The great thing about both of these contests is that you can actually win the wedding for a friend too!  So if you're organizing a stagette/stag consider entering and you could win it for your bride/groom!

The first is super simple to enter and literally takes 20 second.  Simply enter your email address and you'll be entered into the draw!  (how simple is that?). Click HERE (or the image below) to enter.

To enter the second draw you need to complete a simple 3-minute survey. Click HERE (or the image below) to enter

Unfortunately both of these contests are open to US residents only.  Sorry everyone else!

1. Pecker Party Straws

Pecker Party Straws at Bachelorette.com!

2. Pin the Macho On the Man

Pin the Macho On the Man at Bachelorette.com!

3. The Bachelorette Tiara

The Bachelorette Tiara at Bachelorette.com!

4. Captain Pecker – 6’ Inflatable Penis

Captain Pecker – 6’ Inflatable Penis at Bachelorette.com!

5. Bridesmaid Sash

Bridesmaid Sash at Bachelorette.com!

6. Bachelorette Party Veil

Bachelorette Party Veil at Bachelorette.com!

7. Penis Pop

Penis Pop at Bachelorette.com!

8. Bachelorette Party ID Buttons

Bachelorette Party ID Buttons at Bachelorette.com!

9. Pecker Pinata Bachelorette Party Kit

Pecker Pinata Bachelorette Party Kit at Bachelorette.com!

10. Peter Pecker Inflatable Doll and Ring Toss Game

Peter Pecker Inflatable Doll and Ring Toss Game at Bachelorette.com!

It can also be difficult if you don't like to purchase gifts off of registries. Sometimes you want to find an original, perfect gift for the bride and groom but don't have the time to spending shopping or the energy to be creative.

Here I offer some advice on overcoming these gift hurdles: GIVE CASH.

In years past it was considered tacky to give cash as it seemed unoriginal and impersonal. Now, it is more widely accepted for these reasons:

1) Weddings are VERY expensive. Any financial help you can get from family or from opening envelopes of cash is extremely helpful.

2) Money allows the couple to get exactly what they want. They can pay bills (boring, but useful), go on a honeymoon, buy things for around the house, or entertain themselves. You may argue that by purchasing something from their registry they are in fact getting exactly what they want. Yes and no. I remember getting so caught up in adding items to my gift registry that I added way more than I needed, including some useless items that I eventually returned.

3) You may be deterred from giving cash as they will know exactly how much it cost. If you buy a gift on a registry it's the same thing. They will know the value. You should never worry about this. Give what you can and the couple should not judge and should be thankful for anything they receive. Definitely don't give more than you can afford.

4) Bringing a gift to the wedding can be cumbersome, not to mention having to wrap it.

5) This is the major reason why I'd recommend giving cash or gift cards. I'm not sure if this applies to all gift registries but The Bay works this way. The bride and groom have 1 year from their wedding to add and buy items from their registry. The biggest factor is that they get fantastic discounts. In the year after my own wedding I bought things from The Bay for as much as 70% off. The minimum is 10% and we probably saved an average of 30% on most things over the course of the year. So, if you buy them a toaster, either from their registry or some other store, you are paying full price. If they buy it after the wedding (using cash or a gift card given to them by you), they will save immensely

I received very many wonderful presents for my wedding, but the best thing I got was cash!

You could easily organizing something similar without hiring a company. It would take a bit of work, but would definitely be worth it. Be sure not to forget prizes!

The evening was finished off with a summer BBQ with girlie drinks and a very stagette appropriate cake!

Victorias Secret Wedding Bachelorette Tank Top Small    US $15.00 More Details

Bachelorette partyCar Decoration Kit    US $11.25 More Details

Bride Groom Caps Shot Glass Game Bachelorette Party    US $3.99 More Details

Toothdix Toothpicks Bachelorette Party Penis Shape    US $.99 More Details

BACHELORETTE PARTY PACK    US $1.29 More Details

BACHELORETTE PARTY GAMES DICE GAME HENS NIGHT DICE    US $.77 More Details

Bachelorette Party Straws Penis Dick 10 Sippy Straw    US $3.75 More Details

Bachelorette Party Pecker Straws 10    US $3.25 More Details

Bachelorette Inflatable Pecker Decorations    US $2.25 More Details

16 New Bachelorette Bride To Be Party Name Tags    US $4.99 More Details

Pecker Headband w Glitter for Bachelorette    US $.99 More Details

New Naughty Bachelorette TiaraWith Horns    US $3.99 More Details

Bachelorette Guide Invitations Favors Games Decorations    US $2.99 More Details

Bachelorette Party Penis Shape Ice Tray    US $.99 More Details

BACHELORETTE PARTY GAME So Fun    US $1.99 More Details

The bridal bouquet had tons of lilies, with the perfect amount of buds open on the wedding day. It continued to flower for about 2 weeks after the wedding and was gorgeous in full bloom and so fragrant.

In addition to the star gazer lilies in my bouquet, I also had lilies in pots all over the reception hall. I tried to keep them restricted the the gift table, guest book table, etc. and away from the guest tables as many guests are sensitive to their potent aroma.

After the wedding, I took the potted lilies home to decorate my livingroom. Once they died (in the fall) I planted them in my flower gardens. I wasn't sure if they were going to come up in the spring but they did and by August they were in full bloom and beautiful! Here is a photo of the flowers growing in my flower garden:

I'm not sure if these lilies grow in all climates, but I say give it a try. They are perennials and should come up every year. They are a great yearly reminder of your wedding day!

I just disconnected my cable as it is too nice to be inside wasting time watching reruns and bad television shows. With my cable provider I had the option to suspend my cable or disconnect it. I chose to disconnect it since as an added bonus, after 3 months I have the option of reconnecting as a new customer and receiving the new customer discounted rate. Hopefully you have the same option.

You will have more free time and can save a few hundred dollars to put towards flowers, a gown or something else for your wedding!

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WOMENS NEW NWT SUMMER MID CALF NIGHT GOWN LARGE L    US $9.99 More Details

Black Evening Gown Size 6 Bridesmaid Dress Formal    US $19.00 More Details

SHEER WHITE WEDDING BRIDAL WEAR BABY DOLL GOWN LINGERIE    US $18.96 More Details

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Calvin Klein NEW Wine Satin Gown Dress Size 6 $340    US $79.99 More Details

Jovani Prom Bridesmaid Formal Gown Size 2    US $300.00 More Details

DIANE von FURSTENBERG CARMEN Gown US8 UK12    US $399.99 More Details

SEXY Sequin STRAPLESS MINI DRESSES CLUBWEAR GOWN    US $9.99 More Details

NWT COSABELLA Talco Long CORAL Tank Dress Gown L    US $69.99 More Details

WHITE LACE GOWN LONG BRIDAL WEDDING LINGERIE WEAR WARE    US $26.01 More Details

NWT COSABELLA Long Gown NINA Silky Tank Dress L    US $69.99 More Details

OFF SHOULDER WAVED FRILLS WOMENS PARTY GOWN BLACK    US $9.99 More Details

Adrianna Papell Shutter Pleat Dress Gown 10P 10 NWT    US $99.95 More Details

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Be sure to get your mother (and your mother-in-law) something special to let them know you appreciate everything they have been doing lately.
This Sunday, May 4th , order a nice bouquet of flowers, pick up some chocolates or find the perfect card to say "thanks mom"!

I personally am getting ready to attend a wedding this summer. It will be an outdoor wedding in Calgary at a golf course. I must say that I'm very happy to be attending a wedding this summer as the guest instead of last summer as the bride! Although it was one of the best days of my life, the months of planning were extremely difficult.

If you are one of those brides out there getting married this summer, my advice to you is to take some time to yourself to relax away from the hectic planning. Slot some relaxation time. Head to the beach (work on your tan!), settle down in the shade with a good book, head to the spa to be pampered or even just buy an exfoliating scrub and take some time for yourself.

I hope my website can help you through some of the planning!

3 Oval Shape Pumice Stones Exfoliating Foot Scrub NIP    US $.99 More Details

DERMALOGICA EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB 150g53oz    US $22.75 More Details

Gentle Exfoliating Walnut Body Scrub    US $7.99 More Details

SPA Aquatique Exfoliating Sand Scrub 36 New    US $9.99 More Details

2 CLARINS EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUBS SMOOTH SKIN GENTLE YO    US $11.65 More Details

LOT 5 NEW Lamisilk Foot Therapy Exfoliating Scrub 99¢    US $2.25 More Details

Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub    US $4.99 More Details

Wholesale lot of 3 VITABATH exfoliating sugar scrubs    US $14.99 More Details

KIEHLS GENTLY EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB GRAPEFRUIT    US $14.99 More Details

KIEHLS GENTLY EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB PEAR TREE CORNER    US $14.99 More Details

La Fleur Organique Exfoliating Scrub Lavender NEW    US $19.99 More Details

GENTLE EXFOLIATING Facial Scrub Cleansing FACE BRUSH    US $2.45 More Details

TREE HUT EXFOLIATING BRN SUGAR BODY SCRUB BRAZILIAN NUT    US $14.99 More Details

AS EXFOLIATING SUGAR BODY SCRUB PEAR 17 oz    US $14.99 More Details

EXFOLIATING SHEA SUGAR BODY SCRUB ALMOND HONEY    US $14.99 More Details

At the entrance you should have a table for your guestbook. It is important to have it as the first point of contact as guests will want to sign it upon arriving. If you are having arranged seating, you should a seating list available on this table. There is an option to have someone in charge and man the guest table. This is a great way to involve someone important in your wedding. Do you have a close family friend with a son or daughter old enough to take care of the guestbook table?

Well Wisher Silver Wedding Guest Book Shower Guest Book    US $9.99 More Details

Martha Stewart Wedding Guest Book    US $7.95 More Details

BEAUTIFULDavids Bridal Embroidered Lace Guest Book    US $14.50 More Details

The gift table placement is extremely important. It must be close enough to the door that guests do not have to carry gifts all over the hall looking for a place to put the gifts. However, you do not want it so close to the door that anyone can enter and make off with your gifts. I recommend having a basket or wedding chest for cards so they don't get lost.

Bouchard Wedding Ring Treasure Chest Box Never Used    US $9.99 More Details

100 Clear Treasure Chest Wedding Favors Box Boxes    US $39.99 More Details

White Wedding Birdcage Money Box Card Holder Cage Chest    US $26.99 More Details

At most weddings the bar will be a high traffic area. Be sure not to position anything near the bar, allowing room for guests to form a line.

Sometimes the dance floor can double as the buffet area. Once the speeches and dinner are done, the buffet can be moved to make room for a dance floor and a DJ booth. The booth should be out of the way as cables and equipment can be an eyesore and there will not be much traffic to this booth apart from guests requesting songs.

For the comfort of your guests, be sure not to put more than 6 or 8 people at each guest table. Ideally you want every guest to be facing the head table and have an unobstructed view, if space will allow.  Immediate family and parents should occupy the tables closest to the wedding party table. I recommend raising the head table on a platform so that is visible even for those guests unfortunate enough to be positioned at back of the room. If possible, avoid setting it up in front of a window. This will cause reflections for the photographer or any guests trying to take pictures during dinner.

If you are getting married in the summer, be sure to consider the sun. You will not want your cake sitting in the hot sun, melting the icing. Place your cake table somewhere shaded so it keeps it's shape until it is cut.

12 WHITE PULL BOWS WEDDING PEW BRIDAL CAKE DECORATIONS    US $18.38 More Details

12 IVORY PULL BOWS GIFT WEDDING PEW CHURCH DECORATIONS    US $15.95 More Details

BLACK DIAMONDS Wedding Party Table Ice Decoration Favor    US $10.05 More Details

100pc Pink Stocking Butterfly Wedding Decorations 25cm    US $9.99 More Details

50 white Stocking Butterfly Wedding Decorations 400cm    US $9.99 More Details

50pc Stocking Butterfly Wedding Decorations 4cm blue    US $9.99 More Details

Bachelorette partyCar Decoration Kit    US $11.25 More Details

2000 Purple Diamond Confetti Wedding Party Decorations    US $8.99 More Details

DIAMONDS Wedding Party Centerpiece Table Ice Decoration    US $10.01 More Details

PINK DIAMOND CONFETTI Wedding Party Table Decorations    US $6.49 More Details

DIAMONDS Wedding Party Table Centerpiece Ice Decoration    US $11.56 More Details

2 Home Glass Oil Lamp wedding party decorations Candle    US $26.99 More Details

DIAMONDS Wedding Shower Party Supplies Table Decoration    US $15.50 More Details

Gazebo Decoration Cake Topper Wedding or Anni MIB    US $9.99 More Details

10 BLACK WHITE PULL BOWS WEDDING PEW CAKE DECORATIONS    US $19.95 More Details

Here are some tips from my experience:

1.) Decrease the number of guests to only friends and family who are very important to you. You can save hundreds of dollars by shrinking your guestlist slightly.

2.) There is no need to rent a fancy car, in my opinion. When I showed up to my ceremony no one saw me getting out of my car. Plus, if they did, guaranteed they wouldn't remember what my vehicle looked like since they were too busy looking at my dress and hair. After the ceremony I stayed to take pictures so not a single guest saw me get into my vehicle. To stress my point further, when I arrived at the hall most people were inside getting a drink and socializing and were not waiting outside for my arrival. Once I entered I had all the attention but the vehicle is not important. You can save hundreds of dollars going without a limo or a car rental.

3.) If you would like to have a variety of alcoholic beverages to offer, hold a bachelorette party or a shower and have each person bring a different type of liquor. This should greatly decrease your beverage tab at your wedding.

4.) Alternatively, you can make your own wine or beer for your reception. Be sure to check your local liquor laws as in some areas (Calgary, for example) it is illegal to bring homemade alcohol into a hall.

5.) Get your make-up done by a friend. Or, if you would prefer a professional, get it done at MAC. As long as you spend $40 on products they will do your make-up for free! At least you get make-up for your money instead of paying upwards of $100 for make-up for one day.

6.) Buy silk flowers  - JustFlowers.com instead of real ones. If you are worried about the lack of fragrance, light candles. Candles will also work to decorate. If you are very insistent on having real flowers, choose flowers that are in season. They will be much cheaper if you are willing to be flexible. Supermarkets will be far cheaper than a florist.

7.) Rent gray chairs instead of white. Think of the last wedding you were at. Do you remember the color of the chairs? I sure don't. Gray chairs are cheaper to rent and are more widely available.

8.) Make your own invitations.

9.) Hold your wedding on a Friday or a Sunday Most halls will be available and have cheaper weekday rates than on the Saturdays. The other option is to have it during the low season (winter). Supply and demand. During the off-season there is less demand and the rates are lower.

10.) Have your guests RSVP to a website. Websites (http://www.weddingannouncer.com/) are very user friendly and reduce waste, but most importantly the reduce the cost of invitations, reply cards and postage. Be sure to include a phone number for some guests who may not have internet access.

Gorham Sentimental Traditions Wedding Invitation Frame    US $40.00 More Details

100 Wilton Style Wedding Invitations Kit 2 Silver Rings    US $29.99 More Details

150 WILTON Style Wedding Invitations Kit ivory green    US $49.99 More Details

200 Double Happiness Sticker Wedding Favors Invitation    US $.99 More Details

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Martha Stewart Wedding Bell Invitations Suite    US $4.99 More Details

Wedding Invitations    US $2.50 More Details

LIGHT PINK ECRU GREY POCKET HANDMADE WEDDING INVITATION    US $3.25 More Details

LIGHT PINK ECRU GREY HANDMADE WEDDING INVITATION    US $3.25 More Details

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200 G2 by GARTNER WEDDING INVITATIONS SILVER HEARTS    US $59.99 More Details

BRIDES Paisley Wedding Invitation Set Printable    US $5.00 More Details

Wilson 40 Count Wedding Invitation Kit    US $6.00 More Details