Thursday, January 31, 2013

January 31, 2013

Question from a Bride and Groom . .

We cannot afford to hire a professional videographer for our ceremony and reception.  Any alternatives or ideas?

Response . .

Look into IDoCam.
One, two or four cameras will arrive about a week before you wedding.  The video camera(s) can be passed around or you can assign the camera(s) to a trusted friend or family member.  Mail the cameras back after your wedding.  The footage will be professionaly edited and produced by I Do Cam.

For more information contact I Do Cam, Newport Beach, CA.

January 31, 2013

S is for Storage containers.  A variety of glass, fabric or plastic storage containers should be on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  Whether the items are earrings or DVDs or fresh-baked cookies, you going to need some storage containers.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

January 30, 2013



Even if you are having a small at-home reception, don't forget to take your vegetarian guests
 into consideration when you create the menu.

January 30, 2013

R is for Roaster or Roasting pan.  Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include a good quality, heavy duty roaster.  You will use this roasting pan for more than just the Thanksgiving turkey, think ribs and chops.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

January 29, 2013



Don't know what color (or colors) to use for your wedding theme?  Just open your clothes closet and pick out your favorite blouse or dress or scarf.  Yes, sometimes, it's just that simple.

Picking out your theme color should be one of the very first things that you should do.  Why?  Because once you have a color guide line, you can make so many other decisions quickly and easily.

January 29, 2013



Q is for Quartz sand.  The sand of Siesta Key Beach, Florida is unique from any other beach on the planet.  It is composed of 99.9% quartz crystal.  The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine powder, has a magical quality plus it is always cool to the touch,  even during of hot summer months of June, July, August, and September.  The Travel Channel named Siesta Key Beach the Number 1 Beach in the world in 2011.  And that is why hundreds of Brides and Grooms have their wedding ceremony or married couples renew their wedding vows
at this location every year.

Monday, January 28, 2013

January 28, 2013

P is for Preservation, bridal gown preservation.  Cleaning a bridal gown and preserving a bridal gown are two different entities, you cannot preserve a bridal gown until it is cleaned, pressed and spot free.

When the gown is preserved it is stuffed and wrapped in acid free tissue or unbleached muslin, and then it is placed inside an acid-free or pH-neutral box, often with a viewing window.  Do not keep or put mothballs or moth crystals near your gown.  And, most importantly, don't put your gown in a hot attic or cold basement.  The extreme temperatures can damage your gown.  The gown needs air circulation so don't be afraid to take your gown out of the box and look at it occasionally.

A professionally preserved gown can be treasured and passed down to the next generation.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

January 27, 2013

O is for Out of town ceremonies and receptions.  When you ask your family members, wedding party members and guests to travel to either a ceremony location or a reception location "out of town" they will probably require overnight lodging, so in your pre-wedding research be sure there are enough rooms available and that these rooms have several different price levels in your desired location.

You, the Bride and Groom, should never make attending your wedding difficult.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

January 26, 2013

N is for name change.  If either YOU, the Bride or both YOU, the Bride, and the Groom, plan to create a new last name(s) after you are married, that new name should be announced at the end of the wedding ceremony and printed on the Ceremony Program plus announced again at the reception.

And just announcing your new last name is not enough, certain legal procedures must be followed to make it legal and official, so contact an attorney several weeks in advance of your wedding so you know what to do and when to do it.

Mary Elizabeth Smith is going to marry John David Field.  Their new last name will be Smith-Field.

January 26, 2013

Question from a Bride and Groom . .

All of the ladies in my wedding party are wearing long black gowns.  I would like my Maid of Honor to stand out from the other ladies, just a little different, any suggestions?

Response . .

Have your Maid of Honor wear a pair of bright red high heels and a "fascinator".  A fascinator is the decorative mini hat that is quite popular now in England.  When Kate Middleton and her sister, Pippa, don't want to mess up their hair, but they still want  to complete their formal or semi-formal outfit with a hat, they wear a fascinator.

And here's the best part, if your Maid of Honor decides to take the fascinator off at the reception, her hair style will still look nice.







Friday, January 25, 2013

January 25, 2013

"Do I love you?
My God, if your love were a grain of sand,
mine would be a universe of beaches."

S Morgenstern "The Princess Bride"

January 25, 2013

M is for Mortgage.  Shopping for a home and applying for a mortgage is a very time consuming process so before you take that giant step of home ownership be sure to educate yourself and your partner/fiance'/fiancee' about the process of purchasing a home.  A prepared buyer is a knowledgeable and confident buyer.


Thursday, January 24, 2013

January 24, 2013

Know a Bride and Groom who are coffee lovers?  Here's the perfect bridal shower and/or wedding gift for that couple.  These items are available through Stonewall Kitchen.


The French Press coffee pot is item # 601354.

The 12 ounce coffee mug is item # 601353.

To order these items go to http://www.StonewallKitchen.com

January 24, 2013

L is for Luggage.  And whether you are just going away for "the weekend" or for three weeks on your honeymoon, you will need some luggage.

There are advantages in having lightweight luggage and there are advantages to having heavy, durable luggage but no matter what type of luggage you select, it should be easy to carry or maneuver or have wheels.

And here's three helpful hints on how to keep your luggage "identifiable" . .

Write you name, address and contact information on a piece of paper and put it inside your luggage, preferably right on top, so if someone opens your luggage they will know who the owner is.

Purchase heavy duty luggage tags with thick strapping.  Identification tags can be ordered over the internet that include your name, address and photo, and no one is going to take another person's suitcase that has a photo ID on it.

If you have black luggage, as the majority of travelers do, make yours different from the rest by tying a brightly colored ribbon around the handle or by applying colorful stickers or writing your initials in permanent ink on it.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

January 23, 2013

K is for a kitchen table and chairs.  One of the many decisions that YOU, the Bride and Groom, will have to make is what type or style of  kitchen or dining area furniture do you plan on having in your home.

Do you want a vintage set from the 1950's?  Do you want a sleek contemporary set?  Or are you just going to buy whatever fits into the space?

Before you order anything from the internet or walk into a furniture store you should have a very good idea of what shape of table top you want (oval, round, rectangular or square), where the set is going to be placed, and the dining area room measurements.




Tuesday, January 22, 2013

January 22, 2013

Kelly Densel and Tom Ohm were pronounced "Husband and Wife" on the 22nd day of January.


January 22, 2013

J is for Jewish wedding customs and traditions.  One of the many customs and traditions in the Jewish religion and culture is that the Bride and Groom sign a ketubah, which is defined as a special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement or wedding contract.

It was always my understanding that both the Bride and Groom had to be Jewish in order to have a ketubah between them, and that document was signed before the actual wedding ceremony began.  A few years ago I was associated with a Jewish Bride and a Christian Groom, they signed a ketubah in front of their parents and wedding party members after the ceremony ended.  So, if you are a couple of two faiths, you may want to consider signing a ketubah as part of your interfaith wedding ceremony.

Monday, January 21, 2013

January 21, 2013

I is for Immersion Blender Hand Mixer.  This is the item that many chefs refer to as "the boat motor."
If you like to make soups, sauces, gravies or dressings than this item should be on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

January 20, 2013

H is for House.  Either before you get married or after you say, "I do," you, as a couple, will pursue finding and creating "a home."   Will this "house" be a basement apartment in Chicago or your Grandmother's renovated two bedroom cottage across town or a second hand modular unit that only requires a small down payment twenty miles away?

So, one of the very important discussions that you, as a couple, should have is:  What type of house do we want to live in?  Each one of you should create of list of priorities for this house (inside and outside) so you have a guideline.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

January 19, 2013

Do you know how to properly set a table?  Do you know where the water glass or goblet goes?  Do you know where the napkin goes?

The "Basic Setting" is . . the dinner plate is positioned in the center of the place setting and everything else is placed around it.  Then, the flatware is arranged around the plate in the order in which it will be used:

  • To the left of the plate is the fork
  • To the right of the plate is the knife and spoon.  The knife is placed to the right of the plate with the sharp edge toward the plate.  To the right of the knife is the spoon.
  • A water glass goes above the knife.
A napkin can be place next to or under the fork or on the plate.


Additional pieces of silverware and glassware are used for the "Informal Dinner or Luncheon" setting and the "Formal Dinner" setting.

January 19, 2013

G is for Gorgeous.  When you shop for a bridal gown, you will know you found "the perfect dress" when you feel gorgeous.  As in, drop to the floor, take my breath away wedding day gorgeous.  So, shop til you drop.

Friday, January 18, 2013

January 18, 2013

F is for Furnishings, home furnishings.  Sooner or later YOU, the Bride and Groom, will have to discuss what type of furnishings you want in your "dream" home so you have a guideline when you walk into a consignment shop or home furnishings store.  Those dark purple satin sheets may be on sale but if they don't match your bedroom decor then you probably won't use them.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

January 17, 2013

Shannon M Newman and Stephen H Fuller were married on the 17th day of January.

January 17, 2013

E is for Event Planner.  Many people do not have the time or desire or skills to host or plan an event.  And whether it is a rehearsal party for thirty people or a wedding ceremony and reception for 350 people, if you are not comfortable organizing an event then get some help.

Here is an example for poor planning . . . all the place cards, table favors, and handcrafted decorations were left in the Bride's car because she got caught up in the excitement of her wedding day and did not assign someone the task of taking these items to the reception hall. 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January 16, 2013

Copper cookware should be on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  Show it off, use it, and collect it.  Copper brings warmth and beauty to a kitchen.




January 16, 2013

D is for Dinner Jacket.  What is a dinner jacket?  It is one of the many styles of a tuxedo jacket.  If you are seriously considering having a "formal"  wedding ceremony and reception than the clothing that YOU, the Bride and Groom, choose for yourself and your wedding party members should reflect that formal look.  A tuxedo is worn in a "formal" wedding.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

January 15, 2013

Jennifer D Walker and Andrew T Tuchscherer said, "I do."  on the 15th day of January.

January 15, 2013

C is for Chapel.  What is a chapel?  What's the difference between a church, a chapel, and a cathedral?

The dictionary defines chapel as . . (1)  a small church (2)  a private place of worship, as in a hospital or college (3)  a religious service

So, if you are having your wedding ceremony in a college chapel, make sure that your wedding invitation clearly states that the chapel is part of a college campus or part of that university community.

For example:  All Faiths Chapel
                     XYZ University
                     123 Scholarship Boulevard
                     Springfield, XX

Monday, January 14, 2013

January 14, 2013

Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include at least one heavy duty dutch oven.  This type of pot can be used on top of the stove and in the oven.  Le Creuset cookware and bakeware comes in a variety of colors.

For more information about the  products available at Le Creuset go to http://www.lecreuset.com


January 14, 2013

B is for bedspread.  Before you write down or list what bedspread (s) you want on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry, you should know what size and type of bed you plan to purchase "as a couple."

Are you going to buy a double or full size?

Are you going to purchase a queen size?

Are you going to order a king size?  Or a California king size?

Sunday, January 13, 2013

January 13, 2013

On the 13th day of January, Jennifer A Heinley and Franklin B Davis became
 Mr. and Mrs. Franklin B Davis.













Information provided by:  Simple Seaside Ceremonies
                                      Venice, FL
                                       http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com
                                       941-412-4114

January 13, 2013

A heavy duty, good quality roasting pan belongs on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry . . 


Because sooner or later it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner.

January 13, 2013

A is for Announcement . . your engagement Announcement.  The announcement of your engagement or betrothal should be publicized in the newspaper after your engagement party or dinner (this event should take place within four to six weeks of your proposal).

Today, most newspapers have a prepared form or questionnaire where you fill in the pertinent information (parents' names, Bride and Groom's educational background, wedding plans, etc.).  If the engaged couple is going to include a photograph with their engagement announcement, newspapers prefer that "a black and white photo" be submitted with the completed form.

Here's an example of a engagement announcement in a newspaper . .

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe of Springfield, XX announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Jane Doe, to Mr. Edward Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Smith of Tampa, XX.  A spring 2014 wedding is planned.

Miss Doe graduated from X High School and is a fourth year student at Y University.  Mr. Smith is in the military plus he is a graduate student at Z university.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

January 12, 2013

Don't know what to buy the Bride and Groom who have everything?  How about hemstitched cocktail napkins?

Machine washable napkins are 100% linen and measure 6 inches square.  Single initial monogram is available.  The napkins are available in several colors and are sold in sets of twelve.  This item is available from Grandin Road.  Item # 29159 can be ordered via http://www.GrandinRoad.com

January 12, 2013

Z is for Zip Codes.  The addressee's zip code should be printed on the outside envelope of a wedding invitation, a zip code should not be printed on the actual invitation.

The last line of a wedding invitation should only list the city and state (no abbreviation) of the ceremony location.

Friday, January 11, 2013

January 11, 2013

Rizalina G Calip and James G Bushong became "Husband and Wife" on the 11th day of December.

January 11, 2013

Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include an assortment of glassware and stemware.  This beautiful set can be ordered through Grandin Road.




January 11, 2013

Y is for the year 2013.

If you are not superstitious then have fun with the number "13" by getting married on Friday September 13 or Friday, December 13, 2013.  Decorate your reception area with ladders, black cats, and cracked mirrors.

And here's another date on the calendar date that you may want to consider . . Tuesday, November 12, 2013, your wedding date will be 11-12-13 (now, that's an easy date to remember).

Thursday, January 10, 2013

January 10, 2013

X is for (e)xamine.  Before you and your fiance create a wedding gift registry you need to examine and discuss what you need, what you would like to have . . and what is realistic.

Do you really need a toaster or do you just want a better quality toaster?

Do you really need twenty-four martini glasses or do you just want three different sets?

Do you really need a five piece set of matching luggage or will two large pieces satisfy all of your travel needs?  And where are you going to store a five piece set of luggage?

January 10, 2013

Here's the perfect setup for a "mini bar."  Whether you are just serving a few drinks or putting out a pot of coffee for your guests a small table comes in handy for entertaining.  So, consider adding a small portable (and foldable) table to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry. 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

January 9, 2013

Whether you are hosting a few friends for dinner on a Saturday night or your sister's birthday party you should always have "a warm and welcoming" vocal point when your guests walk into your home.

You should always have flower vases on hand . . linens . . and eye appealing serving dishes.  Do you have several types of serving dishes and utensils on your wedding gift registry?  An assortment of table linens and napkins for any occasion or holiday can be easily obtained by visiting consignment or thrift shops or tag sales.

January 9, 2013

W is for waffles and waffle iron.  If you are on a budget then consider having your wedding ceremony in the morning followed by a breakfast or brunch.  Your guests will enjoy watching their own personal waffles being made and YOU, the Bride and Groom, will $ave a $ubstantial amount of money on the per per$on price of your wedding reception meal.

And if you are hosting a pajama bachelorette party, then making waffles, either at midnight or 9AM the next morning, will eliminate the need for purchasing cupcakes or pizza or sandwiches.

Make sure a waffle iron is on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

January 8, 2013

V is for Victoria, as in Queen Victoria.  We have Queen Victoria (1819 - 1901) to thank for starting the tradition of wearing a "white" gown down the aisle and incorporating the use of orange blossoms as decorative accessories in weddings.

Monday, January 7, 2013

January 7, 2013

Michele Frederick and Brian Houser exchanged wedding rings on January 7th.

January 7, 2013

Whether you buy the cookies and brownies at your favorite bakery or from the local grocery store or you make them at home, you will need some way to display all of these baked goodies so they look pleasing to your guests.  Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include several types of serving dishes.


January 7, 2013

U is for utensils.  Whether you cook or bake or grill a little or a lot, there are some basic kitchen utensils that you will need.  So, be sure these items are on your bridal shower or wedding gift registry:  .  . measuring spoons . .  wet measuring cups . . dry measuring cups . . spatulas . . several types of knives . . meat thermometer . . peeler . . shredder . . scale . .  and timers.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

January 6, 2013

Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include a carving set, both a small and large meat platter, toasting glasses and a salt n pepper shaker set so you are prepared for holiday entertaining.

January 6, 2013

Just want to put "a little something sweet" out on your wedding reception or renewal of vows buffet table that compliments your holiday theme?  This item can be purchased from The Vermont Country Store.
Jolly Maple Santa Candies

Each Santa is 3 inches tall.

Five Santas per package.

Maple Santas are item # 61728

To order this item click on http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

January 6, 2013

T is for tiers.  One tier, two tiers or three tiered wedding cake.  What use to be just a yellow pound cake with white frosting and two white doves on top has turned into a multi-million dollar industry . . "baking the Bride and Groom's dream wedding cake."

Saturday, January 5, 2013

January 5, 2013

GODIVA CHOCOLATE . . What a great ending to your evening wedding reception or renewal of vows dinner.

http://www.Godiva.com

January 5, 2013

S is for silverware.  The definition of silverware is:  made of or plated with silver; any metal tableware.
Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should include at least one set of 12/10 stainless steel flatware.  12/10 silverware maintains its shiny look plus it has a heavier feel.

January 5, 2013


What a great wedding gift for a couple who have New England ties or who will be heading to the New England area on their honeymoon!  This item can be ordered from Stonewall Kitchen.

The New England Chowder gift includes the chowder, crackers, two chowder bowls and a crossweave basket.  To order item # 190742 go to http://www.StonewallKitchen.com or call 800-207-5267

Friday, January 4, 2013

January 4, 2013

R is for registry and reality . . a bridal shower gift registry or a wedding gift registry.  Your registry should reflect your present lifestyle plus what you realistically anticipate for the future.   If you are in the process of purchasing a new home together, then registering for hand and garden tools, lighting fixtures, and landscaping items is appropriate and acceptable. 




Thursday, January 3, 2013

January 3, 2013

Melissa F Darrah and Christopher L Scaramuzzino became "Husband and Wife" on the third day of January.

January 3, 2013

Q is for quilt, a Bride's quilt.   For many years when a woman became engaged either she, the Bride, or her Mother or the Groom's Mother made a quilt for the Bride and Groom's new home together.

The quilt may have been made of many pieces of leftover fabric or old clothing as in the "patchwork" style or it could have been something created in silk or velvet just for that Bride and Groom with embroidery or decorative accents.

January 3, 2013

Looking for the perfect centerpiece for the Bride and Groom's holiday reception table?

Need a foyer or mantle centerpiece for a December or January at-home engagement party?

These classic brass-plated candle chimes can be obtained at the Vermont Country Store.


The Angel Candle Chimes are item # 62945. 

Refill candles are available in red or white.

These items can be obtained via http://www.VermontCountryStore.com or

by calling 800-564-4623.


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

January 2, 2013

P is for pillow, a ring bearer's pillow.  A ring bearer's pillow should have some type of fastener or ribbon to hold the rings on the pillow and be lightweight, especially, if the ring bearer is a child.

I will never forget the little boy who kicked his ring pillow down the aisle because it was a pillow from his grandmother's sofa (big, bulky, ugly and heavy).

January 2, 2013

Here's the perfect centerpiece for a November engagement party or a December wedding ceremony or a January renewal of vows dinner.  These flameless faux Birch Candles, illuminated from within by a flickering LED, are available from Grandinroad.

The candles are available in three different sizes.

The items can be ordered through http://www.GrandinRoad.com

or call 800-491-5194

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

January 1, 2013

O is for out of town ceremony . . out of town reception.  You, the Bride and Groom, should make a genuine effort to "check out" any possible ceremony and/or receptions locations or talk to people who have been there previously before you sign a contract or give a deposit.  Inspect the locations during daylight hours and evening hours.

January 1, 2013

Fearful that the children you invited to your holiday wedding reception will be bored or unhappy or moody?  They will be "jumping for joy" when they see that you provided them with snacks, lots of snacks.  With a few coloring books and crayons or some type of easy craft project, you're the perfect hostess for the children's table.  These items can be purchased via The Popcorn Factory.


Order The Popcorn Factory items by calling 800-541-2676 or

by clicking on http://www.ThePopcornFactory.com

Happy New Year from Simple Seaside Ceremonies, Venice, FL
                                    941-412-4114
                 http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com