Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon Naylor
August 31, 2011
Even though guests may have GPS, it's still considered proper to enclose a printout of driving directions to your ceremony and reception locations.
August 30, 2011
For formal invitations, write the year as "two thousand eleven," not "two thousand and eleven."
August 29, 2011
Remember that wedding invitations should always be hand-addressed, not affixed with those auto-print stickers that can get smudged by the post office's heated processing machines.
august 28, 2011
Accent a v-neck gown or a wedding dress with an open back with a lariat necklace. You can choose clear beads for yourself and colored ones for your 'maids.
August 27, 2011
Both brides and bridesmaids can't go wrong with a simple, elegant dress accessorized with fabulous, trendy shoes that sparkle!
August 26, 2011
A simple but often forgotten detail: make sure your bridesmaids are all wearing the same shade of stockings. Nude, tan and deep tan will look mismatched at the ceremony lineup and in photos, so specify a specific hue to them.
August 25, 2011
A great way to involve a far-away friend, relative, mom or bridesmaid with the planning process is to have them suggest songs for your reception playlist—they'll love this fun task!
August 24, 2011
Don't plan everything too far in advance, or as the months go by, you may fall into the trap of second-guessing your decisions.
August 23, 2011
Check office supply stores for their remaining back-to-school sale items for your print projects, DIY crafts and more. You can often get $1 items and 20%-off coupons.
August 22, 2011
Will your pet be a part of your wedding? Make sure your pooch has a cool spot to hang out, a supply of fresh water, and pet-safe food and snacks. A volunteer can take your "baby" home after the ceremony so that you don't need to worry about them during the reception.
August 21, 2011
On the morning of the wedding, as you're all getting ready, play an iPod mix featuring song dedications to your bridesmaids.
August 20, 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!
August 19, 2011
Nerves make your mouth go dry, and that causes bad breath...not a good thing at your receiving line or while visiting guest tables. Don't forget to pop a few mints on the big day!
August 18, 2011
Write your groom a love letter today! He might be feeling lost in your "wedding tunnel-vision," so remind him that the best part of all is getting to marry him.
August 17, 2011
The crafting party is the new girls' get-together: invite the moms, maids and flower girls over to make your favors or other DIY tasks, then end with a great buffet or desserts and coffee.
August 16, 2011
More brides are choosing a great ladies' lunch or dinner over a bachelorette party, which helps keep expenses down for their bridesmaids.
August 15, 2011
Give your bridesmaids a "second look" for the reception by having them tie sparkly sashes around their waists, and make them a gift from you.
August 14, 2011
Catch up on our Tip of the Day entries here, and send the link to your other engaged friends, your bridal party members and your parents so that they can get great tips and money-saving ideas, too.
August 13, 2011
Keep adding more things to your registry throughout the months of your engagement so that guests have a nice variety of affordable items to give you...and you may even get a percentage off after the wedding!
August 12, 2011
A new trend is to wear a colorful dress to your rehearsal dinner, and save the white or ivory for the Big Day!
August 11, 2011
Charge your cell phone fully on the morning of your wedding, because you may be on it a lot to contact vendors, your coordinator, your groom and others.
August 10, 2011
An essential for your emergency bag: a stain-removal stick. Also put a few on a tray in the ladies' and men's rooms for guests to get drips and stains out of their dresses, shirts and ties.
August 9, 2011
Planning on having a specialty dessert bar, such as made-right-there Belgian waffles with ice cream? Ask your site manager if you can have two stations to avoid one enormous line of guests.
August 8, 2011
In place of a groom's cake, consider serving groom's cupcakes, cake pops, mousses, pie or station desserts such as S'mores.
August 7, 2011
Got Skype on your cell? If so, you may be able to Skype with far-off loved ones (such as a pregnant friend who couldn't travel for your day). They'll love that you took a moment to say hello.
August 6, 2011
During the reception, be sure to compliment your wedding coordinator and site manager in the moment. Things may be hectic, but they'll love seeing the happiness on your face right then and receiving their thank-you notes.
August 5, 2011
Insure your wedding bands before the wedding day! Have them appraised at a different store than where you bought them, and buy insurance to protect those precious rings.
August 4, 2011
Find ways to get your mom involved, even if you're paying for most or all of the wedding. A popular new trend is for moms to host the morning-of brunch, or for parents to host their own VIP-list after-party.
August 3, 2011
Enter lots of contests! Use that bridal luck, and you could win a free honeymoon, dress, shoes and lots of other swag.
August 2, 2011
Put in for your vacation days at work way in advance, especially if your wedding will take place during peak summer months or holiday weekends.
August 1, 2011
At a beach or poolside wedding, set out waterproof one-time-use Sport Cameras from Kodak on tables close to the water's edge for guests to use so they don't risk their own pricey cameras.
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!
