Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas

So, your getting married! Congrats! This is a time of great celebration, joy, romance, and STRESS! But don't let it be stressful. There are other things in life that cause stress, and this shouldn't be one of them!

First, lets talk "The DRESS"!

I know by now, you have looked through all the bridal magazines and have gotten some ideas on what you want to wear. Let me tell you, that many of the dresses you see in the mags are REALLY pricey. You can find similar dresses that are just as beautiful for under $1000.00. In my travels, I like to go into Bridal Stores and look around. I have to tell you, that my favorite store was in Prescott, Arizona. It is called Formally Yours, and they had a GREAT selection of Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Flower Girl Dresses, Tuxedos...and PROM DRESSES!! The Wedding Gowns...FABULOUS...all under $700! Let me repeat that UNDER $700!! It just goes to prove, you should check out your small town stores first before thinking "big city stores are better". The big box stores are not always the best value.

If you are interested in ordering your dresses online...please....get professionally measured first! Remember, the dresses are made to a manaquine, not to your measurements and 9 out of 10 dresses need to be altered. Here are some great styles available online....




Jacquelin Exclusive Wedding Gown Style 5514

House of Brides presents Jacquelin Bridals a collection of wedding dresses sure to captivate! Jacquelin Bridals transform the traditional wedding dress into contemporary styles with an array of sizes and colors. Jacquelin wedding dresses offer an incredible variety from the timeless to the trendy giving every Bride an option. Jacquelin Bridals gives Brides so much more! Style 5514 is in Satin with Lace Overlay. This strapless gown features a sweethear neckline with an empire waist and empire skirt with chapel length train. Shown in Ivory Silver.. Neckline: Sweetheart. Waist Silhouette: Empire. Pieces Separates: One-piece. Train Length: Chapel. Fabric: Lace. Sleeve length: Strapless. Hem line: Floor Length

Eden Bridals Wedding Dresses Style 1194

House of Brides presents the Eden Bridals Informal wedding dress collection fabulous dresses at spectacular savings! Discover the subtle sophistication of Eden Bridals wedding dresses. From delicate beading to unexpected color Eden Bridals draws beauty from the details. Choose Eden Bridals for a truly elegant and affordable dream dress! Style 1194 is in Charmeuse and Matte Satin. This A-line gown features heavily beaded V-neckline and Matte Satin straps. The beaded straps form a V-shape to accent the open back. Also features an empire waist and sweep train. Shown in All Ivory. Please see the Spring 05 size chart for size availability measurements and length. If selecting a custom length please see the Hollow to Hem measurement for the specific size. Free Bridal Headpiece and Shoes valued $170.00 with the purchase of this wedding dress! Contact Customer Service for details on this exclusive offer!. Neckline: V-neck. Sleeve Style: Tank. Waist Silhouette: A-Line. Train Length: Sweep. Fabric: Charmeuse. Sleeve length: Sleeveless. Hem line: Floor Length

Bari Jay Bridesmaid Dress Style 515

House Of Brides presents the Bari Jay bridesmaid collection. Bari Jay bridesmaid dresses combine the newest trends with classic silhouettes for a look that's fresh and exciting. With an incredible palette of colors and elegant details Bari Jay bridesmaid dresses are the dresses your bridesmaids will love to wear! Style 515 is in Crinkle Taffeta. This strapless gown features a shirred center bodice dress with beaded trim at the empire waist. The A-line skirt is tea length and finished with a bubble hem. Shown in Bronze.. Neckline: Strapless. Waist Silhouette: A-Line. Pieces Separates: One-piece. Fabric: Taffeta. Sleeve length: Strapless. Hem line: Tea Length

Lets touch on tuxedos for a moment...once again...get professionally measured!! The measurements for pants are NOT the same as your fav pair of blue jeans!! Make sure you give the tux shop at least 30 days from the time measurements and deposits are paid. If you're not sure how they will look...start here

Jims Formal Wear Build A Tux

Next...we will discuss WEDDING FAVORS!

You have now picked out dresses and tuxes...so I will assume you have a color or theme you are working towards! Now you need all the little extras that make your wedding extra special! Here are some samples to get you started.





"The 'Gratest' Love of All" Stainless-Steel Cheese Grater in Showcase Gift Box

What could be ""grater"" than a lovely, smiling bride walking down the aisle to fulfill her destiny? Why, a lovely, smiling bride bringing a fun, practical and unique wedding favor to each of her guests, of course! In this delightful gift presentation, The ""Gratest"" Love of All Cheese Grater is the skirt on our traditionally gowned, cardboard-cutout bride, who's carrying a bright bouquet of lavender-and-red blooms. The clear gift box says The ""Gratest"" Love of All, and it's all accented by a sheer white organza bow and a matching ""For You"" tag. The grater measures 3 ½"" high, and the display gift box measures 5 ½"" x 2 ¼"" x 1 ¾"".

"Double Happiness" Asian-Themed Favor Box with Metallic-Gold Symbol and Bow (Set of 24)

Where love goes, happiness follows. Share them both with your guests with a beautiful, meaningful and unique wedding favor. The red-and-gold, tapestry-like design of the box is enhanced by a metallic-gold bow and the Asian ""double happiness"" symbol. The 3"" x 2"" x 2"" favor boxes are ready to be filled with the tasty treat of your choice.

"Letter Perfect" Elegantly Monogrammed Note Cards (Set of Ten Cards)

Say it beautifully by expressing your own personal flair with the ""Letter Perfect"" Elegant Note Cards. The classic black and white design and script monogram convey a sophistication that always invites a favorable response, whether presented as a wedding favor or used for your own personal correspondence. The lovely note-card pattern extends to the inside of the eggshell-white envelope. The rectangular cards measure 3 ¾"" h x 5 ¼"" w, and each pack contains 8 cards.

Just remember...I gave you some online places that are tried and true, with styles to fit your style AND budget. Enjoy this time in your life..and CONGRATULATIONS!