|
|
 |
Wedding Editor's Welcome: May 15th-30th, 2012
Chill Out
By Elle Lamboy, Wedding Editor
For many couples about to take the plunge, the months leading up to the wedding are the most stressful part of their relationship to date. Your free spirited mate turns into a crazed maniac as he\she tries to make sense out of the wedding planning process.
While you may be granted a couple free “freak out” moments, it is important to remember and consider your partner’s feelings. This Yahoo! Shine article gives some great exercises from a couple who have been happily married for a decade.
Read it over and share it with your partner. Choose the tips that you find you really need to work on and vow to exercise them; especially during these stressful months of wedding planning.
I, personally, like tip number 9: CHILL OUT. While I am not always successful, I try to really exercise this in my marriage. I am a creative person and it is my nature to make drama out of everything; which gets very exhausting for my even-keeled husband. When I feel myself going diva, I try to remember to breathe and reboot before approaching him about my problem.
I learned the importance of tip #9 while planning my wedding. There were times I found myself screaming (when I wasn’t crying) to my husband about things that were beyond our control—from small things like a missing RSVP to larger things like a delay in the bridesmaid dresses. The sheer stress of the wedding planning was driving me crazy and I was taking out my frustrations on my groom-to-be. I started realizing that I was single-handily ruining the most exciting time of our lives. So, when I felt myself getting frustrated or overwhelmed I would grab my I-pod and go outside and just get some fresh air. Sometimes I would take a walk, play in the garden, write in my journal, or just listen to music and chill out. Nine times out of ten, this cleared my head and allowed me to face the problem in a calm manner. I took my frustrations out in a constructive way and was able to discuss them with my husband maturely. I had a well-thought out plan to present instead of coming at him predicting the end of the world. The end result was always better than when I faced the problem in a defensive, aggressive and dramatic manner.
Which tip will you incorporate into your relationship? Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
 |
Wedding Editor's Welcome: May 1st-15th, 2012
Where's the Happy Middle?
By Michelle Pease, Wedding Editor
Compromise is an essential part of any relationship. But compromise is proving especially difficult during the wedding planning process.
My fiancé and I quickly discovered that we had completely different ideas of what we want our wedding to include. Fiancé imagined a big gathering for family and friends to join in on the celebration, whereas the thought of more than, like, ten people watching me say my vows makes me shiver with anxiety. Fiancé wanted an elaborate ceremony and reception space for us to party in; my wallet shriveled with fear at the thought of the potential cost of 75+ guests at $80/head.
Talking my Fiancé into seeing something more, well, budget friendly was not an easy battle. Fiancé could not for the life of him understand that a small, destination wedding was an acceptable alternative to the modern-day “spend all your money ever” type of wedding. He had been brainwashed by the media into thinking that we would be (I don’t know) socially ostracized or something if we didn’t dish out $10,000+ on a wedding.
I’ve been trained since birth to look after my finances responsibly; Fiancé likes to splurge on things that matter. To him, a wedding and reception are “things that matter.” And I agree, they do matter. But what’s wrong with getting hitched on the beach in the Bahamas?
I wrote in my last post that Fiancé had agreed that a destination wedding in Virginia Beach was the best plan of action. Since then, he’s rescinded this belief and is now back on his “real wedding” pedestal.
I don’t want a real wedding, and he’s not “settling” for a budget-friendly wedding. Where’s the compromise in all this? Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
 |
Wedding Editor's Welcome: May 1st-15th, 2012
Where's the Happy Middle?
By Michelle Pease, Wedding Editor
Compromise is an essential part of any relationship. But compromise is proving especially difficult during the wedding planning process.
My fiancé and I quickly discovered that we had completely different ideas of what we want our wedding to include. Fiancé imagined a big gathering for family and friends to join in on the celebration, whereas the thought of more than, like, ten people watching me say my vows makes me shiver with anxiety. Fiancé wanted an elaborate ceremony and reception space for us to party in; my wallet shriveled with fear at the thought of the potential cost of 75+ guests at $80/head.
Talking my Fiancé into seeing something more, well, budget friendly was not an easy battle. Fiancé could not for the life of him understand that a small, destination wedding was an acceptable alternative to the modern-day “spend all your money ever” type of wedding. He had been brainwashed by the media into thinking that we would be (I don’t know) socially ostracized or something if we didn’t dish out $10,000+ on a wedding.
I’ve been trained since birth to look after my finances responsibly; Fiancé likes to splurge on things that matter. To him, a wedding and reception are “things that matter.” And I agree, they do matter. But what’s wrong with getting hitched on the beach in the Bahamas?
I wrote in my last post that Fiancé had agreed that a destination wedding in Virginia Beach was the best plan of action. Since then, he’s rescinded this belief and is now back on his “real wedding” pedestal.
I don’t want a real wedding, and he’s not “settling” for a budget-friendly wedding. Where’s the compromise in all this? Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: April 17th-30th, 2012
Hold That Train
By Elle Lamboy, Wedding Editor
Planning a wedding is stressful. There are a million details to consider: the dress, the venue, the budget, the dress, your accessories, the transportation, the vows and the dress…
It’s important once in awhile to take a moment to relax. Have a glass of wine or a cup of tea and give yourself some mindless Internet, magazine, or reality TV browsing time. Try to incorporate both wedding and non-wedding related topics (be careful not to overdose on Bridezillas and Say Yes to the Dress… the detox isn’t pretty.) You’ll be surprised how a little mindless browsing can lead to some creative inspiration later on and let’s face it—sometimes you just want to read about a bride that is acting as crazy as you feel.
Check out this story (and video) of the world’s longest bridal train. It’s sure to make your dress hunt seem a tad less over-the-top.
Enjoy!
How do you de-stress during your wedding planning?Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: April 1st-15th, 2012
Virginia Beach, Here We Come!
By Michelle Pease, Wedding Editor
My fiancé and I have struggled about what to do with our (extremely) limited budget for months. We think we’ve finally come to a conclusion.
Neither one of us are really big into parties or formalities. We aren’t religious, so we don’t need a massive ceremony with hundreds of people, and we hate dancing, so why force our friends and family into a small, awkward space where we would shuffle about uncomfortably?
We’ve decided to have a destination wedding. We’re looking into a Virginia Beach wedding, because Busch Gardens would also be nearby. We could spend our honeymoon on the beach, at the theme park, and exploring the historical sites nearby. Plus, we wouldn’t have to plan our elopement that far in advance.
The only downside is that (on average) only 12 guests would be allowed to attend. So we would have to pick and choose family and friends wisely. We were also thinking of having a potluck post-wedding celebration in our hometown. That way, we could rent a wicked cheap space and invite everyone to cook food and listen to crummy music off my ipod. Everyone would also be able to look at pictures from our wedding and honeymoon and celebrate with us.
For now, we think it’s the way for us to go. But who knows if we’ll find any road bumps along the way. Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: March 16th-31st, 2012
Here Comes… the Shamrocks
By: Elle Lamboy, Wedding Editor
This St. Patrick’s Day combines two of my favorite things: StageofLife.com & Weddings! (And, of course, green beer but that’s for another post.)
This Saturday I will be attending a StageofLife.com sponsored workshop in Lancaster, PA titled: The Power of Collaboration: Demonstrating the Power of a Collaborative Partnership between Writers and Artists. In the workshop literary and artistic students will work hands-on with StageofLife.com’s CEO Eric Thiegs! It is a very exciting endeavor to be a part of since workshops that explore this important collaborative experience are few and far between.
Following the workshop, I am attending my husband’s grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary party and renewal of their vows. It is just incredible to witness the love and admiration they have for each other after all these years and I am very excited to celebrate this huge milestone with them. As I pictured what their wedding must have been like in the 1950s, I couldn’t help but wonder how funny it would be if they derived from their traditional 1950s wedding mind-set and incorporated a St. Patrick’s Day theme into their vow renewal ceremony and reception.
While I know their ceremony and party will be shamrock-free, check out this St. Patty’s themed wedding for inspiration.
How will you incorporate your heritage or favorite holiday into your wedding theme? Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: March 1st-15th, 2012
Destination Weddings
By: Michelle Pease, Wedding Editor
Destination weddings are a fun (and cost effective) alternative to throwing a traditional $20,000+ wedding bash. Some popular locations offer wedding packages complete with a minister, decorations, chairs, an arch, three hour photography and videography, and other important wedding details, for as low as $2,500! What a steal!
There are, of course, several things to consider before you and your partner decide on a destination wedding…
1. Travel: Are your family members/guests willing to travel to whatever location you and your partner decide on? How much will travel cost your guests? Does that really matter to you—especially if you are considering eloping? (Another cost effective wedding alternative.)
2. Reception: Depending on the destination location, some venues will be pricier than local venues. This is especially true if you are considering a tropical vacation spot.
3. Formality: Destination weddings don’t give the impression of staying especially formal. So if you are dead set on having a religious or formal ceremony, I would stick to your hometown venues.
4. Fun: Your guests will treat a destination wedding like a vacation and have more fun!
For my fiancé and I, the destination wedding is sounding better and better. Don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: February 15th-29th, 2012
Fun, Fabulous, and Frugal
By: Elle Lamboy, Wedding Editor
Many of our readers have commented on the daunting task of planning a wedding on a budget. Especially in these tougher economic times, planning the wedding of your dreams turns quickly into a logistical nightmare.
Here are five tips to help you plan a fun and fabulous yet frugal affair:
1. Make a List.
Before you even begin thinking about your dream wedding, make a list of all the potential expenses that go into planning your wedding (dress, venue, food, booze, flowers, etc.) When you are finished, rank the items in order of importance to you and your mate. This will be tedious at first, but it’s worth it in the long run. This list will be your wedding planning roadmap; and help you decide what you really need for your wedding and what you can live without. You may decide you absolutely must have a professional photographer but can survive without extravagant flowers. As a result, you can pick wildflowers from your grandparent’s garden, and use the cash that would have gone to a bouquet towards a photographer. If you really take the time out to do this, you will realize how much money you can save by prioritizing your wedding wish-list.
2. Delve Into Your Personal Network.
One huge way to cut costs is to employ friends instead of big businesses. Think about your and your fiancé’s connections. Do you have a friend who is an amateur photographer who may want to take your photos in lieu of a wedding present to get his portfolio started? Do you have a co-worker whose son is starting up a catering business? Does your best friend have a knack for hair and makeup? Does your fiancé have a buddy whose IPod has better jams than the local DJ? By tapping into your network of friends and family, you can save a ton of money on professional fees and still come out with top-notch results. Don’t be afraid to ask, most people are willing to help out their friends and family (especially if it gets them out of buying a wedding present!) Just be prepared and willing to return the favor in the future.
3. Get Creative.
Food and beverage are often the biggest strains on your budget. If money is tight, you may want to consider having your ceremony and reception at an off- time of day. Consider having your reception from 8pm-10pm and have a cocktail and dessert-only affair with some fabulous desserts and light cheeses with artisan breads. Or, you may want to have your reception after lunchtime and just offer a few appetizer stations. One cost-effective appetizer station option is a mashed potato martini bar; where your guest get to eat mashed potatoes (a very affordable food option) out of a martini glass adorned with their favorite toppings (sour cream, chives, scallions, cheddar cheese, bacon bits…the affordable possibilities are endless!)
4. Location, Location, Location
Another huge burden to your budget is the venue. Instead of a traditional banquet hall or lavish country club, consider a city or state park for your affair. They are usually free of charge with the exception of a minimal permit fee. You may also consider your (or a friend or family members) own backyard! My best friend recently got married in her backyard and it was one of the most beautiful and fun weddings I’ve attended. She rented a couple tents and a dance floor and transformed her backyard into a chic party space. You will incur some cost here, but will save a bundle in room rental fees. You may also consider your local VFW or fire hall for an affordable space.
5. Invitations
You cannot have a wedding with guests without invitations. However, there are some more affordable ways to get the word out. Consider sending a postcard invitation or have guests RSVP to your wedding website or designated E-mail address. This will cut your postage costs in half and force your guests to view the wedding website you’ve spent so much time creating! You can create your wedding website for free by using sites like theknot.com and projectwedding.com.
There are just 5 small ways to have a fabulous yet frugal wedding. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box while planning your wedding. Remember, it is YOUR wedding. If naysayers aren’t offering to help you pay for your big day, they really shouldn’t get much of a say in how you decide to celebrate the love between you and your fiancé. The important part of the wedding is the celebration of your love surrounded by close family and friends. The dollars and cents are just logistics.
How will you cut costs for your big day? And don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: February 1st- 15th, 2012
Decision Making
By: Michelle Pease, Wedding Editor
My fiancé and I are slowly making some small (and big) decisions about our wedding. We’ve decided on a date (August 25, 2013), since that is the first thing everyone asks us when we tell them we’re getting married. We’ve picked wedding colors (navy blue, yellow, and pink); similarly, we’ve discovered craft stores like AC Moore are perfect for playing around with potential flower colors. We’ve picked centerpieces (bettas in small glass bowls with a floating flower on top). If our guests wanted, they could take the betta home, too.
We’ve been researching potential venues, and may begin to tour them starting as soon as Spring Break. Despite all the excitement surrounding our upcoming nuptials, we’ve been distracted by a bigger challenge: graduation from college. We decided to focus on finding real-life grown-up jobs before worrying about a wedding. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like to talk or think about it.
Our decision making is very out-of-order, but we’re getting there: slowly, but surely. And don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
|
Wedding Editor's Welcome: January 15th-31st, 2012
Ooo La La!
By: Elle Lamboy, Wedding Editor
About a decade ago, engagement sessions were cutting age, and now they are the norm. Almost every newly engaged couple gets several professional photos taken to use in their engagement announcements, Christmas cards, save the dates, or just to post on Facebook! In fact, many photographers include the engagement session in their wedding packages. When I got married, the engagement session was a mandatory part of the wedding package. Our photographer said she enjoyed the sessions because it “gave her the opportunity to see how we photographed” before our big day.
Another pre-wedding photo session that has been around for a while but, still has edginess to it, are boudoir sessions. In these sessions, the bride-to-be gets sexy photos of herself taken to give to her love the night before the wedding. Some brides-to-be really just get them done for themselves so they can look back and remember how hot they were back in the day!
Our wedding photographer was also an expert in boudoir photography and I contemplated getting them done as a gift for my hubby-to-be….especially since she knew how to Photoshop! I decided to get a feel for what he thought of the whole idea before I subjected myself and wallet to the session.
So, one evening after a glass or two of wine, I brought up the photographer’s boudoir photo site and asked him in my sexiest voice if he “would like sexy pictures like this of meeee.”
His response?
“I would never stop laughing.”
SERIOUSLY!??!?!?!
Alas, my husband thought they it would be a little strange to have a professional photo book of sexy photos of me. It’s not like I would let him show anyone, and he felt like he would “almost feel like a creep looking at them on a regular basis.” Plus, I don’t exactly ooze sex appeal, so it would be a little hard for him to take them seriously. Of course, he covered his initial reaction by explaining how he, “has his own collection of more natural looking pictures” of me that he considers to be sexy.
Whatever.
Check out this informative Huffington Post Article that defends the art of boudoir photography and explains the sessions in more detail.
To be honest, I kind of regret not getting the photos done. I think it would be a liberating experience and I’m sure hubs would appreciate them when it was all said and done.
Perhaps for Valentine’s Day….
Are you considering getting a boudoir session done for your spouse-to-be? And don't forget to enter our Wedding story writing contest. |
|
|
Read Past Editor Letters |