I’ve created this silly, yet informative, post in honor of Groundhog’s Day.  I’m kinda this holiday fanatic:  any chance to embark on a tradition and get caught up in a moment, I’m all about.  Thanks Mr. Groundhog for all the inspiration today.  Here’s a few tips for your upcoming Spring wedding; not to worry, you have at least another six more weeks of planning! 

Phil-up on wedding memories- This day, of any day in your life, will fly by.  Remember to stop.  Breath.  Be in the moment. 

Lay out some “ground” rules- now, I’m not one to hammer out the rules to everyone, quite the contrary.  However, on the wedding day, the bridal party must remember to mind their p’s and q’s and maintain some sort of civil behavior and stay on task.  I’ve been involved in weddings where there was pure matrimonial mayhem and not relaxing for anyone.  Last year, I handed out itineraries to my friend’s wedding party.  All the groomsmen laughed at me but guess what stayed in the inside pocket of their tux jackets and kept them on time for every event?  Awe yeah, that’s right! 

Easy on the eyeshadow- From this self-proclaimed beauty advisor, I like to suggest to brides that now is not the day to rock a dark, smoky eye.  Wedding makeup is more about defining the eye so that your eyes “pop”.   Clean, well-defined eyes look timeless in photographs. 

Tip your top hat-  After all is said and done and you’re back from your honeymoon still smelling of suntan lotion, don’t forget to send out thank-you cards.  My friend and I sadly joke that written communication is a lost art (and no, we are not referring to text thank you’s)!  It’s in good taste to send cards to everyone who contributed to making your wedding a success (including the vendors) not just those who gave gifts. 

Happiest Planning and Happy Groundhog’s Day!

~The Wedding Girl

There's a wedding coming to Emerald Grande and you're invited!  Vie Magazine and Emerald Grande are giving away (let me repeat that:  they are GIVING AWAY) a wedding, valued at $30,000.  Register to win your dream wedding here http://www.viezine.com/givies/givie.php?2.  The winner will be announced on February 14, 2010 (could that be any cuter?!) at Commanders Palace in Destin, FL.  Good luck ladies!! 

Bride and Groom: Sarah and Marc

Ceremony Venue: Bayside Terrace

Reception Venue: Bayview Room

Photography By: Goode Green Photography

Bride and Groom: Kira and Wes

Ceremony Venue: Bayview Terrace

Reception Venue: Bayview Room

Photographer: Forever Photography by Kylene

I was inspired to write this blog as a result of my Black Friday shopping experience and today's Cyber Monday sales.  Yes, I am one of those crazed early morning shoppers of Black Friday.  I awoke on Friday at 1 a.m. and was out on the shopping scene at 2 a.m. sipping my venti Starbucks.  As I stood in line at Target at 4:30 a.m. with my two trusty shopping sidekicks, we scoped out all the deals and the location of these items on the store map that was handed to us.  When the doors opened at 5 a.m., I quickly grabbed a cart and raced down the main aisle, Nascar style, weaving in and out of the other shopping carts.  I grabbed my new television and met my sidekicks in the electronics department, unloading more electronic deals into our cart.  As we stood in line, we laughed and high-five'd each other for all the great deals we just received (ok, yes, we're total dorks, but let me add that we were delirious and hopped up on caffeine)!  I was exhilarated from my shopping experience and the discounts we received on normally higher priced goods.  It got me to thinking....I should tell brides how to save money on products/services that are typically priced higher!  So, here goes: 

1. Shop around for discounts on gowns.  Typically, high end designers are the only gown dealers who do not put their gowns on sale, as most are timeless.  However, many gown designers do!  Check with local stores or online to shop last season's gowns.  Also, check for local truck shows, sample sales, or discontinued designs.  These gowns can be as much as 70% off. 

2.  Off-season/mid-week specials:  Many beach vendors offer off-season rates (Nov-Feb) on wedding packages (i.e. wedding coordination services, photography, etc.). Similarly, venues and lodging facilities are often less expensive during these same months.  Some resorts offer discounted (or free) rooms for the bride and groom during the off-season if getting married on the resort.  Check around for deals.  

3.  Flowers:  There are many times when a flower is unavailable or harder to order (read:  more expensive).  Plan your floral arrangements around seasonal flowers to keep the cost down.  Another option, use less expensive flowers for the flower girls and toss bouquet.  Same rule of thumb applies to food.  Select foods that are in season and/or locally grown/caught. 

We'd love to hear your great ideas, just add your comments below.

Happiest Planning~