel with their top 15 simple ways to decorate your wedding!

Saving the Environment One Wedding at a Time

Technology is transforming everything about life as we knew it.  One of those transformations is being able to save paper and other resources by sending correspondence to people via the Internet rather than by paper through regular mail.  Weddings can include quite a bit of paper including the paper that is used to send out save the dates, wedding invitations and bridal shower invitations (just to name the big ones).  On top of the paper these are printed on, there are also the envelopes that go with each of these.  A formal wedding invitation normally contains at least three envelopes (inner, outer, reply).

A popular website to use for paperless invitations is Paperless Post.  This website gives you a variety of invitations and cards to choose from, traditional and nontraditional.  With Paperless Post, skip the paper and get your invitations and save the date cards to your guests as fast as they can check their email!

Barn Weddings: Not Just for the Animals

When I was first considering where to have my wedding, I looked at having it in a barn.  Barns can be transformed in any number of ways to fit the type of wedding you might desire.  A new barn can easily be transformed with lights and decorations to feel like a space that is far from a wooden building traditionally used for farm animals and hay bales.  An older barn can be used to create a more rustic, outdoorsy feel with wooden tables and chairs.  Barns can also be great spaces for a large amount of people.  With a barn, you eliminate the need for tents to hold everyone - instead the reception is contained within the wooden walls.  The high ceilings are fantastic for decorating; they can be used to create a night sky look with lights hung throughout or a vaulted ceiling feel with chandeliers and gossamer.

Not Your Average Wedding Centerpiece

Who said you had to have typical flower centerpieces?  Your wedding reception is the time to really let your unique flavor come out.  It can be as formal or traditional as you want or as unique or whimsical as your taste is.  Whether you want to mix flowers with another creative piece or do without them altogether, there are plenty of ideas for those special centerpieces for your special day. Below are some fun favorites of mine:

Pictures courtesy of The Knot

Twists on Wedding Traditions

Your wedding is your special day.  It's the one day that gets to be all about you!  That means you get to make it anything you want it to be and keep or toss any traditions based on whether or not you like them and they fit with the style you want for your wedding.  But just because you don't fully like the tradition doesn't mean you have to completely get rid of it - put a twist on it instead!  Check out this article from The Knot with ideas for twists on your typical wedding traditions and make your wedding day as you unique as you and your future spouse!

Trade the Wedding Cake for Cupcakes

A popular trend for weddings is to have custom-made cupcakes instead of a wedding cake.  Cupcakes are another way to make your wedding day special and unique.  And instead of cutting the cake, cupcakes can be distributed to guests mess-free!  Another plus to cupcakes is that you can have them made in a variety of flavors.  That way guests can take their pick of which flavor they want and you don't have to only pick one flavor! Here are some of my favorite cupcake designs (photos courtesy of Google Images):

Photo courtesy of Ali Broach Photography

If you like the idea of cupcakes, but still want to keep the tradition of cutting the cake, you can try something like these cupcake creations that have a wedding cake top.

Wedding Cakes as Unique as the Bride and Groom

Wedding cake designs are another aspect of your wedding that can be all about you.  Who ever said you had to go with a traditional white 3-or 4-tiered cake or even a tiered cake at all?  These cakes are creating new traditions and taking the idea of wedding cakes to new heights.  Whether you want to pay tribute to your heritage, tie significant parts of your love story to your cake, or just do something different, let these cakes inspire you to take on any kind of wedding cake your heart desires.  Don't forget: it's your day.  You can do whatever you want.

Then there's your groom's cake.  What groom really wants his cake to resemble any kind of tiered cake that might potentially be labeled as something that goes with a wedding?  Check out these fantastic uniquely crafted groom's cakes and give your groom ideas for what he can do to add his own flare to the wedding.  Or come up with an idea to surprise your groom on the big day.  What a great way to say "I love you!"

Oscars for Wedding Inspiration

One of the main reasons I watch the Oscars (or check out the highlights later) is for the dresses.  Amazingly, I have come to realize that this reason translates very well into wedding inspiration! Obviously red carpet dresses are much more expensive than most of us are willing to pay, but who says you can't find a similar style for your own bridal gown or even for your bridesmaids?  

Here are some of my personal favorite wedding inspiration dresses:

I love this stunning gown of Halle Berry's for it's shimmer and lace.  The lace gathered at the bottom is such a unique detail of this dress.  Ideal for anyone who loves their lace and but wants to do something different with it for their wedding dress.

Hilary Swank's gown has a fun combination of sparkle and feathers. A classy idea for the bride who wants unique materials for her gown.  The feathers add just enough to the gown without it seeming to be too outlandish.

A pregnant bride? Not a problem! I love the flattering style of Natalie Portman's dress for a wedding gown.  The gown glosses over her baby bump in a way that shows she is pregnant, but does not overly accentuate this part of her body.  I think the off-the-shoulder look is very classy and a practical idea for a pregnant bride.  The little bit of beading down the neckline draws attention up rather than at her stomach. This dress also has a short train, something to consider for a pregnant bride who might not want to worry about how long her dress is.

I love Hailee Steinfeld's dress for wedding inspiration because I feel like it is a very versatile piece, depending on who you put it on: a bride, a bridesmaid, or a flower girl.  And I love this dress for its ballerina style. It has a pretty embroidery coupled with some shimmer in the translucent top piece that can be a perfect style for anyone who likes the look of a strapless dress, but just isn't comfortable in it.  Tea length can be nice for a warmer wedding or for a bride who does not want to step on her dress.  The tulle at the bottom is fun for any bride who really wants her skirt to stand out.

Helen Mirren's dress is one I would absolutely consider putting my mom in for my own wedding.  Even though Mirren is 65, this dress does not make her look it.  The shape is flattering as are the puffed into fitted sleeves, giving the dress a nice wide neckline.  I even love this color for an evening wedding with more formal attire.

All photos are courtesy of Yahoo! Movies

Say 'I Do' to Donating to Charities

While we're on the topic of registries, here's another idea for putting together your wedding registry: donate to charities.  This is a trend that many couples are choosing to do either as an alternative or in addition to a traditional wedding registry. The I Do Foundation has the perfect website to help you get started.  You can create a registry of charities you would like your guests to donate to or you can create a registry with the foundation's partner stores to give to charities from the purchases your guests make for you.  This website also gives you the option to raise money for charities by using certain vendors to play your wedding.  You can also give a charity gift to the people in your wedding by giving them a charity gift card where you donate the the charity they choose.  Another idea is to donate to a charity rather than giving favors - place a favor card on your reception tables letting your guests know a donation has been made in their honor for attending your wedding.  Who says your wedding can't benefit anyone else?

Wedding Registry On The Go

As a bride-to-be, I know that putting together a registry can be one of the most fun activities you get to do.  But how much more fun would it be if you could add items to your registry on the go, as in right in the store when you happen upon that PERFECT pillow that you just know you have to have?  Well now you can!  GiftRegistry360.com has just introduced a new Scan & Add app for your iPhone. This app allows you to update and view your registry list, add items using your iPhone as a barcode scanner AND everything on your registries is kept updated in one place.  Seems like the perfect app for the bride on the go!

Wedding Flowers from A to Z

Flowers can be used for all sorts of things in weddings, not just bouquets and boutonnieres (although those are still very important!) You can use flowers to make reception table centerpieces, attach to chairs at the ceremony and a variety of of other decorations.  Not sure what you could do with flowers for your wedding? The Knot has you covered! Check out this article with hot wedding flower ideas, each represented by a letter of the alphabet making it easy and organized to navigate.  And good luck finding your perfect flower masterpieces!

Wedding Napkins to Spice Up a Reception Table

This article has great ideas for using napkins to make reception tables unique including printed napkins and napkin foldings.  Mix and match styles and colors to make your table as special as your big day.

Wine Stoppers as Wedding Favors

Looking for a unique wedding favor for your guests?  Check out the directions on the DIY Network for making these personalized wine stoppers.  The directions are simple and you can easily personalize them with the colors you choose for your ribbon, card stock and drawer pull.  A great favor for wine enthusiasts or those who just like a little decoration for their kitchen.

Wedding Day Hairstyles Without the Fuss

(photo courtesy of WeddingChannel)

Figuring out how to do your hair for your big day can become a stressful detail. Don't let it! If you have no idea how you want your hair styled, don't have time to go to the hairdresser right away to figure it out, or want to go in having at least an idea of your do, don't stress.  WeddingChannel.com has you covered! Check out this virtual wedding day hair makeover to help solve all your wedding day hair woes.  The website has you upload a picture of yourself (or you can use a model picture instead) then choose from hundreds of hairstyles.  You can even save the hairstyles into a makeover gallery to access later or share with family and friends. If nothing else, this site gives you a variety of hairstyles to look at from all angles to help you decide what you might want your hairdresser to try out on you!

Google Simplifies Wedding Planning

Google recently launched its new site Google for Weddings designed to simplify wedding planning. The new website allows couples to create a website with Google Sites, edit photos and create cards with Picnik, organize elements such as budgets and addresses with Google docs, and share online photo albums using Picasa Web Albums.  Google has broken the site into four sections: "Overview" (home page), "Sharing", "Plan", and "Memories," each section giving more links to the specific tools needed to make each aspect of a couple's wedding easy.

Dream Wedding on a Budget

(photo courtesy of Google images)

Budgets can be one of the most difficult and daunting things about a wedding.  So how can you have that dream wedding without breaking the bank? Check out this article from TheKnot.com on  30 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding for their top tips.