Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon Naylor
December 30, 2011
For your after-party’s new look, replace your tiara or veil with a pretty, feathery fascinator.
December 29, 2011
Grooms on a budget are giving their brides fabulous, designer perfume, instead of pricy jewelry, as a wedding-day gift.
December 28, 2011
The new trend in thank-you notes: portraits of the two of you on the front and back of the card.
December 27, 2011
If you’re thinking of getting hair extensions for your big day, ask your stylist about the limitations of the more budget-friendly synthetic brands…some can’t be curled with a curling iron.
December 26, 2011
More brides and grooms are agreeing NOT to Tweet or post on Facebook during the honeymoon; it’s better to unplug from social media and just focus on each other.
December 25, 2011
In your bridal journal or binder, make notes about the products and services you didn’t get, and why…it’s fun to look back on those details later!
December 24, 2011
Ice sculptures are back in for the cocktail party! Ask your site if they have an in-house ice sculptor, or who they hire, and check out that pro’s website to see samples.
December 23, 2011
Open your reception with an instrumental performance, such as the high energy of a trio of drummers – a new, hot trend at weddings and corporate parties.
December 22, 2011
Put three extra stocking packages in your emergency bag…stockings often snag on your rings, so it’s best to be extra-prepared for replacements.
December 21, 2011
For an outdoor wedding, sew little weights into the bottom hems of chuppah or trellis fabric drapings, so they don’t blow around in the breeze.
December 20, 2011
A new must for guest welcome bags: little bags of popcorn for their in-room movie viewings.
December 19, 2011
When planning your ceremony, ask to hear the music the pianist, organist or choir will perform; don’t just choose songs from a list.
December 18, 2011
Everyone loves pie! Check out the hot dessert trend, including mini pies on a stick.
December 17, 2011
Keep the mystery! Don’t post every detail of your wedding plans on your Facebook page or Twitter. Guests will be so much more impressed when they’re surprised by all of your amazing wedding details.
December 16, 2011
If you have several hours’ delay between your ceremony and reception, post on your wedding website some nearby places where guests can gather.
December 15, 2011
Remember that guests often reach across their tables to hand off their table camera or to show pictures of their kids, so choose candles in hurricane lamps or votives (instead of tapers) to keep flames away from sleeves.
December 14, 2011
Ask your entertainer what ‘tricks’ he uses to get guests out on the dance floor. Asking everyone to join in for a ‘good luck’ dance right at the start is a smart strategy
December 13, 2011
Add to guest welcome baskets a $10 gift card to the hotel, so that they can pick up snacks, extra bottled water, sodas, coffee or essentials in the gift shop without spending their own money.
December 12, 2011
Don’t offer to pay for your bridesmaids’ dresses or travel expenses right off the bat! Wait until you see how your budget’s playing out before you make such a generous gesture.
December 11, 2011
If you have a lot of rhinestones and sparkle in your décor, you can dress up your cake with bling on real ribbons tied around each layer.
December 10, 2011
Instead of a messy Mess the Dress photo shoot, do something more refined and sentimental. Wear your gown and tux at the location where you had your first date, or in your family’s backyard.
December 9, 2011
At the rehearsal dinner, you and your groom can propose sweet or funny toasts to each other as a highlight of the event.
December 8, 2011
For your Mess the Dress shoot, choose a location that means a lot to you, such as on the football field where you went to high school.
December 7, 2011
Instead of a messy Mess the Dress photo shoot, do something more refined and sentimental. Wear your gown and tux at the location where you had your first date, or in your family’s backyard.
December 6, 2011
Coordinate your mom’s look with your dress in a subtle way, such as having a lace element on her dress if you have lace elements in yours.
December 5, 2011
Before the wedding day, have your groom practice ‘dipping’ you, so that you’re both comfortable with the angle and how to position yourselves for a graceful move.
December 4, 2011
Honor your bridal party members’ comfort levels when you ask them to dance into the room during their introductions. If anyone’s really uncomfortable, just have everyone make a normal entrance.
December 3, 2011
During the reception, spend a little extra time at your grandparents’ table; don’t just cruise by once…stop by to say hello again or ask them to dance.
December 2, 2011
Be sure to enter our current sweepstakes, and check back often to sign up for even more big prizes!
December 1, 2011
It’s wonderful when parents go table-to-table at the reception to greet all of the guests. Very classy!
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!
