Gift Tables There are three times when guests are likely to hand gifts at you: while they're in the receiving line, during your table visits and when they leave for the night. Designate a person-one of your bridesmaids, your mom or your groom's mom-to collect envelopes, and have them by your side with a large but inconspicuous bag when you're saying hello and goodbye to your guests. That person should also keep an eye out for guests who seem a little lost at the reception-they may be trying to figure out where they should put their gift! If you decide instead to have a wishing well, box or other stationary receptacle, tell a few people to subtly spread the word around. (GIFT TIP: As trusting as we might be, our current economy has made weddings a target for thieves looking for gift tables, mainly wishing wells. Do not put your gift tables near doors or open windows. If an outdoor wedding, be sure to designate someone to monitor this area for you or remove gift envelopes frequently to a safe location.) Where Everything Goes While planning where all of your guests sit, you need to figure out where you'll put programs, escort and place cards, menus and favors. Once you've picked who's going to set these out-your wedding coordinator, bridesmaids and banquet managers are all good choices-give clear instructions on where things should go (one favor on every other plate at tables, for example, if you want couples to share the table gifts, or all of them in two baskets by the exits if you want guests to pick them up on the way out). Also, if your venue's staff will be setting out these items, find out when you can drop everything off-some venues want everything a couple of days before your wedding; others won't take anything until the actual day. Children at the Wedding While planning your wedding you will need to decide if children will be invited. The choice is yours but there are some things you need to consider. If you are a perfectionist, having children at any part of the wedding might not be a good idea. Can you and or the parents handle any situation that may arise with the kids? With Ringbearers and Flower Girls, be sure to make them part of your wedding. This can be done by assigning jobs such as passing out wedding programs at the door. Girls and boys ages 8 to 12 can be junior bridesmaids and ushers. Depending on the number of children, you can also hire sitters to be seated wherever children are seated. This way they can keep an eye on their safety and also keep them entertained. Always seat children with their family members. Other guests will be more understanding of children's quirks and situations that may arise when they are with family more than people who do not have children and may not have the patience to deal with them. A current trend is renting an extra room at the venue and having a minimum or two babysitters entertain the kids with games and movies. Don't forget their snacks & drinks! Also, check out children's gifts and coloring books to keep them entertained. Limousine Services The best day of your life deserves the best ride of your life! Limos should arrive spotless, both inside and out. Drivers should look the part in professional attire. Some providers will also bring a red carpet for the couple and a bottle of champagne - see their services descriptions for details. Luxury sedans, antiques / classic limos, stretch limousines, passenger vans, trolleys, carriages, shuttle/mini buses and motor coaches. You select the perfect limo for your big day. Don't forget the honeymoon. Or the parents / grandparents / in-laws/ wedding party...you get the idea. How about a night out in a party bus after the rehearsal dinner with your family and friends? Many limo companies require a rental minimum of 3 hours. Side note: most services don't offer pick-up and drop-off services as this only consumes 1 hour of time. A typical wedding package runs from $175-$500 for 3 hours of service. Exotic vehicles are generally higher. We advise you to begin shopping for your wedding limo 6 to 9 months before your wedding date to ensure you receive your vehicle and package of choice. Our limo referral service, for anywhere in the world, offers an excellent source for your professional limo & transportation needs. Click here for questions and pricing.

Has Your Wedding Planner Popped The Question

The question they might ask is, "Are you going to be a Bridezilla?" Bridezilla is a term we hated since the first day it was ever uttered! No one really acts like this in real life, do they? We've seen Bridal Shops and Wedding Planners that actually have signs that read, 'Bridezillas Keep Out'. Since starting our wedding business in 1980, we have come across some of the nicest 'brides to be'. The women were a joy to work with and you could see why someone wanted to spend the rest of their lives with them. The Bridezillas you see on TV are destined to be unhappy because no one would want to deal with them. Our advice to grooms, 'if your 'bride to be' acts like they do on TV, run, hide, change your name as fast as possible.' No one needs to act like this. The old saying, 'a spoonful of honey goes a lot further than vinegar' comes to mind. May we suggest, "Act respectful and you will be respected." Money may talk and you are the boss, but someone may be your doormat on TV but not in real life.

Wedding Cakes, Pies & Cupcakes Wedding Cupcakes & Pies have suddenly soared in popularity and more brides and grooms are choosing to have this different type of dessert at their receptions. A traditional cake leaves you with a limited number of options. Flavors are restricted to one per layer and icing or frosting is usually of a single type. Cupcakes & Pies are a wonderful budget saver as well since traditional cakes can cost you more than the entertainment! Unique cake & cupcake stands and holders add to the presentation of this new wave of wedding cakes! Wedding Pie Buffets can also be a marvelous Show Stopper!

Help Support the Cause

Breast Cancer Awareness "It truly is in giving that we receive." We are proud to do our part in giving back to a cause that affects so many. That is why we are excited to double our donation during the month of October. For every product purchased within this category, we will give 10% of the proceeds towards Breast Cancer research. But, it won't end there... at the close of the month, we will continue to give our annual donation of 5% throughout the year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for joining us in the fight towards finding a cure. Not having a wedding? Give these gifts to everyone on your gift list and help spread the word of early detection and prevention. Thanks for helping us give!.

11-11-11 Weddings

November 11, 2011 has wedding planners working overtime. We found a record number of brides and grooms will soon say 'I do' on 11-11-11. By now, your wedding invitations should have already been mailed. Shop managers stress it's not too late to book November nuptials - if you can find a venue. November 11, 2011 falls on a Friday this year. Wedding planners say November 12 has also been a popular date. Don't forget, 11-11-11 is Veterans Day. Incorporating some Red + White + Blue wouldn't be out of the question. Venues such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas are offering 11-11-11 specials. Share your own 11-11-11 ideas on our Facebook page. Still need help, see our wedding checklist.

Wedding Favors DIY vs Buying

Your wedding favors are still an important part of your reception. You want to put enough thought into them, so that they will be a meaningful and a lasting reminder to your guests of the day they shared with you. Wedding Planners, such as David Tutera, say 'don't insult your guests with cheap homemade favors'. If you're shopping to buy the cheapest favors possible, just skip the entire favor process. A favor or table gift is a 'Thank You' to your guests. Nothing says, 'this is the cheapest thing I could find' like a few almonds in tulle or a chocolate covered spoon. Just skip it! Personalized favors with your names and date are inexpensive and will be a lasting memory for family and friends. One of the biggest selling favor items in 2011 were the personalized 'Coaster Sets'. $5 to $10 is a good starting place. Danica Cooper says, 'If you're shopping favors under $2, just send a personal Thank You card.' As an added plus, buying your wedding favors 'already made' will save you tons of time and relieve some stress. In your planning, one favor per guest or one favor per invitation sent can be determined by the type of favor and your budget. Share your own favor ideas on our Facebook page.

Wedding Invitations Our Birchcraft Studios site is offering FREE INFORMAL NOTES + 25% OFF your invitations or announcements by 10-31-11. Informal Notes can be used for hand written thank you notes or special notices/instructions to add to your Invitation Ensemble. Our printers maintain the highest quality professional printing standards along with a large selection of Classic, Contemporary and Elegant invitations. Whatever you do, DON'T print your own invitations when we can print them professionally for the same price or less in any language and any verse. Brides should have their invitation order placed and/or in-hand at least 3 months prior. Share your own invitation ideas and questions on our Facebook page. Danica Cooper, our staff Bridal Consultant will be happy to help. Click here to view our large selection of Invitations.

Las Vegas Themed Weddings Themed weddings in Las Vegas are a popular alternative to getting married in a wedding chapel. Get married in your own private limousine while touring The Las Vegas Strip. Have Elvis pick you up at your hotel in his 1956 Pink Cadillac, cruise The Las Vegas Strip, get married or renew your vows at the world famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign or at the drive thru wedding window. You may wish to view the bright lights high above of The Las Vegas Strip, while getting married with a Strip Helicopter Wedding Package, or a trip by helicopter to The Grand Canyon for your wedding ceremony or in the natural surroundings of The Valley of Fire. Questions about getting married in Las Vegas, please call 1-800-784-5728 or 1-702-636-0801. Email: info@chapelsinlasvegas.com

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