BRONZE BUDGET BRIDE

When a bride selects a bridesmaid, it really is a complement to her friend, cousin, or sister.  The position differs from the maid of honor, but it is very similar in many ways and shares some of the same responsibilities.  The bride chooses you to fill the position as a bridesmaid because she wanted to include you in her special day, so it is really a complement to you!

Once you have accepted the position of being a bridesmaid, what does this important position entail? The bridesmaid position includes pre-wedding tasks, day-of-tasks, and post-reception tasks.  All which are very important to make the wedding run smoothly (QC, 2010)!  Pre-wedding tasks are attending dress fittings, assist with wedding shower/bridal shower, help make or create wedding favors, make sure guests know the location of each event before the wedding (bridal showers, bachelorette party), let guests know about the gift registry, be in charge of gift   check list for thank you cards (bridal shower and wedding reception),  be on time to wedding rehearsals, and address wedding invitations.  Day-of-Tasks include attending pre-wedding breakfast, running last minute errands, decorate reception hall, attend hair and make up appointments, or participate in pre-ceremony photographs.  Additional Day-of-Tasks would include being on time to the ceremony, make sure the bride has some quite time if needed before wedding, mingle with guests before wedding, dance with groomsman partner, being supportive and good listener to the bride at all times by continually checking on her, receiving line mingling, assist the bride with mini tasks, trouble-shoot if any problems arise, take pictures of guests, and get guests dancing on the dance floor, and keep mingling through out the night. Post-reception tasks include helping with clean up and taking care of wedding gifts for the couple.

The responsibilities of a bridesmaid does really require a lot of work and if you have been select to fill this position make sure if you cannot handle it to let the bride know right away, so she can select another special person to become a bridesmaid.  If you are up to the task of being the bridesmaid, be the best bridesmaid ever!  Show the bride you really care about her and want to make her day very special.  In time, the favor can be returned, as the bride could become your bridesmaid.

For more wedding tips visit, www.theweddingdiaryonline.com.  To purchase candle gift baskets, candles, wedding invitations and wedding favors, please visit www.wicksncandlesticks.com.

We believe it is so important for a bride to find out what fits her body type and found this extremely helpful guide for brides, which will help determine what gown will fit and flatter your body the best (Real Simple, 2009). If You're Pear-Shaped Look for: A skirt that gradually flares out in an A formation from the natural waist to the floor, highlighting the narrowness of the midsection and floating away from the hips and thighs. (Sturdier fabrics, such as duchesse satin and taffeta, are especially effective, since they won't cling.) A spaghetti-strap bodice or a V neckline will also showcase a more slender upper body. Keep in mind: A classic A-line silhouette lends itself to formal weddings, but it can also be dressed down when made from a more casual fabric, like eyelet lace or raw-silk shantung. If You're Busty Look for: A dress with a scooped neckline. It will open up your face and display your décolletage without showing too much cleavage. If you love the look of strapless gowns, choose one that has a slight dip along the neckline, like a sweetheart, rather than a style that goes straight across (which will make your bust appear even larger and more shelflike). Keep in mind: Fabric on the bodice that has a sheen to it (such as organza, satin, or silk) will add volume and call attention to your chest. Material that is ruched will have the same effect. If You’re Plus-Sized Look for: An Empire dress with a skirt that begins just under the bust and flows into a gradual floor-length A-line. Make sure the Empire seam does not start on the chest and that there is no pleating of the fabric, which is reminiscent of maternity wear. The dress should play up your shape; if it’s too loose, it will add pounds. Keep in mind: Find fabrics like satin that provide structure, rather than anything too flowy. If you love the romantic look of airier fabrics, choose a gown with a stiffer base, then add an embroidered tulle overlay. If You’re Apple-Shaped Look for: A dress that cinches in at the smallest point on the waistline, then flares out into a gradual A shape. Opt for a bodice with a lot of texture to it―think ruche or lace detailing―that will camouflage and fit snugly, creating a corsetlike effect. The most slenderizing neckline for you is one with a deep V, which will draw eyes toward the vertical, not the horizontal. Keep in mind: Avoid trumpet dress styles, which emphasize the area where your body is widest and flare out at the legs and the knees, where you are most slender. If You're Tall Look for: A simple silhouette. The strategy is to emphasize your natural shape, so every aspect of the dress―the lower waistline, a floor-sweeping hem―needs to reflect your longer proportions. If you're wearing long sleeves, they should go past the wrist. You don't want to look as if you've borrowed a gown from someone shorter than you. Keep in mind: Because you are statuesque, you'll want to err on the side of simplicity when it comes to embellishments. Too many bells and whistles, like ruffles and rosettes, can come off as cutesy, particularly on a tall person. If You’re Straight-Lined Look for: A dress that will create curves where you don’t have them. Try a sheath dress in a wispy charmeuse that’s cut on the bias; the curving side seam will give you a va-va-va-voom silhouette. Or look for a ball gown that cinches in at your natural waist and descends into a full, flowing floor-length skirt: It will capitalize on your slenderness and camouflage a lack of hips. Keep in mind: If you have a small bust, look for a bodice with some ruching to create volume. If You're Petite Look for: Trumpet, sheath, and modified A-line gowns. Find a style with a waistline above your natural waist, to make the lower half of the dress (and therefore you) appear longer. The fabric is up to you―you can pull off a high sheen. But the detailing should be small (no huge bows) and limited to the bodice, to draw the eye upward. Keep in mind: Be wary of dresses with a dropped waist, which will make your legs seem nonexistent, and ball gowns―it's easy to get lost in that voluminous skirt. Also, avoid anything calf-length, which will make your legs look short. If You're Small-Chested Look for: A ruched bodice. Extra fabric up top will help fill out your upper body and create the illusion of curves. Lightly padded halter styles will also do the trick. Keep in mind: The right bra will always provide a nice boost, but as many wedding dresses are strapless or backless, your undergarment options may be fairly limited. Instead, try self-adhesive silicone bra cups by NuBra (available at nubra.com). For more wedding tips, wedding advice, or help with wedding planning, please visit http://thebudget-mindedbrideblog.blogspot.com. For gift baskets, candles, favors, please visit www.wicksncandlesticks.com.

When booking the wedding venue, table seating is the most important because the event will be either successful or unsuccessful based on the style of the wedding seating. The one thing couples have to keep in mind is if the guests are comfortable and if there is enough space allotted for the band or DJ, cake table, restrooms, dance floor, entrances/exits, and buffet table. Couples want their wedding guest to be able to social and network within the room, so movement is very important for the wedding couple, but for the wedding guests as well.

Other things to consider with wedding seating is the room size. Important questions to be asked will be, where couples will face the wedding guests and the way guests will enter the wedding venue where it is held. Always try to visit the room or wedding venue so couples will have an idea what will work best for wedding guest, participants, and speakers. Always make sure if there are other rooms booked that the room walls cancel out any noise as well.

The typical room layouts are classroom style, hollow square, theater style, banquet style, conference style and u-shaped style. If possible work with a caterer, banquet department, or even the wedding coordinator at the wedding venue location and discuss how many people can sit comfortably at a table.

The wedding tips I have found beneficial while working at wedding venues:

• Use either use a poster board or use our wedding table software named TabulaRasa

• Keep track of RSVP guest attendance by placing the confirmed guest cards in one stack, and then follow up with other wedding guests who have not confirmed. Make sure couples have enough seats and tables for each guest.

• Table Seating Numbers are most helpful and try to seat people next to each other that have something in common and have similar personality types, it just makes the wedding easier.

• Have wedding guests that are elderly, children, pregnant, or a guest with a disability at the top of the RSVP stack because these guests need priority seating near the front and closest to the bathrooms. Consider close family and friends at the top of the RSVP stack as well.

• If there are many children attending the wedding consider using a children’s table.

If couples do not have a wedding coordinator, be sure to check with a caterer, banquet department, or even the wedding planning at the wedding venue location and discuss how many people can sit comfortably at a table. Be sure to go over the seating chart and layout of the wedding venue multiple times and obtain advice regarding seating arrangements.

If couples do have a wedding coordinator, be sure he/she has the seating chart the day before the wedding, so they can check to be sure venue is properly set-up the day before the wedding. The last detail and final detail are place cards. Be sure the place cards in alphabetical order, so wedding guests and the wedding coordinator will be able easily find wedding guests names the day of the wedding.

Hopefully, this gives couples some insight on wedding seating and if you have any more questions or want to speak to our wedding expert, email us at weddingexpert@wicksncandlesticks.com. Happy Wedding Planning!

There is a lot of planning involved with a bachelorette party and this type of celebration should not be thrown together at the last minute, so brides inform matrons of honor (maid of honor) about being prepared and organized when it comes to designing the bride’s bachelorette party!

Things to consider when hosting a bachelorette party for the bride is the budget, guest list, timing, activities, entertainment, location, menu, and decorations. If brides are on a strict budget then consider a bachelorette party at the home with simple decorations, entertainment, and appetizers. Once all the important details are made, this this will give the matron of honor (maid of honor) and bride an idea on a budget and planning can begin from that point.

Now, it is time for the Bachelorette Party Responsibilities:

1. Price Comparison: Start by doing some price comparisons, but make sure you write down the name of the person, the date, and time of the person you spoke with regarding the pricing. Remember, prices are always subject to change.

2. Always Ask for Discounts: Do not be shy about asking for discounts or find out the lowest rate is for service and if you can get it in writing that is even better. Companies usually work out special deals for customers.

3. Time Frame: Do not book services at the last minute especially during wedding season.

4. Organization: Get organized by using a PDA, notebook, filing system, and guest tracking list.

If you follow all these bachelorette party tips for hosting a bachelorette party, then I can guarantee this event will be a successful one! For more wedding tips, wedding planning, or wedding advice, please be sure to visit www.theweddingdiaryonline.com.

Every bride and groom needs to reconnect during the week and take a break from the wedding planning process. Here are our top five movie suggestions for couples to watch at home.


Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This is the ultimate classic romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard that makes audiences think about how they need to reexamine their own life, love, and happiness.









An Affair to Remember
Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) begin a courtship that blossom into sheer romance. Problems arise when Allie’s parents do not feel that Noah is a good match for Allie and separate the young couple and then several years later, they meet again and the romance they once shared is rekindled.




Dirty Dancing
"Baby,” Actress Jennifer Grey, was vacationing with her family and during her stay on property, she falls in love with dance instructor Johnny, Actor Patrick Swayze.









Sleepless in Seattle
Actor Tom Hanks (Sam) and Meg Ryan (Annie) is headed to see her family on Christmas Eve and listening to a call in radio show to hear Sam’s son Jonah speak about his mother that died and how his dad needs a wife. Annie is determined to meet Sam because she feels a strong connection between Sam and Jonah. When they finally met, it was as if all the stars aligned to find each other.



The Notebook
Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling) begin a courtship that blossom into sheer romance. The parents do not feel that Noah is a good match for Allie and separate the young couple. Several years later, they meet again and the romance they once shared is rekindled.

Usually, most wedding planners call a rental company a party rental company and that is usually how it is listed in the telephone book or an online directory. Brides and grooms are looking for companies who rent party rental items such as china, tables, linens, tents, or other wedding accessories. Some rental companies have larger ticket items such as dance floor, portable toilets, lighting, or canopies. Whatever couples are looking for with party rentals be sure to use these few tips when renting items from party rental companies:

• Always ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau before signing any contract with a party rental company.

• Schedule the Party Rentals should be at least two to three months before the wedding.

• Contact should include delivery date, delivery fee, pick up date, service charge, and detail information about overages. If party rental company delivers to outside the area this requires mileage and possibly lodging fees for the driver.

• Contact Information that means name, telephone numbers, cellular phone numbers is critical information on hand for after-hours in case of delivery issues or damage items.

• Try to deal with larger rental companies because it is easier to keep track of items for pick up and deliveries.

• Communicate with your wedding venue coordinators in advance to see if the offer rentals on property and how they want to deal with the coordination of rental delivery and pick up.

• Check with the party rental company about weekends. For example, see if they have Sunday pick up after a Saturday night event and inquire about surcharges or additional fees from the rental company.

For more wedding planning tips, wedding advice, or wedding planning visit www.wicksncandlesticks.com or www.theweddingdiaryonline.com.

Wedding planning is so stressful and if a bride cannot afford hire a wedding planner, the bride is planning her own wedding.  Usually, the bride is very anxious before the big wedding day and she has hundreds of wedding details that need to be completed before hand, such as taking care of family members  or checking the wedding flowers and the tasks are endless!  However, a bride needs to take time for herself by creating some stress free days, so she does not burn herself out before her own wedding.

The bride needs to devote at least two nights a week for a relaxing and stress free evenings and we have come up with some stress free and relaxing activities that the bride will truly enjoy! 

Schedule a Message and Spa Appointment-Nothing says relaxation like a weekly massage to help relax the bride’s entire body.  If a bride cannot afford a message, Homedics has a five-motor full body mat massager with heat for around $50.00 dollars.  Another option is a spa appointment.  Many spa and salons offer a day of luxury by providing therapeutic full body massage, spa pedicure, spa facial, eyebrow arch, haircut and also includes a light lunch.   If a bride cannot afford a spa appointment, many websites offer inexpensive bath salts, face scrubs, and body lotions to create the spa experience at home.  Wonderful and relaxing scents are lavender, sandalwood, and jasmine!

Relax with Yoga-Bride get in tune with your mind, body, and spirit by relaxing with Yoga.  This is a great stress reliever and provides an inner calm and relaxation before the wedding day.  A Bride can also sign up for classes at yoga studios, wellness centers, or purchase yoga home DVD’s on Amazon.

Breathing Techniques-There are many websites on the internet that offer breathing techniques to help a bride learn how to do deep breathing to relax.  There are many free articles on Web MD or You Tube has a variety of breathing exercises. 

Drink Herbal Tea-Find herbal tea at your local store or Better Health Store.  Wonderful and relaxing teas are chamomile which helps calming and peppermint is good for rejuvenating.

Try Acupressure-Acupressure is applied through clothing and this technique requires no needles.  A practitioner uses the thumbs, hands, and elbows, knees and applies firm pressure on pressure points in the body.  Many massage therapists, wellness centers offer acupressure, and there are many wonderful books on acupressure on Amazon. 

Exercise by Walking-Help relieve tension by working out!  Working out helps a bride stay healthy, but provides stress-relief.  Walking is free and a bride can either go walk outside, walk in the mall, or take a walk in a park.

Get Crafty-Some women truly enjoy relaxing by creating a craft and there are many craft projects that a bride can purchase at Michaels or Joann Fabrics.   Good craft ideas would be knitting, crocheting, jewelry making, scrap-booking, or painting. Whatever a bride chooses make sure it is fun and nothing too complicated.

For more wedding tips, wedding advice, or wedding planning visit www.theweddingdiaryonline.com or for wedding candles visit www.wicksncandlesticks.com.

Bridal showers are held approximately three months before the wedding date and the maid of honor is in charge of the bridal shower festivities. Brides can either choose women only bridal shower or a co-ed bridal shower and a bridal themed shower, but whatever brides chooses she needs to make the bridal shower full of fun for
everyone.

The bridal shower games that are the most popular at bridal showers are toilet paper wedding gown, the newlywed game, bridal bingo, recipes for marriage and things in a bride’s purse.

The toilet paper wedding gown game is a fun and unique game where a few guests are selected to be the models or judges, and then the rest of the guests are broke up into two groups. Each group has to design their best wedding gown created from toilet paper. After each group has designed their toilet paper wedding gown the models create a walkway for the judges to view the designs and determine the winner of the most beautiful toilet paper gown and the winner receives a prize.

The Newlywed Game is a game for a co-ed bridal shower. This game is for couples, so single women or men will have to sit this particular game out. The maid of honor should come up with a list of questions for the couple prior to the bridal shower. Typical questions this game would be “What is your spouses favorite color,” “Who takes the longest to get ready each morning,” or “What’s your spouse’s favorite food?” When playing The Newlywed Game keep the list on the conservative side to be sensitive for all guests attending the bridal shower. At the bridal shower, the maid of honor will ask the questions to each couple and in the end, the couple who provides the most correct answers is the winner and receives a prize.

Bridal Bingo is a fun game that all your guests will enjoy. Before the bridal shower create some bridal bingo cards on an 8 ½ x 11 card stock piece of paper and print them off or use this free template. If the bride has a wedding registry list, items can be used from that list for the bingo cards categories for each cell of the table (usually write in the lower priced items). The game is played when the bride is opening gifts. Guests will mark off the words on the bridal bingo card and whoever marks off their bingo card is the winner and receives a prize.
 

Recipes for a Marriage is a great game for bridal shower guests. Purchase some blank cards and send those cards out with the bridal shower invitations. Ask the guest to write down their recipe, tips, or advice for a great marriage. This could be an actual recipe, a joke, tips, or a piece of advice. Each guest takes turn reading his or her card aloud to the bride. When the game is finished, the Maid of Honor collects the cards for the bride and creates a beautiful scrapbook keepsake for the bride.

Things in a Brides Purse is a fun game for all the women at your bridal shower. Use this free template to tally up the winner for the most usual and unusual items in a purse.

The bridal shower should not just be about the gifts, it is about getting together with family and friends to celebrate your new life with your spouse. Maid of honor, be sure to use this free bridal shower thank you card checklist for the gifts and make sure the sends out thank you cards promptly. We hope you enjoyed our list of bridal shower games and enjoy this list of bridal shower games! For more bridal shower games or free wedding advice, wedding tips, or wedding planning ideas, please visit www.theweddingdiaryonline.com!

The flower girl role is so important in a wedding for a young lady and this role will be one that she will remember for a lifetime because after
all, it is her time to be a little princess and shine in the wedding
ceremony.

The typical age for a flower girl is approximately 3 years and 8 years of age, so be prepared that the flower girl will be nervous in her ceremony role. It is the bride’s job to make the flower girl comfortable in her role, so be sure to connect with the parents and find out what makes the flower girl smile or happy so this can be a stress-free process. If the flower girl feels overwhelmed during the wedding rehearsal, brides do have the option to pair up the flower girl with another flower girl to give her reassurance and confidence! One of the bridesmaids could also help her by walking down the aisle with her to make her feel comfortable, but remember children are not perfect, so flexibility is a key to make the wedding successful.

Brides should also take some time aside to have a spa pampering day with the flower girl and her mother. Schedule an appointment for an updo, make
up, and nails. Afterwards schedule a lunch at her favorite place or a
nice restaurant where she will feel important. She will feel like the
princess she is and this might help the flower girl by connecting with
the brides so they are best buddies. Other ways brides can connect with
their flower girls in the wedding process is to catalog shop, select
flowers or choose the flower girl dress and shoes.

After the spa and during the luncheon, the bride can talk to the flower girl (if
she is old enough) and discuss her responsibilities and checklist.
Brides get creative and find a template or create a document in Word
that is just made for the flower girl duties. Here are the highlights
for the flower girl duties:

• Bridal Shower: Flower girls attend the bridal shower
• Wedding Ceremony: Flower girl attends the wedding ceremony rehearsal
• Wedding Ceremony: Flower girl walks in front of the bride at the wedding ceremony
• Wedding Ceremony: Flower girl duties would consist of scattering rose petals along the bridal
bath, wrapped candies, or confetti (optional items to carry include
pomanders bouquet or kissing ball).
• Wedding Ceremony: Flower girl is photographed with the wedding party.
• Wedding Ceremony: Flower girl dances with ring bearer.

Brides, be sure to thank the flower girl with an appreciation gift to acknowledge her wedding role in the
wedding ceremony. Typical gifts would include any personalized item
such as a jewelry box, bracelet, or scrapbook. This gift should be a
memorable gift and a gift from the heart, so the flower girl will
reflect fondly upon, as she gets older in life.

Image Provide By:
Vico 23, Stylist Penny Irish
Charlotte, Michigan

Many couples are feeling the financial pinch right down to their pocketbooks when planning their wedding, which leaves them with literally with no money for left for booking the honeymoon. This is the time for couples to collaborate regarding what items you already have in each home. Start by using this free wedding template for merging couples items together for their Wedding Gift Registry Checklist.

After couples have gone through their gift registry, discuss what is important to each other when it comes to what couples want as far as gifts. Does the wedding couple want gifts or do they want a lifetime full of awesome memories by using websites to contribute to a couple’s wedding honeymoon fund? Most wedding couples are now saying they want money to contribute to their honeymoon fund.

Here are some great websites for couples to suggest to wedding guest for honeymoon contribution:
• My Registry
• Honeymoon Fund
• Honeymoon Wishes

After registering on one of the aforementioned websites, couples need to discuss the wedding information for wedding guests. Please do not put honeymoon contributions on your wedding invitations because it is just downright tacky. Instead, use wedding verbiage, such as, "Wedding Guests, please visit our wedding website for detailed wedding information”. This is the place where couples should include things such as wedding party information, photo galleries, wedding events, accommodations, attractions, rsvp, wedding music, honeymoon funds, wedding vendors, wedding videos, wedding guestbook, contact information, and wedding registries.

Upon the return from the wonderful honeymoon, then couples can review their free wedding gift registry checklist and review the list. If there is money left over, this is the time where couples can go on that shopping spree for the items on the list to purchase for their home.

Contributing Writers:
WicksnCandlesticks, The Budget-Minded Bride and The Wedding Diary Online