Palm Beach Brides

Date: September 29, 2011
Posted by: Admin

“Wediquette” 101, Plus Answers to YOUR Questions!

Date: September 27, 2011
Posted by: Admin

When it comes to weddings, there are plenty of chances for mistakes and many questions to be answered, whether they are about tradition, etiquette or something else. Some brides and grooms ditch the rules altogether, while others want to stick with tradition and do things as expected. We asked our Palm Beach Brides Facebook fans to give us their best “wediquette” questions and promised an answer, so here they are!

Facebook fan Tara Pregnolato asked:

What’s an acceptable time frame for sending the ‘Thank yous’ after the wedding? 3 months? 6 months?

According to Wedding Paper Divas, Tara’s question is quite common! They say a bride and groom should not wait longer than six to eight weeks after the ceremony to send out their thanks you cards. If you receive gifts in the mail prior to the wedding, you should consider sending thank you cards to those guests as soon as the gifts arrive. A great suggestion is to set a goal of how many cards to write per day—and then they will be done before you know it!

And Facebook fan Stacy Tibbetts Stine asked:

“…I was wondering what other couples may have done to honor parents that have passed.”

Weddings are already emotional events, and celebrating such a special day after losing a parent can be tough. Many couples choose to honor their deceased parents, either at the ceremony or reception.

Here are some suggestions from Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of The Knot on how to honor deceased parents or other relatives:

· Include a poem or story about you parent in your ceremony program or hand-out

· “Save a seat” for them in the front row at your ceremony, designated with a single bloom

· Include a story about them in your toast

· Wear something from them, or incorporate it into your bouquet

· Choose one of their favorite songs to be played either at the ceremony or reception

· Include photos of them and memorial candles on your sign-in table

Here are some other common wedding etiquette questions and answers:

Q:Can I invite someone to the bridal shower but not the wedding?

A: Everyone invited to the shower should be invited to celebrate at the wedding as well. Usually the shower guests are the close friends and family of the bride and groom.

Q: Should we let single wedding guests bring a date?

A: This question has been debated time and time again. If you budget allows, you should let single guests bring a date if it makes them more comfortable. If you are on a tight budget, it’s better to invite single guests than cross them off completely because you can’t afford to pay for their dates.

Q: Is it tacky to have a cash bar?
A: At a formal event, it’s usually not acceptable to make guests pay for anything. Instead, try having a limited bar with beer and wine or an open bar for the cocktail hour.

These wediquette answers are only suggestions! Always remember that it’s your wedding and you make the rules. It’s always safe to stick with tradition, but don’t be afraid to change a few conventions if it means staying within your budget and having the wedding you want!

Say “I Do” to a Stress-Free Wedding Day

2011 Palm Beach Brides Idea Show

Date: September 20, 2011
Posted by: Admin

We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Palm Beach Brides: An Idea Show this Sunday, September 25! Whether you are just engaged or almost ready to tie the knot, our show is your go-to resource where you can tie it all together.

The Idea Show will take place at the spectacular Palm Beach County Convention Center and will showcase nearly 100 fabulous vendors. Everyone who’s anyone will be there, from deejays and caterers to florists and bridal salons. You can gather ideas, get a taste of local venues, and start or finish putting together your dream wedding! There will be live music, light bites and drinks.

Every bride can enter to win prizes galore—such as wedding photography packages, resort getaways, football tickets (for the groom!) and so much more! Don’t forget to look for a caricature artist for a one-of-a-kind FREE take-home gift! After chatting with vendors and sampling some sweets, sit back and relax for our bridal fashion show, featuring the latest gowns and accessories.

This is the premier bridal show in South Florida – make sure you’re there! General admission: $10.00 (advance purchase) or $15.00 (day of show), 12:00 p.m. entry.

Want an Even More Luxurious Experience? VIP Brides will enjoy a super-luxe goody bag, champagne reception, private access to vendors, and a to-die-for cake presentation courtesy of Eye Candy Sugar. VIP Brides will also have the chance to enter to win a weekend getaway at The Boca Resort and Spa. VIP Admission: $50.00, 11:00 a.m. entry. Parking for the show is FREE.

Visit us online to see more details and purchase tickets or view a list of our vendors! We can’t wait to see all of the beautiful brides-to-be!

New Rules for Registering (Or How to Get What You Really Want)

Date: September 13, 2011
Posted by: Admin

You have headed to the department store to register for wedding gifts so that your guests will get you things you actually need (read: want) and your fiancé has the scanning gun in hand, ready to take off. Stop right there! Registering is nothing like it used to be. Let’s reassess the situation and make sure you know the new rules of registering!

Old Rule: Think Traditional

Yes, a beautiful China set is a traditional registry item and keepsake that will last a lifetime — but you’ll really only use it twice a year.

New Rule: Think Fun

If you and the beau are the type to have friends over for a cocktail party, register for a fun set of appetizer dishes and serving ware rather than fancy China. You’ll get more use and enjoyment out of them. Quality bar ware is also a great registry idea for the couple that likes to entertain.

Old Rule: Only House Items

Once married, couples were often moving out of their family’s homes for the first time, and needed all the makings of a home, such as dinnerware, China, cookware, and linens.

New Rule: Times Are Changing

Nowadays, many couples have already lived on their own and will be simply combining their two homes after marriage. It’s perfectly OK to stray outside of the housewares department when registering. Things like home theatre items, cameras and even honeymoons are showing up the modern bride and groom’s registry.

Old Rule: Stick to One Store

Registering used to mean just registering once, and at one place. But that doesn’t leave as many options for you or the guests.

New Rule: More Stores, More Options

Registering at more than one store not only gives you, the couple, more options to choose from, but it also helps your guests out. Registering at only one place might be an inconvenience to guests who don’t have that particular store nearby. Registering at multiple places will ensure that guests have a place to shop nearby and many items to choose from when purchasing a wedding gift.

Old Rule: Only Pick Conservatively Priced Items

Registering for very expensive items used to be considered tacky.

New Rule: “Splurge” On a Few Registry Items

If there are items you want that are a little pricier, go ahead and add them on your list. Some guests might be willing to splurge on you or go together and give a “group” gift for a more expensive item. But make sure you register for items in various price ranges so guests can choose something you want that’s within their budget!

Sources:

7 Simple Bridal Registry Rules

Wedding Registry Myths Busted

Unexpected Items for Your Registry

Wedding Etiquette in the Age of Facebook

Is An All-Inclusive Venue a Budget-Friendly Option?

Date: September 6, 2011
Posted by: Admin

A wedding can be a big strain on anyone’s wallet, but for those brides who are really on a budget, an all-inclusive venue might work out to their advantage. An all-inclusive venue often includes everything for a set per-person cost. But be aware that there may be hidden costs like room rental fees, gratuities and guest count minimums!

Ballroom, catering and coordination—Oh My!

An established location such as a country club, hotel or large restaurant usually has experience in hosting weddings, and can provide everything from in-house catering to linens and event coordination.

Choosing a site that is a “one stop shop” can be a great convenience, and sometimes can save you money, as it often includes everything for a certain cost per person. But make sure you know the details of what you are actually getting with your contract. If the venue includes everything, but uses outside vendors, be sure to ask who the vendors are and check them out before agreeing to anything.

Promotions

Many all-inclusive venues seek ways to increase their business in the off seasons or unpopular days of the week. They may offer promotions in the less desirable wedding months, like fall and winter, or on days other than Saturday. Since most weddings are booked on Saturday, a venue may offer a discount for a Friday or Sunday wedding, to bring in business. Or they may offer “extras” with a certain guest count. An example might be a free champagne toast with 100 or more guests. Planning your wedding during an off season or a weekday can really help you cut costs.

Hidden Costs

· Taxes: Your venue may only cost $30 per person, but you also need to consider the taxes. Taxes on thousands of dollars can quickly add up, and you should take this into consideration if you are on a budget.

· Cake-Cutting Fee: So your all-inclusive reception site says you can provide your own wedding cake. What they may not tell you is that if you want them to cut and serve your cake, there might be a slight charge. Usually the charge is anywhere from $1.50 to $5 a guest. This can quickly add up!

· Gratuities: Just like you tip servers at a restaurant, you will have to tip the serves for your wedding as well. And they aren’t the only ones. Most venues require a minimum gratuity on the overall banquet cost (10-20 percent) and will divvy out the tips to workers on their own.

· Delivery Fees: If an all-inclusive venue uses outside vendors as part of your package, check with them to make sure delivery fees from those vendors don’t fall onto you. Some venues cover these fees, while some do not.

Other Benefits…

Aside from saving you some money, there are many benefits to choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue. A lot of the stress in planning a wedding comes from worrying about choosing the vendors, organizing the details, etc. An all-inclusive venue will handle the planning, set up, coordination and cleanup of your event. Some venues will even allow you to have your ceremony and reception at the same location, which means more time for photos and less money spent on extra transportation expenses.

Sources:

All-Inclusive Wedding Packages (Wedding Vendors)

Choosing Your Reception Site (Martha Stewart Weddings)

10 Hidden Wedding Costs

Related Posts:

Say “I Do” To a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Planning Your Perfect Wedding: Ten Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

Boy Meets Girl’s "Stuff." How to Successfully Merge Households

Date: August 30, 2011
Posted by: Admin

If you and your fiancé both live on your own, one of your biggest questions about getting married and moving in together may be, “What do we do with all this stuff?” You’ve got your girly things and he’s got his…well…bachelor things. So how do you make it all work? Some of it’s got to go, some of it can work, and you might still need to register for a few items here and there.

The Big Things

If you’ve got two couches, two chairs and two dining room tables—one or the other has got to go. Learn to compromise. If he doesn’t like your rose-upholstered couch, and you don’t like his black leather headboard, agree that those two items will go. Fill in the holes for the items that will no longer work by shopping for new items together. Another option is to consider repurposing large items. A couch can be reupholstered for a lot less than it costs to buy a new one. If there is an item you absolutely can’t let go, and he hates it, compromise by using it in a guest or other room.

The Little Stuff

The smaller items like toasters and coffee makers are easier to decide upon. Take a look at your new place. Keep whichever small appliances fit-in and look best with the new place. If the appliances are stainless steel, and so are your small appliances—stick with those. If both sets match well, just choose the one that is better quality or newer.

That Sentimental Feeling

Chances are that each of you will have a few things you can’t let go. This might include something that has been passed down or something that simply has a special place in your hearts. Go through all of your items and determine which you feel most comfortable getting rid of. Then you can begin the discussion of what “needs” to go, but simply can’t. Respect his sentimental items and he should do the same.

Combining Styles

His stuff has that very…bachelor-esque look and yours is shabby chic. A black-framed bed is not going to fit well with that ruffled white bedspread, so something’s got to give. Don’t worry about whose style is better. Decide as a couple what style you would like your new place to have; then get rid of any old items that are not going to fit in with this new, shared style. A garage sale is a great way to sell off old items and get some money to buy replacements.

Registry Rules

When you’ve already got the makings of a home, what do you register for? One idea is to register for a charity, like JustGive.org. This allows your guests to donate to the charity of your choice in lieu of giving you a wedding gift. Or take the honeymoon of your dreams with a honeymoon registry. On sites like Honeyfund, wedding guests can donate towards a honeymoon for the couple instead of gifts. This definitely beats getting a third toaster!

Sources:

Tips for Combining Two Homes Into One

Yours, Mine, and Ours: Combining all your stuff into one happy home

Related Posts:

Say “I Do” to a Stress-Free Wedding Day

YES! It’s his wedding, too. Get your guy engaged in the planning process

Romantic, Adventurous, Luxurious…What’s Your Honeymoon Style? Plan Accordingly!

Date: August 23, 2011
Posted by: Admin

Whether you want to relax in the shade of a palm tree or go zooming over lush rainforests on a zip line—you’ve got to plan and pack accordingly for your honeymoon. A five-star resort may have the best piña coladas and room service on the island, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have all the necessities if you forget something at home.

No matter where your honeymoon takes you, you want to be prepared! Here are some helpful tips for packing and preparing for the trip of a lifetime:

For any destination, put these items in your carry on:

· Airline/ transportation tickets

· Passport and copy

· Driver’s license and copy

· Traveler’s Checks, money, credit card

· Calling cards

· Confirmation papers/ tickets for accommodations, entertainment, rental car

· Important phone numbers

· Prescription medicine

· OTC pain relievers

· Toothbrush and toothpaste

· Brush/ comb

· Any valuables you are bringing

· Camera

· Sweater or light jacket

· One change of clothing

In your checked luggage, for any type of destination:

· 3 pairs of socks

· 2 or 3 pairs of shoes (comfortable, broken-in)

· 2 to 3 dresses

· 2 pairs or shorts and pants

· 4 casual shirts

· 2 dressy shirts/ blouses

· 3 to 7 pairs underwear (depending on trip length)

· 2 to 4 bras

· Lingerie

· Swimsuit

· Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, etc.)

· Razors, shave cream, tweezers, nail clippers

· Dental floss, lip balm, cotton swabs

· Chargers for electronics, electrical adapter if travelling outside of U.S.

· Extra batteries, memory cards for camera

· Maps and a translation dictionary or guide

· Fanny pack/ small backpack

· Collapsible tote for souvenirs

Romantic Honeymoon Add-ons:

· Sensual scented candle & matches

· Massage oil

· Bubble bath

· Lingerie, blindfold

· iPod with romantic tunes

For beach or tropical honeymoon:

· Sunscreen

· Wide-brim hat

· Beach tote

· Extra swimsuit and a cover-up

· Water shoes or sandals

· Soothing/ Aloe Vera gel

Adventurous or sightseeing honeymoon:

· Mosquito and insect repellant

· Sun hat

· Light or neutral-colored clothes

· Binoculars

· Walking shoes or hiking boots

· Compass

Other helpful tips:

· Make sure you and the fiancé (hubby) don’t pack two of the same thing

· Make sure the important items are in your carry-on

· Be romantic!

· Roll your clothing instead of folding

· Pack light- choose the essentials

· Take lots of photos!

· Check with airlines for size restrictions on luggage

· Liquids must be 3.4 ounces or less and store in clear zipper pouches

Sources:

Packing for Your Honeymoon (Martha Stewart)

Packing for Your Honeymoon Getaway: 10 Helpful Tips (Jean M Blog)

Honeymoon Packing Checklist (Real Simple)

Say “I Do” to a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Boring Bridal Shower? No Way! We’ve Got Tips to Make Yours Fun and Unique

Date: August 16, 2011
Posted by: Admin

Just like weddings, bridal showers have evolved over time and are beginning to move away from tradition. A bridal shower can be for both the bride and groom, it doesn’t necessarily have to be hosted by the Maid of Honor, and you don’t have to play silly games while you sit around and drink lemonade!

Bridal showers are getting more inventive and modern. They might be at an interesting venue, have a particular theme or color scheme, or even focus around an activity (like bowling!)

Here are some of our favorite ideas for the modern-day bride-to-be’s wedding shower:

Wine & Cheese Tasting

The options are endless for this palate-pleasing themed shower. You can hire a professional to offer a wine-tasting presentation or take the do-it-yourself route. Visit a local winery or neighborhood market (think The Fresh Market) for tips on wine and cheese pairings. Adorn wine glasses with wine charms and get custom napkins with the bride and groom’s monogram. A large picnic basket complete with wine glasses, a corkscrew and a few reserve bottles make a nice gift for the bride and groom.

His & Hers

Guys are getting more involved in the wedding planning process nowadays and it’s only right to include them in the shower, too. A couple’s shower is usually more like a cocktail or dinner party. Invitees should include male and female relatives as well as friends. We love the idea of women versus men for couple’s bridal shower games. Consider having the shower at a backyard barbecue or at the couple’s favorite restaurant or bar.

All-White

An all-white shower can be stunningly simple and will surely surprise your guests. Everything from the gifts to the guests themselves should be wrapped in white. White crudités make a striking appetizer and fresh white flowers make for elegant décor. A great favor idea is white boxes wrapped with white satin ribbon and filled with Jordan almonds, an old wedding tradition. And if you weren’t planning to have the traditional all-white wedding cake, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the tradition.

For the Green Bride

If you’re all about being eco-friendly, this theme is perfect for you! Start the theme right by sending out eco-friendly email invites, or use recycled paper. Wrap favors in recycled favor boxes wrapped in eco-chic twine. Give flower seeds or soy candles as favors. Cover tables in crisp white organic cotton table cloths and find a local bakery that specializes in vegan cupcakes. Be sure to register for eco-friendly items like organic linens, stainless steel cookware and bamboo serving utensils!

Sources:

5 Unique Bridal Shower Themes (Real Simple)

Bridal Shower Ideas (The Knot)

Bridal Showers (Martha Stewart Weddings)

Say “I Do” to a Stress-Free Wedding Day

Date: August 9, 2011
Posted by: Admin

The days and months spent planning a wedding can be some of the most exciting and stressful in your life. Getting caught up in the little details, taking on too much on your own and waiting until the last minute will leave you feeling anxious on the day of your wedding. But, take a deep breath! Following a few planning guidelines will allow you to float down the aisle feeling as free as a bird!

A Year or More Out…

If you’re still in the beginning stages of planning, you don’t have reason to stress—yet! The best thing you can do now is to get organized. Get a binder and keep everything together in it. Keep swatches of colors, cards from all vendors and your guest list. Or try a website that provides wedding planning tools, like a budget, checklist, guest list and seating tool. Keeping organized from the beginning will help things go smoothly right up to the day you say “I Do.”

With Months to Spare…

Things are starting to come together, and you’re probably feeling a little worried. Did I pick the right colors? Are all my vendors going to work out? If you are in the “coast” stage of wedding planning, take a vacation from wedding planning. Take your mind off things with a new hobby. Or try beginning a workout plan to get in shape for the wedding. Don’t forget to stay connected to your groom-to-be. Plan regular outings (some like to call them dates) and always share your concerns with each other.

Getting Closer…

The weeks leading up to your wedding are the finishing up and checking up stages. While finishing small items like favors and stationery, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your bridal party. That’s what your girls are for! Confirm with all of your vendors, and make a list with contact information to provide to the wedding day coordinator. If you don’t have a day-of coordinator, consider getting one! Take some time to pamper yourself—get your hair done or spend a day at the spa.

Day Before

The day before the wedding, you will probably feel the most stressed. You’re hoping everything is going to turn out perfect. Instead of worrying, spend the day relaxing, getting ready and celebrating at the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner! Deliver anything you need to take to the ceremony and reception locations. Go with your bridesmaids to get manicure and pedicures and relax. Make sure to go to bed early enough to get plenty of sleep! Make sure everything is packed for the honeymoon, and remind your honey to pack, too!

The Big Day

It’s okay and completely natural to feel a little nervous or stressed the day-of. But all you really have to do is show up. Allow the professionals to do the work, and sit back and relax. Don’t allow yourself to get worked up if one small thing goes wrong. Remember to have fun, and enjoy yourself and your special day.

Sources:

Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day (TLC Masters of Reception)

10 Tips to be Stress-Free before Your Wedding (Martha Stewart Weddings)

Stress Triggers When You’re Planning Your Wedding (Martha Stewart Weddings)

Planning Your Perfect Wedding: Ten Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make

Date: August 2, 2011
Posted by: Admin

You’ve probably been dreaming of your wedding day since you were a little girl and want it to be beautiful, memorable and unquestionably the most perfect day of your life—but the road that gets you there isn’t always easy.

It’s a given that there will be a few hiccups along the way in planning your big day, but some mistakes you simply can’t afford to make. Your wedding is only going to happen once, so before saying your “I Dos” make sure you haven’t passed anything up!

Here are the top 10 mistakes couples make:

Blowing the Budget

It’s easy to get excited about a fabulous venue or, ahem, dress; but when it comes to weddings most items are nonrefundable. Don’t try on a dress or visit a venue if you know it is over budget. Make sure you and your fiancé set forth a clear budget and stick to it. It doesn’t mean you can’t splurge here and there, but make sure one item doesn’t suck up your whole budget.

Waiting until Last Minute

No bride or groom wants to be scrambling around in the days or weeks before their wedding. Get things done ahead of time so that you can relax before the wedding and walk down the aisle stress-free. There are many resources that provide a clear timeline of wedding tasks. A guide like this month-by-month checklist can help you stay on track and check things off your list as you go.

Over (or under) Inviting

If you invite 100 people, chances are some of them will not show up. Most experts say to assume that 80 percent of your invitees will attend the wedding. However, you shouldn’t over-invite simply because you assume not everyone will come, either. Don’t leave important family members or friends off the list, but don’t invite the entire office because you think they won’t all show up.

Changing Your Routine

Many couples decide last minute that they want to tan, start dieting or get a facial to achieve that special wedding “glow.” These are all bad ideas right before a wedding. Starting an extreme diet can wreak havoc on your sleep pattern, skin and digestion. If you’ve never had a facial, now isn’t the time to try one. And you don’t want your “glow” to be a red sunburn, either.

Drinking it up at the Rehearsal

The rehearsal is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it’s not the time to party hardy. Getting trashed the night before will only make for a terrible wedding day. Bloating, blood-shot eyes and splotchy skin can leave you feeling and looking your worst!

Not Keeping It to Yourself

It’s hard not to tell everyone about that super-chic reception dress you will change into, or the romantic peony centerpieces that will grace the tabletops. But you have to leave something to the imagination. Guests will be even more wowed by your celebration if it’s all a surprise!

Relying on Photos

They say a photo says a thousand words, but sometimes that isn’t enough. If you really want to remember your wedding, get a videographer in addition to a photographer. There is nothing like one day showing your children the moment you said “I Do,” your first dance, or that cake going full-force right into your hubby’s face.

Starting Late

On the day of the wedding, you don’t want to rush, but you don’t want to be the last one getting ready, either (especially for hair and makeup). If one stylist is doing all the hair and makeup—make sure you are near the front of the line. Otherwise, she might have to rush to finish yours, and you don’t want that to happen!

Hiring Friends

Friends aren’t supposed to work your wedding; they are supposed to be celebrating! Even if a friend is a professional DJ or photographer, avoid using them. They will feel pressured and, if you aren’t happy with the results, you won’t want to hurt their feelings.

Forgetting what Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the little details, but if there’s one mistake you can’t make, it’s forgetting what the day is all about. When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter if the linens are all the wrong shade of pink. Focus on the fact that you and your fiancé are going to be starting your life together very soon. You’re getting married, that’s what matters!

Sources:

Wedding Planning Basics: 10 Biggest Wedding Planning Blunders to Avoid (The Knot)

Wedding Planning: 10 Biggest Prewedding Mistakes (The Knot)

Ten Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes (Weddster)

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