Thursday, December 30, 2010

Personalizing a Destination Wedding

I read in an issue of Martha Stewart Weddings that the key to making your destination wedding unforgettable is to think of it as a blank canvas. Yes, you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains, palm trees, crystal clear water, or whatever - but your wedding is the star of the show and you should treat it that way. Here are some ways to make your destination wedding more personal and memorable for both you and your guests.

- On your wedding website, include a special section about events your guests can anticipate, advice on what to pack (sunscreen, ski goggles, etc.), and local attractions. This is a good idea for any bride - no matter where your wedding is taking place, guests will appreciate being well informed.

- If you want your wedding decor to stand out, find creative ways to use materials that are easy to pack & transport, such as paper and balloons. I love what this couple did with giant white balloons.


And check out these adorable DIY paper flowers (with how-to instructions) from Green Wedding Shoes:


- At your reception, choose food, beverages, and music that compliment your surroundings. You don't need to go overboard with your theme, but if your guests feel connected to their environment, they'll feel even more comfortable and so will you.

- It's crucial to find vendors that you trust, especially if you're not familiar with the area. (That's something a wedding planner can help you with!) On your wedding day, the last thing you need to worry about is if the flowers will be delivered on time or if the deejay needs help setting up the dance floor. Do your research before selecting vendors for your wedding so you don't have to sweat the details on your big day.

When planning any wedding, a good rule of thumb is to make choices that reflect who you & your husband are as a couple. Because no matter where you venture for your wedding day, it's important to remember why you're there - to share the rest of your life with the person you love.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Out With The Old, In With The New?

I was browsing the internet and came across this article on The Knot, 20 Wedding Traditions You Can Skip. We're constantly blogging about ways to make your ceremony and reception unique, so I thought I'd share some of the traditions mentioned in the article and my thoughts on them as well.

- A white wedding dress. The article says: white's always in style, but you have other options too. My thoughts: I completely agree, of course. For example, check out the lovely bride in the image below. However, when I get married one day, I can't imagine wearing anything other than white.

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- Seeing each other before the ceremony is a no-no. The article says: Do whatever you want! If you want to see each other before your nuptials, plan a "first look" photo shoot so you and your spouse can still have that special moment captured. My opinion: I think it depends on what works best for the timeline of your wedding day. (Check out our blog post on having a "first look".)

- Bridal jewelry has to be simple. The article says: Make as bold a statement as you want with your accessories. My thoughts: I love, love, LOVE embellished bib necklaces like the one pictured and think it would be so fun to wear something like that with a wedding dress. But, I'd be careful about looking too trendy - I don't want to look at my wedding pictures ten years later and wonder what the heck I was thinking. Also, I do like the idea of changing your accessories (or even your dress) from the ceremony to the reception.

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Check out the article for even more ideas on how to turn wedding traditions upside down!