Honeymoon Packing
Planning for the big day is chaotic enough but it’s essential for you to also remember your honeymoon. By planning ahead you can avoid the last minute stress and packing before your honeymoon getaway! A few weeks before the wedding, write a list of what you want to bring and get your necessary clothes dry-cleaned and laundered. Pack a little at a time and check things off as you go.
Packing Essentials:
- Airline tickets
- Credit cards
- Cash money and local currency if necessary
- Passport & drivers license
- Reservation confirmations
Clothing: Depending on where you are going, we suggest:
- Jeans
- Jackets/sweaters
- Sundress
- Little black dress
- Cardigan
- Casual t-shirts
- Shorts
- Swimsuits
- Flipflops
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Elegant shoes
- Clutch
- Beachbag (sunscreen, sunhat)
- Lingerie
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Adapters
- Toiletries
- Cosmetics
It’s very important to be organized. Learn how to pack like a pro! A few tips:
- Line the bottom of your bag with shoes, fill the center with rolled up jeans and larger jackets.
- Lay dresses and pants lengthwise
- Roll shirts and sweaters
- Fold dedicates. Make sure to put toiletries and lingerie in separate bags
Remember to abide by all flying restrictions, including liquids!
The Best Wedding Advice You Need
Planning a wedding can be very stressful but we want to help you out and give you advice from those that have already gone through the process. Take a look at some great advice on what you need to remember for your wedding day!
- Make sure you think about what you want for your wedding. It’s not required for you to invite everyone you know to your wedding.
- Most likely, something will go wrong on your wedding day. But this is not something to stress about. This is your day, and all that matters is that you are marrying the love of your life.
- Don’t buy your wedding dress the minute you get engaged.
- Find out what the groom wants to be a part of.
- Make sure you have transportation planned for the entire day.
- Spend some one-on-one time with your fiance every week.
The most important thing to remember is that this is a day for you and your fiance. Make the most of it and don’t let the little things bring you down. This day is for YOU. Be happy throughout the whole process and enjoy the time with your family, bridesmaids and of course, your fiance!
Bridesmaid Responsibilities and Duties
Have you been asked to be a bridesmaid? Well we want to help you out and give you tips on everything that is expected of you for this important role!
What the bride will expect from the bridesmaids:
- By being a bridesmaid, you know that you are one of the most important women in the Brides life. That being said, there is no need for pettiness or drama.
- You will be accompanying the bride when she goes shopping for her dress.
- There is a gray line on who pays for what, so be sure that you are aware of the expectations before committing.
- Help address the invitations.
- You and the Maid of Honor will be planning the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
- Make sure to help coordinate the out of town guests, arrange transportation and accommodation.
- Help direct guests to their seats.
- You are expected to be present at all pre-wedding events.
Most of all you want to be there for the bride, this includes emotional support, planning and logistical support. In addition, your main job as a bridesmaid is to make sure the wedding is great. You want to coordinate with all the bridesmaids, plan ahead and support the bride in any way possible!
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Budget
When planning a wedding, the budget is a major factor. A majority of women have been dreaming about their perfect wedding since childhood, but a budget shouldn’t hinder you from getting that fairytale wedding. Here are some great tips in getting the most out of your wedding budget.
1. Always get three quotes. From the caterer to the venue, it’s extremely important to see what is out there. This will allow some flexibility and a better idea of what reasonable prices are.
2. Invitations. Keep it simple. A normal size invitation can prevent additional postage = more money. Have your guests RSVP by email. This will save you in terms of postage and extra paper!
3. Flowers. You don’t have to have flowers galore on your wedding day. Instead of fresh flower centerpieces you can opt for faux flowers, candles or vases!
4. Skip the favors. A majority of people don’t take them home or trash them immediately.
5. Venue benefits. Some venues provide linens, plates, napkins, utensils, etc. All things that you don’t have to worry about!
6. Alcohol. Order your wedding wine and beer through a distributor. You can then choose what you prefer and allow you to budget accordingly.
All of these ideas are great ways to save money on your wedding day. Since every bride is different in terms of what they want; it’s best for you to pick three things that are important to you and spend your money there.
Wedding Planning Timeline
How are you supposed to stay organized during the whole wedding planning process? Well look no further we’ve compiled an easy list of things that need to be done and at what time!
12 Months Before
- Discuss your budget
- Start on your guest list
- Create your wedding folder
- Book your venue
10 Months Before
- Decide on your bridal party
- Research vendors (photographers, florists, bands, etc.)
- Book your officiant
- Throw an engagement party
8 Months Before
- Order your dress
- Hire your vendors
- Reserve rooms for guests
- Register
6 Months Before
- Select your invitations
- Order bridesmaids’ dresses
- Plan and book honeymoon
- Send your save the dates
- Arrange transportation
4 Months Before
- Book rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
- Start dress fittings
- Schedule hair and makeup
- Order the cake
- Choose the mens’ attire
2 Months Before
- Settle on hair and makeup
- Finalize the ceremony
- Mail the invitations
- Purchase rings
- Apply for marriage license
- Order wedding favors
1 Month Before
- Bachelorette Party
- Final dress fitting
- Meet with photographer and discuss final shots
- DJ playlist
- Send out final payments
- Write vows
1 Week Before
- Final head count
- Finalize seating chart
- Beauty treatments
- Pick up dress
Day Before
- Reconfirm pickup times
- Rehearsal dinner
- Give bridal party gifts
Day Of
- Have fun and get married!
Questions To Ask Each Other Before You Start Planning The Wedding
1. What kind of wedding do you want? Discuss the kind of feeling/ vibe you’d like for your special day. Do you want a traditional church wedding, or a non-religious ceremony?
2. Who to invite? Make a provisional guest list before anything to get an idea of the type of venue that can accommodate it.
3. When to marry? Be flexible with dates. Summer or winter? Weekday or weekend? This will play a huge part in your wedding budget.
4. Where to marry? Narrow down a general location first. Where you live now, where you grew up or a destination wedding?
5. What’s important to you? Figure out your priorities. This can help decide where you want to spend the time and money for your wedding.
Wedding Registry Tips
The wedding registry can be a daunting task but you should take the time into considering what you’re asking for. Let’s make it easier for you and give you some great advice and tips on what you should or shouldn’t have on your registry list.
- Only register for things that you actually want. Remember to be true to yourself, if you don’t like to cook then don’t ask for cooking utensils! But if you and your fiancé love to camp, then you should think about asking for a new tent or camping supplies. Primarily, do the registry together! Deciding what you need is best when you both discuss it. To make this process easier, take stock. Make a list of what you both have and will keep and more importantly, what you still need and want.
- Earlier the better. From the moment you announce your engagement, friends and family will want to send gifts. Make it easier on them, and have a list started.
- Keep these items in mind when registering. Gift cards are fantastic, an easy way for you to get access to your ideal stores without dealing with getting gifts that you don’t exactly want. Normally, couples ask for home basics. These can include anything from china, sheets, towels, linen, glassware or cutlery. Think about the things that you will need when building your future together.
- Not just one location. In addition to having two or more registry locations, be sure that your registry list is extensive. You need to cater to the needs of your guests. Some of them cannot afford to spend a ridiculous amount of money just on your gift. Have a broad range in gift prices, this caters to the budget of all your guests.
- Cash registries are a growing trend. There are many secure online cash gift registries to consider. Your guest can be registering for a house down payment, custom artwork, home renovations, etc.
- Request nontraditional items. For example, wine registries, or honeymoon registries. Guests can pay for breakfast in bed while you’re in Bali!
Your wedding registry is an expression of your needs and hopes for the future. Keep it practical but don’t be afraid to get creative!
New Year’s Resolutions for Future Brides
Happy New Year Maine Wedding fans! In light of the new year, we’ve put together a list of New Year’s Resolutions for Brides! Perfect, right?! Throughout your wedding planning process, keep these ideas in mind.
1. Stick to your budget. First things first, you need to sit down with your fiancé and get an idea of they type of wedding you both want. Is a big, lavish wedding a must, or small and intimate? Do you want to spend it all on the big day or plan the ultimate honeymoon? In addition to all of the hidden costs involved in planning a wedding, you need to stick to your number and not budge!
2. Be more organized. This involves all aspects of your life. Maintain a balance between work, play and the wedding planning itself.
3. Live in the moment. It’s so easy to get lost in all of the planning that you forget what is most important, your fiancé! Your relationship is ultimately more important than that color scheme.
4. Be healthy! Try and get in shape ahead of the big day. Feel your absolute best when walking down the aisle by kicking off a workout regimen. Don’t forget to drink up on water!
5. Get creative. A little DIY can do a lot, whether it be bragging rights or the extra savings! Get your creative juices flowing; it can be as simple as table numbers or even using that magnificent penmanship of yours to address your invites.
6. Learn to delegate. You can’t do everything yourself, so tackle it with the help from family, your fiancé and bridesmaids! This also includes those hired by you. Their job is to please you and give you the wedding of your dreams, try not to micromanage and allow them to work their professional magic!
We hope that all you brides out there can use these resolutions to your benefit and make your journey towards the aisle one of happiness and bliss.
How to Get the Most Out of a Wedding Show
Attending a wedding show can be very helpful in planning your wedding. A wedding show gives you the chance to talk directly with professionals. You have a chance to see samples of their work and get an idea of what costs are involved. Here’s a simple list to insure you the chance of making the most out of attending a wedding show.
- Set your priorities. What are the products and services you need most? Make a list and include your budget for each service.
- Pre register to the show. Most shows have discounts to those who buy their tickets before the day of the show.
- Research the vendors that will be exhibiting. Hone in on the vendors that you primarily want to visit. But do take the time to browse the other exhibitors, you may be pleasantly surprised by a certain vendor that didn’t catch your eye while researching.
- Pre printed labels. This will save you time from filling out registration blanks. Include on your labels you name, wedding date, wedding location, mailing address and an email address.
- Bring a camera, planner and checkbook! These are extremely useful for the day of the show. Take pictures of this you like, or any booths that inspire you. With your planner and checkbook you can immediately schedule future follow-up appointments and secure any booking fees.
- Take time to sample food, etc. This is a great way to get a better idea of what each vendor is offering.
Be sure to dress comfortably, because you will be walking around for awhile and expect to spend a few hours at the show. Remember, the longer you are there the more you can accomplish! Good luck and happy shopping at your next wedding show!
Using Pinterest To Plan Your Wedding
He popped the question and now wedding planning mode is in full swing. In order to make this process easier, there is a social media outlet becoming widely popular with the wedding enthusiasts. Yes ladies, we are talking about Pinterest here. Pinterest has been catching fire since it first launched, on top of that more than 2/3 of users are women! It is a great platform to start planning that wedding of your dreams.
So we are here to help you get a kick start whether you are recently engaged or just dreaming about your perfect day. Pinterest is a great tool for your own clarification of what you want your day to look like. And instead of cutting out pictures from various magazines, you have a virtual board neatly organized to your specifics.
It’s better to start earlier since at that point you’re just finding things that you are interested in but then along the way you can start to fine tune your idea of what you like. A great idea to ease the planning process is to allow members of your bridal party to follow your boards and help give you advice or more ideas. The main thing to keep in mind is to be genuine and consistent. Start to distinguish between things you admire and things your followers admire.
It’s best to create multiple boards, i.e. photography, venues, dresses, you get the idea. That way you can easily search through your boards. Pinterest is great because you can discover vendors, designers, or photographers that interest you. Think of it as your virtual inspiration board! In addition, you can create a board specifically to what you like. This can act as an alternative gift registry.
From discovering easy DIY crafts, bridal party style ideas and color palettes, Pinterest has all you need to plan the wedding of your dreams! Follow our Pinterest page and start your wedding planning. Good luck ladies and happy pinning!
