Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon NaylorJanuary 31, 2011
Put your last names on your save the dates. It's a "don't" to just put your first names, since guests may know several people with your first names. Cut the confusion!
January 30, 2011
Check with your credit card companies to be sure that your points and rewards plans are perfectly suited to your spending, and perhaps tweak your rewards to get upgrades and other honeymoon perks.
January 29, 2011
Set out disposable cameras in your wedding colors—we love the floral ones from Kodak—at your wedding-morning breakfast to capture fun getting-reading and champagne-toasting moments.
January 28, 2011
Create fabulous toiletry baskets for both the ladies' and men's rooms. Fill it with goodies like fabric tape, dentral floss picks, mints, emery boards, and other emergency-type essentials.
January 27, 2011
If your budget won't allow for an outdoor wedding reception as you would have wanted, have an al fresco rehearsal dinner or wedding-morning breakfast to make your dream come true.
January 26, 2011
Ask someone to wash and wax your car (and the parents' cars) before the wedding weekend so that rides to weekend parties and events, as well as guest pickups, are done in a shiny, clean car.
January 25, 2011
If you're having an outdoor ceremony anywhere (i.e. not just on the beach with waves crashing), set up a sound system so that guests can hear your beautiful vows and other elements of your ceremony.
January 24, 2011
Skip the frozen or blended cocktails at your reception. Not only can they be pricier, but the constant noise will get a bit annoying!
January 23, 2011
Dress up your drinks! Ask your bar manager about unique stirrers, berries or candies that can be dropped into martinis, or try colorful sugar rims on regular (not frozen!) margaritas.
January 22, 2011
If you'll be having children at your wedding, plan for a specialty kids-only dessert bar that's sure to please. Think sundaes, brownies, cookies and cupcakes. (Adults will love 'em too!)
January 21, 2011
Keep all of those photos of gowns, cakes bouquets and other details that you considered during planning, even if you didn't ultimately choose those options. They're great keepsakes!
January 20, 2011
Don't forget to take a spritz or two of breath spray (like this odor-busting Binaca) for a fresher mouth while you're greeting and dancing with guests.
January 19, 2011
Have your groom keep a tiny breath spray in his pocket for you both to use immediately after the ceremony and before the receiving line—being nervous tends to dry out your mouth, which could give you some funky breath!
January 18, 2011
Keep careful records of who gave which gifts for all wedding parties, even the recpetion—it's essential for detailed thank-you notes and also serves as a reminder of what people gave when it's their turn to marry.
January 17, 2011
When you're considering flowergirl and ring bearer outfits, go for comfort, skipping itchy lace collars and stiff fabrics that can get kids fidgety—and cranky.
January 16, 2011
Share your favorite online coupon code websites with your bridal party members and the parents of child attendants so that they can save a fortune on their dresses, shoes and other buys.
January 15, 2011
Remember that crystals embedded on the part of your veil covering your face can create unsightly starburst effects when the facets catch a photo flash. If you want clear photos, keep these types of accents on the veil edges only.
January 14, 2011
Ask your officiant what he or she will be wearing during your ceremony to avoid any surprises. (So you're not into purple bedazzled robes?) Make sure to communicate your dress code in advance so everyone looks the part.
January 13, 2011
Put a bridesmaid in charge of reminding you to reapply sunscreen if you're having an outdoor wedding—maybe she'll even spritz it on for you.
January 12, 2011
Don't forget to take pictures from your perspective too, like a photo of the two of you driving away from your ceremony with guests waiving at you. We promise your pro photographer can't get shots like those!
January 11, 2011
Stash disposable cameras in unusual places, like your limo, so you can snap some fun candid shots en route to your reception or honeymoon.
January 10, 2011
Put disposable cameras—we love the pretty floral ones from Kodak—on your guest tables at the rehearsal dinner to get great photos of your nearest and dearest dressed up. Everyone looks fab at a rehearsal dinner!
January 9, 2011
Shop for your wedding-day perfume with your groom, so that you both love the scent you're wearing while instantly creating an olfactory memory.
January 8, 2011
Get permission from your ceremony and reception sites before you purchase or order site decor for either—some locations and venues have strict "No Additional Decor" rules—so you don't waste any cash.
January 7, 2011
Get on the mailing list of lots of different bridal shops. You'll get advance VIP notice of sales that can not only help you, but also your bridesmaids, get great discounts.
January 6, 2011
Do NOT put your home address on your personal wedding website. As a matter of security, it's best to keep that private info hidden in your bridal registry systems.
January 5, 2011
Be aware of any postage rate increases happening now or soon. Make sure to bookmark usps.gov for the latest news on postal rate hikes that could—and probably will—affect your invitation mailings.
January 4, 2011
Save-the-date postcards in larger sizes require extra postage, so be sure to have a sample save-the-date weighed and measured by a post office clerk for the real postage due.
January 3, 2011
It is okay to use your own printer to print out attractive block- or italic-print place cards. Place cards do not need to be calligraphed by hand.
January 2, 2011
Find out when your destination wedding location or honeymoon site has its national holidays, since that time could cause attractions, restaurants and other popular spots to be closed.
January 1, 2011
If you have several gluten-free guests on your list, be sure to rpovide at least two gluten-free desserts on your menu—everyone should be able to indulge, after all. (Oh, and happy new year!)
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!
