Tips & Ideas
South Sound Wedding & Event
Seasonal decorations are found at stores only during the holidays, so be sure to shop for your wedding and reception decor at that time.
Visit stores to see what you might like for your South Sound ...
More »
There are many experienced and highly-qualified wedding professionals who will help South Sound brides and grooms plan their wedding.
Professionals have worked at hundreds of weddings and have valuable insight and knowledge about organizing, coordinating and ...
More »
Supplies: Flowers (for an 8-inch bouquet you need 30-60 stems), ribbon, florist tape, wire
Prepare: Choose and prepare flowers (for information on how to do this, see our Floral Arrangements article)
Design: Consider the color, variety, and ...
More »
Because groomsmen don’t typically have a great deal of responsibility in planning the wedding, your gifts are not required to be as personal or unique.
Also, unique gifts and favors do not generally mean as much ...
More »
The purpose of wedding favors is to thank your guests for sharing in your special day and to give them something that will remind them of you in the future.
With this in mind, your gifts ...
More »
While tuxedos are still popular for weddings, many grooms and groomsmen are renting suits for their wedding. Beige or khaki colored suits are popular in the summertime.
Zoot suit, shown here, is a new tux based ...
More »
Vibrant colors for bridesmaid dresses are the trends this year and in 2013 as shown in South Sound Wedding & Event Magazine 2012.
Hair styling and makeup by Jilladair Cosmetics. Bouquet by Artistry in Flowers. Location: ...
More »
Color of the year for 2012 is Tangerine Tango, according to Pantone. Tangerine pairs well with silver, black, chocolate, hot pink and other fun colors.
This stunning shiny silver dress pairs well with tangerine, yellow, pink ...
More »
We are hearing from South Sound wedding professionals that brides are booking their services weeks before their wedding.
If it's high season (May-September) in the South Sound, often the professionals are already booked, and you run ...
More »
Who gets the front row seats at my wedding? How do I choose between family members?
Traditional seating arrangements call for the parents and immediate family (siblings, spouses and children of sibling and grandparents) of ...
More »
Shop early. Shopping ahead gives you enough time to rent or purchase formalwear for the best possible price.
Wear your own shoes. Most men have a pair of nice dress shoes that will work with either ...
More »
Flowers have traditional importance at weddings, and many brides are willing to forsake their budgets when it comes to getting the best.
It’s easy to feel that vendors are more interested in your money than your ...
More »
Make a shell bouquet for the bride, bridesmaids, and later use them as centerpieces at the reception -- and as keepsakes from your South Sound wedding
Supplies: Holder, round tulle forms, variety of shells, ...
More »
Before and after makeup photos of Jennette by Tasha Owen.
Article by Jilladair Carlson, Jilladair Cosmetics
1. Never use mineral or powder makeup for photos. It can cast an eerie glow on faces and look chalky.
2. ...
More »
These 10 money-saving tips, inspired by Denise Vivaldo’s book Do It For Less! Weddings can help you do just that.
Set up a wedding account. Before you do anything, decide on your budget. Knowing your limit ...
More »
Throw out the “bridesmaid” tag. Just because it doesn’t say “bridesmaid” on the tag doesn’t mean it couldn’t be the perfect bridesmaid dress. Dresses off the rack from a department store or boutique often go ...
More »
Your bridesmaids’ loving support throughout the wedding process absolutely deserves your recognition and thanks.
While bridesmaid gifts can be extravagant, you can show your appreciation without going over budget.
Instead of costly perfume or jewels, try one ...
More »
A bride’s bouquet brings color, fragrance, texture and a touch of nature to her wedding day.
Beautiful bouquets for the bride show a stunning array of flowers, colors and styles.
Whatever the bride ...
More »
1. I had so many people tell us to enjoy the planning process with your fiancé and not let the stress take over! Although there was a fair amount of stress, we took this ...
More »
Story and photo by Christy Pelland.
A wedding photographer has the privilege of witnessing some of the most intimate and cherished moments in a family’s history. From the bride’s anticipation before she walks down the ...
More »
With music downloads readily available, music selection is fairly easy today for South Sound weddings and receptions.
If your ceremony is at a church, temple, or house of worship, talk to the music director about music ...
More »
Saying “thank you” is one wedding trend that will never go out of style, and while cutting corners to save time sounds appealing, it is important that you take the time to write meaningful thank-you ...
More »
Step 1: Pick your flowers.
Your flowers can match your wedding colors, or, if you’re overwhelmed by the vast variety of flowers, opt for a monochromatic theme by sticking to just one color or type of ...
More »
Create an earth-friendly South Sound wedding and reception. It’s easier than you think. To start, use recycled or reusable items.
Some of the most elegant wedding menus and accoutrements are already environmentally sound and often less ...
More »
Many South Sound brides and grooms are using their engagement portraits instead of a guest book.
Mount your engagement photo with a wide matte around the photo, and have guests sign the matte.
Later, you can frame ...
More »
The top layer of wedding cakes is often topped with fresh flowers that match the colors of the wedding. Sometimes the fresh flowers extend through the layers and along the base layer of the cake.
Be ...
More »
Here are some ways to remember loved ones in the ceremony:
-
You or a family member could light a pillar candle on the altar or at the place of worship in memory of the loved one.
-
Hold fast to your guest count; don’t add to it.
-
Consider the timing of your wedding and reception and when guests expect to eat. For example, a 7 p.m. ceremony with an elegant dessert buffet would ... More »
Story and photo by Laura Schoeggl, Wallflower Photography.
Most couples (and their moms) want to have portraits of their families, the wedding party and themselves taken on their wedding day. Those family portraits become an important ...
More »
The details make the wedding! It is better to have a smaller wedding and really be able to focus on you and your guests than to be stretched too thin. Also, make time to visit ...
More »
While engaged, it’s wise for South Sound couples to discuss their finances.
“Sharing the same values and goals is the basis for a successful marriage,” says Nancy J. LaPointe, C.F.P. of Olympia.
To learn what values ...
More »
Planning a wedding and reception involves many people and hundreds of details, and South Sound couples agree that developing a system to stay organized is key.
While electronic files are the least bulky and easy to ...
More »
The single best piece of advice any South Sound bride can receive on her wedding day is not to allow herself to get stressed out!
For months you’ve been planning, picking and choosing every last detail ...
More »
“Cash management is the prioritization of your cash resources to your goals and objectives,” says MetLife senior financial planner Nancy J. LaPointe. Nancy strongly advises South Sound wedding couples to sit down together before the ...
More »
The popular television show “Dancing with the Stars” and other ballroom dance shows have raised the popularity of ballroom dancing, especially among engaged couples. Ballroom dance lessons are on the rise, according to The Wedding ...
More »
Your honeymoon may be one of the most exhilarating vacations of your lifetime, and no matter what you do, great photographs help keep memories alive.
If you follow a few of these suggestions, 20 years from ...
More »
“A wedding reception can be elegant and lavish and still be healthy,” says nutrition consultant Amy Ellings. Broth-based sauces, whole-grain breads and starches, and seasonal local foods are nutritious as well as satisfying food choices.
Other ...
More »
Bridal couples who don’t want to adversely impact the environment are turning to eco-friendly resources.
-
Buy products (clothes, food, beverages) from local vendors.
-
Use organic flowers in your bouquets.
-
Select locally-grown, organic foods for your reception.
-
Use biodegradable plates ... More »
Tina Schmidt of Sandpaper explains, “Invitations set the tone and get the guests excited about the special event.”
Strategic shopping
You can purchase invitations from wedding specialty stores, stationery stores, office supply stores, print ...
More »
“In our culture of over consumption, finding simplicity is of great value, the simpler the better. Simplicity reduces stress and your financial burden. It lets you enjoy the process and focus on what’s really important: ...
More »
