A Guide To Planning Your Own Wedding Gifts

Common items required for a wedding include best man gifts, bridesmaid gifts, wedding favours, gift for the father of the bride, mother of the bride etc, etc. It is important to find a retailer/engraver that has the right equipment to carry out personalisation requirement.

bridal gown

You should even think about gold foiling your wedding album. How unique is that? It also goes without saying that you should also get your retailer/engraver to engrave the inside of your wedding bands (rings).The entire personalisation request made in one place, how convenient this can be. Common items you might give out in your wedding are, pewter tankards for the best man, usher and father of the bride. As you will be requiring personalisation on the bride and grooms champagne glasses and even the champagne bottle.

Of course you will need to know that your retailer has the right equipment to do this. The more versatile the machine, the wider variety of items you can get them to personalise. This is because your wedding gifts come in all different shapes, sizes and materials. Ordering your gifts through one supplier could guarantee cost savings in terms of the gifts and personalisation request.

Once you've found your reliable retailer/engraver to carry out your vast array of gifts items for your wedding, then you can get them to do gifts for birthday, retirement, graduation, christenings, mother's day and any other event you can think of. Try searching for your nearest reliable retailer/engraver today, you will be surprised how many they're actually out there that could engraved on pewter tankards, toasting goblets, rings etc.

A Bridesmaids Duty

No wedding is complete without Bridesmaids. Apart from looking gorgeous in the photographs – though never upstaging the bride, Bridesmaids perform functions that have been set in stone by superstition.

bridesmaid dresses

For instance, did you know that the bride is traditionally dressed by her Bridesmaids on her wedding day?

Another important task allotted to Bridesmaids is to act as kind of bodyguards. It is a duty of the Bridesmaids to accompany the bride to the church, in order to protect her from being whisked away by the groom’s rivals. As if!

Bridesmaids should be briefed before entering the church not to stumble whilst walking down the aisle. Why? Because superstition states a Bridesmaid who does so will be a spinster unless she catches the bride’s bouquet in the future. No pressure, then ...

What’s more, the bridesmaids’ bouquets  – as well as those carried by the bride and decorating the church – are signs of happiness.

And the Matron of Honour is said to represent the benefits of married life.
The giving and exchanging of not only rings, but gifts, is a key element of any wedding. Apart from the presents given to set the married couple up in their marital home, it is traditional for the bride and groom to give gifts to the wedding party, to thank each memeber for the role they played. These gifts – or ‘favours’, are usually given during the groom’s speech.

Need inspiration on the Bridesmaid-giving front? Then read on or go straight to The Gift Experience website for some great wedding gift ideas.

Little Bridesmaids will treasure their favours for years, so choose carefully. A Sterling Silver Bridesmaid Charm Bracelet, Bridesmaid Sterling Silver Heart on a Chain, or Cross Pendant in a personalised gift box will give guaranteed, long-lasting delight.

If your young Bridesmaids are into soft toys, then a Bridesmaid Message Bear will become her new best friend for life.

The mature Bridesmaid will adore a Single Crystal Champagne Flute in which to down her bubbly. A Silver Plated Compact Mirror and Atonomiser Gift Set, or even a Lipstick Holder with Mirror, perfect for touch-ups whilst circulating, would be equally well received.

A Personalised Photo Frame or Wedding Album will give your Bridesmaid a permanent reminder of the role she played on your big day. Or opt for a Personalised Bridal Party Memory Box in which to store her memories.

Another winning idea is a minimalist Heart Trinket Box, engraved with a message of your choice – as is a glamorous Bridesmaid church Candle, beautifully wrapped and personalised with your Brideamaid’s role, name, the date of your wedding.
Alternatively, fill a pretty Crystal Perfume Bottle with her favourite fragrance, then engrave it for the X-factor. Or give her a personalised Silver Plated Jewellery Box in which to keep her bling.

A Crystal Wine Bottle Coaster, accompanied by a bottle of her favourite plonk and enveloped in luxurious wrapping, is the ideal solution for a Bridesmaid who enjoys a glass at the end of a hard day at the office.

And if you prefer to stick with tradition, then a simple Cross Pendant inside a Personalised Gift Box will fit the bill perfectly.
MJ

Postwedding Festivities: After-Party Basics

flora gown

These days, newlyweds no longer ride off into the sunset, headed for an evening of unbridled post-nuptial passion and other wedding-night cliches. Even if a bout of candlelit lovin' is in the cards, most couples find that it's also important to prolong the festivities at a post-reception blowout with friends and family, especially with those who have trekked great distances to attend the wedding. At any celebration, there are always revelers who refuse to let the good times come to a close, so it's a good idea to have an after-hours game plan.

Who Comes?

The "after-party party" is still a pretty informal gathering, generally thrown for the couple's closest friends and any crazy relatives who want to attend. A stringent guest list is rarely adhered to, but some couples aim to restrict the post-reception bash to the bridal party, while others choose to invite anyone and everyone who's begging for more. You might want to start by determining who will definitely be in tow (your sorority sisters, your little brother, and other bon vivants) and then just know to expect other guests who spontaneously decide they, too, want in on the action.

Spreading the Word

If you want to get the crowd psyched up for the festivities, send out invitations. Try not to make it sound exclusive and secretive -- you don't want to hurt feelings. You needn't make the merriment undercover, because you basically already know who's coming. Your grandparents, for one, will probably have other plans. Ditto for your 13-year-old cousin. Or, just let word of mouth take over. Mention the party at the bachelor and bachelorette bashes, and maybe follow up with invitations in the hotel room hospitality baskets. Everyone should feel welcome to join.

Where's the Party?

Before you figure out where it's all going to go down, think about how you'd like to celebrate. You might want to plan the party to contrast with the type of wedding you're having. For example, if you'll be having a noon wedding followed by a low-key luncheon affair, a buttoned-up reception due to religious/military requirements, or an evening reception in a country club that doesn't allow loud music, why not throw an all-out extravaganza for your friends later that night? Springing for a simple gathering in the hotel bar or bridal suite is standard. Or you can rent out a room at a favorite local watering hole or restaurant (be sure to make reservations in advance). Have the bridesmaids and groomsmen tote some of the leftovers to party central for when you get the munchies, and a table centerpiece or two will do wonders for ambience.

Dress Code

Even if the after-party party will be happening in makeshift surroundings, you can generally expect everyone to still be in their party clothes. At a hotel, many guests will want to change into more casual gear, but if you want to sport your wedding day duds 'til dawn, don't feel obligated to remove them. True, a poufy white tulle gown ( flora gown) will seem out of place at a local dive and will likely call much attention to you and your satin-clad entourage, but don't let that stop you from playing the princess card for as long as you wish. Besides, you might even score some free congratulatory drinks. On the other hand, if most of the party seem at home in their fancy wedding-day getups and you'd prefer to ditch the pearls and pantyhose, slip into comfy clothes. If appropriate, you can even stomp around in your peignoir and pajamas.


Footing the Bill

So, the big question is: Who's paying? Chances are there will be many a guest offering to pick up some six-packs at the local convenience store or slap down their credit cards at the bar. Yes, you've forked out quite a chunk of change for the wedding, but so have your friends. Between the showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties, gifts, attire, hotels, and travel, they've spent quite a lot to be a part of your celebration. Covering the cost of the after-party party is the perfect way for you to thank your crew for their exertions. No need to go overboard -- if you're worried about overspending, just put a cap on the craziness after an hour or two.

Free Weddings: Great Deal or Too Good to be True?

free wedding 

Read on to find out why a growing number of resorts are offering them -- and if it’s really worth it.

To entice couples to choose their property as the setting for their “I dos,” a growing number of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico are offering great deals on wedding packages -- including, believe it or not, ones that cost nada. Tying the knot on a beautiful tropical beach -- for free, no less -- probably sounds a little like a Publishers Clearing House commercial: Sure, who wouldn’t want all their dreams to come true? But few of us are holding our breath, waiting for Ed McMahon to show up at our doors with a jumbo-size check. However, unlike that check, these freebie nuptials aren’t just gimmicks to get you on a mailing list. You can have a destination wedding sans cost -- though not without a catch. Want to know more? Keep reading to find out what these free wedding packages are all about -- and to decide whether one is right for you.

What’s the real deal with these so-called free weddings? 

While free wedding offerings vary widely from resort to resort, typically you’re getting the most basic wedding package, which in some cases may not be a lot. Think: flowers, decorations, a cake, taped music and hors d’oeuvres. What you probably won’t get: a three-course dinner for you and all of your guests, an open bar, live music (i.e., a band or DJ), a wedding photographer, a flora gown, a private reception (the space may be shared -- as in, other hotel guests could crash) and your desired guest list (the headcount is typically limited). While a wedding officiant is usually part of the deal, you won’t necessarily get a legal union for free either. If you choose to marry at a resort outside the US, there’s typically paperwork and fees (not always covered by the resort) that you’ll need to complete in order to legally be considered husband and wife. Get more info on marriage license requirements outside the US here.

So, what’s the catch?

You’re smart to be skeptical. Not surprisingly, there are restrictions and requirements, which vary but may include a minimum length of stay (typically ranging from three to seven nights), a maximum number of guests (think: two to four in addition to the bride and groom) and a minimum number of rooms that must be booked (we’ve seen anywhere from five to 20). Or the bride and groom may be required to book a pricier suite. And as we said, you’ll be getting a pretty bare-bones package -- any upgrades or extras you choose to add will cost you. But of course, if you choose to stick with the basic freebie, you may not get to pick your color scheme or cake.

Why are some brides choosing them (besides the fact that they’re, uh, free)? 

Most resorts have wedding coordinators who can help with all the details, which can be a huge relief when you’re planning a wedding from afar. Some may even be able to incorporate your tastes and preferences, so you can still personalize the event (just check with the resort first). Couples who want an intimate affair, surrounded by just family and close friends, may want their guests to stay at the same resort anyway, so meeting a room quota might not be a big deal to you -- or your guests. But the real attraction? You’ll get a gorgeous, beachfront wedding -- free of charge -- and you won’t have to worry about traveling anywhere for your honeymoon.

Why in the world would a resort treat you (and your nearest and dearest) to a free wedding?

Well, it’s a great way for resorts to incentivize couples -- and their guests -- to stay there, especially during nonpeak times. (Some only offer “free weddings” during shoulder season.) These guys know that once they get people to their resort, those people are going to spend -- and not just on the room (room service, spa treatments, poolside margaritas, etc.). And if they like what they see, taste and experience, they may come back, so it’s basically free advertising. Plus, these resorts count on the “upsell” factor -- that they’ll be able to get couples to shell out for extras and upgrades, as well as welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners, and good-bye brunches (which many do, considering they’re getting the big day for free).

The bottom line? 

For some couples, especially those on a tight budget, these free wedding packages offer a chance for them to get married in their dream location. It can also be a great way to save money on the big day, even if you opt to pay for upgrades and extras. After all, free is free, and all the elements to a fab affair really add up, so why not save where you can? Just be sure to do your research to make sure it’s a great deal for you and your guests, and you’re still getting a wedding you’ll both love.

DIY Wedding Hairstyles: How to Get Perfect Destination Wedding Hair

wedding hairstyle

You didn’t come all this way to look anything less than amazing. Pick the weather forecast that matches your wedding location to find the style that’s right for you.

Hot and Humid Climates


The Style: Up but loose 

Why it works: Whether you have all-out curls, a bit of wave, or a stick-straight mane, you’ll want to make the most of your natural texture while avoiding frizz. David Shmagin, a stylist at the Robert Kree Salon, in New York City, calls this look “organized chaos.”

How to: Let hair dry naturally for maximum smoothness. Hair gets frizzy because it sucks moisture out of the air; avoid that fate by running a humectant styling product lightly over hair. Smooth hair with a curling iron and pin up random sections, starting with the sides.

Cold Weather


The Style: Pulled back with a low, asymetrical bun

Why it works: This style allows you to use a loose hat without messing things up.
How to: Blow-dry hair. Run a drop of anti-frizz shine-maker over hair to conquer flyaways. Pull hair into a low, tight ponytail. Use pins to fasten hair in a tight, off-center spiral near the base of the skull, covering the elastic.
Mild, Temperate Climates

The Style: Down but loose and easy

Why it works: This weather invites an easy, natural look.
How to: Divide dry hair into large chunky sections and curl with hot rollers or an iron, says Shmagin. Let cool completely before touching. Rake a dollop of shaping humectant-styler through hair.

Dry Heat


The Style: Up and clean-looking

Why it works: Keeping hair away from your neck helps you stay cool.
How to: Dry hair and run a flat iron over it for extra gleam. Pull it into two high ponytails, says Shmagin, one on top of the other. Split the top ponytail into two sections. Wind each section around a curling iron to smooth, then pin to loosely cover the elastic. Repeat with the other ponytail. Rub a few drops of a silicone gloss-maker over the front and sides.

Avoid These Disastrous Combinations

Hot Sun + Colored Hair The hot rays won’t zap your color if you use a protective leave-in conditioner with SPF. Go easy to avoid looking oily.

Dry Heat + Dull Hair In the months leading up to your big day ( your flora gown), schedule weekly deep conditioning treatments to optimize hair’s health. For a quick fix, add shine with a dollop of moisturizing pomade.

Humidity + Frizz To keep hair smooth, you must first blow-dry it completely (any moisture invites frizz). Then seal it with a swipe of a frizz-fighting silicone product. Stash a mini bottle with a designated bridesmaid for touch-ups.

Sea and Sun + Fragile Hair Stop hair from snapping and breaking by getting a clear gloss treatment at the salon (Redken makes a good one, says Shmagin). It lasts four to six weeks, he says, and protects hair while adding much-needed shine. Follow up on location with a leave-in strengthener.