Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon Naylor
July 31, 2011
Even if parents are hosting the wedding, it's now okay to have the response cards sent to your address, so that you get the thrill of receiving them and keeping track of RSVPs.
July 30, 2011
If you have a few guest no-shows at your reception—hey, it happens!—instruct your site manager to offer those guests' gourmet meals to your wedding coordinator, photographer, videographer and DJ.
July 29, 2011
You don't need a seating chart at your cocktail party, but it's thoughtful to provide enough seating for all. Try including benches, oversized ottomans, bistro tables and high-backed chairs arranged in mingling circles.
July 28, 2011
All of your wedding vendors have to eat dinner, so ask your site manager about their options in vendor meals and choose something yummy for them to enjoy!
July 27, 2011
Before you add frozen daiquiris to your drinks menu, think about what it will be like to have the loud, whirring noise of a blender constantly going off in the background. That will be captured on your reception video!
July 26, 2011
A delicious idea for a cocktail hour station is lo mein. Make all of your guests happy by offering one meat choice, such as chicken lo mein, plus a veggie lo mein.
July 25, 2011
At a hot summertime outdoor wedding, treat guests to cool refreshers such as lemonade spritzers and cold, fresh fruit "appetizers" hand-passed by servers.
July 24, 2011
Plan to bring a wad of cash to your wedding morning beauty appointments, so that you can tip all of your group's stylists and shampoo experts.
July 23, 2011
No tip jars on the bar! If you see one sitting out, feel free to ask the bartender to remove it. Tips are taken care of by the hosts, not by the guests.
July 22, 2011
Your cake's frosting colors will really pop if you choose cake table linens in the same color; there's no rule saying that the tablecloth has to be white!
July 21, 2011
Be sure to position your gift table far from the reception hall exit, to avoid any thieves from popping in to steal your presents.
July 20, 2011
It's time for a date night! Step out of wedding planning mode and get into romance mode by asking your groom out on a date...no wedding talk allowed!
July 19, 2011
Shorter veils are not only in style, but also can help you avoid the "disaster snag" when your veil gets caught on your rings before or during the wedding.
July 18, 2011
Add some color and texture to your tabletops by sprinkling seafoam-blue or green sea glass around your centerpieces, a natural alternative to confetti.
July 17, 2011
Take photos at each of your gown-shopping stops, remembering that all the gowns you don't pick lead you to The One. And it's fun to look back later on the styles that could have been...
July 16, 2011
Protect pets' feet at outdoor weddings by outfitting them in cute booties to guard against super-hot beach sand or pavement, and have them practice wearing them before the big day.
July 15, 2011
Ask your bridesmaids which time of day works best for attending planning meetings. Are they able to do mornings? Weekday evenings? Sundays? Bridesmaids who have kids say they especially appreciate having some say in scheduling.
July 14, 2011
Check your passport right now to be sure it doesn't expire before or during your honeymoon. Renew, if you need to, by visiting the travel.state.gov website.
July 13, 2011
A fun gift idea for your bridesmaids is colorful bangles in stacks of coral, aquamarine or another design — they'll wear them again and again.
July 12, 2011
Your ride doesn't have to be a classic white or black car. Look into renting a hot pink convertible or a lipstick red classic car to make an eye-catching entrance and great photos.
July 11, 2011
A hot trend in bridesmaid beauty gifts is professional eyebrow shaping. A great pro shaping gives your girls an instant makeover and is an indulgence they may not get for themselves.
July 10, 2011
Allow some down time in your wedding weekend for guests to enjoy on their own. Plan a few cocktail parties and events, of course, but give guests a chance to chill out and visit with each other, too.
July 9, 2011
Before you book your vendors, ask if they perform at outdoor weddings. Some experts make it a rule to avoid hot, humid days, and some protect their equipment by staying out of the sun. Make sure you look into this before signing any contracts.
July 8, 2011
Put 5% or 10% of your wedding gift money into savings now, so that you can start off your marriage with a nice starter fund — make room in your budget and consider this an essential investment.
July 7, 2011
Register for lots of matching photo frames, including large 16"x20" ones, which you may need later when you add honeymoon photos or artwork to your home décor.
July 6, 2011
Check out the surprising variety of succulent plants, which are a great addition to your summer wedding décor. Many are more floral than aloe-looking.
July 5, 2011
Incorporate the popular summer shades of slate and gray-blue into your décor by displaying stones and gravel in glass vases as table centerpieces. Surround a tall vase with a few low-set ones in matching stone shades and sizes, interspersed with votives.
July 4, 2011
Give your parents their own spotlight dance at the reception, and let them pick their own song and dance style. Parents love having their moment to shine!
July 3, 2011
A little garland secret: if you plan on hanging them high, such as from rafters or along balcony railings or tent ceilings, make them bigger so they create more of an effect.
July 2, 2011
Have extra one-time-use cameras? Set them out on the bar so guests can snap great toasting photos.
July 1, 2011
Add lush, natural greenery to your décor with greens-only garlands featuring different kinds of green textures, from ivy to broadleaf to evergreen to big banana leaves.
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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!
