Bridal Registries

Bridal Registries are something brides and grooms still have and are doing it more fabulously then ever. At the start of a marriage, most couples have either not lived together and/or cannot afford much. They need all the help they can get, and this has not changed and probably will not change in coming years. It is also exciting for most couples to go to a couple of stores and pick out items that they will share and remember for the rest of their lives. We have created an updated list of tips for you and your fiancé to remember when registering for your possible gifts from your loved ones. 

1. How to Tell Your Guests About Your Registry Tastefully

Telling your guests about where to shop for your wedding presents can be a pretty awkward moment. Timing and how it is told are two important factors you should remember to announce tastefully where you will be registered. In today’s society, most couples create their own wedding website for guests to look at and be updated on the upcoming nuptials. When creating your website, create a link that shows where exactly you are registered. This way you are not directly telling them and they will still find out where and when to go. Pinterest is also a popular way to place your registry items on a website for your guests to search what you are hoping for. This is also a great method, because you can directly link each item to the website where they may purchase it. Your guests will really appreciate this because of the convenience of having it right there in front of them and they can purchase this item without leaving their house. Other ways we suggest is word of mouth and/or showing your registered stores on your bridal shower invitations. We do not recommend however to tell about your wedding registry in your initial wedding invitations. Today, this would be considered improper etiquette and we encourage you to wait a while to tell your guests in a different way. However, if you would like your guests to know right away, you could post your wedding website on your invitations to sneak around this.

2. After the Engagement, When Should You Register?

We recommend that you wait around one month or longer after you announce your engagement to register. This also depends on when you are planning on getting married. If you want a short engagement, we would recommend waiting about one month or so. If a year or more engagement is something you are wanting, than we recommend waiting a couple of months, so it does not feel like you are rushing your guests and you can also ask for more up-to-date items that might not have been in stores earlier that year.

3. Shop Ahead of Time

We recommend that you go to the stores you would like to register at before the appointment to not only save you time but headaches as well. By going before your appointment, make sure you like what they have and browse their items to have an idea on what you would like to register for. Registering can be very time consuming, so by having an idea of what you would want can help save you a lot of time. Also, we already know most men hate shopping (especially for items like glassware and decor), so by cutting the time down registering, will be something he will truly appreciate.



3. Make An Appointment

Believe it or not, registering for your wedding day can be very time consuming and might last more than one day at a single store. Calling ahead of time to make an appointment will ensure you personalized attention and will guarantee that you know everything there is to know about the store and the item you are registering for. Also, when you arrive there will be some paperwork to fill out in order to ensure your guests will know that it is you they are purchasing for.



4. Make Sure to Register With More Than One Store

This is mostly important because you will be saving your guests a lot of possible travel time and stress. We recommend that you register with 3-5 stores. By doing this you can make things easier for your guests because they will be able to at least access one store since they might not live near certain other stores. By registering with one department store as well, you can almost guarantee that your guests will have one that is not too far away from them. Registering at different stores such as boutiques, shops and department stores will also allow you to have a variety of different gifts that other stores might not have in stock. All around, it may be a headache to register at more than one store, but you and your guests will appreciate the variety to choose from.

You and your fiancé are just starting off life together, so having a registry is very important and is still very relevant in today’s society. Your friends and your family want to help you two out in any ways possible, and by having a registry, they can see exactly what the two of you want and need. Having a registry not only takes the stress away from you and your fiancé, but it also takes the stress away from your guests because they know they are spending money on something you truly want and need in order to start your wonderful and happy lives together. 

BBFN (Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Is Mini the New BIG Trend?

           No one can argue that food is one of the most important parts at a wedding.  It is something that can set your wedding apart from others.  The big trend in 2012 is to have mini foods in all parts of the big day.  Whether it is during the cocktail hour, the reception, or the after hours, brides everywhere have been incorporating mini foods in a fun and creative way.  From mini pies and sliders to dessert shooters and mini cocktails, mini foods have been trending and we believe is a cute idea that is easy for your guests to eat and pretty easy on the budget.

            Examples of mini foods that have been used at previous weddings can go on and on.  Depending on the vibe you were desiring for your wedding, there are many great and unique choices out there for any type of event.  During the cocktail hour choices range from little salt-rimmed margaritas and mini coca cola bottles to blueberry martini jello shots and mini crab cakes.  For the reception dinner, couples can choose to have mini steaks to mini meatballs with a small spaghetti portion on top.  The cake can also be miniaturized by serving mini cupcakes or small individual cakes for each guest.  And for those who are having late night wedding receptions and want to serve after hours snacks, the variety does not have an end.  Mini tacos, sliders, bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, and espresso shots topped with mini doughnuts are just to name a few.  Basically, if you dream it, it can be miniaturized. 

 

            Saving money never hurts right?  Well whether you serve mini delights in a buffet setup or have it served butler style on trays, mini foods are a very creative and less expensive way to feed you and your guests. They also allow a maximum assortment of different foods and flavors into your menu that can satisfy anyone’s appetite.  Mini foods also can easily incorporate cultural foods and traditions into the special day.  Whatever the reason and the use of these tiny treats, this unique style of food can be a focal point and conversation starter at any wedding event.     

BBFN ( Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Finding the One

You already found the perfect guy, and you have the perfect ring on your finger, so now it's time to find the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.

You'll find the same theme throughout our blog, but we'll say it again...

No piece of a wedding is one size fits all. Each element should be a reflection of who you are as a couple, including your venue.

Here are our top tips to keep in mind when choosing your venue:

• Have an idea of what type of venue you would like to consider for your event such as hotel, country club, banquet hall or specialty venue.
• Set a budget, inclusive of the space, and likely the food & beverage.
• Know the size of your guest list. Don’t forget that every person you will invite will not necessarily attend.
• Always visit the property, and take a site tour,before making your final decision. Pictures and websites can be deceiving.
• Read reviews of the venues you are considering and check with your friends and family to see if they have attended an event at the facility.
• Plan what time of day your event will be taking place. Pricing is considerably different between lunch events and dinner events
• Food service style: pricing is different between plated, buffet and family style service. Some venues do not offer all three types of service.
• Special features: Have you always dreamed your wedding would have natural light shining through floor to ceiling windows, sky high ceilings, outdoor gardens to stroll through, etc. Identifying, and finding these features can assist in narrowing your selection.

Have further questions? Contact a member of our team who can help make your venue selection easier.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

The Skinny on Your Bridesmaid

Your engagement has been announced, you are in wedding planning bliss, the wedding date is sort of picked out and now is the time to pick your entourage. The tradition began in ancient times, bridesmaids were used as decoys to confuse evil sprits wanting to harm the bridal couple. The role has evolved into their modern day role as the brides’ assistants. As a bride-to-be, your “Girls” will play a key support role in planning your wedding.

A wedding is a production of many details. As the producer and director of this big day, an organized bride with clear direction will be much appreciated. Beyond selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses, partying at your bachelorette party, and dancing with groomsmen, there are few “bridesmaid duties” that can be delegated to your helpful bridal party.

Calling upon Venues
List a few venues for your bridesmaid to call. Have her check on the availability of the date, space and wedding packages. As a bride you may be interested in as many as 30 venues. This will alleviate the overwhelming pressure of countless calls.

Bridal Shows
Designate one of your bridesmaids to register you for bridal shows, special events or special offers. Set up a “Couple’s Wedding Email” address so that all the information can be directed to your wedding inbox.

Favor Party
Have a bridesmaid troll websites looking for trendy favor ideas. Have her email you pictures or website links to view these products. Have her organize a “Favor Party” if you select a product that may require personalization.

Rehearsal
Bridesmaids can execute administrative duties by creating a “Rehearsal Packet” for the bridal party. The packet should include information such as the timeline, photo schedule, when and where they need to be. This information can be organized and emailed to the bridal party. A copy should also be made for distribution at the ceremony rehearsal.


Out of town guests
One of your bridesmaids can organize “Things to do in our Town” information for your out of town guests. Information can include places of special interest, popular restaurants, shopping malls, transportation and contact information in case of any emergency.

Placecards
Most venues will set up your placecards on the day of the wedding. Have a bridesmaid cross check your master guest list against the placecards. Once they are double checked, place them in alphabetical order, and have a box ready for delivery to the venue. Do not forget to include you master guest list.


Your bridal party is there to assist you with your wedding day. It is an honor for them to be part of your special guests. They understand that you may reach out to them beyond just planning bridal showers and the bachelorette party. Go ahead, get them involved, you will be pleasantly surprised how much support they can lend to their bride and her big day.

BBFN, (Bridal Bliss for Now)
Olivia