10 Ways to Make Sure Your Wedding Isn't Boring

Attending a wedding may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a pleasure. The last thing a bride and groom want is for their wedding guests to spend the reception checking their watches. Here are 10 tips to keep any wedding guest yawns at bay.

1. Make introductions at the rehearsal.

A wedding brings together two families and sets of friends -- which usually means a big group of people who don't know each other awkwardly attempting small talk. The solution? Invite relatives and out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner to break the ice, and introduce those who might have common interests. (That uncle who always loved Top Gun? Definitely link him to your fiance's fighter pilot cousin). By the time the wedding rolls around, your guests will have met in a more relaxed atmosphere the evening before and (hopefully) keep the conversations going at the reception.

2. Stick to the schedule.

No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force your guests to idle around while you take your formal wedding pictures. This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks, drinks, plenty of places to sit, and even a little music to set the mood and keep the party atmosphere alive.

3. Don't let guests go hungry.

Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your grand entrance -- lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, even fried macaroni and cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from the ceremony -- and grateful for the sustenance.

4. Plan an exit strategy.

If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward. Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives guests the freedom to relax (drink) without worrying about getting home safely when the party wraps up.

5. Consider your venue.

Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you throw your wedding, but picking an interesting reception site can go a long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet areas with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a photo booth), so be sure to talk to your site manager about your options.

6. Work your seating chart.

There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school together -- particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your guests spend time with people they like -- or even to set them up with someone new!

7. Put a time limit on toasts.

Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor, best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.

8. Bring in the...clowns?

Remember that scary clown/magician from your eighth birthday party? Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for wedding entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers to singing waiters -- these people are pros at making sure weddings aren't boring.

9. Think beyond wedding cake.

Wedding cakes are still a staple, but consider expanding the selection for those with a sweet tooth -- we're talking a full dessert bar with everything from whoopie pies, truffles, cupcakes, candies, along with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The dessert bar can double as your wedding favor by setting out plastic bags or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.

10. Relax -- seriously.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when the day arrives, everyone will have more fun if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it: Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a bridesmaid, relative, or your wedding planner -- and designate a friend who, if they observe you getting stressed, will ply you with a cocktail or two.

resubmitted from The Knot

Wedding Planning: Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2013, 2014 and 2015

Ready to set a date? Check this list of dates you might want to steer clear of when booking your wedding.

Personally Significant Days

Check your own calendar for college reunions, family weddings, anniversaries or other events, like big conventions or festivals in your city (call your local chamber of commerce), and any annual occasions that involve your family or close friends.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekend weddings have pros and cons. You've got an extra day for the festivities (and recovery!); plus, a Sunday wedding is often less expensive than a Saturday one would be. However, costs of travel and hotels may be higher. And if you're looking to marry around Valentine's Day, be wary of your floral bill, especially if you've got your heart set on red roses -- they'll likely be more expensive than at any other time of the year. Likewise, reception sites often charge a higher fee for a New Year's Eve wedding. Also consider the impact of a holiday weekend on your guest list: Some families have standing plans or traditions that they'd prefer not to miss.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of January 19-21, 2013
Weekend of January 18-20, 2014
Weekend of January 17-19, 2015
Presidents' Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of February 16-18, 2013
Weekend of February 15-17, 2014
Weekend of February 14-16, 2015
Mother's Day (always a Sunday) Make sure your moms are okay sharing this weekend with your wedding. And ask yourself, do you want your anniversary to fall the same weekend as Mother’s Day when (or if) you become a mom?
Weekend of May 11-12, 2013
Weekend of May 10-11, 2014
Weekend of May 9-10, 2015
Memorial Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of May 25-27, 2013
Weekend of May 24-26, 2014
Weekend of May 23-25, 2015
Father's Day (always a Sunday) Like you would with your moms, check with your dads about doubling up on this day. And grooms, make sure you’re okay with celebrating your anniversary the same weekend as Father's Day if you decide to have kids.
Weekend of June 15-16, 2013
Weekend of June 14-15, 2014
Weekend of June 20-21, 2015
Independence Day
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Friday, July 4, 2014
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Labor Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of August 31-September 2, 2013
Weekend of August 30-September 1, 2014
Weekend of September 5-7, 2015

Numerically Quirky Dates

11/12/13 falls on a Tuesday
4/10/2014 (a palindrome) falls on a Thursday
12/13/14 falls on a Saturday

5/5/15 falls on a Tuesday
5/10/15 falls on a Sunday
5/15/15 falls on a Friday

Columbus Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of October 12-14, 2013
Weekend of October 11-13, 2014
Weekend of October 10-12, 2015
Halloween Avoid it if you're terrified that someone might actually show up in costume (and embrace it if you want them to!).
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 31, 2014
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Thanksgiving (always a Thursday)
November 28, 2013
November 27, 2014
November 26, 2015
New Year's Eve
MondayTuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Thursday, December 31, 2015

Religious and Cultural Holidays

Be mindful of religious and cultural holidays (your own and those of your guests) when planning your wedding. There may even be restrictions at your house of worship as to whether you're allowed to marry at these times.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2013
April 13, 2014
March 29, 2015
Easter Sunday
March 31, 2013
April 20, 2014
April 5, 2015
Passover (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset the night before)
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset the night before)
Thursday, September 5, 2013, until nightfall on Friday, September 6, 2013
Thursday, September 25, 2014, until nightfall on Friday, September 26, 2014
Monday, September 14, 2015, until nightfall on Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Yom Kippur (begins at sunset the night before)
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Hanukkah (begins at sunset)
Thursday, November 28, 2013, until nightfall on Thursday, December 5, 2013
Wednesday, December 17, 2014, until nightfall on Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Monday, December 7, 2015, until nightfall on Monday, December 14, 2015
Christmas
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Friday, December 25, 2015
Kwanzaa
Thursday, December 26, 2013, until Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014, until Thursday, January 1, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015, until Friday, January 1, 2016
Eid al-Fitr (dates may vary based on how each family observes)
Thursday, August 8, 2013, until Friday, August 9, 2013
Monday, July 28, 2014, until Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Friday, July 17, 2015, until Saturday, July 18, 2015
Eid al-Adha (dates may vary based on how each family observes)
Monday, October 14, 2013, until Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Saturday, October 4, 2014, until Sunday, October 5, 2014
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, until Thursday, September 24, 2015
Ram Navami
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Krishna Janmashtami
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Saturday, September 5, 2015

Days of Remembrance

We're talking about historically significant days (like the anniversary of September 11) that may be off-limits if you come from a big military family. Or, that could make them all the more meaningful -- it’s up to you to decide.
Patriot Day
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Friday, September 11, 2015
National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Monday, December 7, 2015

Major Sporting Events

If you're die-hard sports fans -- or if you're worried your guests might have a hard time choosing between your wedding and the big game -- avoid getting married during popular sporting events. And if a lot of your guests come from the same alma mater, watch out for homecoming weekends and bowl games that might conflict.
Super Bowl Sunday
February 3, 2013, in New Orleans
February 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, NJ
February 1, 2015, in Glendale, AZ
Final Four and March Madness
Saturday, April 6, 2013, and Monday, April 8, 2013, in Atlanta
Saturday, April 5, 2014, and Monday, April 7, 2014, in Arlington, TX
Saturday, April 4, 2015, and Monday, April 6, 2015, in Indianapolis

Unlucky Dates

If you're superstitious, you might want to watch out for these historically inauspicious dates from across several cultures.
The Ides of March
For ancient Romans, an "ides" was simply a date that marked the middle of the month -- until Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 in 44 B.C. Since then, "Beware the Ides of March" has become the mantra of this superstitiously unlucky date.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Friday the 13th
The unluckiest date of the year has questionable origins. Some historians say it comes from the 13 diners who were present at the last supper, but the famous Code of Hammurabi doesn't include a 13th law, which suggests this superstition is as many as 3 millennia old. And it wasn’t until a successful novel titled Friday the Thirteenth was published in the early 1900s that Friday became part of the unlucky equation.
September 13, 2013
December 13, 2013
June 13, 2014
February 13, 2015
March 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
Leap Years
Greeks and Romans thought that starting any new life event -- from getting married to baptizing a child -- in a leap year would bring bad luck.
Next Leap Year: 2016
Reposted from the Knot

 http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/wedding-dates-to-avoid.aspx#ixzz2cEGc4Hy2

Wedding Planning: 30 Expert Tips and Tricks

Want to be certain all your wedding planning bases are covered? Read the tips that no bride should be without.

Photo: Krista Handfield Photography

When planning your wedding, there are things that are nice to know, like that mermaid silhouettes are all the rage or that purple is making a comeback. Then, there are things you need to know -- advice so essential that any bride who's lucky enough to hear it thinks, "I'm so glad someone told me that!" If you're wondering whether there's something you may have missed (or even if you've got everything under control), check out our indispensable planning secrets.

1. Guests Come First

Get a grip on the approximate number of guests you'll invite before settling on a venue. This will ensure there's ample space for your crew. As a rule of thumb, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it's not if you count the space you'll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band, and the dance floor.

2. Investigate Wedding Blackout Dates

Know ahead of time if your wedding date falls on the same day as a trade conference, charity walk,

3. Listen to Mother Nature

Heed the weather and other potential annoyances. Guests have been known to skip out early from hotter-than-hot summer tent weddings and improperly heated winter loft receptions. Bugs (gnats, deerflies, and no-see-ums) also swarm in certain areas during certain seasons. Consider renting pest control tanks to alleviate the problem or including bug repellent in guests' gift bags. And if you want a sunset ceremony, make sure you know when to say your vows by checking SunriseSunset.com.

4. Check Your Credit

Take advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program. Whether it gives you airline miles or great shopping deals, consolidating all wedding-related purchases to this card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points (which could be used for your honeymoon).

5. Pay It Forward

Let one vendor lead you to another. Your wedding photographer can tell you which florist's blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

Let one vendor lead you to another. Your photographer can tell you which florist's blooms really pop, and your reception manager should know which band packs the dance floor.

6. Lighten Your List

The easiest way to trim your wedding budget? Cut your guest list. Remember, half of your wedding expenses go to wining and dining your guests. If it's costing you $100 per person, eliminating one table of 10 can save you $1,000.

7. Ask and You Might Receive

Request an extra hour for cocktails or for your band to throw in that Frank Sinatra sound-alike before you sign on the dotted line. Most vendors would rather secure the reservation than nickel-and-dime you early on and turn you off. Later on, though, they may have less of a motive to meet you halfway.

8. Make a Meal Plan

Another unforeseen expense? Feeding your wedding day crew. Before you sign the contracts, make sure you're not required to serve the same meal to your vendors that guests will receive. Otherwise, you could be paying for 20 additional lobster tails. Choose a less expensive (but equally hearty) meal for them instead. You will have to let your wedding caterer know a couple of days before the wedding exactly how many vendors you need to feed (don't forget photography assistants and band roadies) and what you want them to serve.

9. Get Organizationally Focused

In a three-ring binder, compile all your correspondences with vendors, notes you make during meetings, and photos or tear sheets from magazines you want vendors to see. Set up a special email address dedicated to your wedding, and store important vendor numbers in your cell phone.

10. Tend to Your Bar

Typically, you need one bartender per 50 guests to keep the line at a minimum. But if you're serving a signature cocktail that cannot be made ahead of time (or in large quantities), consider adding an extra server designated to this task.

11. Leave Some Room in Your Wallet

Your wedding budget should follow this formula: 48 to 50 percent of total budget to reception; 8 to 10 percent for flowers; 8 to 10 percent for attire; 8 to 10 percent for entertainment/music; 10 to 12 percent for photo/video; 2 to 3 percent for invites; 2 to 3 percent for gifts; and 8 percent for miscellaneous items like a wedding coordinator. It's essential to allocate an extra 5 to 10 percent of your money for surprise expenses like printing extra invites because of mistakes, additional tailoring needs, umbrellas for a rainy day, and ribbons for the wedding programs. Go to TheKnot.com/budgeter for an interactive budget allows you to add your own items.

12. Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Your wedding vendors should be your go-to, most-trusted experts during the planning process. When working with them, you should feel free to really explore what it is you want -- maybe it's serving a late-night snack instead of a first course or doing a bridal portrait session rather than an engagement session. The bottom line is that you should feel like you can have an honest conversation with them about what it is you want. Their job will be to tell you what you can and can't make work given your wedding budget.

13. Wait for a Date

Sometimes, last-minute planning can work in your favor. The closer your date, the more bargaining power you have. Since most people book their wedding sites at least six months in advance, calling for open dates two months prior to your desired time can save you up to 25 percent. And, Friday and Sunday weddings should cost about 30 percent less than Saturday weddings.

14. Manage the Mail

Of course you want the perfect stamps for your wedding invitations. But not all stamps are widely available at every post office, especially in large quantities. Save yourself scouting time by ordering them online at USPS.com. And be sure to weigh your invitation and all the additional paper products before you send them out so you can attach the right amount of postage. Ask your stationer about the need for additional postage for odd-shaped envelopes.

15. Prepare for Rejection

Know that as a rule, about 30 percent of the people you invite won't attend. Naturally, this depends on the location of your wedding (destination weddings are harder to attend), how many out-of-towners are on your list, and the timing of the event (some guests may have annual holiday or summer plans). On the other hand, everyone could accept -- knowing your wedding will be the can't-miss party of the year!

16. Make a Uniform Kids Policy

You have four choices: You can welcome children with open arms; you can decide to have an "adults only" wedding; you can include immediate family only; or, you can hire a child care service to provide day care either at the reception space, in a hotel room, or in a family member's home. To prevent hurt feelings, it's wise to avoid allowing some families to bring children while excluding others (unless, of course, the children are in your bridal party).

17. Prioritize Your People

Pare down your guest list with the "tiers of priority" trick. Place immediate family, the bridal party, and best friends on top of the list; follow with aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends you couldn't imagine not being there. Under that, list your parents' friends, neighbors, coworkers, and so on. If you need to make some cuts, start from the bottom until you reach your ideal number.

18. Take It One Step at a Time

Put together a wedding planning schedule and do things one by one, in a logical order, so you don't take on too much too fast and end up with everything snowballing around you. Don't hire any vendors before you've confirmed your date; don't design your cake before you've envisioned your flowers; and don't book a band before you've settled on a space.

19. No Ring, No Bring

If your guest list is bursting at the seams, assess the plus-one scenario. Do a faux seating chart in your mind, and imagine whom your single pal would sit with. If it's a table of singles that she knows pretty well, then you're all set. If it's a table of couples (making her the odd one out) or if it's a table of singles where she won't know anyone, consider bending the rules. If asked why you're not allowing single friends to bring guests, size constraints or your parents' never-ending guest list are always good fallback white lies.

20. Release Rooms

As soon as you have picked a date, start to look for hotels in a wide variety of price points. Many hotels allow you to reserve rooms for guests under a special wedding block and a reduced rate. You can then release any unbooked rooms a month prior to your wedding. If the hotels you contact insist upon contracts with cancellation penalties, just say no -- you don't want to be responsible for rooms you can't fill.

21. Provide Accurate Driving Directions

Make sure guests know where they're going. As easy as online map programs are to use, sometimes the directions are wrong -- or there's a quicker, less traffic-prone route to take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts of recommended driving directions, which they often keep in stock for weddings and will give to you for free, and test out the routes yourself.

22. Keep a Paper Trail

Get any nonstandard changes to your agreements in writing or send the vendor a confirmation email saying, "Hello, just confirming that you'll keep the venue open until 2 a.m. versus midnight." Don't take anyone on his word -- by the time the big day rolls around, your contact may no longer be working there to vouch for you.

23. Schedule the Setup

You must make sure there's ample time for setup. If you're renting a venue and bringing in outside help, ask, "What time can people come in to set things up?" Preston Bailey, author of Preston Bailey's Fantasy Weddings, recommends seeing if they can do it the day before, or at the very least the entire wedding day, before the event starts.

24. Learn About Marriage Licenses

You can check your state's license requirements online, but confirm with a call to the county clerk's office to see when they're open. Even if it's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., they may issue marriage licenses only during slower times like, say, Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Give a copy of your marriage license to your mom or your maid of honor (just in case you lose yours during the final days before your wedding).

25. Go Over Ground Rules

Be prepared! Ask the manager of the house of worship or site where you'll be married for the list of restrictions (if any). For instance, is flash photography or bare shoulders prohibited? Or, if you're exchanging vows outdoors, are you allowed to plant tent stakes in the lawn (which is often a no-no)?

26. Classify Your Cash

Wedding budgets are all about balance. Start your budget planning by making a list of the crucial details, like the music, your wedding gown, the invitations, the flowers, and the photographer, and assign a number to each -- one being the most important and three being the least. Invest your money in all your number ones and cut corners on your number threes. (But everything can't fall into the number one category!) For example, if a designer gown and fabulous food are what really matter, you may have to choose simple invitations and smaller floral arrangements.

27. Help Guests Pay Attention

Make sure your guests can see -- and hear. If people are seated farther than 15 rows back from your ceremony altar or podium, consider renting a mic and a riser. This could range anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the equipment used. You'll need to coordinate the delivery and setup with your ceremony space, so put your wedding planner or best man in charge of this task.

28. Write Down Your Digits

Carry an emergency contact sheet on your wedding day. Keep the paper with names and phone numbers of all your vendors in your purse -- it may come in handy in case your limo driver gets lost or you decide you'd like your photographer to take some behind-the-scenes shots.

29. Call the Fashion Police

Don't go dress shopping on your own -- all the gowns will start to look the same after a while and it will be harder to recall which style you really loved. But be careful about who you do bring. If your mom or sibling can't make the trip, ask a friend who is truly honest. This is the time when you really need to know which dress looks best.

30. Be Realistic With Your Time

When it comes down to the last month of your planning (and when you're particularly harried) look at your mile long to-do list and cut three things. Yes, cut three things. Not crucial things that you just don't feel like doing, such as picking a processional song or confirming final details with all of your vendors. Eliminate only the over-the-top tasks like hand-painting "Just Married" signs, or baking cookies for all of the welcome bags. Make a pledge to not think about them ever again.

Reposted from The Knot

-- The Knot

tips-and-tricks.aspx#ixzz2cEFufKcO

How to preserve your gown

A gown that gorgeous deserves safe-keeping. Here's how to make sure your gown's greatness will live on:

What It Is

Preservation provides a means of maintaining the quality and appearance of a gown through customized cleaning and appropriate storage. Methods range from savvy self-storage (in a temperate, dry, dark location) to museum-quality preservation.

Beware of any vendors that tell you their warranty is void if you open the box in which your gown is stored.

How It Works

Professional preservationists analyze the fabrics, dyes, weaves, and ornaments of your gown, as well as the composition of stains in order to formulate a customized cleaning plan. In removing invisible soils and other stains from the gown, they remove the potential fabric damage that results when these substances embed in the fabric and undergo chemical reactions. After cleaning, the gown is carefully wrapped in stable archival materials and packaged in an archival Coroplast box (the storage box of choice for most major museums) and should be protected from extreme temperatures, moisture, and exposure to direct sunlight.

Cost

The price of cleaning and preservation will vary with the complexity of a gown's beadwork, train length, and stain damage. A local high-end dry cleaner will charge as much as $100 for standard dry cleaning. Specialized gown preservationists will normally charge between $250 and $500.

Why Do It

Preservation is a fab idea for any bride who spent big for her couture-quality gown, and is recommended if the gown will not be used for more than three years. If a dress is not going to be worn ever again, it may seem silly to save it, but consider the amount of time, love, and money that you invested in choosing a gown for your wedding. Preservation can maintain the integrity of this important piece of memorabilia. Also, while you might not agree with your family's fashion sense, you can give them the chance to benefit from your good taste by keeping your gown in beautiful condition so that a future bride -- a sister, daughter, or niece -- can wear it at her wedding.

Tips

Before committing, question several establishments regarding their pricing, procedure, and warranties. Your gown should be preserved as soon as possible after the wedding; however, it is generally safe to wait as long as six months after the ceremony. Until you do send your gown off for preservation, be sure to store it in a dark and dry place, rolled or folded in a clean white sheet.

Shelf Life

Beware of any vendors that tell you their warranty is void if you open the box in which your gown is stored. With professional gown preservation, you can freely remove the gown from the archival box without fear of damaging it in any way -- just wear gloves so the oil from your hands doesn't get on the fabric, and repack it carefully when you're done. Many preservationists claim the gowns will keep for 50-70 years, and some companies even offer a warranty.

reposted from theknothttp://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/how-to-preserve-your-wedding-gown.aspx

preserving top wedding cake tier

How To Wrap Up Your Cake Tier

Instruct catering staff to take off the top tier of the wedding cake and box it for transport. Appoint a "cake captain" (one of your family members or friends) to take it home. Once it's home, that person should do the following:
1. Remove the sugar flowers and set them aside.
2. Chill the cake well before wrapping it up so that the icing hardens. This way it won't stick to the plastic wrap and make a mess.
3. Wrap the (unadorned) cake in several layers of plastic wrap -- not aluminum foil, which can cause freezer burn.
4. Seal the wrapped cake in an air-tight bag and place it in the freezer.
5. Snag a ribbon (from your bouquet, the centerpieces, your hair, a gift) and tie it around the cake package to mark it so that you don't mistake it for anything else.

Know Your Cake's Shelf Life

Some cakes freeze better than others. The more delicate the cake ingredients, the drier your cake will become in the freezer. Cakes with a longer shelf life: Chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake. Cakes that may not last as long in the freezer: white cake, cake with fresh fruit, and cakes with whipped cream fillings.

Consider Ordering A Copycat Cake

If you have a cake that won't hold up in the freezer, do as many couples do and order a fresh cake tier in the same flavor as your original wedding cake for your one-year anniversary. Even if you have a heartier cake, Sylvia Weinstock, of Sylvia Weinstock Cakes in New York, recommends storing cakes for no longer than two months, and forgoing the first-anniversary tradition. Like anything else, after a year in the freezer, any cake will be a bit stale. If you do decide to save your cake for the full year, focus on the nostalgia, not the flavor.

reposted from theknot http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/how-to-freeze-a-wedding-cake-tier.aspx

ways to beat wedding insanity

Let's not beat around the bush: planning a wedding is work. With all those decisions and responsibilities, it's easy to see how some brides and grooms get completely consumed in the minutiae. So how do stressed-out, site-seeing, menu-sampling couples get their eyes back on the ball? By taking a breather from the planning process. Get ready to clear your schedules and forget about picking the favors-the following list of eight stress-breaking activities will help you remove yourselves from nuptial hassles and restore your sanity.

1. Declare a wedding-free weekend.

For a full 48-hour period, pretend you're the two people you were before you got engaged (and, in the meantime, remind yourselves of why you wanted to get married to each other in the first place). No wedding planning or fighting allowed! No talk of hors d'oeuvres, seating charts, or first dance songs. Hang out, laugh, have fun, and flirt with each other for a change.

2. Have a night out with the girls (or boys).

With all the "togetherness" of being a future bride and groom, remind yourselves you're individuals too. Book a night out with your respective same-sex posse (again, no wedding talk). Hit the town like a swinging single and stay out past midnight. Take advantage of the fact that your future spouse isn't around to do something with your friends he or she doesn't like to do -- we're talking chick flick, batting cages, steak dinner, manicures. Then entertain each other the next day with tales of your exploits.

3. Go on a fancy date.

Chances are, for the past few months you've been scrimping and saving every extra nickel to supplement The Budget. If you've done well, reward yourselves for your miserly skills by spending a little of that cold hard cash. Book a table at the fanciest restaurant in town and go for the full monty: fine wine, appetizer, entree, dessert, and after-dinner drinks. Afterward, stop in a local jazz club and catch a torch singer belting out inspiring tunes de l'amour.

4. Take a drive.

Reserve a weekend afternoon and head for the open road. Check out that little place a couple of towns over that you always mean to visit. Test each other's map-reading skills. Play road games like, Who Can Spot the Most Out-of-State License Plates? Sing along to cheesy songs on the radio. Buy a souvenir at a highway truck stop. Stumble upon a romantic restaurant for lunch or dinner before heading home.

5. Mastermind a movie marathon.

There's nothing like a good movie to transport you from reality to fantasy. Take the phone off the hook, rent a whole slew of films, and spend an evening in, snacking on popcorn and Sno-Caps. The trick here is to stay away from wedding-theme fare -- sorry, this includes Father of the Bride -- while keeping the romance theme going with a steamy story like The Lover. Or opt for the comic relief of a Jim Carrey or Eddie Murphy flick -- laughter, after all, is still the best stress reliever.

6. Get in some game play.

Sometimes a little healthy competition serves to make you closer, right? Challenge your mate to a night of games: Pictionary, Scrabble, backgammon, even good old cards. If you own a Sony PlayStation 2, take the high-tech road to fun. Rather venture out? Head for the nearest bowling alley -- or look into go-carts, ice-skating, and tennis tournaments for other fun and sporty activities to enjoy a deux.

7. Revert to childhood.

There's nothing like a good amusement park to get you feeling like a kid again. Wake up extra early to avoid long lines, then get your fill of roller coasters, log flumes, and Ferris wheels. Challenge your future mate to a bumper car race. Fill up on cotton candy, funnel cake, and waffle cones. Take an old-fashioned photo. Then spend an hour or so trying to win a supersize stuffed animal to take home as a memento of the day.

8. Engage in an eat-a-thon.

If you both love to cook, compose a special theme menu for a romantic at-home date. Go shopping together and pick the freshest produce around (maybe there's a farmer's market near you) -- and remember to include some aphrodisiac ingredients! Nab a bouquet and some candles to pretty up your table while you're at it. Once at home, take time to really enjoy the meal prep process. Line up all your ingredients on the countertop and open a bottle of wine. And take lots of liberties when it comes to recipes -- nothing's better than creating signature dishes together.

-- The Knot

reposted from http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/8-easy-ways-to-prevent-wedding-stress.aspx

Ring Shopping 101

In the market for an engagement ring or wedding bands? Check out this Q&A with ring pro Paula Sands of Allurez for expert advice on ring shopping.
How can a “ring giver” get an idea of the type and style the recipient would like without directly asking?
Chances are if the “ring giver” really listens to his girlfriend, she’s already given him some hints. Did she comment on a friend’s engagement ring? Mention what she liked about it? That’s important information that could lead him to her dream ring.
Another way to get an idea of the type and style ring she might like is to start looking at ads in magazines, and see which ones she gravitates to.  Or, go onto a website where you can design your own engagement ring and look at styles that might be similar to other rings she owns and wears.
Perhaps the easiest way is to use what you love best about her personality.  If she has a simple personality, she will probably enjoy a traditional solitaire ring. And if you’re girl is flashy, you might want to look at halo settings or side stone accents for that little added bling.

What information should a ring buyer know before starting to shop for a ring?

I would certainly suggest learning the 4c’s of diamonds…cut, clarity, color and carat before you do anything else. Knowing the size and shape of the center stone of an engagement ring is a good place to start. Of course, before ordering a ring you will need to know her ring size and have a clear budget in mind.
Why should a ring buyer create something custom rather than a ring that’s pre-designed?
For the most part we all strive to be unique. And, when something as personal as a ring is being given, imagine how much more special it will be with your own personalized design choices. At Allurez we have a number of ways you can personalize a ring, starting with choosing your own center stone. Then you select a setting style, choose the color metal, add side stones, diamond accents – the options of making her ring unique are endless.
What are the steps to creating a custom engagement ring?
Creating your own custom engagement ring can be quite easy. First choose either a setting or a diamond, then select the metal you prefer, choose the ring size, add a personal engraving and you’re done.
How far in advance of the target proposal date should one start shopping for an engagement ring? How far in advance of the wedding should wedding bands be purchased?
Time does have a way of slipping by. The more time you give yourself to choose a ring the better. Finding the right engagement ring can take some time, so do yourself a favor…start sooner rather than later! I can’t give you an exact number of days or months to start shopping, it’s different for everyone.
As far as wedding bands go, in many cases the woman’s band will be chosen at the same time the engagement ring is selected, especially if it is part of a matching bridal set. If you choose matching bride and groom wedding bands, or simple style bands, they usually can be sized quickly and delivered within a few weeks. Again, give yourself time; you’ll have way too many more important things to deal with once the wedding gets close.
What should be selected first – the diamond or the setting?
What you select first, the diamond or the setting will have a lot to do with the individuals’ situation. Obviously some men have an heirloom stone so there’s no need to choose a diamond at all. Others prefer to find the setting first and then decide on the stone according to the setting’s diamond specifications regarding shape and carat size.
What are some trends in engagement rings these days?
The biggest engagement ring trend is more like a mantra…anything goes. Some choose colored diamonds, gemstone side stones, two tone gold, twisted bands, cushion cuts set high in prongs. By far I would have to say the hottest styles are halo settings and traditional solitaires with artistic band features.
What about wedding bands? What are some trends for men and women’s bands?
The biggest news here is actually in men’s wedding bands. Of course etched or plain bands with milgrain edging are still popular. But, now there are bands with different gemstones or diamonds, religious bands and bands that match the woman’s wedding band.
For women the choice of wedding bands is virtually endless. There are curved diamond eternity bands, or simple etched bands, half eternities with colored diamonds or gemstones, two tone gold bands….if you can dream it, you can find it.
If a man has never worn jewelry, how can he figure out the type of ring he’d like to wear?
The most important thing about choosing the right engagement or wedding ring is to find one that’s comfortable to wear and works with the wearer’s lifestyle. Men who don’t usually wear jewelry will probably prefer bands with simple, uncomplicated designs, nothing too flashy or bulky.
There are those whoever who want the only ring they ever wear to be a bit more “amped up” with carved and braided bands, fancy gemstones, diamonds, or a combination of both. We’re seeing a lot more men wearing cultural bands, handmade looks and other more unusual men’s wedding rings.
What about women’s wedding bands? What are some tips on shopping for those? Does the ring need to match/fit with the engagement ring or can it be completely different?
Unless a specific bridal set is chosen, where a band has been specifically designed to mimic the design of the engagement ring, the wedding band will not be an exact match. It’s always best to choose the engagement ring that reflects the personality of the bride to be. When choosing a band, the setting of the engagement ring needs to be considered. How high does the ring sit? Is the band too thin or small to be seen with the ring?  Will the bride be wearing her band alone? If that’s the case, the wedding band may need to be more elaborate than if it were being worn with the engagement ring.
There are no rules, no wrongs or rights. When it comes to wedding bands, as well as engagement rings, it’s the chance of a lifetime to choose the style she’ll look forward to showing the world every day for the rest of her life.

reposted from Wedding Wire http://blog.weddingwire.com/index.php/weddings/ring-shopping-101/