Ease Your Bridal Research Strategy

Photo by, DUPhotography.com

It’s a “Given” - Brides surf the web when shopping for all their bridal needs. We all get busy reviewing designer gowns and styles of wedding dresses, tuxes and want to find our local shops. We explore hundreds of links to wedding venues.

We are driven to use the lunch hour at work and stay up until 1 or 2 am to surf.  So here are some tips to help get back to that perfect wedding dress you saw and find those exciting wedding venue, reception services you liked or honeymoon location. So between our work computer and home, we become “frazzled” when we cannot find the item we liked.  We have all signed on to so many websites we become deluged with e-mails. Even the professional Wedding Services ask you to sign in to enter their websites….

So here are a few helpful tips and I trust you will sign on to the blog and add your tips to the following:

1. Take out an e-mail address – specific to your wedding planning time and dump it after the wedding. This way your personal e- account can continue for your friends and family.
2. If you are going to sign up everywhere, use the same password
3. Find and use “Free Access Web Portals” where all your shopping can be completed from one or two geographical areas (menu).
4. Shopping for wedding locations can be difficult – find a website that shows the number of guests in the description, so you do not spend hours looking inside the websites for this information.
5. Look beyond the first two pages on your Search Engine searches – there are amazing companies.
6. Bookmark a web address you like or e-mail to your bridal e-mail so you can get back to it quickly.  Research is difficult enough without losing your favorites.

You will find all the above tools on…

WeddingLinks.com

HoneymoonLinks.co

SuperStarWedding.com

• Free access to all the venues and services
• Thousand of links to low budget and elegant locations
• Wedding Planning Classes (online webinars that provide budgets/timelines and more.) 
• Worldwide destinations for the wine country wedding regions, beach wedding sites, garden venues, major hotels, religious settings and castles
• Ease to bookmark and e-mail your findings.

ã 2012, J.R. Publications, Inc. – use of any part of this information requires a link back to weddinglinksblog.blogspot.com or to weddinglinks.com

Rehearsal Dinners

You are probably saying, "Why is she talking to me about a rehearsal dinner, when I have so many other things to think about!!" Correct, but in the forefront of stating who will be responsible for what and number of guests to invite, there are some quirky concerns as you work on your budget and speak with your future in-laws. So lets consider them and you can add your questions or ideas right here on the Blog. 1. Financial and Planning Responsibility for the Rehearsal Dinner has historically fallen on the family of the groom. Leaving those concerns out of the bride and groom's worry area. It is vital to communicate in early planning WHO will be responsible for this event.  It is also vital the couple communicate the number of guests to the host of the rehearsal dinner - so they may look for a site. Also, we are seeing some changes in this area as many couples are paying for their weddings and take on this in their scope of planning. 2. The guest list has historically been just the immediate wedding party (groomsmen, bridesmaid, officiant, parents and siblings of each side and the coordinator plus their one guest).  We do see changes in the destination wedding group as they ask many of those who traveled in early for the wedding to join them at the rehearsal dinner. This can get pricey and should be discussed completely with the host/hostess of the dinner. 3. Reason to set the number of guests is because some restaurants do not have room for a larger group than anticipated.  Many rehearsals fall on Friday nights and it is a task to gain a restaurant that wants to serve a group. Friday is one of their best commercial nights. If the final number is less, that is so much better than more.   Crab Feeds and Beach Parties Are Fun  4. Even tho there are children in the wedding, remember a babysitter is an asset as they will be a happier child/children on the wedding day if they go to bed on time.   5. Some times the groom's family cannot afford to pick up the tab on an entire rehearsal dinner.  They may be able to provide a portion and require support from the couple. This is a time where we bring understanding to a situation. Also, couples deal sometimes with the rehearsal dinner being more grand than the wedding day celebration.  Again flexibility is needed and open discussion is necessary. Awesome Picnic Areas You Can Reserve 6. Consider some different ideas for Rehearsal Dinners. Evening picnics in parks or beach parties with games  Art Gallery, Museum or Aquarium dining with a caterer to serve Roof Garden Restaurants overlooking a city Out on the bay in one of the exciting tour ships Backyard swim party Pizza Parlor (at a favorite) Wine country - cave dining or picnic ground use Hotel where most of the out-of-town guests are staying If you have rented a house or a condo in the wedding area, plan the dinner there. Caterers, chefs or potlucks work well, as do pizza take home and salads. A Historic Restaurant In Your Area You will find hundreds of ideas for pre-wedding parties and rehearsal dinners or your date nights on www.WeddingLinks.com.  Photos by JR Moore

Men's Tuxedos, Suites & Casual Dress For Weddings

Wow, we see everything today for men's wedding attire. It has to do with where, when and what the couple believe works best for the setting or style wedding they are planning.  From black tie formal, ethnic styles, and great looking suites to exciting floral shirts, the selection is fun.  We'd love to have your input on what you have in mind for your wedding day celebration!

Brown Suites by Judith Rivers-Moore

Photo by DUPhotography.com

Photo by DUPhotography.com

 

Photo by Hughes-Photography.com

So many great ideas to choose from that adhere to themes, ethnic styles, formal and informal wedding ceremonies. Tuxedo shops and costumers introduce the preferred styles. You will find many of these great stores in the region where you are making plans on WeddingLinks.com

Creative Ideas & Fun Things To Do For Your Destination Wedding Guests

Castle de Amorosa in Napa Valley, Ca. photo by Judith Rivers-Moore

So why publish a photo of this castle in Napa Wine Country.  We know you cannot get married at this Napa Valley castle, but you can have fun tours, events and dinners. There are many wineries who will not do weddings & receptions but will do unique and wonderful tours, picnics and dinners for your guests while in the area.

Request a free copy of our "Best Style California Wedding & Honeymoon" e-Magazine for inspiring wedding venues & award winning services throughout Ten Regions of California. 

Couples realize many of their wedding guests are coming from far away and some think about giving them a nearby accommodations list.  Many couples hosting destination weddings in regions will make it part of their plan to have tours available they may all go on.  WeddingLinks.co   includes most area's Tourism Bureaus in the Area's Services Menu. Many of the wedding venues and hotel websites include a list of local tours.  

I have listed a few ideas below and we would love to have you join us with your ideas regarding your wedding region.

Sonoma and Napa wine regions: wine tours, private wine tasting, hot air balloon rides, Safari West tours, Coppola's swim and museum, Charles Shultz Museum, Green Music Center and the Napa Wine Train are fun experiences. There are hundreds of wineries in these counties.

San Francisco night club tours, walking the Golden Gate Bride as a group, Greyline city bus tour and take the Bart around the Bay Area if you do not have local transportation. The museums and art are amazing.

Los Angeles and Orange have the Disneyland idea with MGM as another favorite tour. Greyline takes you to Grahams etc for a variety of tours.  From Gene Autry to Getty -- the museums are awesome.

New York City holds a vast array of nightclub and top theater musicals and plays for enjoyment. We also found tours for the Rockettes to the Statue of Liberty.

The Caribbean Islands include a nightclub evening, snorkel day cruise, Ragga music and dances, moonlight cruises on sailboats and beach parties.

Hawaii is one big beach party and awesome hikes, sailings and water sports. While Pearl Harbor is somber, we know you will enjoy the unique trips to a live volcano and furtherest views of the stars!!. 

Take a look at where you are hosting your wedding and determine what might be of interest to your guests.

#fun things to do

#destination weddings

#wedding guests

SETTING APPOINTMENTS WITH VENUES AND SERVICES

Planning a wedding can be very stressful.  This is a given. It is also stressful for the person who shows you their venue and the services with time set aside for  appointments for your interviews.  Time is a precious commodity for everyone.  I would like to give you a few tips on the bridal world management etiquette.   Your decisions will run from budget to venues, to choosing a marriage officent, where you register for your gifts and your honeymoon.  Join us on the blog to discuss YOUR viewpoints.....We wish you the best with some of the tips below Photo by JR Moore       Photo by JR Moore                                                                                           Photo by DUPhotography.com 1. You are dealing with people who have amazing knowledge regarding their services and many have schooled themselves for years. They set time aside to listen to your requests, and then explain how they can create their part of your dream wedding and reception. 2. If you are not planning to show up for the appointment, give them a call, leave a message about whether you decided on someone else, or need to move the date and time. 3. Last minute Changes can be difficult.  To change flowers after the florist has gone to the market for your selections. Caterers who have to add more food, or less food, designs on decorations and table placement settings.  These all add up to stress between bride, groom and the service. 4. Go over your reception timing with person in charge. This could be your wedding planner, your dad or mom, your musicians or venue hostess.  This way things run smoother with a timeline. 5.  People forget verbal instructions. Make certain things are written down and given to attendants, services and groom.  Addresses with zip codes and delivery times are very important to your services and the attendants.  I have done a few "day-of"  weddings where after the rehearsal the attendants did not know where the rehearsal dinner was being held. Wow! Please understand when you sign a contract, there may be paragraphs regarding deposits. Read them carefully.  Please never sign an agreement the first day you meet someone.  Review their name and reputation prior to contracting. UA-36897602-8 #weddingideas, #wedding planning, #wedding services

Beauty Tips That Add Up To Spectacular Brides

Share with us your favorite beauty tips...here are a few of mine for brides and bridesmaids.

Being frazzled up to the last minute does not equate to an elegant and beautiful bride.  You want to get everything done ahead so you can take it easy and pamper yourself the last several days. Too many last things to do toward the wedding, the wrong foods, not enough rest and drinking alcohol all show up on your face the day of your wedding.
Make-up is a wonderful thing, but it can only do so much.  Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Tips for your skin - shampooing your hair in the shower allows the water to cascade down over the face.  Find a new method to shampoo and rinse that keeps this off your facial skin. Most hair shampoos are so strong, they can scrub your tub. Many ladies complain that it make their skin breakout and never let the color rinse or  color treatments get on your face.  Drinking lots of water and good amounts of fresh veggies and fruits bring a glow to your skin.  Because toxins store in the lower tract, keep the lower tract clear, and daily or bi-daily exercise will bring a healthy glow to your skin and firmness to your body. Always cleanse the face before retiring for the night. Perspiration, makeup and dirt will go down in the pours at night. The back of the neck receives major dirt from the hair.  If you work at a computer, this electric device draws dirt and dust to your body.  

Photo by DUPhotography.com

2.  Tip on dieting - many of us go on extreme diets, cutting out various foods, drinks etc.  These changes in habits are what is needed for a diet, BUT nearing the time of the wedding, there are parties, rehearsal dinners where we introduce food and drinks back into our bodies.....these can have a very adverse affect on our system.  Small amounts of these "new foods/drinks" can cause major headaches, stomach aches, nausea and the jitters - so be aware.

There are several articles on health, beauty and apparel on WeddingLinks.com. We have links to skin and makeup professionals in most cities on  WeddingLinks.com

3.  Tip for photographs - Make-up artists are a great idea so you can gain a better visual impact on your wedding photos.  It is surprising how a white dress can fade out our natural appearance.

Photo by Hughes-Photography.com

Photo by, DUPhotography.com

4.  Traveling for your destination wedding or honeymoon??  The airlines are very determined we do not bring specific size items off hair and skin (solutions) aboard.  Place what you will need in smaller plastic bottles. Check with the airlines for what is recommended, where it may be carried and what is not allowed.  

5.  There are many beautiful wedding veil ideas available. Look for the styles and sheerness that allows people to see your glow.  Sometimes brides walk the aisle and no one can see how happy and beautiful they are because the veil overwhelms they and their dress.

P.S. A series of facials scheduled months in advance of your wedding date will do a lot to add to your glow. Always see a trained and certified professional that uses the best products and offers years of experience. No matter how much of a do it yourself gal you are, please find a great pro in your neighborhood.  Do not leave this to just before the wedding.

For your honeymoon make-up - remember the sun blocks, a small medical kit and any medications - we have great travel articles, ideas and input on romantic travel on  HoneymoonLinks.co


Partner Websies:  WeddingLinks.co    HoneymoonLinks.co   BridalShowInfo.com
Weight Loss Information on  Shop4WeddingDresses.com

UA-36897602-8)

Wedding Cake Alternatives & Fun Dessert Ideas For Wedding Receptions & Life Celebrations

Everyone wants to be different!  It’s chic, classy and innovative.  Wedding cake alternatives and fun dessert ideas will often add uniqueness and interest to your wedding reception and life celebrations. Little touches here and there never hurt your guest’s memory of your big day!

It frightens me, when I meet ladies at a bridal shows who say….  “My sister is handling my wedding or my girl friend just got married and she is going to coordinate it for me or mom says, we’ve married off three others, we know who to call.”  My inner question is…. Are you getting your wedding, or her old one?  Same vendors, same wedding site, same style, food, dessert, etc…Tell us how you feel about this on the blog.

You Are You! Remember that, and don’t get locked out of how you and your intended reflect it on your wedding day. You will find many of my weddinglinks blogs endear you to being your own unique self.

Cakes are glorious and very photogenic!  The ingredients offer a multitude of choices and creative icing decor.  The groom’s cake is an excellent addition and a great tradition to your cake table. Whether butter cream or fondant, they look and appear exquisite in the photos and an amazing centerpiece to your reception room.  We see, carrot and spice cakes plus the red cakes taking a spotlight at receptions. Photos by DUphotography.com

I personally love the beauty of a wedding cake, excitement of a birthday cake, etc.  But I love to bake pies, eat pies and share pie recipes.  Just a knack picked up from mom.  Guess what? Just met a gal who provides a pie service for weddings and events. Men Love Pies!!!  So if you are considering doing dessert stations for your event or wedding reception, you might consider this.

A while back we discussed different desserts or reception confections. We concluded there are many new and exciting ideas to add sweetness to your celebration.   You will find links on  WeddingLinks.com and we would love your input on this subject. Many ideas for dessert we have seen so far include:

• Cupcake Tiers
• Various Candy Treats to pile on your plate or cup
• Dove Bars
• Ice Cream Cakes
• Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundaes
• Pie Bars
• Chocolate Fountains with fruit, cookes and marshmallows
• Frozen Yogurt Bars
• Vegan, Gluten Free and Sugar Free Desserts
• Fudge Brownies
• Frozen Cheese Cake Bars
• Personal Photo-Enhanced Icings
• Personalize initials on the cake

Along with the many exciting traditional cakes and ethnic wedding desserts we are finding, couples want crème brulee or baked Alaska served.  Elegance and luxury do turn the corner on these desserts as they must be served by the staff in a grand presentation style.

Talk it over, see what you both want served.  Find a tried and true professional baker or dessert maker to complete this for you.  Believe me, I have seen cakes fall apart because great aunt Mary did not know the dynamics of a tiered cake, or the best friend did not understand you cannot set a cake out in the sun for three hours prior to serving.  Most of all – allow your dessert be a personal signature to your celebration!

#weddingideas, #weddingdesserts,  #weddingcakes