Wedding Preparation Calendar

Your wedding date is a year away - it seems like an eternity! As formal weddings have become more and more popular, you should allow about one year for planning. Many reception facilities are reserved as far as twelve to eighteen months in advance during the summer months and December. The size and formality of your wedding will play an important part in determining your date and schedule. Even if your wedding is small and less formal, allow yourself a minimum of three months. The more time you have to plan, the better your chances of reserving your first choices. On the biggest day of your life, who wants to settle for less? With all you have to do, time will fly quicker than you think!

The following schedule and checklist provide you with the basis for organizing your planning time and ensure that all the details will be handled. These are strictly recommendations; we encourage you to see when the businesses themselves say they need to be reserved as you read the rest of the book.

AFTER ENGAGEMENT - SIX MONTHS AND BEFORE

• Select a wedding date and time (be flexible)
• Buy a wedding notebook or organizer
• Figure out your budget and write it down
• Determine type of wedding and reception: formality, size, colors, and theme
• Decide on the ceremony site and make an appointment with the clergy
• Reserve a reception facility; if there's no in-house catering, you will need to find a caterer
• Start compiling names and addresses of guests
• Decide on wedding attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen)
• Shop for your wedding gown and headpiece
• Select a professional photographer
• Select a professional videographer
• Start collecting favorite photographs from both of your childhoods through the present; you'll want to use them in your wedding video or multi-image slide program
• Select dresses for your bridesmaids
• Find a florist
• Mail out engagement announcements
• Send an announcement to your local paper
• Register at the bridal registry stores of your choice (more than one is fine)
• Reserve a band, orchestra, string quartet, or DJ for your reception (if you choose)
• Decide on honeymoon destination; if it's a popular area, make reservations now

FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS BEFORE

• Compile the final guest list; delete or correct as needed
• Make sure all deposits are paid for services reserved
• Finish planning the honeymoon
• Order bridal attire; some manufacturers require up to six months for delivery
• Order the wedding cake
• Have groom, groomsmen, and ushers fitted for formal wear
• Purchase your wedding rings
• Order invitations, thank-you notes, imprinted napkins, and wedding programs
• Ask people to handle certain duties like candle lighting, guest book, cake serving
• Select musicians for ceremony

TWO TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE

• Plan ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Address invitations (mail four to six weeks prior to wedding)
• Organize details with service providers: reception facility, photographer, etc.
• Check accommodations for out-of-town guests; send them information
• Make beauty appointments: hair, nails, massage, facial, and makeup
• Arrange for final fittings for your gown and bridesmaids dresses
• Make your transportation arrangements for the wedding day
• Purchase gifts for your attendants
• Shop for your trousseau, lingerie, and going-away outfit
• Give a bridesmaids' luncheon or bachelor party (optional)
• Send thank-yous for gifts received early
• Get accessories: garter, unity candle, toasting goblets, ring-bearer pillow, etc.

ONE WEEK TO A MONTH BEFORE

• Decide where you'll be living and send change-of-address cards to post office
• Confirm accommodations arranged for out-of-town guests
• Get your final count of guests to caterer
• Delegate last-minute errands and details
• Make any necessary lists for photographer, videographer, and musicians
• Ask a responsible person to coordinate services and people on the wedding day; give them a list of who and what is supposed to be where and when
• Get your marriage license. Note: If you were married before, you'll need to know the date and place of the divorce or annulment. You may also need to have paperwork proof of divorce or annulment
• Pick up your wedding rings; make sure they are the correct sizes
• Pick up wedding attire; try it all on one last time to make sure it fits
• Make sure bridesmaids have their dresses, shoes, and accessories, and they all fit
• Keep up on writing thank-yous; don't let them accumulate
• Pamper yourself and make sure you eat right and get enough sleep

THE WEDDING DAY

• Eat a good breakfast
• Relax and enjoy getting ready for your big day
• Go to the hairdresser or start fixing your hair a few hours prior to the wedding
• Put all the accessories you will need for dressing in one place
• If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, be ready at least two hours before
• Just enjoy the day! All your months of planning will make your day perfect!

AFTER THE WEDDING
Make arrangements to change your name (if you choose) on your social security card, driver's license, passport, vehicle registration, bank accounts, all types of insurance, paychecks, and benefits at your place of employment, credit cards, mortgage companies, voter registration, business cards, frequent-flier programs, and all utility companies. If you are a student, contact your school to notify them of your new name, and ask them to change it in their records. Also contact the post office.

Saving Your Budget

It's amazing how fast wedding costs can exceed the planned budget. If you find yourself in the position of needing to trim back to make everything fit within your budget, consider the following:

• Avoid peak wedding days and seasons. You can save money by having your wedding during the months considered to be "off-season" (January-May and late October-November) and on a Thursday or Friday evening or Sunday during the day. Because these times are in less demand, many businesses and services provide what you are looking for at reduced prices. You're also more likely to get your first choices!
• Consider a daytime versus evening wedding. Saturday or Sunday daytime weddings are becoming popular. Considering a weekend daytime wedding gives additional options for your wedding date. Food and alcohol costs are considerably less for daytime events than evening events. People don't drink as much, if at all, and the food itself is far simpler and therefore less expensive.
• Cut back on the guest list. Guest lists can be the first thing to get out of control. Everyone wants to invite anybody and everybody they ever knew. Be firm with your figures of how many guests for each family. If that doesn't work, go back to the old formula of immediate family first, close personal friends second, etc., or have everyone review the list and cut back by 10%, 20%, or whatever is necessary to bring things back in line.
• Determine what is most important to you and put your money into that, but trim back on other areas. If fabulous flowers have always meant the most to you, spend a little less on your wedding gown or wear your mother's, sister's, or a friend's gown. If you've always wanted the most incredible dress in the world, cut back on the flower budget and have a DJ instead of a band.
• Don't be afraid to shop around. A little time on the phone could save you a lot of money. There can be a considerable difference in prices between different businesses for the same items or services. Just make sure that you are going to receive exactly the same item or level of service from the less-expensive company and that no short cuts are being taken at your expense.

If you're very clear about what budget you have to work with from the beginning, you'll find that the people in the wedding industry can be very helpful with all kinds of clever ideas on how to save money. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions or ideas.

Dress Code

One question we get asked a lot is about dress code. This seems to be big issue among brides, especially in the Northwest, where casual attire is the new evening wear. It sounds like everyone could use a little advice on what to wear when attending a wedding, so we've gathered some basic rules of thumb to answer some of your questions.

1. Black-Tie
"Black Tie" means the men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow or long tie and the women should wear a long formal gown. If you are a bride and would like to have your wedding be "Black Tie" remember that as a result your wedding must be very formal. It is most likely your wedding will be held in a ballroom or formal outdoor tent. You must also reciprocate the guests gesture to dress formally by providing a 3 to 5 course meal and open bar.

2. White-Tie
Like "Black-Tie" all the same rules apply for "White-Tie" except the men done a white bow or long tie, with white vests and shirts, while the women wear long formal gowns.

3. Black-Tie Optional
A "Black Tie Optional" or "Black Tie Invited" gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women can wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

4. Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Men can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. Women can wear long or short dresses or evening separates.

Sometimes, themed parties in the South call for dress codes like "Texas Black Tie" or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).

5. Semi-Formal or Evening Attire Invited
"Semi-Formal" or "Evening Attire Invited" means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for men, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for men and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for women.

6. Cocktail Attire or Cocktail Reception
"Cocktail Attire" means short, elegant dresses for women and dark suits for men. For women, wearing the classic "little black dress" is appropriate.

7. Dressy Casual or Casual
"Dressy Casual" calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For men, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for women a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are NEVER appropriate for Dressy Casual. Dressy Casual may be the right attire for a beach wedding.

"Casual" generally means anything goes and is really never appropriate for a wedding.

More General Questions...

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?
Yes, but only for evening weddings. Gone are the days where black is only reserved for funerals. Just try to avoid wearing black from head to toe. Pair your dress with a colorful or metallic pair of pumps or a brightly colored handbag and jewelry.

Is it okay to wear white to a wedding?
No. White is reserved for the bride. But if you have a dress that is white in the background with a print in the forefront, that is acceptable.

Is it okay to ask your mother-in-law-to-be to wear a certain color and style?
Yes. Typically, it is appropriate for the mother-of-the-bride to choose her dress first. Then once she has chosen a style and color, the bride should give her mother-in-law a description of the gown so she can coordinate, without matching identically.

Is it okay to show skin or cleavage at a wedding?
Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

Should men wear a tie to a wedding?
Yes. Even if the attire specifies semi-formal, wearing a tie is respectful. It is always better to be overdressed, than underdressed.

What if an invitation doesn't say what to wear?
Use your judgment. If the wedding is taking place during the daytime, a pastel colored dress or suit is most appropriate. If the wedding is occurring after 6 p.m. a little black dress is always appropriate. For men, a light colored suit for daytime and a dark suit and tie for evening is most appropriate.

A Final Tip for the bride...

If you are a bride that cares how people dress at your wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to add a line to the bottom of your wedding invitations with dress code instructions. If you have a wedding website, you could also include a "what to wear" section for your guests. In fact, most people like having a little heads-up on how they should dress, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings, which can be a bit ambiguous.

When Two Become One

Lately we've been hearing a lot of news about money and cost of living. With current spikes in gas prices, a hurting real estate market and our national debt, brides and grooms need to get smart about their future by organizing their finances before they say "I Do."

Here are some quick ideas to help you keep your finances on track.

Keep a list of all assets as well as your properties' estimated worth. This should include but is not limited to your home, car, jewelry, checking and savings accounts, antiques and other valuable possessions. Remember, when you decide on an insurance plan, the more items you include in the same plan, the better rate and discount you will receive. Also consider a life insurance policy for added security.

Also keep a list of all debts and outstanding credit card balances and loans before the wedding. Know ahead of time what money you need to set aside to pay off bills so you can budget your wedding expenses accordingly. Then make a conscious effort to pay off what is known as "bad debt" first such as credit card debt. If you have student loans or a mortgage, make the minimum payment each month and do it on time, but try to pay more than the minimum amount each month for your credit cards.

Start paying yourself first. Even if you are not married this is an important tip. Start early with a retirement plan such as a 401(k) or an IRA. If the company you work for offers this benefit, take advantage of it and put whatever amount you are able to into your account each month.

Seek advice. Don't expect yourself or your partner to know all the answers when combining assets or planning for your future. Talk to your bank or a financial expert who can offer you the advice you need on how to start planning for your future today.

Plan for the future early. If you are planning on buying a home, starting a family or investing, consider all of your options before making any rash decisions. Always seek expert advice and do your homework before investing any money. The more planning you do from the start, the less stress you'll put on your marriage later.

Hey All You First-Time Home Buyers, We Have News For You

If you are planning a wedding and also shopping for your first home together you certainly have a lot on your plate. As first-time buyers you'll need the most advice and education you can get and that means finding a real estate agent willing to give the extra attention and time to a newbie like you. Don't be afraid to meet with a few different real estate agents in the process to interview them. You need to find the right match for you.

On HGTV, Sandra Rinomato works with what she calls "Property Virgins" to educate and prepare them for process ahead. If you too are a "property virgin" we recommend checking your local listings to find out when this show airs in your area. You'll learn a lot about the woes and joys of buying a home and receive some free advice on what to look for and what to avoid when you're buying property.

Here are a few of her tips that we find most useful. To read all of her advice, click here.

1. Don't forget to set aside money for closing costs when budgeting out what you can afford. It's typically one and a half to two percent of the purchase price. That goes toward the land transfer tax and pays a lawyer.

2. Brand-new condos tend to be smaller, sometimes no larger than one bedroom, while older units typically have more square footage.

3. When figuring out the price of a property, sometimes it makes more sense to look at the price of a house in terms of monthly payments instead of focusing on that big number.

4. You can make changes to the inside of a condominium, with the proper condo board approval, but never to the exterior.

5. You can't negotiate maintenance fees with a condo, and those fees tend to go up periodically.

6. It's better to walk away if you're not comfortable with the situation.

7. A simple renovation after the sale can boost the value of the investment by thousands.

8. When it comes to investing, the best place to invest is in an up-and-coming area.

9. It is especially important to have a home inspection if you are looking to buy an aging or older house. They look past the visible surface to the infrastructure, inspecting plumbing and looking for faulty fixtures and waste lines. They check electrical systems to make sure they aren't overloaded or a safety hazard. They also look at possible structural problems like the foundation, walls and floor joists.

10. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to afford a mortgage three times your income.

Queen Bee For A Day

Hey all you bridesmaids and maids or matrons of honor, we have an idea for you! Every bride could use a special day of being pampered, honored, and adored, even if it’s just for a day. Give your friend a day of royal treatment. All she has to do is clear her schedule and proudly wear the crown of the “Queen Bee”. From Party Blu Prints, comes a 13-page how-to manual to take you step by step through the process of planning the ultimate "Queen Bee for a Day" event for the bride-to-be. Just think how loved she'll feel knowing you put the time and effort into a de-stress session just for her?

Party Blu Print walks you through everything, step by step. Although this is one of the most loving gifts you’ll ever give her, you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to pull off.

Download the entire manual by clicking here.

Writing Your Vows: The Dos & Don'ts

One recent tradition that is becoming more and more popular is the writing of your own vows. Adding this personalized touch to your wedding ceremony adds tenderness and romance that can never be contrived or phoney. If they are from your heart, they will always emote the right response from your partner.

Here are just a few simple guidelines to get you started...

Do – Sit down with your fiancé and discuss overall guidelines for your vows. You want to keep your vows similar in length and style. You certainly don’t want to say too little or too much, when your fiancé is doing the opposite. Also, if you decide to add some humor to your vows, but your partner keeps their vows very serious, the ceremony will not feel balanced.

Don’t – Don’t write for the crowds. Keep your vows only about each other and your relationship. Don’t feel like you have to make your guests laugh or cry. Your vows are about you and your fiancé and your guests are simply there to share in YOUR joy.

Do – Talk with your officiant to gain his/her perspective on your vows. Your officiant can offer insight on what is appropriate and can also help with writers block by offering suggestions and feedback.

Don’t – Don’t try to memorize your vows word for word. In the moment, no matter how many times you’ve rehearsed you may go blank with the excitement of the situation. So at the very least, keep a cheat sheet.

Do – Review traditional vows for inspiration. The most common vows are: “I so-and-so, take you so-and-so, as my lawfully wedded husband/wife to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part. This is my solemn vow.” Remember that your vows are about a promise you are making to each other, not just about how great your partner is.

Don’t – Don’t embarrass your partner or friends and family with your vows. Sincerity is key but you don’t want to get too intimate or personal.

Do – Be specific. Use words and phrases that are to-the-point and truly signify your commitment to your partner. Don’t use fluffy words or phrases to make your vows sound profound. They will come off sounding pretentious.

Don’t – Don’t use clichés. Your commitment to each other is unique and special, and cheesy cliché’s are not appropriate for the seriousness of your vows.

Do – Practice, Practice, Practice! You want your partner to believe in what you are saying, so don’t ruin the moment by not being prepared. Plus it will help lessen your nerves and you will be able to focus on your fiancé rather than the lines you are about to recite.

Click here for more "How-To's" from our "What You Need To Know Section"

A Burnless Flame

Candles add an extremely elegant touch to your wedding. In low light, the gentle flicker of candles sets the stage for a romantic evening. But, unfortunately, due to safety concerns, many wedding facilities do not allow candles to be used on site. So what are you to do if you had your heart set on a hundred flickering lights?

Meet Ashley Danae Designs. Ashley Danae Designs creates flameless candles that are made of wax and have a deliciously light vanilla scent. The candle’s "flame" flickers like a real candle, but instead of burning down to the wick, you need only a fresh pair of batteries to recharge their light. Unless you walk right up to the candle and pick it up, you have no idea the candle is not real and the best part is you'll never have to replace it.

Ashley Danae's candles also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles. Just check out some of the samples below.

Smart Solutions For Women On The Go

We love it when we find a product that makes sense for women. One of our pet peeves is when we have a pair of jeans or pants that are the perfect length for high heels, but then drag on the ground (and in Seattle that also means mud) when we want to wear the same pant with a cute pair of flats. Have no fret, ladies! A solution to this annoying problem is now here.

Meet a company called Zakkerz. Zakkerz (n.) is a temporary pant roll-up wrap used to hold pants that have been rolled up to a shorter length for flat shoes. Here is how it works: Roll your pant leg up to a desired length, then wrap zakkerz around the bottom of your pant with one end of zakkerz inside the pant leg and the other end outside the pant leg. The magnets bring the two ends of the zakkerz together – holding the roll-up in place. Zakkerz will hold your rolled pant legs in place when you need to temporarily shorten them without damaging your pants in any way!


So if you commute to work or a special event and want to wear high heels when you get there, but flats on the way over, just use Zakkerz pant magnets and you won't have to worry about a dirty or torn hemline.

The Dreaded "B" Word....BUDGET!

The following suggestions will ensure that your wedding turns out the way you want it while keeping your budget in line.

The most important advice we can offer both you AND your parents is DO NOT GO INTO DEBT! Weddings come in a variety of types and sizes; one is not necessarily better than the other based on the size or how much money you spend. Whatever you do, don't start your married life in debt.

BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR BUDGET
Your wedding budget should be handled like a business budget. If your boss said, "The budget for the Christmas party is $10,000," you would use only those services that would keep you within budget. The same is true for your wedding. Find the services that can accomplish what you want within the budget you've designated. Be realistic about your budget. If you have only $5,000 for your reception, it's unlikely you're going to be able to afford a full sit-down dinner for 150 guests, but a buffet with hot and cold hors d'oeuvres may work very well. Follow your budget allocations as closely as possible. This will eliminate financial stress.

DON'T FORGET TAXES AND GRATUITIES
Be sure to ask if all charges for delivery and setup, taxes, and gratuities have been included in the estimates you get from all the businesses and services you have selected. These additional costs can be a very nasty surprise the week before the wedding!

SAMPLE BUDGET SHEET

Service Budget Actual Deposit Due Balance Due
Caterer $5,000 $5,250 $500 5/5 $4,750 8/6
Florist
Photos

SETTING UP A BUDGET
It is recommended you set up a separate bank account for your wedding. This way funds can be tracked and kept separate from regular finances. Always pay businesses or services with a check or credit card to better record and track expenses. Allocation of your budget depends on what is most important to the bride, the groom, and the families contributing. Some spend more on music and entertainment or photography than others. The following is a breakdown of average spending by percentage:

Engagement ring - 14%
Reception - 40%
Photography and videography - 15%
Bride's and groom's attire - 5%
Music - 4%
Flowers - 3%
Invitations - 2%
Miscellaneous (clergy fees, rehearsal dinner, attendants gifts, limos) - 7%
Honeymoon - 10%

What You Need To Know Before You Hire A Photographer

In banquetevent.com's "What You Need To Know" section of our wedding planning website, we feature loads of articles to help guide you through the wedding planning process. We have tons of free information and advice to ease the stress of working with wedding vendors and making the right choices for your big day. In the coming weeks, we'd like to delve into our advice section and pick out a few particular pieces we deem the most important to share with you in our blog.

Today we'd like to focus on Photography. As of late, we've heard some startling news. Brides are not hiring wedding photographers. It seems today that brides are selecting friends and family to be the designated wedding photographer. These days, everyone with a digital camera can take the occasional beautiful shot, which is a wonderful thing. But, just because today's cameras have made it easy for the average person to take beautiful pictures, doesn't mean you should forfeit hiring a professional for the day of your wedding. Here's why a professional photographer is always the way to go.

1. A wedding photographer knows lighting. Most people don't realize the importance of good lighting when it comes to photo taking. However, a professional photographer knows how to utilize good lighting with the proper equipment and more importantly how to adjust when lighting is bad.

2. A wedding photographer's real work begins after the wedding. A photographer will take hundreds of photographs of your wedding, but in the end, he or she will carefully touch up each image so that the end result is nothing short of flawless. With today's image programs like Photoshop, even the slightest color, hue or saturation adjustment can make a huge difference in the final result and most professional photographers are trained with the skills to make your images even more spectacular.

3. A wedding photographer knows the ins and outs of your location. Most wedding photographers who have years of experience are very familiar with your wedding location. They have most likely shot a wedding at your venue before so they know the ins and outs and where the best photo opts are. Even if you are having your wedding in an obscure location, your wedding photographer will most likely make a trip to your site before the wedding to come up with a plan of action.

4. A wedding photographer will keep your wedding on pace. Having an objective third party around will help organize your group in a timely fashion so the photo session moves quickly and doesn't interrupt the flow of the day. A wedding photographer often acts as wedding coordinator too, just by keep things organized.

5. A wedding photographer has a plan. Wedding photographers know what images will be important to you when the event is all said and done and will not forget to take the shots that matter. If you hire an unexperienced person, they may forget to take a picture with you and your grandmother or the three generational shot you'll treasure forever. In the hoopla of the day, it's easy to overlook small details and this is where experience comes in very handy.

When it comes to your wedding, leave the photo taking to the professionals. In the end, you'll have a timeless collection of memories you can never recreate.

To help you know how to choose the right photographer for you, click here to read our Helpful Hint article. Then browse our website to look through the portfolios of some of the best photographers in the business.

Wall Art

Decorating your new home as newlyweds is an incredibly exciting process. You have the opportunity to start with a clean slate in design and have the freedom to be as innovative as you want. But sometimes, as a newlywed couple your funds may be limited. You may be purchasing your first starter home, condo or townhouse, renting an apartment or living in a friends basement. Whatever the case, you'll want to be creative in your design choices so that you can make the most of a small budget.

We have a solution to filling up empty walls without spending a lot of cash - and the results are nothing short of amazing.

Painting your walls is one of the least expensive methods of dressing up a room. And one way to add detail is through stenciling, murals or decals. We're not talking about the old fashion wall art either so stop picturing flowers and ribbons stenciled on your walls. New options in wall art are available to you in several styles including, mod, modern, traditional, classical, French provincial and more.

Here are some of our favorites!

It is what it is: a really really big tree stencil. And that's not all that exciting. Until you break out the paint and create a whole forest on your bedroom wall. And then it's the best thing ever! Easy to use and use again, let your creativity blossom! Retails for $125 at Urban Outfitters.


If you like your artwork to take up huge portions of your wall, but aren't interested in wall papering your space, try this easy to install and remove wall mural from Urban Outfitters. This nighttime city scene wall mural, as captured by Seattle photographer Aaron Morris, comes on heavy duty wet strength paper in 6 panels. Retails for $200.


Another option retailing for $140 is this stunning World Map Wall Mural. Also available at Urban Outfitters.


Another great way to dress up your wall is to paint it a bright base color and then add decals to the top. These little fellows are just like those old picture books where you could take decals and use them over and over again wherever you liked, only these are big and they go on your wall. Create a great design and leave it or change it every day. Retails for $38 and available at Urban Outfitters.


If you are renting a space and are not allowed to paint your walls, decals are a great way to add interest without changing the surface of the room. Check out this charming chandelier decal. You can create a great design by just sticking a few up and then leave it forever or change it every day. Retails for $48 and available at Urban Outfitters.


If you're really daring try these toilet decals to make your throne your very own. Choose Submarine, Crown, Stag, Heart or Plant designs. Retails for $18 and available at Urban Outfitters online store.

Recipe For Love

At banquetevent.com we are all about personalization. We believe whole-heartedly, that the best weddings don't have to be the ones that spend thousands of dollars making sure each detail is perfect and extraordinary. Extraordinary things happen when you put your own touch on traditional wedding pieces. One way to do this best is through your wedding favors. Our favorite wedding favor of all time is to bake a delectable treat for your guests, include the recipe and neatly package a little taste in a charming box. This can be from your family recipe vault or it can be a new recipe, but either way, the personalization and thought that goes into it makes it special. You can even ask your family or bridesmaids to get involved and help you bake. It will be a wonderful bonding experience and you can eat the leftovers. (Always a plus!)

Here's how to make this favor extra special. First, find the right recipe. Remember, you probably don't want to bake anything that can melt or spoil, so choosing something that won't loose its taste or texture is ultra important. Some great treats to consider would be Italian biscottis, hard candies, crispy cookies like gingersnaps or meringue.


If you need some inspiration for a recipe, visit foodnetwork.com for hundreds of great free recipes. One of our favorites we found were these Meringue Smooches.


Next find the right packages. There are thousands of options available to you and at an affordable price. You can find beautiful boxes in all colors and shapes. Check out these options we found at Beau Coup.


Lastly, to add the extra touch of personalization, have a custom rubber stamp made. They range from $12-$20 and can used over and over again. We found these at etsy.com from Sweet Papery. Also available through Sweet Papery are custom save the date, address, and other charming custom stamps.

Planning The Ultimate Bachelorette Party

We recently got an inside tip on a web article titled, "Maid Of Honor’s Bachelorette Party Guide: 50 Ideas and Resources." That's right, 50 ways to entertain your best friends and pamper the bride before her big day.

Here's a taste of some of the ideas featured in the article...

Wine Tour: Going on a tour of local wineries combines lots of interest into one. First, there’s great wine; second, there’s a road trip; third, there’s beautiful scenery. And did we mention great wine? Not all bridesmaids will have this option readily available, since not every state has a booming wine region, but you would be surprised at how many do exist outside of California. Just plan around the driving – hire a limo or stay in a quaint bed and breakfast in the region.

Road Trip: It’s a big occasion for your friend, so consider even taking a few days off of work and taking an old-fashioned road trip. Look into camping in the woods, staying at the beach, or just aimlessly driving lesser-known roads and ending up where the road takes you. Road trips are both adventurous and relaxing at the same time. See some new surroundings, meet some salty locals, rent a cabin in the woods, or bond around a campfire. Whatever you decide, it will definitely be a trip your friend will remember forever.

Champagne Brunch to Slumber Party: A bachelorette party is one of the better excuses out there to get a little tipsy in the a.m. And to make it even more fun – and to eliminate the possibility of any tipsy driving – extend the party into the night with a full-on slumber party. Start off by cooking a gourmet brunch, play games and open gifts in the afternoon, and cap it off by baking cookies and watching girly flicks in the evening.

Click here to read all 50 ideas

Special thanks to Customized Girl for this tip.
Customized Girl offers personalized clothes in their online store. Design your own t-shirts, tanks and more.

The Modern Woman's Wedding Survival Kit: Day Three

Banquetevent.com's wedding day survival kit has been assisting panicky brides prepare for their big day by packing a helpful kit of just-in-case-I-need-them-tools. Now comes our modern woman's survival kit for the weeks leading up to the wedding for all those potential pesky mishaps. Click here to read our Day Two tips.

Check back the rest of this week for more survival guides....

Mishap #5: You and your fiance have decided to have an outdoor wedding and have been praying for good weather since the day you set the date. But, now word comes from those happiness deflating weather forecasters that rain is in the forecast for your perfectly planned wedding day. Panic rears its ugly head.

What to do: You have two options. If a complete downpour is in the forecast for your wedding day, you may need to call a local rental company and order a tent. You'd be surprise at how many tenting options are available to you, in many unique styles. You can opt for side walls or and open canopy. And while you may expect the rate to be expensive, the cost of installing and renting a tent is probably more affordable than you think. Our next option, if only a light summer mist is in the forecast, is to rent or purchase stylish umbrellas that can handed out to each guest. You'd be surprised at what a charming and even attractive addition stylish umbrellas can be.
Where to get them: Visit banquetevent.com under Rental Services for several options in tent rental. Or, check out Bella Umbrella for the most magnificent umbrellas you have ever seen. Don't believe us, visit their website and check them out.



Mishap #6: Its weeks before your wedding and you are so proud of the job you've done planning and how organized you've been. Then, out of the blue, one of your vendors calls and has to regrettably cancel on you due to an unforeseen emergency. You. Have. To. Be. Kidding.....Right?
How to deal: Wedding professional organizations are here to help. Immediately contact a local event specialist organization such as the International Special Events Society (I.S.E.S.), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), Seattle Professional Photographers Association (SPPA) or the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). Each of this stellar organizations has a network of resources available to you. If you should ever be caught in this hair raising predicament, these organizations can immediately contact vendors within their network to find an available replacement. And, because these organizations have requirements for inclusion, you can rest assured that the vendor they recommend are professional and fully qualified.

The Modern Woman's Wedding Survival Kit: Day Two

Banquetevent.com's wedding day survival kit has been assisting panicky brides prepare for their big day by packing a helpful kit of just-in-case-I-need-them-tools. Now comes our modern woman's survival kit for the weeks leading up to the wedding for all those potential pesky mishaps. Click here to read our Day One tips.

Check back the rest of this week for more survival guides....

Mishap #4: Your fiance has just informed you that he would really prefer if you didn't check any baggage at the airport, but rather just carried on your luggage for your honeymoon. In your mind, you're picturing that 75 lbs bag of goodies and cosmetics you've already started to pack. And whatever will you do with all your cosmetics so they comply with the airport transportation restrictions? You feel a drop of sweat start to form on your brow.

What flies: While you are restricted to a small quart-size ziploc bag of liquids for airline travel, there are tricks to packing products that are perfectly acceptable and do not need to be included in your ziploc bag making space for the liquid items you can't live without.

Instead of using liquid foundation, we suggest changing to mineral or powder makeup. Our favorite by a mile is Bare Escentuals. Bare Escentuals is great because it still gives you the same coverage and even has SPF protection, but without feeling heavy. Even if you have blemished skin, Bare Escentuals covers discoloration and problem areas. If powders are just not your thing, also consider packing a stick foundation, such as the ones made by Shiseido, available in 10 shades.

Lip glosses may no longer be acceptable but good old fashioned lipsticks are. Lip glosses that are liquid or gels like Carmex or Blistex are not allowed, but a ChapStick in a stick form are permitted.

Instead of using a cleanser for makeup remover, pack face washing wipes by Ole Henriksen or Pond's Clean Sweep Makeup Removing Towelettes.

Pack a deodorant in a solid stick form rather than a mist or roll-on. Use a deodorant like Secret Invisible Solid. Also, check Sephora to see if your favorite perfume comes in a solid form. Chances are it might. Our favorite is L L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani.

Many other products like shampoo, for instance, come in powder form. Try Song of India's Powder Shampoo in various scents or Oscar Blandi's dry shampoo powder in travel size. Even toothpaste is acceptable when it comes in a powder form like Travelon's Powder Toothpaste substitute or Uncle Harry's Tooth Powder. Just dab it in water and brush as usual.

Other beauty products you may feel you need to fit into your carry on and perfectly acceptable by airlines are powdered concealers (Laura Mercier's Secret Brightening Powder), powdered hair revival products for oil absorption (Stila's Jade Blossom Hair Refresher), powdered face mask formulas (Uncle Harry's Sandlewood Face Mask), sticks of sunblock (Shady Day Sunscreen Stick-SPF 30 or Neutrogena's Healthy Defense Sunblock Stick-SPF 30), or a bronzer in stick form (Michael Kors Leg Shine).

Remember all other liquids you do bring in a ziploc bag must be 3 oz or less. Also, just as a refresher you are allowed to bring a disposable razor, tweezers, blunt scissors or those with blades shorter than 4", eyelash curlers, nail file, and nail clippers.

For a complete list of what you are allowed and the transportation guidelines, please visit www.tsa.gov/travelers.

And for those of you who wear gell filled bras, don't worry, those are acceptable too.

The Modern Woman's Wedding Survival Kit: Day One

Banquetevent.com's wedding day survival kit has been assisting panicky brides prepare for their big day by packing a helpful kit of just-in-case-I-need-them-tools. Now comes our modern woman's survival kit for the weeks leading up to the wedding for all those potential pesky mishaps.

Check back the rest of this week for more survival guides....

Mishap #1: You wake up one week before the wedding with a not-so-small blemish on your face. Whatever you do, do not perform surgery on your face trying to force it to go away. It will only get larger and less manageable. In the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the groom woke up with a zit on the day of his wedding and put a little Windex glass cleaner on it and it cleared right up. Remember, that was just a movie. You need a real solution and you need it fast.
What to use: Use a product with sulfur in it. Yes, we know this doesn't sound like a good idea, but sulfur is surprisingly really good for your complexion.
Products to try: Try Acne Spot Treatment gel from Murad. This product retails for $17.95 and is available online or at your local Bath & Body Works. Also, perform a masque treatment with Joey New York Pure Pore Masque. Joey's masque is a light formula that sooths your skin and brings back that natural bridal glow. The product also contains a small amount of sulfur you can expect it to help with pesky skin blemishes too. Retails for $28.

Mishap #2: Everyone and their mother has been throwing you a bridal shower and that means cake and calories. You've gained a couple extra unwanted pounds and now your wedding dress, that you've already gotten altered, is a tad bit snug. Who needs to breathe anyhow, right? WRONG! Being healthy is extremely important leading up to the weeks before your wedding, which means eating right and working out must be a priority. A healthy bride means a happy bride.
What to do: Work with a trainer. Sometimes just joining a gym isn't enough motivation to actually GO to the gym. So if you hire a trainer, who is usually available through your gym at no extra charge, you'll have someone to keep you accountable. Plus you can get their advice on nutrition and stress reducing tips to keep your body and your mind feeling strong. And here is a trick. The fastest way to lose weight is actually not through cardio (although very important for your heart health). Pure science shows the best way to lose unwanted pounds is to lift weights. But, there is a catch. You must always lift your maximum ability, meaning no longer can you lift low weight at high repetition. By lifting your maximum weight you are constantly gaining muscle. And unlike the calories you burn during a cardio workout that only actually burn calories during your exercise, muscles eat calories all day long. Even when you sleep! This is great news for anyone wanting to lose weight and still feed a healthy appetite. And don't worry about starting to look like a body builder. That's a complete myth. It's virtually impossible for a woman's body to develop that way without body enhancing drugs. So, throw that excuse out the window!
What we suggest: The Healthy Bride from founder Christi Masi is a fitness program designed just for brides so they know what kind of stress you are under and what your needs are. Talk to one of their trainers and start making a difference in your health today, not tomorrow.

Mishap #3: You've found the perfect shoes for your wedding day and have been walking around the house wearing them with extra thick socks hoping they will break-in. But, to no avail, the shoes that came straight from heaven are making your feet feel like he...., well you get the point. Do you suffer in the name of fashion, or give up your beautiful shoes for something more practical?
What to use: There's finally help for your aching feet. Try high heel inserts made by Insolia. Insolia products fundamentally change the inside of high heel shoes, shifting weight off the ball of the foot back to the heel. And get this, Insolia inserts were designed by a rocket scientist. Finally, someone who gets it!
Where to get them: You can pick up these foot savers at Walgreens, Fred Meyer or Target and they are only $9.99.

More Photo Books

Last week we blogged about an online photo book company where you can customize your own hardcover photo album or guestbook. We found another company called My Publisher that basically does the same thing but with more options for templates that we think you'll love. These are wonderful gifts for family members and are even great for just about any occasion.

The process is rather simple. Just download the software available for free on the My Publisher website. Use the software to select templates, fonts, colors and images. Once you have the book complete, just send it to press and in a week or so you'll be the heroine of your very own bestseller!

Here's a tip: We suggest making a vintage photo book to present at the guestbook table as guests arrive to your wedding. Fill it with old photographs of the couples in your and your fiances' family and if you can include their wedding photographs, the photo book will be extra special. You'll have this valuable keepsake for the rest of your life and be able to share it with generations to come.

Click here for a special coupon offer.

Bridal Shower Games

A very common request we receive at banquetevent.com is for bridal and bachelorette party games. We think just about everyone must be pretty tired of the toilet paper wedding dress game so we've done some investigating and found some great NEW game ideas for your party.

Great Icebreaker Game
Game: Table Topics Girl's Night Out
How it works: Table Topics comes with 135 questions to get people talking. Questions from Girls Night Out Table Topics such as "What would the perfect man be?" and "If you had to gain 10 pounds, what would you eat to gain the weight?" will give a new meaning to girl talk. Other editions include the Original edition, Book Club edition, Teen edition, Family edition, Couples edition and Spirit Edition.
Price: $24

Best Game To Make You Giggle
Game: Adult Bachelorette Bash Mad Libs
How it works: These are not your typical madlibs from gradeschool. These humorous and sometimes blush-worthy tales will have you giggling in under your breath humor in no time. Other fun party Mad Lib books include, "Party Girl Mad Libs," "Test Your Relationship I.Q. Mad Libs," "Keepers & Losers Mad Libs," and "Advice for the Lovelorn Made Libs."
Price: $3.99


Want a free version? Download banquetevent.com's Mad Lib game and other fun downloadable games for free!

Best All-In-One Game
Game: Bachelorette Scratch Game Invitation Kit
How it works: Set includes 25 invitations, 25 envelopes, 19 bachelorette Bash Dare Scratch-off cards with crazy dares for the guests and the bride, and a dozen 2.25" Bachelorette Bash Pins
Price: $32.80



Night In or Night Out Game
Game: Unveiled Bachelorette Party Game
How it works: Unveiled can be used to organize any type of bachelorette party whether you head out for a night on the town or have a girls night in. Lose your inhibitions and celebrate the Bride-to-be by performing tasks that only a bachelorette party could make you do!
Price: $19.95



Looking for great bridal shower game ideas? Head to banquetevent.com where the Best Freebie Bridal Shower Games are ready for download.

We Think You'll Love...

We think you'll love this frame and vase all in one! Available from Red Envelope, the frame is cut from a single block of glass and includes a small insert for a flower stem. We think this frame/vase set would make an excellent centerpiece for your wedding tables. Just pop in different pictures of you and your fiance and include your favorite flower and you'll have an elegant and modern centerpiece that can actually be re-used again and again. Another great option would be to use these frames for your table numbering if you are having assigned seating. Just insert a printed card with the number on it and your table numbers will actually become part of your decor. The frame can also be engraved with lettering up to 25 characters long.

Retails for $48

Don't Be A Desperate Housewife!

You're getting married which means its time (if you haven't already) to take control of your own household. No longer can you and your husband rely on mom to pick up after you and keep your nest tidy. But who said you can't clean in style? Even doing the dishes can be a glamorous job when you have the right tools.

Check out these fab house-managing tools.