Treat them to a Hangover Helper gift tote to help ease their pain.  For those DIY Hosts: use a charming retro ice bag like the ones from Gal Pal below and fill it with things like: a packet of Excedrin, a bottle of water, a pretty sleeping mask, a package of crackers, sunglasses, coffee sachet or even bloody mary mix.  

Don’t want to DIY?  Check out the hangover kits at Hangover Kits.com .  Have your hotel deliver these while the reception is in full swing so your guests have it when they wake up the next morning! 

1. Try a new food (hello allergic reaction)
2. Wax anything you have never waxed before (bumpy red irritated skin… and itching)
3. Cook in the middle of the night (hello second degree burns – on my face!)
4. Overeat (it is a tight white dress after all)
5. Starve (it can be a loose white dress if you are not careful – and you can faint)
6. Do anything too sporty (although the cast is white too – it just doesn’t look so good with the dress)
7. Try new makeup (see number 1 and number 3)
8. Get a hair cut from a new beautician (I think this one is a no brainer)
9. Stay awake and worry (no makeup can hide truly dark circles)
10. Forget that it is just a party (down Bridezilla! – down girl!).

This is a re-post from http://www.greenbrideguide.com/blog/do-nothing-new-and-be-careful.. We love partnering with the www.greenbrideguide.com 

To learn more about our partnership with them visit this blog post link below:

http://wp.me/pgNQf-1kc

Remember What’s Important

Your fiance, family, and friends. Focus on why you’re getting married. You’ve found the love of your life and the wedding is a celebration of you both. That being said, you want it to reflect your fabulous style and taste, so the next tips are for you.

Set a Budget

Budgeting isn’t romantic, but you want to start your marriage off on the right foot — not buried in credit card debt. Create a realistic budget, then find that one item you want to splurge on — flowers, photography, or some Hi-Def Videography.

Think Outside the Box, but Be Practical

Out-of-the-ordinary locations can be undiscovered jewels. Just remember some of the hidden planning that can be involved. For example, with an outdoor venue what happens if it rains? Is there power available? What are the noise restrictions?

Be a Girl Scout

Their adorable motto holds true to weddings: BE PREPARED! Make a little box of the necessities you will need on the wedding day: fashion tape, a needle and thread, deodorant, safety pins, bobby pins (all colors), a pen and paper, flip flops, and extra cash and checks — just in case.

Put Pen to Paper

Just like any other bill, all of your vendor contracts should have due dates with the amount due. Write them on your calendar and mail them a couple of days early. Many contracts become void if payment is not received on time. You signed the contract, so it is your responsibility to make sure they receive it in a timely manner.

Toast Before the Wedding

If you’re not getting married in a church and you’d like a relaxed feeling at your wedding ceremony, serve your guests champagne BEFORE you dazzle them walking down the aisle. If you would rather go the nonalcoholic route, try lemonade, ice tea, coffee, or hot chocolate if it’s a bit chilly. It really makes a statement.

Pass cocktails before the ceremony

Be Nice! Really Nice!

As a wedding planner, I’ve seen it all. I’ve had clients who constantly call on my only day off (or on Christmas or Mother’s Day); they get a little obsessive and start to worry me a bit. Remember to treat your vendors with respect. If you treat them like you hired them for their services, they will give you exactly what you paid for. But if you go out of your way to send a thank-you during the planning process, vendors appreciate it and will give you the above-and-beyond treatment when it comes to your big day. I have had photographers stay an hour later than contracted for free, because they just loved the couple.

Don’t Make Up “Filler” Jobs

Okay, here is another gem. Your cousin — you know, the one you see once every five years — doesn’t want to stand at the guest book and watch people sign all day. Let Cousin Mary enjoy the ceremony and maybe catch the eye of a cute usher!

The Guest Book = A Dinosaur

A great way to involve your guests is to have a Wish Jar. Guests write you a wish that you open and read on your first anniversary. This is more heartfelt than a name in a book. All you need is a jar, paper, a sign explaining what to do, and plenty of pens. It’s a great way to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Dress up a table with some flowers and a candle and you’re set. There are also many other options to use for a guest book from scrapbooks with photos of the guests to a significant object that the guests can sign.. Sky’s the limit in this category.

Guestbook alternatives

Avoid a Seating Disaster

If you’re having a wedding without assigned tables you need to have 5 percent extra seating available. Not all of your guests will sit in perfect little pairs or all of the single people together. So if you have a wedding of 200 people, you’ll want to have enough seating for 210. This buffer will save you some headaches.

Source: http://www.ashleightaylorphotography.com

Put Your Money Where It Counts

I just attended an event that had beautiful table linens and bare chairs. By bare, I mean the standard banquet chair. For a more complete look, skip pricey linens and order the less expensive linens and chair covers.

Keep Your Guests Sustained

A new trend, and one of my favorite tips, is the late- night buffet. Most of the older folks will leave after the cake, but the young kids will surely appreciate having to avoid hitting the drive-thru on the way home from the reception. Why not serve them some comfort food? Try chimichangas and tacos or sliders and onion rings, or French fries. The younger crowd will rush this table!

Late-Night Snacks idea

Don’t Forget to Tip

Tip vendors that have gone above and beyond. If you met with the band every month for a year or asked your wedding planner to revise your itinerary 11 times and they did it with a smile, a tip may be in order. If it’s in their contract to revise the itinerary 11 times, or to meet with you once a month, think again. On wedding day if you don’t have a wedding planner to hand out the tips, put them in envelopes, write the vendor’s name on the outside (for example — Jodi, Band), and give them to a sober and responsible family member.

All About Organization

Number the back of your reply cards in pencil before you send them out and correspond them to the guest list. This will make it easier to figure out who’s coming to the wedding if people forget to put their name on the reply card.

Never Assume — Put It in Writing!

Never assume the groomsmen will be on time to the photos. You’ll need to tell all involved when to arrive dressed and ready for photos. Make sure you allow some time if someone is running late. For example, if you are starting photos at 5:00, tell them to arrive at the church at 4:40. Oh, and don’t let the cat out of the bag that this is not the “real” time.

 So what are your thoughts? Do you have any to share?

Why do brides wear white? We know that white symbolizes purity and virginity—but what’s the real reason?  
 
The answer dates back to 1840 when Victoria, Queen of England, married her Prince Charming, Albert, in a wedding that set protocol on its ear.   
  
The young Queen was only 20 when SHE proposed marriage to Albert. According to the Royal Marriages Act of 1772, all royal marriages were to be sanctioned by the sovereign but in Victoria’s case, she was the sovereign and this independent young woman was not about to ask anyone’s permission to marry—a royal first.  
 
The young queen married publicly, in the afternoon, and set another royal precedent. Since weddings were considered too sacred for the public’s eyes, they were always held very late at night or early in the morning. And, to top it off, she wore a wedding dress with a plunging, SEXY neckline—a dress that would change the course of history. Victoria, instead of wearing silver, the traditional choice for royalty, wore WHITE. It was a first, and the beginning of a tradition that has passed down to us throughout the ages. 
 

Queen Victoria

But how did the color become synonymous with purity and virginity? In the sixteenth century, another English queen, Elizabeth I, popularized the color white; she LOVED IT and wore it often! Because the queen was celebrated for her chasteness (she became known as the Virgin Queen), her favorite color came to symbolize purity and virginity—and the tradition passed down to us throughout the centuries. 
 
Today white symbolizes joy and celebration and remains the traditional color for wedding gowns. But there’s no reason not to wear any color that you choose.  

Wedding toasts

The wedding ceremony is planned. The seating arrangements have been made. The flowers, food, and music are all perfect. Now the only detail missing is who will be making the wedding toasts. A wonderful tradition, the wedding toasts are quite often the most memorable part of your reception. But when are they given? Who says them? What order do they go in? There are traditional footprints that the bride and groom can follow in when answering these questions as well as a variety of resources to help the bridal party find just the right words to say.

Who Goes First?

Traditionally speaking, there are four toasts given at the reception’ the best

Father Of Bride Toast

man, the groom, the maid of honor, and the father of the bride. First, it is tradition that the bride is toasted by the best man, although more often, the bride and groom are toasted together. This toast usually contains personal stories and ends with well wishes. In response, the next person to raise a glass is the groom. He generally includes words to the bride and thanks the best man. An expression of gratitude is addressed to the parents of the bride and groom, followed by a toast to the bridesmaids. The third person to toast is often the maid of honor, who responds to the groom and provides her own hopeful wishes for future happiness. The last toast is given by the father of the bride, thanking the guests for coming and announcing the commencement, or continuation, of the festivities.

Add Your Own Personal Flair

The current custom of throwing traditional wedding etiquette out the window is quite often practiced with this ritual as well as with so many others. Some non-traditional ceremonies include toasts from other members of the family and close friends. These would generally be included somewhere in between the maid of honor and the father of the bride. Others have even more fun with this solemn occasion by including songs written about the couple, dance numbers that include other guests, or even a slide show of fun, romantic, and sometimes just silly pictures of the happy couple.  Basically, anything goes at your wedding. Your guests will enjoy these extravagant arrangements as long as they are heartfelt and genuine and don’t look staged.

Pop The Cork!

Champagne is often the preferred drink for wedding toasts, although some couples select a special cocktail to be passed around just before the toasts begin. Personalize the moment with special keepsake champagne flutes. There is a wide selection of glasses available online that you can personalize with your names and wedding date. The stemware is available in different designs, colors and wedding themes.  Your guests can then bring them home as a memorable favor and continue to toast to your good fortune for years to come.

The Perfect Wedding Toast

Finding the right words to say is sometimes not easy. There are a variety of websites, like www.FreeWeddingToasts.net and www.KeepAndShare.com, that can help you through the process and provide you with wonderful quotes. Below are some tips to remember when writing your toast.

1. The toast should be kept short, no longer than 1 to 2 minutes long.
2. Before you start your toast, make sure everyone has enough time to fill their glasses.
3. When it’s your turn, you should stand up, holding your glass with your right hand. At the end of the toast, raise your glass towards the person you are toasting.
4. Always remember your audience and keep it clean. Now is not the time to shock Grandma!
5. Write your toast down and practice, practice, practice!
6. Don’t be nervous. Take a deep breath, speak slowly and make sure everyone can hear you.
7. While making your toast, look around at the guests. When you are almost finished, make eye contact with the person you are toasting.
8. People will follow your lead. Show them when to clink their glass and drink.

Final Arrangements

The bride and groom can finalize the details on who is making a toast and in what order. Then, once the toasters have confirmed their participation, a copy of the list is given to the DJ, bandleader, or Master of Ceremonies. This person can introduce each toaster before they speak, moving the program along and keeping the guests’ attention focused. In addition, the couple or the Coordinator should also give a copy of the list to the catering staff so they know when they should have staff circulating with champagne. Wedding toasts are often done before or after the cutting of the cake, when the guests are already gathered around the couple. They can also be done at the beginning of the reception, after the first dance when  everyone is settled into their seats.

Beautiful memories, meaningful stories, and romantic quotes will bring tears to everyone’s eyes during the toasts. Those giving the toasts should remember this is a celebration, so keep your comments upbeat and heartfelt. The love shared by the happy couple will be honored and rejoiced in by their friends and family. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight!

Phase One: ENGAGED! You buy every magazine out there, you are on PINTEREST pinning everything in sight or up all night reading every wedding blog for inspirations and DIY projects and become overwhelmed with the prospect of all the colors, ideas, and many choices.

Phase Two: The planning process starts. It’s fun! Your friends and family are interested. Strangers in line at the grocery store know you’re getting married and before they leave the checkout they know your colors and number of bridesmaids. The whole world is happy for you!

Phase Three: Anarchy in the ranks. Why does your mother think hydrangeas aren’t appropriate? Why do your bridesmaids think they can pick out their dresses?

Phase Four: The wedding wall. “I have plenty of time, the wedding is months away.” You believe things will all work out, you just need a break from the planning for a couple of weeks.

Phase Five: “Oh my gosh! The wedding is almost here!” You panic that there’s not enough time to individually hand-stamp all the cocktail napkins or make all the favors! Help!

When you get to Phase Five, there is still time to hire a wedding planner to get you out of this phase.

Special Moments has different services available in all planning phases of your wedding. We also offer an A-La-Carte Pricing structure, where you as the Bride can choose what services you need help with and what services you can handle on your own. The other great part of this pricing structure is you do not have to choose all of your services when you book Special Moments, you can decide along the way, if it gets down to the wire, you can also add on more services if needed. Special Moments also offers a wedding planning package ( Treasured Moment) that includes complimentary use of our wedding decor inventory. That is a great value along with some definetly unique items that will Add to your wedding or reception at a fraction of the cost.  Special Moments also offers a complimentary “Meet and Greet ” session , so we can get to know each other and listen to your vision and ideas for your “Special Day” without it costing you any initial money out of your pocket.

For  information you can go to our website at www.eventsbyspecialmoments.com and then click on the investment page to  review package options…

• Just as the bride needs time to organize her wedding gown, you will need to start looking into your options about 4 or 5 months before the big day. Don’t wait till the week before your wedding to figure out what you’re going to wear because you may not be able to find what you are after on such short notice.
• Make sure you have decided beforehand if you will rent or purchase a suit for the day and also find out which style will suit you best. Your formalwear should be purchased or reserved about 4 months before the wedding.
• Ask your bride for some details about her gown. This will help you to co-ordinate your outfits so that you’ll both look fantastic on the day and your outfits will compliment each other.
• Try not to shave the day before your wedding. Have a shave right before you plan to get dressed for the ceremony. You’ll be soft and smooth for your bride. There’s nothing worse than prickling her with stubble.
• The last thing you want is a shaving rash. Avoid razor burns by shaving in the direction of hair growth.
• Keep breath mints in your pocket and you’ll have a fresh breath all day long.
• On the day of your wedding eat a hearty breakfast and try to relax.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol before the wedding ceremony. You will want to smell and behave your best when you arrive at the wedding ceremony location.
• Perfume and flowers will fill the air so you don’t need to wear cologne. The clean smell of soap should be all you need.

Make sure you have these things before the wedding day:

• Polished shoes
• Shirt studs for tuxedo shirt
• Tie
• Cufflinks
• Socks usually black
• Tuxedo or suit
• Cummerbund/vest

  LovingUnity Wedding Officiants

                  Reverend’s Virginia & David Bishop

& Associates

www.lovingunity.com

LovingUnity@gmail.com

Fifteen Things to Look for When Choosing An Officiant

Who recommended the officiant?  If you receive a referral from a family member, there may be a strong expectation that you simply accept the person as the one who will tie your knot.  Referrals from friends or people you find on your own usually have fewer “strings attached”.  In any event, you will receive input and opinions from family members and friends, and although they are welcome, this is your wedding day, and the ultimate decision should rest between the two of you.

Do you like the officiant’s voice?  A person’s voice is not the only consideration in choosing an officiant, but it is very important.  Is the voice soothing or shrill?  Does he or she speak slowly or clearly?  Can you understand what is being said?  Remember, the officiant is communicating the special words of the wedding ceremony to every single guest.  If the voice is too soft, be sure that amplification will be provided.  The voice must be able to carry to the last row of guests and hold their interest.

How flexible is your officiant?  If your uncle wants to sing a solo during the lighting of the unity candle, will the officiant forbid it?  Are you able to select your own vows and special romantic touches?  Do you want a little humor in your ceremony?  Even if you don’t know up front what kind of ceremony you want, are you confident that the officiant will allow for changes as the day approached?  Can your officiant work with you to develop a ceremony that will honor the religious traditions and beliefs of both families, still speaking meaningfully to the two of you?  For example, if you were a Christian and your fiancé is Jewish, is the officiant willing to read a passage from the Old Testament instead of a New Testament scripture?  Will the officiant allow flash photography to be taken during the ceremony?  How about a video camera near the altar? (Cameras on the altar may be a distraction).

What is your officiant’s background? The government doesn’t issue licenses to ministers, so an officiants experience with weddings is important.  How many have they performed, and is there any other pastoral work that they have done? (baptism, memorial services).  The officiant should be willing to share names and phone numbers for references.

What is the religious slant of your officiant?  Most ministers work with and subscribe to the doctrines of a particular faith. There are officiants that are non-denominational.  It is your choice to have the minister work with you on a ceremony that is true to your own beliefs, and you should not have to fit into the denomination of a particular minister. 

Are you looking for a church to attend?  Some people are looking for a lifelong relationship with a minister and a church.  Others just want a minister to officiate their wedding.  Be clear about your preference. 

What moral criteria does the officiant expect you to meet?  If you and your fiancé are living together, already have children, are expecting a child, or have been through a divorce, it is important to tell the prospective officiant your situation during your first phone conversation.  Some officiants will advise you whether you need to see an alternative person to conduct your ceremony.  Others, non-denominational, will be glad for your honesty and will work with you to create a beautiful ceremony that is pleasing to everyone. 

What about premarital counseling?  Some couples want counseling.  In the state of Florida, if a couple completes the pre-marital counseling course, they receive a discount on the cost of their marriage license.  It is important to find out if our officiant provides the counseling as part of their arrangement with you for your ceremony, or if there is a separate cost involved. 

What is the cost of the officiant services?  Officiants spend many hours meeting with you and working with you to prepare for your big day.  They research, counsel, advise, and work hand in hand with you to make the ceremony truly unique and stress free.  Fees vary from county to county but generally are in the $250-$500 range. Some fees may also include a video and the marriage preparation course. 

How many meetings will you have?  Some officiants may say that there are no meetings necessary and that they will just show up for the wedding and that you can run your own rehearsal.  Others will want you to go through a personal meeting, phone calls, pre-marital counseling and a rehearsal.  Some officiants are willing to meet with you in person if you would like if you were seeking information for a “good fit”.  Can the officiant meet your wishes?  Will the officiant be available by phone or email if questions arise?  Can you trust this person with family secrets if you need to talk with someone about personal matters?  You would like to find an officiant that is as helpful to you as you want them to be without being overbearing.

Will the officiant run the rehearsal?  An experienced officiant at your wedding rehearsal can be very helpful, but she or he may not be available at that time.  If the officiant is not going to be available, other arrangements should be made for someone to put your wedding party through the paces. Don’t believe an officiant that says you can easily run a rehearsal without some advance practical help!  If the officiant is running the rehearsal, does the facility have an assistant there to help?  If so, the best way to run a rehearsal is to have the wedding coordinator help walk you all up to the front and then have the officiant rehearse the ceremony (without the actual words) and then have the coordinator direct the recessional march at the end.  Ask the officiant if it is alright for the two of you to face each other during the ceremony.  It is nicer for pictures, and the guests get a better view of what is happening during the ceremony.

Should I invite the officiant to my rehearsal dinner or reception?  If the officiant has a long-term pastoral relationship with you or the family, by all means issue and invitation.  Otherwise, the decision is entirely yours.  Some officiants will provide a dinner grace or blessing at the beginning of the reception.  The decision is yours, but if you plan to invite them, make sure they get an invitation in the mail and have them listed in the seating plan.

How will the officiant be dressed?  This may seem like a silly question, but ask it right up front!  Some male officiants wear a suit and tie, others may wear robes.  You can ask to see a picture of the robe, if it is the wrong color or has symbols that may be offensive to some family members, ask the officiant if they would consider wearing a plain suit instead.  Some officiants are willing to wear special items for wedding if there is a theme, for example.

How elaborate will the ceremony preparations be?  Many officiants only offer one or two ceremonies.  Be sure you get to read their ceremony and make sure it harmonizes with what you want said at your wedding.  Ask if they have an extemporaneous sermon as well.  Others have other choices with the option of adding your own ideas, so that you can create the ceremony that speaks to you.  Others will sit down and design a customized wedding just for you.  Always ask how long the ceremony will take, this is important information for your facility, photographer, caterer, etc.  You may prefer something simpler than what the officiant is offering.  Whatever it is that you want, be sure to let your officiant know up front.

Do you feel taken care of?  Many people feel that they have to meet the ministers standards and in some religious traditions that is entirely valid.  Remember, the original meeting of the word “minister” is “servant”.  Is the minister serving your needs on your big day?  Are you comfortable in the minister’s presence?  Find a minister who is eager to serve you and your wedding day will be a beautiful one for everyone!

]]> http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/17/fifteen-things-to-look-for-when-choosing-an-officiant/feed/ 0 Special Moments http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/16/the-man-registry/ http://sosimplyspecial.com/2012/05/16/the-man-registry/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 09:29:37 +0000 Special Moments http://specialmoments1.wordpress.com/?p=2185 ]]> We were internet surfing last evening looking for a few photos for a inspiration board we are designing for a client coming up and ran across this great website for the Groom.

www.themanregistry.com                                                                                 

What is The Man Registry?TheManRegistry.com is an online resource for grooms and is the internet leader in grooms wedding tips and wedding advice for grooms. The website features a specialized wedding gift registry featuring hundreds of wedding gifts tailored toward grooms, including electronics, barbecue grills and accessories, bar supplies, tools and outdoors gear and items from favorite sports teams — In addition to the wedding registry, the website also offers a wealth of information, how-to articles and resources designed to help successfully guide the 1.2 million grooms who get married each year through every step of the engagement, wedding and honeymoon planning processes.

Our Story

Three brothers started TheManRegistry.com in 2007 when they noticed that many of their close friends and family were getting married, but too often were registered for wedding gifts that were strictly geared toward the kitchen and bedroom. Where were the wedding gifts that the groom could get excited about? It was clear that creating a wedding registry tailored to grooms was necessary. Thus, TheManRegistry.com was conceived and built as the place where grooms and brides could register for wedding gifts they could put to use in the backyard, garage, or basement bar.

Here is a quote from ABC news about this site below:

Grooms-to-be can not only register on the site and pick out the type of gifts they’d want, but also pick up handy tips on how to pick out a tuxedo and numerous pointers on how to saddle up for the big day.“

“I’ve heard of guys registering for PlayStations, tool sets, and camping equipment, and now there’s a brand-new online wedding registry site made just for guys — it’s called TheManRegistry.com. From barbeque grills to electronics, they’ve got it all.” ~ The Knot -