Posted on 3 Comments

The Groom’s Guide—How involved should you be in wedding planning?

1Congratulations on your engagement! Now that the inevitable’s happened, and your lady love has agreed to share her life with you, what do you do next?

Don’t be surprised if your level-headed and practical fiance has already taken on her new part-time job—wedding planning, and while you are wondering about what colors and flowers she talks about all the time, don’t forget that you too have to be involved in planning your marriage. Well, atleast to a certain extent! If you thought the safest thing to do is to nod “Yes honey”, we have some news for you! Better listen to what’s going on, or you’ll regret it later.

While your bride goes ahead with planning “most” of the wedding, here is information on where you should step in and lend a hand!

Money matters

When a woman becomes a bride, cutting down costs suddenly becomes an alien concept. This is where you enter the show. Be there when she plans the guest list and the venue. This will account for a huge part of the wedding budget, so make sure you help with sorting out who has to be there and who doesn’t.

Similarly, set a maximum amount for booking the venue and decorating it. Women are often taken in by the look of a place, and once they are bowled over, there is no taking it back. So, take the initiative to search out alternate venue locations before going to see her suggestion. Ease her into the idea that she can get what she wants for a lesser price. Make it your responsibility, and not only will your bride remember how considerate you were to help her, you will also save some money.

Often ask about the wedding, and offer to help

There is usually a point in the engagement when the bride bursts out into tears and complains that the groom doesn’t care about the wedding. Well, you do, but not with the obsession that she has! But, for her sake and yours, ask about the plans and progress every now and then. Lend a ear when she pours out her frustrations over which shade of peach goes with the green in the décor. You may not have the slightest idea of what she is talking about, but peace with reign!

Your few responsibilities include finding a good tux, picking your groomsmen and getting in shape for the wedding. So, do these with gusto, and she will be proud of you.

Be involved in things that matter to you

You do not have to touch the invitations, flowers or wedding shopping. Let her handle it. Where the cake is concerned, make suggestions only if you are asked. Nevertheless, go along and enjoy all the tasting sessions she plans.

Instead, concentrate on the wedding music. Be involved in deciding which songs ought to be played, and definitely those that shouldn’t be.

One mistake grooms make is to avoid the wedding registry. It’s your folly. If you want other gifts besides than silver tea cups and pretty home ornaments, you will have to register at places of your choice too. So, make sure you do!

For more wedding related tips and advice both for the bride and the groom, check out our website at Best for Bride.

Posted on 5 Comments

How to Get in Shape for your Perfect Wedding Dress

1

One of the biggest concerns that brides have is looking great in the wedding dress that they have chosen. Most brides feel as though they should lose a little weight before the attention is completely focused on them. If you are in this situation, you will find that there are many things that you can do to help improve your figure for your big day.

Eat Healthy

The first thing that you will need to do is to make sure that you are eating the right types of foods to remain healthy. There are many nutrients available in fruits and vegetables that are great for you when you are looking to lose weight.

You should also avoid things that are bad for your health, like caffeine, sweets, cigarettes and excessive drinking. These items can all hinder your goal of losing weight and can make it harder for you to get in shape for your wedding.

Exercise

2

Plan some time every day to get out and get some exercise. Not only will this help you get in shape quickly, but you will be able to eliminate some of the stress that you are undoubtedly feeling from all the wedding planning that you have been doing lately. This may be something that you prefer to do alone so that you can relax your mind each day.

You can also make your exercise routine part of a special bonding ritual that you have with your bridesmaids. If you are all looking to get in shape so that you will look great in your dresses, schedule some time at least once or twice a week that you can all meet up and go for a walk or run together. This is a great way to spend some time together and to get in shape with your friends before your wedding arrives.

Get your Fiancé in on the deal too

3

Another thing that you may want to consider is getting your fiancé involved with the exercise process. Whether he already has a gym that he attends regularly or is new to the exercise game, the two of you can enjoy a bit of time away from the wedding planning process to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Many may be surprised that the groom usually wants to lose a little weight before the wedding too. He will want to look fantastic for you in his tux on your wedding day as well as for the honeymoon. By exercising together, you will both be able to look and feel your best when the wedding arrives.

Conclusion

Getting in shape for your wedding is a simple process if you put your mind to it. You should keep your goals realistic and feel good about any progress that you make before your wedding day arrives. Regardless as to how much weight that you do or do not lose, your groom will find you beautiful in your wedding dress.

Best for Bride

Best for Bride is an all-inclusive wedding store that offers everything that a bride will need to look beautiful on her wedding day. Alterations are available, so if you do find your weight fluctuating between choosing your dress and the final measurement, you will still be able to make alterations as needed.

 

Posted on 3 Comments

What Wedding Flowers Are in Season?


In order to save money on wedding flowers, many people advise brides to choose wedding flowers which are in season. However, little is ever said about when each type of wedding flower is actually in season. Here is a brief guide showing what flowers commonly used in wedding decor are in season each month. A flower’s season is typically longer than a single month, so some flowers are mentioned several times. If the wedding date has been chosen, the bride can check that month to see which flowers are in season. Roses are available year round, but much more expensive during February.

January

Alstromeria, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Casablanca Lilies, Daffodil, Gerbera, Jasmine, Narcissus, Snapdragons, Star Gazer Lilies, Stephanotis, Sweetpea, Tulips

February

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Daffodil, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips

March

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cherry Blossom, Cornflower, Daffodil, Dahlia, Freesia, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

April

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cornflower, Cherry Blossom, Dahlia, Daffodil, Delphinium, Freesia, Hydrangea, Lilacs, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

May

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Hydrangea, Peony, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Zinnia

June

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Hydrangea, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies

July

Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

August

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Cockscomb, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

September

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Star Gazer Lilies

October

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Marigold, Star Gazer Lilies, Statice, Zinnia

November

Anemone, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Narcissus, Orchid, Pansy, Statice, Waxflower

December

Anemone, Carnation, Cosmos, Gerbera Daisy, Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Sweetpea, Waxflower

 

Flower seasons can vary depending on your geographic location and availability. Brides can ask the florist which flowers will be in season at the time of the wedding. Flowers that are out of season often can be found and used for the wedding. The cost of out-of-season flowers is higher than those that are in season. If the wedding budget is a concern, it’s best to stick to flowers that are in season.

The flower budget for a wedding can be small or extravagant. Some couples decorate the ceremony venue and reception with numerous floral bouquets and runners. Even using wedding flowers in season can become costly if flowers are the main decoration everywhere. Some couples love that and can afford an expensive florist bill. If budget is a concern, reserve the flowers for certain areas where you want that dramatic effect.

Some brides may have an emotional attachment to a particular flower. Checking what months that flower is in season before setting the wedding date may be an option for including the special flower at a discounted price. For more ways to save money when planning a wedding, browse the Best for Bride‘s blog for helpful, money-saving tips.

Posted on 3 Comments

The Right steps to finding the Best wedding planner

via pixabay
via pixabay

The term “wedding planner” broadly encompasses a number of services. Who you choose to hire for your wedding, should depend on what you want them to do. You can select between full service wedding planners and partial services. Either way, the final intention is to reduce your stress as the big day approaches, and have everything on track, in time.

We will now look at how you can find the right wedding planner from the numerous options available.

Full-service planner, a “day of” coordinator or Part-time Professional

If you want a professional to handle all the details of your wedding and you can afford it, choose a full-service planner. They will take care of all tasks including hiring and decorating the venue, creating invitations, booking the florists, caterers and band, all the way up to sending your thank you notes.

A day-of coordinator will take charge for everything on your actual wedding day. If you prefer to plan and execute everything yourself, but want help on the day, this is the ideal choice for you. Part-time professionals can help you perform chosen tasks. For example, you can hire them for décor suggestions, assistance with booking vendors etc. They charge a flat fee for the service they provide, and it is hence less expensive than a full-service planner.

Factors to account for when booking the service

The most important factor when booking a planner is your budget. A full-service planner is expensive, and they may cost up to 10 to 20% of your total budget. A “day-of” coordinator charges a flat fee for his job, and relieves you of the pressure of handling things on the day.

Compare costs of various planners and shortlist the option/options that seem ideal. Make sure that the names on the list are all professionals who are experienced and well-trained. The next part is conducting interviews to zero-in on the right choice.

Interviews and decisions

At the interview, obtain references of past weddings your wedding planner has conducted. Ask them how they work, how they handle emergencies and what ideas they can contribute to your wedding. The basic idea of this discussion is to determine how well the two of you can work together.

You will be spending a lot of time with your wedding planner, so it is important that you strike a rapport right from the start. You should be comfortable discussing your ideas, and he/she should welcome your ideas and be ready to build on it. If you are struggling to convince him/her of what you want, it is obviously not the right choice.

Discuss what will be included in the cost and make sure all the terms and conditions are included in the contract. Once you have finalized everything and your wedding planner has begun the planning process, be in touch regularly and ask for updates on the progress. With the right person to help you, you can be certain that your dream of having the perfect wedding will be realized with no difficulty.

Best for Bride has everything you need from wedding dresses, to décor ideas, invitations and more. Visit us today to get started with your wedding plans today.