Day 11: Honeymoon Plans

I always love hearing new couples talk about all the fun things they did on their honeymoon. Isn't it the best tradition ever!? You get to spend your first week of marriage on VACATION! 

Most people immediately imagine napping on a beach or cuddling in a cabin when they hear the word honeymoon. Sure, that sounds amazing, but don't be afraid to break the mold. In case you're up for something different, here are a few other ideas for honeymoon plans.

1. Theme Parks: This can be a really fun and really relaxing option. Imagine a day spent with Mickey Mouse and an evening in a Disney Resort Spa. The best of both worlds!

2. Road Trip: Get lost! What can be better than discovering new things with your brand new spouse.

3. Stay-cation: Having the time and funds to drop everything and escape is getting harder every day. Regardless of your reasoning, an at-home honeymoon can be just as fun as a big getaway. Find some new places for dinner, schedule a massage, open some champagne, spend an evening in a fancy hotel.

And if money is an issue, start a "Paradise Falls" jar and start saving coins for a special getaway.

How are you planning to spend your honeymoon?

Disney Honeymoon Ideas

Romantic Road Trips

How To: Honeymoon at Home

Day 10: Photography Investment

As a photographer's wife, nothing makes me cringe more than bad wedding photos. (Just Google "bad wedding photography.) So many brides spend thousands of dollars on a gown but can't seem to commit to professional photographs.

Our photographer was the most expensive item on our budget. Why? Because I wanted someone I could trust to capture beautiful moments in the most beautiful way. Our great great grandchildren will have these pictures and they deserve the best!

So, cough it up ladies! You absolutely won't regret it. To further prove my point, here's a sneak peak of our gorgeous day with Tin Can Photography.

While you're at it, take a look at Hubby's work. Isn't he talented?

P.s. Thanks for being patient while I play catch up on my 31 days series! I WILL finish.

Guest Book Alternatives

**DISCLAIMER: I AM THE LEAST CRAFTY PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE**

I have always hated the idea of a guest book. This hatred is probably due to the fact that my mother never chose to display hers. It just became another book that got packed away. Luckily, this Pinterest world we live in gives us access to SO MANY cute alternatives to a guest book.

I wanted something special that I could proudly display in our home. So, I picked up a few decorative cards at my craft store, had guests sign them with a special message, and then attached them all to a cork board. It's not quite as fancy as I wanted, but they can be removed easily if I choose a different frame or background.

Here are the basics steps I used for my collage. Feel free to tweak and change it to fit your own style.

((SUPPLIES: cards, straight pins, paper background, cork board or canvas, scissors, tape, one push pin))

1. Cover your cork board/canvas with solid or patterned paper of your choice. This will be seen in little nooks and crannies when all is said and done. Pay special attention to the border. 

2. Arrange your pre-signed cards so all your sweet messages can be seen clearly.

3. Consult your cat supervisor. 

4. Once everything looks good, use a push pin to prep the holes for the straight pins. Then slide the straight pin through. (You can skip this and glue everything instead. I just liked the look of the pins.)

5. Bend the straight pins that poke through the board and tape them down. Beware: It will look like a torture chamber back there!

Voila! You have a cute way to display reminders of your special day. If stabbing yourself with straight pins isn't your thing, here are a few other great guest book alternatives. Enjoy!!

Well Wishes Box

Signed Initial for Wall

Thumbprint Art

Framed Hearts

Bridesmaid Dresses

We've all been there. We all have too many dresses that don't flatter our bodies, or dresses we can't wear anywhere else. And no, I CAN'T hem them. I hated the idea of forcing my dearest girlfriends to spend money on something they hated, so I gave them a color and let them choose any dress they wanted. ANY.

Even if that's not your style, there are several ways to make you AND your bridesmaids happy.

1. One dress, same color. When going with this option, please PLEASE, consider the different body types of your bridesmaids. REMEMBER: Uncomfortable people look uncomfortable in pictures. And I don't mean sweatpants comfy... I mean confidence comfy.

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2. Same color, different dress. You can either give them a specific color and let them search for a dress OR you can visit a bridal boutique and choose a fabric that comes in a variety of styles.

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3. Different shades of your color. Choose different dresses in shades that compliment each other. This can look so chic!

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4. Mismatched. This could be absolutely anything. Patterns. Themes. Lengths. Mix it up!!

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Pre-Ceremony Snacks

If you're like me, you probably won't have much of an appetite before your ceremony. However, it is very important to get a little something in your system to avoid feeling dizzy during your vows.

Snacks are also great for your family, bridal party, and photographer. Full tummies will help keep everyone alert and happy in pre-ceremony hours. Just be sure to keep the sugar and booze to a minimum.

That's what the reception is for!!!!

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Keep Your Fiance Involved

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Let's face it. You've been dreaming of this day since you were old enough to know what a wedding is! He probably didn't think of it until he bought your ring. Still, we need to keep in mind that this day is a big day for him, too. It's easy to take the reins and make all the decisions, but it feels so good to plan TOGETHER.

My husband is super stylish and opinionated, so it was easy to keep him involved. In case your situation is completely different, I've put together five short tips on involving your better half.

1. Avoid super girly trends. Men want to feel über masculine on their wedding day. This could also help you avoid wedding photos that look outdated in a few years. Simplicity is your friend.

2. Ask his opinion on themes and colors. We went with a beautiful navy blue and gold theme. Masculine, sophisticated, with a touch of feminine details.

3. Allow him to decide what the groomsmen wear. They should reflect his personal style and feel handsome. If they're comfortable, they'll make your  photos look better!

4. Take him to the cake tasting. Believe me, he won't say no. Let him choose a flavor. Everyone wins.

5. Leave room for compromise. Maybe the groomsmen shouldn't be dressed in head-to-toe camouflage, but a camo pocket square or boutonniere wouldn't kill anyone.

Wedding Day Itinerary

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I had never heard of an actual, physical wedding schedule until my photographer helped us create one for our big day. You guys, MIND: BLOWN. Her biggest tip was to begin at the ceremony time and plan backwards to give plenty of time for photos and getting dressed.  How smart is it to create a simple timeline for all your big moments? Ours wasn't elaborate in any way, just a list of time slots and what to do. However, you can get SUPER cute and fancy if you want. 

The photo above is a totally precious option that you can get on THIS ETSY SITE for $20. 

You can also find some really adorable schedule HERE, HERE, and HERE. 

P.S. Today, October 5th, is my big day! I wrote this on Thursday so hopefully it will post when I scheduled it to! Hopefully, while you're reading this I'm enjoying a well-planned, well-deserved afternoon of fun with family and friends!Thanks for reading. HAPPY SATURDAY! 

Wedding Binder

Whether you've chosen to hire a wedding planner or you're an avid DIYer, a wedding binder can be a lifesaver. My family and I did all the planning ourselves, so I thought a binder could help us from A. forgetting details and B. killing each other. I am so thankful I had my binder to lean on through the whole thing.

The planner I'm using is called The Ultimate Wedding Planning Kit. I chose this particular kit because of everything included in the kit:

-file folders for keeping record of payments, gifts, vendor information, etc.
-a handy carrying case (like a briefcase!)
-a poster size to-do list starting at 9months before the wedding!
-a wallet size version of the to-do list to keep in your purse
-schedule examples
-wedding day checklist

I mean... I could go on and on about this thing. I would recommend it to any and every bride! Especially considering you can pick it up for less than $30!

You can also find a lot of great DIY wedding planner/binder options on the internet. 

Like this ONLINE VERSION.

Or these GREAT TEMPLATES

and PRINTABLES.

I love the way this bride organized her DIY BINDER

and there are always lovely STORE BOUGHT OPTIONS.

Regardless of whether you choose to buy or create, a wedding binder is ESSENTIAL for a positive planning experience. 

Choosing Your Gown!

photo by Frank James II Photography

1. Stick to your budget. Avoid trying own gowns that are way out of your price range. You could risk comparing super elaborate gowns to ones that you can actually afford. It won't be pretty.

2. Know what's right for your body. I love beautiful mermaid gowns. Unfortunately, I'm 4'11" and pretty top heavy. Not a good combination. Look through your own closet and identify your most flattering pieces. Look for similar shapes while gown shopping.

3. Do some research. A few episodes of Say Yes To The Dress and a few flips through a magazine can be a huge help in identifying your preferences. You can also look to several websites for researching different styles, necklines, and fabrics.

4. Alterations are your friend. Bridal boutiques always come equipped with amazingly talented seamstresses. Simple changes could turn a "maybe" into an "on my god this is my dress!!!"

5. Showcase your personality. Be yourself! If you want to wear a bright pink gown. Wear a bright pink gown. Remember yesterday's post? This is all about you and your hubby.

6. Choose your entourage CAREFULLY!! You've seen those episodes of SYTTD. Be wary of bringing people who could ruin your appointment by ignoring your wants. Only bring those who can be supportive AND honest at the same time.

7. Keep a picture on your phone. Get someone to snap one of you wearing the gown. This can be super helpful when choosing accessories and fun for daydreaming.

8. Keep an open mind! You might be determined to buy a certain shape or fabric but don't be afraid to try something that's completely the opposite. You could be pleasantly surprised.

9. Imagine his face. Think of what he'll say when hen sees this gown. This should help to take you away from the boutique and imagine if this dress fits your dream.

10. Tears are a good sign! When the tears begin to fall, you know you've found the one

Other helpful links...

Gown Shopping Checklist 

10 Unique Gowns

Style Info graphic 

It's All About Us!

                                          image source

The main focus of your wedding day is, of course, your brand new marriage. Yes, we're celebrating a union of two families. But where would that union be without the happy couple?

Because we want your marriage to be the focus, we want the guests to be able to see as much of your personality and style as possible. You can do this is every single aspect of the wedding: colors, music, theme. It's all about you!

Take our wedding for example...

My bridesmaids are wearing mismatched dresses. Do people think I'm crazy? Yes. Do I care? No.

Our ceremony music is from the Forrest Gump score (our favorite movie). You won't hear any Canon in D at this girl's wedding.

Our groomsmen aren't even wearing jackets. Calm down...

There are tons of ways we choose to reflect our laid back, carefree personalities. And there are a million ways you can make this day all about you. So, make sure your family is aware that their choices could get a big fat veto from the bride and groom.

(Don't worry! We're going to talk about keeping family involved in future posts! Stay tuned...)

Take a look at these unique weddings! Full of personality, no?

10 Unique Wedding Themes

Let's Go Camping

Where The Wild Things Are (shot by my wedding photographer!)

Blushing Budget

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That's right, people. We're getting it out of the way. Rich or poor, shoppaholic or cheapskate, no one likes to talk about money. So the number one way to have a positive planning experience is to build a  budget.

You may have family members try to avoid it by saying "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Don't listen. You'll end up falling off the bridge and drowning in your DIY wedding punch.  Just follow these simple steps to create the perfect budget for your perfect wedding.

1. Prioritize: Make a list of all the things you want for your big day and organize them into three categories:
     A. Basics: Must haves for every wedding. Food, flowers, ceremony site, etc.
     B. Details: These can be anything from just a few candles to chandeliers hanging over every table.
     C. Splurges: This special category is for that little girl inside you that dreamed of having your reception at the Taj Mahal. It may take a little bit of savings and fairy dust but you can't live without it.

2. Delegate: Assign parts of the budget to the groom's and bride's family. It doesn't have to be perfectly equal, it just needs to make sure everyone feels involved and comfortable. You can go the traditional route or customize it to fit your needs.

3. Start saving: Even if you aren't responsible for a single penny of the budget it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.

4. Be realistic: Don't ask too much of your family. Odds are they are even more stressed than you. If you know something is out of their price range, discuss it first or find a budget friendly alternative.

5. Stick to the plan: Set a certain spending amount for each item and try not to stray from it.

6. Do your research: Talk with other brides and research different vendors so you can get a basic idea of pricing for each service.

There you have it! My short, simple list for a reasonable budget!

And while you're in the mood...

Who Traditionally Pays For What At A Wedding?

Wedding Budget Worksheet

Budget Tool and Payment Schedule