Brides Answer: What Would YOU Have Done Differently?

Many brides wouldn't change a thing about their wedding day. More often than not, however, there are several things that would have been done differently if given the opportunity. Why? There are many reasons. Budget is the number one reason - many brides would simply change a few things to lower the cost of their wedding and save money.

Photography: Not a single bride complained of having too many photographs. In fact, almost all of them regretted not having enough pictures, or of having pictures of poor quality. Lesson learned? Choose your photographer wisely, and don’t skimp. If you have to, trim your budget in other areas to ensure that you have sufficient funds for a talented, reputable photographer.

Alcohol: One bride admitted to walking down the aisle a princess, and then morphing into Courtney Love at the reception, getting so intoxicated that she had to be put to bed before the cake was cut. While it’s important to have fun and enjoy yourself, you also want to be able to remember the details of your special day. Be mindful of your actions and go easy on the bubbly.

Size of Guest List: Think bigger is better? Guess again. Not one bride lamented over not having a larger bash. For brides that did have large weddings, almost all of them wished they’d pared down their guest lists in favor of a more intimate ceremony and reception.

Signature Grand Weddings

Cutting Your Wedding Catering Costs

If you're planning a wedding on a budget, the catering costs can certainly exhaust a good portion of your limit. There are many ways to cut costs and still have a wonderful catering menu that will impress guests. For example, most catering companies provide appetizers during the cocktail hour and in addition also offer them on the menu which means a higher cost. Simply eliminating these appetizers on the menu will save a considerable amount of money. You can also lower the cost by serving foods such as an array of cheeses and crackers as well as fresh vegetables and dip platters with a shrimp cocktail.

One of the largest catering expenses if alcohol. Many brides and grooms cut costs by eliminating the "open bar" and serving only "signature" drinks, if any at all!

Many brides and grooms also cut costs by doing their catering themselves. Preparing a simple menu and serving the food will significantly reduce your spending which helps you say under budget!

Wedding Catering costs for large parties of guests can be costly as well as stressful on your budget and a wedding is usually a onetime event so yes the catering needs to be special but cost effective.

The decisions you need to make are things such as whether you are going to have a sit down dinner or a cocktail reception. After deciding on these factors you should compare the wedding catering costs. Obviously a cocktail reception is going to cost far less than a large sit down meal.

Top Sweet 16 Birthday Themes

Planning a sweet 16 party should begin by selecting a theme. The theme will help you plan every other aspect of the party - from entertainment to decor to menu. Here are a few popular sweet 16 birthday themes!

Toga Theme:
Toga parties are very easy. Your main goal is to find as many sheets as you can find! Wine glasses (for soda) or golden goblets as well as crowns are great accessories as well!

Disco Theme:
This is a great way to entertain teenagers and incorporate a dance floor and music! Disco balls and other "groovy" accessories can be found to keep the party alive!

Sweet 16:
What is sweeter than ice cream? If your 16 year old has a big sweet tooth, then throw a SUPER Sweet 16 bash and allow kids to make their own ice cream sundae! There are favors and decor available that would completely finalize this theme!

Any theme can be done and can flow through the invitations, decor, food, and more!

Celebrate with Giada's Raspberry-Ricotta Mousse Recipe!

Weddingstar's Mini Martini glasses are surely a hit in the bridal community. In fact, these little accessories are commonly used for ANY event, even small cocktail parties! Why is that? These petite glasses can be filled with any yummy substance (either beverage OR dessert) and will complete any event menu!

Bellacroft recommends Food Network TV Star: Giada's Raspberry-Ricotta Mousse Recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (whole milk)
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

In a food processor, blend the ricotta cheese until light and fluffy, about 20 seconds. Add the jam and pulse until combined. Transfer to a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until thick. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks. Working in batches, carefully fold the cream mixture into the ricotta mixture. Spoon the mousse into serving bowls and refrigerate for 1 hour. Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve.

Weddingstar's Mini Martini Glasses

Bridal Shower Food Tips by Arlene Pecora

Bridal showers should focus on two things: the bride to be and FOOD! Believe it or not, food is actually the highlight of any event, so depending on the theme of your bridal shower, there are a variety of different ideas to consider for incorporating good food for the guests. Here are some ideas that might get you started thinking about what you will serve at the bridal shower itself:

o Appetizers - Heavy appetizers are acceptable if you are having a mid-to-late afternoon shower. Stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, nachos, egg rolls, quiche, different dips/dipping items, etc., are all great ideas that might get you started.

o Buffet Style- Buffet style dinners are great and generally "no fuss". Guests can serve themselves and the options are virtually endless! Baked chicken, ham, roast beef, or salmon, depending on the bride's tastes, are all great options. Sides can include rice pilaf, pasta salad, twice baked potatoes, a salad or cole slaw, steamed veggies, and other side dishes that complement the main meat item are also great ideas to incorporate.

o Sandwiches/BBQ - This is a great budget friendly option. It can also coordinate with "tea time" bridal showers!

o Themed dinner - Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, or Americana-whatever the theme-incorporate that type of food along with it!

Of course, there are other factors to planning a great bridal shower! Arlene Pecora features tips and tricks for coordinating the bridal party of the year!

Bridal Shower Planning

Planning a Memorable Baby Shower

If you're hosting a baby shower, whether for a best friend or a family member, you want to be sure that this event will be a time for the expecting mama to relax and enjoy her time with her family and friends. Here are some helpful baby shower planning tips:

Theme

Themed baby showers tend to be a little more fun and memorable. Depending on the baby's gender, you can easily select themes such as "Pea in the Pod" or "Rubber Ducky".

Location

You can select local venues for large baby showers or you can also have them right at home. This decision is solely based on your budget and preference. In order to avoid cleanup, a nice restaurant might be a nice option - and everybody will be fed and satisfied!

Select the Games

Baby shower games are the heart of the baby shower as they cause every guest to become involved and have a good laugh. Games such as "Guess the baby food" and "Belly Size Guessing" are all great games. If you're not a gamer, here is an Arlene Pecora Signature idea: Purchase several different colored onsies (depending on the gender of the baby) and give each guest materials to decorate and personalize their outfit. These are great gifts for the baby!

Select the Guests!

A baby shower isn't complete without close friends and family members! Be sure to give your guests a few weeks in advance so that they can arrange their schedules!

House Warming Gifts by D'Lusso

D'Lusso Home Gifts

For over 25 years, Marilena Imports has been introducing innovative and trend setting products to the favor industry. Family owned and operated, Marilena Imports provides a personal touch and accommodating service to its customers. With the development and launching of D’Lusso Home Collections brand, we have set an industry standard for quality favors and impeccable Italian and European design.

These gifts are perfect for house warming, bridal, birthdays and more!

D’Lusso’s goal to have their Home Collections continually introduce new and exciting favor products and ideas to the industry as well as interesting ideas in product development and packaging. D'Lusso Home Collection

Signature Grand: Weddings with Pets

If you're freaking out, last minute, that you don't have a ring bearer - you can stop stressing. These days, it is perfectly common and acceptable to include your precious pet into your special day. Your pet, after all, is a huge part of your life and family. Why not include him/her?! Here are a few ideas for including your pooch into your wedding day:

First and foremost, when selecting your wedding venue, make sure that they allow pets into their establishment. Some locations have restrictions on pet attendance. It is also important to plan ahead for the pet’s behavioral needs. Select a trustworthy person to be in charge of the pet, to ensure that he is fed, watered, walked and given appropriate chances to have those much needed bathroom breaks, preferably before the ceremony. If your pet isn't well trained, you might need to work on that prior to the wedding.

Be sure to include an appropriate role for the pet, bearing in mind his/her age. While an older more disciplined dog might make an excellent ring bearer, a younger more excitable dog will just run rampant. As your ring bearer, flower-dog, or honorary attendant, specially decorated and festive leashes will help the human attendants keep the excited pet by their side. Whether it's a "Flowergirl" styled bow or a fresh flower collar for your special little princess or a Pet Tuxedo for your little buddy, pet wedding attire is becoming one of the fastest growing wedding accessories of today. Make sure that any "special" clothing or wedding attire you choose for your pet is appropriate, to enable him/her to easily relieve themselves without soiling the garment.

Pet Wedding Etiquette

Wedding Memorials

Include a loved one in your wedding ceremony by lighting a memorial candle! As a special remembrance of those who could not be with you on your special day, Weddingstar has created Personalized Memorial candle in their honor. Candle is available in white or ivory, print is black only. Candle comes printed with "On Loving Memory" header and "Always Present In Our Hearts" footer.

Memorial Candle

Personalized Centerpieces

Flowers are a traditional centerpiece to any wedding as flowers signify romance and elegance. How do you turn a traditional, plain floral centerpiece into a unique focal point? With personalization and creativity. Embellished and personalized vases offer a unique, colorful way to display your flowers (or any decor) and also serve as a wonderful keepsake down the road. These ultra sleek, glass vases - accented with a colorful cling designed with embracing, opaque hearts - have the ability to transform into your vision and provide an ideal setting for do-it-yourself centerpieces.

Personalized Vases

Coffee Themed Weddings

With it's dark, rich color and smooth, fresh scent, coffee is quickly becoming the 2010 wedding theme for Fall! Coffee is a relaxing, enjoyable ending to a wonderful evening which is why most brides and grooms serve it with their cake and desserts.

There are hundreds of clever coffee themed favors available: heart shaped coffee scoops, coffee scented candles, coffee mugs and more. Chocolate covered espresso beans are also a great idea to add to coffee/espresso cups.

Many brides and grooms opt have coffee bags personalized, which is a great keepsake and a unique gift idea.

Hot cocoa or tea can be substituted for non-coffee drinkers!

Baby Shower Menu Planning!

Baby Showers are a fun time for friends and family to gather and celebrate the upcoming birth of a little baby! These parties are usually based on 3 main factors:

#1: The Mommy-to-be
#2: Games
#3: FOOD!!

The food that you serve is an important factor for the baby shower. Here are a few guidelines for selecting your menu!

Snacks

Baby shower snacks are typically finger foods that can be carried around on small plates during "mingling sessions". Generally, guests will load up on food and return a few times for seconds or thirds. All this moving around promotes interaction and conversation.

Try snack platters such as fruit, cheese, chips, deviled eggs, bruschetta, etc.

The Main Course

If you're having a mid-morning or mid-afternoon baby shower, the above snacks are a great way to go. If you're serving lunch or dinner, however, then you'll need to serve something a little more substantial. Simple BBQ's are a great idea - especially if men are invited. Many baby showers feature simple salads and sandwiches - perfect for a tea themed baby shower! Lasagna is a great way to save on money as the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and it serves several guests!

If you are planning a baby shower on a budget, try a potluck shower! Each guest can bring a dish and there will be plenty to go around!

Dessert

Most baby showers feature a cake - so you can work with this! If cake and ice cream isn't you thing, try small cookies or bite size treats to go with the "baby" theme!

Drinks

I recommend limiting the alcohol at the baby shower - it may be a social occasion, however it isn't a 21st birthday bash! Stick with a glass of wine and then serve punch, tea, lemonade or water. Keeping it simple will also save your wallet!

Signature Grand Weddings

If you have recently decided to plan your own wedding, without the help of a professional caterer, you're in luck! Signature Grand Weddings is a new bridal site that features several "how to" articles about planning your own wedding in a unique, affordable style.

Have you decided that you don't want to wear a simple, white dress? Well join the other millions of brides that are saying "goodbye" to white dresses as well! Signature Grand Weddings suggests that you add a touch of color to your wedding, including your wedding dress. Why should the bridesmaids get to wear all of the color?

If you have a tight budget, don't fear. Signature Grand Weddings features an article about saving money without sacrificing your dreams! There are millions of little ways to save money while planning the wedding that you have always dreamed of.

Signature Grand Weddings also features inexpensive bridal products and favors by Bellacroft and York & White, so be sure to check back frequently to get the latest in bridal updates!

Signature Grand Weddings

Wedding Candles Bring Illumination

Decorating for a wedding is one of the most fun, yet important factors of a wedding. Traditionally, the most common items that are used are flowers. Lately, however, candles are rising to the top of the bridal charts as they are budget friendly, attractive and romantic.

There are several types of candles that you can use to decorate your wedding ceremony or reception. One of the most popular candles used during weddings are pillar candles. Due to their size, pillar candles have a long burn life and do not need to be worried about during long ceremonies/receptions. Aside from providing a sufficient light for each table, they also give impressive effect, making the entire venue look romantic and warm.

Another option of wedding candles you can use for your wedding venue are tea light candles. Different from pillars, tea light candles create a fairy-like brightness to your table settings. These often come in smaller sizes, and can be placed on tables, aisle, or even in some amenities of your wedding location. However, tea lights burn easily that's why you need to have lots of these they go out of light.

Votive candles are also used during wedding parties. These smaller candles can be used to light dinner tables or any other table during the reception. Many couples use votives as wedding favors with customized tags/stickers as a lasting keepsake.

The third, but not last, option are floating candles. These accessories can be set in ponds, pools, lakes or simply in bowls as a centerpiece.

Candles are a romantic, inexpensive option for wedding decor that brides and grooms are using more and more!

Photo courtesy of Bellacroft