The LoL's Live On!

I just found out today that one of my favorite websites, Wedinator, is being discontinued!!  I think this is such a shame, so I am going to do my best to capture some of the best LoL's I see.  Have some to add?  Send me a note!

28 Romantic Ideas

As February, the month of LOVE, rolls around, I decided to come up with a list of 28 Romantic ideas for you and your sweetheart!  Enjoy!

1. Call a local radio station and request a love song for your partner.  Make sure they'll be listening to catch it! (And check to make sure when it should air)
2. Make a custom gift certificate.  Good for one backrub, meal of their choice, or other treat!  This can also be put into a coupon book as a present.
3. Cook a romantic dinner, just for you and your sweetheart.  Make their favorite food.
4. Leave little love notes all over for them to find.  Heart shaped post it notes make this super easy!
5. Get your partner a wristwatch. Inscribe it with: "I always have time for you."
6. Go to a movie and convince your partner to sit in the back row and make out for the whole show.  Make sure it's one you or your partner don't really want to see!
7. Pretend you're going on a first date!  Flowers, a spiffy outfit, and a clean car.  The whole nine yards!

Saturday Speeches: 'NSYNC Maid of Honor Speech

Ok, so it's totally cheesy, but for anyone who grew up when I did, this would be perfect!

 

What I love about this speech is that it is unique and customized to the bride.  The best speech that can be given is one that comes from the heart.

Budget Wedding Flowers

If you are trying to save money on your wedding, have you considered making your own flower arrangements?  It is common to look for ways to save money on flowers. By choosing blooms that are in season and grown locally, a fair amount of change can be saved.  Some brides also use silk flowers which can be a great option for blooms that will be submerged or only seen from a distance.

Today I stumbled across a website that sells blooms in bulk.  If you or a friend are an accomplished flower arranger, this may be a way to make your budget.  I've included the video I found, from Bunches Direct.  It's not a great video but it does show a very pretty bouquet.

 

Bunchesdirect.com has a wide assortment of flowers and pre-made bouquets that can be ordered to be delivered on your special day.  The only down side?  You can't see what they look like in person and if something comes in wrong there will be little time to fix it.

Searching online, there is a lot of mixed advice when it comes to arranging your own flowers.  It is a great way to save money, but many recommend against it because it is a task that needs to be done close to the last minute.  If you alone will be doing the flowers, look at limiting the number of arrangements in your space.  I recommend researching the type of flowers you want to use and pick ones that will stand up well when used in arrangements.  The hardier the blooms, the farther in advance you can make the arrangements. You can also consider using live plants in pretty containers.  If you have a talented friend or family member, this may be the time to ask them for help!

If you have made the arrangements for your own wedding or that of a friend, please share your experiences in the comments!

Your Wedding Wheels

From the fairytale dreams of arriving in a horse drawn carriage to a more modern and traditional limousine there are many different types of vehicles for rent on your wedding day.  I've been to some weddings where the Bride and Groom chose to drive their own vehicles, as well as ones where they rented special wheels.

At the wedding show this past Sunday, one of the vendors was a Rolls Royce Limousine service.  Their booth was covered in big beautiful pictures of a 1935 Rolls Royce that was available to rent to brides for their special day.  I will be one of the first to admit it is a very snazzy looking vehicle.  My groom would love this if I only allowed him to wear a top hat to go with it.

I really have not strongly considered what type of vehicle to have at my wedding.  There are so many little details to go into wedding planning!  It is hard for me to consider putting a large part of my wedding budget towards a special ride.  Perhaps a nice rental vehicle from a local rental car provider to take us away to the airport is a good option.

I would love to hear from my readers.  Are you hiring a special ride for your wedding day?  If so, what type of ride are you considering?

The Best Wedding Show Tips

It is wedding show season and I am excited to go to my first one this weekend!  I thought I would share a quick list of the best tips I've seen for any type of trade show, with a few wedding themed ones added in for spice.

Comfortable shoes are a must: Most convention halls, fair grounds, etc have hard concrete floors with no padding.  There will probably be few places to sit and rest your feet too.  Uncomfortable shoes will take all of the fun out of the fluff and finery.

Eat a light meal: Wedding cake vendors will provide the sweets, but food options will be limited on the show room floor.  A good light meal will give you the energy you need to meet all of those vendors.

Bring Address Labels:  Come prepared with peel off labels with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and wedding date printed on them.  Otherwise, plan on writing your information quite often.

Create a Wedding Email Address:  If you plan on signing up for prizes, most forms will ask for an email address.  If you would like to limit the amount of emails from vendors you will receive long after you have the wedding, consider creating your own wedding email address.  When the wedding is over you can simply cancel the account and avoid any further wedding related e-mail.

Bring Samples:  If you have chosen your wedding colors, bring swatches of material or ribbons with your wedding colors on them.  This will help florists, bakers, and other vendors make suggestions on what options they can provide for you.

Allow Plenty of Time:  Vendors can be chatty and being rushed can take a lot of the fun out of the day.  Allow four to five hours to be able to take your time.

Destination Spot: Gatlinburg, TN

I just spent the past week up in Gatlinburg, TN and I have to say I was impressed with the romantic atmosphere of this little town!  Cute shop after cute shop lines the main street through town and most are geared at couples and young families.  There were half a dozen shops that specialize in the old timey dress up photos.  A cute idea for a unique couple or honeymoon shot!  There were also Moonshine tastings (as shown in my picture) and whiskey.  Ice Skating and Skiing are available with a quick trip up the mountain.  Best of all, the entire city is decorated from head to toe for the holidays.  I wasn't able to get any good photos of it, but there are many light displays spread throughout town.

The cabin we rented was in the Arts and Crafts Community.  This area featured tons of shops with hand made goodies to peruse.  We also gorged ourselves at the many local restaurants.  We stayed the week after New Years, and the traffic was minimal.  We were warned though that during peak seasons this is quite the destination spot.  I've got a couple of good articles planned about some of the great wedding chapels I saw.  If you are looking for a small destination spot that is not too far, Gatlinburg may be the place for you!