You have the ring and now the time has come to pick the date. As you and your fiancé ponder over the perfect date, it may cross your mind that a holiday weekend would be perfect. 

1. You will have to take less time off work since you are already off because of the holiday.

2. You could possible plan a theme around the holiday. (Fireworks for a 4th of July wedding?)

3. Your guests will be thrilled to spend their 3 day weekend at your wedding. 

Wait…

It’s hard to believe that not everyone is as excited as you are about your big day. While your guests are happy to attend your wedding, don’t be surprised if you get a few groans and moans over having to give up their annual family trip to the cabin, because your wedding falls right in the middle of their precious holiday weekend.

In the end, pick the date that is best for you and close family (this does not include your second cousin, you never met, that lives in Iowa). But don’t be surprised if you have some guests decide that a long weekend in Suburbia America for you wedding isn’t on their top 10 list of things to do on their holiday weekend.

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To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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Yes, it is true. There are many brides these days that are buying two wedding dresses…one for the ceremony and one for the reception. If you are the type of girl that thinks this is a great idea, you don’t have to blow the budget. You can get a great deal at one of the Brides Against Breast Cancer sales around the country. Brides Against Breast Cancer offers new and used gowns, some of them being very high-end couture gowns from Melissa Sweet and Anne Barge. Proceeds from the sale of the gowns help grant wishes to terminally ill breast cancer patients. Just think, you can have that second gown AND help a very worthy cause. Cheers! Linda Surles, Publisher of the Atlanta Bride & Groom Planner

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

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1. In 2000, the average bride was 24 years old and the average groom was 28.
2. Thrice a bridesmaid, never a bride is an old charm that can be broken by being a bridesmaid seven times.
3. The tradition of bridesmaids dressing the same as each other and in similar style to the bride comes from ancient days when it was believed that evil spirits have a more difficult time distinguishing which one is the bride and putting a hex on her.
4. The average engagement period is 16 months, which is up from 11 months in 1990.
5. 74% of all brides receive a diamond ring 60% of which are involved in picking out their own ring, 3% pick it out themselves.
6. 80% of brides plan formal weddings.
7. According to English folklore, Saturday, the most popular American choice, is the unluckiest day to marry
8. The average wedding costs $18,874 with 186 guests.
9. August is the top month for weddings, with an average of 10.2% taking place. June comes in a close second with 9.9%.
10. The kiss that is given by the bride to the groom at the end of the wedding ceremony originates from the earliest times when the couple would actually make love for the first time under the eyes of half the village.

 Kim Lanthorn

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Groom:  I promise to try to remember to put put my dirty clothes in the hamper and to replace the toilet paper roll when it’s empty.

Bride: I promise to learn how to check the oil in my car and  I will comfort you when your team loses and drink beer with you when they win. 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Choosing your bridesmaids can be a stressful task.  Perhaps you have some girlfriends that you knew from growing up that you once told would be in your wedding as you planned the details on the playground.  Maybe you have new friends that have become an important part of your daily life.  This decision is hard and can potentially hurt the feelings of the girl(s) that don’t get chosen.  Personally, I am just fine with not having to buy yet another $200 bridesmaid dress.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love my friends and if asked would be honored to stand beside them on their big day.  But I don’t feel slighted not to be chosen.  I can be just as good of a friend sitting in the pew and sending a nice gift.  

That being said, not everyone feels the way I do (or so people tell me).  So, I recommend choosing a bridal party from people in this order: 1. Your Family, 2. Your Fiancé’s Family (if applicable and necessary), 3. Your closest friends from TODAY, 4. Friends that you stood up for at their wedding 5. Your BFF from 8th grade that you promised to be your maid of honor a hundred years ago. 

If you think that someone will get their feelings hurt, remember that there are lots of other jobs for friends and family.  Have them do a reading, monitor the guest book, help with planning.  You may even just tell them politely that you just can’t have 15 bridesmaids (that’s another post).  Let them know you value their friendship and make them feel a part of your big day by including them in the important stuff…the bachelorette party! 

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

A friend of mine has the coolest flower shop called Funky Mountain Flower Shop www.funkymountain.com

She shared a really neat idea from a wedding she was doing. The couple had a basket full of flat river pebbles with a permanent marker. They asked each guest at the wedding to write a special message to them on the rock. Now they have a special keepsake for their garden or home!

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Greetings and welcome to the Aularale Skin Care and Cosmetics wedding blog.  We specialize in quality skin care and cosmetic products; but more importantly we teach you how to achieve and maintain beautiful skin. We offer a wide array of services that will help you achieve that “perfect look” on your wedding day. We have services for the bride and groom and for the entire wedding party. Call us today for a consultation.  You may call Janie at 513-235-5286 or Cynthia at 513-531-8006. We look forward to being of service. Tune in often to our blog for tips on achieving your perfect look.

Tips for Achieving that Perfect Look - To achieve beauty inside and out start by incorporate lifestyle habits that contribute to health and beauty.  Consider Vitamins C & E and beta carotene to help with maintaining youthful looks. Eat seven to eight servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Eat whole grains instead of refined grains and drink plenty of water to help maintain flawless skin.

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

As a catering professional, I can’t tell you how important it is to do a tasting before you book your reception with a caterer.  This is your best chance before booking their service to make sure that they can create a menu that you want all of your friends and family to enjoy on your wedding night.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if you don’t like the food, see what they can change or add to the sampling before crossing them off entirely.  Most tastings are done for a generalized taste palatte, so if you like your food a little spicy or extra salty, just let your caterer know.  Most will be happy to tweak their menu items to your personal taste, or create something entirely new for you. 

Another suggestion would be to order food for a small event from your caterer before booking your wedding.  If you have a shower coming up or any kind of party, order something from the caterer you have in mind for your wedding so that you can see what they do for a larger scaled event.  Most people can make one chicken breast taste good, but not everyone can make 300 of them do the same.  Make sure your caterer can cook for large numbers and still have it be the quality you want.  Don’t pick one that can only create one good meal at a time.

 If you want more information or have questions, e-mail me at maggie@raffelscatering.com.  I’d be happy to give you more insider tips for your upcoming wedding.

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

I think that having an ice sculpture or ice carving at your wedding receptions is an inexpensive way to add a very elegant display to your catering presentation.

Some would think it to be extravagant, but, it really does add some ‘class’ for what is a relatively small amount of money.

Find lots of fine caterers and Ice Sculptors at http://brideandgroomplanner.com/localMerchants/?action=lm

Editor, BIG Wedding Blog.

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com

Catering,

Read reviews that may have been written about caterers at places like www.brideandgroomplanner.com. If want to use this caterer and you read a negative comment ask the caterer about the it and what happened, there are always two sides to any story. Should you read multiple negative comments this should throw up red flags

Set your budget before you meet. Let the caterer know what it is when you first meet, do this in person not over the phone or email. Tell them you want a menu designed to fit your budget and taste, you will be surprised how many caterers will work with you to make you wedding day just the way you envisioned it. Above all you should feel confident and comfortable with the caterer.

Chef Michael

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.
To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by http://www.brideandgroomplanner.com/

Note from the Big Wedding Blog Editor:

All Wedding Professionals are invited to become a Contributing Blogger and share your expertise with brides who read the blog.

To apply to be a contributing blogger, click on the register button at the bottom of the left column or on the top left of this page. Then sign up and submit your first post. Your submitted post will be reviewed by ADMIN and you will be approved as a blogger on the BIG Wedding Blog. To maintain your Contributing Blogger rights, you must agree to the Contributing Blogger Rules.

The BIG Wedding Blog is an exclusive feature brought to you by www.BrideAndGroomPlanner.com