Wedding Planning

If It’s Your Wedding Day – Shouldn’t It Be Your Wedding Song?

August 22, 2019 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding planning / wedding song by Novell

YourSongmaker.com can easily create a one-of-a-kind wedding song from your vows, love letters, poems, or the memories that lead up to your special day.

Your own words – not a wedding song written for someone else. Say exactly what you want to say!

Your wedding song - YourSongMaker.com

YourSongmaker can also create the perfect father/daughter, mother/son songs for your wedding dances.

Capture that memory of your wedding celebration with a personalized wedding song – special to your family, loved ones, and friends.

Most importantly – special to YOU!

Your wedding song will be produced in a way to ensure it can be played at your ceremony or by your DJ at the reception.

Also, you can request sheet music so you can have your song performed live by a band or framed as a gift for the couple.

Want to learn more? Read the stories behind and listen to some of the proposal and wedding song ideas on the YourSongmaker featured songs page.

YourSongmaker Makes It FUN and Easy to Do

At YourSongmaker, you don’t have to know how to play any instruments or be a singer.

If you can write your thoughts out on a piece of paper, one of their many production teams can write you a fantastic custom song – just the way you’d like it.

Highly Talented Human Music Producers

YourSongmaker uses the best composers, producers and vocalists in the music business. You’re giving your words to a human being who has vast musical and producing knowledge.

In essence, you’re saying – here are my words. Make them sound like this.

And they do!

Quick Turnaround Times!

The turnaround times are FAST at YourSongmaker. Their composing teams, producers, and vocalists have many, many years of experience!

Within ten days, you get a 45 second sample of your song via email to critique for 48 hrs.

Once you’re done, just send YourSongmaker your thoughts and they finish the song 4 days later!

Two weeks is the total turnaround time. Very quick for this industry of high-quality produced music.

YourSongmaker.com is a unique, one-of-a-kind service that creates high quality, original wedding song using the stories and/or words of their clients.

Clients are everyday people, not professional musicians or writers. It’s an emotional, memorable, and impactful experience.

Their number one goal is for you to love your song. Let them sing what you want to say in any style of music you desire.

It’s an experience like no other.

Your After Wedding To Do List

August 19, 2019 in Wedding Planning by Novell

Planning a wedding can be an arduous process, as much as it is nice knowing that the day of your dreams is finally arriving. Organizing such an event can be hard, however, it is worth it! Unfortunately, after the wedding is over there are still some things left to do.

A newly-wedded couple. need a to do list.

You probably already have an after wedding to-do list. Still, after reading this article you’ll be better equipped to handle all the things on your list. There are probably some things that you haven’t thought of doing, even though they probably should have been on your list. Read on to find out more.

#01 Clean Your Wedding Dress

After the wedding, you’ll want to have your wedding dress cleaned and well preserved. It’s probably a good idea to hire professional cleaners that have specialized in bridal gowns. If you don’t know any, you can ask at your salon if they can point you in the right direction. Once you’ve found the right cleaners, don’t forget to tell them which substances they shouldn’t use on your dress (if there are any).

Not only can the bridal gown-specialists clean your dress, but they can also make sure that the dress remains well-preserved in the years to come. That means that they will usually store your dress in a package that is moisture and insect-resistant. Then it’s up to you to find a dark and cool place where you’ll keep your gown.

#02 Show That You’re Grateful to Your Guests By Sending Them a Thank-You Card After the Wedding

Sending your guests a thank-you card is a nice thing to do. After all, they’ve all been there to share the happiness with you during the wedding. Part of the beauty of the wedding day is that you get to share all the positive emotions that you’re feeling.

Receiving thank-you notes will make your guests feel nice.

If you’re having a destination wedding, some people might not be comfortable with that (forgive them). They might even go through the five stages of getting invited to a destination wedding. So, send them cards in order to repay them for coming anyway. Usually, three months is the amount of time that you have to write and send thank-you cards. If it takes you longer than that, you’ll probably be seen as an impolite person.

While writing, try to make every card personal. Be honest and creative. You can also mention each person’s wedding gift. Tell them how you plan to use it, and they’ll surely feel good about it. Apart from your guests, you can also send a thank-you card to your vendors as well. If they were any good, write to them and thank them. Not only will they feel accomplished, but they’ll probably try to do even better in the future.

#03 Store the Gifts That You Won’t be Needing Soon

After thanking everyone for being there and for giving you such lovely gifts, you’ll probably be overrun with a huge amount of presents. In all likelihood, you won’t have an immediate use for some of them. That’s why it’s a good idea to put them in storage until the time comes when you’ll need them. If you live in Brooklyn, we can recommend a company that will expertly handle all of your storage needs – U. Santini Moving and Storage Brooklyn. If you don’t live in Brooklyn, then you can search for good storage companies on Google or ask your friends and relatives if they’ve had any dealings with storage companies in your area.

What you’re looking for is a company that offers a high-quality service for an affordable price. It may be tempting to simply hire the nearest storage company. However, you shouldn’t do that. Do proper research and it’ll pay off. There’s no use in having a storage company right across the street from you if the quality of their service is no good. And if it is good, there’s no point in hiring such a company if it’s too expensive. So, try to find the most affordable storage unit at your disposal, while at the same time making sure that it suits all your needs.

#04 Take Care of the Wedding Registry

If you’ve expected to get the exact number of items that you have chosen upon starting a wedding registry, then you’ve probably never married before. The reason we’re saying this is because a scenario where you get the exact number of items that you’ve registered for almost never happens.

That means that, most likely, there’ll be some returns and exchanges to take care of. Maybe you’ve gotten more sets of silverware than you’ve expected, or even some items that weren’t on the registry to begin with. Actually, we’d be very surprised if that didn’t happen.

Returning and exchanging gifts should be on your after wedding to do list.

Return policies vary from store to store, so we can’t give you too much information. What we can say, however, is that you should you try to do that as soon as possible. That’s because a lot of stores offer a discount on all the leftover items.

However, these discounts don’t last forever. So, if you want to buy any items by yourself, check how much time you will shave to do so.

#5 – #8

Here are some more ideas to complete your after wedding to-do-list:
• If you’ve changed your last name, you’ll need to update your driver’s license, your social security number, and pretty much all other important documents that bear your name.
• Not only should you send a thank-you card to the vendors that have done a good job, but you can also give them a good review online. Of course, if they’ve provided inadequate service, you can also give them a bad review. Maybe that’ll teach ’em!
• Make a wedding album. Arrange the pictures in the right order and choose the right layouts. Then place your order and be happy knowing that you’ll have something to remind you of your (hopefully) beautiful wedding.
• If you’ve created a website with all the necessary information about the wedding – now is the time to remove it. Otherwise, you’ll still be paying for hosting costs.

Last But Not the Least

Enjoy your honeymoon! Whether you’ll be spending it at one of the most popular US honeymoon spots, or you’ve chosen to travel to a less-known location, the message is the same – until you get back, there’s no need to worry too much about your after wedding to-do list. Relax and try not to think about your everyday obligations.

Two people clinking glasses, not thinking of their after wedding to do lists.

The honeymoon is a time of joy and happiness.

Enjoying your honeymoon won’t be good just for you. If it turns out to be as magical as one would expect, you’ll ooze happiness once you return, and that will have a positive effect on everyone that you meet. You can even start in the airplane. Smile at some of the passengers or make a flight attendant your friend. That way, you’ll begin a positive streak that may not end soon.

To Conclude

Whether you’re thinking about your after wedding to-do list in advance, or the wedding is over and the time to act is now, we hope that our little guide was helpful and that you’ve learned something new while reading.

Good luck and enjoy your marriage!

How to Create Your Perfect Beauty Routine Before the Big Day

July 23, 2019 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding planning by Novell

Looking like a queen on their wedding day is the dream of almost every bride-to-be.

Following a perfect beauty routine before your wedding will not only help you look beautiful, but you’ll have peace of mind as well.

Unfortunately, exhaustion naturally starts to build up as the big day approaches. This ultimately makes it harder to look like the best version yourself possible.

Rosacea, dark under eye circles, and acne are some of the most common skin problems associated with these more grueling and backbreaking times of our lives.

This is why most beauty experts advise that brides begin thinking about their beauty routine at least six months before the wedding so that they can experiment and compare results.

The year leading up to the big day can be a busy time for the bride. Following these tips will help step up your beauty routine for wedding day confidence that is second to none.

Create a Sleep Schedule

Develop a sleep cycle as early as possible. This requires you to pick a time to go to bed, as well as a wake-up time, each day. Creating a sound sleep schedule and sticking it can help your body find its pace and settle into a routine sleep-wake rhythm.

A good sleeping schedule will also result in fewer wrinkles, less puffy eyes, and glowing skin. It should be noted that an irregular sleep schedule often leads to mood swings, poor concentration, cognitive problems, drowsiness, and irritability.

Stay Active

Lifting weights and regular exercise is essential in boosting energy levels and cleansing your skin. It is advisable to join the gym or add an industry-approved machine like a seated-dumbbell press to your exercise regimen. This is an excellent way of having more toned and powerful arms, shoulders, and back.

Exfoliate

While washing your face daily can do wonders to your overall appearance, it is important to note that this won’t quicken the cell regeneration process. As we age, the body becomes even slower to get rid of old skin cells and produce new ones. The moment old cells begin to accumulate on the surface of our skin, it can leave our face looking dry, rough, and dull.

This is why proper exfoliation is needed to eliminate the multitude of dead skin cells that are blocking fresh new cells. In a nutshell, a regular exfoliating pattern will help your skin look healthy and fresh.

Create a Hair Plan

Let your stylist know your goals and have them create a hair plan to get you there. You can also start to experiment with hair treatments a few months before your wedding by combining your favorite conditioner with products that increase the silkiness of your hair.

Visit a Dermatologist

Weddings are often considered as red-carpet moments for brides. With all the anxiety and stress involved in planning, there is a great possibility that your red-carpet moment can quickly turn to a cold shoulder day. It is recommended to visit a dermatologist six months before the wedding to make sure that your skin is healthy and in perfect condition.

Are you ready for your big day? Keep our tips in mind and create the perfect beauty routine for your big day and look your absolute best.

Contributed by Elise Morgan @elisemthewriter – Elise is a freelance writer from North Carolina that regularly covers health, wellness, and stress management topics for Mattress Advisor. She is especially passionate about understanding and researching helpful tips to reducing stress and anxiety, and loves to educate others on the topic through her writing.

Image courtesy of pexels.

Planning a Post-Wedding Move – Useful Tips

May 13, 2019 in Wedding Planning tagged advice / wedding planning by Novell

Your wedding is a big day. However, another big day is coming, too. The moving day. This means that not only do young couples stress out about the wedding, but also about the whole moving in process. However, with the right strategy, everything can go smoothly and easily. You just need to stay calm and be organized. We are going to help you with some useful tips on planning a post-wedding move, so you can enjoy your big day without thinking about moving issues.

Why Move After the Wedding?
Many couples wonder what the best time to move in together is. Some of them do it long before the moving day – they get used to each other before they say “I do”. However, other couples feel that planning a post-wedding move is more special in many ways. Even though this way is more complicated since you need to plan both the wedding and relocation – it’s much more special and romantic for the couple. If you are one of these love birds, be sure to stay organized and plan everything in advance. Also, learn how to reduce wedding planning stress and actually enjoy the whole process.

A couple hugging holding a house key during a post-wedding move — Be sure to start to planning a post-wedding move in advance, so you can
do it stress-free.

Planning a Post-Wedding Move – When to Start?
The main thing you need to remember about planning a post-wedding move is to start early. Arranging everything in advance gives you enough time and energy to parallel-organize both the wedding and the move. If you need to plan your relocation to Brooklyn, NY, you should have enough time to browse neighborhoods, find the right home, a moving company, etc. Therefore, time is everything. If you start organizing months in advance, you will do everything without delays and stress, and enjoy the most beautiful events in your life.

Extra tip: Hang a big calendar in a visible place, so you can follow your progress until the wedding and moving day. It will be much easier to do the tasks when you know how many days you have left until the big days.

Declutter Your Home
Yes, you are moving in together after your honeymoon and that’s very exciting. However, a less exciting part is decluttering your items before packing and moving. But it is a necessary step in the moving process. Go through your items and see if there are some things you don’t need or use. If you get rid of the unnecessary/broken items, you will have more space at your new home for some new things (wedding gifts included). Additionally, you can reduce the packing time and save on moving costs, too.

Inventory List is a Great Idea
Making a list of your possessions is useful in many ways. Firstly, if you and your spouse both have these lists, you can easily see what you have and compare. Furthermore, this list can be used to check the moving boxes after the moving company delivers them to your new home. After the wedding, be sure to include the wedding gifts on the list, so you can plan the storage of those items, especially valuables. Going through the wedding gifts will certainly feel good after all the wedding-planning stress.

Agree on Double Items
Before you even start packing, both you and your partner need to go through all the items and check if you have any double items. Then, you need to decide which one of these two you are going to bring to your new home. It shouldn’t matter whose items they are, but if they function properly, look better, etc. Choose the things that will serve you better in your new house, and figure out what you are going to do with the items you don’t need. You can always sell, donate or recycle them, depending on the item condition. You may have a difficult time to say goodbye to some items, but try focusing on the new life chapter in front of you.

A couple holding hands. — Moving in together means you should planning a post-wedding move together and agree which items stay and which ones should go.

Have a Moving Budget
You may have a wedding budget – you need to find the perfect venue, dress, decoration, without breaking the bank. The same goes with the moving process. It’s good to have a moving budget and follow the plan. This way you will avoid unexpected costs and unpleasant surprises.

Money bank - save money with good post-wedding move planning. — Moving and wedding budget are very important part of the organization.

Find the Right Assistance
Moving is a complicated process. But if you are doing it right after your wedding day – it’s even more overwhelming. That’s why you should ask for some assistance for your household relocation and get the work done by professionals. Finding a reliable moving company should be one of the most important tasks on your moving to-do list. This way you can trust them all the moving work and enjoy your wedding without worrying.

Do the Packing Right
If you are packing by yourself, be sure to do it wisely. This way you will save a lot of time when unpacking, avoid damage and additional costs and be more efficient in the post-wedding period. When packing for a post-wedding move, be sure to:

• Pack your items by room, so it is easier to unpack and find certain items later on.
• Label all the boxes – write what’s inside each box and mark boxes with fragile items.
• Put heavier items on the bottom – lighter on the top.
• Don’t overpack the boxes – too heavy boxes are difficult to carry and more prone to damage
• Use quality packing supplies – you ‘ll need sturdy moving boxes, a lot of tape, bubble wrap, scissors, markers.
• Pack valuables carefully – pack your expensive and fragile items by yourself, and move them with you. Moving companies usually avoid transporting these types of things.

Enjoy Your Day
After all everything is about your big day and enjoying this beautiful chapter of your life. That’s why planning a post-wedding move should be a breeze. Make sure you don’t stress out about small things and take your time to enjoy this period with your spouse. Make this the best time of your life and look forward to your honeymoon!

How to Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding

April 18, 2019 in Wedding Planning tagged advice / wedding planning by Novell

Wedding venue with flowers

There are few things as important as the venue when it comes to organizing a wedding. Actually, the importance of the venue might even be on par with finding the perfect dress. After all, your wedding day is not simply one thing – it is an amalgam of the tiny perfections you’ve chosen that celebrate your love. And a venue is definitely key for the most important day. However, choosing a venue can also prove to be quite stressful and daunting. But, with the right preparation, the perfect venue is certainly not unattainable. So, here are some tips on how to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

To Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding – Talk to Your Planner

Finding a venue is one of the most important steps of planning your wedding. But, it is best if you consult a wedding planner before you start choosing. You need professionals who will be able to see what can be done with the venue you like. Remember, this is their job, and they’re much more equipped to deal with the “messy practical bits” of wedding preparation. They will be able to see whether your dream venue can actually support your dream day. Talk to them about what you want and what you dream of. They will be able to tell you whether it is achievable.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

These days, there are wedding ideas basically everywhere. And yes, the perfect wedding in a chateau is certainly astonishing. Marrying in a place where once kings and queens resided is truly exciting. But it is also technically challenging. And what about marrying in a foreign country, on a sandy beach somewhere? While it may truly be a miraculous event, planning a long distance wedding is not that easy. It’s not impossible, but it’s also quite stressful.

That is why you should think about yourself and your partner first and foremost. Ask yourself what feels right to you as a couple. Will you both be having fun on that day? Does this venue reflect your relationship?

Wedding venue with smiling couple — Ask yourself whether the venue reflects your relationship.

While doing research online for a theme, as one does, try to select ideas here and there. Some may fit you better than others. Then blend these ideas with something that you have envisioned. Once you know your theme, choosing the perfect venue will be a piece of cake.

Deal With the Practical Side

Wedding preparations can pass in quite the haze. It is not uncommon to forget that, sadly, there are practical issues that need to be addressed. When trying to find the perfect venue for your wedding, make sure to first sit down and put some things on paper. There are issues like the budget and the guest list that need to be dealt with. And they are essential for selecting your dream venue. So, here are some of the practical things you should consider when you’re trying to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

Make a List of Necessary Factors

This will make your job later on much, much easier. With clear factors, you will be able to look at the places you’ve selected (somewhat) objectively. First and foremost, set a budget for your venue. A good rule of thumb is that the price of the venue should not exceed 50 percent of the total amount paid for the wedding.

Wedding venue may cost you — Set a budget for your wedding.

Then, you should consider the size, which correlates to the number of your guests. Talk with your partner about the guest list. You should at least have a ballpark number of guests at this point. This will also help when you’re considering the budget, since some of the costs depend on the number of people.

Then, you should choose the location of the wedding. If you have any out-of-state guests, then you should find a venue relatively close to a hotel. In addition, think about the facilities of the venue. If you want to find the perfect venue for your wedding, it should have everything you need. For instance, it should have a ceremony location if you will be getting married there. Also, if it’s out of town, it should have enough parking places.

Go Online and Select a Few Venues

When you’re browsing the Internet, select at least five venues that you find appealing. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to show potential! Work with your wedding planner. You will be able to get a better “read” on some places with the help of a professional. One of the things people neglect to look at is the reviews on the pages of the venues. And they are quite important, as they tell you a story about someone’s perfect (or possibly ruined) wedding day.

Now, there is one thing that should be mentioned. If you find a perfect venue that your heart is set on, but there is a slight issue, always try to discuss with the wedding planner whether that issue can be overcome. After all, if the problem can be fixed, definitely try! For instance, if you like a venue, but it lacks space, there are other ways to solve the problem. If you see that a venue has no room for wedding gifts, but it’s perfect in any other regard, short term storage solutions can be your best option. That way, you get the perfect venue for your wedding and the extra space you need! With a little know-how, small issues like these are a thing of the past!

Wedding venue research — Go online to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

Call the Venue(s)

Now, when you’ve selected the five venues, make sure to ask them for dates of availability. Some of the venues can even send you a list of available dates. Your options will be much more extensive if you have several dates in mind for your wedding. Once you’ve done that, try to compare them objectively. Of course, if your dates are not available, then those venues are out of the picture. The ones that remain should be put under scrutiny. Check whether the venues fulfil most of the conditions you’ve set. Then rate them accordingly. Select the top two or three and get ready for the next step.

To Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding – Visit and See for Yourself

There is truly no better way to find the perfect venue for your wedding but to go there and see for yourself. You will be given a tour of the place. This is then when you should let your imagination run wild. Imagine what you can do with the place. But, most of all, imagine your actual wedding day. If you can envision yourself getting married there and enjoying yourself with your loved ones, then that’s it. You’ve found your perfect place!

Tips for Planning a Wedding Long Distance

March 18, 2019 in Travel / Wedding Planning tagged wedding planning by Novell

Planning a wedding can be a wonderful and chaotic experience at the same time. You are marrying the love of your life, which is great. Good for you. That is why this should be a happy occasion, when you and the people who are close to you are celebrating your love. However, since this is a complex event to begin with, it tends to be pretty stressful. And all that stress magnifies by a hundred if you are planning a wedding long-distance.

So, you definitely need help. But, you also need to talk to yourself and your significant other. Both of you must adjust your expectations to the reality of the situation, no matter how perfect you want everything to be. We have prepared some guidelines for you so you know what the crucial tips are for planning a wedding long-distance.

What Should You Know Before You Start Planning a Wedding Long Distance?

One of the first questions to ask is when you should start planning a wedding long distance. There is no specific answer to this question, but generally – the sooner the better. It all depends on how far away you are from the wedding location and how often you can visit it. But, whatever the case, you and your significant other should figure out some things before you start the actual planning. And we are not talking about deciding which side of the bed is whose.

What ypou should know when planning a long distance wedding — Planning a long-distance wedding requires great organization and professional help

Important questions regarding the planning of the wedding:
• When do you want to get married and how much time you have to prepare everything?
• How many people you want at your wedding and who are the most important ones?
• What are the crucial things you want at your wedding, and what can you live without?
• How big is your budget for the wedding and honeymoon?

When you to sit down and discuss these important topics together, you will be able to resume the wedding planning with reduced stress. Because, if you can’t compromise on what you want your wedding to look like, who to call and how much you are willing to spend – how do you expect to make compromises further on in life?

Do Your Research On Time

Right after you establish the main course of your wedding, you must start researching. Answering the basic questions of who, what, when, where and how much will play a great role further on. It is an excellent thing that we live in a modern age, when you can find out almost everything you need to know about any subject online. So, get down to business – you have a lot of work to do. Especially if you haven’t spent your whole life imagining your wedding day.

You will need ideas, from what kind of wedding bands you want, to what songs you want to play at the reception. Also, you will need inspiration and some advice from the people who have experience in the subject. That’s when friends, family, relatives, and coworkers will be able to help.

Hire a Wedding Planner at Your Wedding Destination

If the wedding is happening in your hometown, you can probably get some help from your closest family. However, that is probably not going to be enough. And if you are planning a wedding long-distance, you definitely need the help of professionals. A wedding planner at the location is going to be a real lifesaver. That is someone who will do everything for you. Again, it’s a good thing we are in the era of technology, so you can be present online throughout most of the activities. Use all the apps you can to stay informed, and you will be on top of the situation, no matter how far you are.

How to plan a long distance wedding — A wedding planner can help you choose the venue and almost everything else.

Some people think they can do everything by themselves, so they want to save money and not hire a wedding planner. But think about this. If you and your future spouse are currently in different locations, after the wedding, one of you will need to relocate to the location where the other person is, right? And in that case, you will hire assistance for your long distance relocation from a professional moving company because they have the expertise and you can rely on them to be quick and punctual. So you won’t spare money, right? Well, it is the same with a wedding planner. If you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and without delays, you should definitely hire one.

Make Time for Visits and Arrange Transportation and Accommodation Well in Advance

As online apps aren’t always enough to make decisions, when you are planning a wedding long distance, you should set aside some time for visits to the wedding destination. That way, you can do all the work you couldn’t over the phone. You can try out the menu, the cakes or listen to bands and sign papers, whatever is necessary. Use that time to make arrangements for the accommodation and transportation of your guests, so you can be certain that everyone important is taken care of before the big day.

Buy What You Can Where You Are

If you don’t want this wedding to turn into a living hell, you should do everything you can where you are currently. Don’t try to buy your wedding dress from a remote location or online because, no matter how beautiful it is, you really need fittings. So, look for it at your current location. If you want to create the perfect custom rings, you should also do it somewhere nearby. The less stuff you outsource to your wedding planner and family members, the more you will be in control. However, you can choose flowers from where you are, so some things can definitely be done long-distance. The less stuff you outsource to your wedding planner and family members, the more you will be in control.

Long distance wedding planning - shop for everything but the dress. — Some tasks can be outsourced, but buying a wedding dress isn’t one of them.

Arrive at the Destination a Week Prior to the Wedding and Enjoy

It is a great thing to have a wedding planner and family members to help. However, you should be there for the photo-finish. Make the arrangements to arrive at the wedding destination at least a week before the wedding. That way, you will be able to make changes or put the final touches to anything you like.

If you follow these tips for planning a wedding long-distance, you will come to realize that it’s not so hard. Even though it is complicated, with a lot of moving parts and variables, it is still doable. So, whatever happens next, just remember there is no such thing as a perfect wedding or life. You did your best to make it the most wonderful wedding and now it’s time to enjoy. The best part is yet to come since the wedding is merely the beginning of the mutual adventure called life. So, make sure you relax and enjoy it.

6 Tips for Reducing Wedding Planning Stress

February 22, 2019 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding / wedding planning by Novell

When you only have a few months to plan what’s likely the biggest event of your life, it can be easy to feel like you’ve got the whole world on your shoulders. From venues and catering to decor and entertainment, there are so many things to get on top of to make your day go right. So, how do you do it all while keeping your sanity in check? Read on to find out.

Learn How to Say “No”

The planning process is stressful in and of itself; add social obligations to the mix and you’ll wonder how you’ll ever get anything done. It’s normal to want—or even feel obligated—to spend time with family coming in from out of town, or your bridesmaids that are traveling miles just to see you, but you also need to know when enough is enough. After all, asking for some alone time will come across far better than reaching a breaking point and saying something you shouldn’t.

Do Something You Enjoy

So what do you do when you have your alone time? It’s simple: do something you enjoy. Read a book, catch up on your favorite Netflix series, go to the spa, whatever helps you keep your sanity in check. Taking one day off will work wonders for alleviating stress tied to wedding planning; you’ll come back feeling fresher and more rejuvenated.

Seek Some Alone Time with Your Significant Other

Ironically, couples often forget to spend quality time with each other once planning gets underway. In fact, according to a recent survey by Zola, 43 percent of couples admit that planning put a strain on their relationship. But don’t forget the very reason why you’re doing all the prep in the first place! Nurture that relationship by spending time alone with your significant other. You might even find them to be the best therapist since they likely understand what you’re going through better than anyone else.

Cut Back if Necessary

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the biggest areas of contention is how much money is being spent. Perhaps you’ve had your eyes set on some extravagant venue since day one, or perhaps there’s a 5-piece band that you can’t imagine your reception without. Well, as nice as all of those things are, they come at a lofty price tag; one that may have you feeling a bit reluctant about spending so lavishly. It’s important to realize where exactly to draw the line. Your wedding budget will be the biggest indicator of where that line is. Therefore, abiding by your budget is the surest way to reduce spending apprehension. To create more room in your budget, there are also alternatives to building your savings rapidly and at no cost.

Eat and Sleep Right

You wouldn’t feel your best if you weren’t eating and sleeping right on a normal day, and you certainly wouldn’t feel your best if you aren’t whilst wedding planning. As simple as it sounds—and yet, as difficult as it can be to pull off—you need to be getting the full 7-8 hours of sleep per night and maintaining a proper diet for your mind and body to function optimally. During moments of stress, many people turn to food for comfort. However, forming a habit out of this will end up costing you in the long run. To make matters worse, junk food can also increase feelings of irritation, reduce energy levels, and impair cognitive function. So, as the old saying goes, eat an apple a day to keep bridezilla at bay!

Know When to Ask for Help

You might have known exactly what type of wedding you wanted since childhood. Or perhaps you haven’t even thought of your wedding until the moment you said, “I do.” Regardless of your starting point, don’t try to be a Jack, or in this case, a Jackie of all trades (terrible joke, I know). Sometimes, delegating responsibilities to a bridesmaid with more experience, a family member, or even an expert can be an instant cure for your stress. A wedding planner is a great example of this. By hiring one, you can relax knowing that most of the calling and booking will be done for you. Looking for a more affordable option? A wedding coordinator will work with the venue and vendors you’ve already booked to make sure your wedding ceremony goes to plan, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your big day!

Platinum is the Right Choice for Rings and Jewelry

December 14, 2018 in Choosing the Right Metal for Your Bridal Jewelry / Platinum / Platinum Engagement Rings / Platinum Jewelry / Platinum Wedding Bands / Wedding Planning tagged Choosing the Right Metal / engagement rings / metals / Platinum / wedding rings by Novell

Platinum – if you are not aware – is THE premium metal for bridal jewelry.

When purchasing a wedding ring or engagement ring, you should want to choose the best metal out there – it’s something that symbolizes your relationship together.

It’s also something that should last and last.

Platinum men's wedding bands by Novell.

Why trade in the piece of jewelry you wore on your wedding day because its worn out?

Or because it doesn’t fit and can’t be sized (like with most of the popular alternative metals out there today).

If you are looking for a white metal for your ring – consider platinum.

Why?

Because platinum is distinct from all other metals – it is rare, pure and precious. Platinum bridal jewelry represents deep true love: as rare as the metal itself.

When used in jewelry, it is usually 95% pure, and certified by the stamp – PLAT. Be careful of piece of jewelry identified as this pure metal, but not properly stamped.

Platinum is 100% hypoallergenic and cloud white in color, so it never tarnishes or changes color. There is never a reason that it needs to be plated.

Its natural white tone is incomparable. A soft patina paints the piece with an antique hue as time passes.

White gold – which is not naturally white – may yellow over time.

Want a two-tone ring? Platinum can be combined with other colors and types of precious metals. The design possibilities are limitless.

Platinum will also last over the years. Your platinum jewelry becomes an heirloom, as you will pass it down to future generations.

Platinum is a naturally strong metal. If you choose a wedding ring with diamonds, your stones will be held securely in place for a long time.

An engagement ring center stone looks brilliant. Even if you want a gold engagement ring, consider asking for a platinum head.

Its subtle luster enhances stones rather than overshadowing their natural beauty.

You also won’t have to worry about a prong coming loose at the wrong time.

Platinum is also 30 times rarer than gold. If you put all the platinum ever mined and melted into one Olympic sized swimming pool, it wouldn’t reach further than your ankles.

Gold, on the other hand, would fill three pools.

While shopping for your bridal jewelry – try comparing rings made from different metals. Feel the quality of each material.

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Men’s diamond wedding rings

Observe platinum’s weightiness and study its texture. If you are concerned with durability, consider that platinum will hold its characteristics.

Unlike the other precious metals, when platinum scratches, no metal is lost. It maintains its weight, so complete restoration is almost always possible. Platinum doesn’t wear down and get thinner and lighter in weight over time.

Need further help with choosing the best metal for your wedding ring, engagement ring or bridal jewelry?

Check out our free metal comparison chart.

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Classic wedding rings

Also keep this in mind – most alternative metals do not have lasting value. They may look or feel cool, but most have been made cheaply overseas and have tremendous mark-up.

Is there a better way than to show your significant other that your commitment has value than with a metal like platinum?

More food for thought – almost all of our designs can be specially made in this metal. It doesn’t matter if it appears in a showcase or online in another metal or color.

All you have to do is ask!

Happy shopping!

Get Married in Laid-back Beautiful Boulder at Hotel Boulderado

September 26, 2018 in Honeymoon Destinations / Travel / Wedding Planning tagged destination wedding / Hotel Boulderado / travel. honeymoon / wedding by Novell

Boulder, Colorado has been called the “Happiest City in America” by National Geographic – and it’s easy to see why. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this university town offers the best of both worlds – exciting nightlife, a vibrant arts scene and ski slopes only 30 minutes away.

For a wedding of up to 275 people, you won’t find a better place to get married in Boulder than the gracious historic Hotel Boulderado. The hotel is at the center of everything, one block from Pearl Street Mall, the city’s downtown hub for fun. They offer a slice of history, with a sweeping cherry wood staircase and a stunning stained glass ceiling. Many couples choose to get married on the mezzanine overlooking the opulent lobby, which retains the original mosaic floor and attendant-operated Otis elevator. Even though the hotel is on the National Registry of Historic places and preserves every ounce of Victorian elegance, it’s completely updated (they won an award for recent renovations), so you can enjoy the old world ambiance without sacrificing your taste for contemporary luxury. Arrive in style in the hotel’s Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. The Rolls and a Mercedes van are also available to take your guests sightseeing within a 3-mile radius of the hotel.

The honeymoon suite is included with all wedding packages, but for your guests, the hotel has 160 rooms. Some have charming turn-of-the-century decor, while others in a newer wing have “Mountain Modern” appointments. All of the rooms have the latest amenities, complimentary Wifi, Aveda toiletries and great views. If you want to be more private, there is also a meticulously restored 1900s carriage house across the street that sleeps 15.

One of the major highlights is the food. Their cuisine is unpretentious and fresh, featuring regional, seasonal ingredients. There are two restaurants onsite, a speakeasy style bar on the lower level, and a coffee bar in the lobby. Their signature restaurant, Spruce Farm & Fish, is unfussy, offering creative versions of traditional dishes. The Corner Bar, their casual restaurant, is open 365 days of the year from 11 a.m. to midnight. Atmospheric License No. 1 bar specializes in drinks from the Prohibition era and has a pool table, dual dartboards, a jukebox, and a photo booth. There is ample seating in the lobby and Boxcar Coffee switches to small bites at Happy Hour, making it a relaxing communal space for hanging out.

As you whirl around the ballroom for your first dance, imagine all of the fabulous parties Hotel Boulderado has thrown since that first gala they held to introduce the hotel to the world on December 31st, 1908.

Call the Hotel Boulderado Sales Department at (303) 440-2880 to learn more about their customizable wedding packages.

**Contributed by Emily Polsby.

Want to Elope? Here are Awesome Places to Get Married Fast in California!

August 21, 2018 in Travel / Wedding Planning tagged honeymoon destination / travel / where to elope / where to get married fast by Novell

In a previous article, we broke the news about getting married on the Mendocino Coast of Northern California. Just three and a half hours north of San Francisco, this paradise-on-the-Pacific has miles of pristine shoreline, forests of ancient redwoods, award-winning wineries and quaint inns and resorts. Mendocino is known for laid back elegance, with haute cuisine and fine wines served up without the hauteur or the inflated prices.

But what if you want to get married really fast? Without all of the all-consuming planning?

If you crave the simplicity of an elopement with everything prearranged so you can relish the beauty of nature together, here are three Mendocino properties – all with spectacular ocean views – that offer terrific elopement packages:

Former Vogue editor André Leon Talley says the Brewery Gulch Inn is one of his favorite hotels in the world. Travel + Leisure just named them the #2 Best Resort in California and one of the top 15 resorts in the Continental US – and for $1,000 you can be married in this dreamy inn. They handle everything – from ceremony and celebrant to photos and flowers. For $1,600 they also provide the cake, hair and make up, Roederer sparkling wine, and a couples’ massage. The ambiance is like staying in the elegant Arts and Crafts country home of a dear friend, with fluffy feather beds and soft throws in front of the fireplace in your room. Their Executive Chef only cooks for guests and hand made pastries are always on offer by the front desk. Accommodations are extra and you will savor selecting from one of their delightful rooms – they only have 10, the better to treat each guest like a VIP. Room prices start at $335.

Just down the coast you will find the Little River Inn, a mini-resort surrounded by rolling lawns that connect to uncrowded Van Damme State Park. In addition to a chef-driven restaurant (they are awarded “Best Crab Cakes on the Coast” year after year), they have an Audubon-certified 9-hole golf course, regulation tennis courts and a full service salon and spa. This property has been the same family for five generations and couples who have been married there sometimes come back for decades to celebrate their anniversaries. The Inn’s elopement package starts at $2,300 and includes Champagne or sparkling cider and memory glasses upon arrival, an hour with a professional photographer, officiant, cake, flowers, a three-course dinner with hand-selected wine, breakfast in bed, and up to five hours consultation with their events coordinator. You pay for your room separately but you have many choices. They have 66 rooms, starting at $180 a night and running all the way up to the stand-alone seaside Mallory House with a private view hot tub on your deck.

The Inn at Newport Ranch sits high atop rugged cliffs and has panoramic views across the ocean. Built in 2015 to be one of the most atmospheric properties on earth, this architectural wonder is set on 2,000 exclusive acres with 20 miles of private trails and beaches at your disposal. Other highlights include a view hot tub on an old water tower, whispering sweet nothings in their enormous walk through fireplace and feasting on “ranch comfort” cuisine. Their elopement package starts at $2,750 and includes a two-day adventure in this serene, untouched wilderness, complete with fresh flowers and chocolate-covered strawberries when you arrive, an ATV ride to select a perfect, perfectly romantic spot to say your vows, three-course dinners the night before and the night of, photos, cake, officiant, sparkling toasts, and more. Choose among rooms in five fabulous buildings, including the Grove Suite, which has floor to ceiling redwood trees and sweeping views over the Pacific. Rooms at the Inn at Newport Ranch start at $350.

**Contributed by Emily Polsby.

Coastal Mendocino – California’s Secret Wedding Wonderland

August 2, 2018 in Travel / Wedding Planning tagged California / Mendocino / wedding planning / weddings by Novell

If you like the dramatic cliffs of Half Moon Bay – and the foodie charm of Napa – but don’t want your destination wedding to be a budget buster for your guests, you should check out the coast of Mendocino County. Just north of the rolling vineyards of Sonoma and a three and a half hour drive from San Francisco, Mendocino has award-winning wineries of their own, a generations’ old tradition of hyper-local cuisine, and most of all, miles and miles of pristine coastline with sweeping views of the Pacific. Uncrowded, with a friendly casual atmosphere, Mendocino has been a favorite secret destination for couples who love the outdoors for many years.

Activities abound. Hike through some of the oldest redwoods on earth, explore sea caves and gentle rivers on a kayak, wine taste without the fees, or just stroll the quaint Victorian village of Mendocino and browse art galleries and boutiques.

You won’t find big chain hotels on the Mendocino Coast but you will find inns with charm to spare and experienced wedding planning staff.

Here are two Mendocino inns that have particularly attractive packages for weddings of up to 200 or 99 people, respectively:

You can host up to 200 at The Little River Inn, the Mendocino Coast’s only full service resort. The original inn is a stunning wedding cake Victorian overlooking the Pacific that has been augmented with more modern buildings tucked around it. The property has 66 rooms at every price point – every single one with views of the ocean. Run by the same family for five generations, the Inn is extremely geared to families and kids – they even welcome the family dog. Amenities include an onsite spa and salon, an award-winning restaurant, and Ole’s Whale Watch Bar, where you can do just that over a locally brewed beer and a chat with a crusty local. Packages start at $6,000. Options include the fun Game Day package that takes advantage of the inn’s regulation tennis courts and golf course (for up to 80; starts at $11,500). Or select the elegant Mallory Cliff Top, (starts at $24,000 off-season for 200 people) with a romantic bluff-top ceremony, an additional catered event, and four nights use of a stand-alone seaside cottage complete with two private ocean-view hot tubs.

For a more intimate affair, the Inn at Newport Ranch is an elite playground on a 2,000-acre private preserve where you can have a wedding of up to 99. The recently built inn oozes rustic chic – from the Main Inn with a walk through fireplace to the Fireside Spa in a grove of redwood trees. The fascinating buildings were handcrafted with the object of bringing the stunning outdoor setting inside and the property is totally unique. It has the ambiance of a 5-star resort and much of their “ranch comfort” cuisine comes from their own organic gardens. There are 20 miles of trails, empty beaches, stands of ancient trees, and 50-mile panoramic views across the sea from their 7-person hot tub on a re-purposed water tower. You can explore on foot, horseback, or via an ATV-tour. Because the wild and wonderful experience is why you come to this wind-swept corner of the world, all of the packages require you to reserve all of the property, which sleeps 34. Kids are only permitted with a buyout of the property and pets must be left at home – the inn is adjacent to a working ranch. Weddings for 6-34 people start at $20,000. At the upper end, the Coastal Bluff wedding for up to 99 starts at $55,000 and includes three full days of events for your guests – from your rehearsal and welcome reception the night before overlooking the Pacific to the full ranch breakfasts the day after your ceremony.

**Contributed by Emily Polsby | Images used with permission.

Upgrade Your Wedding to Legendary in Carson Valley

July 6, 2018 in Travel / Wedding Planning tagged travel / travel ideas / weddimng planning / wedding destinations by Novell

There’s the neatly packaged wedding, and then there’s your dream wedding – a unique and authentic experience that your guests will remember for a lifetime. In Carson Valley, weddings are legendary. Unprocessed adventures appear fresh daily. Real characters introduce you to wild horses, whitewater thrills, off-piste powder, vast golf courses, trails, glider rides, charmingly creaky restaurants and the perfect bar stool for rehearsing your magical day. Carson Valley is a wedding destination that gives ‘dream wedding’ a whole new meaning.

Carson Valley goes beyond rustic. It is the Great American West, where your wedding can be as big as the landscape. In Carson Valley, the Sierra Nevadas cast a panoramic mountain backdrop, the sun shines 300 days a year, working ranches stretch as far as they eye can see and romantic historic buildings dot the charming communities that make up the valley, including Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden and Topaz Lake.

Carson Valley beckons you to unplug into a pace that’s reminiscent of an older time while also being very convenient with wedding-ready weather all year ‘round. Your wedding guests will appreciate the convenience of Reno International Airport, just 45 miles north of Carson Valley. At an elevation of 4,700 feet and sheltered by the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada to the west and the Pinenut Mountains to the east, the broad Carson Valley enjoys relatively mild winters among its four distinct seasons.

Weddings in Carson Valley invite your guests to discover outdoor adventure, wildlife and entertainment, or the opportunity to completely unwind. In Carson Valley, there’s an activity for every guest; from thrilling mountain bike trails to hot spring soaks, scenic hikes to historical tours.

For more about planning a wedding in Carson Valley, visit visitcarsonvalley.org/what-to-do/groups-weddings.

More About Carson Valley: Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, Carson Valley begs visitors to not just drive through it, but to it. Located 45 minutes south of Reno-Tahoe International Airport and 12 miles east of South Lake Tahoe, the region’s natural beauty is legendary: wide-open farms, ranches, bands of wild horses and birds of prey dot the landscape. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts follow all points of the compass with more than 50+ miles of hiking, mountain biking or walking trails along with world class road biking. The valley’s museums, arts, antiquing, Basque dining, historic watering holes and more add to the destination’s authentic culture. The region includes the communities of Minden, Gardnerville, Topaz Lake and Genoa, Nevada’s first settlement dating back to 1851. Explore the land of everyday legends at VisitCarsonValley.org.

Content supplied by RAD Strategies. Images used with permission.

Wedding Dress History – A Tale of Two Dresses

November 9, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding dress / wedding history / wedding planning by Novell

If you are shopping for a wedding dress, take a moment to think about how you may be paying for it. You might take out your debit card. Or credit card. Some may even write a check. It sounds like an easy and normal transaction.

But Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) did not have such an effortless way to pay for her wedding dress. When Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip married in November of 1947, the British government was still recovering from the ravages of war. Rationing was still a way of life for everyone. This included the royal family. So, the princess saved up clothing coupons to buy her wedding dress.

That’s right – she had to save just like anyone else. This was a very important time of recovery for England. Times were tough.

There was a slight exception as Princess Elizabeth was granted 200 extra ration coupons for her royal nuptials, and citizens tried to donate theirs through the mail. However, each mailed-in ration coupon had to be returned. It was illegal to transfer them. The princess had to make her budget work.

And she did!

Made from ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, her wedding dress was simply beautiful. It was made from Chinese silk from China (as opposed to Japan or Italy, given it was still so soon after the war) and its 15-foot train was inspired by Bottielli’s painting of Primavera from 1482. The dress was also covered in delicate floral designs.

The wedding dress was meant to symbolize “rebirth and growth” in Britain after the war. In total, the gown took 350 women seven weeks to make.

Princess Elizabeth followed the rule of the day. Her wedding was just as royal and regal. In fact, it’s a legendary part of English history.

Now let’s turn to another story. Image having a wedding dress that’s literally part of your family history. A dress that your great grandmother, grandmother and mother wore. It’s been in the family for 85 years!

Maria Teresa Moreno ― known by her relatives as “Grande” ― first wore a single silk long-sleeved gown way back in 1932. Grande’s granddaughter, Marta Prietto O’Hara, wore it in 1983. Followed by Elena Salinas, Grande’s granddaughter and Marta’s younger sister, in 1997. Most recently, the wedding dress was passed along to Pilar O’Hara Kassouf, Grande’s great-granddaughter, to wear in September 2017.

This unique family wedding dress tradition started when Grande, a talented Los Angeles seamstress who was born and raised in Mexico, fell in love with a wedding dress she saw in a department store window. Instead of rushing in to buy it, Grande took the time to recreate it by hand for her wedding to Manuel Moreno.

While a typical wedding dress usually is a bright shade of white, this dress has been described as creamy gold in color. To the touch, the fabric has a luxurious, buttery texture. Believe it or not, it’s never had any major alterations. Generation after generation – it just fits. The only alterations made over the years include removing a portion of the original 9-foot train, changing the back of the gown to a deep V shape. Changes to beading, lace trim and other minor elements have also been made. But overall, its appearance has remained similar.

Sources:

The True Story of Queen Elizabeth’s Wedding Dress

4 Women in One Family Wore the Same Handmade Wedding Gown From 1932

Thoughts About Reality Wedding Shows and Wedding Planning

November 7, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged reality tv / wedding planning / wedding shows by Novell

wedding shows

Wedding planning has everything needed for successful reality television – ups, downs and everything in between. The importance of the day combined with preparation demands provides enough drama to make for interesting viewing. It is no wonder why the many wedding shows such as Four Weddings have thrived.

Bravo is known to feature specials typically for housewives that are getting ready to tie the knot. Real Housewives NeNe Leake, Kim Zolciak-Biermann, LuAnn de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel were all front and center for Bethenny Getting Married. Their dramatic personalities, when combined with the stresses of wedding planning, make for great entertainment.

On the other hand, wedding shows like Four Weddings have what I find to be an interesting nature. It essentially rates how the day went based on many factors such as food and venue. However, aren’t the differences in wedding simply a reflection in different individual preferences? Isn’t a special wedding day by nature supposed to be unique? How is execution of such a special day confined to such generic categorical ratings?

These are all the questions that run through my mind when I tune in to such shows. I mean – at the end of the day visions will obviously differ. So how is it rated on such a simplistic and standardized scale? I realize that I am over analyzing this to the upmost degree, but I am doing so because I think reality TV is some cases can DILUTE ACTUAL REALITY.

Believe it or not, I am not completely against these shows, as I watch them! In fact, some good can come of these shows. They can serve as source of wedding planning ideas and plain reassurance that it all works out in the end. There has yet to be an episode in which the bride and groom have not been completely smitten with one another at the end of the night. Despite dramatic twists and turns that run its course throughout an episode, there is always a moment of gratification shown. In the end, both bride and groom could not be any happier for the fact that they are spending the rest of their lives together. These days, everyone seems to need a little reassurance that it all works out in the end.

Are you interested in checking out some of the best wedding shows on TV? Ranker.com has a great list of wedding shows, and you can vote for your favorite.

If reality TV isn’t your style, then maybe a featured wedding movie on Netflix is more to your liking.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Article by Kelly Rupinski.

A Real Life Fall Wedding Story…

October 10, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged romance / wedding story / weddings by Novell

A wedding is a time for family and friends to come together from near and far to celebrate the special day for the bride and the groom. This past weekend I got to witness the marriage of my cousin Meaghan and her husband Chris. Now I could tell from the beginning that they had something special; something worth holding tight and making last forever. This was only further reconfirmed on their wedding day. I noticed that despite the chaos that accompanies such an extravaganza, they both seemed at ease. Nothing could get in the way of their perfect day because their “perfection” was already achieved – they had each other.

The wedding ceremony and reception was beautifully done, with anything and everything thought of and executed at a ten. An attention to detail was evident and exuded an ornate environment that was yet comfortable. This was achieved through an elegant farmhouse rustic feel that was embellished through fall tones, candle light and greenery. Not to mention the expansive patio that opened off of the rehearsal dinner that overlooked the lushness of fall. The warmness of the décor was matched with a night of great food, drink and company.

In my eyes, my cousin nailed it. She showed me that it is possible to have the detail every bride craves to achieve without it getting into the way of the true meaning of the day.

It is easy to lose sight of what is truly important due to the demand and pressure of such an event. The venue and décor was perfected however it was the memories transpired that really surpassed all expectations. Genuine enjoyment marked each guest’s face but most importantly it shone on the new husband and wife. Truly nothing could get in their way of a good day because it represented something more than just a grand party, but the start of a new chapter.

Article by Kelly Rupinski.

Wedding Costs – How to Keep Them Under Control

September 1, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding costs / wedding planning / weddings by Novell

In life, there are certain facts to face. When it comes to wedding costs, it’s simple! Weddings are expensive. In fact, they are VERY expensive. These days, you really have to be smart about your wedding costs. Whether you have a lot ($100,000) or a little ($1,000) to spend, all it takes is a little advice, some serious planning and a few money-saving tricks. The truth is – you can have the wedding you always wanted.

And guess what? You can keep your wedding costs reasonable without anyone missing anything.

TheKnot.com recently reported that the average price of a wedding is over $35,000. That’s sometimes what a starting salary is for a young couple just out of college. Getting married might not be easy as it seems.

So, if you are looking for help with your wedding costs, our friends at Investment Zen have come up with this AWESOME infographic that helps break everything down for you. They look at the expenses, trends, and statistics of weddings from 2016 and provide a few tips to help you keep more of your money in your pocket.

And with more money in your pocket, you can think about making sure that the groom-to-be buys a precious metal ring instead of settling a cheap alternative metal ring that can’t be sized. But that’s another story for another day!

Via: InvestmentZen.com

White Castle Wants to Give You a Royal Wedding!

June 12, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged free wedding / wedding contest / White Castle by Novell

White Castle wedding contest

Almost every little girl at some time dreams of marrying her Prince Charming in a castle. Sometimes it’s a WHITE castle! With that being said, mini-burger chain White Castle is making this dream come true.

White Castle wants to give one lucky burger-loving couple a complete wedding package, including a “royal wedding” at its Las Vegas location. The couple will also receive a free honeymoon in Belgium.

What’s in the White Castle “Royal Wedding” prize package?

White Castle’s “Royal Wedding” package includes a rehearsal dinner, unforgettable ceremony and spectacular reception with includes wedding cake, flowers, décor, music and professional photographer. After the special day is complete, the winning couple will then enjoy a luxurious five-night honeymoon in a Brussels historic castle. Included in the package is round-trip airfare, ground transportation, and three nights’ hotel accommodation. A food and travel allowance is also part of the prize.

In addition to the Royal Wedding grand prize, White Castle is also giving away two packages of White Castle menu items and non-alcoholic refreshments for up to 200 people. These receptions can be held anywhere in the continental United States.

So even if you don’t win the BIG prize, you have a chance to win your own burger-related wedding experience!

How do you win?

White Castle burger lovers looking to make their fast-food wedding dreams a reality have until July 31 to enter the contest. Visit www.whitecastlewedding.com and share your very own “royal” love story for a chance to win.

If you are going to enter – keep this in mind. Submissions must be shared on social media using the hashtag #WhiteCastleWeddingContest to be eligible. A panel of qualified judges at White Castle will select the Grand Prize and First Prize winning couples. Winners will receive an email on or around September 15.

Act fast! July 31st is just around the corner!

Did you know that over seventy-five other burger-loving couples have been married in a White Castle? However, this will be the first time the Las Vegas location has hosted a wedding (according to the chain).

We absolutely love this promotion. Anybody can be married on a beach. Or overlooking the countryside. Not everybody has or will be married in a White Castle!

The burger chain is not the only fast food restaurant to get into the wedding business. Taco Bell offers a $600 wedding at their Las Vegas Cantina chapel. But this is free! And you get to see part of the world. Who could ask for anything more?

Blue Bell Introduces Bride’s Cake Ice Cream

May 8, 2017 in Wedding Planning tagged Bride's Cake / food / ice cream by Novell

Ice Cream

Summertime is prime ice cream season. It’s also prime wedding season. And if you’re an ice cream lover that’s also getting married, be ready to say “Yes!” to Blue Bell’s newest flavor – Bride’s Cake.

Bride’s Cake is an almond ice cream with white cake pieces surrounded by a rich amaretto cream cheese icing swirl that no one will object to. Blending the flavor of wedding cake with ice cream, it really combines the best of both worlds.

Of course, with every bride there should be a groom. Blue Bell has also announced that it is bringing back Groom’s Cake Ice Cream. Previously available in 2009, this flavor is chocolate ice cream with chocolate cake pieces and chocolate-coated strawberry hearts, surrounded by swirls of strawberry sauce and chocolate icing.

But you better rush down your grocery store aisle soon! Both flavors are only available for a limited time.

For a store in your area, visit www.bluebell.com.

See Novell at Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago (March 10 -12)

March 9, 2017 in Novell Wedding Band News / Novell Wedding Band Retailers / Upcoming Shows / Wedding Planning tagged news / Novell retailer / Steve Quick Jeweler / wedding planning by Novell

Novell wedding bands at Steve Quick

Are you engaged and living in Chicago? Are you getting married soon? Then it’s time to shop for wedding bands! This weekend, our wedding band specialist Howard will be at Steve Quick Jewelers’ Clark Street location. He can help you choose the right metal. Decide on the appropriate ring width for your finger. Or answer any questions you have. Stop by!

Steve Quick Jeweler
2471 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 404-0034

When: March 10th – 12th, 2017

Store hours: 11am – 7pm

Get directions

Freedman Jewelers 15th Annual Engagement and Wedding Ring Extravaganza!

March 7, 2017 in Novell Wedding Band News / Novell Wedding Band Retailers / Upcoming Shows / Wedding Planning tagged Boston / bridal jewelry / Freedman Jewelers / retailer event / upcoming shows / wedding bands by Novell

Novell wedding bands

Do you live in the Boston-area near Freedman Jewelers ? Are you thinking about getting engaged? In need of wedding rings for your upcoming wedding? Or just looking for a different kind of date night – a special night with diamonds?

If so, this is a can’t miss event!

See Novell wedding bands at Freedman Jewelers’ 15th annual bridal show. They will have more than five times the number of wedding bands and engagement rings setting than anywhere in the area! This is your chance to see it all! Find the perfect engagement ring or wedding band. And have FUN while doing it – all completely pressure-free!

Aside from having an expanded Novell wedding band inventory, Freedman Jewelers’ certified gemologists and diamond jewelers offer expert bridal jewelry advice and guidance.

Freedman Jewelers 15th Annual Engagement and Wedding Ring Extravaganza also features:

$100 off ANY wedding band that is $500 or more – valid March 7 – March 21^st.
Freedman Jewelers raffling off a romantic overnight getaway, plus a few other incredible gifts from local wedding vendors. So if you plan to be married anytime soon, be sure to enter your name.
Complimentary champagne, strawberries and other light refreshments for your date-night fun.

Freedman Jewelers 15th Annual Engagement and Wedding Ring Extravaganza takes place March 14 – 18, 2017. A special SNEAK PREVIEW of the new inventory begins on March 11. You can also enter all raffles.

Where:

Freedman Jewelers

333 Washington Street – Suite 408

Boston MA 02108

Get directions

Validated parking if you park at the 33 Arch Street garage (up to 3 hours).

Event Hours:

Tuesday March 14th: 9:30am-5pm

Wednesday March 15th: 9:30am-5pm

Thursday March 16th: 9:30am-8pm

Friday March 17th: 9:30am-5pm

Saturday March 18th: 9:30am-5pm

How to Attend:

Ready to plan your night with Freedman Jewelers’ diamond and bridal jewelry experts? Like to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of their resident experts?

Let Freedman Jewelers know you plan to attend by confirming on Facebook.

You can also give Freedman Jewelers a call – 617.227.4294.

Or send an e-mail to info@freedmandiamonds.com.

See you there!

Ring by Novell’s New Custom Shop

September 9, 2016 in New Wedding Bands / Unique Wedding Bands / Wedding Planning tagged Custom Shop / customer service / novell by Novell

Made by Novell's Custom Shop

Not everyone wants a ring exactly like what’s in many jewelers’ showcase. Novell’s new Custom Shop specially created this incredible anniversary band* in 14kt white gold for one of our retailer’s important customers. Seven center-set diamonds are surrounded on either side by twenty-six smaller one point stones. Want a ring made just for you? Ask one of our authorized retailers to contact our Custom Shop today!

*This custom ring features 7 x 2.5pt diamonds in the middle, with 26 x 1 pt. diamonds on the sides.

Need an Awesome Designer for Your Wedding Flowers?

September 2, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding flowers / wedding planning by Novell

Your list of wedding preparations gets shorter as the big day approaches. You’ve just checked off wedding music and invitations. Next up – wedding flowers. You have numerous floral-related pins on Pinterest. Wedding flowers are constantly on your mind. The only problem is getting started. If you need help turning your wedding flowers vision into reality, Cassandra Shah may be the perfect floral designer for you!

Cassandra freelances for renowned floral designers all over the United States. Although based in New Jersey, she can travel anywhere for the right bride. She recently has had the opportunity to work with designers from England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.

Her services include all things flower-related. If you can dream it, she can create it – centerpieces, bouquets, flower walls, hanging installations. The crazier the better! Her goal is always to make every bride and groom happy. And to enhance the inherent beauty of the wedding.

When Cassandra designed the floral arrangements for the Sangeet (cocktail party) of Kabir B., he and his sister Amy were amazed by her stunning designs:

“Cassandra makes sure that you feel comfortable and have a good idea of her vision for the centerpieces and décor. She made sure to take our ideas and colors of what we wanted and turned them into masterpieces. The most amazing thing she did was a beautiful banister wrap that covered our whole staircase. It was so lush and vibrant. It looked like it was taken right out of the Indian jungle.”

Having an eye for beauty, Cassandra taught herself how to design floral arrangements after observing other designers work. She first started working as a designer in 2013 at Tracey Reynolds Floral Design. A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.S. in Marketing, Cassandra is now starting her own business.

If you love her beautiful floral arrangements as much as we do, contact Cassandra today!

Walk Down the Aisle to the Beautiful Sounds of Linsay Setzer!

August 25, 2016 in Wedding Music / Wedding Planning tagged walk down the aisle / Wedding Music by Novell

Wedding music cello player Linsay Setzer

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when planning your big day is about wedding music. Wedding music is not just about choosing your first dance song. It’s also about what will be played as you walk down the aisle.

Whether it’s Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” or Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years,” you may have dreamed of walking down the aisle to a particular song. The question now is how it will be played. Will you play a recording of the song or have an instrumentalist perform it? If you’ve picked the latter, cellist Linsay Setzer just might be the musician for you!

Based in New Jersey, Linsay can travel anywhere in North and Central Jersey. She offers all of the traditional wedding songs, such as the “Bridal March” and “Trumpet Voluntary,” and can play any special requests you may have, granted you provide her with a recording or video. Linsay typically plays before the ceremony as guests are getting seated, while the wedding party processes down the aisle, and while the newly married couple exits the ceremony venue; however, she would be more than happy to play during other parts of the ceremony as well.

Having an ear for musicality and phrasing, Linsay always performs with great confidence and passion. She especially loves to interpret beautiful melodic lines and infuse emotion into them. When Linsay played in the musical Into the Woods, Musical Director Mike G. was impressed by her outstanding musicianship:

“Linsay’s sound is warm and expressive. She is an excellent sight-reader and has the versatility to create rich and beautiful tone across all types of music.”

Linsay started playing cello at the age of 10, having developed a deep appreciation for music through her family. She was drawn to the warm, lower tones of the cello and how the tone connected seamlessly with the qualities of her own voice. In high school, Linsay was a member of the Central Jersey Youth Symphony and the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra. She then attended Montclair State University, where she participated in the university’s symphony and received a B.Mus. in Music Education with a concentration in cello.

Since 2009, Linsay has been freelancing for weddings, church and holiday services, CD demos, and recording studios. Her favorite gigs are musicals, having played in numerous pit orchestras and over 25 musical titles. From 2013 to 2016, Linsay was the Director of High School and Middle School Orchestras in Nutley, NJ as well as the Cello Teaching Specialist for the Paterson Music Project. In addition, she has taught private lessons in cello, violin, piano, and voice. To learn more about Linsay, check out her Facebook page!

If the sound of her cello warmed your heart (how could it not?), contact Linsay today and make your wedding day truly spectacular.

Try Wedding Planning with Pinterest

August 11, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged Pinterest / wedding planning by Novell

Not long ago, when a bride-to-be wanted inspiration for her wedding planning, she ran to the local book store and bought every magazine on the newsstand. If the magazines weren’t enough, she went over to the book section to browse through whatever they stocked on the shelf. Aside from Martha Stewart, the wedding section usually contained the latest (yet often outdated) advice penned by the so-called experts of the day. Unfortunately, many of these books featured similar wedding advice and guidance. So if that eager bride-to-be wanted fresh ideas, she may have had to look far and wide.

These days, things are a little different. The social media explosion has put a ton of wedding planning information on almost every phone or tablet in America. Alongside the typical Google search, wedding websites TheKnot.com and Engagement101.com introduce brides to the latest advice from a variety of established wedding resources and brands. The days of lugging half a dozen magazines home every month are gone. The expense is also almost completely eliminated. It’s easy to sit back on a couch and browse. Tons of wedding ideas are at your fingertips.

One of the latest resources for wedding inspiration is Pinterest. Google Trends recent reported that more and more people are typing “Pinterest wedding planning” into their mobile devices. Instead of having to read through search results and hope that a link contains wedding planning gold, there’s an almost endless stream of graphics. Pinterest offers a vast supply of insights and wedding planning connections.

Need proof? Feel free to browse our Pinterest wedding planning board below!

[pin_board url=”https://www.pinterest.com/weddingringblog/wedding-planning-ideas/” size=”custom” image_width=”100″ board_width=”1000″ board_height=”1450″]

Need a Wedding Singer in New Jersey? Meet Anna Bansil!

August 8, 2016 in Wedding Music / Wedding Planning tagged music / wedding planning / wedding singer by Novell

New Jersey wedding singer Anna Bansil

Wedding singer Anna Bansil from New Jersey

Your wedding is almost all planned. You’ve tasted dozens of hors d’oeuvres, smelled quite a few flowers, and planned the seating arrangements. You’ve even decided against that costly ice sculpture (which melts away anyway). Now it’s time to make a decision on one thing that really helps sets the tone for the entire event – your wedding music.

For most, the decision boils down to whether you want to have a DJ or live music. If you are having an intimate wedding and love live music – why not hire a wedding singer? Anna Bansil just might be THE wedding singer who can add that extra sparkle to your extraordinary day!

Based in New Jersey, Anna can travel anywhere in the Tri-State/Eastern Pennsylvania region. Having a performance style reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, Anna specializes in heartfelt singer-songwriter/folk-pop songs and accompanies herself on acoustic or electric guitar. Her crisp, clear voice has been said to be “soothing like honey.”

Anna’s repertoire consists of songs that are perfect for first dances and cocktail hours. Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to The Moon,” Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am,” and Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is” are just a few numbers she performs. Do you have a special request in mind? Anna is able to learn songs just for your occasion. Although she may include her own spin here and there, she always tries to stick as close to the original as possible.

When Anna sang at the wedding of Kevin and Audrey M., the happy couple was overjoyed at her performance:

“We’ve always known that Anna was an amazing musician, but when she performed ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’ by Otis Redding for our first dance at our wedding we were floored. From her voice to her stage presence, her performance was emotional, powerful and memorable. It certainly was one of the highlights of our wedding.”

Anna has been singing since the age of 3, having developed a love for singing after watching the movie The Sound of Music. Throughout middle school and high school, Anna participated in All-State, regional, and church choir. She was also a member of the John P. Stevens High School Choir and Khorikos, an a cappella group based in New York City. Her education includes a BA in Music and a BS in Nursing.

Aside from singing at weddings, Anna also records her own music. Some of her work can be found on YouTube. If you find yourself captivated by her voice, as we are, contact Anna today and make your wedding day truly unforgettable!

Surprise! Taylor Swift Crashes NJ Couple’s Wedding!

June 6, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged Taylor Swift / wedding / wedding crasher by Novell

Have you ever been to a wedding and notice an unfamiliar person (or people) that nobody knows? Or just seems out of place? They’re generally referred to as “crashers.” While many might crash weddings just for the thrill, one recent wedding crasher provided a thrill of her own.

Taylor Swift crashes NJ wedding.

Photo source: Taylor Swift Instagram

Singer Taylor Swift surprised one New Jersey couple during their reception. The groom’s mother had been terminally ill, and Max Singer and Kenya Smith were legally wed at her bedside in April so she wouldn’t miss the moment. After exchanging vows, they had their first dance to Swift’s “Blank Space,” the groom’s favorite song. Unfortunately Max’s mom passed, but everyone had a special moment to cherish.

And then along came Taylor Swift!

It turns out that the groom’s sister, Ali, wrote to Ms. Swift about the death of her and Max’s mother. After a month long correspondence, plans were made for the singer to show up during the reception. She performed “Blank Space,” posed for pictures, and even presented the newlyweds with a hand painted card featuring her lyrics – so it’s gonna be forever.

So Taylor swift showed up to my cousins wedding… 😳 #Surprised pic.twitter.com/98yDtmg7kH

— Gage Simmons (@Gage_Simmons) June 4, 2016

As you can guess, social media soon exploded! Many guests captured the performance on their phones or shared the event on Twitter, while others simply sang along. The singer later uploaded a picture of herself with the bride and groom to Instagram, captioning it “third wheel.”

Taylor Swift wedding gift to NJ couple

Photo source: Gage Simmons Twitter

Third wheel or not, Taylor made a swift move with her New Jersey wedding crash. Many years from now, probably around a campfire or over a bottle of wine, someone will ask – remember when Taylor Swift crashed the wedding?

At the very least, it’s a part of the wedding everyone will remember.

Wedding Lighting – Have You Given It Any Thought?

May 9, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged lighting / wedding planning / wedding reception by Novell

Your wedding planning is all set. Your flowers will be fresh. Your gown is stunning. The photographer is highly recommended. And – God willing – the weather will be picture perfect. Every detail from what you’re wearing to the ice cubes has been combed over. But what about the lighting? Will your big day have just the right lighting? Or how can you make sure that your lighting is environmentally friendly? These days, the latter is an important issue!

Wedding lighting

A Few Ideas for Lighting Your Wedding

Our friends at LED Lights UK have a few ideas. You can keep your fingers crossed for great weather and have an outdoor wedding. Natural light always looks great in pictures if everything falls into place. Although many consider rain on a wedding day to be a sign of good luck, most brides-to-be pray for a sunny, cloudless afternoon. Sunlight is also free. Your hors d’oeuvres, sadly, are not.

Another nice lighting source is lit candles. Candlelight is very romantic, while flickering lights create a wonderful ambiance. When placed close together, candles also mix flame with shadow, which will look very cool in wedding pictures. And who doesn’t want THE COOLEST wedding pictures in their album? Yet there is a downside. Imagine your drunk uncle losing control dancing the Macarena and tumbling into a table. Flame on! Candlelight is also affected by drafts or sudden winds. You may find yourself lighting and re-lighting things all wedding long.

But WAIT! What about rechargeable candles? They give the same appearance of flickering light without the muss and fuss of real candles. I think we may have a winner!

Yet another option is soft, power saving light bulbs. If you really want to get on the good side of your socially conscious friends, you can lessen the environmental impact of your entire wedding through solar power. A solar powered generator can run the heat or air conditioning. It can even help plug-in the band. Not practical? String some little fairy lights that collect energy during the day from the sun. They’ll provide a little glow all around the reception.

A final consideration for your wedding lighting might be utilizing just a little bit of everything. Have rechargeable candles on the guest tables. Place wax candles on the buffet or around the drink bar. Fairy lighting hanging from the ceiling. Or even in between seating areas. Don’t settle for just one form of lighting when a little combination of everything might get the job done. There are a lot of choices. Mix and match. Above all – have fun!

For more ideas about lighting, please visit LED Lights UK today!

Advice for After the Wedding and Honeymoon

April 19, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged advice / wedding planning by Novell

Wedding planning is all at once exhilarating and stressful. There are a million details that you may never have previously thought about. Nor knew how important something particular may be for your special day. Once it’s all over, hopefully you have a million awesome pictures and even more awesome memories to last a lifetime.

But what happens when the honeymoon is over? And it’s just the two of you? Where do you turn for advice?

Many younger couples tend to live together prior to their wedding. However, some do not. Suddenly waking up next to someone on a daily basis may need some adjustment. There will be good days, bad days, wonderful days and boring days. It’s important to remember that marriage is a long, winding road with bumps and turns. One day will be smooth. The next might be lousy. And you won’t always get along. Here are some common but sometimes overlooked issues you will probably face after the honeymoon is done.

Talk about Finances: Have a talk about debts, spending habits, budgeting, and whether or not you’ll have joint banking accounts.

Reconnect with Friends and Family: Wedding planning can be long and drawn out. You sometimes don’t realize that you’ve been neglecting your friends. Now is the time to wind down and get back to socializing with friends, family, and even other couples.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: It is important to pick your battles wisely. This is especially important. It is common to go through arguments about things. But don’t let it carry over to the next day.

Cry Around Each Other: Crying in front of the other person is a milestone. Especially an ugly cry- it means that you’re totally at ease with one another.

It’s Okay to Have Alone Time: Everyone gets moody. It’s okay to just take a second to yourself. Or a minute, or an hour. But try not to take more than an hour. Things can fester. As mentioned before, it’s better to resolve a dispute sooner rather than later.

Sounds easy – doesn’t it? Hopefully there will be plenty more good days than bad. Building a happy life can be hard work. It may even be easy at times. But it definitely will not be the same for every couple.

Best of luck to all!

What Do You Know About Palladium?

April 18, 2016 in Choosing the Right Metal for Your Bridal Jewelry / Wedding Planning tagged bridal jewelry / metals / palladium by Novell

Novell’s American-created wedding bands can be made in platinum, palladium or gold. Just ask your local retailer!

Just about ten years ago, Novell Design Studio started offering palladium as an option for our precious metal wedding bands. Not all manufacturers or jewelers work with palladium well, but we’ve been very successful utilizing it. Surprisingly, its popularity has had highs and lows. It really is a great choice for your wedding band when platinum is not an option, but has yet to catch on among the brides and grooms-to-be. At bridal jewelry events all across the country, consumers do ask about this white metal. However, most choose white gold even though palladium may be the better selection.

If you haven’t heard of palladium, here are some basic facts:

Palladium is a precious metal, so it can be resized and refinished. Alternative metals such as titanium or tungsten cannot be sized.
Palladium is part of the Platinum Group Metals family.
Palladium is naturally white. Keep in mind that white gold is not, and may turn yellow over time.
Palladium is hypoallergenic.
Although similar looking to platinum, palladium is not as dense.
Platinum is the superior metal for bridal jewelry. Palladium is a good choice if platinum is not an option due to its price.

Need more help? Take a peek at our metals chart to compare the pros and cons of all popular wedding band metals side-by-side.

The Great Bridal Expo in Orlando

March 18, 2016 in Bridal Jewelry Events / Wedding Planning tagged bridal events by Novell

Great Bridal Expo in Orlando, FL

**Photo Courtesy of Linkedin.com**

Are you getting married soon?-Or helping plan a wedding? Well, you’re in luck. “The Great Bridal Expo” is coming to towns near you. The expo features top wedding professionals, fashion shows featuring new bridal attire, and of course chances to win free honeymoons, gowns and much more. The expo will start in Washington, DC and end in Orlando, FL. Tickets are only $8 – you can’t beat that! Find more information here

Vera Wang Launches New Wedding App

March 18, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged app / tech / Vera Wang / wedding planning by Novell

Vera Wang Wedding App

**Photo courtesy of philippineweddingnews.blogspot.com**

Vera Wang has designed wedding dresses for top celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Ivanka Trump, Mariah Carey, Khloe Kardashian, and many more. She is now launching her very own wedding planning app. Now only does the app help brides search for wedding dresses, but also flowers, cakes, and other wedding related things. The app is called “Vera Wang on Weddings” and will be sold at the app store for $9.99.

Will You Let Strangers Plan Your Wedding?

March 18, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding planning by Novell

The Knot Dream Wedding Couple

**Photo courtesy of The Knot**

Most brides like to plan their wedding from top to bottom. But, would you let strangers plan your entire wedding for you if it was free? This brave couple did. Sierra and Andre entered into a contest on The Knot.com where they thought they would be winning an all-expense paid wedding. However, when they won they didn’t realize that The Knot’s readers would be planning their entire wedding. From wedding dress, to venue, even down to the cake. There marriage would also be live-streamed on the website for anyone who wants to attend. Pretty scary right?

Some Great Caribbean Honeymoon Locations!

March 18, 2016 in Travel / Wedding Planning tagged travel / wedding planning by Novell

Are you looking for some fun in the sun? Great! A Caribbean honeymoon destination will be perfect for you. The Knot is helping you chose between 9 perfect sun-drenched islands. Bahamas is one of the most visited islands, and also voted as a “favorite” by recent honeymooners. If you’re in the mood for great island cuisine, try Jamaica. Any of the 9 islands provide to you by The Knot will be an amazing experience for you and your lifetime partner.

10 Wedding Cakes You Just Have to See!

March 17, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged cakes / wedding planning by Novell

Great wedding cake!

**Image courtesy of Mi Belle Photography/The Knot

Finding just the perfect wedding cake can be super sweet. It is becoming ever so common for brides to choose a less traditional wedding cakes, and going with something extravagant. The Knot is providing 10 unusually beautiful wedding cake ideas to top off your special day. Happy cake browsing!

Wedding Day Beauty Tips to Help You Look Perfect!

March 17, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged beauty tips / wedding planning by Novell

Wedding day beauty tips

**Image courtesy of ABeautyStyle.com.

Looking absolutely fabulous on your wedding day goes without saying. Everything from your hairstyle to having a picture perfect face has to be just right, as they are preserved forever in pictures! Although you probably have things all mapped out, here are some awesome beauty tips provided by Real Simple to keep in mind while you get ready for the big day.

Just Engaged and Completely Overwhelmed? Read This Now!

March 17, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged wedding planning by Novell

Wedding day stress

It’s totally fine to have the wedding jitters. Being newly engaged and partaking in the wedding planning activities can sometimes be overwhelming. But, you’re not alone. The Knot is providing you with a few simple tips on how to keep things under control.

Say “I don’t” to wedding day stress

February 29, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged stress / wedding planning by Novell

Wedding planning can cause an overload of stress. From picking the perfect dress, venue, honeymoon destination, and even choosing your bridesmaids can be stressful. But it doesn’t all have to be. Skyblueprint.com is giving you the ultimate guide to a stress free wedding. With this guide, your wedding day is sure to be one to remember- just without the stress.

Need Help with Your Wedding Planning? Join Us on Pinterest!

February 26, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged Pinterest / social media / wedding planning by Novell

These days, social media is the hub of daily life. Pet pictures. Status updates. Location tags. Images of yesterday’s dinner. It’s all on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and many other social media or blogging platforms. Should you need ideas for just about anything associated with planning your wedding – jewelry, travel suggestions, planning advice, cakes – just visit our Pinterest page! We update almost daily on a vast variety of topics. It really is your one stop for a plethora of wedding-related suggestions. Follow us today!

More and More Women are Popping the Question!

February 25, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged proposals / women by Novell

The traditional marriage proposal begins with a man getting on one knee and asking for her hand in marriage. However, more and more women are starting to take the initiative, and pop the BIG question first. This has many asking – should a women propose marriage? The Huffington Post article What People Really Think About Women Popping the Question explains what people initially believe when they see a woman proposing marriage to a man and why.

Top Bachelor Party Destinations in North America

February 10, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged bachelor party by Novell

The bachelor party is probably the best part about the wedding planning process for the groom. As some would say – it’s his last bit of freedom . So how do you make it epic? I mean – REALLY epic?

There are a million different places to have a bachelor party, so how will you decide? If you need a little help, The Plunge is giving the top 10 Bachelor Party Locations in North America. Check it out!

The Perfect Groom’s Speech

February 10, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged groom / wedding planning by Novell

Giving a speech at a wedding can sometime be tough. But it shouldn’t be if you’re the groom. It’s your wedding, what can possibly go wrong? But if you find yourself struggling to find just the right words, here are 10 speech writing rules from The Plunge to keep nestled in your mind when you’re writing it.

Wedding Day Beauty Tips

January 29, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged beauty / Brides / wedding by Novell

Looking absolutely fabulous on your wedding goes without saying. From the perfect hairstyle to having a picture perfect face. Although you probably have things all mapped out. Here are some beauty tips provided by Real Simple to take along with you while you prepare for your big day.

Wedding Anxiety?

January 29, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged bride / wedding by Novell

It’s totally normal to have the wedding jitters. Being newly engaged and partaking in wedding planning activities can be overwhelming. But, you’re not alone. The Knot’s article Newly Engaged and Completely Overwhelmed? provides you with a few simple tips on how to keep things under control.

Honeymoons on a Budget

January 29, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged Brides / honeymoon / The Knot / wedding / wedding planning by Novell

Every part of the wedding planning process doesn’t have to be overly expensive. If you’re looking to save a few pennies, why not start with the honeymoon? Check out The Knot’s article listing 5 fantastic honeymoon destinations that will cost you under $2,500.

Not Your Average Wedding Cake

January 29, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged Brides / cakes / naked cakes / wedding / wedding cakes / wedding planning by Novell

**Image courtesy of TheKnot.com

Finding the perfect wedding cake is a super sweet experience. It is becoming ever so popular for brides to choose a more unique, and less traditional cake for their special day. The Knot’s article 10 Naked Cakes You Have to See is sharing some sweet wedding cake ideas that are sure to win you over.

Need Help Choosing Your Perfect Honeymoon Spot?

January 14, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged destinations / honeymoon / wedding planning by Novell

Perfect honeymoon destination

Choosing the perfect honeymoon getaway can one of the toughest wedding-related decisions you make. It ultimately comes down to how you would like to spend your first days as a newlywed couple. What do you enjoy – lazy sun bathing on a Caribbean island, visiting historic landmarks, or zip lining through a tropical forest? How to Choose the Perfect Honeymoon Spot details the most popular honeymoon locations in terms of price, ratings, and overall newlywed experience.

**Image courtesy of Huffington Post/damien_p58 / Flickr.

Are You Nervous About Speaking at Your Wedding?

January 14, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged nervous bride / speaking / wedding day nerves by Novell

Wedding day nerves

Public speaking can be the most terrifying thing to do. But here’s the great part – you aren’t delivering a speech to a 300 complete strangers; it’s a wedding, and you’re likely to be among people you already know and love. Here are some great tips provided by Easywedding.com to help you overcome your public speaking fears. Try to practice your speech numerous times, relax, talk slow, and take deep breaths. And to make things even easier, try to tell a joke to make the audience laugh.

**Photo courtesy of Easywedding.com.

Are You Worried About Weather on Your Wedding Day?

January 13, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged weather / wedding / wedding planning by Novell

Wedding day weather

A bride’s worst nightmare is having horrible weather on her special day. It’s just that one variable that you can’t control despite how well you’ve planned. But don’t let a little rain spoil your big day. How to Weather Proof Your Wedding provides you with useful ideas on how to make your wedding day spectacular whether it’s rain, snow, or even humid sticky heat.

The Knot’s The New Rules of Wedding Etiquette

January 13, 2016 in Wedding Planning tagged advice / The Knot / TheKnot.com / wedding planning by Novell

Wedd ing planning advice from TheKnot.com

Announcing an engagement is such a memorable and joyous event. Nonetheless, revealing that precious news in an appropriate way is essential. But not to worry – New Rules of Wedding Etiquette provides you with a helpful set of rules to follow whether you are the bride to be or even an overly excited guest. They also offer great tips on when to take photos, what not to share on social media, and when to change your relationship status on Facebook.