The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day

Attendants
Attendants, include the best man, bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally any people with some sort of responsibility on the big day. How many attendants are up to you but you need to consider the size of the church and your budget for the outfits and gifts. You need to rely on these for some of the organization of the day so choose carefully, the last thing you need is someone irresponsible in charge of the rings or any important tasks your require.

Budget
Every wedding has a budget be it a no hold bar white wedding extravaganza or a low-key smaller affair both can be a beautiful fun day for everyone. There are many ways to cut the cost on the big day with out compromising on style and atmosphere. You can do a lot of the organizing yourself, friends and family are always there to help with things like the video camera and helping to drive guests from the ceremony to the after party.

Cake
This is another important feature; as the cake will appear in the "cutting of the cake" photograph another staple of the wedding album. The flowers and bridesmaids out fits will also influence the style and color of the cake you do not have to settle for fruitcake though as there are endless fillings to choose from, this can also double as desert if you are on a tight budget.

Dress
The dress is going to be the center of attention for the whole wedding. The perfect dress should make the bride feel and look beautiful. This is achieved by a well-fitted dress that is flattering to the figure. Most importantly the dress should be comfortable as you will be wearing it all day long through out dinner and also dancing the night away, if you spend the day pulling and adjusting your dress this could ruin your whole day. Remember a happy bride will look beautiful either way.

Entertainment
The entertainment you choose for the after ceremony party should vary depending on what type of weeding your going for, from the classical stringed quartet to the full on wedding band. Any professional entertainment will eat into your budget but whatever you choose make sure you go to see them play before your big day as you do want your guests to have a good time and not spend the evening cringing at a nightmare wedding singer.

Flowers
The bridesmaid's outfits will set the trend for the colors of the flowers, so keep this in mind when choosing the color theme. These can range from the most flamboyant bouquet to the simplest white lilies. The most important being the bride's bouquet as this will feature in most of the wedding photographs so don't skimp on this.

Honeymoon
This will be the most extravagant holiday you ever had. Depending on what you can afford push the boat out and spoil yourself. Weather it be a five star in Mauritius or a Weekend in a five star hotel this is your quality time as man and wife and should be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible so don't hold back.

Invitations
The Invitations are the first taste the guests will get of your wedding so they should reflect what type of wedding its going to be Formal/Informal. Don't be afraid to be different this is your chance to be creative and making your own handmade cards is a nice touch and is also easy on the wallet.

Jewelry
You can go for diamante for that sparkly feel of pearl for the more understated bride, always remember whatever stones you choose the theme should run through out. Jewelry is also a nice thank you gift for the bridesmaids a nice matching necklaces for the brides to wear on the wedding day will go down well and you don't have to break the bank. Another special touch if possible is personally designed wedding bands most jewelers will do this but be expected to pay a bit more.

Love
You have done the most important part of the wedding day and that is finding each other and falling in love. With out you two this day would not be happening, therefore it's your special day to celebrate your love for each other. After the ceremony eat drink and be merry, enjoy the evening and have fun after all it will be both of you that will remember this day the most and you want to have loving happy memories with no stress. So let your hair down and dance the night away.

Marriage
There is also the legal aspects of marriage that are important as well as the spiritual, make sure you have all your legal requirements met and all your paper work in place well in advance of the wedding date, get all this out of the way first and this leaves plenty of time to concentrate on the more important enjoyable things.

Outdoor wedding
Oh what a wonderful day it would be, a beautiful sunny garden, a big white marquee adorned with lilies and trinkets, music, dancing all sounds beautiful. Hiring a marquee for the day is a really great idea if you live in a place were the weather permits. If not I wouldn't take the chance as a mud ridden lawn with cold wet guests doesn't sound as romantic. Also keep in mind the hiring of cutlery, crockery, heating, lights, toilets etc. all adds up.

Photography
The photographs are going to be the lasting feature of you big day so you want them to be as fabulous as possible. Take recommendations from friends and people who have recently got married, visit the photographer's studio and view his work. All photographers have a different style of photography so discuss carefully what you want. Most photographers wont allow you to keep the negatives of the wedding pictures so make sure you have some relatives take a camera as the more photos you order from the photographer the more you pay.

Reception
Your reception venue will be dictated by where you live, the amount of guests you are having and the style of wedding you want. You have a choice of hotel, outdoor marquee or to be slightly different you can choose a stately home or castle. Or why not run away from it all to a romantic holiday island with close friends and family.

Skin
You will want beautiful silky skin to match your beautiful new gown on that special day, so start taking care of your skin a couple of months before hand with some deep cleansing and exfoliating facials. We tend to forget the rest of the body so keep that back, neck and chest area glowing with regular exfoliating body scrubs and lashings of body cream this will ensure that J lo glow on the big day. When the day arrives treat your self to your favorite scented body lotion and load on generously to keep you smelling good enough to eat all day long.

Undies
Your dress will more or less decide what undies you require. A silicon based stick on bra for the strapless brides will make any bosom defy gravity. Or a steamy lace all in one will slim down your waistline. The store where you bought your wedding dress can advise on the appropriate type of underwear for your dress. Remember go for what makes you look good in the dress you can always change into something a little more "uncomfortable" later on.

Vows
Writing your own vows is a good idea if you want to give the ceremony a little more of a personal feel. Don't hide away from this as every ones a sucker for romance and it will add a certain intimacy to the ceremony. Don't forget to run these vows by the officiate before the big day to make sure they are happy to include them in the proceedings.

Winning Smile
There will be lots of kisses and smiling photos on the day so your lips and smile must be in tiptop shape. Firstly make sure there is no sign of a flaky smile, the night before apply some petroleum jelly to the lips and gently rub with an old tooth brush this will leave smooth soft lips ready for your favorite shade of color. Also visiting the dentist a few weeks before and getting your teeth cleaned and polished is a necessity for a bling bling
smile.

Yes
The whole wedding day is about two people saying yes. Yes to a lifetime partnership with each other, through the hard times as well as the good. Yes to loving each other through thick and thin. Yes is the most important word in the ceremony so savor the moment as it is upon this word the rest of your lives will be built.

Zzzzzz
Catching some Zzzzz the night before the wedding is essential. It is often tempting to have a few glasses of champagne to welcome the big day, but remember you have a long day ahead the following morning and bloodshot eyes in the photographs will linger on for ever. Have a warm relaxing bath with some lavender oils then go to bed. Anyway you can always make up for it on your wedding night!

Helpful tips on choosing the right wedding favors for your guests

Wedding Favors & Bridal Gift Ideas

Since we were little girls, all of us dream of having a fairy tale wedding. We used to imagine what kind of gown we would want to wear at our wedding, what kind of theme we would want to have and many other things. When the day is actually coming closer, there are so many details to take care of and it could sometimes become rather overwhelming. Choosing where to hold the reception, shopping for the wedding gown, thinking about decorations and arranging food for the guests are just a few of many items that come along with this celebration of love. And of course, all of us want to make our wedding the most memorable wedding for ourselves, families, as well as for the rest of the guests.

Giving out wedding favors as a display of true appreciation is a long standing tradition. Everything that is seen at the wedding: from the reception place to the menu, will be certainly enjoyed on this special day. However, it is the wedding favor that will make the wedding to be remembered for a long time. So picking out the right favor is extremely important. But with a great number of options out there for these little tokens of love and appreciation, sometimes, it could cost a tremendous amount of time to decide which one to choose.

So, where do we start on deciding which wedding favors to choose? Here are some pointers to help us decide the right favors for our guests.

By determining the theme and personality of the wedding beforehand, picking the appropriate wedding favors should be as easy as an ABC.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers! What is something that is most remembered about the wedding besides the brides' gown and the food? Of course, flower arrangements - since they primarily define the theme of the wedding - Remember that different flowers represent various meanings of love. By choosing something like charming calla lily bouquet candles, calla lily photo frames or even calla lily design napkin holders as a favor can accent the symbols of beauty and exquisiteness of the wedding. A traditional yet timeless long stem rose crystal can enhance the elegance and romance of the magnificent wedding. Or if we want to intensify passion and exoticism, orchids gel candles or scented orchid-shape soap will be one of the most appropriate favors to share this special moment of your life.

If we are one of the practical types, we may want to start our wedding favors selection by thinking about practical items such as key chains, coasters, CD cases and many more. One good thing about choosing practical wedding favors is that the guests will be using them often, and thus, our wedding will be remembered every time they use the favors we handed out. But some of us may think that practical items may not be as lovely as other decorative favors. We could, for sure, scratch that idea since there are so many items with sophistication and perfection. Who can deny a cute sandal shaped notepad that can go with a beach theme or even a chic jewelry pouch; not to mention a sweet pair of silver pear shaped salt and pepper shakers that could definitely leave our guests in awe.

But wait. There are more to come. Some of us even want to go beyond the most common favors simply because we want to add more fun and attitude to the splendor of this ceremony. For instance, those who have passion for western theme could choose a shooter charm that enriches a personal touch of entertainment. Or perhaps choosing a unique ethnic theme such as a coaster painted with the word "love" in Chinese or Spanish will make the favors more exclusive and meaningful.

In short, most of us may think that choosing a wedding favor can be time consuming. But it does not have to be that much work once we have some tips on where to start. Always remember that it is the company of friends and family that make a wedding memorable. Rewarding those who come to share your special day with a thoughtful favor gift is a wonderful way to show your appreciation.

The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day

Attendants
Attendants, include the best man, bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally any people with some sort of responsibility on the big day. How many attendants are up to you but you need to consider the size of the church and your budget for the outfits and gifts. You need to rely on these for some of the organization of the day so choose carefully, the last thing you need is someone irresponsible in charge of the rings or any important tasks your require.

Budget
Every wedding has a budget be it a no hold bar white wedding extravaganza or a low-key smaller affair both can be a beautiful fun day for everyone. There are many ways to cut the cost on the big day with out compromising on style and atmosphere. You can do a lot of the organizing yourself, friends and family are always there to help with things like the video camera and helping to drive guests from the ceremony to the after party.

Cake
This is another important feature; as the cake will appear in the "cutting of the cake" photograph another staple of the wedding album. The flowers and bridesmaids out fits will also influence the style and color of the cake you do not have to settle for fruitcake though as there are endless fillings to choose from, this can also double as desert if you are on a tight budget.

Dress
The dress is going to be the center of attention for the whole wedding. The perfect dress should make the bride feel and look beautiful. This is achieved by a well-fitted dress that is flattering to the figure. Most importantly the dress should be comfortable as you will be wearing it all day long through out dinner and also dancing the night away, if you spend the day pulling and adjusting your dress this could ruin your whole day. Remember a happy bride will look beautiful either way.

Entertainment
The entertainment you choose for the after ceremony party should vary depending on what type of weeding your going for, from the classical stringed quartet to the full on wedding band. Any professional entertainment will eat into your budget but whatever you choose make sure you go to see them play before your big day as you do want your guests to have a good time and not spend the evening cringing at a nightmare wedding singer.

Flowers
The bridesmaid's outfits will set the trend for the colors of the flowers, so keep this in mind when choosing the color theme. These can range from the most flamboyant bouquet to the simplest white lilies. The most important being the bride's bouquet as this will feature in most of the wedding photographs so don't skimp on this.

Honeymoon
This will be the most extravagant holiday you ever had. Depending on what you can afford push the boat out and spoil yourself. Weather it be a five star in Mauritius or a Weekend in a five star hotel this is your quality time as man and wife and should be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible so don't hold back.

Invitations
The Invitations are the first taste the guests will get of your wedding so they should reflect what type of wedding its going to be Formal/Informal. Don't be afraid to be different this is your chance to be creative and making your own handmade cards is a nice touch and is also easy on the wallet.

Jewelry
You can go for diamante for that sparkly feel of pearl for the more understated bride, always remember whatever stones you choose the theme should run through out. Jewelry is also a nice thank you gift for the bridesmaids a nice matching necklaces for the brides to wear on the wedding day will go down well and you don't have to break the bank. Another special touch if possible is personally designed wedding bands most jewelers will do this but be expected to pay a bit more.

Love
You have done the most important part of the wedding day and that is finding each other and falling in love. With out you two this day would not be happening, therefore it's your special day to celebrate your love for each other. After the ceremony eat drink and be merry, enjoy the evening and have fun after all it will be both of you that will remember this day the most and you want to have loving happy memories with no stress. So let your hair down and dance the night away.

Marriage
There is also the legal aspects of marriage that are important as well as the spiritual, make sure you have all your legal requirements met and all your paper work in place well in advance of the wedding date, get all this out of the way first and this leaves plenty of time to concentrate on the more important enjoyable things.

Outdoor wedding
Oh what a wonderful day it would be, a beautiful sunny garden, a big white marquee adorned with lilies and trinkets, music, dancing all sounds beautiful. Hiring a marquee for the day is a really great idea if you live in a place were the weather permits. If not I wouldn't take the chance as a mud ridden lawn with cold wet guests doesn't sound as romantic. Also keep in mind the hiring of cutlery, crockery, heating, lights, toilets etc. all adds up.

Photography
The photographs are going to be the lasting feature of you big day so you want them to be as fabulous as possible. Take recommendations from friends and people who have recently got married, visit the photographer's studio and view his work. All photographers have a different style of photography so discuss carefully what you want. Most photographers wont allow you to keep the negatives of the wedding pictures so make sure you have some relatives take a camera as the more photos you order from the photographer the more you pay.

Reception
Your reception venue will be dictated by where you live, the amount of guests you are having and the style of wedding you want. You have a choice of hotel, outdoor marquee or to be slightly different you can choose a stately home or castle. Or why not run away from it all to a romantic holiday island with close friends and family.

Skin
You will want beautiful silky skin to match your beautiful new gown on that special day, so start taking care of your skin a couple of months before hand with some deep cleansing and exfoliating facials. We tend to forget the rest of the body so keep that back, neck and chest area glowing with regular exfoliating body scrubs and lashings of body cream this will ensure that J lo glow on the big day. When the day arrives treat your self to your favorite scented body lotion and load on generously to keep you smelling good enough to eat all day long.

Undies
Your dress will more or less decide what undies you require. A silicon based stick on bra for the strapless brides will make any bosom defy gravity. Or a steamy lace all in one will slim down your waistline. The store where you bought your wedding dress can advise on the appropriate type of underwear for your dress. Remember go for what makes you look good in the dress you can always change into something a little more "uncomfortable" later on.

Vows
Writing your own vows is a good idea if you want to give the ceremony a little more of a personal feel. Don't hide away from this as every ones a sucker for romance and it will add a certain intimacy to the ceremony. Don't forget to run these vows by the officiate before the big day to make sure they are happy to include them in the proceedings.

Winning Smile
There will be lots of kisses and smiling photos on the day so your lips and smile must be in tiptop shape. Firstly make sure there is no sign of a flaky smile, the night before apply some petroleum jelly to the lips and gently rub with an old tooth brush this will leave smooth soft lips ready for your favorite shade of color. Also visiting the dentist a few weeks before and getting your teeth cleaned and polished is a necessity for a bling bling
smile.

Yes
The whole wedding day is about two people saying yes. Yes to a lifetime partnership with each other, through the hard times as well as the good. Yes to loving each other through thick and thin. Yes is the most important word in the ceremony so savor the moment as it is upon this word the rest of your lives will be built.

Zzzzzz
Catching some Zzzzz the night before the wedding is essential. It is often tempting to have a few glasses of champagne to welcome the big day, but remember you have a long day ahead the following morning and bloodshot eyes in the photographs will linger on for ever. Have a warm relaxing bath with some lavender oils then go to bed. Anyway you can always make up for it on your wedding night!

Helpful tips on choosing the right wedding favors for your guests

Wedding Favors & Bridal Gift Ideas

Since we were little girls, all of us dream of having a fairy tale wedding. We used to imagine what kind of gown we would want to wear at our wedding, what kind of theme we would want to have and many other things. When the day is actually coming closer, there are so many details to take care of and it could sometimes become rather overwhelming. Choosing where to hold the reception, shopping for the wedding gown, thinking about decorations and arranging food for the guests are just a few of many items that come along with this celebration of love. And of course, all of us want to make our wedding the most memorable wedding for ourselves, families, as well as for the rest of the guests.

Giving out wedding favors as a display of true appreciation is a long standing tradition. Everything that is seen at the wedding: from the reception place to the menu, will be certainly enjoyed on this special day. However, it is the wedding favor that will make the wedding to be remembered for a long time. So picking out the right favor is extremely important. But with a great number of options out there for these little tokens of love and appreciation, sometimes, it could cost a tremendous amount of time to decide which one to choose.

So, where do we start on deciding which wedding favors to choose? Here are some pointers to help us decide the right favors for our guests.

By determining the theme and personality of the wedding beforehand, picking the appropriate wedding favors should be as easy as an ABC.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers! What is something that is most remembered about the wedding besides the brides' gown and the food? Of course, flower arrangements - since they primarily define the theme of the wedding - Remember that different flowers represent various meanings of love. By choosing something like charming calla lily bouquet candles, calla lily photo frames or even calla lily design napkin holders as a favor can accent the symbols of beauty and exquisiteness of the wedding. A traditional yet timeless long stem rose crystal can enhance the elegance and romance of the magnificent wedding. Or if we want to intensify passion and exoticism, orchids gel candles or scented orchid-shape soap will be one of the most appropriate favors to share this special moment of your life.

If we are one of the practical types, we may want to start our wedding favors selection by thinking about practical items such as key chains, coasters, CD cases and many more. One good thing about choosing practical wedding favors is that the guests will be using them often, and thus, our wedding will be remembered every time they use the favors we handed out. But some of us may think that practical items may not be as lovely as other decorative favors. We could, for sure, scratch that idea since there are so many items with sophistication and perfection. Who can deny a cute sandal shaped notepad that can go with a beach theme or even a chic jewelry pouch; not to mention a sweet pair of silver pear shaped salt and pepper shakers that could definitely leave our guests in awe.

But wait. There are more to come. Some of us even want to go beyond the most common favors simply because we want to add more fun and attitude to the splendor of this ceremony. For instance, those who have passion for western theme could choose a shooter charm that enriches a personal touch of entertainment. Or perhaps choosing a unique ethnic theme such as a coaster painted with the word "love" in Chinese or Spanish will make the favors more exclusive and meaningful.

In short, most of us may think that choosing a wedding favor can be time consuming. But it does not have to be that much work once we have some tips on where to start. Always remember that it is the company of friends and family that make a wedding memorable. Rewarding those who come to share your special day with a thoughtful favor gift is a wonderful way to show your appreciation.

BRIDE TO BE'S GIFT REGISTRY GUIDE

Selecting the Right Dinnerware Pattern

(ARA) - Next to planning the actual wedding, most brides-to-be will tell you the next hardest thing is figuring out what to put on their gift registries. And one of the big mistakes brides make is not registering for enough.

"It's definitely a lesson in compromise," says Taryn Abbott-Wilson, Visual Merchandising Director for Pier 1 Imports. "When my husband and I got married, he had traditional, upholstered furniture and several wooden pieces in the same light finish, while I had a lot of dark antiques. We ended up utilizing almost all of our furniture by combining what worked together and then purchasing a few items to finish out the look."

"Couples need to think 'complete' and register for the smallest accessories to the biggest items. They are doing their guests and themselves a big favor by giving everyone a good range of gifts to choose from and assuring themselves that they'll be ready for their new family life together," says Roseanna Robinson, bridal director for The Pfaltzgraff Co., America's oldest continuously operating pottery company.

According to Robinson, the average age for couples getting married, today, is in the late 20's. "Most brides and grooms-to-be have lived on their own for a while and accumulated several household items," says Robinson. "So they need to be strategic about planning their registries."

Robinson says that means taking inventory of what each person already has, picking out their favorite pieces, and discarding the rest. "Couples should also ask themselves three questions - what are your favorite foods, what does it take to prepare them and what is the best way to serve them? This is a good starting point," says Robinson, who has been advising brides-to-be on how to complete their gift registries for more than two decades.

She says choosing an everyday dinnerware pattern is usually the main decision that helps structure the registry. "Traditionally formal china was a "must-have" and most often was very expensive, making it feel like another big commitment. Today the overwhelming trend is towards casual dinnerware at affordable prices, which gives registering couples many different options to suit their lifestyle. I encourage brides to have fun, choose pieces that complement the things they already have, and if they want, register for several different patterns," says Robinson

One pattern Robinson says is gaining in popularity is Pfaltzgraff's new Pistoulet collection, based on illustrations from the Jana Kolpen book, "The Secrets of Pistoulet."

"From the moment we discovered the book, we envisioned a beautiful and romantic casual dinnerware collection that would bring to the table Jana Kolpen's central theme and message - the powerful role that food and meals play to nourish our souls and unite us with friends and family," says Marsha Everton, president and chief executive officer at Pfaltzgraff.

Each piece in the collection is brightly decorated with freely rendered flowers, vines and vegetables drawn from or influenced by the book's illustrations, also by Kolpen. Bright, colorful drawings are set against wide watercolor washes that evoke the light and colors of southern France.

"The design is sophisticated in a warm and inviting way, allowing for great mix-and-match possibilities," says Robinson. "It appeals to both brides and grooms, who are increasingly more vocal in the bridal registry process. The chip-resistant, highly durable Pistoulet collection stands up to everyday use and is safe in the dishwasher, oven, freezer and microwave."

Featuring a broad range of dinnerware, serveware and accessories, pieces in the collection range in price from $7.99 for a single bread plate to $359.88 for a 36-piece dinnerware set. The Pistoulet collection is available at major department and specialty stores nationwide, including J.C. Penny, Amazon.com and more than 70 Pfaltzgraff stores at outlet malls across the country. 
Ball Gown Strapless Formal Prom Dress #581 (6, White) 

My tip for every "producer/ director" bride-to-be is in a word, PRIORITIZE.

Recently, I've noticed many brides dealing with the challenges of securing all the services necessary to produce their wedding day. I've often been amazed at the level of production that it takes to pull off such an event for 75-150 people. It seems that the title "bride-to-be" might be more accurately read "producer/ director". At many of the wedding planning resources on the web, you will find a long list of details to fill your days and months before the big day. It must be overwhelming.

My tip for every "producer/ director" bride-to-be is in a word, PRIORITIZE.

Sit down and take that huge list you've just downloaded and reorganize it. Make your own list with the most important thing to you at the top then work your way down. If you are planning to use a wedding planner or event coordinator, get them on board early. It will cut your work load considerably and possibly even change your title back to "bride-to-be".

Next, consider that the two most time sensitive services to hire are your wedding venue and photographer. Here in lies the substance of my contribution. Typically, the really excellent photographers and the great venues book a year in advance and can take only one client per day. So at the top of that list should be VENUE and right after that should be PHOTOGRAPHER. Both will require a non-refundable deposit to reserve the day for your wedding. Understand that we're not crafty devious individuals looking to snatch your deposit money. To the contrary, we are professionals scheduling our next year's work the most secure way possible.

In the past I've taken bookings with a promise of the deposit in 2 weeks during which time I turn down as many as 2 other clients that wanted to book me on that same day. Then, I get the phone call saying "Oh, we're very sorry but we've changed our date and decided to use someone else." Now, I make it a point to tell my potential clients that it is the deposit that books the day and I give them a comfortable time to go over the contract, ask questions and send me the check. Basically I set a closing date, after which I will except the next interested client.

Every wedding is different. Possibly, the venue and the photographer may not be at the top of your list but the point is PRIORITIZE , do your homework and secure the details that are most important to you and every thing else will fall in place. I've been witness to hundreds of beautiful weddings and I can tell you that it is a magic time. Do everything you can to make it perfect, then take a step back and leave room for "Beauty... as it occurs naturally".

All About Bridal Shower Favors

Your marriage is one the most significant events of your life. When you look back in fifty years, you want to remember everything that happened on that special day. The bridal shower is meant to be a special time for the bride, shared with close friends and family members. Whether it’s your daughter, sister, cousin, niece, or best friend that's getting married, you want to make sure that it's a great event that will be remembered for a lifetime. Bridal shower favors and wedding favors can be large or small, elegant or simple. There are also unique one-of-a-kind items that can't be found anywhere else. Those are always a big hit! Whatever you end up doing, make sure you have elegant and unique party favors that everyone will love!

Popular Wedding and Bridal Shower Favors
There are many popular favors available. One that is currently very hot is plantable daisy seed pods. This is a gift that continues to grow with the passage of time. Several other plantable favors are among the most unique party favors you will find. Looking for something a little more traditional for your reception or bridal shower? Ornaments are a wonderful favor that can be a lasting reminder of your event.

How about a personalized, or whimsical favor? Things like frog prince glycerin soap, or Cinderella glass slipper favors, or personalized mints are great! Hankies are favorites for bridal shower favors as well. What about cookie bridal shower favors, or petite purse bridal shower favor boxes? These are popular too. From faux diamond engagement rings, to great plantable daisy seed favors, there's many different items out there that your guests will love – and will make your wedding or shower a memorable occasion for all.

Unique Favors for Special Occasions
Creative party favors can be great for themed bridal showers or weddings. What are some great unique favors? How about "perfect pair" pear candles, anything silver, or bottle stopper favors (used for wine bridal shower favors or to place on a vinegar bottle)? Think of something that's never been done before, something that maybe combines different elements from existing favors out there. Or, maybe you could make something that would be ideal. Home made gifts can be great! Whatever you decide on, your guests will love to take a unique favor home with them.

Where do you Buy Favors?
There are many retailers who sell wedding favors and bridal shower favors. In fact, there are some great places online to purchase them.

Themed Bridal Shower Favors
Many brides-to-be and those planning their showers like to have a theme for the bridal shower. It's usually a good idea to make it something unique that reflects the bride's personality. Be sure to make the favors something elegant and classic that will go great with your theme.

So what types of themes are popular? How about butterfly themed favors, Cinderella themed favors, or star themed favors? Or maybe a daisy favor theme, an ocean theme, or "things that you can plant" themes. Or what about a beach party favor for brides who get married and have their reception near the ocean or a tropical island? Or, you could make it something practical like a kitchen theme favors, or something else for the home.

Is your budget a little tight?
That's typical for a lot of people. No need to worry; there are plenty of favors out there for bridal showers and weddings that are priced under $2.50. Many retailers also provide quantity discount prices for wedding favors and bridal shower favors, which makes them even more affordable.

Wedding and bridal shower guests want to leave the event with favors they will appreciate. Remember, wedding and bridal shower gifts don't have to be boring. You don't have to resort to the typical candle, picture frame, or chocolates. Give your invited guests the perfectly unique favor that will leave them with fond and treasured memories!

BRIDE TO BE'S GIFT REGISTRY GUIDE

Selecting the Right Dinnerware Pattern

(ARA) - Next to planning the actual wedding, most brides-to-be will tell you the next hardest thing is figuring out what to put on their gift registries. And one of the big mistakes brides make is not registering for enough.

"It's definitely a lesson in compromise," says Taryn Abbott-Wilson, Visual Merchandising Director for Pier 1 Imports. "When my husband and I got married, he had traditional, upholstered furniture and several wooden pieces in the same light finish, while I had a lot of dark antiques. We ended up utilizing almost all of our furniture by combining what worked together and then purchasing a few items to finish out the look."

"Couples need to think 'complete' and register for the smallest accessories to the biggest items. They are doing their guests and themselves a big favor by giving everyone a good range of gifts to choose from and assuring themselves that they'll be ready for their new family life together," says Roseanna Robinson, bridal director for The Pfaltzgraff Co., America's oldest continuously operating pottery company.

According to Robinson, the average age for couples getting married, today, is in the late 20's. "Most brides and grooms-to-be have lived on their own for a while and accumulated several household items," says Robinson. "So they need to be strategic about planning their registries."

Robinson says that means taking inventory of what each person already has, picking out their favorite pieces, and discarding the rest. "Couples should also ask themselves three questions - what are your favorite foods, what does it take to prepare them and what is the best way to serve them? This is a good starting point," says Robinson, who has been advising brides-to-be on how to complete their gift registries for more than two decades.

She says choosing an everyday dinnerware pattern is usually the main decision that helps structure the registry. "Traditionally formal china was a "must-have" and most often was very expensive, making it feel like another big commitment. Today the overwhelming trend is towards casual dinnerware at affordable prices, which gives registering couples many different options to suit their lifestyle. I encourage brides to have fun, choose pieces that complement the things they already have, and if they want, register for several different patterns," says Robinson

One pattern Robinson says is gaining in popularity is Pfaltzgraff's new Pistoulet collection, based on illustrations from the Jana Kolpen book, "The Secrets of Pistoulet."

"From the moment we discovered the book, we envisioned a beautiful and romantic casual dinnerware collection that would bring to the table Jana Kolpen's central theme and message - the powerful role that food and meals play to nourish our souls and unite us with friends and family," says Marsha Everton, president and chief executive officer at Pfaltzgraff.

Each piece in the collection is brightly decorated with freely rendered flowers, vines and vegetables drawn from or influenced by the book's illustrations, also by Kolpen. Bright, colorful drawings are set against wide watercolor washes that evoke the light and colors of southern France.

"The design is sophisticated in a warm and inviting way, allowing for great mix-and-match possibilities," says Robinson. "It appeals to both brides and grooms, who are increasingly more vocal in the bridal registry process. The chip-resistant, highly durable Pistoulet collection stands up to everyday use and is safe in the dishwasher, oven, freezer and microwave."

Featuring a broad range of dinnerware, serveware and accessories, pieces in the collection range in price from $7.99 for a single bread plate to $359.88 for a 36-piece dinnerware set. The Pistoulet collection is available at major department and specialty stores nationwide, including J.C. Penny, Amazon.com and more than 70 Pfaltzgraff stores at outlet malls across the country. 
Ball Gown Strapless Formal Prom Dress #581 (6, White) 

My tip for every "producer/ director" bride-to-be is in a word, PRIORITIZE.

Recently, I've noticed many brides dealing with the challenges of securing all the services necessary to produce their wedding day. I've often been amazed at the level of production that it takes to pull off such an event for 75-150 people. It seems that the title "bride-to-be" might be more accurately read "producer/ director". At many of the wedding planning resources on the web, you will find a long list of details to fill your days and months before the big day. It must be overwhelming.

My tip for every "producer/ director" bride-to-be is in a word, PRIORITIZE.

Sit down and take that huge list you've just downloaded and reorganize it. Make your own list with the most important thing to you at the top then work your way down. If you are planning to use a wedding planner or event coordinator, get them on board early. It will cut your work load considerably and possibly even change your title back to "bride-to-be".

Next, consider that the two most time sensitive services to hire are your wedding venue and photographer. Here in lies the substance of my contribution. Typically, the really excellent photographers and the great venues book a year in advance and can take only one client per day. So at the top of that list should be VENUE and right after that should be PHOTOGRAPHER. Both will require a non-refundable deposit to reserve the day for your wedding. Understand that we're not crafty devious individuals looking to snatch your deposit money. To the contrary, we are professionals scheduling our next year's work the most secure way possible.

In the past I've taken bookings with a promise of the deposit in 2 weeks during which time I turn down as many as 2 other clients that wanted to book me on that same day. Then, I get the phone call saying "Oh, we're very sorry but we've changed our date and decided to use someone else." Now, I make it a point to tell my potential clients that it is the deposit that books the day and I give them a comfortable time to go over the contract, ask questions and send me the check. Basically I set a closing date, after which I will except the next interested client.

Every wedding is different. Possibly, the venue and the photographer may not be at the top of your list but the point is PRIORITIZE , do your homework and secure the details that are most important to you and every thing else will fall in place. I've been witness to hundreds of beautiful weddings and I can tell you that it is a magic time. Do everything you can to make it perfect, then take a step back and leave room for "Beauty... as it occurs naturally".

All About Bridal Shower Favors

Your marriage is one the most significant events of your life. When you look back in fifty years, you want to remember everything that happened on that special day. The bridal shower is meant to be a special time for the bride, shared with close friends and family members. Whether it’s your daughter, sister, cousin, niece, or best friend that's getting married, you want to make sure that it's a great event that will be remembered for a lifetime. Bridal shower favors and wedding favors can be large or small, elegant or simple. There are also unique one-of-a-kind items that can't be found anywhere else. Those are always a big hit! Whatever you end up doing, make sure you have elegant and unique party favors that everyone will love!

Popular Wedding and Bridal Shower Favors
There are many popular favors available. One that is currently very hot is plantable daisy seed pods. This is a gift that continues to grow with the passage of time. Several other plantable favors are among the most unique party favors you will find. Looking for something a little more traditional for your reception or bridal shower? Ornaments are a wonderful favor that can be a lasting reminder of your event.

How about a personalized, or whimsical favor? Things like frog prince glycerin soap, or Cinderella glass slipper favors, or personalized mints are great! Hankies are favorites for bridal shower favors as well. What about cookie bridal shower favors, or petite purse bridal shower favor boxes? These are popular too. From faux diamond engagement rings, to great plantable daisy seed favors, there's many different items out there that your guests will love – and will make your wedding or shower a memorable occasion for all.

Unique Favors for Special Occasions
Creative party favors can be great for themed bridal showers or weddings. What are some great unique favors? How about "perfect pair" pear candles, anything silver, or bottle stopper favors (used for wine bridal shower favors or to place on a vinegar bottle)? Think of something that's never been done before, something that maybe combines different elements from existing favors out there. Or, maybe you could make something that would be ideal. Home made gifts can be great! Whatever you decide on, your guests will love to take a unique favor home with them.

Where do you Buy Favors?
There are many retailers who sell wedding favors and bridal shower favors. In fact, there are some great places online to purchase them.

Themed Bridal Shower Favors
Many brides-to-be and those planning their showers like to have a theme for the bridal shower. It's usually a good idea to make it something unique that reflects the bride's personality. Be sure to make the favors something elegant and classic that will go great with your theme.

So what types of themes are popular? How about butterfly themed favors, Cinderella themed favors, or star themed favors? Or maybe a daisy favor theme, an ocean theme, or "things that you can plant" themes. Or what about a beach party favor for brides who get married and have their reception near the ocean or a tropical island? Or, you could make it something practical like a kitchen theme favors, or something else for the home.

Is your budget a little tight?
That's typical for a lot of people. No need to worry; there are plenty of favors out there for bridal showers and weddings that are priced under $2.50. Many retailers also provide quantity discount prices for wedding favors and bridal shower favors, which makes them even more affordable.

Wedding and bridal shower guests want to leave the event with favors they will appreciate. Remember, wedding and bridal shower gifts don't have to be boring. You don't have to resort to the typical candle, picture frame, or chocolates. Give your invited guests the perfectly unique favor that will leave them with fond and treasured memories!

Bridal Shower Themes - Trendy to Avant-garde

Tired of the old paper-plate-ribbon-bouquet type bridal shower? Looking for new ideas to make your bridal shower a hit? Start with a bridal shower theme! A theme makes the shower planning easy and sets a fun mood for the guest and the bride.

Gone are the bridal shower rules of following proper etiquette and protocol. Today's showers are all about entertaining amusements designed to fit the bride's personality. Anything from a from wild bachelorette soiree to casual coed barbeque is acceptable. What about your bride? Does she like adventurous fun or perhaps she prefers a more formal structured setting. Whatever your brides personality, you'll find unique bridal shower themes in this list of theme suggestions:

Trendy Wedding Showers -
Everybody's Doing It

Jack and Jill Wedding Showers
The groom and his buddies join the ladies for this one. These parties are casual affairs held in the afternoon as barbeque or in the evenings as a cocktail party. Considerations for both the bride and groom go into planning coed parties. Do they have a favorite team? How about a sports-themed event at a favorite local sports bar. How about a stock-the-bar or stock-the-garage theme in addition to stock-the-pantry -- gifts for her and gifts for him.

Spa Bridal Shower
Treat your bride and party guest to a day of pampering at a local spa. Many spa's accommodate such an event and will be glad to offer suggestions for planning it. If the cost is out-of-reach consider an at-home spa bridal shower. Stacks of white towels, manicure and pedicure supplies and a hired massage therapist will do the trick.

Round the Clock Shower
Each guest is assigned a time of day, such as 7 AM, 12 Noon, 10 PM. Their gift reflects what one would be doing at that time of the day. Perhaps guest assigned 7 AM gives an omelet pan, the 10 PM guest could give pampering bath items or lingerie.

Room of the House Shower
Each guest is assigned a room of the house and chooses a gift that is appropriate for that room.

Honeymoon Shower
This theme centers around the couple's honeymoon destination. Decor, food and gifts reflect the destination such as a luau theme for Hawaiian or tropical destinations; outdoor gear for adventurous outdoorsy ones. Other items may include maps, travel guides or luggage.

Lingerie Shower
Guest give the bride gifts of lingerie, often very sexy lingerie. These events run the gamut from mild to quite racy. In addition to the living room, lingerie showers can be held in a banquet or favorite bar and have been known to include a surprise visit from a dancer of the male persuasion.

Unique Wedding Shower Themes -
Memorable Showers as Unique as the Bride

Mystical Bridal Shower
Hire a fortune teller or palm reader for a metaphysical shower experience. This is usually an actor who sets the stage for fun with off-the-wall predictions about the bride and guests.

High-Tech Shower
For the high tech couple, create a cyberspace-age atmosphere. Use blue light bulbs to mock the techno blue glow of computer monitors. Use floppy disks as coasters and give custom-made mouse pads personalized with a photo of the couple, their names and wedding date as party favors. forget paper invitations via snail mail; email invitations instead! Guests could give gift certificates for high-tech shopping.

Health and Fitness Shower
Is your bride a fitness fanatic? Reserve the rock-climbing wall at a local sport center or take this coed shower to a park or beach. Organize a golf, tennis, volleyball or racquetball tournament. Great for Coed showers too!

Stock the Bar Shower
Forget the pantry, how about stocking the bar. A great idea for couples who frequently host parties.

Wine Tasting Shower
Organize a wine tasting event in honor of the bride. This can be held at a winery or local cafe. Guest could bring wine and bar related gifts.

Stock the Garage
Brides need power tools too! Maybe the happy couple will be buying a fixer-upper or planning a house remodel? Is the bride or groom a car buff? How about car cleaning and maintenance supplies.

Bridal Shower Cruise
If you are lucky enough to live near water, a shower aboard a local cruise or tour vessel is a great setting for a fun event. Even better if the bride or groom is into boating.

Christmas Shower
This is perfect for winter weddings. Guest will bring a Christmas tree ornament or other Christmas related gifts.

Memories Shower
Each guest brings a memento to represent a special or funny experience shared with the bride. Another option for a coed shower is to play videos or display images of the bride and groom as children. Guest can share remembered childhood stories and events.

Garden Shower
Perfect for a June Bride into gardening (or hopes to be). Hold the event in a garden setting and have the guest bring gardening related gifts. A fun twist is for guest to come wearing a decorated sun shade hat. The best hat design wins a door prize!