Five Simple Savings Tips for Your Wedding

It’s becoming more and more common for brides and grooms to pay for their own weddings, or at least big portions of it. While it is smart to save up, it can be hard to save up enough to pay for an entire wedding. We at Bridal Hot List are always here to help! We’re sharp on trends and sharp on savings, so take notes and stack up.

Re-Think Your Bills

Stack up all the bills you got last month and see where you can trim. If you’re paying for cable, do you really need to? If all you need cable tv for is ‘Game of Thrones’, maybe have GoT parties with your girlfriends and cancel your cable. Most shows are easy to watch on subscription services like Hulu which are a tiny fraction of the cost of cable subscriptions. If you have internet, you really don’t need to pay for cable. If you’re paying for a gym membership to run on treadmills, consider canceling and running in a park. If you’re going to work out classes, check out youtube to see if there are tutorials or videos that you could do instead of paying for classes. It’s free, and you can take breaks when you need to!

Negotiate Your Percentages

Do you know how high your interest rates are? Whatever they are, high or low, they are never set in stone. Call up whatever customer service lines you need to and don’t get off the phone until your interest rates are lower! It’s good to go in calm, be friendly, and ask for lower interest rates due to being a loyal customer, paying on time, etc.

Social Networking

Send out the beacon and see who can help! Be specific and ask for your friends and family for any suggestions for vendors or specialists. They may have a cousin or girlfriend you didn’t know about with great talents! Be sure to not straight out ask for a discount, but say that you are on a budget, and would love to work with a friend. The key to getting discounts is always to be pleasant and friendly.

Shopping Your Stash

Before you buy that ‘back-up’ mascara, go through your makeup kit to see if you really need it. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it! See what you have already before buying, or even worse- impulse buying anything. You can also go through all your clothes and create donate, toss, and keep piles. It’s a great way to clean out your closet and find old favorites! Just assess what you have and decide if it’s truly a need or a want. Needs are unavoidable, wants can be put off until everything else is paid off.

Let it Go

Have you been hanging on to something for a ‘rainy day’ forever? Maybe it’s the vintage white gold watch that you never wear or a signed poster, but if you’re not getting anything out of it maybe it’s time to. Even little things like old dvd’s could be worth a little bit here and there. Dvd’s are going on their way out to make room for blu-rays anyway, so now could be the perfect time to sell. If you don’t have any stores nearby that buy off old dvd’s, amazon has a great program where you mail in your old dvd’s, books, and cd’s in exchange for amazon credit. It may not always be a lot (that old one-disc copy of ‘The Notebook’ may not pay for the flowers by themselves…), but every bit counts! Stay in that mentality- every bit counts. You’ll see the savings stack up as long as you count every bit as you save it.

Why Brides Might Want to Try Acupuncture

What do knowledge do you have about acupuncture? Is your only impression of acupuncture a vague image of someone with needles jammed into them in random spots? Obviously, that isn’t all there is to acupuncture and it is a proven remedy for stress, weight loss, emotional balance, and well being – all things that a bride must have going into her wedding day. The following tips will help you understand acupuncture a little more to see if it is for you.

Expect to feel a sensation of heaviness or lightness in different areas of your body. This is entirely normal and is caused by the stimulation of your nerves. You should focus on this sensation and relax as much as you can. You should not fight these sensations to get the most out of your treatment.

When determining which acupuncturist to use, make sure you find out whether the person is NCCAOM certified. This certification indicates that the doctor took an exam and finished a comprehensive program. While it is not a guarantee that the acupuncturist will be the right fit for you, it is a good start.

There are few negative aspects to acupuncture as an alternative therapy, but one important one is that there are no guarantees the treatment will be effective. While it is rare, but soreness and bruising may occur, and it is also possible to get an infection if sterile procedures are not carefully followed.

Make sure the acupuncturist you go to performs painless acupuncture. Painless treatments are very popular in the U.S. but pain can actually play a part in relieving your stress or treating your health problem. You should not try these treatments until you know more about acupuncture and are ready to try a more advanced treatment.

You shouldn’t have anything alcoholic to drink before treatment. Acupuncture is something that helps you clear up your mind so that you can have more clarity. The use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine can make treatment more difficult and less effective. If you overindulged the night before your appointment and are feeling the alcohol, you might consider rescheduling your appointment so you can reap the full benefits.

If you feel pain during an acupuncture session, let your practitioner know. A small prick is normal when the needle is inserted, but you should not feel anything beyond that. More intense pain can mean that the practitioner hit a nerve, and this can cause you to experience adverse side effects if it is not immediately addressed.

It is always important that you feel comfortable with the person preforming acupuncture on you. Being uncomfortable and remaining tense through the treatments can end up being counterproductive to your therapy. Find an acupuncturist that you feel totally comfortable with and once you do, stick with that person. You can even give other people referrals.

Acupuncture rarely is painful in any way. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin. You can barely see them with the naked eye. Because of their small size, they often do not hit nerve endings and you will feel no pain. Even when they do hit a nerve, they are so small you barely feel it.

You are hopefully feeling more at ease about taking a trip to the acupuncturist. Many websites offer introductory deals at a great price for first-timers. If you are a bride and looking for an out-of-the-box method for relieving muscle problems, or to find stress relief, you might want to give this a try.

Designer Speciality Linens LUXE Collection

I am tickled pink on this Wedding Wednesday. Our lovely friends at Designer Speciality Linens have really out did themselves this time. It is not like they did not pretty up tabletops already, and now they have launched their new collection to totally swoon us? This gorgeous collection is elegant, stylish, and simply beautiful. Each and every one has its own unique and lovely style fit for any bride.  Please take a moment to view this incredibly breathtaking LUXE collection. A collection worth viewing more than once! 

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Table Designed by A Stunning Affair www.astunningaffair.com Florals by: Peony and Plum www.peonyandplum.com Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

Table Designed by Lina Wallace of A Stunning Affair www.astunningaffair.com
Florals by: Peony and Plum www.peonyandplum.com
Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

  • Madison: This fabulous linen is from the “vineyard series”.  This stylish napkin is called Blair which is also from the Vineyard Series.  What a stunning tabletop and so romantic!

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Designer/Planner: Amber Gustafson of Amber Events www.amberevents.com Florist: Holly Flora www.hollyfloral.com Paper: Jill Velez of Copper Willow www.copperwillow.com Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

Designer/Planner: Amber Gustafson of Amber Events www.amberevents.com
Florist: Holly Flora www.hollyfloral.com
Paper: Jill Velez of Copper Willow www.copperwillow.com
Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

  • Bohemian in Cardinal: Perfect for a backyard garden style wedding featuring vines and accents of wood. How gorgeous is this look? We can not get over the design of this linen!It is simply breathtaking. Its a great excuse to throw a garden party, right?
Designer/Planner: At Your Door Events www.atyourdoorevents.com Floral Design: Tic Tock Couture www.tictock.com Design Contributions: Two's A Party www.twosaparty.com Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

Designer/Planner: At Your Door Events www.atyourdoorevents.com
Floral Design: Tic Tock Couture www.tictock.com
Design Contributions: Two’s A Party www.twosaparty.com
Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com

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  • GEO in Azure: Geo is a very modern and contemporary style linen. The designer wanted to show off the octagon shapes of the linen, and did a beautiful job doing it!  To compliment the beautifully designed linen, the designer used an octagon table, utilized tiles sheets for placemats and placed sunglasses as favors. Can you imagine this for a Palm Springs style wedding? Pack your bags now!

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Here is Soleil from our LUXE Collection. This was also part of our LUXE Launch. The design was by  planner/designer Natalie Good of A Good Affair with floral design by Susanna Davidson of French Buckets. Designer/Planner: At Your Door Events www.atyourdoorevents.com Floral Design: Tic Tock Couture www.tictock.com Design Contributions: Two's A Party www.twosaparty.com Photo Credit: Krista Mason www.kristamason.com This design was a mix of modern and romantic. With modern touches like industrial style chairs, suspended glass orbs filled with flowers, it was dramatic yet soft and elegant. Planner/Designer: A Good Affair www.agoodaffair.com Floral Design: French Buckets www.frenchbuckets.com


Photo Credit: Michelle Lacson Photography
Planner/Designer: A Good Affair www.agoodaffair.com
Floral Design: French Buckets www.frenchbuckets.com

  •  Soleil: A gorgeously modern linen. The designer created a mix of modern and romantic elements. The modern details like the industrial style chairs and suspended glass orbs filled with lovely flowers, brings a dramatic yet soft and elegant feel. This linen really makes the pretty details stand out!

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Designer: Julia Kadish of Small Wonders Event Production & Design www.smallwondersepd.com Floral Design: Inna Savluk of Buttery Floral www.butterflyfloral.com                          Photographer: Michelle Lacson Photography www.michellelacsonphotography.com

Designer: Julia Kadish of Small Wonders Event Production & Design www.smallwondersepd.com
Floral Design: Inna Savluk of Buttery Floral www.butterflyfloral.com Photographer: Michelle Lacson Photography www.michellelacsonphotography.com

  • Lafayette in Ebony: A Vintage Gatsby Romance inspired look.  This linen is not only chic, but super glam. The designer added pearls, a vintage candelabra and candle sticks to really glam up the tabletop! The added Ghost chairs adds a bit of modern touch.  Can you say WOW? This one makes you feel like Hollywood, right?
Designer/Planner: Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Engagements www.sterlingengagements.com Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto www.shawnayamamoto.com Photography: Michelle Lacson Photography

Designer/Planner: Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Engagements www.sterlingengagements.com
Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto www.shawnayamamoto.com
Photography: Michelle Lacson Photography

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  •  Journey in Aquamarine: An eclectic springtime design that incorporates natural elements of wood and glass.  A wooden structure is used as a basis for the lush florals. This look is simple but super gorgeous. Loving the elements of glass. Perfect for beach-loving bride.

 

Five Ways to Bond With Other Bridesmaids

Yay for wedding parties! Now that you’re officially a bridesmaid, it’s time to get excited for the big day. Just remember, there’s more people involved than just the bride- you’re part of a whole party of bridesmaids (they don’t call it a bridal party for nothing!). You all need to be able to work together to help throw the best party ever. If you aren’t close with the other bridesmaids, or if you don’t know they just yet, you’re in luck! We’ve got some awesome ideas on how to bond with the bridal party and make this wedding one of the best times of your life. Who knows, you might bond well enough to have them be bridesmaids at your wedding too!

Start Talking

Find the other bridesmaids on facebook and shoot them a message. Say something quick and friendly mentioning that you’ll both be bridesmaids. You can even do a group message with all the bridesmaids so the whole group can get to know each other. Start by talking about how excited you are for the wedding, or how happy you are for the bride. It’s common ground for everyone!

Start Slow

Starting new friendships is similar to starting a new relationship. Sometimes it’s good to just start with coffee before you dive in for dinner! Do a quick after-work happy hour or some Saturday morning coffee to chat and discuss the wedding. Have some sort of agenda so you don’t all get there and not say anything. You can use this day to start initial brainstorming for the bachelorette party.

Get Moving

Another great activity for bridesmaids to do to bond is working out. It can be something like bikram yoga or even a crossfit bootcamp. Getting your blood flowing is a surefire way to get bonding. If you can find a groupon, or even a free class to crash invite the bridesmaids! Weddings tend to make people more aware of being fit, so it’s the perfect chance. Towards the beginning of the month, gyms and studios tend to do more free classes so do some research and start stretching.

Do Test Runs

As it gets closer to the wedding, arrange for a makeup test run. Call up a makeup counter and let them know you’re coming in ahead of time. The  bride will most likely have her own makeup artist reserved for the day, but you should all be covered too! Go out and ask for a makeup artist to give you tips and tricks and teach you how to do your wedding look. You’ll all be able to help each other and learn a few awesome makeup tips while you’re at it!

Plan Surprises

A long-standing tradition is for the bridal party to decorate the honeymoon suite, or whatever room the bride and groom will be sleeping in right after the wedding. Go all out and plan this in advance. Do balloons, rosepetals, silly pictures, maybe even some snacks or champagne. You’ll all get to be creative and work on a fun project together to surprise the bride.

 

Three Easy Tips for Planning the Rehearsal Dinner

Mondays are typically not the most popular day of the week, but we have some fabulous tips that you may like. Planning your rehearsal dinner and need a  bit of help with that?  Whether you are planning the rehearsal dinner in your own city or a brand new city, we’ve got three easy tips:

  1. Book the venue: First thing is first. Book the venue in advance, (at least 4 months), so it gives you enough time to plan accordingly. When choosing the venue, you can go with one that is a bit more simple, but still keeping it very memorable.  You do not have to have a fancy party, leave that for the wedding day! The key is to pick a place where you and your guests can enjoy good food, and each other’s company. It can even be something as casual as your parent’s backyard. Make it special to you, and it will be a fantastic time!
  2. Plan the menu: When planning the menu, make sure it is something different than what you will serve on your wedding day. If you are serving fish/steak/chicken for a plated dinner at your wedding day, then you may want to offer something like a italian/Mediterranean/Chinese  or other type of cuisine at the rehearsal dinner. Or with keeping in line with what you are serving at the wedding, you can find dishes which compliment the wedding dinner menu. If you have a menu which your guests can choose options from each course, it is a good idea to have menus printed out and placed at each place setting.  You can make the menu special and personal as well.
  3. Create a timeline: A timeline does not need to be very lengthy or detailed like the wedding day. However, there are some details that you may want planned out ahead of time. Typically, there are things like toasts, giving of gifts to the bridal party, and a slideshow. You do not need to have these as must haves for your rehearsal dinner, as you can make it anyway you want. However if you do, ensure that the venue has audiovisual for the toasts and slideshow. If you are not doing any of this and want to just have dinner with no frills, that is fine too. However it is a good idea to make time for a “thank you” to your family and friends who are at attendance.

Have a great rehearsal dinner, and make sure to leave some of the partying for the wedding day!

Top Five Ways to Save on Wedding Favors

One thing everyone’s going to be secretly exciting for during your wedding? The fun wedding favors, of course! This expense may be daunting (especially if you’re budgeting), but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve got some great tips to help you save some money and still give away some awesome favors.

Start Big

An easy way to have favors set up is to buy one thing in bulk and to separate it into individual gifts. You can do candy, trinkets, anything really. You may be able to save money by buying one big thing in bulk rather than buying pre-packaged. It may take some time, but it’s a labor of love.

Double Up

If you’re doing assigned seating, create a name tag or placeholder that is also a great wedding favor. Use customizable bracelets or make your own trinkets with names on them. Guests will be able to find their seats and love that they get a favor to play with immediately when they sit down.

Reuse What you Can

If you decked out your ceremony hall with flowers, bring them to the reception and cut them down to take home. It’s a beautiful favor that gives your flowers new life with one of your guests. It may be a bit chaotic, but if you have the right team to cut and re-prepare the flowers for distribution it’s a great favor. It will be a reminder of what a good time your guests had at the wedding and fill their house with fresh scents and love.

Ask for Freebies

If you have your heart set on one specific product, email the company and ask for samples, freebies, or a discount. It’s always worth a shot! Explain that you love the product and want to be able to share the product with your wedding guests. Most companies are able to assist, sponsor, or at least offer discounts in special circumstances like weddings and events. Don’t be offended if you don’t get anything off the bat, just keep trying. Remember, any bit helps when you’re on a budget.

Have your Cake (and Eat it Too)

Over order the sweets and send your guests home with some extra dessert! You may be able to strike up a deal with your bakers. See if you can do cookies or brownies or anything at all with your baker as favors. You can sell them on the added publicity as well. Bakers may be able to work with your budget and sweeten the deal for you.

 

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “I Found the Gown” Season 3 Episode 3

Oh my goodness, is it Friday already? We can not believe that the weekend is here and with Mother’s day on Sunday, we got sidetracked with all the lovely planning with mom day. But we have not forgotten about a brand new episode of TLC’s, “I Found the Gown”. Actually this is a great show to watch with mom, and make it a daughter/mom night. It is the perfect time!

This show is amazing and full of surprises. If you have not ever seen the show, well let us tell you all about it, and hopefully you will get hooked just like we did. This show features a lovely married couple, Rick and Leslie DeAngelo (we LOVE them!), who own VOWS, a discount bridal boutique in Boston, Massachusetts.  They provide brides high-end designer gowns with very affordable price tags. Selling these deeply discounted bridal gowns for 50-80% off retail is no easy task. Rick and Leslie search high and low in factory attics, boutique back rooms, and department store warehouses across the world to score these sought-after looks for less. Each episode will follow their journey to find these amazing treasures, and then back at the shop to share them with three brides and the VOWS consultants.

On tonight’s episode: Bride-to-be, Kristina is in search of a specific dress she has only seen in pictures.  When she sees it in person, will she still love it? Bride, Nannette is on a mission to find the perfect dress at the perfect price. AND, one of VOW’s very own – consultant Barb – gets hitched.Kerri is in search for a sexy dress that will match her big personality for her big day.

Will each of these brides find the bridal gown of their dreams for a great price?

TLC’s ” I Found the Gown” airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

For more information on TLC’s : “I Found the Gown” please click right here

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Top Five Couture Gowns for Mother of the Bride/Groom from Andrea’s Fashions

At BHL, we are in love with brides and their weddings, and can you blame us? When viewing gorgeous images of all the pretty details of their weddings, it has us obsessed.  However, today we are doing a special post. With Mother’s day around the corner, we are taking a moment to view some super gorgeous gowns for the mothers of brides/grooms. We thought that bridal gowns were stunning, and then when we took a look at the gowns that moms can wear, and we fell in love! Moms can also feel and look amazing on their son or daughter’s wedding day too, (not too steal the spotlight for too long though!).  However, mothers are special, and we think they should feel fabulous too. We are in love with a fabulous salon , Andrea’s Fashions  which is located in Beverly Hills, and Orange County, California. This salon does not disappoint. With their jaw dropping gorgeous couture gowns for the moms of the wedding, they offer something for any style. Without further adieu, lets take a peek at the five top stylish and trendy gowns for the mothers. Each unique and made for a mom out there! Moms, this one is for you, so go ahead and spoil yourself. You deserve it!

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  • Organza hand pleated bustier 4 ply silk mermaid skirt. Ice Blue and Charcoal Color. We love this gown! It is simple, yet very sophisticated and chic at the same time.  Look at that belt! Oh my goodness.

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  • Navy Lave dress with a silver organza underlay. Layers of Tulle skirt. This is showstopper for sure! You can almost see all the heads turn for this one. The details are impeccable!

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  • Heavy White gazar dress with black chantilly lace applique. They say the bride is the only one that can wear white, and yes that is true. However, this gown is perfect for the wedding where the bride wants the wedding party and close family to wear white on her wedding day. Remember Kim Kardashians wedding?

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  • Beaded Tulle over print underlay for depth and detail. Obsessed with this super gorgeous gown! It is so romantic and lovely.

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  • Lace and tafetta dress Bustier with fit flare share. Drop torso gown.  We love how this gown is short, and a super sexy. Moms can feel and look sexy, while looking classy. Seriously love this one!

 

Visit Andrea’s Fashions  and see all the amazing gowns they have to offer.

 

Happy Mother’s Day!!

 

Photography by Whatabetty Photography  and Forever Long Photography

Weddings at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

I love Wedding Wednesdays, and today I am obsessing over a fabulous venue which has me stopped in my tracks. Literally! I thought I had seen all the unique and beautiful venues in Southern California, until I visited this one. Tucked away in the heart of Long Beach, California, this lovely spot is a treasure worth searching for. I remember when I was looking for the venue, and thought I was lost, I was really saddened.  But once I looked over, and I saw the gorgeous and modern  details of the building, my heart skipped a beat. The Museum of Latin American Art was more than I had expected.   I was already in love with the beautiful trees, and details of the outside decor, and actually took me awhile to step in. When I did? I was shocked. My mouth dropped so low, I had to literally shut it close. Not only does this venue offer fantastic  unique locations for both ceremony and reception, it is a museum showcasing some of the most amazing art! The art gallery alone is worth a visit! This location is the perfect spot for couples who love art and want that modern feel with a touch of Latin American flar. With an incredible staff, breathtaking ceremony and reception locations,  and exclusive catering offering delicious food, The Museum of Latin American Art is a great location to consider when getting married.

 

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Outside of the front entrance to molaa

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About The Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is a vibrant space that joins beauty and the experience of discovering contemporary art from Latin America. MOLAA is located in the heart of downtown Long Beach in the East Arts Village District, at the crossroads of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, with easy freeway access and ample parking.

From the natural backdrop of our outdoor Sculpture Garden, to the versatile Balboa Studio, Our venues afford our clients unparalleled freedom and flexibility in creating their unique and individualized celebration. A MOLAA wedding is an inspiring alternative to the ordinary. Our exclusive art collection is unlike any other in the nation, and can be a part of your celebration. We can host Ceremony and Reception for up to 400 guest. We have an exclusive Caterer Thank Goodness it’s Sofia. No outside catering is permitted. TGIS’s catering  packages can be customized to match every budget.  You are able to BYO however. Included in your site fee are all your rentals. We will supply all your tables, chairs, silverware, glassware, and china as well as any staging and dance floor.

Top Five Social Media Tips for Your Wedding

The wedding’s coming up- you’ve got to be excited! One of the best ways to share that excitement is via social media. Let’s be honest- you are probably in the majority of people who are involved in facebook, twitter, and instagram. Why not use it to your advantage and get all your loved ones amped on your wedding? We’ve got the top five tips to using social media for your wedding, and we’re sure you’ll ‘like’ them all.

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#YourWeddingHere

Create a hashtag and stick to it! Something as simple as #JohnsonWedding2014 on instagram and twitter can create a following, and gives your friends a way to both follow and participate in the wedding countdown. Use the hashtag in your save the dates and invites to really create a following. Use the hashtag when you do wedding things, like creating favors or cake tasting.

Handle It

Back up your wedding’s hashtag with its’ own social media handle! Put your personal account on hold and upload wedding pictures via an account dedicated solely to your wedding. Use it to retweet your friend’s updates on the wedding (if your bridesmaids post pictures of them doing wedding errands, share it!), keep all your wedding ideas together, and connect with vendors. It’s a great way to keep your social media organized.

Tag- You’re It!

Don’t forget to tag! Connect your account and hashtag with your guests and vendors to keep everyone involved. This creates a great community and gets everyone involved. Follow the bridal party so you have a great way of keeping in contact to discuss wedding elements. You can also tag and follow all of your vendors to stay connected to them. Many vendors are big on social media, and showing them a little extra love is always good karma.

Make Your Event an Event

After your invites are out, create a facebook event for it! If you want to use it as your rsvp page, go for it! If you want more formal rsvps, emphasize that the page is only to share wedding information. Update the page with a countdown, link your wedding tweets and instagrams to the facebook page, let people connect before the wedding. You can even take polls on what songs should play (or be banned!) to get the conversation going! For bonus points, have people connect to carpool to the ceremony. You’ll be helping your wedding party bond and get to the party!

Keep an ‘i’ on It

Be sure that you monitor what is posted, tagged, and out there for the world to see! For example, you shouldn’t post pictures of you in your wedding gown until after the wedding. Save the big reveal for big day! You also should be careful with posting your personal address and information on the internet (as you always should be!). You should follow the general rules of being safe on the internet for yourself and the safety of your guests. If you notice anyone is saying not-so-nice things on your pages, go ahead and block them. Keep the negativity out and let the good times roll.