San Diego Wedding Tips, courtesy of www.SanDiegoWedding.org

Sentimental Wedding Tips

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 05:31:00 +0000

Spend a day making a time capsule. Each of you can write a letter containing your thoughts, dreams and hopes for your new life together. Put the two letters in a box and seal it. You can then open the box on a set date, maybe your 25th wedding anniversary.

Make a special wedding gift for your partner. For example, you could laminate a box with photographs or keepsakes, such as ticket stubs, from your courtship together.

On your wedding day, dab your, and your partner’s, handkerchiefs with your favorite fragrances, for a reminder of each other.

Write your own vows. Couples often find that their own words can be more meaningful than traditional vows and can give their ceremony a feeling of intimacy.

Arrange for a family member or close friend to make a video consisting of photos of you and the groom since you first met. Show the video to your guests while you are having your photos taken.

Have two special champagne flutes personalized for your reception. You can then use them on special occasions at home.

While you are on your honeymoon, write a postcard to your partner and mail it for a special surprise when he gets home.

Sentimental Ways to Honor Your Parents at Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 05:16:00 +0000

1. Walk down the aisle (the recessional) to the same song as your mother did.

2. Give a rose to your mother and groom’s mother as you walk down the aisle.

3. Prior to the ceremony, place a personalized handkerchief and a rose at both mothers' seats. The handkerchief will be a wonderful keepsake and remembrance.

4. Have your mother’s bridal bouquet duplicated. Find some pictures of her wedding and give them to your florist.

5. Instead of doing a "bouquet toss", dedicate your bouquet to your mother.

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Invitation wording for divorced parents

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 06:21:00 +0000

Your mother’s name goes first, followed by your father’s name. Do not connect the names with an "AND".

If your father hasn’t been in your life since you were a baby, it is acceptable to put just your mother’s name or the names of your mother and stepfather on the invitations.

Every family is unique, and there may be a host of other issues you are worrying about. Just remember that communication is a key. Keep both of your parents informed as to what you are thinking about and ask for input from both of them. Don’t compare one parent to another as this will only increase the tension for your big day.

If you are in a very complicated situation, you might want to consider asking your Officiant, wedding coordinator or counselor for advice.

Wedding Budgeting when Parents are Divorced

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 05:03:00 +0000

How do you sort out wedding budgets when parents are divorced? Below are a few ideas that will ease tension and are socially acceptable.

Creating a Budget - Consider opening up a checking account for the sole purpose of wedding expenses. If both of your divorced parents are contributing to the wedding, discuss with them (together or separately, depending on the situation) and find out how much they can contribute. Ask both parents to write you a check for a lump sum and put it in your account. Take out the money as needed. That way you do not have to run after the money every time you make a wedding decision.

Another option is to write out a detailed list of all the expenses you plan to encounter. Go down the list, and assign each expense to a parent. Make a copy for each parent so they know what exactly you are expecting them to pay for.

Seating - If your parents aren’t on speaking terms, or if one of them has a girlfriend or spouse that your other parent is uncomfortable around, be sensitive and seat them apart.

Etiquette holds that in the ceremony, your mother and stepfather sit in the first row and your father and stepmother are seated in the second row.

If everyone gets along -- they can be seated together at the ceremony.

For the reception, it's usually best to seat them at different tables.

Getting married for the second time?

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 18:45:00 +0000

Getting married for the second time? Or maybe you're marrying someone who has already been married before? Here are a few tips...

Don't Ask - Don’t ask about the details of his first wedding… and if you were married before - don’t bring up what you did at your first wedding. Just concentrate on planning the wedding the way you want it to be.

What to Wear? - No matter whether it is your first, second or third wedding… the focal point is still the wedding dress. Many second-time brides choose a simpler, more elegant or sophisticated wedding dress. Many second time brides will choose a floor length or cocktail length dress in white, off-white or a pretty pastel. Many choose a dress that they may wear again, such as a cocktail length dress or a dressy, feminine looking suit.

When it comes to bridesmaids, many second time brides choose to have a smaller wedding party with again, simpler style of bridesmaids dresses.

Children in Weddings - If you or your fiancé have children from previous marriages, include them as much as possible in your wedding plans!

Should I Register for Gifts? - YES! You may feel uncomfortable that friends and family gave you gifts at your previous wedding. There is no getting around that! People will want to give you a gift for your wedding. By registering, you help yourself by getting gifts that you want and you also help your guests in choosing gifts for you too.

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10 Reasons to Consider a Wedding Website

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 19:41:00 +0000

1. You’re either planning a wedding at the last minute or years in advance.
2. The wedding invitations, reply cards and envelopes, and reception cards barely fit into their envelopes.
3. Some f your family and friends are clueless.
4. Half of the people in your wedding don’t know each other.
5. Information on paper has a way of disappearing.
6. You and your fiancé come from different cultural backgrounds.
7. Most of your family members live out-of-state, cross-country, or internationally.
8. Everyone wants to join you on your honeymoon.
9. Because it’s fun!
10. A way to get Bride and Groom involved in a fun project.

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Advice for the Bride and Groom

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 03:26:00 +0000

Tips for selecting a wedding gown
Tips on bridal gown styles
Groom’s Formal Wear
Obtaining your Marriage License
Marriage Laws
After the Wedding, Name and Address Changes
New name comes with the ring
The Art of Wedding Hair
Hair Tips: Long, Medium, and Short Hair
Tips for Getting Your Hair Done at the Salon
Getting Along
Getting Rid of Pre-Ceremony Stress
The Night Before Your Wedding
Honeymoon Tips
Storing your wedding gown
Caring for your diamond ring

Tips on bridal gown styles

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 07:01:00 +0000

Different gown styles can help create a shorter, taller, heavier, or thinner look. Here are some tips:

A short, heavy figure: To look taller and slimmer, avoid knit fabrics. Use the princess or A-line style. Chiffon is the best fabric choice because it produces a floating effect and camouflages weight.

A short, thin figure: A shirtwaist or natural waist style with bouffant skirt will produce a taller, more rounded figure. Chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net are probably the best fabric choices.

A tall, heavy figure: Princess or A-line are the best styles for slimming the figure; satin, chiffon and lace fabrics are recommended.

A tall, thin figure: Tiers or flounces will help reduce the impression of height. A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt are ideal choices. Satin and lace are the best fabrics.

Tips for selecting a wedding gown

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 05:36:00 +0000

Here's some guidelines to help you select the most appropriate gown for your wedding:

Informal wedding:
Street-length gown or suitCorsage or small bouquetNo veil or train

Semi-formal wedding:
Floor-length gown; Chapel train; Finger-tip veil; Small bouquet

Formal daytime wedding:
Floor-length gown;Chapel or sweep train; Fingertip veil or hat; Gloves; Medium-sized bouquet

Formal evening wedding:
Same as formal daytime except longer veil

Very formal wedding:
Floor-length gown; Cathedral train; Full-length veil; Elaborate headpiece; Long sleeves or long arm-covering gloves; Cascading bouquet

Groom’s Formal Wear

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 05:31:00 +0000

The groom should select his formal wear based on the formality of the wedding. For a semi-formal or formal wedding, the groom will need a tuxedo.

In selecting your formal wear, keep in mind the formality of your wedding, the time of day, and the bride's gown. Consider darker colors for a fall or winter wedding and lighter colors for a spring or summer wedding.

Reserve tuxedos for yourself and your ushers several weeks before the wedding to insure a wide selection and to allow enough time for alterations. Plan to pick up the tuxedos a few days before the wedding to allow time for last minute alterations in case they don't fit properly.

Tips To Save Money: Try to negotiate getting your tuxedo for free or at a discount in exchange for having your father, your fiancé's father and ushers rent their tuxedos at that shop.

Marriage Laws

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:17:00 +0000

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.

You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. Brides, you'll have to write your-married-name-to-be on the application.

You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you.

On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

Obtaining your Marriage License

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:10:00 +0000

Among the mnay details you have to do, don’t forget about the piece of paper that makes everything official: The Marriage License.

Plan ahead. Unless it’s Las Vegas, where spur-of-the-moment weddings are commonplace, figure on a waiting time before the license is issued. A safe estimation is 3-5 business days, with the certificate good for at least 30 days.

Medical Records. Some municipalities require blood tests or other medical records.

Bring ID. Commonly accepted forms of ID are birth certificates, drivers’ licenses and passports.

Carry Cash. Expect to pay a cost for the license. While it usually isn’t a sizeable fee, be prepared -- some places will only accept cash in the exact amount.

Go Together. Many places expect both bride and groom to be there, so plan to go on a day where both of you can be present.

This is only meant to be a guideline, so cCheck with your municipality to see what all the requirements are in your area for sure.

Not sure which municipality to contact? Generally speaking, if the bride’s resident state and the state of the wedding are the same, then an application is usually made at her municipality. If only the groom lives in that state, then it would be his municipality; if neither one of you lives there, the application is filled out in the municipality of the ceremony location.

After the Wedding, Name and Address Changes

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 06:10:00 +0000

Whether you're following tradition and taking your husband's name, hyphenating, or making any other change you want legally recognized, here are the steps you'll need to follow.

Once you receive your official marriage certificate, the first step of recording your name change is with the Social Security Administration. Obtaining a Social Security card showing your new name (your number won't change) is free and fairly easy.

Next comes the pleasure of a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles to update your driver's license. You will need to appear in person for this change. Bring your marriage certificate and new Social Security card, as well as your new proof of address if you've moved as well. Don't forget your old driver's license, which you'll have to surrender in exchange for an interim card until the new one arrives by mail.

And don't forget to change your name with:
Your employer
Your bank
Your mortgage company
Your passport

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New name comes with the ring

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 05:32:00 +0000

When most women take their vows, they also take their new husband's family name. It's a time-honored tradition that still suits many brides, but it is also a choice that means you should consider all the legal requirements of a name change well before the wedding day.

When you receive your marriage license, contact your local Social Security office and Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain new identification cards. Be sure to ask your county clerk about the specific laws governing your area.There are plenty of institutions and government agencies that will need the updated name information. They include:

Employers, 401(k) or retirement accounts.
Banks, stockbrokers, credit card companies.
Post office, utility companies.
Voter registration, U.S. State Department (Passport Services).
Mortgage/deed/lease companies, insurance companies.
Personal memberships such as health or athletic clubs, schools and alumnae associations.

The Art of Wedding Hair

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 05:55:00 +0000

Hair! What subject has produced more fears, tears and rituals, bottles, brushes, and headlines than that of the almighty coiffeur? Add the wedding day to this dilemma and there is coiffeur confusion, mad rushes to the magazine rack and tears begging our trusted stylist for help. Here are some great tips:

Dress: Maurer says to start with the dress because, "the brides total bridal look has to be taken into consideration, every thing must balance. The brides dress choice sets the tone for the entire ceremony and the hair design has to evoke the same feeling."

Texture: "Believe it or not the wedding gown can also dictate the texture of the finished hair design. A smooth, shiny Updo of curls or glossy stick straight hair complements a smooth satin gown. Where a gown of sweeping tulle is beautifully accented by soft flowing curls."

The silhouette: "Your look from head to toe has a silhouette, either horizontal or vertical. A full skirt is horizontal and best balanced by a wider hair design and or full veiling. A vertical look being narrow and slim is complemented by a hair design of the same lines; it could be a bob tucked behind the ears or a narrow pile of curls on top of the head."

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Hair Tips: Long, Medium, and Short Hair

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 00:45:00 +0000

Bridal hairstyles need to reflect the brides' personality and personal style.

Long Hair - If your hair is long and you wear it pulled back most of the time than an elegant updo would be just the look. Natural curls? Enhance them and work with them; keep your look soft.

Straight hair? Don’t expect a set to last all day, wear it up. If the curls are pinned in place there will be less worry.

Medium Hair - If your hair is medium in length it can be curled and worn with a sparkly headband or tiara to dress it up. Or simply tuck some hair behind your ears and use one of the very popular decorative hair clips to hold it back.

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Tips for Getting Your Hair Done at the Salon

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 06:21:00 +0000

Schedule your wedding day hair appointment at least eight weeks ahead.

Have a practice session at least a month ahead and bring a picture of your dress and your headpiece with you to the salon.

Record your travel time from the salon to where you are getting dressed. Add on extra time for getting dressed and make-up if the salon is not applying it.

Bring a Polaroid camera to your hair appointment and take pictures of the front, side, and back.

Ask for more than one stylist to help with the wedding party. Three stylists for a party of six is the best bet for staying on schedule.

Schedule all nail appointments for the day before, this also saves time.

Getting Along

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 05:27:00 +0000

Planning your wedding can be a stressful time in your life. Here are a few ideas to keep the love flowing between you and your intended.

Don’t Call Names. Labels do nothing but create anger and hostility, and will certainly not help to find a solution over cutting the guest list.

Don’t Blame. When something is wrong, choose your words wisely. It is important to use words like "I feel" instead of saying something like "You’re wrong".

Listen. Marriage Counselors agree that the biggest complaint in struggling relationships is that one partner feels as though the other one isn’t listening.

Apologize and Forgive. Don’t be so filled up with pride that you won’t ask for forgiveness.

Be Thoughtful and Flexible. Next week you are scheduled to meet with three vendors, on your fiancé's birthday. Show him how much you appreciate him and reschedule some appointments and plan a fun night out.

Take a Break. It’s important for both of you to take a break from wedding planning.

Getting Rid of Pre-Ceremony Stress

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 06:10:00 +0000

To help rid yourself of these stresses and to help fight that nauseating feeling as you walk down the aisle, here are some tips:

Take a brisk walk around the block, up the street, wherever.

Take a few moments each day, preferably at night before going to sleep, and do breathing exercises. Yes, the same ones moms do when they are in delivery.

Start drinking more water instead of caffeine and sugar loaded liquids. Reduce salt intake.

Laughing and singing are great ways to reduce the stress.

Another stress reducer is to stretch your muscles out. Do leg and arm stretches to help tone and to remove built up tensions in your muscles. Head and neck rolls can do wonders while sitting all day in an office!

Dim the lights in the bathroom and take a nice, hot bath.

One glass of wine can help you to relax, but don't overdo it.

If you prefer, that old home remedy of warm milk will do it every time!

Wedding Budgeting & Organization, articles on

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:17:00 +0000

A Wedding Countdown Planner
Groom’s Countdown Checklist
Expenses your wedding attendants cover
Wedding Expenses: Groom and his family
Wedding Expenses: Bride and her family
Typical Wedding Party Plan
Defining your Wedding Budget
Setting A Budget For Your Wedding
Bouquets and Corsages
Tips on Decorating at the Ceremony
Tips for Decorating the Reception
Reasons to Limit your Guest List
How to Cut Your Guest List
Questions to Ask Your Caterer
Caterer requests
Catering Tips
How much Liquor to Buy?
Creative Wedding Favors
Instead of a Guest Book
Wedding Photos

Charity and Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 05:20:00 +0000

Include Philanthropy on your "to do" list

Ways to Give Back

Healthier to Give than Receive

Healthier to Give than Receive

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 22:04:00 +0000

That old adage about feeling good when you do something for someone else apparently has more than an emotional ring to it. Engaging in even a scant amount of altruistic behavior increases longevity, a University of Michigan study has found.

The five-year examination of 423 older couples found that those who reported helping someone else even only once a year were between 40 percent and 60 percent less likely to die than those who reported helping no one at all during the previous 365 days.

The type of help varied widely and included assisting family members who didn't live in the same place, babysitting for grandchildren, for example.

The researchers also looked at emotional support between spouses and found that those who were able to make their spouse feel loved and cared for also lived longer than those who denied their emotional support.

Although it's not known how the act of being helpful and kind to others increases your life expectancy, there are some theories:
"Giving may induce positive feelings" and buffer cardiovascular effects.
"You can derive physical and psychological benefits from knowing you are making someone else's life worthwhile."

Wedding Attendants, articles regarding

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 21:35:00 +0000

Wedding and Reception Duties: Maid/Matron of Honor
Ushers' Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Best Man
Responsibilities of Bridesmaids
What to keep in mind when choosing your Wedding Party
Selecting your Bridesmaids
How to treat your Bridesmaids
Maid of Honor Responsibilities
Best Man Responsibilities
When to have kids in the wedding party
Tips for including children in weddings
More helpful hints when kids are in wedding party
To cooperate, kids need praise and understanding
Kids at the Reception

Wedding Ceremony, articles on the

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 01:46:00 +0000

Wedding Ceremony Itinerary
Coordinating the Wedding Day
What your Ushers should know
The Processional
Coordination once the Ceremony is over
Order of Events in the Recessional
How NOT to Faint at the Altar
Alternative Exits for the Bride and Groom
Order of Events for a Wedding Reception
Your Wedding Reception
Best Man’s Speech
Tips For Making a Wedding Toast
The Wedding Toast

The Night Before Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Wedding Tipster) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 05:54:00 +0000

DON’T drink a lot of alcohol at the rehearsal dinner. Limit yourself to a glass of wine or champagne for toasting at dinner. Instead, drink plenty of water – it will make you feel and look good for your wedding day.

DO eat a good dinner. Don’t just nibble – you’ll need plenty of energy for the day ahead. Stay away from spicy foods or rich, heavy desserts. They may give you indigestion and stop you from getting a good night’s sleep.

DON’T go out after the rehearsal dinner. There will be lots of friends, relatives and out-of-town guests that will want to see you – but resist the temptation and go home directly after the rehearsal dinner.

After the rehearsal dinner, DO spend time with people that are close to you… your parents, your bridesmaids or your fiancé. Try not to be around people that can be annoying or cause you any stress.

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