Category Archives: DIY

Important items for your Wedding day

important-items-for-your-wedding-day

As a bride, many thoughts cross your mind while planning your event. For example, will I be happy with my flowers? Can I sit that person there? Will my wedding planner get my wedding style right, as well as a host of other things. On your wedding day, many things may go wrong, so it is important to plan for the little things that may not seem like a big  deal now, but on the d-day, they will matter a lot. Here is a list of items that may help.

Flip Flops are essential.

Be sure to have a pair of flip flops stashed within reach. The idea may not seem like it is a great one but when you look at the big picture, flip flops will come in very handy on your wedding day. How else will you give your legs a break like during long photo shoots. Also, Let your flip flops be stylish and match the theme and décor on the wedding day. There are so many fun, cute styles to choose from I say buy at least two pairs!

Pack your bags.

It is important to pack all the clothes and overnight items that you need for your honeymoon up front and leave it with a trusted person or in the car. This is because, after the wedding, you will not have time to go back and do the packing. Other aspects to consider are the toiletries and other items that the bridesmaids and groomsmen may need during the wedding. The bag should be marked properly and left in the care of a responsible & trusted person.

Your wing man…or woman.

You have to bear in mind that on your wedding day, you will be the center of attention. Therefore, everything, as pertains to planning and taking care of the vendors, will be out of the question on the wedding day. It is important to have a wedding planner but at the same time, the wedding planner might overlook some aspects that might ruin your envisioned wedding style. You will need somebody you fully trust to ensure that the venue has nothing left, the vendors have all received their checks and that the bridesmaids travel arrangements are taken care of after the wedding. Choose wisely.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The saddest comment to me is a recent bride saying that they were so overwhelmed by the commotion of the day that they forgot to enjoy the moment. Take the time to breathe in the day, sneak away for a stolen kiss with your new husband, watch as your family dances with abandon, laugh with all your bridesmaids throughout the day. It can be a magical day if you remember to enjoy it and live in the moment. Blink and the day will be over, it will be a shame to waste such precious moments on things that will be forgotten and overlooked.

 

How to Plan the Ultimate Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is without doubt one of the most interesting and fun of all wedding traditions. It is the time where people get to shower the couple, and more so the bride, with gifts and advice on how to navigate the harsh waters of marriage. Planning the perfect bridal shower is therefore just as important as planning the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon and even the wedding itself.

What makes planning the shower so tricky is that you don’t want to have a party that is so amazing that it will outshine the wedding, or one that is so boring that it starts the entire wedding season on a low note. So if you are a party planner or a bride or even a maid of honor who has been given the task of planning the ultimate bridal shower, below are five of the most popular bridal shower themes. The ideas should help you get started on the right foot.

  1. Costume party theme- If you are and your guest are the type to enjoy dressing up then a costume party is a great idea. It is not a very common theme but it is definitely a super fun and memorable for everyone.
  2. Garden party theme- You can never go wrong with an outdoor bridal shower. This theme allows guests to interact freely in open fresh air which makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
  3. Tea party theme– This is one of the easiest to pull off. Not only is it simple and elegant but also affordable and quite easy to set up.
  4. Wine tasting bridal showers- There is probably nothing better than bonding over good wine. This makes the wine tasting theme one of the best for bridal showers.
  5. Jack and Jill shower– what makes this bridal shower theme so amazing is the fact that it is centered on the couples shared interests. Be it swimming, bowling, rock climbing or even singing karaoke, the party will be organized in such a way that everyone gets to participate in the chosen activity.

No matter what you decide on, it will be a day that you will always remember for years to come!

Creative “Something Blue” Ideas for Your Wedding

Creative something blue ideas for your wedding day

Everyone knows the age old saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Not only does your wedding dress and reception décor style speak volumes about your personality, but what you choose for “something blue” can be a fun way to show your creativity as well.

We’ve rounded up our favorite creative “something blue” ideas for your wedding to help light your spark for creativity:

A ribbon around your bouquet.

Blue ribbon around the bridal bouquet is a creative "something blue" idea for your wedding day.

Sew your wedding date on the inside of your wedding dress.

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Sew a heart on the inside of your wedding dress.

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Sew your initials on the inside of your wedding dress or on the groom’s cuff.

Sewing your wedding date or a heart or initials inside your wedding dress is a creative "something blue" idea for your wedding day.

Blue “I do” on your wedding shoes.

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Or on both of  your wedding shoes.

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Better yet, why don’t you  just make your wedding shoes blue.

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Blue nail polish.

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Or just blue nail designs.

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Blue Garter.

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Blue intimates.

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Blue Necklace.

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Blue charm bracelet. 

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Pins.

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How to Put Together The Ultimate Wedding Planning Notebook

how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook

When planning your wedding, organization is key. Having a wedding planning notebook where you can keep everything in one place is extremely helpful to keeping your sanity. With so many different kinds out there, it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the perfect wedding planning binder for you. With these tips on how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook, you can channel your inner DIY expert and create your own!

Things you’ll need:

  • A binder
  • A clear zip pouch to include fabric samples, business cards, etc.
  • Post-it notes. Because who doesn’t love them?!
  • Dividers and tabs for the different sections
  • A whole puncher
  • Calendar printable

Label your dividers to create these categories:

  • Important
    • Calendar with all appointments and dates marked
    • Planning timeline & checklist
    • Vendor contact list
    • Vendor contracts
    • Wedding party contact sheet
    • Family & guest list contact sheet
    • Wedding day emergency kit checklist
    • Wedding day timeline
    • Checklist of everything you need to buy for the ceremony and reception
    • Checklist of all responsibilities
  • Budget
    • Wedding budget worksheet. Include percentages for each aspect as well as a sheet for what has already been spent
    • Important payment dates and deposits
    • Splitting the wedding tab? Include a guideline for divvying up the costs.
  • Ceremony
    • Copy of ceremony text
    • Questions to ask your wedding officiate
    • List of processional & recessional order
    • Contracts
    • Officiate contact information
    • Costs & tips
    • Music playlists, DJ and band contracts
    • Décor
    • Seating arrangements
    • Program
  • Reception
    • Timeline of reception (dance, cake cutting , toasts, etc)
    • Music
    • Rentals
    • Décor
    • Setup info and instructions
    • Menu
    • Beverage list
    • Playlist with special songs
    • List of people who are toasting
    • List of people to thank at the reception
    • Favors
    • Cake
    • Guest book
    • Photo booth
    • All relevant contracts
    • Exit sparklers/flowers/bubbles
    • Reserved seating signs
    • Toasting glasses
    • Band contact info, pricing, etc
  • Guests
    • Mailing addresses & contact information
    • RSVPs
    • Dinner choices
    • Gifts received
    • Thank you notes sent list
    • Guest hotel info
    • Welcome bags
  • Attire
    • Bride
      • Schedule of fittings
      • Dress
      • Jewelry
      • Bag
      • Shoes
      • Lingerie
      • Veil
    • Groom
    • Bridesmaids
      • Dresses
      • Accessories
    • Groomsmen
    • Mother of the bride
    • Ring bearer
    • Flower girl
  • Photographer
    • Contract
    • Must-have photo list
    • List of everyone needed for photos
    • Props
  • Florist
    • Contract
    • Pricing & budget
    • Ceremony arrangements
    • Reception arrangements
    • Bouquet arrangements
    • Boutonniere arrangements
    • Family member flowers
  • Rehearsal
    • Venue contracts
    • Décor
    • Caterer contract
    • Menu
    • Vendor contact list
    • Rehearsal dinner planning checklist
    • rentals
  • Miscellaneous
    • Honeymoon plans
    • Honeymoon planning checklist
    • Transportation
    • Gifts from bride and groom
    • Registry info
    • Registry checklist
    • Best man and maid of honor duties

 

 

Amazing & Free Wedding Planning  Printables We Love:

  1. Wedding planning timeline printable  from Russel and Hazel: http://www.russellandhazel.com/PDF/WeddingTemplate.pdf

  2. Wedding planning binder printables from Botanical Paperworks: http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/blog/read,article/573/free-printables-wedding-planning-binder

  3. Martha Stewart Wedding Planning Printable: http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf3/wedding_workbook.pdf

  4. Buzzfeed Printables Every Bride Should Know About:
    http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/free-wedding-printables#.epBPY5zDx7

NOTE: Plan your wedding or event on LocalPartyPlanner.com and make use of our bride’s workbook which allows you to:

  • Add your own vendors
  • Keep track of hired & pending vendors
  • Manage a to-do list
  • Keep notations on each vendor and the event planning process
  • Track all budgets
  • Keep track of multiple events all in one place (reception, rehearsal dinner, brunch, etc).

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home

Your engagement ring is one of your most prized possessions. You’ve been dreaming about getting one for as long as you can remember and – let’s be serious – there’s nothing more mesmerizing than watching it sparkle in the light.

When you finally get your dream engagement ring you want it to look as clean and shiny as possible at all times. It’s extremely important to schedule regular maintenance appointments with your jeweler (at least once a year) to make sure all prongs and stones are tightly in place and to get your ring cleaned.  However, you can polish up your ring at home in between appointments to remove built up makeup, lotion and hair spray and keep your rock looking ever-so-sparkly.

Here are some tips on how to clean your engagement ring at home:

What to do:

  1. Make a solution with warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Soak your ring in it for about 20-40 minutes. GENTLY brush the stone with a very soft toothbrush and then rinse under warm running water. Repeat if needed.
  2. Jewelry stores offer jewelry cleaner that is also safe for cleaning your rings at home.

 

What not to do:

  1. Never use household cleaners such as bleach, chlorine or acetone. These harsh chemicals break down some of the base metals in your ring.
  2. Never use abrasive products like toothpaste, baking soda or any powdered cleaners because they can scratch metals.