Tips For Blocking Rooms For Out-Of-Town Wedding Guests
By Carlise (Carla) Shepperd

Accommodating your guests that are coming in town for your
wedding may seem like it will be a hassle if you are
just beginning your wedding planning but one of the most
important thing to do is to block some hotel rooms for the
out-of-towners. You want to make sure they will have somewhere to
stay when they get to town and you can easily arrange this
for them with these tips:
1. Make sure you block hotel
rooms at least 6 - 8 weeks in advance.
2. Book less rooms than you
think would be needed because it would be easier for you to
add another room if necessary but you may be required to pay for
rooms that weren't filled.
3. Choose a hotel that is near to both
your ceremony and reception site to make it easier for guests to
get around.
4. Make sure the hotel you choose is
somewhere you would want to stay, so it should be affordable
yet nice and clean.
5. The hotel should have or be near to a
restaurant. Guests have to eat!
6. Put together a little "hospitality" bag or
basket for each room to help guests to them feel welcome.
Include items such as bottled water, snacks, tourist info,
sunscreen, soft slippers, local treats etc.
Candle Wedding Favors Are Perfect Parting Gifts
By Carlise (Carla) Shepperd
The flame of a candle symbolizes romance and it's hard to find someone who doesn't appreciate the warm embrace. However, not only does it spark the fire of love but it is a standard at elegant events because they create an atmosphere that only candle-light could.

Candles are also luxurious and their subtle glow warms the heart. What better way to share the joy of your special day than with a practical keepsake that will create the same delightful ambiance from your wedding. A wonderful way to do that is by giving your guests one of these elegant candle wedding favors. They can be purchased at many wedding sites online, but I've found that they have an especially wonderful selection at AmericanBridal.com. These make the perfect gift whether you are planning a backyard wedding, a formal affair or a quiet wedding at the beach!

Add a candle to a "Spring Votive Holder" and you have the perfect decor for your Spring Wedding. If you are planning a beach-side event, the "Sea Shell Gel Candle Favors" are so beautiful your guests can't help but to love them.

Candle wedding favors are available to match any wedding theme. If you are planning an Indian Wedding, you can add a candle to this "Lucky Elephant Tea Light Holder" with the gorgeous antique, ivory finish for your wedding guests. People of India believe that Elephants are lucky creatures, especially those with raise trucks! Some believe that stroking the trunk will bring success in business or will keep them safe while traveling so they are placed on shelves or by doorways in their homes for luck and longevity. So not only would the "Lucky Elephant Tea Light Holder" from American Bridal make a beautiful, symbolic parting gift, but if you personalize them, they will be much more special!
Even if you are an Offbeat Bride you can find favors as unique as your special day at AmericanBridal.com. These "Scented Pine Cone" Candles, "Dessert Rose Cactus" Candles and "Apple of My Eye" Candles will make unexpected surprises your guests will adore.

Don't forget! When you are looking for favors for your wedding, candle wedding favors are not only practical but are a meaningful choice as well!
How about making some Creamy Chocolate Fudge Favors for your Guests.
By Carlise (Carla) Shepperd
This is one of those recipes that you should try at least once if you are a chocolate lover. The fudge is so creamy and delicious, it would make excellent favors for wedding and party guests alike. However, I do suggest sprinkling a little powdered sugar over the tops to make them a little more attractive before packing pieces into your favors boxes.
You can find many favor boxes that are perfect for these edible creations here at Efavormart.com. My favorites are these that sell for $22.00 for a set of 100 since they are the perfect size for a petite piece of the fudge.

Give them a try and you'll understand why I know they would make a wonderful gift for anyone. They are sweet, chocolaty, delicious-ness!
Food for thought...
By Carlise (Carla) ShepperdTop Chef which airs on Bravo at 10/9c has been one of my favorite reality shows since it gives season and unseason chefs the chance to prove show talent to the world. What I love most about it though are the recipes, it's watching how the chef's plate the food to serve to the guests and judges. Even if it's something as simple as a piece of fried banana, they add so many visual elements to that plate that even I may not mind paying $30.00 for it.
The reason I am discussing this is because I know there are many brides-to-be who would love to have a sit down dinner but is worried that it will be too expensive. There is a way to compromise. What Top Chef proves if the food is good, no one mind that the portions are smaller. So maybe it's ok to consider making your own food at home, deliver it to the venue buffet style, but have someone plate the food for the guests. That way you would not have to spend as much for food as you would for an open buffet bar, and if it's visually pleasing, your guests won't mind taking those few steps to get their appetizing meal. It's food for thought.
Enter to Win a $100,000 Platinum Wedding!
By Carlise (Carla) ShepperdATTENTION, ATTENTION ALL BRONZE BUDGET BRIDES! Go now and enter for a chance to enter to win a Platinum Wedding estimated to cost as much as $100,000 in the 2010 Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway!
To enter all you have to do it to enter your beautiful love story (make it a tear-jerker), but be honest and give them an awesome reason to choose you to be the winners of this fabulous prize
The lucky winner's wedding date will be, Sunday, June 27, 2010 at the beautiful Rancho de Las Palmas in Moorpark, California. You can invite up to 100 guests to celebrate with you on this glorious day and you won't have to worry about any of the details it will be all taken care of by their team.
The contest is open to all US Residents, and you must be at least 18 years old. Go HERE to enter and find more details about the giveaway.
Silver Placecard Holders with Matching Place Cards - $0.99
By Carlise (Carla) Shepperd
"Add extra charm to your outdoor event. For your nautical or beach themed reception, you'll find these scallop shell place card holders bring lots of class and style to each table. In the intricate design of a scalloped shell each holder is made of silver chrome and comes with matching place cards. Guests can later use the slot on each holder for photos or business cards. Sold as a set of four."
Get them HERE at myweddingfavors.com!
Rose Candle Favor for $0.99
By Carlise (Carla) Shepperd
"An icon of true love, handcrafted into a romantic candle. These long stemmed rose candles will look great at each place setting or on a table at the reception. Each rose candle comes complete with green fabric leaves and stem and they are available in red, or white. Each rose measures approx 8 inches tall with the flower itself approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Candle comes individually boxed in an 8 inch long clear showcase cylinder box complete with pearlized lattice decorative strip and sheer organza ribbon. Candle is available in Red only."
To find wedding favors like this and many more, click on the My Wedding Favors advertisement on the right of the page!








