Petals Down The Aisle

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If it within your budget, instead of using a traditional aisle runner, consider having flower petals instead!  These are just a few creative designs that I have Google’d.  DollarTree.com also sells packs of silk flower petals (300 count per bag)… at you guess it… for $1.  You can get various colors on sites such as Amazon.com, WalMart.com, etc.

Achieving Your Dream Wedding

Are you feeling very overwhelmed while you are planning your wedding? Does eloping seem like a better solution? You can make your wedding less stressful by following a few simple tips. There is information contained in this article that will ease some of the wedding frustration.

Keep in mind this is your day and not anyone else’s, so do what you want to do and don’t be forced to do any family traditions you aren’t comfortable doing. Thank your relatives for their suggestions and ideas, but make it clear to them that the events of the wedding day will ultimately be planned by you and your partner. This way, your wedding day will have good memories for you, and not one filled with regrets on things you wish you had done.

Perhaps you could borrow something from a friend. This can give you the look you want to achieve and make the wedding even more special.

Your wedding day can be very stressful, so plan it a little later in the day. This gives you plenty of time to get ready in the morning without the chore of waking up early. If your time allows, do something for yourself that is relaxing and calms your nerves.

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There’s nothing more important in a wedding than the person who you are marrying. There is not need to hurry this important choice. You should consider the things you enjoy in your companion, as well as the things that irritate you.

If your mother, bridesmaids, or other special people are going to assist you with your wedding gown, have them be dressed and ready to go well in advance of when you expect to be dressing. In the last bit of time before your wedding, all focus should be on your preparations. If they are worried about getting themselves ready, they’re not focused on assisting you.

It’s important to buy a dress which is appealing to your eye, but it should also fit you in a flattering way. If you are short, stay away from altering normal length dresses and opt for the petite section. You will notice the difference and your guests will too!

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Despite what you might have been told, you can put on a excellent wedding without spending six figures. Remember to follow these tips for a great wedding without any financial stress.

Is a Destination Wedding Right For Me?

Local wedding vs. Destination wedding

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In this day and age, the traditional “get married in a church” is almost out in space. Lately, couples have expanded their imaginations and choose to wed elsewhere. Some choose to have their ceremony in the park, at a hall, or on the beach. Some venues now include both a ceremony and reception as a package. The preference is all personal, and what you feel most comfortable in doing.

The bigger most popular choice is having a destination wedding. There are many pros and cons in choosing this. From having a sweet vacation w/ close family and friends and still sharing your special day, to saving money by combining everything in the package. Below is a quick summary of Pros and Cons as to deciding whether or not a destination is fit for you.

Pro: A Complete Package

Many resorts and tourism organizations offer great package deals.  This can include a complimentary on-site wedding consultant who will help you coordinate all of the ceremony essentials (cake, food, décor, obtaining a marriage license and officiant, etc.) At the end of the day, all you really have to do is show face! The consultant will do everything for you, while discussing with you of course. You may also add in some activities for you and your guests such as, sightseeing, zip lining, scuba diving or snorkeling excursions, sports, or shopping. If your resort has a spa onsite, schedule a spa day!

Con: Not physically being there to plan the wedding.

Planning long distance can be a very difficult task for many. Unless you have the money to keep the traveling, staying home, sitting back and watching it happen while depending on others can be stressful. If you are not getting married at a resort, you have to do everything yourself. From finding local vendors (there may even be language barriers) to handling the legal paperwork. Not seeing what your day will look like in front of you is like replacing a pro athlete in a game and hoping he is can be as good as them.

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Pro: Avoiding confrontation with the invites.

Most destination weddings are usually a smaller, more intimate ceremony. With that being said, you don’t need to feel “forced” to invite a distant cousin/friend, their boyfriend, mother & father. You don’t have to invite your co-workers who you don’t socialize with outside of work. I suggest only including your closest family and friends. When I say that, make sure you include your parents, grandparents – and go from there. As far as friend, invite those closest to both you and your spouse.

Con: Family Members and Friends You Love May Not Be There

Particularly for far-away locations, some guests may not be able to attend due to the expense, or the difficulty of getting time off of work. Older guests may not be able to travel so far away from home. Talk to those who are truly essential before you book tickets and send invitations. On the plus side, you’ll have far more time to spend with the guests who come to a destination wedding than those who come to a more traditional wedding.

Pro: Saving money with a smaller reception

Spending a luxurious wedding weekend in a dramatic location can often cost less than a seated dinner at a nice location. Destination Wedding Etiquette calls for the bride and groom to pay for the hotel rooms, food and most of the guests’ expenses. Guests pay for their own airfare. If money is an issue, look to domestic locations or countries with a favorable exchange rate, and consider keeping the guest list small.

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Con: Some of your loved ones may not be able to afford to travel that far

Again, talk to those who are truly essential before you’ve made the final decision on your destination wedding location. Consider paying for some of your guests’ airfare, and look into group discounts through travel agents.

 

Those are just a few thoughts to consider. Also, if you are already going away, will you be getting a honey moon? If not, how will you and your spouse enjoy each other more intimately? With all your guests around, you both may not have the privacy you want.

 

If you are having a destination wedding, will it be n the beach in the Caribbean islands? Or in a European garden? Both are just beautiful! If you’re haviing it on the beach, think about the kind of attire you should wear. Don’t wear a traditional heavy dress, and suits. Wear something light but still keep it simple and elegant. Try something different, don’t go for what everyone else usually goes for. Go for what will make you smile!

So you think you’d like to take the risk of a destination wedding?

Unique Wedding Venue in the Lowcountry

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Old Sheldon Church near Yemasee, SC is a beautiful historic location that is often overlooked. It’s a beautiful place…. and very unique…

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The church was burnt down in 1779 and again in 1865. This bellicose history is in stark contrast to its serene calm today. Visitors can wander the beautiful grounds and adjoining cemetery. The church is the property of the Episcopal diocese, but anyone may be married there.

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The grounds even have an old water pump which STILL works!

Whether it is for a wedding or not, a visit to Old Sheldon Church is certainly worthwhile.

 

(SOURCE: http://savannahweddingminister.wordpress.com)

Bride’s Biggest Budget Buster…

I’m always looking to help my clients save money without sacrificing style. Getting the biggest bang for your buck on wedding day comes by combining the ceremony and the reception. Not only is it easier on your guests (particularly if they are mostly from out of town), but it can save a bride BIG bucks! Most venues are prepared to handle both the ceremony and reception for your big day. Here’s a quick list of how this simple, convenient decision can save you some real money!

*Floral decor can be reused for both the ceremony and reception

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*Transportation costs reduced for both you and your groom, as well as your guests

*Shortened time frame for photographers, videographers, and event planners with fewer travel expenses.

*Avoid the rental fee of a church, or other location for the ceremony

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*Uplighting and staging can also be reused for both the ceremony and reception

 

(Reblogged From Circle City Designers)

Little Borrowed Dress

Ladies, ever been jealous of men and their tux rentals? I know I have! Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve found absolutely stunning bridesmaids dresses available in the first online wedding boutique to offer bridesmaid dresser for rent, Little Borrowed Dress!  From the moment I set eyes upon the gorgeous gowns in the Little Borrowed Dress collection, I was smitten.

These beauties are 100% silk and come in a range of colors (order your free fabric swatch here) sure to work with any palette!  The stylish silhouettes flatter all figures and have built-in adjustment points to ensure a perfect fit.  And best of all? Rental prices start at just $50!

It’s $50 for knee-length, $75 for floor-length, plus a $5 insurance fee.
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So how does it work: Browse their website, littleborroweddress.com, and pick the style, size and color you want and then reserve the date. Not sure what size you are? They’ll send you two options. When the wedding’s over just pop it back in the mail in the pre-addressed and stamped envelope that came with your dress.

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You can follow Little Borrowed Dress on Pinterest…. just click HERE.

Hardest Vows To Keep

My full time job is a news producer at a local TV station is Charleston, SC…. I recently came across this story and it stunned me, so I wanted to share.

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To have and to hold…. to love and to cherish… and till death do us part.

Most people are familiar with the vows — even if they’ve never married.

A new 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair poll published this week has looked into which marriage vows are the hardest to keep… and it’s no surprise… the results are gender divided.

“To be faithful” garnered the most votes among men at 27 percent.

Fidelity was followed by “for better or for worse”, then “for richer or for poorer.”

As for women, “for better or for worse” was chosen as the toughest vow to keep with 32 percent of the vote, followed by “to be faithful,” then “in sickness and in health.”

Planning Your Outdoor Wedding

Even though right now isn’t ideal to have a wedding outside since winter has just started, it’s still pretty popular to get married and party outside during the rest of the year.. Here’s some things to keep in mind if you are planning an outdoor wedding…

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New Year, New Bridal Shows

So that most popular time of year to get engaged has just passed so many new girls have a sparkly ring on their left hand and now they are ready to start planning their big day.

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Here’s a look at some of the upcoming bridal shows across South Carolina! MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

 

CHARLESTON:

* Sunday, January 13th – The Charleston Bridal Show – The Marriott Hotel (Lockwood Blvd) – Noon until 5pm

* Sunday, February 17th – Southern Bridal Show – Charleston Area Convention Center – Noon until 5pm

* Sunday, August 18th – Southern Bridal Show – Charleston area Convention Center – Noon until 5pm

 

COLUMBIA:

* Sunday, January 6th – WNOK Bridal Expo – Columbia Metro Convention Center – 1pm until 5pm

* Sunday, February 24th – St. Andrews Woman’s Club Bridal Showcase – State Fair Grounds – Noon until 5pm

* Sunday, July 21st – 2013 Summer Carolina Bridal Showcase – Columbia Metro Convention Center – 1pm until 5pm

* Sunday, September 22nd –2013 Fall Carolina Bridal Showcase – Columbia Metro Convention Center – 1pm until 5pm

 

MYRTLE BEACH/FLORENCE:

* Sunday, January 6th – BRAVO! Bridal Expo – Florence Civic Center

 

UPSTATE:

* Saturday, January 5th – Weddings With Style – Hyatt Downtown Greenville – 10am until 3pm

* Saturday, January 19th – Anderson Wedding Festival – Anderson Civic Center – 10am until 3pm

* Saturday, January 26th – Spartanburg Wedding Festival- Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium – 10am until 3pm

* Saturday, February 9th – TD Wedding Festival – TD Convention Center, Greenville – 10am until 3pm

Downtime between Ceremony & Reception?

“Join us in the celebration of marriage between

Sara Smith & Ryan Brown

Ceremony – 1:00 PM

Dinner – 6:00 PM

Dance – 8:00 PM”

 
What happens between 2:00 and 6:00 ???  

You know the wedding party will be taking photos, bar-hopping, or whatever else the wedding party does before dinner, but what about your guests?  If your reception does not immediately follow the ceremony, you will want to consider giving your guests something to do while they wait for you (especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests).

 

The first place you will want to check is if your reception hall will allow you send your guests there before dinner.  You might want to consider hosting an hors d’ oeuvre and cocktail reception at or near the same place you are having your meal.  Food and drinks will keep your guests happy.

If your reception hall will not be able to accommodate an early arrival of guests, check out local bars or restaurants that have a large space to accommodate your guests.  It is nice to have a place where food and drinks can be provided for your guest, whether you pay for them or not.

You should consider giving your guests an activity to do while they wait.  Choose activities based on your crowd: decks of cards, yard games, music, coloring books, or just alcohol will do in some cases.

If you’re having a destination wedding, you may want to consider putting together a list of things for guests to do in the hours in between. Here in Charleston, so many people get married downtown and there are several things your guests can do to pass the time.

Just one more way to make your big day even better ❤

Source: Photos By JKay

** In my honest opinion, I would try to avoid splitting up your ceremony and reception as much as possible. It makes it easier on all your guests and keep in mind, many of these people have traveled to see you so try and give them that opportunity. **