Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon Naylor
September 30, 2011
Engagement portraits are skyrocketing in popularity, and gives you and your photographer a chance to get to know each other’s style, so that you develop a relationship before the big day.
September 29, 2011
If you’re given heirloom non-diamond jewelry such as glass stone brooches, have those stones turned into new hair clips, pins or other wear-now and wear-again jewelry.
September 28, 2011
Did you know that you can have a high-quality silk reproduction of your centerpiece flowers made? Just take a photo of yours to a floral designer and you may have a pretty new floral décor piece for your home!
September 27, 2011
Always popular for the restroom amenity basket: lots of fabric tape and safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions, as well as little packets of stain remover.
September 26, 2011
A new trend in restroom amenity baskets: provide antacids for tummy upsets, and frame a note saying the bar has ginger ale!
September 25, 2011
Everyone loves cake, but they also love dessert options! Ice cream, mini cheesecake bites, and dessert shots are top dessert trends for weddings and bridal showers!
September 24, 2011
During your gown fittings, do an arm movement test – swing your arms, lift them up as if dancing or hugging – any rubbing that happens now will turn into painful chafing during your big day!
September 23, 2011
Do a movement test in the corset you're shopping for - reach up, take deep breaths, keep it on for more than a few seconds to be sure it'll be comfortable enough under your gown.
September 22, 2011
Ask if your photography/videography company offers gift cards – you may be able to suggest that as your upcoming holiday gift wishlist to help you get an even better pro package!
September 21, 2011
Ask if your reception site will assign a ‘bride’s attendant’ to help you with your bustle, bring you drinks and food and more. And remember to tip her!
September 20, 2011
Send Thank-You Notes To Your Fabulous Vendors And E-Mail Them Images From Your Big Day – Wedding Pros Who Put A Lot Into Making You Happy Will Love Seeing Their Contributions..
September 19, 2011
Get Fashion, Flower, Gown and DIY Tips At Our Videos Page!
September 18, 2011
A new dessert bar trend: the parfait bar. Not ice cream parfaits, but squares of pound cake, madeleines, puddings, fresh fruit slices and whipped cream for make-your-own delicious treat.
September 17, 2011
A fun and free plan for your non-racy bachelorette party: catching a TV marathon of your favorite show (Gilmore Girls, Beverly Hills 90210) – with snacks and drinks, of course – as your Girl Time get-together.
September 16, 2011
Looking for a fun favor idea under $5? Give your guests mild or spicy barbecue sauce in locally-made bottles. They could even break them out at the party!
September 15, 2011
Some officiants are now using e-readers during the ceremony, so be sure to ask about that! You might prefer a traditional book-reading in your wedding photos, since gadgets can age out quickly and look odd in your wedding photos years from now.
September 14, 2011
Serving Dishes Family-Style Is The New Trend At Rehearsal Dinners. Set Out Platters Of Ravioli In Different Flavors (Cheese, Spinach, Goat Cheese And Mushroom), A Big, Fresh Salad And Garlic Rolls For A Budget-Friendly, Crowd-Pleasing Sit-Down Meal.
September 13, 2011
Display fun photos of you with your friends at the bridal shower in digital photo frame slideshows.
September 12, 2011
To add a charitable twist to your bridal shower, ask guests to bring donated items — children's books, pet supplies for the local animal shelter, even last season's accessories — in lieu of a traditional wishing well.
September 11, 2011
Lidded apothecary jars give a romantic touch to bridal shower centerpieces; fill them with colored stones, flower petals or even a single piece of costume jewelry on a bed of tulle.
September 10, 2011
Ask your florist to use unique greenery in your bouquet and other florals. Leatherleaf fern is boring, so mix it up with eucalyptus, banana leaves, and other great textures.
September 9, 2011
Create a fabulous soft drink menu, combining iced tea and lemonade, pomegranate soda and lemonade or an island blend of orange and pineapple juice. Guests love creative non-alcohol drinks, and it’s great on your budget.
September 8, 2011
Give your Mom her own page on your online wedding file-share program! Check out Microsoft OneNote’s free wedding template that allows her to drop in photos and plans for the rehearsal dinner or breakfast, plus photos of her dress possibilities.
September 7, 2011
For an out-of-the-box bridesmaid's gift, consider charmed key chains, which they can attach to their purse or even their e-reader and always think of you.
September 6, 2011
Ask your site manager if the band or deejay music inside the ballroom can be piped to the outside areas where guests may wish to mingle or even dance under the stars.
September 5, 2011
A big trend in registries: signing on for top-notch air purifiers, especially if you or your groom have allergies.
September 4, 2011
Don’t forget to register for sets of guest towels and bed linens if you expect to have houseguests in the future; this is the time to sign on for them, and also get a percentage off in your Completion package.
September 3, 2011
If you discover that your guests’ hotel has a "Romantic Weekend Package" that’s close to your room block rate but offers a free breakfast and other perks, then add that info to your personal wedding website. Alert your OOT guests to the news by re-sending your URL.
September 2, 2011
Wedding guests love it when you arrange for more than one hotel block at two nearby hotels, so they can choose the chain and price that’s right for them.
September 1, 2011
Heirloom jewelry is a hot ticket, and a big budget-saver. If you have several necklaces or bracelets offered to you, wear one for the ceremony and a separate set at the reception for your Jewelry Look #2.
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!
