EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

Band or DJ? Depending on the size of the room and the crowd and the budget! Bands are loud! They are a great way to get the guests on the floor and dancing, but if your venue is small a band may not be a good idea. There are so many companies now that have great DJ's, that you don't have to worry about the quality. Two of my favorite ones are Best of Both Worlds and Toner Sound. They do a great job and Best of Both Worlds is just that- they sing too!

UP OR DOWN?

Do you wear your hair up or down? If you have no idea how to wear your hair for your wedding, check out www.brides.com and see the many ways to style your hair to compliment your dress, your theme or your venue. An elegant ballroom, the beach or a garden- there are styles for every type of wedding.

CHA-CHING!!

What will your wedding cost? Contrary to many surveys out there in cyber-space, they don't cost $15-$20,000! Maybe if you live in Wisconsin or Indiana, but if you live in a city on either coast- not a chance!! Realistically, if you are having a wedding on a Saturday night in Philadelphia, expect to spend $50-70,000. You can do things to save money. www.brides.com and other sites help you to DIY some of your wedding. Also, check out www.michaels.com for crafty ways to personalize your special day! One thing is sure: if you want your day to be flawless, get a planner involved! It isn't an added expense. It is the insurance to have a perfect day and save time, money and stress along the way. It is a VERY wise investment!

WEDDING INSURANCE?

Wedding insurance is something that most couples don't think about and that others never heard of. But, if you are getting married- it is something you need to have! I found a great article about it on www.wedsafe.com. Believe me, you are going to want to read it and then ask your insurance agent about it.

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE!

Invitations are something that every bride frets over. What should they look like, how to word them, kids or no kids...? Go to weddingchannel.com and get some tips on how to put your invitations together and see these and other great ideas for unique designs.

SIGN IN PLEASE!

Let's talk about the guest book! I have some clever alternatives to the "sign at the door" guestbook. A beautiful vase with creative and personal notes for guests to write their best wishes is a great idea. Or, give someone the job of taking polaroids of all the guests and placing them in a book for everyone to write a few words to the couple. These create memories that you can display in your home and remember all the special people that spent the day with you!

CULTURED BOUQUETS

In doing multicultural weddings, I have the chance to see things that are so beautiful and different. Take this Indian inspired bouquet. It is very dramatic and makes a statement, even if you aren't having an Indian wedding. Not everyone wants the standard bridal flowers. Try to find things that inspire drama and a unique look to your wedding!!

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOR?

Favors are a dilemna that almost all brides have these days! Do you even bother with them, since most people never use what is given. Edible favors that carry the theme of the wedding- such as Chinese fortune cookies for an Asian wedding or candies that take the shape of something significant to the bride and groom. Double the favor with the place card. Use your creativity and search the web for ideas! There are many ways to remember your guests than those $1 picture frames of a candy bar with the wedding date on it!

MORE VALENTINES!!!

Happy Valentine's Day! Here are some more ideas for a Valentine wedding- any time! From table decor to pretty purple favors. These ideas came from www.brides.com. There are many more no matter what your color scheme or the time of year. Also, check out www.yourweddingcompany.com. There are so many ideas there- you won't be able to choose!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

In keeping with the flavor of the holiday- I am using red today! Here's an idea for all you "new" brides who's boyfriends have that special little box for Wednesday. Maybe you will plan a wedding for next Valentine's Day! Here are a few ideas for a special Valentine theme to your wedding! Hope he has that ring!!!

A WINERY WEDDING

Planning a wedding at a winery? I found this cake while researching unusual cake designs and it is a great idea for an outdoor wedding or a wedding at a winery! Your wedding cake doesn't have to be white and it can carry the theme of the wedding or the color scheme. There are so many different styles- ask the baker what they can do! Plan to spend a little more, though, for a cake that brings your flair to the table. And, girls, the cake averages $7- $30 per person! Have fun!

WELCOME GUESTS!

How to welcome your out of town guests? Gift baskets are not always easy to think of. City maps and brochures of things to do are a great way to add to a gift. Think of a theme based on the city or the wedding and come up with a creative way to package the gifts for the hotel rooms. Here are two ideas that are clever and very welcoming!

YOUR SIGNATURE, PLEASE!

Everyone is doing it! A signature drink that adds another touch of "you" at your wedding. Whether it is a martini, a bellini or a dessert drink, like this chocolate concoction- make it up and make it fun! It is also a way to limit your bar bill. Try just wine and beer and your own signature cocktail and see how much less the bottom line is!

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME...

What a great idea for sending your "save the dates". This little bird, designed by www.ohjoystudio.com is a fun and unique way to let people know about your wedding day. Joy is so creative in her designs! She can design something special that gives the hint of what the wedding theme will be. Check out her site!