Make sure you don’t make these wedding-planning mistakes!

1. When planning their special day, brides tend to put a lot of pressure on themselves, and everyone involved, to make the day absolutely perfect. What you need to remember is that even though your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, it’s just ONE day. Savor the days leading up to your wedding as well. Your engagement is a very special time. Don’t spend it stressed out and anxious! Besides, stressing leads to overeating, which is never good for a bride-to-be.
2. A lot of brides tend to overspend in a big way. I have seen wedding budgets double over the course of a long engagement. Remember, you do NOT want to start your marriage off broke. Think ahead, and make sure you won’t need the money to buy a house, car, or pay your bills before you spend it.
3. We hate to say this, but it needs to be said! Too many brides buy dresses that are a size too small. A lot of times, wedding dresses tend to run small, so if you wear an 8, you might need a 10. I know that it would boost your confidence to squeeze into a smaller size, but your fat pockets hanging out just aren’t flattering. You will feel better about yourself if you look good– who cares about a number on your dress. (Just cut out the tag!) Plus, you want to be able to dance the night away with your new hubby without feeling too sucked in!
4. Once you get your mother and mother-in-law involved, they will have you inviting everyone you’ve ever met and never cared to see again to your wedding! Brides tend to go crazy inviting too many people, which is a bad idea for several reasons. First of all, you will end up spending too much on invitations and postage… especially when you invite those people that you know have no intention of coming. Secondly, you are paying for a plate of food for each person you invite. Third, you don’t want to waste an hour of your reception (especially if you are limited on time) greeting people whose names you don’t even remember!
5. Sometimes, stress causes a bride-to-be to start obsessing over the small details– the color of the napkins, the font on the placeholder cards, or whether to throw rice or birdseed. Before you start going crazy on the details, ask yourself these question: Does this specific thing really matter to you? Will you remember it in 5 years? Will it make or break your wedding day? If you answer no, then let it slide.
6. One of the most common mistakes of wedding planning is when brides-to-be become too controlling. Remember– it is your fiance’s wedding day too! Men act like they don’t care, but they do– and they SHOULD! They most likely won’t care about flower colors or whether or not you curl your hair, but there are certain things that they will want. And they should be at least partly involved in the wedding planning process.
7. When people get overwhelmed, they tend to put things off. And that is why many brides procrastinate! Take advantage of your engagement to get things done a little bit at a time. Plan ahead, and take care of the major things way in advance so that if there is a problem, you will have plenty of time to deal with it!
8. A classic mistake brides-to-be make is ticking people off who are involved in the wedding planning. Your wedding planner, mother, sisters, and bridesmaids are there to help you, but don’t let the power go to your head. Remember—you can catch more bees with honey than you can with vinegar!
9. Some brides will never admit to this mistake… but it happens all the time! They choose ugly bridesmaids’ dresses to make themselves stand out! DON’T LIE… you know it’s tempting! But the only person it really makes look bad is you… and if you don’t want them to steal the show, don’t give people a reason to gossip about them.
10. It is CRITICAL that you do not make this last mistake… Don’t get so involved about planning your wedding day that it makes you forget what this day means. This is the beginning of your life together. Make this time exciting; you won’t regret it.

Take our “Are you a Bridezilla” quiz if you are guilty of some of these typical mistakes.

If you are shopping for a wedding dress but don’t know what style you want yet, let this article educate you!

A-Line: An a-line wedding dress has a snug bodice. The skirt flows down to create the shape of an “A.” I would say that this is probably the most popular style. Modern brides often wear a strapless a-line dress.

Ball Gown: A ball gown, like an a-line dress, is snug on the upper body. The skirt of the dress is full all the way to the floor. If you want a fairytale wedding dress, try this style with off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Column: The column silhouette is a narrow shape from top to bottom. It is a form-fitting dress that is best for thin figures. This is probably the most casual style but you can dress it up by having a separate bodice and skirt.

Empire: The empire style features a high waist line just below the chest. The skirt flows loosely to the floor. This is a classic style that looks good on most figures. (FYI: This dress is perfect for brides-to-be that are also expecting!)

Mermaid: The bodice of the mermaid dress is very form-fitting all the way down past the hips and thighs. Around the knee or calf area, the dress flares out. This dress shows the curves of your body so it looks best on an hourglass figure.

If you are not sure which style would flatter your figure, take our quiz!

• Make sure you are ready to get married! Take the quiz now.

After you are engaged…

• Take engagement pictures.
• Send out engagement announcements; announce your wedding in the newspaper if you’d like.
• Have your engagement party.

12 months before your wedding day…

• Pick a date and time for your wedding.
• Buy a planner with a calendar, to-do list, and place to put all your ideas, coupons, etc.
• Begin to discuss your wedding budget with your fiance and family. Look at the average costs of some wedding vendors to get an idea of your budget.
• Research local wedding vendors and write down their contact information.
• Start looking for sales and deals for wedding dresses & other wedding-related items.
• Make sure you don’t start off on the wrong foot by making these common wedding planning mistakes.

11 months before your wedding day…

• Start interviewing wedding planners if you are going to hire one.
• Begin a guest list draft.
• Enlist your groom to help. If he’s not interested, read these tips for getting the groom involved.
• Pick out your wedding colors.
• Begin looking at ceremony & reception sites.

10 months before your wedding day…

• Finalize your wedding budget with your groom and your families. Need tips for saving money? Read about money-smart wedding planning.
• Decide on your wedding party. Need help deciding who should be included?
• Sit down with your family to work on the guestlist.
• Choose a wedding planner.
• Decide on a wedding theme if you are going to have one. (Ideas: Romance, Going Green, Winter Wonderland)
• Meet with different wedding vendors to discuss pricing options, etc. Read about little known ways to receive wedding discounts!

9 months before your wedding day…

• Decide on your ceremony & reception sites and reserve them for your wedding day.
• Decide on a wedding officiant, a florist, and caterer.
• Decide on a DJ or musician. Read about how to choose a DJ that is right for you!
• Create a wedding website so your guests can find all the information they need in one place.
• Decide on what style wedding dress you want to wear. Not sure? Read about wedding dress styles or take the quiz: Which style wedding dress flatters your figure?

8 months before your wedding day…

• Plan your honeymoon and have your groom reserve the hotel rooms, etc. Having trouble deciding where to go? Take the quiz: Where should I go on my honeymoon?
• Finalize your guestlist
• Go with your bridesmaids to look at their dresses and get ideas
• Meet with wedding cake designers and go to tastings
• Decide on and hire a photographer. Read about what to look for in a photographer!
• Decide on and hire a videographer. Read about why you should hire a videographer!
• Rent any equipment like chairs and tables that you may need

7 months before your wedding day…

• Order save-the-date cards or magnets
• Get all your guests’ addresses
• Order bridesmaids dresses & accessories
• Decide on a baker and order your wedding cake. Need help deciding what kind? Take our quiz: What type of wedding cake fits your personality? 
• Think about what your groom and groomsmen will wear. Suits or Tuxes?
• Shop around for invitations and work on the invitation wording

6 months before your wedding day…

• Make a final selection for a wedding dress
• Choose your veil and accessories to match your dress
• Decide what your parents will wear
• Finalize your honeymoon details
• Request off work if you need to
• Send out save the date cards
• Purchase or rent groom’s and groomsmen’s suits or tuxes
• Finalize the menu with the caterer
• Register! All your wedding registry questions are answered here.

5 months before your wedding day…

• Order or make your wedding favors. Here are some unique ideas.
• Reserve hotel rooms and make accomodations for out-of-town guests
• Start thinking about your make-up and hair
• Order your wedding invitations
• Create a wedding day timeline
• Make your wedding night plans & reservations
• Begin thinking about the rehearsal dinner

4 months before your wedding day…

• Plan your rehearsal dinner; decide on a location, menu, etc.
• Reserve a car, limo, or your desired wedding transportation
• Think about your wedding music (first dance song, father/daughter dance song, etc.)
• Book a hair dresser and make-up artist
• Help your maid of honor make a bridal shower guestlist
• Shop for your wedding bands

3 months before your wedding day…

• Have your wedding shower
• Make sure your dress is tailored
• Finalize your wedding music
• Address the envelopes for your invitations
• Buy your wedding rings
• Have the maid of honor and best man make sure the wedding party has purchased their outfits and accessories
• Designate people to give toasts at the reception
• Make sure you have started an exercise routine and diet if you need to lose a few inches before getting into your dress! Here are some tips to tighten your tummy before your wedding day.

2 months before your wedding day…

• Buy your wedding party their gifts. Check out some cool wedding party gift ideas.
• Write your wedding vows if you so desire. Read about the secret to writing great vows!
• Send your wedding invitation 6-8 weeks before the wedding
• Start making a final guestlist as you begin to hear back from guests
• Fill out any documents needed to change your name
• If you are going to have your rings engraved, do so
• Fill out any documents needed to change your insurance information after married
• Create and print wedding programs
• Buy lingerie or undergarments before final dress fitting
• Send thank you notes for gifts received at your shower

1 month before your wedding day…

• Work on your seating chart
• Make or buy placeholder cards
• Get anything you need before your honeymoon (passport, shots, etc.)
• Do a final fitting for your dress; begin a diet and exercise routine if necessary
• Confirm all the details (arrival time, cost, etc.) with your wedding vendors
• Get a marriage license
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations
• Order alcohol
• Buy a guestbook

2 weeks before your wedding day…

• Take care of all the details like what you will use to cut the cake, toasting glasses, etc.
• Prepare welcome baskets for out-of-town guests
• Purchase thank you notes
• Finalize the menu, etc. for the rehearsal dinner.
• Finalize your seating chart.
• Give final headcount to caterer, etc.
• Do a hair and make-up trial run.
• Plan the activities for the night before your wedding.
• Help your wedding party plan the bachelor and bachelorette parties if they need it.

1 week before your wedding day…

• Get checks ready to give your wedding vendors.
• Make sure you have something old, something new, something borrowed, and (most importantly to us) something blue.
• Make sure you have a garter.
• Get a manicure, pedicure, hair cut, eye-brow wax, etc.
• Pick up your wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses
• Confirm all the details with your florist.
• Give the members of your wedding party their tasks for your special day.
• Pack for your honeymoon!

The day before your wedding day…

• Go to the spa to get a massage!
• Hold the rehearsal dinner.
• Give your wedding party and parents their gifts.
• Attend the bachelor or bacheloretter party.

After your wedding day…

• Have someone take your wedding dress and keepsakes if you are going straight on your honeymoon.
• Keep the top layer of your cake for your 1st wedding anniversary.
• Go on your honeymoon.
• 6-8 weeks after: send thank you cards. Not feeling motivated? Read the lazy bride’s guide to sending thank you cards.p
• Start your life with the one you love!

I have gotten some “Ask Tinka” emails about throwing a wedding as little as $1000 so I decided to respond with an idea I have.  Afterall, everyone deserves to celebrate their wedding– even those who don’t have $15,000 to spend!

If I were getting married with a small budget and wanted to have a simple wedding day with only close family and friends, this is what I would do: I would have the wedding and reception at my home or the home of a close relative or friend. It’s cozy and best of all, FREE! I would wear a simple white sundress and have my groom wear something casual like khakis and a white shirt. Then, instead of a traditional buffet or sit-down dinner, I’d serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cake! Get your favorite songs together to play on your stereo and have a designated area for dancing. Keep the reception short– about an hour or two and maybe serve wine and beer.

That sounds just delightful to me

1. Experience:  With photography, there is no substitute for experience.  Photography is more than picking up any camera, pointing, aiming and shooting!  Hours upon hours, years upon years go into the training, trial-and-error and perfection of photographic art!  A photographer who has limited experience may be able to capture images in one particular setting, however, a photographer with true experience will be able to evaluate nearly any scenario and be able to properly expose and/or light the subject or setting.
2. Concentration:  A professional photographer is hired with one goal in mind;  capturing only the best images possible.  This requires attention to detail as well as being particularly aware of his/her surroundings for people/items of interest that are relevant to your event.  While some take the easier (cheaper) route of hiring a less experienced, or amateur photographer, it is more than likely that one of two things will happen;  First, the inexperienced photographer will miss important details as they are not aware of what is expected to happen next, nor anticipating action as it unfolds. Second, an unseasoned professional, amateur or relative with a camera will not be focused then entire time – they may get side-tracked with conversations or get wrapped up into the hoopla of your event causing them to miss otherwise great images!
3. Equipment:  A professional photographer never shows up to any event or situation with anything less than one or two back up cameras, lenses or flashes.  While it may be cheaper to hire a non-professional or a family member to capture your images, you run substantial risk of losing your day or event forever should their equipment fail.
4. Emotions:  During the day of your event, you will be going through a whole host of emotions that range from extreme joy, anxiety, anger, frustration or somewhere between any of those at any given time.  Your professional photographer is there to remain calm, which in turn, assists you to remain calm.  When you are calm and at ease, only then will your images turn out the way you imagined.  Amateur or non-professional photographers probably have limited experience dealing with fluctuating emotions, and may in fact make matters worse by becoming frustrated or anxious themselves.   Investing in a professional photographer gives you peace of mind that at the very least, your photographer will stay calm and help you to remain calm, no matter what situation pops up!
5. Coordination:  A professional photographer knows who to contact at each event, be it prior to the event or at the event itself.  In doing so, your professional photographer already knows what will happen at what time as well as where to be during the ceremony, reception and during down-times.  In addition, your professional photographer will know any and all restrictions related to shooting in churches, temples, etc,  as well as what NOT to do at any given banquet hall.  Coordination ensures that your photographer will be able to capture images timely.
6. Standards:  Your professional photographer has standards to uphold.  That means they are well versed in proper etiquette, attire and know how to interact in a professional manner.  Additionally, because your professional photographer has standards to uphold, you are guaranteed that the main focus and goal of your hired photographer remains obtaining the best images possible.  To do so again falls back on experience as well as equipment.
7. Relationships:  Your professional photographer has worked hard to establish solid working relationships with other event professionals such as Videographers, DJ’s, florists, caterers, banquet managers, clergy and many others.  By establishing such relationships, your photographer knows how the others work which only helps you in obtaining the best images possible.  Non-professionals often have little knowledge of what is required by other event professionals, and by hiring a non-professional photographer, a risk exists that clashes may occur between your other hired professional and the non-experienced photographer.  This is not what you need on the day of your event!  Hire a professional photographer and you can be at ease that the photographer and other professional will coordinate their efforts to ensure each are able to do their jobs effectively.
8. Education: Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer to explain his or her qualifications to you. How did they receive their education in the art of photography? Is this a hobby or is it a passion? Does he or she understand the rules of composition, but more importantly, do they understand how to occasionally break the rules effectively (and knowledgably) in creating a well-intentioned and planned photo. Do they know what all the buttons and dials on their camera can do and how to manually override standard settings to compensate for low light or back lit conditions?
9. Exposure:  It’s all about light!  Event photography is among the hardest to master because of the great variation in lighting scenarios.  This becomes particularly challenging for any outdoor event, even in bright sunlight, as well as any indoor event where there is either a large room, dim lights, mirrors, windows, DJ-lighting rigs, etc.  Light levels can change dramatically and rapidly during any event.  A professional photographer has extensive training on lighting variations and will be able to adapt quickly to any changes in light.  A non-professional will rely on the camera to do this for them, however, you will lose vast amounts of quality in your images in the process.  Hire a professional and obtain the quality images you expect!
10. Post Production: What format does your photographer use when taking your photos? Camera settings and file type are very important to the quality of the images you will get. The only acceptable format is in RAW. If a photographer tells you they take use jpg settings, he or she is limited in the extent of their post production editing, which impacts the quality of your photos. What program do they use to create your album? Do they design the album without templates or do they rely on cookie cutter templates? Choose a photographer that has experience and talent in editing photos — and choose one that uses only top-of-the-line programs like PhotoShop CS4.

The Bottom-Line:  With regards to Professional Photography, you absolutely get what you pay for!  Inexperienced, non-professional photographers will often make several critical errors during your event.  They can not be re-done as there just one opportunity to capture certain moments!  Therefore, ask yourself this question:  If I could hire a Professional Photographer  and know that my images will be captured and kept safe, is this worth it to me?   If the answer is “yes” then you have made a wise decision!  If the answer is “no” then keep in mind the risks involved in losing precious moments forever.

If you don’t have a wedding planner, get yourself a wedding planner! That is, an organizer like the one above.

Step 1: Buy a planner with an area for notes, a to-do list, and a calendar to dedicate SOLELY to wedding planning.

Step 2: In the notes section, put all of your ideas… what flowers you want, your colors, dress ideas.

Step 3: On your to-do list, list everything you still have to do before the big day.

Step 4: Mark important meetings, deadlines, and other days on your calendar.

Step 5: Go through bridal magazines and begin ripping out pages that give you ideas or that include discounts. Stick them in your planner.

Step 6: Start collecting coupons for bridal shops and wedding vendors and put them in your planner as well. (Check out our previous article: 8 Little Known Ways to Get Wedding Discounts).

Step 7: Keep up with it! Make sure to look at your calendar everyday and cross items off your to-do list as you complete them.

Want a wedding reception no one will soon forget? In a lot of ways, a great DJ is the key to a great reception! Find out how to choose one that is right for you.

The DJ usually sets the mood for your wedding reception. So what do you want that mood to be? Fun? Upbeat? Romantic? You need to find a DJ that can express that mood to your guests.

Start by getting recommendations from your family and friends. If you have attended a reception with an awesome DJ, try to get his name and information. If you don’t have any leads, you can look in our directory.

The importance of a first impression:

There is nothing worse on your wedding day than a boring DJ! When you meet with the prospective DJ, does he seem upbeat and enthusiastic? Most good DJs are outgoing and energetic.

You also need a DJ that is willing to give you want you want on your big day. Is he willing to listen to your suggestions, needs, and wants? Make sure you feel like he is right for your wedding reception when you meet him.

The questions to ask a potential DJ in an interview:
- What is his price?
- What is the price of overtime?
- Will he need to be fed?
- What is in his music library?
- Can he play your song requests?
- Does he have a video demo?
- Does he have customer testimonials?

Things to know:
- Some DJs cost $200 and some cost $2000… but don’t automatically go with the cheapest OR assume the most expensive is the best.
- Make sure that the DJ has the songs you want played. It doesn’t matter if they have 50,000 songs if you don’t like any of them!
- Make sure the contract includes the correct date, time, location, and price before you sign it!

Want a wedding reception no one will soon forget? In a lot of ways, a great DJ is the key to a great reception! Find out how to choose one that is right for you.

The DJ usually sets the mood for your wedding reception. So what do you want that mood to be? Fun? Upbeat? Romantic? You need to find a DJ that can express that mood to your guests.

Start by getting recommendations from your family and friends. If you have attended a reception with an awesome DJ, try to get his name and information. If you don’t have any leads, you can look in our directory.

The importance of a first impression:

There is nothing worse on your wedding day than a boring DJ! When you meet with the prospective DJ, does he seem upbeat and enthusiastic? Most good DJs are outgoing and energetic.

You also need a DJ that is willing to give you want you want on your big day. Is he willing to listen to your suggestions, needs, and wants? Make sure you feel like he is right for your wedding reception when you meet him.

The questions to ask a potential DJ in an interview:
- What is his price?
- What is the price of overtime?
- Will he need to be fed?
- What is in his music library?
- Can he play your song requests?
- Does he have a video demo?
- Does he have customer testimonials?

Things to know:
- Some DJs cost $200 and some cost $2000… but don’t automatically go with the cheapest OR assume the most expensive is the best.
- Make sure that the DJ has the songs you want played. It doesn’t matter if they have 50,000 songs if you don’t like any of them!
- Make sure the contract includes the correct date, time, location, and price before you sign it!

Bold Red

Red is the obvious and dramatic color of Valentine’s romance – the traditional color of the heart as it relates to love. You can play on this color without being limited to the bright red of Hallmark Valentines. Deep burgundies and maroons are just as romantic.

For the very daring, think red for your wedding gown. Red gowns have been trendy in Europe for several years. If solid red is too shocking, consider a red and white gown, maybe with a dramatic red cape or silk pashmina.

You can also choose a different color to work as you basic theme shade, and just have small touches of red as accents in your flowers, bridal party attire and décor. Deep colors tend to be more dramatic than pastels – think regal blues, shimmering gold, deep greens and rich ivory shades all set a lovely backdrop for small suggestions of red.

Perfectly Pink

Pink is a very traditional color, but we tend to the think of wedding pinks as once-upon-a-time cotton candy pink. Think “Steel Magnolia” décor consisting entirely of “pepto-bismal” pink everywhere. Bold pink can be a lot of fun, especially paired with brown or black and it doesn’t have to have a punk-rock feel to it.

Pink tulips, pink roses, even a pink satin garter can all add a perfect touch. Decorate with a romantic touch – soft lighting, gauzy fabrics, flowers, candles, and plenty of atmosphere.

Are you and your fiance planning on writing your own wedding vows? Are you totally lost? Read below to find out how to write memorable vows for your special day!

It may sound cheesy, but you need to speak from the heart. Ask yourself the following questions, and let your heart do the talking.
- What did you think of your fiance when you first met?
- What made you make the decision to get married to him/her?
- What makes him/her desirable to you?
- What are some of your best memories together?
- What makes you sure that you can spend the rest of your life with him/her?
- What do you see for yourselves in the future?
- What promises can you make to him/her?

Let those questions and the emotions that they stir up guide your writing. And keep in mind the following things:

Don’t be generic; be SPECIFIC! The worst thing that you can do for your vows is say things like “your love is magical” or “you had me at hello” the whole time. Talk about things that are specific to your relationship. Make it as personal as you can.

Keep it short and sweet. There might be a million things you want to say to your future spouse, but the altar is no place to ramble. Say the things that you feel are most important.

Don’t be afraid to show your sensitive side. This is no time to hold back your emotions! Say how you feel and again, speak from your heart.

Today, it is more common to use a small alter to hold the sand containers so that the couples is left with a keepsake. You can purchase sand in various colors (to match your wedding color scheme, for example) along with two smaller glass containers for the bride and groom and one larger glass container representing your marriage, relationship and new life.

The sand ceremony can also be away to involve other family members. If you have children, your children may also participate by pouring some sand into the container as well. Parents of the bride and groom may also be involved.

Personalize Your Sand Ceremony Set

The vases for your wedding sand ceremony can be purchased at craft stores, or for a more meaningful approach, consider purchasing special sand ceremony sets. Such sets can be monogrammed with initials or the date of the wedding.

Sample Unity Sand Ceremony

After the minister reads the statement below, the bride and groom pour the two containers of sand into the third container simultaneously.

“(Bride) and (Groom), today you join your once separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent your past, your history and your life before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.”

Don’t let your wedding be just like any other. Below are 6 ways of putting your own personal touch on your special day.

Create a picture slideshow for your wedding reception! Nothing looks as fancy and personalized than a video of you and your soon-to-be hubby over the years. It can start with baby pictures then include pictures of the two of you together. It is unique and definitely entertaining.

Edit a “Dating Story” video for your wedding reception! No one will forget your wedding if you include a segment featuring you and your honey’s love story. Be sure to include individual and joint interviews and some old home movies and pictures of the two of you.

Include personalized music for each person in your wedding party to be introduced! Choose music that fits everyone’s personality so they can have a moment to shine. This is always a fun addition to a wedding.

Have a live band or musician! Nowadays, this is a rare treat. The type of music you listen to definitely shows a part of your personality, and your pick for a live band or musician will give your wedding a personal feel.

Use small frames with a picture of you and your fiance as the favors! No one will forget whose wedding day it is with this as a favor! And they can always replace it with a picture of their choice when they get home.

Personalize your vows! Most weddings include similar vows so writing your own is really the best way to express what the day means to YOU.

Any other ideas about how to personalize your wedding day? Leave us a comment.

Did you know only 4.7% of weddings in the US are in January? That makes it the least popular month for tying the knot! But we think that a January wedding is a fabulous idea! Vendors that rely on wedding season are struggling in January. I mean, they are getting only 4.7% of their business that month! So if there is a time when those businesses will barter, it’s then. Some wedding & reception venues already have discounted prices for less popular dates. Also, a winter themed wedding can be absolutely stunning.

But remember, there is a reason January is the most unpopular month to be married! So if you are planning a wedding for next January, here are some SBB tips:

• Don’t eat too much over the holidays and have to squeeeze into that dress you bought!
• Try to get most of your planning done pre-Thanksgiving so you aren’t under too much stress over the holidays.
• Keep the ceremony & reception indoors. And keep it warm for your guests. Make parking close by so they won’t have to walk too far in the cold.

If you had a fabulous wedding you would like to feature with SomethingBlueBook.com, email us all of the details along with pictures at weddings@somethingbluebook.com.

TOP 5 WAYS TO GET THE GROOM INTERESTED IN WEDDING PLANNING

Most men are simply not going to be as excited about or interested in planning a wedding! So for you brides-to-be, here are some tips for getting your honey involved.

1. Let him be in total control of something. One thing that may turn off a groom-to-be from even talking about the upcoming wedding is when his bride won’t let him make any decisions. Ask him his opinions about music, seating, colors, etc. and if he feels strongly about something, let him have his way.

 

2. Tell him that he can decide on what kind of groom’s cake he wants all by himself. You can even let him decide the music that is playing while it is being cut. He can arrange it all himself, which is one less thing you will have to worry about.
3. Play to his strengths. If he loves music, get him to help pick a band, a DJ, or the songs that you want played. If he is into technology, let him create a wedding website that tells your guests all of the information they need to know about the wedding. Find something that he likes, and get him excited about it.
4. One thing a man is always going to be concerned about is MONEY! You most likely won’t have any trouble getting your guy to sit down and create a budget with you. Make sure you have some prices of local wedding vendors handy to show him the average costs so he won’t underestimate the price. (Check out our wedding business directory—which is currently being populated).
5. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And nothing motivates men quite like food can! Let him take a part in choosing the menu for your guests. A man is not going to tolerate eating something he does not like on his wedding day! Also, you won’t have to drag your fiance to cake tastings. It’s all about finding things to motivate him to get involved.

And remember, once your man puts effort into planning your wedding, he is not going to want to let anything fall through the cracks. If you let him get excited about it, you will have him helping you with all the mundane details in no time!

1. The video quality of a DVD never fades over time. It used to be that couples would have their weddings filmed on VHS tapes and only be able to enjoy them for a few years before the integrity of the tape began to fade. Now, you can rest assured that you will be able to relive the events of your special day in pristine condition on your 50th wedding anniversary.
2. Your wedding day only happens once (well, that’s the idea at least)! And there is nothing that can preserve the memory quite like a video can. It is a live-action documentary of one of the most important and cherished days of your life. It allows you to remember the day in more detail than any other medium.
3. Most people are a ball of nerves on their wedding day and describe the day as a blur. But spending thousands of dollars on a day doesn’t really seem worth it if you aren’t going to be able to remember it well. A video allows you to remember all those moments you would forget otherwise. And believe me, watching your spouse say their vows to you is worth remembering for the rest of your life.
4. Even if you remember your wedding day vividly, there are some things you would not be able to experience without a video—a word from your spouse before you walk down the aisle, how he or she looked while getting ready, or messages from your family and friends.
5. A marriage is the start of a new life together— a life that usually eventually includes children, grandchildren, and, if you are lucky, great grandchildren. And most people want to be able to share this amazingly important day with future generations. Who wouldn’t want to see their parents or grandparents get married? We know we would!