Maid of Honor Responsibilities

Here is a list of the Maid of Honor's responsibilities:

• Helps with planning of bridal shower
  
• Help addressing wedding invitations
• Being a witness to the marriage
• Purchasing her wedding attire
• On wedding day makes sure that all the attendants are dressed correctly
• Precedes the bride down the aisle
• Holds the brides bouquet during the ceremony
• Helps bride change into and out of bridal gown
  

Who to Tip at Your Wedding

There is always some confusion over who you should tip at your wedding. Here is a list of people you should tip at your own wedding. Of course, if the people you hire do a bad job feel free to not tip them. (you do still have to pay them though)

• The Limo or Car Driver, 15-20%
• The DJ or Band, 15-20%
  
• If you have outside caterers tip them 15% of the cost (check to see if the tip is included in the bill first)
• Wedding Planner, what you feel is appropriate
  
• The Officiant, 15%
• Wedding Musicians, 15%

This should cover all of your tipping needs, if I forgot any one please leave a comment letting me know, Thanks.

Save Money by Staying on Track

One of the keys to saving money when planning a wedding is to stay on track with the planning. Nothing wastes more money than having to do things last minute.

• Use wedding checklists available at www.weddingchannel.com and www.theknot.com
• Once a week check to see how your doing and make a list of anything that needs to get done within the next week, as you get closer to the big day you'll have to do this process more than once a week.
• Remember to delegate anything you can to your fiance, mom, bridesmaids, etc, so that you don't end up doing everything and get overwhelmed.

If you follow this process you should be able to stay on track, save money and have some time to relax while planning your wedding.

Honeymoon in Rome

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of New York and the ancient ruins of Greece, Rome is a great place for you to go on your honeymoon.

Rome can be expensive during June, July, and September, but if you visit during winter or spring you might be able to find a great deal.

Here are some images to inspire you.

Ceremony Rehearsal Bouquet

At the bridal shower there is a tradition of creating a bouquet from all the ribbons and bows. Let me show you how to create this bouquet.

1. Start by taking a sturdy paper plate and cut a small hole in the center of the plate.
2. Have one of your bridesmaids sit next to you when you are opening your presents and collect all the bows and ribbons.
3. Gather a thick amount of ribbon and pull it through the hole in the plate and tie a large knot on either side of the hole, this will lock in the handle.
4. Final step, stick on all the bows and extra ribbons to complete the bouquet.
5. Now you can use this bouquet at the ceremony rehearsal.

Wedding Music

Let me know about your favorite wedding music.

Here are my favorites:

Down the Aisle: Canon in D
First Dance: The Way You Look Tonight
Father/Daughter: Tim McGraw - My Little Girl
Mother/Son: I Hope You Dance

Honeymoon in Venice

During part of our honeymoon my husband and I visited Venice one of the most romantic places on earth. Although it can be expensive if you are planning to visit Italy on your honeymoon try to visit Venice for a night or two.

Here are some images to inspire your big vacation.

Money Saving Tips

Here are a few tips that I have used to cut down on a wedding budget:

1. Cut down the guest list.
2. Choose a cake without nuts or fruit (this will also help with allergies).
3. Put together your own favors.
4. Address your own invitations.
5. One step further, print your own invitations and programs.
6. Have your bridal shower at someone's house or in their backyard.
7. Choose simple inexpensive flowers for the bouquets.
8. Most tuxedo rental stores have deals so that the groom gets his tuxedo for nothing.
9. Have open bar for only the cocktail hour and not for the entire reception.
10. Usually the chicken option for the dinner at the reception is the cheapest way to go.
    

Honeymoon in Paris

My husband and I went to Paris during our honeymoon and had a wonderful time. I thought with the euro lessening in value I would try to inspire newlyweds to make Paris their destination as well. Enjoy these pictures and imagine the romance of France. I do recommend learning some French before going to Paris it will make your stay there much more enjoyable.

Tropical Flower Arrangements

Thinking about having your wedding during the summer? Do you love bright bold colors? Instead of choosing traditional flowers such, put together more tropical flowers for a fun and interesting look.

Bride’s Boutique – Keep the boutique simple Calla Lilies with their leaves still attached and maybe a white Rose here or there would be nice. If you do want to add color try adding two or three Asiatic Liles.

Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids – Combine mostly yellow Liles with a few Gingers. Remember for all of the boutiques to keep the stems exposed and tie a ribbon similar in color to the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Boutonnieres – For the groom’s boutonniere use a single Calla Lily with two small leaves. For the groomsmen’s boutonnieres use single yellow Lilies with leaves. For the father’s boutonnieres use white Roses.

Mother’s Boutiques– For the mother’s create smaller versions of the bridesmaid’s boutiques with only two to four flowers each.

Table Center Pieces – To create an interesting center pieces for the reception use either a shallow rectangle glass dish or other rimless shallow glass vase and float Lotus flowers and Gingers in water (if your wedding is a night include tea candles).