1. Choose your color palette and play it out
- The elegant bride: A black and white. If this sounds like you, go for it. You might even let your bridesmaids choose their own little black dress
- Fun and festive: If you picture a fun, lively, casual affair, consider hot pink, orange, elegant greens and use them everywhere! Start with your invitation and carry it through to your gifts, your bridesmaid dresses and even your flowers.
- Pure love: If white and ivory best tell the story of your love, use them everywhere – not just for the dress and the cake. Let your bridesmaids wear white, choose textured white tablecloths and decorate with white and cream flowers
- 2. Pick your theme
- Romance: Something old something new: If you’re all about the romance, carry it throughout the ceremony. And don’t forget about “something borrowed and something blue”. Keep these beautiful traditions alive.
- Modern: Are you a free spirit? An independent thinker? A woman who can do it all? Express yourself with some of our favorite modern bride selections. And personalize everything, from your vows to your dress to your invitations
- Classic: What’s old is new. Do you love old movies, candlelight dinners and walks on the beach? Maybe you’re a classic bride. Take dance lessons with your fiancé, choose a “big band” and have your guest thoroughly entertained.
- 3. Consider a destination wedding
- Beach: Are you all things sand and sea? Pack up your friends and family and head to the CharlestonSC beaches. Keep your details casual, coastal in shades of blue and sea foam green, and be sure to buy lots of disposable cameras – to capture a weekend of fun.
- Garden/Country: Love is in full bloom. Whether celebrating at a vineyard, a farm or your favorite botanical gardens, bring your friends and family closer to nature for your most important day.
- Choose invitations that celebrate the outdoors, and be sure to include elements of nature in your flowers and decorations.
- 4. Shop by best-selling collections
- Nature Lover: Bring the outside in! Curving vines sprinkled with clear crystals create the ultimate in understated elegance. Perfect for the country wedding.
- 5. Show your thanks!
- Bridesmaids Gifts: Your best friends have been there for you all your life. They talked you out of the “wrong men” and are now celebrating your “Mr. Right!” Treat them right with the perfect thank you gift.
- Groomsmen’s gifts: What would you do without your friends? You’ve been knocking around together for years-golfing, watching football, helping each other through tough times. Say thanks with a gift they’ll use and remember you for.
- Gifts for Dad: He helped you with your homework. He taught you to ride a bike. Now, he’ll walk you down the aisle. Show Dad your thanks with an heirloom pocket watch.
- Gifts for Mom: She bought you your first prom dress. She encouraged you to be your own woman. Give her a gift she’ll treasure forever! Give her a “big girl” thanks with a keepsake gift
- 6. Remember the details!
- Simply stylish boxes: Stylish favor boxes are a great way to wrap up your favorite treats while adding a touch of coordinating color to your reception. Add a personalized favor tag and matching ribbon for a complete package.
- Paper Expressions: Add more of your personal style and color to your reception with velvety soft napkins.
- Accent with color: add a custom touch to your wedding favors and invitations. Create a look that reflects your unique style.
- 7. Don’t forget the honeymoon
- Relax. Unwind. Whether you’re sharing a beach blanket, picnicking by a lake or meandering along a mountain trail, enjoy the peace and tranquility of being together.
- 8. Keep the memory alive
- Create a whimsical photo opportunity – and frame the shots perfectly.
- Indulge in a silver or antique guest book frame and remember who surrounded you with love.
- Pass out the disposable cameras and enjoy all sorts of “candid” shots
- 9. Enjoy a private moment
- Make sure you keep a little private time with your spouse. Linger in the limo over champagne and strawberries, and meet for stolen kisses throughout the reception.
- 10. Say thank you !
- So many people were there for you. While we love our e-mails, everyone appreciates a hand-written thank you note…
- 11. EXTRA IDEA: Celebrate your one year anniversary!
- Choose some fun invitations and, get out that top layer of the wedding cake, and have your wedding party over to celebrate your continued love!
Happy Beginnings,
Mike
