Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Over the {Honey}Moon for These Tips!

With all of the time I spent working in the Los Angeles wedding industry, I know a lot of brilliant and talented wedding professionals. One of those talents is my friend Melissa who quite simply rocks. She knows her weddings. Currently she works at the Ebell of Los Angeles - one of the most gorgeous venues around...and writes for their BLOG...so all those lucky brides get to use her immense knowledge. Today I am sharing a little of that here.
Honeymoon Checklist
  • Hotel reservations? Check!
  • Flights booked? Check!!
  • Passport current? Uh..check?
  • Vaccinations up to date? Um…Hm.
 Ah, yes, the honeymoon. 
The ultimate vacation.
The bliss after the blowout bash.
Best way to enjoy it?
Be well prepared, well in advance.
Start early.
Three to one month prior to your wedding start your check list:
  • Make sure passports, vaccinations and travel itineraries are in place and up to date.
  • Confirm reservations for hotels, airlines, rental cars, even dinners, tours, snorkeling adventures and sky diving excursions the month prior to your travels.
  • Brag! Tell reservation desks, concierge, airlines representatives, everyone you talk to, that this is your honeymoon.  You never know what bonuses or gifts might await you when you arrive.
  • Brides, make sure your tickets and reservations under your maiden name since all your identification will not have switched to married name in a short time.  Alternative would be to have marriage license with you when traveling, but that may be challenging to arrange in time for your departure.
  • Check with your doctor about your destination and if there are medications to consider having while there.  Renew prescriptions and have them on hand, too.
  • Got a dog?  Cat?  Bird?  Arrange for kennel or home care.
  • Have the post office hold your mail - easy to do online at the USPS.com website
  • Set up automatic lighting system in your home – have the outdoor lights and / or indoor lamp set to come on at dusk and off at midnight (or have a trusted neighbor help you out with that.)
  • Ask the stores where you are registered to hold deliveries so boxes aren’t left at your front door.
  • Give your full itinerary to a parent or relative so you can be reached in case of emergency.
  • Pack your honeymoon luggage separately from your wedding day items.  Give the wedding suitcase to a friend or family member if you aren’t returning home prior to travel.
  • Take out the garbage.  Clear out the fridge. 
  • Organize addresses: write thank you notes on the plane or send postcard thank you notes from your destination!
Thanks Melissa for letting me share this. 
On a regular basis, you can find Melissa HERE.
Happy Planning!
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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Picnic Perfect Inspiration!

Every once in awhile something so amazing comes your way,
that every time you think about it, you are inspired.
That is the way I feel about Lisa from Moore Minutes picnic.
It is classic, charming, and, well, simply picture perfect!
This picnic is loaded with inspiration and ideas that
can be translated into your wedding or special event.
I am just going to share a few photos to tease you.
Lisa has a full menu and other fun ideas on her post.
Go visit Lisa at Moore Minutes to see all the wonder in
 Can't you imagine a one of a kind wedding, rehearsal dinner,
or bridal shower incorporating the style and ideas here?
Simply lovely.
Thanks Lisa for letting me show off your summertime picnic.

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Saturday, July 3, 2010

Bridal Shower Inspiration

A week or so ago on Tickled Pink at 504 Main, there was a link up to a beautiful bridal shower. I of course love all of those fancy schmancy bridal shower photo shoots you see in magazines and online, but I am really impressed with real life bridal showers and I think we can all learn a thing or two from what happens in the real world! So, as I find real life, real world, real people inspirations I have decided to share them.

Cambria at Live to be Inspired 
hosted and designed this very pretty and elegant bridal shower.
You can see the complete post HERE.
There are a lot of great details and the colors are fabulous.
Thanks Cambria for letting me share!
 **********
An inviting welcome.
I always love a wreath or special detail
on the door when having a celebration.
Wishes and welcome.
Fabulous flowers! Love the colors and the feathers!
 One of my favorite subtle details!
Sheer perfection!
Sweet favors!
Polka dots are FAB!

The food looks delicious too. Here is a sampling.
Visit Cambria's post about the MENU to get a
yummy chicken salad recipe for your collection!

Thanks Cambria for letting me share your bridal shower design!
I love planning bridal showers.
What about you?
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{all  photos are property of Live to be Inspired}

Thursday, July 1, 2010

We Have A Winner and an Etiquette Question!

A B-I-G THANK YOU to everyone who entered the giveaway!
I really do wish I could give you all a book!
The winner as so very scientifically pulled out of a hat by my son is...
Claire also asked an etiquette question:
How do you address wedding invitations if your parents are divorced
but both sets of parents are very supportive and involved?

There may be a few more takes on this subject out there - you know, things that have worked for others, and I would love to hear them, but here are a couple of ways from me!
Ultimately, all of this depends on the relationship of each parent to the couple and to each other...and you may also have to take into account financial arrangements regarding the wedding.
  ************
Bride's Divorced Parents Host
Mrs. Jane Smith*
and
Mr. Johnathon Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter,
{insert name}
*{or if mother has retained her (former) married name, Ms. Jane Jones} 
 ************
Bride's Divorced Parents (with spouses) Host
Mr. and Mrs. Jane Smith*
and
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathon Jones
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of 
{insert name}
to
{insert name}
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Rogers

In this example, the "their daughter" has been removed. You may keep it there, but it can get confusing.
 ************
Bride's Divorced Parents, one parent hosting with spouse
Mr. and Mrs. Jane Smith*
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her {or his} daughter
{insert name}
to
{insert name}
son of
Mr. and Mrs. Allen Rogers
 ************
No Parents Mentioned
{I have also seen couples forgo it altogether and just say the following}
With our parents,
Jane Smith
and
Allen Jones
cordially invite you...
 ************
Anyone had any experiences of situations like this...
How did you work it out?
 ************
I know I have not been posting a lot,
I have been busy writing another wedding book and dealing with life in general. In the next week or so, I have a bridal shower to share with you and want to chat about reality TV shows weddings?
 ************
Happy Planning!
Holly
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