Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon NaylorFebruary 28, 2011
If you make a donation to charity in lieu of wedding favors, design a pretty framed announcement that features the image and logo of your designated charity of choice.
February 27, 2011
Another reason to add some more gifts to your registry list right now: Guests want to see a variety of gift options that fit their budget, so the more options you give them, the better!
February 26, 2011
Add some mor gifts to your registry lists! If your chosen registry has a completion program, you'll get a discount on whatever remains on your list after your wedding.
February 25, 2011
Pay attention to last-minute guest cancellations and how they'll affect your seating chart. Fill out new placecards to move the two remaining guests at one table to another table that has room for them.
February 24, 2011
Add a few extra feet between tables in your reception layout plan, to give guests plenty of room to get to the dance floor without knocking into other guests' chairs.
February 23, 2011
Ignore drama queens who try to get attention at your wedding. They'll only make fools of themselves, while you remain happy and carefree, not giving them a split-second of your attention or time.
February 22, 2011
Pay lots of attention to your flowergirls! Dance with them, sit with them, talk with them. To the girls, you're like a princess and they'll love you for focusing on them!
February 21, 2011
Dance with lots of special relatives and freinds, not just with your new hubby. It makes their day, and gives your great memories and photos to enjoy for years.
February 20, 2011
Instead of those prom-like guest table posed shots, ask your photog to invite guests to pose for their own family portraits and romantic couple photos that they can order from your online picture site.
February 19, 2011
Ask your photographer to take lots of photos of the food on your cocktail party displays. You'll be busy greeting guests and taking photos, so even ify ou do get to take a few bites, you won't see all of the fine presentation displays right then.
February 18, 2011
Plan a celebratory lunch for after your visit to town hall to apply for your marriage license. It's a big deal! So don't treat it like an everyday errand.
February 17, 2011
Be open to house-brand wines and liquors, asking for a tasting of each when you go for your catering meetings. Today's wonderful reception sites now stock great-quality vintages for their house brands, and you'll save lots of money.
February 16, 2011
Champagne toasts are so in right now! This time around, though, it's all about adding color. Have your reception site place champagne glasses—with a splash of cranberry juice—at each guest's place setting.
February 15, 2011
Explore the idea of working with carnation flowers in your wedding décor. Today's varieties are bright and beautifully textured, not cheap looking!
February 14, 2011
A great gift for your groom: tell him (in a hand-written note) what you love about his family. Every groom wants you all to get along, so this is a fabulous present for him, especially if you've clashed with his mom over wedding plans!
February 13, 2011
Keep romance at the top of your priority list! Write your groom a love note, give him a relaxing foot massage when you're watching televsion, or give him a compliment you've never given him before.
February 12, 2011
Valentine's Day dinner can take a chunk out of your wallet, so propose to your groom that you go out the night BEFORE the holiday to the swankiest restaurant in town, thus avoiding a $100-per-person holiday minimum. The money you save can be spent on a honeymoon excursion!
February 11, 2011
Valentine's Day is coming! Make an agreement with your sweetie that he can get you flowers after the holiday to avoid those pricy markups.
February 10, 2011
Find out where your diamonds are from—or even buy raw, organic stones if possible. One hot property for ethically-mined diamonds right now is Canada, so search for vendors from our neighbors up north.
February 9, 2011
Think about getting wedding bands that are made of recycled precious metals (these are platinum). It takes over 20 tons of ore to make one new ring, so you'll be reducing your own carbon footprint by making this choice too.
February 8, 2011
Follow Kate Middleton's lead by using sapphire-hued crystals in yourcenterpiece decor. The gemstones are sure to make a fancy splash!
February 7, 2011
Change your look throughout your wedding celebration by swapping out a rhinestone belt for a simple satin sash (or vice versa). Keep your ceremony look demure while having fun with your reception style!
February 6, 2011
Have several of you wedding invitations profesionally-framed as gifts to your parents and grandparents, and also as a fabulous home decor item for yourselves.
February 5, 2011
If you're displaying framed family photos at your reception, pair them with small, framed cards sharing information on who's in the picture and the year in which it was taken.
February 4, 2011
Display framed family photos at your rehearsal dinner for close relatives to see and enjoy in a more casual setting. , pair them with small,
February 3, 2011
Impress guests by placing a hand-written note from you in their welcome bags. They've come a long way to be with you; a printed-out note isn't personal enough.
February 2, 2011
Arrange for welcome bags to be pre-placed in their hotel rooms as surprises awaiting them, not another bag to lug upstairs with their suitcases.
February 1, 2011
Go green with your guests' welcome bags by placing goodies in resuable totes, such as these stylish pieces from Envirosax.
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!
