“Calling all Fashionistas”- Celebrating You pt.2

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same- Coco Chanel”.  Each year there is a new “fashion trend” that tells us what we should or shouldn’t wear, what colors are in “season” and what we have to have in our closets.   Only for us to look up 6 months later and we have all this “fashionable” stuff in our closets that we scratch our head and ask, ”why did I buy that” or you realize you paid a lot of money for this piece that was so “IN” at the time and now is so “out” and you only wore it 2 times and you didn’t nearly get your money’s worth. UGHHHHH!!!!

To help us get a handle on the ever changing world of fashion and move towards being a “classy trendsetting fashionista, I reached out to fashion blogger and You Tube host of “A Better Day with Julie, Julie Hightower, and fashion stylist, Stacey Whitehead of “Steppin in 2 Style”, to ask for their expert advice on how to make our closets stylish and classic, instead of flashy and fashionable.

LaTanya: What are this spring season’s must haves in fashion?

Julie: The Spring 2016 must haves in fashion are, Florals, Fringes, and Wraparound Tie Laces.

LaTanya:  What trends are you seeing in the world of fashion?

Julie:  The 70s are back!!!! It’s time to Get your Fringe and Wedges!!!

LaTanya:  What colors will be hot this season?

Julie:  What you will see this spring and summer season are bright colors and florals.

LaTanya:  What is one fashion guilty pleasure every woman should have in her closet?

Julie: One fashion guilty pleasure everyone should have in her closet is a great pair of designer High End Shoe (My favorite Christian Louboutin (Red Bottoms) or Gucci). The shoe changes the entire statement of the look!!!

LaTanya:  What are a few staple items that every woman should have in her closet?

Stacey:  Every woman should have a red blazer, trouser jeans and nice pair of black pumps

LaTanya:  What are some simple tips a women can do to update her wardrobe?

Stacey: Tip #1  Instead of buying new black pumps every year, just take them to a shoe repair and have them replace the taps and polish them up to extend the life of the shoes and your pocket.  Tip #2 I believe in buying one trendy piece for the season but, I make sure that it’s timeless and that I can mix & match it with what I have already in my closet.

LaTanya:  What are 2 things that are essential in a closet make over?

Stacey: First, make sure you crave enough time out to finish the makeover all the way through. Second, I would have to say you have to be mentally prepared to let go and move on from some items that maybe out dated and hold some type of memory.

These 2 fabulous contributors have given us some great tips to get our wardrobe spring and summer ready.  Julie and Stacey will be our special guest at the “Celebrating YOU- Girls Night Out Experience” on this Friday, May 20, 2016 at Northern Illinois University Conference Center at 7:00pm.  Join us to get more of their awesome fashion tips.  To register go to http://www.eventsbyepic.com.

 

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“Celebrating You”

 

Spring will officially be here in a few short weeks with summer soon to follow.  What better way to get prepared for both than learning what’s hot and trending in fashion, hair and skin care. The next few blogs are designed to celebrate all things that make you a Phenomenal Woman. We have gathered experts in each area to share what’s trending and to get you ready to “Celebrate You” this spring and summer.

Today’s topic… “It’s a hair thing.”   Women and hair can be a never ending topic.  We are inundated daily with new potions, lotions, and shampoos to help us maintain that “straight from the salon look”.  As I sit in the hair salon, I watch as women transform into a new women as they being to see their hair shape into something beautiful.  Hair stylists take that “bad hair day” and make it fabulous.  I believe sometimes when women walk out the salon, there “inner Beyoncé” comes out and the fans begin to blow and we strike a posse as if the whole world is cheering our name. When our hair is right it affects our attitude, it motivates our clothes choices and could really become what sets the stage for a great day.

To help us understand “this hair thing”, we reached out to our contributing writer for this blog Kelly Montgomery, Hair Stylist, from Milili Hair Salon in Romeoville, IL. We asked Kelly to share what’s hot in hair for the spring and summer months and to provide us with some tips on how to maintain our “manes” when we are not able to make it to the salon.

LaTanya:  “Kelly, spring and summer is coming and some of our readers may be looking for a new look.  What do you recommend to wake up their hair life?

Kelly:  “Color is a great way to add some spice to your spring and summer hair styles.  But if you are considering getting color, I recommend you seek a professional consultation.  Your hair care professional can help you evaluate what type of products would be best for your type of hair and your life style.  Your stylist can also make sure you get the best results out of your color without damaging your hair.  Leave the DIY hair coloring to the professionals.  If you want to look professional with your hair color, seek a professional.”

LaTanya: ” What’s trending in hair styles this year?”

Kelly:  “What’s trending in hair styles this year are Pixi Cuts, Natural Hair, Crochet braids and Bob haircuts (with hair extensions).  For ladies who want the short haircut, the Pixi Cut is very versatile and easy to maintain.  For those ladies who rock their natural hair, styles which include twist and color are truly hot this season.  For ladies who enjoy new looks on a regular basis the Crochet Braid hair method is a hot option. Lastly, for the ladies who enjoy hair extensions, the Bob Hair Cut is taking hair extension stylist by storm.  One of the keys to having that “rocking bob” is finding the right stylist who specializes in hair cutting.  You want to maintain the style even after you leave the salon.  The second key would be to make sure your hair stylist applies your hair extensions properly.  This cuts down on hair loss.  Bad application equals, major hair and edge loss.  Let a professionally trained and licensed hair stylist help make your hair extension experience a great one.”

LaTanya:  “What suggestions would you give to maintain healthy hair at home?”

Kelly:  “I would suggest you reevaluate your pillowcase.  Cotton pillowcases pull at your hair. A satin pillowcase is your hair’s best friend. Also, adding other hair protective measures such as a silk scarf or wrap to you bedtime routine can help to maintain healthy hair.  Lastly, the number one thing you should do for healthy hair is to stay away from the heat.  Daily curling or blow drying is the worst thing you can do to your hair.  Overall important thing to remember is to know your hair.  What works for one person may not work for you.”

For more tips from Kelly, join us at the” Celebrating You:  The Girls Night Out Experience” sponsored by Events By Epic on Friday, May 20, 2016 7:00pm at the NIU Conference Center in Naperville.  For more information go to www.eventsbyepic.com.

#OurDayNotYours #WeddingsUplugged

Even Real Time is almost too late. Technology and social media has enabled us to expand our reach and it has it’s advantages.  However, when it is not used properly and with permission, it could turn what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your lives, into a nightmare.

Being proactive and making a decision about if you will allow guest to use cell phones and social media during your wedding ceremony has now become a norm to manage when planning a wedding.  It seems like no big deal, until the Maid of Honor posts a picture of the Bride in her wedding dress before the wedding…while the Groom is a few rooms away passing time on social media and sees the picture that she posted.  That’s a No-No!

Unplugged: Disadvantages of Using Technology & Social Media at Your Wedding

1. Be Present!: Your guest are so distracted trying to record the moment that they miss actually “being presence” for it. Don’t feel guilty. Be excited about them not being distracted, but able to clap, laugh, cry, and simply share in the moment, instead of clicking and posting.  You can also include a note in the ceremony program that reads something like this:
   

   Thank you for taking the time to be witnesses of our vows and the beginning of our marriage. We invite you to be truly present at our ceremony, and respectfully request that all cameras and phones be turned off. Please feel free to share photos at our reception only. Please use hashtag #Mr&MrsPowerCouple

2. Excuse Me: Everyone wants the best angel.  If they have it, then that means that your grandmother missed it, because they were blocking her view.
3. Money Shot: You pay a professional to get the money shots!  Empower them to ask your guest to be seated if they get in the way.  You would hate to have the back for cousin Pete’s head in the middle of “you may now kiss your bride!”

Plug In & Turn Up: Advantages and Ways to Maximize the Use of Technology & Social Media

1. #HashTag!  Go all out!  From the save-the-date announcement through the honeymoon, create a hash tag and ask your guest to use it every time the post something.  This will allow you to search and remember the day while relaxing on the beach or by the pool on your honeymoon.
2. Talk About It!  Communicate the rules desires to your guest prior to the wedding.    Talk about it on your wedding website, Put it in the program, have the Hostess announce it as people come arrive, and even have the Officiant make a brief announcement.
3. They Were There?: The day will go by so fast! We used to use disposable camera for this reason, but now everyone has a high definition camera in their pockets.  Allowing your guest to talk pictures and post them, provides a perspective that you would not have experienced otherwise.

Whichever works for you, with a little planning and communication, you can incorporate technology into your #EpicDay or request that your guest to remove all distractions to be present for one of the most intimate moments of your life.

EventsByEpic.com | Info@EventsByEpic.com | 630.492.0077

Top 4 Reasons to Hire an Event Planner

A good event planner is really worth their weight in gold. It is common to say ‘what you don’t know won’t hurt you’, but that is so far from the truth when it comes to having a good event planner.

Here are the top 4 reasons to hire an event planner:

#4 – Value over Cost

Most people focus on the bottom line or the amount of money that an event planner will add to the cost of your event. The planner is typically one of the first items to be cut from the budget in an effort to get other items that will be more aesthetically pleasing or better eatin’! However, I urge you to strongly reconsider the family member who thinks that they can handle this responsibility simply because they enjoy it.

Event planning is not only a skill, but an art. I hope that you would not place $30,000 (average cost of a wedding) in the hands of a relative and trust that they would invest it wisely, when you know they don’t possess the knowledge, skills, or abilities to invest properly. Then why would your wedding (or event) be handled any differently?

Proper budgeting is very important, but you must also consider the value that each item adds to the wedding or event. Event planners can provide cost effective suggestions to help you save in multiple areas of your budget so that you do not have to completely eliminate something that you have always dreamed of. Event Planners are also able to leverage relationships with vendors to get you greater deals, which can add up to significant savings.

#3 – Time is Money

As we all know, “time is money”! Planning an event takes a great deal of time, especially when you are not experienced. An event planner allows you to focus on making money and being most productive on your day job or own business…which enables you to possibly earn more while your event planner tends to the details of your epic event.

#2 – Knowledge is Power!

You may have been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl (or boy) and you want it to be exactly how you envisioned it. An event planner can equip you with the latest trends, best color combinations, newest venue, cost-savings, and other best practices that could enhance your big day and transform your dreams into a reality!

#1 – No Worries…We Have Your Back!

In the world of event planning, experience really is the best teacher. Crisis management is inevitable! We are relying on people to execute our “perfect plans” and it does not always go according to plan!

Having an event planner by your side to coach you through critical decisions or even take ownership of the situation is key. Especially on the day of the event, if and when a hiccup arises, your focus should be on building relationships and making lasting memories instead of putting out fires. Having a capable event planner will allow you to relax, knowing that you and your guests can continue to enjoy yourselves. Elsewhere, behind the scenes, your “fire marshal” (event planner) ensures that everything does not crash and burn.

After all, on your special day, it should be all about you and your guests. Hiring the right event planner allows you to mingle with your family and friends and enjoy yourself while your event planner handles the details. The value that an event planner adds is truly priceless.

info@eventsbyepic.com or call 630.492.0077

http://www.eventsbyepic.com

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30 Unexpected Wedding Costs Brides Forget to Budget For

Sticking to your budget is one of the trickiest parts of planning a wedding — especially because there are so many hidden costs.

By: Kristen O’Gorman Klein (Bridal Guide)

To help you out, we checked in with wedding vendors and financial experts across the country to uncover the top items that couples forget to think about when allocating their wedding finances. Read More

What’s your love language?

Love is in the air this season!!! Every commercial,  store you enter and conversation thst you have during the month of February has to do with four little letters LOVE.  Those four letters  together are some of the most powerful letters in the English language,  beter yet in any language.   The lack of love destroys dreams, confidence,  hope and the belief in who you were designed to be.  But when you experience love,  Oh Boy!!!! It’s a game changer for your life.   The very presence of love makes the impossible seem possible,  it makes you smile when you think about it.   It can literally mean life or death for some.   LOVE, LOVE,  LOVE……… It just sounds good,  feels good,  its just great.

Just recently I took the 5 love languages quiz.   If you don’t know about “The 5 love languages” by Gary Chapman,  I encourage you to discover him.  There are 5 languages that Mr. Chapman say we all speak when it comes to love.  Those languages are: words of affirmation, acts of service,  quality time,  physical touch and receiving gifts.  My language is acts of service. When my husband or anyone does something for me I take it as a great honor because people don’t have to do anything for you.  It means the world to me. 

So if you are currently married,  engaged or just thinking about getting married I encourage everyone to read the book, ” 5 love languages” with you mate,  then take the quiz.    This will help you understand your self better and your mate.   Which will help you to love in a healthy way.

Check out the website below.
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/

Bridal Guide: 101 Best Wedding Budget Tips

Don’t break the bank! Follow our guide to all things financially savvy.

1. Create a comparison chart to track what’s included in the price for each venue you’re considering. One company may not include linens and the cake, for example, while another company does.

2. Many public spaces, like parks or the local village green, may be available to rent at a low fee. However, if the space is not equipped to handle events, you’ll have to rent everything from napkins to tables and chairs. Make sure you come out ahead!

3. Choose an unusual venue, such as an aquarium, a zoo, a gallery or an historical site. Site fees are not high and you’ll save on decor because the venue already supplies ambience. But the same caveat goes as for public spaces: Figure in what you’ll have to spend on rentals.

4. Hold your ceremony and your reception in the same place. You’ll save yourselves multiple site fees as well as transportation from one location to the other.

5. If you belong to a community organization or to the military, you may have access, at low cost, to a venue belonging to them.

6. Don’t forget your alma mater—these usually rent for a few hundred dollars.

7. Depending on your venue, you may not need to decorate extensively. If you marry outdoors at a winery, for example, there’s not much you’ll need to add to the gorgeous vineyard backdrop.

8. Rent a vacation home. Even if the owners charge you a week’s worth of rent for the day, it may still be equal to or less than renting a traditional reception venue.

9. If a family member has a scenic property, find out if you can hold your wedding there. One couple held their wedding on the Wyoming ranch where the groom had grown up. Unique and cost-conscious!

10. If you’re a city-dweller, leave town for your wedding. One Boston bride saved more than $50 per person by holding her wedding in Burlington, Vermont.

11. For a garden wedding, look into renting an historic mansion; many of these have gardens that are included in the deal. You may find, as did one couple, that the mansion they rented had no time limit, and the fee was less than half a hall rental.

12. Look for reception packages. Holding your event at a venue that provides catering and food-service items will save you quite a bit of money on rentals.

13. Save on your rehearsal dinner site by throwing a backyard barbecue or a picnic in a local park—both of which will cost you less than a dinner in a restaurant. (These may be more fun too!)

14. Accept a post-wedding brunch at a relative’s home as a wedding gift. You may find that in lieu of a gift, a friend or relative will be thrilled to host this event in their home.

15. Trim the length of your reception. Even doing three hours instead of four or five will save you money. Trust us, everyone will enjoy themselves just as much.

16. Determine early on what you can spend and stick to it. One rule of thumb: Food, beverage and venue should come to half of your budget.

17. Most venues charge a premium for Saturday night. Hold your reception on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday night. An afternoon wedding will cost less than an evening one, as will a Sunday brunch.

18. Consider the season— you’re likely to get a better price for a venue in January than you would for the same spot in June.

19. What about a destination wedding? Because the guest list will be smaller, a wedding away may cost less than a traditional event held in your hometown.

20. Think small. Check into bed and breakfast venues in your area and place firm limits on your guest list.

21. When you’re deciding between an indoor or outdoor space, figure in the cost of a tent rental—if it rains, a tent is worth every penny.

Source: http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-budget/101-best-wedding-budget-tips

10 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Vendors

Take Recommendations Lightly

A friend’s good word goes far, but there is no one caterer, band, or florist perfect for everyone. Compatibility is key: Do you have the same taste and temperament as the advice-giver? If not , proceed with caution. And never use all of the same vendors that a friend did — it can leave your wedding feeling like a repeat.

Let Your Passions Drive Your Priorities

Arm yourself and your fiancé with notebooks, and spend a week recording anything you encounter that grabs you, whether it’s a color on a sign, a song on the radio, or a dessert at a restaurant. Then compare notes. Does food dominate your list? Did he jot down only song titles? You’ll see on paper what matters, so you can budget for the most important.

Create a Guest List That Reflects Real Life

When you’re narrowing down the invites, think about your present (and future) relationships rather than the past. Is this someone you want in your life in 20 years? If so, invite that person. The others are negotiable.

Chat with Recent Clients

Once you’ve edited the list of potential vendors, ask to talk to a few of the couples they’ve worked with in the past year. It doesn’t matter if a bride 10 years ago loved someone; their staff and resources have likely changed since then.

Note Your First Impressions

Be aware of how potential vendors deal with your initial contact: How do they react, how quickly do they respond, and how do they conduct themselves? If a band tells you to come to a wedding to check them out, it ’s a hint that they may invite strangers to your event, so make sure they understand that your day is for invitees only.

See Beyond Your Own Style

Look for a diverse portfolio when you’re hiring any vendor. You want to see a body of work with a consistent level of quality — not a one-trick pony who can only do, say, boho. You might not like a Glee-centric birthday party, but if the work can still wow you, imagine what the vendor could do with a theme you love.

Know When Familiarity is a Good Fit

In some cases, a vendor having an existing relationship with a venue can be a big plus. They’ll already know about any shortcomings — like if the space needs a generator or is challenging to load into — and how to work around them. Alternatively, if you’re having doubts about your vendor, you can ask the venue manager about her experience with them. Questions about how they treat people behind the scenes and if they handle stress well can tell you a lot. With a photographer, though, the first time at a location can be charmed. Someone who’s seeing a space with fresh eyes may bring more spontaneity than a lensman who’s already shot the same backdrop for 10 other couples.

Hire People Who Accept Your Budget

Whether you’re in for $9,000 or $9 million, find a team that will creatively rise to the occasion. The best will be able to suggest savvy budget-trimming swaps. So if you’re asking for pricey peonies when they’re out of season, a resourceful florist might suggest lush, fully opened garden roses instead.

Look For a Team Player

You want to collaborate with someone who will listen and create an event that isn’t just beautiful but reflects you two as a couple. For instance, skip a barn wedding with cowboy boots if neither of you has ever ridden a horse. When your future children look at your wedding album and ask, “Why did you get that cake?” you’ll be able to say, “Your dad and I used to go to this great restaurant and…” The right vendor will create moments where your guests think, “This is so Jane and John!”

Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

When you’re not happy with a vendor, wait until you can articulate your concerns in a non-emotional way. Express the problem, and then ask for a solution. Depending on how they react, it may make sense to part ways. If you have a contract, you’ll likely have to pay a fee, but it may be worth it to move on to someone who’s a better fit.

15 Secrets from a Wedding Planner (Better Homes & Gardens)

15 Secrets from a Wedding Planner (Better Homes & Gardens)

The Wedding Planning Cycle

According to Victoria Canada, of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events, brides typically go through five phases over the course of the engagement.

Phase One: ENGAGED! You buy every magazine out there and become overwhelmed with the prospect of all the colors, ideas, and other choices.

Phase Two: The planning process starts. It’s fun! Your friends and family are interested. Strangers in line at the grocery store know you’re getting married and before they leave the checkout they know your colors and number of bridesmaids. The whole world is happy for you!

Phase Three: Anarchy in the ranks. Why does your mother think hydrangeas aren’t appropriate? Why do your bridesmaids think they can pick out their dresses?

Phase Four: The wedding wall. “I have plenty of time, the wedding is months away.” You believe things will all work out, you just need a break from the planning for a couple of weeks.

Phase Five: “Oh my gosh! The wedding is almost here!” You panic that there’s not enough time to individually hand-stamp all the cocktail napkins or make all the favors! Help!

The following tips tips from, Victoria Canada, can keep you from becoming overwhelmed.

Remember What’s Important

Your fiance, family, and friends. Focus on why you’re getting married. You’ve found the love of your life and the wedding is a celebration of you both. That being said, you want it to reflect your fabulous style and taste, so the next tips are for you.

Set a Budget

Budgeting isn’t romantic, but you want to start your marriage off on the right foot — not buried in credit card debt. Create a realistic budget, then find that one item you want to splurge on — flowers, photography, or some Hi-Def Videography.

Think Outside the Box, but Be Practical

Out-of-the-ordinary locations can be undiscovered jewels. Just remember some of the hidden planning that can be involved. For example, with an outdoor venue what happens if it rains? Is there power available? What are the noise restrictions?

Be a Girl Scout

Their adorable motto holds true to weddings: BE PREPARED! Make a little box of the necessities you will need on the wedding day: fashion tape, a needle and thread, deodorant, safety pins, bobby pins (all colors), a pen and paper, flip flops, and extra cash and checks — just in case.

Put Pen to Paper

Just like any other bill, all of your vendor contracts should have due dates with the amount due. Write them on your calendar and mail them a couple of days early. Many contracts become void if payment is not received on time. You signed the contract, so it is your responsibility to make sure they receive it in a timely manner.

Toast Before the Wedding

If you’re not getting married in a church and you’d like a relaxed feeling at your wedding ceremony, serve your guests champagne BEFORE you dazzle them walking down the aisle. If you would rather go the nonalcoholic route, try lemonade, ice tea, coffee, or hot chocolate if it’s a bit chilly. It really makes a statement.

Be Nice! Really Nice!

As a wedding planner, I’ve seen it all. I’ve had clients who constantly call on my only day off (or on Christmas or Mother’s Day); they get a little obsessive and start to worry me a bit. Remember to treat your vendors with respect. If you treat them like you hired them for their services, they will give you exactly what you paid for. But if you go out of your way to send a thank-you during the planning process, vendors appreciate it and will give you the above-and-beyond treatment when it comes to your big day. I have had photographers stay an hour later than contracted for free, because they just loved the couple.

Don’t Make Up “Filler” Jobs

Okay, here is another gem. Your cousin — you know, the one you see once every five years — doesn’t want to stand at the guest book and watch people sign all day. Let Cousin Mary enjoy the ceremony and maybe catch the eye of a cute usher!

An Inventive Guest Registrar

A great way to involve your guests is to have a Wish Jar. Guests write you a wish that you open and read on your first anniversary. This is more heartfelt than a name in a book. All you need is a jar, paper, a sign explaining what to do, and plenty of pens. It’s a great way to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Dress up a table with some flowers and a candle and you’re set.

Avoid a Seating Disaster

If you’re having a wedding without assigned tables you need to have 5 percent extra seating available. Not all of your guests will sit in perfect little pairs or all of the single people together. So if you have a wedding of 200 people, you’ll want to have enough seating for 210. This buffer will save you some headaches.

Put Your Money Where It Counts

I just attended an event that had beautiful table linens and bare chairs. By bare, I mean the standard banquet chair. For a more complete look, skip pricey linens and order the less expensive linens and chair covers.

Keep Your Guests Sustained

A new trend, and one of my favorite tips, is the late- night buffet. Most of the older folks will leave after the cake, but the young kids will surely appreciate having to avoid hitting the drive-thru on the way home from the reception. Why not serve them some comfort food? Try chimichangas and tacos or sliders and onion rings, or French fries. The younger crowd will rush this table!

Don’t Forget to Tip

Tip vendors that have gone above and beyond. If you met with the band every month for a year or asked your wedding planner to revise your itinerary 11 times and they did it with a smile, a tip may be in order. If it’s in their contract to revise the itinerary 11 times, or to meet with you once a month, think again. On wedding day if you don’t have a wedding planner to hand out the tips, put them in envelopes, write the vendor’s name on the outside (for example — Jodi, Band), and give them to a sober and responsible family member.

All About Organization

Number the back of your reply cards in pencil before you send them out and correspond them to the guest list. This will make it easier to figure out who’s coming to the wedding if people forget to put their name on the reply card.

Never Assume — Put It in Writing!

Never assume the groomsmen will be on time to the photos. You’ll need to tell all involved when to arrive dressed and ready for photos. Make sure you allow some time if someone is running late. For example, if you are starting photos at 5:00, tell them to arrive at the church at 4:40. Oh, and don’t let the cat out of the bag that this is not the “real” time.

Transend the Traditional: Unconventional Registry Ideas

ReBlog: Transend the Traditional: Unconventional Registry Ideas

How many other brides out there only registered at the conventional retail stores for their wedding? I wish I would have gone a more unconventional route in the beginning, but it’s never too late to give your guests other gifting options!

Here are 10 unconventional registry ideas I found while giving my registration page on a website a nice uplift!

1. Honeyfund – Register for all things related to your honeymoon…Things like a romantic dinner, surf lessons, activities in the area. Let your guests feel like they are contributing to your amazing honeymoon experience. They can also contribute money to the flight, hotel/resort accommodations, shopping, etc.

2. Ask each guest to bring something memorable like a book or movie they love. Have them sign it and add it to your collection.

3. Register at Home Depot! They have a registry too! Have your guests contribute to remodeling a new home or building that deck you always wanted. Or you can register at Down Payment Dreamsand guests can contribute to your future dream home!

4. Card Avenue lets you sign up for gift cards! That way, your guests know exactly what you want.

5. Don’t forget about Simple Registry where you can register for anything.

6. My Registry lets you register from any store on the internet comprised into one easy location.

7. Guests can create their own wine specifically for you through Bottlenotes!

8. Etsy has such unique and amazing things! I actually got part of my bridal thank you gifts and my wedding favors from Etsy (exact details will be in a later post)! They have a registry too!

9. Want to give back to the community? The I Do Foundation allows couples to create a charity that allows guests to contribute to a charitable and great cause (secure online donations directly to the charity)!

10. Spa certificates!! Set up a link on your wedding website for Spa Finder or allow guests to book a spa or massage for you and your partner at your honeymoon resort!

Good luck beauties!

Romance Bride

Courtesy of http://www.Sassychicagobrides.com