Wedding Planning Tip: Cocktail Hour Hors d’oeuvres

Do not skip hors d’oeuvres at your cocktail hour. There’s nothing worse than guests drinking for one or two hours with not enough food to eat.

Not sure whether to serve stationery hors d’oeuvres or passed hors d’oeuvres? As a rule of thumb, especially in a more casual atmospheres, stationery hors d’oeuvres are ok as long as there is enough to go around, and you set it up in a way where your guests don’t have to “stand in line” to grab a couple of appetizers (i.e., multiple stations or at least long double-sided tables). 

Always make sure your hors d’oeuvres are displayed in an attractive manner and not just thrown on a tray and haphazardly placed on a table. If you can, go ahead and splurge on passed hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour— they make a great first impression!

Style Me Pretty

Does the idea of all the attention on you as a bride freak you out?

Does the idea of all the attention on you freak you out? Many of the brides I work with tend to be on the introverted side. But that's ok! Here are some tips from Blissful Bride Coach Jennifer Gilchrist who is doing a 30-day series on becomming a blissful bride. Check her out:

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Fantastic Engagement Announcement Idea

Save Big on Your Wedding Gown During The Holidays

Don't know what to put on your Christmas list? Well, turns out that the holiday season may be one of the best times of the year to buy a wedding dress, according to USA today.
 
"Since most ceremonies take place in May and June, things are much quieter in November, and stores are looking to move last season's gowns to make room for next year's styles. (You may be able to negotiate prices on wedding venues as well, since many halls are less busy this time of year.)"

-USA Weekend

via Pinterest

7 Tips for Planning a Successful Bachelor Party

I don't do this often...but this one's for the fellas. Guys, take note. If you really want to bond with the hommies and have an unforgettable night, follow these steps or forever hold your peace!

 

via house of grafx

1. VIPs Only - Be selective about who you invite and how many people you invite. Restricting the number of guests to a few SPECIAL AND CLOSE FRIENDS will help you keep numbers low and enjoyment high. A bachelor party is a special event best enjoyed with your core circle of trustworthy friends, not jerks who will tag you all over facebook when the evening is over. 

 

2. Leave Some Time for R&R - Choose a date at least 2 days before the wedding. This allows ample recovery time after being wasted. I highly suggest doing it THE WEEKEND BEFORE the wedding. Do keep in mind that weddings are expensive (and often video taped). The bride will expect her groom and groomsmen to be attentive and alert during the ceremony.

 

3. Boundaries - If you're throwing this party for a friend of yours, make sure you know his boundaries. Not everybody is used or comfortable around strippers or strip club, etc... You also don't want to get the groom into hot water with his bride-to-be. So make sure you know what IS and IS NOT appropriate.
 

4. Logistics - The bachelor party will inevitably entail significant amounts of alcohol. Act responsibly and HIRE A DRIVER for everyone to get around safely. Even if there is no alcohol involved, you are all there collectively to have epic fun, why bother driving! 

 

5. Minimize the Tailgating - If daytime activities are planned before the big night, GO EASY ON THE BOOZE. This will ensure more guys, especially the bachelor, make it through the night's festivities.

 

6. Split Expenses - Plan out all the expected expenses and share amongst your troupe. To avoid an uncomfortable situation, figure out who is paying for what, and how much each person is willing to shell out BEFORE the final check arrives.  

 

7. Coat the Gut - This should be a no-brainer...but make sure to EAT something substantial before the revelry. A dinner is more than just the toast-off for the beginning of the night, it also gives your stomach a nice base for all of the evening's alcohol consumption. 

 

Source Yuna Weddings

 

Ladies, share this with a man you know and keep 'em out of trouble.

Friday Freebies-Love Quotes

There is nothing more uplifting than a word or two of great poetry and love. TIP: choose the right words for your love, frame them and use them as wedding décor. Here are some free ones to get you started...

Inspired By Charm

i do it yourself

 



 LDS Printables

 

 honeybearlane

 

Simple As That

 

 

Tattered & Inked

 

 

Do you like Friday Freebies? Let me know what kind of freebies you'd like to see more of!