From Me To We: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Celebrating 2 Wonderful Years of Marriage

Well Evan and my 2-year wedding anniversary has come and gone and needless to say, I feel so fortunate at this point in our marriage. Although this year feels so different from the year before I wanted to take a minute and say that I love you more today than any day before. Evan, you're the best husband a girl could ask for, and already an amazing father and role model for Connor. Thank you for loving me completely everyday. Happy 2-year wedding anniversary. I cant wait to celebrate our love for the rest of our lives.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Late Thank You Notes

Wedding etiquette says that you have up to a year to write thank you notes. My opinion isn't so lenient, I think wedding thank you's should be sent out within 3 months of your big day. If you feel the need to say time has completely gotten away from you and you feel horrible that it has been so long, say that too.

But, don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, rest assured, its never too late to be gracious!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Destination Weddings

More and more couples are heading to exotic locales to say, "I do." If you are considering jumping on the bandwagon, consider the following before packing up your bags:

Decide where you want to travel to. Make sure its a good time of year so both you and your guests can make a vacation out of it.
Consider everyone. If your great grandma Mildred doesn't fly, and she is a vital part of your wedding...well, the destination better be drivable.
Money. Destination weddings are a great excuse for your guests to use this trip as a vacation. With that in mind, make sure you invite all families. You thought you didn't want kids to attend, well too bad! This is one time where you must suck it up because families travel together. Kapish?
Determine how long you want to stay. Are you also going to honeymoon on this island?
Finally, remember that there are choices you will have to either a. hire someone to make for you or b. make over the internet.

Not being in the same town (or even country) as your wedding locale can be a blessing or a curse, so make sure you plan well so both you and your guests can enjoy your wedding in paradise.

Tuesday's Tip of the Week

February 7: Don't go overboard on the sexy engagement shoot. Remember, your not married yet!
January 31: It is never ok to ask a bridesmaid, friend or family member to put their life on hold for your wedding.
January 24: Sometimes reading vows from the heart says more than a well rehearsed speech.
January 17: No sunglasses for the bride or groom during the ceremony, sorry!
January 10: Join Pinterest, follow wedding blogs and read magazines. There are lots of great ideas out there.
January 3: Registering is important. If you spouse can't help you focus then ask a friend or parent to help you through it.
December 27: Be yourself and don't get wrapped up in the wedding hoopla.
December 20: A father-daughter dance doesn't always have to be just that. If you want to include a mom, brother, uncle, grandparent...feel free. The idea here is to share a dance with someone you love.
December 13: Share your experiences with other brides. If you love a vendor, shout their praises...word of mouth advertising is quite often the most valued.
December 6: Save receipts, contracts, business cards and all other important wedding related information. You never know when they might come in handy.
November 29: Have friends, relatives, photographers, and even strangers take pictures. There can never be too many wedding day pictures!
November 22: Grooms tip: While everyone in the room might be looking at her. She's looking at you. Make sure you like the way you look.
November 15: Do your best to greet and thank every guest for attending your special day.
November 8: Don't be offended if a guest leaves before the end of evening.
November 1: An outdoor wedding can be intimate, romantic and rustic all at the same time. Just be sure to have a back up plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
October 25: Make sure there is enough bathroom space to accommodate all guests. Two bathrooms for 150 guests is not gonna cut it.
October 18: Enjoy your first dance together. Don't embarrass easily or rush through the moves.
October 11: Take a big family picture...with both sides of the family, those near and those far...get everyone in a photo with the bride and groom and cherish it forever.
October 4: Five minutes or an hour and five minutes...your ceremony is the most important part of the day. Make sure it counts!
September 27: Check on the groomsmen throughout the planning process. I find that men sometimes need some help with wedding deadlines.
September 20: Don't bring a brigade of people dress shopping with you. It should be intimate, not stressful.
September 13: Have an extra day to spare with all your wedding party, family and friends in town. Host a welcome BBQ and allow your guests to mingle and enjoy eachothers company.
September 6: Destination weddings are fabulous! So long as the destination is desirable!
August 30: Bring in as much tradition as possible. You will be happy down the line that you did.
August 23: Don't over-stress the small stuff. If it doesn't define you as a couple, move and and spend your energy somewhere else.
August 16: I've said it once and I'll say it again. A bride should only wear white. From their bouquet to their dress, shoes and accessories. Let your bridesmaids and decor bring in pops of color.
August 9: If a fuse blows or the DJ pronounces your bridesmaids name wrong...don't freak out. Just try to enjoy the little mistakes and remember that years down the line, you'll probably get a good laugh out of them.
August 2: Wear sunscreen, ladies. Yes, everyone feels good about themselves all bronzed up but I assure you no one feels good years down the line when their skin is as rough as leather.
July 26: Incorporate children at your own risk!
July 19: Don't over-do on a theme. It might look or seem like an amusement park if you have too much going on!
July 12: Make sure there are no skeletons in your closet. Getting married is the start of a very big chapter in your life. Lying or misleading the other partner into that commitment is not a good way to begin your marriage.
July 5: Reminder - Wedding day jitters are normal! As long as they are excitement jitters.
June 28: Hot, hot, hot! Summer time makes for a beautiful wedding backdrop but make sure you are not overheating your guests. Air conditioning is appreciated and necessary for guests with babies or elderly folks.
June 21: Make the people in your wedding party feel loved and appreciated. It takes a lot of time, commitment and money to be a bridesmaid. I declare today, official 'I LOVE MY BRIDESMAIDS DAY!!'
June 14: Wedding Invitations need to be sent out at least 3 months prior to your wedding date. Save the dates should be sent out at a minimum of 7 months before your wedding.
June 7: May gray brings June gloom. Plan accordingly!
May 31: Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary to my amazing husband, Evan. It has been the best 3 years of my life. I can't wait to see what next year has in store!
May 24: Nice, fine cardstock, whether it be for you save the dates, wedding invitations or programs are highly appreciated!
May 17: Make room, no matter what, for a videographer. You will regret it if you don't!
May 10: Look like yourself!
May 3: Above all else, celebrate the love you have found in eachother!
April 26: Make sure you send out special instructions for families traveling to your wedding with children.
April 19: Save the Dates are a fun way to use some of your Engagement Pictures. Whether its the focal point of your card or a fun surprise on your stamp. Your guests will love getting a little taste of some picture magic!
April 12: Negotiate price with all your wedding vendors. If your getting married in the off-season you might actually be able to talk your way down quite a bit!
April 5: April showers bring May flowers. Make sure to have a backup tent on reserve if you are planning on doing a wedding outdoors this time of year!
March 29: Make sure to register before your first wedding related event. Whether it be an engagement party of a bridal shower, make sure you get what you want.
March 22: Hand calligraphy is totally worth it!
March 15: Use as many sentimental pieces as possible for your big day. Your grandmothers veil will have so much more importance later in life than a trendy or different headpiece.
March 8: Spring is in the air. Make sure if your wedding is this time of year you use some of the gorgeous wild flowers nature has blessed us with!
March 1: Leave a space on your RSVP card for your guests to write you special messages.
February 22: Wether you have your wedding coordinator do it, or you do it yourself, make sure you pass out a detailed timeline of wedding events so everyone is on the same page. Go over your timeline several times before the big day.
February 15: With Valentines Day on the brain…remember how important it is to tell the people you love that you love them everyday…not just today.
February 8: Go flashy with everything but your jewelry!
February 1: Candlelight will help make any venue feel more romantic and intimate.
January 25: It is never too late! Make sure your special day is just how you imagined it!
January 18: Splurge on your photographers, it is well worth it!
January 11: Add a touch of unexpected into your grooms boutonniere. Berries, feathers, crystals. It will help them stand out among their groomsmen.
January 4: Sparklers are a must!!
December 28: Be prepared and ask a lot of questions...this is a lot of money were talking about here!
December 21: A Christmas wedding will really stand out if you have white lights adorning christmas trees at both your ceremony and reception venue. Classic yet nostalgic.
December 14: Incorporate your pets into your big day. Whether its walking the ring up to the alter, pictures of your pets on each table, etc.
December 7: If you are getting your wedding catered by an outside caterer make sure you know exactly what they will be providing (electrical appliances, etc.). Leaving this until the last minute will add a lot of stress.
November 30 (Groom's tip): Consider buying suits as opposed to renting tuxes. The price isn't much more and you can all get something you'll be able to wear again.
November 23: Have fun making the seating chat, make a game board out of it and open a nice bottle of wine. This will definitely be one of your most difficult pre-wedding tasks!
November 16: Never take a theme too literally, its creepy.
November 9: Space heaters are a MUST for outdoor weddings anytime between the months of October-February. Yes, that goes for all weddings, California included.
November 2: If you are inviting people from out of state or country make sure you send your save the dates out one month earlier than you were originally planning to.
October 26: Have your bridesmaids help select their gowns...they will feel more comfortable with the purchase. A happy bridesmaid will always help make a happier bride!
October 19: If your getting married outside, no matter what time of year, always have a tent on reserve...just in case!
October 12: Think twice about having your wedding on a holiday. A 4th of July wedding would be fun, but some people will not be able to ditch their traditions to attend your wedding.
October 5: Use as much candlelight as you can. Romance is key!
September 28 (Groom's Tip): Keep it cool before the wedding. Enjoy your time with the groomsmen, it will help relax you. When you get to the venue, pose for some photos (espesially some funny ones) to help everyone relax into the wedding vibe.
September 21: Consider being married on an estate. Its a nice alternative to a traditional ballroom wedding.
September 14: Toast your wedding with a good bottle of champagne.
September 7: Have someone do your hair and makeup for your big day, you deserve it!
August 31: Happy 64th Wedding Anniversary to my Nana & Grandpa! Aspire to a long and loving relationship like this!
August 24: Don't be too tan or too pasty for your big day. Spend the time and/or money to make your skin glow!
August 17: Pack for your honeymoon before the big day, it will be the last thing you will have energy for once the wedding is over.
August 10: Look into getting married on a Friday. It will save you some money!
August 3: Enjoy a farewell brunch with your family before you and your hubby take off on your honeymoon.
July 27: Have a little alone time the morning of your wedding. Excuse yourself from all the hair and makeup and take a nice bubble bath, alone, to reflect!
July 20: Don't over-do on jewelery. Less is definitely more in the accessory department.
July 13: Make sure each guest gets a favor. It's the least you can do to thank them for sharing in your special day.
July 6: Have a special pair of toasting glasses. Something you can keep and continue to toast each new year of marriage with.
June 29: Do your best to talk to every guest at the wedding.
June 22: Have a long first dance together. Who cares if the guests are bored!
June 15: Be a happy bride! Don't focus on the things that might not be going as planned. Enjoy what is working...you are married, and this is the happiest day of your life!
June 8: Skip coffee the morning of your big day. You'll have enough energy and natural endorphins running through you!
June 1: Plan a nice honeymoon and don't wait years to take it!
May 25: Send your groom a love note on the morning of the wedding. Have a bridesmaid or parent be the one to deliver the note (and gift if you choose).
May 18: Before you do anything...make your guest list! You might be surprised at your number.
May 11: Don't ever feel like you don't deserve to have a beautiful wedding. Yes, weddings are expensive, but this is an outward expression to all your friends and family that you love each other, so do it up right!
May 4: Make sure you thank all your wedding vendors when the wedding is over.
April 27: Remember, you are not entitled to ask anyone to be in your wedding party. The day is about you and your groom-to-be. Make good choices that reflect you as a couple.
April 20: Create a fun mix of people at your reception tables.
April 13: Be careful drinking red wine in your white dress. I'm just saying, it's dangerous.
April 6: PLEASE dont have your bridesmaids wear black in an outside wedding in the middle of summer. It's too hot and doesn't really make sense.
March 30: Allow the appropriate time (and commitment) in regards to your name change. It's a huge pain in the butt, but totally worth it.
March 23: Dont get waxed the day of your wedding. Allow your skin a few days to relax.
March 16: Make sure your makeup artist uses waterproof mascara.
March 9: Don’t dye your hair the week before your wedding. Yes, you don’t want 10 inch roots, but you want to look somewhat natural. Chances are your husband-to-be likes you better natural anyways.
March 2: Stop saying, “my wedding day”, your marrying someone aren’t you? It should be OUR wedding day. Even if your groom doesn’t care about the actual wedding festivities, they asked you to marry them for a reason. Get used to saying it now, OUR!
February 23: Whiten your teeth. You’re going to be smiling all day, and for a long time after that.
February 16: If you have a gut instinct about the flowers and someone is talking you out of what you really want, listen to your gut.
February 9: Start getting rid of tan lines as early as possible! Don’t lay out in a triangle top until the week before the big day if you’re wearing a strapless dress. Chances are you won’t be able to get rid of the lines in time.
February 2: Be cautious not to schedule a wedding event on a religious holiday.
January 26: Make an attempt to greet every guest at one point during your wedding. Even if that means you and your hubby separating and conquering the room separately.
January 19: Take the time to register at a wide variety of price points. Everyone has a different budget for your gift
January 12: Sometimes ivory is a better color option than stark white. Make sure you choose which white works best with your skin tone.
January 5: Make sure you speak to the band/DJ prior to the wedding if you have any special song requests so they are completely prepared.
December 29: Have welcome baskets for all out of town guests!
December 22: Write your soon-to-be-husband a letter the morning of your wedding, just letting him know how you feel. (It's something special to look back at also.)
December 15: If your budget allows, have your photographer attend your rehearsal dinner.
December 8: Consider a split plate for your dinner entree. This gives people a selection without the stress and planning of remembering who ordered what.
December 1: Don't let someone talk you into their dream wedding dress. This is your day to feel like a princess!
November 24: If you want to pamper yourself with a facial, make sure it's at LEAST a week before the wedding to prevent last minute breakouts.
November 17: Don't overdoo on makeup, it's not a good look! (Espesially when your in all white!)
November 10: Remember to put your engagement ring on your right hand the morning of your wedding. This is so when your wedding band goes on it's the closest thing to your heart.
November 3: Dont get waxed within 3 days of your wedding. Give your skin the appropraite time to heal.
October 27: Have a signature cocktail. If your wedding is at a winery, have both white and red sangria passed during cocktail hour!
October 20: Wear your vail for as long as you can. It will be the only time you can wear it and not look like your dressing up for a lame halloween costume.
October 13: Send out thank you notes within 6 months of your wedding.
October 6: Proofread your invitations before they go out.
September 29: Play a variety of music, so guests of every age will have something they are excited to dance to.
September 22: Carry a white bouquet of flowers, no matter what the other colors of your wedding are. It's a classy way to make a big statement!
September 15: Enjoy a spa day with your bridesmaids.
September 8: Write your own vows.
September 1: Eat the food you spent so much time choosing!
August 25: Choose details that reflect you and your partner instead of what's currently trendy. The best weddings are those that are personal.
August 18: Spit out your gum!! (For so many reasons im not even going to go into.)
August 11: Give a list of pictures that must be taken to your photographers before the big day. This way important pictures won't be missed!
August 4: Once you reach your rehearsal, give your phone to your maid-of-honor and don't take any calls (from anyone). Relax and enjoy!
July 28: Keep organized! It's easy to get lost in all the details.
July 21: Genuinely appreciate the meaning of your marriage, and appreciate how lucky you are to be entering into this sacrament.
July 14: Hire a videographer!! Even if its just a family member on a handheld video-camera.
July 7: Drink alcohol accordingly. You do want to remember the day, hopefully.
June 30: Prepare for a nice getaway from the reception, after all you should be excited to spend some time alone.
June 23: Set a realistic budget from the beginning.
June 16: Divide tasks evenly. If you are handling invitations, trust him with your first dance song selection.
June 9: Interview a lot of different vendors. It's OK to be picky!