NEW YEAR...NEW YOU!

Our Top Resolutions For The Newly Engaged.

The New Year brings a feeling of fresh starts and new beginnings. And for you newly engaged, January is the most popular month to begin wedding plans. If 2015 has you saying “I do” you might consider some of these resolutions. 

Here’s to becoming a better version of you!!


RESOLUTION 1: SHAPE UP

Kick off the year with a new workout regiment and be sure you reach your goal—whether it’s to drop a dress size, get a toned body or both! Walking down the aisle will feel so much better if you’re fit and trim.


RESOLUTION 2: GET CREATIVE

DIY elements are a fun way to make your wedding more personal. Try something simple: table numbers, favors, and ceremony programs are a good place to start!


RESOLUTION 3: ADD BALANCE TO YOUR LIFE

Make 2015 a balanced year by spending equal amounts of time on work, wedding planning, and some downtime too. A day at the spa is a wonderful way of making sure that you get time for yourself (a rare luxury, we know).


RESOLUTION 4: ENJOY THE JOURNEY

The period of your engagement is an exciting time in your life. Banish the negative and work towards staying calm and stress­free by enjoying each other. Take a few moments in each day and spend it with your soon to be spouse without talking or doing wedding related items.


RESOLUTION 5: SET A BUDGET

Financial conversations can be difficult, but is very necessary. It's not only important, but should be one of the first steps in the planning process. It will save you a lot of heartache in the end. Once you have set a budget, stick to it the best you can!


RESOLUTION 6: DON’T USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS YOUR JOURNAL

Yes, planning your wedding is exciting, but it doesn’t mean you have to tell everyone every detail. If you want to share your wedding details, you should start a blog instead, and those wish can keep themselves up-­to-­date on your wedding plans. No need to broadcast your reception woes to the world on Facebook or Twitter.


RESOLUTION 7: CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDSHIPS

You'll be asking friends and family to spend time and money to be a part of your wedding. Reciprocate by making the time to be with them and showing how much they mean to you. Send an email to an out-­of-­town friend, pick up a small trinket for someone you frequently see, or just spend a lunch date listening to friends—rather than rambling on about wedding plans.


RESOLUTION 8: STAY POSITIVE

Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down in the little details. Will it rain? Will there be enough vegetarian canapés to go around? What if there isn’t enough wine? You need to not be pessimistic or think of the worst outcome, just try to look at the bright side of life. It will be the happiest day of your life, even if it rains, and you have to go with plan B. Some things are out of your control, and you just have to accept that.


RESOLUTION 9: EAT WELL

Today’s world has us so busy we don't have time to think about eating properly. Set aside a little time to plan in advance. This resolution may lead to a healthier bride and may do more for you than any other fitness type goal.


The best to you on your engagement! Stay tuned for more inspiration and advice throughout the year—and we wish you lots of happiness in the process!

By Patricia Canole

Planning: Pro-Tips for Creating an Unforgettable Wedding

Wedding planner and NYC-based owner of Curtain Up Events is known for her creativity and splashy style. Here's what she has to say about how to create lasting memories:

NEW RECEPTION TRENDS We see a lot of understated floral arrangements on the table. Lower centerpieces make it so much easier for people to see across the table and engage in conversation. Also, there has been a recent surge in serving family-style cuisine—fun comfort foods like macaroni and cheese—at a formal affair. Serving food in this style is great because it brings a whimsical touch to an event that could otherwise be stuffy. 

HOT PARTY COLORS All shades of blue accented with delicate shades of silver. 

HOW TO KEEP THE PARTY INTERESTING Nothing spells disaster than an event that drags on with nothing to do! Adding personal touches like a wishing tree for the guests to leave short messages and endearing wishes or photos of your family in unexpected places around the room brings guests together and gets the conversation flowing. Of course most guests will love a photo booth, but the video “confessional” booth is unique, plus you both will be entertained for years to come with stories from your guests on film. 

STAY WITHIN A BUDGET It’s very important to prioritize. If the photographer you want is way beyond what you’ve allocated, you will have to “borrow” from some other category. So, rather than roses in your bouquet, opt for seasonal flowers which will cost less. It’s easy to get carried away adding all of the amazing things you want—but it’s important to be realistic. Keep track of your wedding budget—one column with what you’ve allocated and another column with what you’ve actually spent.

TRENDS TO AVOID One of my favorite things to say is, “Don’t fight your venue.” In other words if a color is popular, it doesn't mean you have to include it in your color scheme. Consider the site what it has to offer. For example, if your venue has a green carpet, we don’t recommend using red floral or you will start to think it’s the holidays!

ADVICE TO THE BRIDE & GROOM Don’t lose sight of what this is: a celebration of the two of you. Everyone has an opinion for you, but the fact is there are no rules. Enjoy yourselves, and most of all take things one day at a time.

Image by Bree Michael Warner

Image by Casey Fatchett Photography

Image by Bree Michael Warner

Image by Josh Wong

Image by Agaton Strom

By Danielle Bobish, Guest Editor

For more wedding planning tips and trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Planning: In Bloom

Secrets to a Chic Celebration

By: Patricia Canole

A favorite among the Hollywood set (Britney Spears and Christian Slater are regulars), Iris Lee of Anthony’s Flowers for BloomNation.com, has transformed many galas into memorable events. For The Bride recently met with her for a few of her tried-and-true secrets for wedding flowers.

WHAT’S A BIG WEDDING TREND YOU’RE SEEING?

Weddings are becoming ever more enchanting. This year is notably one of true romance—celebrations are softer, sweeter, lusher and more heartfelt. Lately, I’ve been choosing wedding flowers that are larger and more sculptured, such as calla lilies, cymbidium and Phalaenopsis orchids, so the look is unfussy and clean. Another trend I’m seeing is more themed receptions. One bride and groom wanted a beachy feel at a city hotel. We used coral-colored mansanita branches and shells and panels of water with floating flowers.

WHAT ARE THE HOT PARTY COLORS RIGHT NOW?

Orchid is big coupled with accents of white, cream, Champagne. I’m also seeing many shades of pale pinks to lavenders and purple.

ANY DRAMATIC DETAILS YOU SUGGEST FOR WEDDING RECEPTIONS?

I love a reception entrance that shouts “Something fabulous will happen here.”  For one wedding, this meant tall gates covered with manzanita. Or, sometimes it’s a simple drapery tied back with floral blooms. Metallics are also a popular accent. Linens with a subtle gold thread or the luxury of pale gold lampshades will brighten a gathering. A candlelit exit is a wonderful way to end the night for your guests.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR CREATING A LUXE LOOK FOR LESS?

You can do this by using tall centerpieces such as candelabras with long ivory tapers. It’s not only better for your wedding budget but also for sight-lines of your guests. You might want to hang a simple garland from the tapers or add wedding flowers to a small vessels on the tables. Not only does this very elegant and dramatic, but it’s easy to pull off with a limited budget.

DO YOU HAVE ANY LAST MINUTE ADVICE FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS?Keep it simple. Many brides I’ve seen combine too many colors. My advice: Use no more than three shades. It’s also very important to enjoy the process of planning. Don’t forget this is a huge milestone in your life. It can be fun to develop the ideas and see them all unfold. Remember to get the best people, then let go of it. 

Time to relax and enjoy!

For more wedding flowers and decor ideas, visit ForTheBrideMag.com
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Wedding Etiquette: 10 Invitation DOs and DON'Ts

Invitation Wedding Etiquette 

The first impression guests get of your wedding day is when they open up the envelopes and get a peek at your invitations. Not only do the invites set the tone and feel of the day to come, but it also lets guests know if your affair will be casual or formal. It's important to project the proper feeling to your guests and the first step to doing that is using proper wedding etiquette.

We've got 10 tips to help get your invites right:

Do:

Invitation by East Six 

1. Send a separate invite to anyone over the age of 18. You may consider your little cousin a kid but if they are over 18 (even if they live with their parents) they are in fact an adult. This means they earn the right of having their own invitation, addressed solely to them.

2. Allow guests for single friends. All adults should receive a plus one, regardless of whether they are not dating someone, living with someone or otherwise. This is a courtesy that should not be overlooked, even if you have budget concerns. If you do not have the room or spending flexibility for additional guests, consider cutting elsewhere.

3. Use formal titles & full names on the outer envelope.  You might not go around calling your newly married friends Mr. and Mrs. or your brother Dr. Michael Smith, but the fact is those are their formal titles and when it comes to formal events, their invitations should reflect the titles they have earned.

4. Include as much information as possible. The more information you provide your guests with, the less questions you will be receiving in the weeks and days before your wedding. Including info such as hotel blocks, directions, and any other necessary info will keep your guests knowledgable and happy.

5. Get creative. This is your chance to give your guests a preview of your wedding. Show them personal style by designing your invitations to include a touch of your wedding decor. Incorporate your wedding colors, monograms and fonts that will be present on the big day, to give them a glimpse of what to expect.

Invitation by Papeterie

Don't:

6. Have an A and B list. Not only is it in poor taste to categorize your friends and family by putting them on a priority and non-priority list, but this system can create chaos when managing your guest list. Waiting on replies to send out additional invitations can be confusing and the delay in receiving invitations may offend some who realize they are on your B list. Instead, create one list with as many guests as you can afford and if there are people you wish to invite still not on the list, then consider these other ways to cut wedding costs, so you can invite them.

7. List registries on wedding invitations. Wedding invitations are not a time to ask for gifts, it is strictly for inviting friends and family to your event. Instead, have your close family and friends spread the word to guests who inquire. If you are having a bridal shower this is the place where can include your registry information. Or, you can create a wedding website to also share this information.

8. Forget to put stamps on the RSVP envelopes. The response of guests is required by you and therefore the expense of the replies becomes the responsibility of the bride and groom. Make sure you include a stamp already affixed to the RSVP envelope before closing up your outer envelopes. Also, be sure to have your return address printed on it so guests do not have to scramble to find your address which may delay their reply.

9. Don't forget to send out Save-The-Date cards. If you want to give your guests extra time to plan to attend your wedding you will want to send out save-the-dates at least 3 to 4 months in advance. If you are having a destination wedding or getting married on a holiday weekend, you will want to give guests 6-8 months notice prior. All of your guests will appreciate the extra time to plan and it will increase the number of guests likely to attend your event.

10. Get overwhelmed. Invites should go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, so give yourself plenty of time for ordering and organizing. You will need time to address, compile, and stamp everything before putting them in the mail. Also, make sure to set your RSVP deadline at least 2 weeks in advance of the wedding or according to any timelines your caterer gives you for ordering food.

For more wedding etiquette and bridal trends, visit ForTheBrideMag.com

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