Making A Guest List



Wedding Guest List

 For some brides, compiling a guest list is relatively simple, especially if you're planning a very small event of close family and friends.  For others, deciding on a guest list can become very stressful and emotional, especially if you have a tight wedding budget.  When you start to make a list of all you the people you both know, it can quickly get out of hand.  Yes, the groom has people he'd like to invite too!

A spreadsheet is the easiest way to create and revise a wedding guest list.  Start by asking a parent to help you list everyone you can think of and categorize them using different colors.  For example, family, high school friends, college friends, lifelong friends, coworkers, close friends of the family, church members, and associates from any groups you may belong to.  The groom should do the same.  Next, evaluate your budget to determine how many people you can afford to accommodate and start cutting your list.  Cutting the guest list is a difficult because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but staying on budget should remain your priority. If someone stops speaking to you because they weren't invited to your wedding, they probably aren't truly happy for you upcoming nuptials anyway.   Once your venue is secured, you'll know how many people it can accommodate, then you can adjust your list accordingly.   

Choosing The Bridal Party

Choosing the wedding party can be stressful for many brides and grooms.  The bridal party should be made up of those people who are closest to the bride or groom, are truly happy for you, and whom you forsee being a support to your marriage.  Normally, this includes siblings, best friends, or close family members that you have a special relationship with.  The style and vision for your wedding will help to dictate the size of the bridal party; small and intimate, traditional church wedding, or a grand affair.  Keep in mind that members of the bridal party will have to make a financial commitment in order to participate. Costs include attire, accessories, possible travel, parties or showers.  Also consider that larger wedding parties equals a larger expense, i.e. bouquets, limo transportation, attendant gifts, and rehearsal dinner costs. The following people are considered members of the bridal party.

• Bridesmaids
• Maid/Matron of Honor
• Groomsmen
• Best Man
• Flower Girls
• Ring Bearers
• Hostesses
• Ushers

Boutonnieres

Traditionally, the groom and other men of the bridal party wear a simple boutonniere of a single flower or two.  Usually, the stem is wrapped in a ribbon that coordinates with the bridesmaids dresses.  Other details of the boutonniere include optional greenery. One way to make the groom distinctive from the groomsmen is for his flower to be of a different variety.  For example, the groomsmen could wear a white rose and the groom a white calla lilly.  If you plan to use artificial flowers, the same principle applies. The following men in the bridal party should wear a boutonniere.

• Groom
• Groomsmen
• Father of the Bride
• Father of the Groom
• Grandfather of the Bride (An optional, thoughtful gesture)
• Grandfather of the Groom (An optional, thoughtful gesture)
• Ushers
• Ring Bearers (optional)
• Officiant (optional)

Wedding Guest Book Tips

A wedding guest book is a great way to capture the memories of the attendees of your wedding. Most brides and grooms are so busy on the wedding day, they often miss seeing some guests who may have slipped away early. Your wedding photos and video may capture glimpses of some people you didn’t see, but a wedding guest book provides a better record of your guests. It’s fun to look back after the years have past and see who attended your wedding. The following tips will help you permanently capture this special moment in time.

• Be sure to place the guest book in a conspicuous location so it’s easily visible and accessible for guests.
• Consider having two guest books if you have a large amount of guests to cut down on the long line.
• Place two pens next to the guest book, in case the ink runs out on one of the pens.
• Designate someone to bring the wedding guest book to the reception to give opportunity to those who did not get a chance to sign at the wedding ceremony.
• Purchase a customized guest book that coordinates with your colors or add your own personal touch with a ribbon

Favors for Valentine’s Day Weddings

Getting married on Valentine’s Day, arguably the most romantic day of the year, makes it pretty easy to find décor and favors for your wedding. Great deals abound this time of year when it comes to wedding favors for your guests.  One of the simplest is mini boxes of chocolate. Assorted chocolates can be purchased at local stores, for about $1 each, at Walgreen’s or Dollar Tree. You can place a box at each table setting to add flair to the table or place them artfully on a small table located near the entrance/exit.  If the packaging already compliments your décor, you can leave them unwrapped.  You can also dress up these fun mini boxes with ribbon or wrap each box with decorative paper to conceal its contents.  Valentine’s cookies are another affordable favor option.  Most local grocery stores sell decorated valentine cookies in a variety of designs. You can wrap a few cookies in clear plastic packaging tied with ribbon, or you can wrap them in tissue paper with a personalized sticker on top.  These cookie treats will look great in a large basket on a decorated table.  A Valentine’s Day wedding is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on sweet treats and other fun favors.  Browse your local discount stores and you are sure to find great affordable favor ideas to match your Valentine’s Day wedding theme.



Wedding Pomanders

Pomanders have become a popular a tradition in the modern wedding. Essentially, they are balls of flowers attached to a decorative ribbon.  Wedding pomanders can be carried instead of a floral bouquet or hung on the side of pews or chairs for decoration.  They are pretty easy to make and perfect for the DIY bride on a budget.  Click here for instructions on ow to make wedding pomanders. For more ideas, purchase a book of wedding floral arrangements and bouquets.

Maid or Matron of Honor

A maid or matron of honor plays a vital role in your wedding.  The difference between a maid and matron of honor is that a maid is unmarried and a matron is married. She stands next to the bride on her big day and helps to make sure the wedding day runs smoothly for the bride. She has more responsibilities than the rest of your bridesmaids including hosting a bridal shower, helping the bride get dressed, and giving a toast at the reception. Click here for a full list of duties for the maid or matron of honor.  She is a trusted friend or family member that you can depend on.  Many brides find it difficult to choose who will serve as their maid or matron of honor. Click here for tips on how to choose your bridesmaids.  For distinction, the maid of honor may wear a slightly different dress than the other bridesmaids or carry a variation of the bouquet of the other bridesmaids.   A special token of appreciation or gift is usually given to the maid or matron of honor and other bridesmaids, as a thank you.

Wedding Day Snacks

Wedding day snacks can help to satisfy that nagging hungry feeling, the day of your wedding.  Depending on the time your wedding starts, you or your bridal party may not have had a chance to eat. Furthermore, it may be several hours from arrival until you eat at the reception.  The last thing you want is loud grumbling stomachs at the altar.  Everyone will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a quick bite to eat to  help tide them over.  Light snacks are preferable over heavy foods that can cause bloating or bathroom runs.  Avoid juicy, greasy or sticky foods to avoid stains on clothing.  A small, 8 oz, bottle of water is the best beverage to accompany your snacks because it won't cause stains.  Be sure to bring drinking straws so the ladies won't smudge their lipstick.  Brush your teeth after eating to assure no food particles are stuck in your teeth.  Snack suggestions include:

• Water (8 oz bottles)
• Bagels
• Plain granola bars (no chocolate chips or peanut butter)
• Melon slices
• Apples
• Raisins

Groomsmen Gifts

Show the groomsmen in your wedding how much you appreciate their participation and support. A small gift is a nice way to say thank you to the groomsmen, considering they've spend money on a tuexedo or suit, shown the groom a good time for his bachelor party, and maybe even traveled to attend your wedding.  The groom typically pays for the cost of his groomsmen gifts.  They can be distributed at the rehearsal dinner or on the wedding day.  Gifts can be chosen for each individual groomsmen or personalized with their initials or name.  You don't have to break the bank when buying groomsmen gifts, especially if you have a large wedding party.  Shop around and be creative.  Some great gift ideas include:

• Personalized shaving kit
• Cuff links
• Initialed handkerchief
• Cigar box or cigars
• Engraved pocket watch
• Leather portfolio
• Charging station for electronics
• Flask or bar accessories
• Cooler filled with goodies

Bridesmaid's Gifts

A nice gesture to show your bridesmaids how much you appreciate them is to give them a small gift. Between hosting your bridal shower, bachelorette party, purchasing a bridesmaid dress, and maybe even traveling to your wedding, they've invested a lot of time and money into your wedding.  This small token of your appreciate can be distributed at the rehearsal dinner or on the wedding day.  Gifts can be chosen for each individual bridesmaids or personalized with their initials or name.  You don't have to break the bank when giving gifts, especially if you have a large wedding party.  Shop around and be creative.  Some great gift ideas include:

• Monogrammed towels
• Spa gift certificate
• Costume jewelry
• Cosmetic bags
• Picture frames (with your engagement picture inside)
• Personalized tote bags
• Monogrammed compact mirrors
• Gift basket of goodies

Ring Bearers

A ring bearer is usually a male child between three and eight years old. He usually has a special connection to the bride or groom. This adorable little guy can be a son, nephew, cousin or family friend.  In the past, he would carry the actual wedding rings tied to a satin pillow, but that has proven to be hazardous.  Nowadays, the ring bearers carries fake rings instead of the actual wedding rings.  Since the ring bearers aren't carrying the real rings, it's acceptable to have two ring bearers depending on your family structure.  For safe keeping, the best man holds the brides ring in his pocket, and maid or matron of honor is responsible for the groom's ring. Children often become nervous, so making sure they practice is vital to avoid a case of stage fright.  It's also a good idea to have his parent(s) sit on the front row so he has the option to sit with them, if needed.  Another option is to assign him to a specific groomsman to stand next to during the ceremony, preferably someone he knows. As far as attire, the ring bearer can wear a rented little tuxedo. To save money, shop online or purchase a black suit from a department store.  A suit may be more practical since he can where it again.

Flower Girl Dresses

The attire for flower girls is really dependent upon the preference of the bride. Popular flower girl dresses traditionally include a white dress in a Cinderella style, sometimes with a sash to match to bridesmaids, a dress in a color matching the bridesmaids, or a mini-version of the bridesmaids dresses.  If you choose to wear off white the flower girl's dress can also be off white.  Most bridal shops offer a selection of flower girls dresses, however, flower girl dresses from a bridal shop are usually rather expensive. To save money, shop online or at a department store.  If you're wedding is not for several months, consider a larger size to account for growth spurts.

Flower Girls

A sweet addition to any wedding is a flower girl. Flower girls are usually a young girl under the age of 10.  It's customary to select a family member, such as a sister, niece, or cousin of either the bride, groom, or both. You can also choose the daughter of a friend. Flower girls add a cute and often funny element to your sentimental occasion.  The number of flower girls usually ranges from one to three depending on your family structure.  For girls over the age of 10, other options for participating in the wedding include junior bridesmaids or bell ringers.  The role of the flower girl(s) is to walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the bride while dropping flower petals (real or fake) along the way.  Children often become nervous, so making sure they practice is vital to avoid a case of stage fright.  It's also a good idea to have her parent(s) sit on the front row so she has the option to sit with them, if needed.  Another option is to assign a specific bridesmaid for her to stand next to during the ceremony, preferably someone she knows.  A popular trend for smaller flower girls is to be pulled in a decorated wagon by an older flower girl. Flower girl dresses.

Duties of Maid or Matron of Honor

The maid or matron of honor plays a very special role in assisting the bride before, during, and after her wedding. No bride can do it all, the maid or matron of honor can assist in doing whatever she can to help make the bride's wedding day go smoothly. This special person should be responsible and trustworthy. Listed below are the normal duties of the maid or matron of honor.  Download the list.

• Be supportive of the newly engaged couple
• Assist the bride in any pre-wedding tasks (shopping, addressing invitations)
• Provide a listening ear when the bride becomes stressed
• Organize a bridal shower with the other bridesmaids and plan a bachelorette party
• Record gifts received at the bridal shower
• Pay for her own wedding attire and accessories
• Attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner
• Assist in helping the bride get dressed for the wedding
• Attend to the needs of the bride on the wedding day
• Hold on to the groom's ring for the ceremony
• Walk down the aisle and stand with the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony
• Make sure the bride's train is properly arranged at the altar
• Hold the bride's bouquet as she exchanges rings with the groom
• May sign the marriage certificate as a witness
• Offers a toast to the bride and groom at the wedding reception
• May assist in transporting wedding gifts to the newlyweds home

Bridesmaid's Responsiblities

Bridesmaids are generally a collection of the bride's closest friends and family. They assist the bride in what ever way she needs and participate in wedding day activities. Choosing bridesmaids can be a difficult decision for many brides. When making your selection, keep in mind the traditional duties of a bridesmaid. Download the list.

• Be supportive of the newly engaged couple
• Assist the bride in any pre-wedding tasks
• Provide a listening ear when the bride becomes stressed
• Attend and help to plan a bridal shower and bachelorette party
• Pay for her own wedding attire and accessories
• Attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner
• Assist in helping the bride to get dressed for the wedding
• Walk down the aisle and stand with the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony
• May assist in transporting wedding gifts to the newlyweds home

How to Choose Bridesmaids

Selecting bridesmaids can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful. Typically, the bridal party consists of the closest and most important people to you and your spouse. Don’t feel obligated to have someone in your wedding just because you were in theirs. Your bridal party should consist of special people in your life who fully support your relationship and will be a part of your new life together for years to come. Unfortunately, it’s inevitable that someone’s feelings may become hurt if they are not selected to participate in your wedding. However, it’s important to remember that the main purpose of your wedding is to commit to and celebrate the love between you and your chosen mate, everyone else is just a part of the background. The role of your bridesmaids is to assist you before and the day of your wedding, so they should be people who are dependable. Download our list of duties and responsibilities of the maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids. It’s usually a nice gesture for the bride to include at least one of the groom’s sisters, if feasible. However, it’s not against etiquette if you choose not to. Contrary to popular belief, the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen does not have to be equal, although it should be proportional. If you're on a tight budget, a smaller bridal party will help to keep costs down (bouquets, attendant gifts, and rehearsal dinner costs). The style of your wedding will help to determine the final numbers. Are you planning a small intimate affair, traditional church wedding, or a grandioso extravaganza? For a simple wedding, some couples chose to have only a maid/matron of honor and a best man. If this tasks still seems to daunting, you can always chose not to have a bridal party at all, this is completely acceptable and puts all of the focus on the two of you, which is where it should be.

Wedding Hairstyles

Your chosen hair style is a major component of your overall wedding look. It's important to take care of your hair by getting regular trims and deep conditionings, long before your wedding day . Whether you choose to wear it down, up or partially up it should compliment the style of your wedding gown. The decision to wear a veil, tiara, or both also plays a factor. If you don't already have a regular hair stylist, find one several months before your wedding date. You'll need time to flip through magazines and look at online galleries to find and print several styles you would like to consider. Take the pictures to your stylist and talk to him or her about your expectations. Be sure to bring your veil and/or headpiece so you can get the total effect. You will also want to take pictures from several angles so the style can be duplicated for your wedding. Don't be afraid to speak up if you're unhappy with the style. Most stylists will be receptive to your feedback, as long as you do so in a respectful manner. It may take several visits and multiple styles before you find the perfect fit. Schedule your appointment for your wedding day as far in advance as possible. Make sure the stylist is willing to give you priority status on your wedding day so you can stay on schedule. If you have a good relationship with your stylist, they may be willing to come on site and do last minute touch ups. Ask your bridal party if any one needs their head done, your stylist may be willing to do their hair as well. Finally, don't let others talk you into a style you are not completely satisfied with, it's your wedding day and you have to feel comfortable with every aspect of your overall look.

Wedding Day Makeup

To do your own make up or not...that is the question? The quality of a bride's makeup is an essential element of her overall wedding day look. Pictures will be snapped left and right, and you want to look as flawless as possible for all of your pictures. Even if you don't often wear makeup, you definitely should wear a good amount of makeup for your wedding. It's a special day and you should look special and not like your everyday self (unless of course, your everyday self is fabulous). That being said, if you want to look like a glowing, beautiful bride, well applied makeup is key. If you are really good at doing your own makeup, meaning people compliment you all the time on your makeup, by all means do it yourself. Otherwise, let someone else wield those brushes who can accentuate your best features so you don't look like a clown with big rosy cheeks. You can hire a professional makeup artist from your favorite makeup counter at the mall, but this can often be pricey, around $150. They may also require you to bring your own makeup or purchase a certain dollar amount from them for a reduced fee. It's best to hire someone who has all their own supplies and makeup. Find out if you can make an appointment on the day of your wedding, otherwise this will put you in a time crunch.  If your lucky, they may be able to come on site. Another option is to ask women who have recently gotten married for a referral or ask everyone you know if they know someone who does makeup, usually someone will be able to give you a lead. If all else fails, ask a friend who's makeup you admire, she'll probably be glad to do it. You may have to purchase a few products, but generally it will be cheaper than hiring a professional makeup artist. The most important thing to remember is that no matter who you plan to do your makeup, do a test run a few weeks in advance to ensure you get the desired look and results you want for your wedding day. Don't wait until the last minute to tackle this important task, finding a good makeup artist within your budget can be harder than you think. A final note, we don't recommend having the makeup artist do the make up of bridesmaids or anyone else, this can create a serious backlog and can easily cause everything to run behind. Talk to the other members of your wedding party in advance to make sure they make arrangements for their beauty needs. Other beauty tips

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

It's inevitable, that on the day of your wedding, there will be some kind of minor emergency that will need attention. Common "emergencies" include, forgotten hairspray or mascara, upset stomachs, bad breath, unexpected stains, bra straps that show, zipper's that won't zip, etc, etc. It's always best to be prepared for anything on your wedding day. Having a wedding emergency kit will help to alleviate the unexpected stresses that can arise on your wedding day. Download our checklist of essential items you'll need to have on hand.

Bridal Beauty

Beautiful, glowing skin is a must for every bride. If you have acme, discoloration, or otherwise blemished skin, don't waste time in addressing these problems right away. For serious skin conditions, consult a dermatologist to develop a beauty plan. If you are planning to do it yourself, try any of the popular skin care lines such as Proactiv or skinID. For a more budget friendly approach, you can develop a beauty regimen using over the counter products to keep your skin clean and moisturized. Try using a gentle exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells. Always wear a moisturizer with at least SPF 15 no matter your skin type to keep wrinkles at bay. If you're a smoker, stop today, smoking damages skin and causes wrinkling and sagging. If you plan to tan, use a higher SPF and don't overdue it. Keep in mind the style of your dress, you don't want visible tan lines as you walk down the aisle. Another common issue many brides face is discoloration of the skin on the face, shoulders, back or other areas of the body. This can be particularly unsightly if you plan to wear a strapless wedding dress. A tried and true product for this is Palmer's cocoa butter. It comes in various forms and should be used at least twice daily. If you start this process early, you should see visible results. For more tips,click here.

How to Look Fabulous On Your Wedding Day

Every bride should look absolutely fabulous on her wedding day. After all, it's one of the most important days of your life and all eyes will be on you! Start developing a beauty plan as soon as possible to give you ample time to fight off those unwanted pounds, facial blemishes or imperfect teeth. Two of the most effective ways to get that bridal glow is to exercise regularly and to eat a healthy diet. If you belong to a gym, now is the time to go! A fun way to get in your daily cardio, besides the boring treadmill, is to sign up for group exercise such as kick boxing, zuumba, or hip hop aerobics. If you can afford to sign up for a personal trainer, go for it. It will be well worth having someone to push you to stay on track. He or she can also develop a plan to help you target problem areas such as back fat, love handles, beer bellies and flabby arms. If a gym membership is not in your budget, try running on a trail, biking, hiking, aerobic videos, or free weights. Don't forget to bring the hubby-to-be along, working out together is a great way to bond and spend time together during the busy wedding planning season. A balanced, healthy diet is a must for all brides. Put those doughnuts, cookies, pizza, and potato chips away. Add to your diet, plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Don't forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, be sure to limit your alcohol consumption, it causes dehydration, tiredness, and can pack on the pounds. If you follow these pre wedding beauty tips, you'll not only feel better, but you'll build up your immune system too. No bride has time to be sick when wedding planning. Finally, get plenty of rest, you'll need the energy to run all those errands and you don't want unsightly bags or circles under you eyes on your wedding day. For tips on how to look younger naturally, click here.

Bride's Bouquet

The bride's bouquet should be larger, fuller and distinctly different from the bridesmaid's flowers. It doesn't have to be over the top, but after all it is your special day and everything about you should shine. Here are some tips to help narrow down your choice of bridal bouquets.