Taking Care of the Bride

I've never been a gal who put a lot of time and money into her appearance.  But when faced with whether to spend money on a plant or get a manicure, the plant wins every time.  So why do I recommend that you have your hair and makeup professionally done on your wedding day?  Because IT'S YOUR WEDDING DAY!  

On that day, there's no better place to put a few extra dollars than on YOU!  You will love the way you look.  Your groom will love the way you look.  Sometimes it takes a professional to achieve that come-hither look that you might not wear any other day.   

Childern at Weddings and Receptions

At a recent wedding, I found myself repeatedly telling (I ask children if they are hungry; I don't ask them to behave) a group of children to stop running willy-nilly throughout the reception area.  The parent of one child approached me, informed me that running is what children do, and if his child wanted to run, he could.  I informed him that children are welcome here as long as they are supervised at all times, and if his child wanted to run, he was welcome to do so out in the pasture under the supervision of his father.  

Talk to small children beforehand about the event and include consideration for the property and other guests.  Ask if he/she would like to bring an activity to amuse themselves (such as a hand-held game -- no crayons or markers, please).  Let he/she run and play earlier in the day before they arrive.  And when all else fails, be prepared to supervise them while they run around.  If you're not up to the task, hire a sitter. 

Wedding Guest and Childern

This message is for guests!  If you're not sure who is invited to the wedding, check the names on the invitation envelope.  Only those people are invited guests.  If your child's name is on the invitation, he is invited to the wedding.  However, children may not roam unattended.  So if you want him with you at all times, bring him along.  Otherwise, hire a sitter and enjoy the time to yourself. 

Clothes Make the Groomsman . . .

It's absolutely amazing to see the transformation in the male members of the bridal party during a ceremony.  During rehearsal, they joke with their buddies to the point that it's sometimes hard to get their attention.  But once the ceremony begins, all dressed in suits or tuxes, they walk ceremoniously from the covered deck to their positions under the pergola.  And then instead of just letting them stand there and look pretty, we put them to work.  As each bridesmaid approaches the steps leading down to the ceremony deck, a groomsman steps forward to assist.  The groom does the same for his bride.  Those guys take their roles seriously.  Looks like clothes really do make the groomsman! 

Flip Flops

Yes, I'm talking about the things that go on your feet.  Whether you're a guest or a bride, flip-flops are a great "shoe" option at a garden wedding.  They're so comfortable.  Of course, they wouldn't be suitable everywhere.  But they fit here.  In satin or rubber, with or without bling, they're sassy.  And fun.  And perfectly acceptable.  (Tell mom I said so!)

3 to 1 Week Before the Wedding

• Create a guest seating plan - Call guests who have no responded
• Meet with Band or DJ to select music and special events during the reception
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements
• Have a final consultation with caterer and florist
• Pay all monies due to your vendors prior to the wedding day
• Let your bridal party, family members, and friends, as well as, out of town guests know the time and location of the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Let your bridal party know what time to arrive and where the day of the wedding
• Pick up bridal gown, attendants and tuxedos

4 to 1 Month Before the Wedding

• Mail invitations

• Apply for marriage license
• Have wedding rings fitted to size
• Make sure out-of-town guests will be appropriately lodged. You may want to reserve a block of rooms at a hotel; the hotel will usually give your guests a reduced rate.
• As gifts arrive, write Thank You notes
• Organize accessories for the Bride and her attendants.
• Make final arrangements with florists, photographer, caterer and Entertainment.
• Make arrangements for a place to dress for the wedding party.
• Send wedding announcement with photograph to the newspaper.
• Purchase a wedding gift for your new spouse.
• Final dress fitting