Photo courtesy of Family Features (Family Features) — For engaged couples, it can seem as if there are a million things to accomplish before the big day arrives. One essential piece of the wedding puzzle involves creating a registry that makes it easy for guests to celebrate your union with gifts that reflect your personality as a couple. Before Building Your Registry It's no wonder why guests love the ease and simplicity of a gift registry. But many couples may not know where to begin when setting out to create this useful … [Read more...] about Wedding Registry 101; Getting everything accomplished before the big day arrives
Bridal
A guy’s guide to selecting wedding bands
Grooms, make a platinum promise on your wedding day. (NewsUSA) — Congratulations to all you soon-to-be grooms. Now that your wedding is only months away, your jewelry collection — just a watch, huh? — is about to increase by as much as 50 percent. Meaning, it’s time to start thinking about what kind of wedding band you want for yourself. Wedding bands have become the norm for men in recent years — 97 percent of grooms in The Knot Market Intelligence’s “2011 Engagement & Jewelry Study” opted for one — so even if you have … [Read more...] about A guy’s guide to selecting wedding bands
Always the bridesmaid? You can wear the dresses again
(NewsUSA) — “And you’ll be able to wear it again!” is a phrase often used around bridesmaids’ dresses. Because a ridiculously expensive lime-green taffeta shepherdess gown is appropriate for almost any occasion, and the Peter Pan collar is poised to make a comeback any century now. If you’re one of the many women who has piles of Pepto-Bismol-colored ruffles stuffed in the back of her closet, never fear — you will be able to wear that dress again. Host an old bridesmaids’ dress party, and the good times may even blot out the … [Read more...] about Always the bridesmaid? You can wear the dresses again
Brides on a budget
How to have a fabulous wedding for less (Family Features) — The average wedding in America costs around $29,000, according to The Wedding Report Inc., a wedding industry research company. Not surprisingly, couples are looking for ways to save money on their special day. Here are some ideas to help you have a wonderful wedding on a budget. The Date. Having a wedding on off-peak months and days can be a bargain. November through April are slower months for weddings, so many halls, caterers and other service providers give … [Read more...] about Brides on a budget
Honeymoon tips for lasting memories
With much of the stress that comes before a wedding, wouldn’t you like to know you can relax afterward? (NewsUSA) — The headache you’ve had for the past year planning your wedding, inviting all the guests and meticulously checking to ensure your big day runs smoothly is finally over. And, just around the corner, you can see your honeymoon in sight. The last things on your mind are planning, thinking and otherwise doing anything but relaxing, right? To ease your mind after the chaos, the ultimate Mexican getaways are offered … [Read more...] about Honeymoon tips for lasting memories
Make your ‘I do’ last forever
Don’t let your wedding rings slip to the bottom of your list. (NewsUSA) — In between the guest list, the flowers and the perfect three-tier cake, it can be hard to find time to shop for your wedding rings. However, it is important to remember that most of the wedding details are fleeting and gone after a few hours of enjoyment, while your rings are enjoyed forever. So, whether you are having a smaller gathering or a more traditional affair, this important to-do on your event checklist should not be overlooked, especially … [Read more...] about Make your ‘I do’ last forever
Say ‘I don’t’ to wedding stress
(Family Features) — Stomach aches, headaches, sleep problems, poor concentration, moodiness, irritability, racing thoughts … Getting married is supposed to be a happy time, right? So why are so many brides-to-be completely stressed out? Having to take care of endless details, manage vendors, handle family demands and meet the emotional needs of the groom – and fitting it all into an already busy schedule – can turn any sweet-natured woman into either a blubbering mess or the dreaded bridezilla. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to … [Read more...] about Say ‘I don’t’ to wedding stress
Simple meets special for summertime brunch
(Family Features) — Gathering with friends and family for brunch is a fun and budget-friendly entertaining alternative. To transform a brunch celebration from average to outstanding, follow some simple tips from Hollywood chef and caterer Paul McCullough. “Brunches are the entertaining solution for any occasion. They’re great for baby showers, birthdays, family reunions, weddings, or just gathering for fun. There’s something revitalizing about friends and family coming together in the late morning, enjoying great food, coffee … [Read more...] about Simple meets special for summertime brunch
What to know before popping the question
Choosing the right engagement ring can help make your big moment memorable. (NewsUSA) — An engagement ring symbolizes your promise to love and cherish your partner forever, and shows the world your commitment to your fiancée. Many women dream about their engagement ring their entire lives, so choosing the right style is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to ease the pressure of finding the ring and proposing: It’s Not Only About the Diamond A ring’s setting is as important as its diamond because the setting is … [Read more...] about What to know before popping the question
Make Your ‘I Do’ Last Forever
Don't let your wedding rings slip to the bottom of your list. "As the ultimate metal, platinum's unmatched durability and beauty make it a top pick among designers and 81 percent of brides," Michael O'Connor (NewsUSA) — In between the guest list, the flowers and the perfect three-tier cake, it can be hard to find time to shop for your wedding rings. However, it is important to remember that most of the wedding details are fleeting and gone after a few hours of enjoyment, while your rings are enjoyed forever. So, … [Read more...] about Make Your ‘I Do’ Last Forever