Wedding Planning On the Go!

Brandy here…

It’s time to get productive! Bored or maybe taking a quick break from work? Wouldn’t it be nice to sneak in some wedding planning on your down time? Here is a list of three essential iOS apps for those of you who want to squeeze a little extra efficiency into your day!

Wedding Budget

A great app not only because it helps you organize and keep track of one the most important parts of wedding planning, your budget, but it also is free! This app will not only keep a record of your expenses, it makes it easy to set up your budget and gives you a snapshot of where your expenses are getting off track.

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner

Its comes from The Knot, has all the essential tools you need for planning your day, and it is completely free… enough said! This is the perfect all-around app! It has tools for everything you could possibly need, including photos of possible dresses.

SeatingPlanner+

This app is pretty costly at $4.99, but it does some pretty incredible things. Guests can be imported from Facebook or from your iPhone contacts and you can simply place them at tables to visualize the best possible seating arrangement for your reception.  It also allows you to keep track of those guests who accepted their invites,  guests who require a special meal, and infants and children. A must have!

Hopefully some of these apps and programs will help you get started planning your big day!! Good Luck and Happy Planning!

Eenie, Meenie, Bridal Party

McKinna here! So a friend of mine recently became engaged and of course, soon after the ogling of the ring was over discussions began about who would be chosen to be in the bridal party.  A variety of emotions, questions and sometimes problems can often arise solely based upon this decision. 

After doing some research on the do’s and donts for choosing a bridal party, there are some pieces of advice that stuck with me.

From glamour.com, the number 3 tip is “do have a “bridesmen” or “groomsgirl”.  If you’re close to your little brother, or even your big brother, why leave him out of all the fun!  Make him a “bridesmen” and he can stand up there with you during the ceremony on your side of the aisle!

I've read several different opinions regarding the obligation of including sisters and/or sister-in laws in the bridal party.  Some say, they are family and thus must be included. I say, nonsense!  The way I see it, she will know whether or not you are close enough to be included in the tight nit circle.  Just because you are related by blood doesn't make you the best of friends.  What if your fiancé has several sisters?  Does that mean that you have to include them all?  I think this logic is flawed.

Finally, I have to wholeheartedly agree with Joanna Saltz from theknot.com when she says, “life will go on even if you have an uneven number of groomsmen and bridesmaids”.  So your finance has three groomsmen, but you have eight, who cares!  The uneven number may even open up opportunities for some new and innovative wedding ideas.  What a way to shake up the processional!

Now, I have never been engaged, and I have never been married, but I would hope that the final factor to choosing your bridal party would be based upon who those people are that will enhance your special day and make it the happiest of your life.  Stick with your gut.  I've already have a special someone in mind who will be by my side the day I walk down the aisle..

Bridesmaid and Wedding Party Gifts!

Every single client of ours always has a hard time deciding what to purchase for her bridesmaid and wedding party gifts! Don't worry if you are one of these brides.  Here is a list of some of our favorite suggestions to our clients!

1. Jewelry - although typical, it is always nice to receive something that will compliment the bridesmaid dress, and who better to know than you! Some of my top picks:

I am a huge lover of Alexis Bittar jewelry, they have beautiful designs in all different colors.  If you are wanting to splurge a little, go for these!

Another fantastic option and possibly a little more economical is the wonderful and colorful Kate Spade!

These earrings can be purchased online at the link above, or visit any local Nordstroms Store and find a lot of different options!  I LOVE Nordstroms!

2. All About the Monograms! I think every bride would love to give their bridesmaids something a little more personal.  I would recommend any of the items below...they are our favs! Be sure to check out THIS WEBSITE for additional options! And the best part...these items won't break the bank!

You could treat them to a super cute Tote Bag!

A huge hit are these very useful Makeup Bags! This way no one loses their lipstick!

Last, I would always recommend these adorable Garment Bags...how many times have the bridesmaid dresses got mixed up! This way they are labeled!

3. Gifts that will LAST - everyone loves a gift that can be used after the wedding!  Why not a Personalized Cooler? Here are some favorites of ours!

Click HERE for this fun item!

There's always these Gems! These have dual purpose of a chair & cooler!

4. Accessories! Why not give a handbag, scarf, wrap or clutch! I recommend my favorite again...Nordstroms for all these fun items! But of course, you could check out Dillards, Macy's and any local Boutique!

But most IMPORTANT...HAVE FUN shopping!