The Man Registry

Here is another one of those website that brides may just want to "accidentally" leave up on the computer for your fiance to see.

This is a great website for grooms of all kinds! I have a feeling that men are just as insecure and anxious about wedding do's and don't, but a lot of the tie they do not want to show it. This can lead to seeming like they "don't care" about the planning of the wedding. As it may not be as socially acceptable for men to carrying around wedding magazines, especially because they are 99% directed to the brides, that doesn't mean there isn't information or help out there for the grooms in our lives!

This website http://www.themanregistry.com/ is a great tool for answering questions, advice and some great tips for men as they are helping plan a wedding. They have an Ask the Expert section where there are questions that are answered such as, "Do you recommend a joint bachelor/bachelorette party?" and other tips and tidbits from the male point of view.

They also have a a Groom 101 section where they have articles or information on just about everything from A Grooms Guide to Asking Permission to Propose to Wedding Vow Writing Tips to Including Pets in Your Wedding.

So brides and grooms out there, I strongly suggest checking out the marvelous website!

Weekday Wedding

Yes, we all know that weddings are typically held on a Saturday or Friday. Yes, we all know that venues and vendors typically charge more on Friday and Saturdays because of this. But what about having a weekday wedding?

For a budget conscious person, such as myself, I personally love the idea of having a fabulous event at an affordable price! This trend of weekday weddings is very slowly reaching the Midwest as it is already very popular in Europe, and is becoming more and more popular along the East Coast, especially NYC.

Now there are many pros and cons to having a weekday wedding... and here are some that I have come up with (feel free to add to them!)

Pros

* Cheaper!!!!!!!!!!! Venues, Vendors, Photographers!!!! On average their prices are a little more than 1/3 rd the price of having a wedding on a Fri. or Sat.

* More availability. They say that you need to plan your wedding 18 months out, but what if you want to get married under a year from your engagement? Or maybe the venue of your dreams is booked on the weekend you want to get married. I bet they have a Wednesday or Thursday open! You'll also be able to keep the day that you really want. Maybe you want to get married on the anniversary of your first date or your when you got engaged. Unfortunately those days do not always end up on a Friday or Saturday.

* More Bang for your Buck. A lot of vendors will throw in extras or be more apt to discount some of their services on these days

* People will most like consume or drink as many alcoholic beverages on weekday than they would on a weekend.

* Traveling is cheaper and you can get better rates on airfare and hotels

* It's easier to find a babysitter for those who have families or those who want to have a wedding sans children

Cons:

* Not everyone will be able to show up...some may not have the vacation time or be able to get out of work.
* Some relatives or those who usually "stick to tradition" may have certain opinions about a weekday wedding. Because of this, you may need to come up with a way to nicely and politely tell them that this is YOUR decision and not theirs.

I think what it basically comes down to if you are thinking of a weekday wedding, is your guests. If you plan on having a wedding on a weekday prepare to get a few more "no's" than "yes's" on your RSVP cards. Many will send their love but will not be able to make it. As long as you can allow yourself to not get offended about this, than I think your in good shape to consider a wedding during the week.

So, is Thursday the new Saturday? Wednesday the new Friday? What do you think?

Wacky Weddings

Sometimes words just can't express it all and only a picture will do.

Here are some crazy wedding pictures, AND I LOVE THEM!

Do I dare try and start a Wacky Wedding Wednesday...

Enjoy!

2010 Wedding Trends

Do you remember when as a child you used to look at pictures of your parents in bell bottom and laugh at them because they were so “lame” and unfashionable, and then you entered high school, or college and all of a sudden found yourself wearing bell bottoms because they were cool. I know I did (Sorry Mom and Dad!). Fashion and trends seem to go in circles. Yes, the 80’s where back for a little while this past year (scary) and it seems to be that the 70’s may never leave some people. This also applies in wedding trends.

I have been doing some research on 2010 wedding trends and have found some great NEW ones but also some that have made their way back in the timeless circle of fashion. From what I have compiled, here is my list of 2010 wedding trends:

Birdcage Veils

I love this! It reminds me of classic Hollywood and the 1940s flare. This vintage look will definitely draw some attention to the already beautiful bride.

Backyard Weddings at Home

Hmmm…was it the movie Steel Magnolias where it started out with a wedding in the back yard? Also, the movie Father of the Bride, hey, didn’t even Hugh Hefner get married in back yard? Despite the last one, it seems that this is a great recession resistant way to have a budget friendly reception, just don’t let your dad shoot the birds in the trees.

Short Wedding Dresses

I am looking forward to seeing more of this in 2010. I'm sure there will be some beautiful shorter wedding dresses to come!

BUTTERCREAM WEDDING CAKES

Excuse my excitement, but I give much respect to those wonderful bakers who spend so much time and detail on fondant decorated cakes, but buttercream is back and my mouth is already watering!

Greenery Décor and Bouquets

Going green is also a HUGE movement in the wedding industry and some are incorporating that and substituting their calla lilies and roses for a bouquet of greenery. Some also do this for centerpieces as well.

Grooms cakes

A tradition that has faded in the past but is coming back is the grooms cake. Usually this is a cake in the form of something that the groom enjoys, i.e. a football, a golf club, PS3, their favorite condiment etc…

Mismatched Brides maids Dresses

This may not be a total new concept or idea, but it is one that will seem to hold steady in the year 2010. I love this idea so that each brides maid can have a dress that is flattering to them.

Wedding Favors

I am personally not the biggest fan of wedding favors because I see a lot of them left behind, however, it seems like this has been something that has been omitted quite a bit in the past couple of years…but 2010 wants to bring it back. So bring on those colored M&M’s!