WDW (WEDDING DAY WEEKLY ) BLOGGING FOR BRIDES

Insuring Your Engagement Ring

2014-09-07T10:14:00.000-04:00

How important is insuring your engagement ring? With the average cost for a ring at nearly $5500, insuring your ring is an important step.

How can you guard against losing your ring?

Keep you ring in a ring box if you remove it.
Don't take your ring off in public.
Swimming in cold water will shrink your fingers and can cause your ring to fall off. This is particularly important if you are swimming in the ocean where there isn't a filter to catch your ring.

You'd be surprised how many women lose their engagement rings. Over 1/3 of women have lost their engagement ring. With numbers this high insuring your ring is critical.

Lavalier suggests the following when choosing your jewelry insurance:

Make sure you've got an appraisal from a reputable jewelry appraiser. If something happens to your ring, your appraisal is crucial to helping you replace or repair it.
Do your homework on jewelry insurance options. Homeowner's and renter's policies often have limited coverage, and warranties usually only cover manufacturing defects, not loss or theft. For many newly engaged couples, an insurance policy specifically for jewelry is a great option, especially since it usually costs only 1-2% of the jewelry's value.
Make sure that your insurer will let you work with your jeweler if you ever need to repair or replace something. Not all insurers do.

DIY Wedding Project

2013-12-05T21:50:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty, Photographer Lavender and Twine, Coordination and Styling by A Charming Occasion, Floral Design: Stella and Bloom

Love this DIY wedding project. It's a 'HERS' flag for this groom carries down the aisle! Of course the bride has a matching one that reads 'HIS.'

These are easy to make with some simple felt, Elmer's glue, and ribbon wrapped dowels. Dress it up by adding some light weight silk flowers and changing out the ribbon colors.

Don't want to take the time to make it yourself? Your florist can certainly make one easily enough for you.

Makes a great photo.

Wedding Updos

2013-12-05T10:41:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Hairstyle Stars

Planning on wearing an updo for your wedding? Take it up a notch by adding some flowers to the look. Add one flower (as seen above) or several, no matter what your choice, the small additions will make your hairstyle stand out on your wedding day.

Photo from Hairstyle Stars

Whether you are planning on wearing a veil like the bride in the first photo, or just wearing flowers like the bride above, you will be pleased with the look of your wedding day hairstyle.

Flower Girl Hair Styles

2013-12-05T09:54:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Niceeve

Flower girl hair styles go from straight to curly. Braids are a favorite of brides for their flower girls. Weave flowers through their hair to make them stand out. But if you have a pair of flower girls with pretty curly hair you can't beat letting it loose and flowing.

Photo courtesy of Niceeve

Add some flowers or some bling to straight or curly locks and their hair will stand out as they walk down the aisle. Flower girls all love wearing tiaras so consider letting them wear one if it fits with your wedding theme.

Photo from Pinterest Meganns Hair/Beccie Hall

Throw Golden Glitter At The Bride and Groom

2013-12-04T20:36:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Southern Weddings

Looking for something unique to throw as the bride and groom leave their ceremony? This bag of golden glitter will provide a never to be forgotten look as well as some great photos for the bride and groom's wedding album. These striped bags are made from muslin and tulle with a pull string around the top. And they are easy to assemble and to hand out as guests leave the wedding.

Just a reminder, it's a good idea to provide a verbal or written reminder so guests are sure to pick up a bag on their way out the door.

DIY Black Glitter Champagne Glasses

2013-12-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

via My Fabulous Wedding on Pinterest

These DIY black glitter champagne glasses are tied with a simple satin bow and are easy to make at home and they will add a touch of glamour to your black tie wedding. Do his in black and hers in white, or all black. For a daytime wedding choose coordinating colors or use all white.

Photo courtesy of STAMPENDOUS

Use this crushed glass glitter and any adhesive to apply it. Then sprinkled into melting embossing enamel, and can even be colored with permanent markers. Crushed Glass Glitter is available at your local craft store or at STAMPENDOUS. This product comes in a variety of colors so you can match or coordinate with your wedding theme colors.

Black Tie Weddings Need A Tuxedo Signature Drink

2013-12-04T19:22:00.001-05:00

Planning a black tie wedding? Why not plan a Tuxedo Signature Drink.

Mix:
1 oz spiced rum
1 1/2 oz creme de cacao
1/2 oz Fernet Branca

(add 1/8 tsp. of squid ink but this is optional, you can use food coloring instead) Be aware...this stuff stains.

Top with 1/2 oz chocolate stout

Add the first three ingredients to your cocktail shaker.
Next add the squid ink (you can buy this at your fish market or a specialty store like Whole Foods, if you prefer to avoid this ingredient, use some black food coloring instead.) DO NOT ADD ICE. You want to be sure the squid ink/or food coloring is incorporated with the other ingredients.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with some chocolate stout.

Not into this? Why not try some drinks made with Black Vodka? For those who are squeamish, this may be a better option than the squid laced drink above.

"The colour of BLAVOD Pure Black Vodka is changed by adding catechu, a herb found in southern Asia and central and east Africa. Rich in tannin, catechu has no effect on vodka's flavour. However, many say it makes the vodka a little smoother." (BLAVOD website)

Wedding Bars

2013-12-04T14:27:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Dan Mlynarski as posted on Offbeat Bride

Looking for a unique way to set up your bar at your wedding? You've heard of chocolate fountains and champagne fountains but how about a whiskey or bourbon fountain? This bride and groom thought outside the box and offered their guests something a little bit different.

Add some sour mix to the side or some OJ or other mixers to add to your favorite whiskey or bourbon. Sometimes thinking outside the box will give your guests and unique reception experience.

Garden Weddings

2013-12-04T14:13:00.002-05:00

Fairy Berries

Fairy Berries lights are round, white LED lights that measure 1-1/2" in diameter and can be hung from ceilings or placed in trees, shrubs, or other places as party or holiday decorations. Each light contains two LEDs that fade on and off slowly to create a twinkle effect. Loops allow the lights to be hung using a thin string or wire. The lights can float in water and are water-resistant. CR2032 lithium coin cell batteries power the lights and can be replaced. A switch can turn each light on or off.

Fortune Products manufactures battery-operated lighting products for special events, seasonal decor, and interior design. These berries are perfect for outdoor weddings where you are looking for a twinkling look like fireflies in a garden setting.

Win a $50 Gift Certificate For Blue Nile

2013-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Win a $50 Gift Certifcate in Blue Nile's Leave Nothing to Choice Giveaway this holiday season and possibly be the winner of a $3000 diamond bracelet! Can you use $50 toward a holiday purchase? And a chance to win a diamond bracelet? Just fill in the infographic and get a chance at the bracelet, and fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway below for a chance to win the $50 gift certficate.

Better yet see Blue Nile's infografic (see below) that lets every woman find their fashion personality and get that chance to win a 3 carat diamond bracelet! (And what woman couldn't use an extra diamond bracelet or two?) Is your personality a Queen Bee, a Boho Glitz, a Renaissance Gal, or a do you like to be the Center of Attention? There's are suggestion for purchases for each personality type to help you make the right purchase for each personality. So fill out the infographic questions and provide the man in your life with an easy way to shop for you that's guaranteed to please.

Blue Nile is one of my favorite places to shop for myself and for others. They offer a good selection at a variety of price points. Buy everything from a designer engagement ring to a pair of basic gold hoop earrings to a simple silver bracelet. Blue Nile isn't just diamonds, though I don't know too many women who would turn down one of their diamond rings or earrings. I know someone who purchased a classic pair of gold hoops that can be worn anywhere. I also know a lot of women whose engagement rings came from Blue Nile.

*****And Blue Nile is offering each of my readers a 10% discount on any purchase they make between now and December 31, 2013. Just enter the code: BNAPP2013. *****

In consideration for bringing you this great deal Blue Nile sent me one of their signature necklaces so I'm sharing this great deal with you. Just enter between now and December 23, 2013. Come on, you know you want to win those diamonds! And the gift certificate too.

**The writer has been provided with compensation for writing a blog post and hosting a giveaway. The writer's opinion has not been effected by said compensation.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cold Feet?

2013-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Think your groom might have 'cold feet?' Or just looking for a way to let your groom know you are thinking of him the day of your wedding? How aboutsending him a pair of these socks? The tutorial on Something Turquoise is easy to follow and is a great way to remind your groom how much you really care about him on the morning of your wedding day. I love DIY projects that are easy and fun, this meets both criteria. Add your own personal packaging to his socks for the big day and he'll appreciate knowingjust how much you care!
Photography: Studio 11 Weddings // DIY tutorial by: Jen | Something Turquoise // cute mens socks: Mossimo at Target // matte sticker paper: Staples // Martha Stewart Paper Trimmer,Glue Dots, and blue card stock: Michaels // nail polish: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips in Crowed Surfer

Plaid At Your Wedding?

2013-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Global Sugar Art

Going Plaid? Planning to have a bagpiper at your wedding or wedding reception? This cake will perfectly accent your theme. So if you are a McGreggor or Ross or McDonald this cake may be perfect for you. However, I'm a Ross (or I was one) and had no desire to have a plaid accent anywhere in my wedding. (Of course this could be because I married an Italian and not a Scot). But if you are into it, by all means accent your cake or wear a garter with your family plaid. One bride had an inset in her train of the family plaid and her dad wore a kilt to give her away. (Not to mention the bagpipes that played). But to each her and/or his own.

Ten Ways To Go Plaid At Your Wedding

1. Groom, groomsmen and male family members wear their plaids. This will result in seeing a lot of legs that might better be hidden under a pair of pants so give thought to the men who will be wearing them before deciding that everyone will wear a kilt.

2. The bride's garter can be in her family plaid. This is a perfect way to accent your heritage at your wedding without it taking over your wedding theme.

3. The bride can wear a cockade in her hair in the family plaid (or the plaid of the family she is marrying into). This is a nice accent won't take over the wedding look.

4. The groomsmen can wear plaid socks with their tuxedos. You'll probably need to order these online but they will make a good photo op.

Photo courtesy of Love My Dress

5. The bride can a gown with plaid piping along the edges or even a gown that is all plaid. All plaid is a bit much for me but ... follow your dream.

6. The groom and groomsmen can wear a boutenniere with a plaid ribbon and the flowers of the bride and bridesmaid can be accented with plaid ribbons. This is a nice accent that doesn't take over the whole wedding like a plaid dress would.

7. The bride can wear a crinoline that has a plaid edge to it. This show when she walks or dances but won't be overkill.

8. Add some plaid accents to the cake. (See the photo above). This is an easy accent and is a nice way to give a heads up to your heritages.

9. Plaid napkins or napkin rings on the tables are another nice way to give your heritage a nod without overwhelming your wedding.

10. Choose thistle and rose centerpieces for your tabletops.

There are many more ways to give your wedding a Scottish look. Check a variety of websites dedicated to planning a Scots wedding.

You can also have your wedding in Scotland by renting a castle there and having the ultimate Scots wedding. To see some examples of Scots weddings visit this site. And to be sure everything is above board and legal be sure to visit The General Register Office site.

Planning A Tiffany Blue Wedding?

2013-11-24T21:13:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Cupcake Lust

Tiffany blue is one of the most popular colors for weddings and wedding showers. These cupcakes are a great option to serve your guests. The piped icing in the Tiffany Blue color with the addition of a white chocolate heart and white pearls take this dessert to the next level. Whether you are planning on serving dessert or sending it home with your guests, this cupcake will make an impression that is sure to last.

Ring Bearer Fashion

2013-11-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

Photo from The Bride's Cafe

While we all worry about what our flower girl will wear we spend less time thinking about ring bearer fashion. Today's little boys at weddings can hold their own with the little girls. The little boy in this photo seems to be saying: "Hold on a minute, let me just straighten my tie."

The photos of the children at your wedding will steal your heart! Be sure your ring bearer is just as fashion forward as your flower girl. A little boy can amp up his look by adding a creative bow tie, a hat, cool shoes, bright color socks, suspenders, a vest or a variety of other options. Anything the groomsmen can do, he can do cuter. So be sure to give some thought to his look too.

White Chocolate Cherries

2013-11-19T07:57:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Simple Provisions

Looking for a change from chocolate covered strawberries? Why not try white chocolate covered cherries with silver dragées? This gorgeous accent melds candy with fruit and shows off the deep red of the cherries, the white chocolate and the off-white sugar pearls. To find the recipe go to Simple Pleasures. They offer a step by step set of directions that are easy to follow.

These aren't hard to make and you can easily make them ahead of time for a wedding or other special occasion. Depending on where you live, if cherries are in season for the Christmas holidays, these almost look like little holiday ornaments.

Keep in mind, you can pit these ahead of time and fill the hole where the pit was with a white chocolate chip or liquid white chocolate. I'd prefer not to have to have my guests having to pit the cherries as they eat them, but I do like the stem left on for ease of serving. They also make a great hostess gift. So enjoy!

Natural Hair Style for Flower Girl

2013-11-19T07:19:00.000-05:00

Photo from Pinterest (no attribution) Pinned by Lisa Garcia

Love the look this flower girl is sporting with her floral wreath and her natural hair style. This look is perfect for the little girl you want to look her age. Unfortunately no attribution was posted. If you know who posted this photo please let me know. So cute! The floral wreath is perfect for the hair style and accents the style.

Penny Prints at Snapfish

2013-11-18T05:34:00.002-05:00

Have your guests taken some great candid wedding photos that you'd like to share with your family? Snapfish has a 2 for 1 on 4x6 photos (just enter NOVPENNY300).

Go to Snapfish to find out all the details. It's great for other photos too. This is the perfect time to order those extra snapshots of your favorite family members.

Snapfish also has great deals on photo gifts for friends and family. Take the time to browse and see how Snapfish can solve all your holiday shopping needs. Make photo books for parents and grandparents or maybe a calendar? Did someone do something really nice for you for your wedding? Why not make them a calendar using photos? All sorts of choices at Snapfish, the go to site for photo printing.

To Life: Vanessa's Wedding Surprise

2013-11-17T05:41:00.001-05:00

Video courtesy of GodVine

Some families put on a real show like Vanessa's family and friends did for this great surprise wedding performance. If most of our family weren't tone deaf it would have been a blast to do at my daughter's wedding. Most of us just don't have the skill set to pull it off. (OK everyone in my family can stop laughing at imaging what we would have sounded like since only one of us can sing!) But for the family who can sing and has the time to invest in a great show for wedding reception, this has to be tops!

Asian Look Wedding Cake

2013-11-14T20:50:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Weddingler

Looking for a cake with an Asian look? This beautiful wedding cake with cherry blossoms is perfect for a spring wedding. I love the tiny flowers and the way the branches twine around the layers of the cake. Perfect for pastel weddings.

Photo courtesy of Tanyacakes

Don't want quite as high a cake? Or want to have a groom's cake to match your wedding cake? Try this two layer gumpaste cake also decorated with cherry blossoms.

Fruit Carving Arrangements

2013-11-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Fruit Carving Arrangements

Fruit carving arrangements can take the place of or add to fresh flowers for your wedding reception. Some carvers are highly skilled and can turn a simple melon into a work of art. While your guest may be accustomed to seeing ice carvings at receptions, fruit carvings will grab their attention and keep them talking about your wedding reception.

Fruit carvings are not a do it yourself project unless you have had plenty of practice. This is one wedding accent that it pays to hire a professional to execute.

White Lace Wedding Cake

2013-11-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Once Wed

White lace is everywhere at your wedding so why not have a white lace wedding cake? The photo above shows a way to incorporate wedding favorites of lace and pearls in your wedding cake. I love the details on this cake that are similar to those in a wedding dress or the edging on a bridal veil. Every bride should have a cake that reflects her special look on her special day. This one is it!

Photo courtesy of In The Cac, Real Maine Weddings

Love the look below with the tiny buttons detailed on the cake as well. No matter how intricate a cake you are looking for, a lace motif can add that something special to your wedding day.

Photo courtesy of Weddings By Lily

Cell Phones And Your Weddings

2013-11-13T22:53:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Crazy For Us

It's your wedding and the last thing you want is for cell phones to be ringing as you walk down the aisle or as you are taking your vows. More and more often the bridal couple will post signs like the one above or make an announcement prior to the wedding requesting all cell phones and cameras be turned off during your wedding. Yes, it may mean your guests won't get some photos from the wedding using their cell phone but it certainly beats having Aunt Mable calling her favorite nephew in the middle of the wedding. So whether you make announcements prior to the wedding, post signs like the one above, or make clever blackboard signs for your guest to see as they walk in the ceremony venue, be sure your guests are aware of the 'no cell phone' rule. There's a reason voice mail and silent mode exist, your wedding is one of them. Some couples also opt for the 'no photo' rule as well, hoping to avoid their guests paying more attention to getting that great photo than to their wedding vows.

Courteous guests will not use their cell phones during your wedding reception. If they feel there is a need to make an important call or if they need to touch base with a babysitter, it is only good manners to take it outside.

So remember, put your phone on vibrate or better yet, turn it off, and don't use your phone to text during weddings or receptions. And if you are taking photos, be considerate and don't detract from the wedding when snapping photos.

Twenty years ago no one had to worry about this etiquette issue--today it is one that is not frequently addressed. So be a courteous guest and leave your phone off. And limit your photography. There is a reason the bride and groom hired a wedding photographer.

Wedding Cake Cookies

2013-11-10T19:31:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy of Mother of The Bride

Wedding cake cookies? Why not? Stack your cookies to make pretty individual wedding cakes for your guests. Decorate with icing and some fondant flowers. Add some jam between layers just a like a real wedding cake. Is this a do it yourself project? It all depends on your level of competence doing cake (or in this case cookie) decorating. These cakes make a nice wedding favor for your guests to take home and enjoy. And remember, edible favors are among the favorite wedding favors with guests.

And The Bride Wore Pink In 2014

2013-11-10T18:46:00.002-05:00

Vera Wang Fall 2014 Bridal Collection from Vera Wang on Vimeo.

Vera Wang's Fall 2014 collection had brides wearing pink. Not pale pinks but deeper salmon and even lavenders. Brides no longer are just wearing a hint of color, dresses today have more color and interest than washed out whites.

Are you a bride brave enough to wear pink as you walk down the aisle? This is not a dress for a bride who doesn't have a well developed fashion sense. It's a collection for a bride who is bravely walking toward her new life with her husband with a surety and real sense of self. Carrie Bradshaw would have worn these dresses.

Budget Lace Flats

2013-11-10T18:12:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Mother Of The Bride

Looking for some budget priced lace flats? Do you love these high end flats but don't have the budget for them? I do too, but I see no reason to pay major money for a pair of white flats with some lace added. These shoes (by Jimmy Choo) are perfect for a bride who wants to wear flats but with a little work you can transform inexpensive white flats into still pretty AND affordable shoes, for the bride, a flower girl or for little girls who are celebrating their First Communion.

Pick up some inexpensive flats at Payless or other lower end shoes store and glue your favorite lace to the shoes. Be sure you don't buy shoes with a dark bottom. If you are a bride you can probably match the lace on your dress and order some when you order your wedding gown if you want everything to match perfectly.

I love these romantic looking flats. They have pretty lace but are still affordable if you add the lace to a simple pair of plain white flats. As a woman who loves saving money, I give these five stars!