Julz's Special Day - Planning My Daughter's Wedding

J. Crew Warehouse Sale - Virginia

2013-03-14T13:23:00.000-04:00

Here is another opportunity to save on great clothes and accessories from J. Crew. I know this sounds like a repeat of my last few posts, but I need to share this awesome way to save money when planning for your wedding or special event. Last month Julz and her two sisters traveled to the J. Crew Warehouse in Lynchburg, Virginia and took full advantage of the warehouse / sample sale on Sunday, February 24. Each spent about $150 and came home with great purchases. Camille's special purchase was a great pair of brown leather boots for $50 and sweet patent leather flats with gold heels for $30. Ali stocked up on tops and bottoms as did Julz. The savings is so worth the trip! But, as I have shared in the past, this event is not for the weak. The sale is in a warehouse and requires patience and time. Julz, Ali and Camille spent over four hours sorting thru boxes of items. This is considered heaven for some but is clearly not for everyone. Prices from the Feruary Warehouse Sale: Wedding Dresses - $30 Special Occasion - $10 All Other Dresses - $15 Shoes - $30 Sandals - $10 Cashmere Sweaters - $25 Winter Coats - $45 Tops - $10 Skirts - $10 Pants - $10 Purchases are limited to $500. Remember there are no fitting rooms; know your size. No sorting, no resale. WHEN: March 16, 2013 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM March 17, 2013 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM WHERE: J. Crew Warehouse Sale 25 Millrace Drive Lynchburg, VA 24551

J. Crew Warehouse Sale

2013-02-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

If you are planning a Wedding this year then you must visit the J.Crew Warehouse in Lynchburg, Virginia for the warehouse sale next weekend. Sale details: Saturday, February 23 8am - 8pm, and Sunday, February 24 10am - 6pm. The event is held at the J.Crew Millrace Clearance Store, 25 Millrace Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502. The event features styles for women, men and the Crewcuts collections. The warehouse store is good everyday but on these two dates you receive and additional 15% discount. And keep in mind there are actually two locations in Lynchburg just to double your shopping fun!

J. Crew Factory Store sale

2012-02-19T09:51:00.000-05:00

If you missed the recent warehouse J.Crew Sale in Richmond last month, or if you just can't get enough of a good thing, mark March 10 in your datebook. The J.Crew Warehouse will have a special monthly sale for two day, March 10 & 11. More details are available by calling 434.385.6700. Visit 25 Millrace Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Great stop for formal and party dresses!

Easy Wedding Planning with Electronic Tools

2012-02-12T13:23:00.000-05:00

Planning a wedding is tough enough with all of the details needed to make your special day shine. It is easy to get caught up in the "all about me" theme that weddings focus on ... The bride's special day. But remember that your job as the hostess of a big party is to ensure the process is easy for your guests as well. Most guests feel somewhat obligated to attend your wedding. They are either a relative, good friend, work associate, client or schoolmate. Often they haven't budgeted the money or time to attend your wedding. Guests are using vacation time to be at your wedding and spending money on a gift and often times, travel, lodging and attire. So how can the whole wedding planning process, for hostess and guests, be easier? Although weddings are basically based on traditions and formalities, new technologies can really help the planning process. Earlier in this blog we discussed wedding apps. There are many and a wedding app can really help you and serve as a reminder about certain tasks. Another great tool for wedding planning is to use Google docs for planning. Julz and Tom used Google docs to create their invite list which served as a great main document. Both Tom's parents and Bob and I could edit the invite list and add addresses and helpful notes. You can also work your table planning and seating arrangements from this tool as well. Nothing can cause more stress than trying to agree on who will sit at each of the ten tables of ten guests. Electronic planning tools really help!

In The New York Times today there is a great article about the use of QR Codes in wedding invites (Where's the Reception? Scan This, by Courtney Rubin) I can attest to the need for clear,easy instructions for guests - this was one area we could have improved for Julz's wedding. We did not have a clear list of directions from point A to point B. Very important. Including a QR Code on your invite can quickly lead your guests to your website with all your wedding details. As mentioned in the article, "with the QR Code, we were able to bring people right to the front door .... Nobody had to stop at the restaurant and ask around." To read the complete article visit The New York Times, "Where's the Reception? Scan This."

J.Crew Warehouse Sale in Richmond

2012-01-18T23:17:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard there is an awesome event in Richmond, Virginia right now.... the J.Crew Warehouse Sale. And you can still enjoy it until until January 22. Not only can you find great savings on terrific J.Crew clothes you can save a ton on bridal dresses and formal wear. As a J.Crew Warehouse sale veteran let me point out a few important tips that can help you have a successful shopping trip: 1. First this sale isn't for weak shoppers. Don't get discouraged when you first arrive and you are greeted with a shopping list and a garbage bag. Everyone is treated like this. 2. This should really be number one tip. Dress in leggings and a tight knit top. Carry only a small purse. Since there are no dressing rooms if you dress correctly you'll be able to try clothes on right over your slim outfit. 3. The sale is really a warehouse sale in a former Barnes and Noble store. There are cardboard boxes on tables everywhere. Row after row after row. The best way to conquer this challenge is to make a priority list of what you are shopping for first. Coats and swimwear are great buys but there are zillions of pants and tops too. But the best purchase you can make is wedding attire.

4. If you are looking for a wedding dress it helps to be familiar with the J.Crew catalog. That way when you see the dresses rolled up in balls, hanging out of boxes and flung over racks, you won't get discouraged. Know the vision first! Most dresses are just a bit wrinkled. 5. Set aside at least two hours for your visit. Don't plan to rush in and out of the sale. And there may be a waiting line to just get in the doors and another line to check out. Be patient! 6. This kind of shopping is serious. Do not bring small children. You need to focus on your objective. 7. You cannot return items. If you are shopping for a wedding party bring them all. This may take a few visits but your wedding attendants will appreciate your attempt to rein in costs. We dressed an entire wedding party last year at this event. The brides cost was $300 and the bridesmaid's were $35 each. Then each girl purchased a dress for the rehearsal dinner as well for $35. Yes, we were lucky and yes, some compromises were made but in the long run all for the good. Each bridesmaid selected a dress that she really liked, that she could wear again, and that fit her well. There was a neutral color palette selected and the girls worked within those colors. The result was a beautiful wedding party at a reasonable cost. 8. Before you purchase, do a careful double check of the pieces you have selected. Look for small holes, rips, marks or stains. Be realistic about the repairs needed and what can be fixed. Some just need a hem repaired or a hook and eye replaced.

9. Although prices are terrific, the big bag you collect will add up. It's easy to suddenly have $300 of great buys! As you shop, sort, sort, sort! 10. Prices are the best now. Pants and blazers that were $30 are now $15. Shoes there were $30 are now $20. 11. Rumor has it trucks arrive daily with more goodies. I heard trucks come in at 9 am and 4 pm daily. If you are up for the challenge and shopping thrill of a lifetime, then visit the J.Crew Warehouse Sale daily from 10 am to 8pm at 9750 West Broad Street near Gaskins Road beside the Costco in the West End.

2012-01-07T11:16:00.000-05:00

J. Crew warehouse sale in Richmond,VA now thru January 22,2012. If you are getting married, a bridesmaid, in a wedding or going to a wedding, this warehouse sale is worth the trip. Our J.Crew groupies plan to check out the sale later today and we will post an update.

Post-Wedding Wrap Up

2011-12-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

Brides, grooms and their families plan for months, even years to pull together a wedding. Each detail is carefully thought out, researched, discussed and decided on. The venue, date, dress, ceremony details, reception location, music, food .... The list goes on. Then the big day comes. In the case of Julz and Tom, July 5, 2011 came and a wonderful wedding unfolded. The day was perfect and everything went as planned. The guests came in from everywhere and celebrated the beginning of Julz and Tom's new life. Well that was July and now it is almost Christmas .... Four months later. The newlyweds have settled into their new life, the guests are long gone, and life is back to "normal". But life after the wedding is more than just packing up and going on a honeymoon. Let's look at some of the post-wedding details: Thank you notes, Wedding albums and photos, Balances paid to all vendors, Storage of items and cleaning of clothing. We'll investigate each of these areas in the coming days.

Post-Wedding Recovery

2011-09-11T21:56:00.000-04:00

Taking a minor wedding break ... from shopping, hair appointments, and many other normal tasks. Will be back soon!

Cookie Table Tradition Continues

2011-08-07T22:40:00.000-04:00

In keeping with her Pittsburgh background, Julz had an awesome cookie table, no actually cookie room, at her wedding. We all thank the many kind bakers who stepped forward to bake (or buy) their favorite cookie. The beautiful 10' antique diningroom table was stunning with countless varieties of yummy cookies! Special thanks to Joan who took the charge as "Cookie Director" and organized the effort. And thanks to all of the wonderful family members and friends who contributed to this important Pittsburgh wedding tradition: Sharon, Merri, Angie, Julie, Gussie, Suzie and Jadranko (!!!), Mary Francis, Keith and Karlin, Jenn and the many others. Special thanks to Angela, our wedding coordinator, and the awesome crew at Lewis Ginter!!!

Julz & Tom Wedding Photos

2011-08-06T13:29:00.002-04:00

Julz and Tom celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary this past Wednesday, August 3. The past month has flown by! Julz and Tom enjoyed a two-week honeymoon to the Northeast visiting friends and family and relaxing. The rest of us needed two weeks to recover from a wonderful wedding weekend! Now that we are all fully recovered I'll attempt to cover the past month in a few blog posts but in the meantime here are the wedding photos from Keith Mosher of KAM Productions and of course, Julz's dad, Robert Henshaw-Suder. The wonderful Michael Cope has posted them to the following link. Click below to see photos from the wedding weekend!

Julz and Tom's Wedding Photos

Enjoy!

One Week After the Wedding

2011-07-09T11:40:00.000-04:00

The wedding was wonderful! One week has already has past and we are just now recovering. Julz and Tom have honeymooned, the guests have returned home safely and life is almost back to normal.
Our good friend Keith Mosher from KAM Photography in Delaware did a great job photographing the weekend for Julz and Tom. I'll post his wonderful images here soon but here is a preview: http://video214.com/play/zg8a939RsiR3bvrXMZ4cPA/s/dark

Alice in Wonderland Wedding Prep

2011-06-26T14:16:00.000-04:00

One week from today we will be getting ready to leave for Julz and Tom's wedding. At this point we are pretty close to having all the details complete.

Since each of the 13 tables will have about five small glass bottles/ vases with single stem flowers in them, this weekend the focus is on prepping all the bottles for the centerpieces. That means washing and packing 65 glass bottles. Ali has been working day and night on the bags for the out-of-town guests, OOT Bags, and is still gathering few last minute goodies for those too.
Julz and Tom have been working on the seating chart which then allows Ali to create the place cards for the guests. Rather than have those place cards displayed on a table in the outdoor lobby to the reception, Tom and Julz came up with a great idea in keeping with the theme. They have a full-sized door with all the cards handing from hooks with keys, just like Alice. Also in keeping with the theme is the table set-up at the reception. Rather than having all the same tables, we have eight round tables and five long tables to provide more of the tea party feel from Alice in Wonderland.
Yesterday we visited Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to get a feel for what next week will look like both for blooming flowers and the position of the sun. It will be perfect at 6pm!

One Week Before the Wedding

2011-06-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

We are just about one week away from Julz and Tom's wedding at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA. Any wedding planner book could provide a detailed list of what you should be doing at this point. Probably everything should be final. But let me tell you from first-hand experience there are still many details that need done.
Last minute items like seating charts (more involved than you can imagine - similar to high school algebra), picking up the wedding dress only to still be tweaking alterations, head pieces (oh yeah, kinda didn't think about that), programs for the ceremony, jewelry, getting the rings sized or picking them up, marriage license, final payments to reception halls, caterers, planners, florists, picking up the cake (s) that is 400 miles away, finalizing the guest list (requires intense mind reading skills), scheduling babysitters and planning food and activities for children staying at house, organizing before and after activities for guests, and of course, jotting down the photo list for the photographer.
Still is this be difficult for Julz's father, Robert Henshaw-Suder, to cover his own daughter's wedding, skilled photographer Keith Mosher of Kam Productions came to the rescue. Keith was a student of Bob's years ago in Pittsburgh. Since then Keith has developed his own unique style and is the top photographer in the DeMarVa area and especially the Rehobah Beach area. Keith will do a great job shooting the wedding! Now we need a list of photos for the photographer

Communication Rules during a Wedding

2011-06-15T22:39:00.001-04:00

Once you are down to the nitty-gritty of wedding plans, like we are at 18 days prior to the event, it is critical to reach out the everyone involved to make sure they are aware of all the details. If you see people who have rsvp'ed but are not list listed at a preferred hotel, reach out to them and see what their plans are. Maybe they wanted a pool, a kids playroom, a break in the rate ... all good stuff to know. Not everything will stay at your selected hotels for whatever reasons. Reach out and at least learn where all of your guests plan to stay.
Make the process easy for your guests. Include the details right on the invitation or on the wedding website posted on the invite. Hotels, directions, gift registry, wedding party names and faces are also helpful. Maps to the local area can me vital to their stay. Continue to monitor rsvps and the requirements of your guests during their stay for a successful event.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner?

2011-06-14T22:46:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had a great meeting with the wedding planner for Julz and Tom's wedding on July 3. Angela Smith knows all the right questions to ask about the rehearsal, venue, setting, vendors, and ceremony. A bride and groom can hire a wedding planner to plan the entire wedding event from start to finish or for just the event itself. We elected to hire Angela for the rehearsal and day of the wedding although Angela will spend more time on the wedding than just that day-and-a-half.
A wedding planner shares her expertise to help make your special day a breeze. By using a wedding planner we have a professional who will basically make sure this show goes on without a glitch. Two weeks prior to the wedding a planner will call and confirm the vendors, make sure all the pieces are in place, and everyone knows what they need to do. She'll make suggestions based on the venue, the season and the theme of the wedding.
By getting all the names, emails, and other contact information, Angela will run the wedding day smoothly and with little stress for Julz, Tom and parents. She will basically run the rehearsal making sure everyone knows their places and where and when they have to make an entrance and exit. The day of the wedding Angela will pick up the flowers, pin the flowers on all, make sure programs are in place, the bride is calm (impossible), the ceremony starts on time, the toasts are made, the dances are announced, the cake is cut, and all the perfect photo opportunities are available. And at the end of a glorious wedding a good planner will have everything packed up and organized so the happy couple can leave for their new life stress free!

Avoid Wedding Stress - Make A List

2011-06-09T23:16:00.001-04:00

Ali is making a list while Julz does research.

How can you avoid wedding stress? You can't. Don't even think you can try to eliminate it from the planning process. What you can do is make your planning process easier by being organized.

New House for Tom & Julz

Julz and Tom's wedding in Richmond, Virginia is now 24 days away. Way back in December 2010, when Tom proposed, July 3, 2011 seemed a million years away! And it was in all of our lives ... 18 months away. Who knew all the crazy things life would bring during those 18 months!

Wedding Planners

Julz, of course accepted, Tom's proposal, Julz moved out of our house, accepted her first teaching job in a very challenging school, Tom's job got bigger and then he took a new position with another non-profit, Julz finished her first year teaching and then was transferred to another school which she loves, they both have mentored countless individuals, then Julz's Dad, Robert Henshaw-Suder was diagnosed with cancer (one year ago today), started treatment and survived the treatment (now cancer-free!!), Julz's and Tom bought their first home, then decided to remodel it prior to moving in and having a wedding. To successfully plan a wedding in the mist of all this chaos requires one basis tool .... a list.

Visit to Pgh for Wedding Cakes from Christos

A list is the only way you can get anything accomplished and not freak out while planning. Now that we are down to the final countdown of days, the list is even more critical. And it spans multiple cities and is almost hour by hour. This past Tuesday included: mail separate contracts and deposits for the caterer and the additional tent, arrange a meeting time with the wedding planner (around the schedules of four people ... I need a plan to schedule the planner), stop in at Christos Greek Restaurant in Pittsburgh, while on a business trip, to confirm the wedding cakes and pick-up arrangements. I also had a nice visit with the cookie table director, Aunt Joan, who is doing a great job coordinating a multi-city team of cookie bakers (really? we need 1,400 cookies!?).
Once you have your list down to daily or hourly tasks, then it is just a matter of crossing them off. Of course, I do not have the only list. Julz has a long list of details, Tom is busy with the house, band arrangements for the reception including a song list and following up on the suits for the groomsmen. Maid of Honor Ali is just plain busy on the details ... this week it is the Out-of-Town bags for guests staying at various hotels. Ali has the Alice in Wonderland theme and lots of goodies for guest traveling from far. Then we have the house prep list which is for Julz's Dad .... landscaping, ordering mulch, painting outdoor decks and patios.
Tomorrow marks another day closer to the wedding and another list!

One Month Prior to the Wedding

2011-06-01T23:11:00.000-04:00

Everyday is a now a to-do list of wedding items:
We are 32 days away .... we confirmed our wedding planner for the day of the wedding. Angela Smith will handle all the details of the actual wedding. Calling all the vendors two weeks prior to the wedding day and making sure everyone knows what they need to do. On the day prior to the wedding, Angela will attend the rehearsal at Lewis Ginter and coordinate the practice event. She'll make sure everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to be, but if they forget on the day of the wedding, Angela will remind them and lead the show. Then at the actual ceremony, Angela will make sure everything runs like clockwork. This could be a challenge with this crew. Angela, Julz, Ali and I need to get together this weekend to confirm vendors, timeframes and every tiny detail for this wedding.
Another to-do this week was to confirm the addition of the second 30" x 60" tent at Lewis Ginter. This will serve as a dance area and rain plan should we run into weather issues and need to take cover. Lewis Ginter already has an existing tent in place but that is where the sit-down dinner will be served. Currently we are planning for 13 tables of various sizes in keeping with the Alice in Wonderland theme. Kevin with Rent-E-Quip has been leading the tent project and we plan to finalize that contract tomorrow.
Finally we have the catering contract in place with Meriwether-Godfrey - the Lewis Ginter caterer. Their representatives Mary and Barb have been super to work with and have pulled together a great summer menu that can be served family style.
Tomorrows list is another one full of items to cross off ....

New Home

2011-05-29T01:23:00.001-04:00

Livingroom

Kitchen remodeling

Entryway

Recycling Pit

Recycling pit close up

Look close to see the train

See the Amtrak train thru the bushes

New kitchen

Remodeling demo

Tom and Julz are busy with their new dream home! Not to say the wedding has been pushed to the back burner but who can focus on wedding details when installing a new kitchen. We are 36 days from the wedding now!! Don't worry - everything is under control - Not!!

Best Richmond VA Wedding Photographer

2011-05-27T21:27:00.002-04:00

Where do you start to search for a great photographer to capture the images of your important day, your wedding. In our family photography is so ingrained in our daily lives we assume everyone else realizes and appreciates the important of a great image. Sadly that is not the case.
The only thing the really captures the essence of your wedding day for years to come is a photograph. Cakes taste great, the flowers look pretty, the music sounds wonderful and sets the tone of the event, but in reality the wedding photo on your dresser or the framed 16" x 20" on the wall is really what will remind you of how special your wedding day was. When you sit down and glance thru your wedding album on an anniversary, those images will tell the story of the day. They will capture all the memories of the special moments, the family and friends who attended and the precious frozen moments during a father/daughter dance or tossing of the bouquet.
Julz, Julianne, grew up as the daughter of a photographer from day one. Her father, Robert Henshaw-Suder, has been a professional photographer since finishing his early training at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. As a commercial photographer for years in Pittsburgh, and owner of PhotoDesign, Robert has photographed Fortune 500 company annual reports, network news reporters, models, actors, magazine covers, ads for just about everything and the famous "Face the Fire" calendar series. Visit www.rhsphoto.com
Julianne was her father's first favorite model, later to be followed by two other favorites with sisters Ali and Camille. Julianne grew up literally in the world of commercial photography since we lived in a loft apartment above the PhotoDesign studio. Given all this, how does a professional photographer cover his oldest daughter's wedding?
First by insisting he photographs much of the day. There will be no stopping him!

Lewis Ginter Bloemendaal House

2011-05-26T21:02:00.000-04:00

As posted on The Merriment Blog .... a great description of the location of Julz and Tom's wedding ceremony and reception. As we get closer to the wedding date the pressure of the smallest details are starting to kick in. Knowing that the entire wedding will be held at one central location relieves some of the stress.

Richmond Wedding Wednesdays: The Bloemendaal House at Lewis Ginter

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7TH, 2010

2 COMMENTS

The Bloemendaal House at Lewis Ginter is one of my favorite locations. Although you feel secluded and tucked away on your own private country residence for the night, the venue is close enough to downtown Richmond to be convenient for your guests, and unlike many comparable venues that have a home away from home feeling, Bloemeendaal has all the amenities on site you’ll need for your party – Meriwether Godsey catering on site and many rentals (tables, up to 200 chairs and one 30 x 60 tent available spring through fall).

Many brides are married in the in one of the two gardens in front of the house and host their reception on the patio in front of Bloemendaal. The site can host up to 250 for a cocktail reception and about 140 for a seated dinner. For more information, email facilityevents{at}lewisginter.org.

{image credits: Bride and Groom The Brides Guide; wagon via Real Simple; Invitation by Milkmaid Press via Snippet and Ink; Tent via 100 Layer Cake}

POST LABELS: BLOEMENDAAL HOUSE, GERANIUM, RED, RICHMOND VIRGINIA WEDDING IDEAS, RICHMOND VIRGINIA WEDDING INSPIRATION

Bridal Shoes and other details

2011-05-08T22:50:00.002-04:00

I now know we are getting into the smallest details of this wedding when I am asked to sit and look at shoes for hours. Not that I don't appreciate shoes but understand that unless you have a perfectly shaped, princess-like foot in a size 6, shoes just aren't pretty. My Mom wears a size 6 shoe so I know how cute shoes can look. But when you wear a size 10 like Julz and I ... well shoes just look large. Nothing looks cute about them! Combine that with either a recovered broken ankle and surgery or being totally flat-footed ... no hope for a cute and comfortable show for a 12-hour wedding day.
So boxes of shoes come and go into our house daily from all of the online orders. Julz is now up to three pairs of shoes for the wedding day: heels for the ceremony; Toms for the reception; flip flops for later in the reception!

Stress Free Wedding Planning

2011-04-25T23:08:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday we decided to jump in the boat and go watch another family stress out over their wedding. The whole experience was quite liberating and more relaxing. The couple had a nautical theme and the ceremony was lakeside which was beautiful. This sun was shining and we all took alot of notes while we watched.

Seventy Days and counting .....

2011-04-24T21:01:00.000-04:00

The pressure is on now with only 70 days till the wedding. Julz and Tom still have a to-do list as do the rest of us ...

Decide on the menu, the tent set-up for the reception, the music for the ceremony, the program design, assign the cookie baking responsibilities, shoes, head piece, etc. Now we really need to get moving!!

Tea Party Shower Photos

2011-04-23T01:38:00.001-04:00

Julz's Dad, Robert Henshaw-Suder captured a wonderful series of images from the Tea Party Bridal Shower hosted by Ali, Lauren, Lauren and Camille. As Bride-to-be, Julz was the belle of the ball. What a wonderful party and great success! This was such a great lead in to the whole "Bridal Season" for Julz and Tom.

Ali, Lauren, Julz, Camille, Lauren

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Bridal Shower

2011-03-26T23:43:00.066-04:00

Bridal Shower & Wedding Planner Ali

The Mad Hatter would be proud of Julz's Maid of Honor and sister, Ali, for planning the ultimate tea party bridal shower. Ali, was assisted by bridesmaids, Lauren, Lauren, and Camille (youngest sister of the bride). The Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Bridal Shower was held Saturday, April 9.

Tea Party Bridal Shower Invites

Julz at the Bridal Shower Table

Hand-stamped Alice in Wonderland Tea Cup Tags

Alice in Wonderland Place Setting

Ali was busy for weeks researching tea parties, luncheons, bridal showers and the Alice in Wonderland theme. She did a great job art directing the design of the Tea Party invites. Next the Tea Party planning team kicked into action planning the menu and party games, including a fun game called "Notes from a Caterpillar" where guests jot down advice for the new bride who later in the party reads the notes aloud. Tea sandwiches, mini quiches, cucumber sandwiches and pretty iced teas were on the menu. And tea cups everywhere! Ali has been tea cup shopping everywhere from Ebay to tucked away antique stores from Richmond, VA to Charleston, SC.

Ali's Successful Bridal Shower Tips:

1. Plan ahead and do your research early to avoid stress.

2. Having a theme to build the event around can provide a fun look and provide direction.

3. Assign jobs and delegate tasks.

4. Learn a bit about your guests. Diet restrictions or special physical needs? Knowing these details can make sure everyone is comfortable.

5. Have guests who are unable to attend? Consider Skype with a laptop. They can be a part of the bridal shower and enjoy the fun.

6. Provide name tags for guests that play up the theme.
7. The maid of honor should record all the guests names and gifts in a special journal while the bride opens presents. This journal will help the bride later when writing out thank you notes.
8. Don't forget to save all of the bows and attach to a paper plate. This will become the "bouquet" the bride uses for the rehearsal.
9. Background music can set the mood of the shower.

Tea Party Brides Maids

Name Tag Welcome Station

The bridal shower started the wedding season for Julz and Tom. Three months prior to Julz's and Tom's wedding, this shower might be considered a bit early, but when planning events you need to look everyone's schedules. Time flies! Plan early and don't be late!