With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, there are a gazillion ways to make the day extra special. Flowers, chocolate, dinner and champagne all enhance the romance of the day. But I was blown away to read in a recent New York Post article that some guys are feeling immense “pressure to show passion” and forking over huge sums of money on flowers — anywhere from $1,000 up to $25,000 — to prove their love. I’m sure you’ll agree that unless you’re a 1-percenter, spending that kind of money is way too over the top.
Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days of the year for marriage proposals, and although many proposals today are extravagant, planned with military precision and filmed for all the world to see on YouTube, I’m still a fan of the quiet, intimate “just the two of us” proposal. I recently came across this super-sweet idea from Matthew David Hopkins, Creative Director of New York City-based Matthew David Celebrations.
Tip of the Day: "Send your photographer a wedding invitation in the mail so they can photograph the full set. This way you don't have to remember to bring it the day of the wedding," says Adrian Faubel from Tomato Juice Photography.
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Tip of the Day: Jonathan Pogash of Wedding Cocktail Design suggests coming up with a creative name for your signature cocktail. For example, he designed a drink called The Midtown Direct for a couple that met on a commuter train.
Plus, check out 5 Signature Cocktail Ideas for Spring.
Tip of the Day: Christine Paul of Christine Paul Events suggests allotting 25% of the guest list to the bride's parents, 25% to the groom's parents and 50% to the couple themselves. This keeps parents from taking over — after all, it's your wedding. But if the 'rents are paying for it or contributing towards the cost, try to be as tolerant as possible.
Tip of the Day: What makes a good vow? Keep in mind that at the heart of every vow is the idea that you're making a pact. The "agreement" should have these three features: a declaration of love ("Sam, my beloved, I fill my heart with you, to love you until the end of my days"); promises for your marriage ("I pledge to embrace both our similarities and our differences"); and personal touches ("Four years ago, I thought that men like you didn't exist").
Before you both begin writing, decide on the tone you want to set. Your words may be different, but the style should be more or less the same.
Plus, check out Dos and Don'ts for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows.
Featured: Weddings by Palladium
