Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon NaylorApril 30, 2011
When you're scouting potential venues, ask the sales coordinator if you can look in on a real wedding reception. When you attend, dress up nicely so that you and your fiancé look like guests, even if you’re just standing in the doorway.
April 29, 2011
If you’re having an island destination wedding, give guests underwater one-time-use cameras from Kodak for their snorkeling fun. Imagine all of the great photos you'll get to add to your wedding collection!
April 28, 2011
Give your emcee the names of your bridal party members and parents written phonetically so that no one’s name is butchered when they're introduced into the room.
April 27, 2011
Get a professional brow shaping to instantly brighten your eyes! Choose a pro who can assess your face and determine the perfect shape for you.
April 26, 2011
Save your bridesmaids a big expense by asking them to wear elegant ponytails instead of pricey updos.
April 25, 2011
On the morning of the wedding, as you're all getting ready, play an iPod mix featuring song dedications to your bridesmaids.
April 24, 2011
During your wedding-planning process, keep a journal about all of the fun adventures you take with your mom along the way—even if it's just a few tasks—and give it to her at the rehearsal dinner as a keepsake.
April 23, 2011
A fabulous thank-you gift for parents is a fine bottle of wine or champagne with a note for them to enjoy a romantic evening or celebration of their own.
April 22, 2011
Make your engagement party a charitable event! In lieu of gifts, ask guests to bring non-perishable items for a local food pantry, pet supplies and toys for an animal shelter, or donations for some other cause of your choice.
April 21, 2011
Don't skimp on your table linens, since this is a detail that guests touch and see up-close. Always ask to feel the actual napkins in your site's supply.
April 20, 2011
Use tassels—a fashion accessory trend for spring—in your wedding decor, such as on table runners, seat cover ties, centerpiece accents, and more.
April 19, 2011
Love the idea of changing into a second dress for your reception? Try selecting a gown that has color, which is one of the biggest bridal trends right now—we spotted mint green at bridal market, and Reese Witherspoon just wore blush pink to her second wedding!
April 18, 2011
When you're trying on gowns, ask to have each dress contender bustled so that you can test your movement, practice sitting, and see what it will look like from the back.
April 17, 2011
Don't skimp on hiring bartenders—it's not a smart way to save, since guests would hate standing in a long line at the bar.
April 16, 2011
Get creative with your groom's cake! Try using cake pops, liquor-infused cupcakes, pastries, or a dessert from his cultural background.
April 15, 2011
Don't over-cinch your bodice or wear a too-tight corset trying to achieve a slim-waist silhouette. Being able to move around comfortably is essential—you want to be able to dance the night away with all of your loved ones until the very end of your reception!
April 14, 2011
Your table centerpieces don't have to be identical. Mix up sizes and heights around the room to give visual impact and also save on your floral budget.
April 13, 2011
Seat your bridal party members (and their dates) at tables with their own groups of friends and relatives; you don't have to put your bridal party at one table.
April 12, 2011
If you or your fiance's parents are divorced or don't get along with each other, take the stress out of seating by creating three or four separate tables for them, which will keep everyone a safe and happy distance from one another.
April 11, 2011
Build a kitchen cookbook library by registering at sites like amazon.com, bedbathandbeyond.com, williamssonoma.com and more. They'll help you develop a repertoire of healthy, home-cooked dishes you and your hubby will love.
April 10, 2011
Register for healthy cooking items like veggie and rice steamers, a julienne peeler and a wok to avoid gaining "The Newlywed 19."
April 9, 2011
Add fitness items such as yoga gear, hand weights, and more to your bridal registry to live a long and healthy life together.
April 8, 2011
If you're a DIY bride, get intricately-printed origami paper at the craft store — the designs are amazing!
April 7, 2011
When it comes to serving late-night reception fare, you can never go wrong with a crêpe station — guests can choose sweet fillings like chocolate and fruit, or even savory options like veggies, cheese, and onions.
April 6, 2011
Add some humor to your save-the-dates by featuring a silly photo of you and your fiancé carrying signs, wearing wacky sunglasses or posing in your college team shirts.
April 5, 2011
Instead of printing just you and your fiancé's names and wedding date on cocktail napkins, get creative with a meaningful quote or sketch. That way, you'll get to use the leftovers in the future!
April 4, 2011
Most brides-to-be tend to save important lists like guest RSVPs on their laptop. Print out a hard copy of these spreadsheets and save them on your hard drive or in Google Docs, just in case your computer crashes.
April 3, 2011
Honeymooning in a tropical island? Don't forget to pack an underwater one-time-use sport camera, or invest in a digital one to document future trips.
April 2, 2011
Take the stress out of writing your thank-you notes by deciding on a set number you'll write together with your husband each night. Then celebrate with a treat afterwards!
April 1, 2011
One way to thank your parents for all of their hard work helping you plan your wedding is to give them their own professional photo album. They can browse through your online proofs, pick their favorite shots, and work with your photographer to create a traditional or modern scrapbook-style layout.
For more of Sharon Naylor's advice, check out her special section devoted to bridesmaids, read more about her, or visit sharonnaylor.net and get to know this bridal guru better!
