8 Tips to Keep Your Wedding Clean on the Big Day

 

You'll be in the spotlight ALL day, so it's important to keep your wedding gown clean and fresh looking. We've got 8 great tips to help you do just that!

1. Drink Water.
   Before the event,  as you are getting ready, opt for water instead of soda or coffee.  Not only will it help keep you hydrated, it won't stain like coffee or soda in the event you spill you a little.
   
2. Have someone make sure the car you are riding in is clean.
   Check the seats, floor, and running boards carefully for dirt and debris that can be picked up by your gown as you get in and out of the car.  Consider covering the seat and floor with a sheet.
3. Remove the stamens from the flowers in your bouquet.
   If the flowers you've chosen for your bouquet have stamens, it's possible they could stain your dress.  Ask your florist to remove remove them before assembling your bouquet.
4. Pack a towel in your bridal bag.
   As you touch up your makeup throughout the day and evening, use the towel to cover your shoulder and chest. This will protect your gown in case you drop your lipstick or makeup brush.
5. Use and antiperspirant deodorant combination.
   The antiperspirant will protect your gown from perspiration.
6. Pack steamer in you bridal bag.
   This will enable you to make quick touch ups to the gown while you are at the venue. If you don't have a steamer, a travel iron will work.  However, you'll want to make sure you put the iron on the lowest/coolest setting available so you do not scorch the fabric.
7. Use a garment bag or protective cover for your gown.
   Whether you are dressing at the venue, or changing out of your gown into another outfit after the event, be sure to use a garment bag or protective cover when transporting your gown from place to place.  It's easy to brush the gown up against a dirty surface unknowingly.
8. Bustle it!
   After the ceremony, be sure to bustle the back of your gown if you have a train. This will prevent people from stepping on the back of the gown and will it also keep it from dragging on the floor more than necessary.  As you walk, gently pick up the front sides of your gown to prevent it from dragging on the floor, as well!

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The Essential Honeymoon Travel Checklist

Organized and advanced planning for your honeymoon can save you a lot of travel headaches, especially in today's travel environment. Save this checklist of important items to ensure a smooth travel experience!

Must Haves:

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation (note flight number and departure/arrival time)
• Cruise tickets (note cabin number and departure/arrival time)
• Resort/Hotel address, phone, and confirmation number
• Passport/Visas
• Driver's license(make name on ID matches name on passport/visa)
• Credit cards (take only those you will need) 
• Phone number(s) to report lost/stolen cards (pack separately from wallet or purse!)
• Traveler's checks 
• Phone Cards (especially if traveling internationally)
• Medicines & Prescriptions (make sure they are in their original bottles and that you have enough to last your entire trip)
• Doctor's phone number (packed separately from your wallet/purse)
• Contraception
• Extra contact lenses and/or glasses
• Phone number(s) for your house sitter and/or pet sitter
• Camera
• Travel locks for your luggage and ID tags for luggage (MAKE SURE your locks are recognized by the TSA ... more information here!)
• Photocopies of IDs, cards, and contact numbers, plus medical information.  Leave one set in your hotel and carry one with you at all times.Consider leaving a copy of these documents with a trusted friend or relative at home too!

Web sites to review BEFORE you travel:

• FAA Travel Tips
• Carry-on Bag Tips
• Flying Safe
• International Travel
• TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
• Prohibited Items on Airlines
• Rules for Liquids in Carry On Luggage
• ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints
• Checkpoint friendly laptop bag procedures
• Guidelines for traveling with special equipment (golf clubs, sports gear, etc)
• US Department of State
• Tips for traveling abroad
• Current travel alerts
• Current travel warnings
• Worldwide cautions
• What to do in an emergency  (if something applies to you or your destination, bring two copies of information with you, including contact information for the local US Embassy)

Bon Voyage!

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Updating Your Name After the Wedding

60-80% of brides take their husband's last name after the wedding. If you are taking your husband's surname, it's generally advised that you wait until you return from your honeymoon ... especially if a passport is involved. This ensures the last name on your ID matches the name on your passport, airline or cruise tickets, and your credit cards.

One you return, make a checklist  list of all the places you need to update your last name. This will help ensure you don't miss anything!

Here's a short list to get you started:

• Auto Registration
• Auto Insurance Policy
• Bank Accounts
• Credit Card Accounts
• Deeds & Titles
• Dental Records
• Driver's License
• Employee Records
• Investment Accounts
• Life Insurance Policy
• Medical Records
• Memberships
• Online Accounts
• Passport
• Post Office Records
• Social Security Records
• Stock Certificates
• Tax Agencies (State and Federal)
• Voter Registration Card
• Will / Trust

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Who Pays for the Engagement Party?

The engagement party is a fun way for both families and close friends to get to know one another before the wedding. Engagement parties can range from high-end celebrations to low key family cookouts and they are typically hosted within three months of the engagement.

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party. However, today just about anyone can do the honor, including the bride and groom!  An engagement party is really an optional piece of the wedding pie, but since you can really make it informal and inexpensive, you don't have to let budget drive your decision.

A few fun ideas for low cost engagement parties:

1. At the right time of year, host an outdoor cookout.  Anything from succulent ribs, to grilled veggies, or simple burgers and brauts will do! If your backyard isn't large enough, host it at a local park.

Personalized Stainless Steel Torches Make Fun Outdoor Decorations

2. If you are a wine lover, consider a wine tasting engagement party. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bottle of wine. Setup the tasting with a complement of appetizers that pair well with reds and whites.

Wine Bottle Stoppers Make Fun Favors for a Wine Tasting

3. Host a themed dinner party with the couple's favorite cuisine. A Mexican Fiesta or a Tapas party are fun examples. If budget is an issue, get the guests involved and invite them to bring their favorite recipe along with a recipe card for the engaged couple. You can assemble the recipe cards into a wonderful keepsake for the bride and groom to be.

Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook Make a GREAT Engagement Gift

4. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres is always a safe bet.  If the bride is a beach loving girl, you can design the party around that theme. Some fun cocktail napkins, a few simple favors around the theme, and viola ... it looks like you planned for weeks!

By the Shore Sand Dollar Coaster

Regardless of what type of party you host, remember its purpose ... this is what is most important.  There's enough stress around planning a wedding. The engagement party should not contribute to that stress.  Keep it fun, keep it simple, and you'll set a wonderful tone between the two families ahead of the big day!

Fun Engagement Party Invitations

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