Your B.D.K.!!

So, your big day is approaching FAST! Everything seems to be in order...caterer- check, florist- check, dress- check...the list could go on and on.  You think you have thought of everything, and you probably have.  But let's do one more thing as a "just in case something unexpected arises-you'll be prepared plan."  You will thank me later.

I'm sure you have heard of them before.  I call them your B.D.K's (Big Day Kits)!  These should contain all of the essentials you may need to counteract crises and are traditionally provided by your M.O.H. or a collaboration of all the girls in your bridal party.

Here is a list of some of the things that will make up your B.D.K. that you and your girls may or may not have thought of!

• Advil, Aleve, Aspirin:  you get the point! You never know when a headache might sneak up on you, especially if you are just the least bit stressed!
• Band-Aids
• Blister Treatment:   Dr. Scholls works the best!
• Bobby Pins
• Bottle of Water:  ALWAYS stay hydrated!! This goes for the maids as well as the bride!!
• Breath Mints:  Notice I said MINTS...NOT GUM!!
• Brush/Comb
• Clear Nail Polish:  just in case of runs in your stockings
• Crazy Glue:  Broken Nail...not for long!
• Deoderant
• Dental Floss 
• Earring Backs:  Those little suckers slip off quick!
• Embry Board
• Eye Drops:  Keep those peepers from drying out... not that that's even possible!
• Fashion Tape:  (double-sided)
• Feminine Essentials
• Hair Spray:  For your hair, or to remove static!
• Hand Towelettes
• Hem Tape:  This one is a LIFESAVER!
• Lint Roller
• Lotion:  For dry hands, arms and legs... nobody wants an ashy bride!
• Matches:  To singe the end of unraveling threads on any garment
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Mirror:  Small enough to fit into a purse for those last minute touch ups
• Perfume
• Ponytail Holders
• Q-tips & Cotton Balls
• Safety Pins
• Scissors
• Scotch Tape:  You always need scotch tape...it fixes anything!
• Sedatives:  Oneday, you might understand...otherwise, don't ask!  Haha!
• Spot Remover:  I DO NOT recommend the pens... Go with the Shout towelettes...they don't leave lines behind
• Straws:  Nobody wants to mess up their lipstick right?!
• Tissues
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Tweezers

 I know it sounds like A LOT of stuff, but most of it you already have...and a lot of it you can grab at the Dollar Store.  Just make it as easily accessible as possible!!
Happy Planning!
~xoxo~
Shannon

Just Engaged? Let's Get Started!

So, your dream has finally come true!! Your very own Prince Charming has gotten down on bended knee, told you how much he loves you, and asked if you would spend the rest of your life with him! You are positively elated and somehow can't seem to come down off of Cloud 9... everything in life is nothing less than blissful and you just can't help but sneak about 5 million peaks at your now occupied left ring finger! Can life get anymore perfect??? **Sigh**

Sound familiar ladies??

Well, I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled for you! Now, let's jump from Cloud 9 back to Planet Earth and let's get started planning your BIG DAY!!! Here are just a few things to get you started on right after the engagement!  And don't worry, you can hop back on that cloud shortly!!

                 

Chat with your Groom!

I know your mind is racing with the thought of wedding bells, but take some time to talk with your hubby-to-be and find out what kind of wedding you both want to have.  Of course the wedding day is supposed to be all about the bride, but make sure that it incorporates elements that make the wedding show off your "couple style."  This will be the first day you and he will be Mr. & Mrs. so make sure that it is just as memorable for you as it is for him! Everything is so much easier with a happy groomy! And hey, you might be sweetly surprised by the imput he gives you back! Maybe he has some neat wedding ideas too!!

Budget, Budget, Budget! 

I know, I know...But it has to be done! It doesn't have to be as painful as it sounds though! Make sure that you sit down with whomever will be helping you with your funds and let them know what is most important for you.  Where do you want to splurge, and just as important...where you can cut corners?  Just off the top of my head, think about what can be budgeted for your ceremony, reception, wedding gown & tux, flowers & decor, photography, music, invitations, transportation, lodging, and of course don't forget about the rings!  You should also factor in the miscellaneous costs involved...accessories, gifts, and favors.  Keep tabs on your spending by going to http://planning.theknot.com/wedding-budget!!

Pick Your Date!

Don't wait around to pick your date! Wedding venues book up FAST...sometimes years in advance!! So sit down with your calendar and start circling! Do you want a spring wedding our fall? Start looking at your options, but be aware of a few things.  Keep in mind the weather!! (i.e if you have your wedding during hurricane season, a indoor event may be the way you want to go, or at the very least have an indoor alternative.)  Also, be aware of special days and holidays.  Having your wedding around a holiday has it's pro's and con's. Keep in mind that your guests may have standing family plans that they may not want to disrupt and be alert to price differences as seen in flowers and  lodging based on certain times of the year!  Or if your significant other and ALL of his closest buddies are sports fans...don't be surprised if he asks to have the wedding the weekend that the University of Whereever has a "by week!"

Start Your Guestlist!

It is NEVER too early to start on your guestlist!!! I can not stress this enough! The guestlist goes hand-in-hand with the budget, so the sooner you know your budget, the sooner you know how many people you can invite and vice versa.  You can always tweak your list down the road, but go ahead and get started on your A-Listers. Knowing how many guests you will have will make the planning process so much easier.  Plus, you will already have a good idea of who will need to be invited to showers and such!

Consider a Consultant!

Even if you know exactly how you will pull your wedding together, planning is not an easy task! There are aspects of your wedding that I promise you have never even thought about.  Consider bringing in a pro, even if it is only for day-of coordinating.  Remember, your big day is supposed to be one that you will remember as magical, unforgettable, so much fun and the best day of your life! Don't let it turn into a stressful, crazy, I can't find my vail kind of a day.  Relax, take it all in, because it will be over before you know it.  Let a consultant do your heavy lifting and let them make your day exactly what it's supposed to be...ALL ABOUT YOU!

~xoxoxo~
Shannon

Starting Your To-Do's Before Your I Do's!

Okay Ladies, I was browsing around on some of the most popular wedding websites and found this little list of helpful tips for planning your big day! Every couple will tell you that the key to having a less stressful wedding is to plan, plan, plan! Of course, all the planning in the world doesn't mean that there won't be any minor mishaps, but starting your wedding planning early will certainly help to eliminate some of the issues!

Lose the Laziness

One mistake that many couples make is basking in the glow of their engagement until 4-6 months before their wedding date. Then they try to cram all of the planning into a too-short period of time. Of course you should just sit back and be thrilled about your engagement for a while, but then you've gotta get cracking!

Buy a Calendar or Datebook

Once you determine your wedding date, set specific dates by which you want to get things accomplished. For example, you got engaged in June, and your wedding date is April 24. On August 31, mark in that you want to have the ceremony location and reception hall reserved. Try to get as much done as possible in the first few months so that the last few months won't be hectic.

Set Aside Time

Choose a day of the week when you'll focus on the wedding details, or several days if you're pressed for time. Sit down together and plan. This eliminates confusion -- i.e., the groom thinking he's supposed to call and check on hall rentals when the bride already has it narrowed down to what will suit their needs.

Share Duties

This is the best way to get things done. You both should be involved every step of the way. Make a list of details to be taken care of, then divide the list in half. Each of you choose what you want to do. This will make grooms want to be involved, instead of making them feel like they have to help. Sure, your sweetie probably isn't concerned with exactly which flowers you carry. And maybe you're not picky about what tuxedos he and the guys wear (or maybe you are!). But involving your husband-to-be will make him feel that it's his wedding, too -- something he helped plan, not just something he has to show up at. Which brings us to...

Talk, Talk, Talk

We can't stress this enough. Be sure that if you're sharing duties that you're also sharing the details. It's okay to take care of certain things by yourself, just make sure you're telling each other about it so the caterer isn't contracted with twice!

Be Flexible

Okay. So you really didn't want the groom/ushers in those tails and top hats. And maybe he doesn't want the cake to be lemon with pecan icing (!). Each of you is going to want things that the other doesn't care for, but flexibility is a must. Be willing to bend. If you really object to something, let your objection be duly heard and noted. Just give the other person a chance to explain why he/she really wants to arrive at the reception in a hot tub in the back of the limo.

Details, Contracts, and Negotiations

When dealing with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations. Be sure to include what you feel is appropriate dress, and what you feel isn't. Spell out everything. Try to negotiate the best deal for goods and services, but don't sell yourself short on important things just to get a better price.
Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you're aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there's a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Stay Organized

This one's pretty obvious! The more organized you are, the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Buy a notebook, and keep all your wedding information in it. Receipts, contracts, ideas -- everything. You might also want to get notebooks for your maid of honor/bridesmaids and the best man. Put info such as dates, times, locations, and duties. This will keep everyone organized as well, and minimize the chance of someone missing a fitting date or rehearsal time.

I found these helpful hints on TheKnot.com!

~xoxo~
Shannon