Your Wedding Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Blog

How to include your dog in your wedding

For some this topic may seem “over the top,” yet for others, their dog is as much as part of their family as any cousin, niece, etc. So this one’s for you!

In the right conditions, the addition of a dog, as a ring bearer or walking with the flower girl works out quite well. That’s not to say it’s right for everyone. For many dog lovers, your dogs are your best friends, companions and confidants. They’re a part of the family. Why wouldn’t you want to involve them in the most important day of your life? It’s not that simple though.

Here are a few suggestions:

• There are a few churches that will allow animals in their sanctuary, however, most churches will not. If your wedding is at a church, you will need to ask the pastor or officiant if their policy precludes any animals inside during the ceremony. Even if their policy allows it, make sure to ask the pastor or officiant if they personally have any concerns about allowing the dog to participate in the wedding ceremony.
• If you are arranging your wedding at a park or outdoor venue, you will still need permission from the venue to include your dog. Always keep your dog on a leash at an outdoor wedding, for your dog’s safety and your guests’ comfort. Designate someone your dog is familiar with as their handler.
• If you are in the early planning stages of your wedding and don’t yet have a venue for the ceremony or reception, look for a hotel that has a policy allowing dogs in their rooms. In addition to including the dog in the ceremony, you would have a room at the hotel where your dog could relax prior to and after the wedding ceremony (with supervision of course).
• Make sure you have a plan for the care of your dog before and after the ceremony. You also need to make arrangements for your dog during the reception. Although you probably adore your furry friend, there may be some on your guest list that are allergic to or even afraid of dogs.
• Include your wedding planner or wedding coordinator in the plans for your dog. She can help with ideas and help make sure the person handling the dog is doing their job correctly.
• This next advice seems so obvious but, during the confusion of the wedding day it can easily be overlooked. Make sure your dog’s handler remembers to take the dog outside for his/her “potty” breaks and gives your dog plenty of water. Dogs can become overly excited with the wedding crowd around them, causing added thirst and the possibility of “accidents,” even with dogs that are highly trained. Don’t forget to supply the handler with disposable doggy bags.
• Whatever location you choose for your wedding, it is a very good idea to purchase wedding liability insurance, especially if you have a dog in attendance. Wedding insurance is a good idea anyway and there are several companies that make it easy to purchase reasonably priced policies.

Although we do like to offer all sides of the equation, we wouldn’t even know where to begin if you want your family cat! 

Photo Courtesy of Rick Aguilar, one of StrictlyWeddings.com new partners who will be part of our next city launch – Chicago.

Hairstyles – Elegant Choices

Wedding hair pieces can add beauty to your hair style. You may not realize it, but bridal hair pieces are becoming increasingly popular. They let you choose the hairstyle you want without worrying about a professional stylist. 

Choosing the hairstyle that’s right for you

As we mentioned before, wedding hair pieces are available in a variety of styles. If you can think of a particular hair style, there’s probably an available hair piece to match it. In fact, you could easily browse through magazines to find the perfect hairstyle and then purchased the corresponding hair piece.

The great thing about these bridal hair pieces is that they’re ready for immediate use. No matter what your style, the hairpiece has already been designed to meet your needs. You can simply put it on without having to worry about curly or twisting your hair (or any other kind of hairstyling).

If you are looking for advise or someone to do your makeup or hair, contact one of our partners – Beauty on Call or Jose Eber. Below are some of the examples of hair pieces that we found.

BRIDES Magazine Dances into Dallas May 3

Swing into the spotlight as you get ready for your first dance as husband and wife! Join Brides for its first-ever instructional dance series where they’ll help you with that critical ‘first step.’

To be held at StrictlyWeddings.com partner, Rosewood Crescent Hotel, 400 Crescent Court, Dallas, 75201. The event begins at 10 a.m. To register go to www.brides.com/dancingwithbrides or you can even show up the morning of the event.

One lucky fancy-footed couple will win a $10,000 grand prize towards their wedding and the chance to appear on both TV and in the pages of the magazine! Go to the web site to learn more.

Honeymoon Helper – Great Locations Nearby

As budgets get tighter, where do you cut back? In some cases, many of your purchases have already been made – the dress, the location. So maybe it’s time to take a second look at your honeymoon if it’s still in the planning stages.

Most of us have wonderful places either within our state or surrounding states that could make a wonderful, romantic setting. In Texas, we have many gems (the hill country, the Davis Mountains, Jefferson – pictured here), but even better is the diversity of the states around us – the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, the history of Louisiana, the lakes and cabins in Oklahoma and Arkansas. Maybe it’s not as exotic or sexy, but let’s be honest, the honeymoon is as much about connecting with each other then going to far away places. My honeymoon consisted of 4 days at a friend’s home in Sante Fe, another 3 days at a friend’s condo in Creste Butte, Colorado, camping (3 days max for my husband’s benefit) and the final night at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs before returning. We drove! But the memories have lasted us 30 years, especially the one where we took the motorcycle over the Loveland pass not thinking about how cold it would be on the return. No coats … I was one frozen bride!

The Dallas Morning News wrote a great piece on “18 romantic getaways in Texas and neighboring states.” We think it’s worth a read.

The Wedding Proposal

Every woman dreams of that special moment where her man gets down on one knee.  But as we grow up, we tend to wish for something a bit more creative, something unique to share with friends and family and remember for a lifetime. We’ve found a few ideas for that big moment. So we encourage you to leave it open on your laptop or email him this link to read (hint, hint)!

Idea 1: Tie your proposal into a holiday

Valentine’s Day may be too expected or too easy, but oozes romance? Easter proposals could include a special Easter egg hunt that she’ll never forget – all leading up to the last “big egg” – her ring. Did you meet in a bar? Are you Irish?  Drop the ring into the bottom of a stein of green beer for St Patrick’s Day. Do you get dressed up at Halloween? Give her a treat she’ll never forget!  An unexpected holiday gift (on a date that doesn’t traditionally involve a gift exchange) can be a sweet surprise! If you go to about.com and search for “Special Holidays” it will give you more than you want, but you can easily find all the “special days” for each month of the year. (Daffy Duck’s birthday is April 17 … there are numerous cartoon and Disney characters that she might have attachment too!)

Idea 2: Make your own holiday
Any woman would LOVE to be swept off her feet and taken to a romantic destination.  Relax and enjoy for a few days, then a day or so before you leave plan an excursion and pop the question on location – and you still have time to celebrate!

Idea 3: Creative note
Spell out the big question somewhere she would never expect it: on the bathroom mirror when she gets ready for a night out together; glow in the dark stars on the bedroom ceiling; take one of her favorite weekly magazines and slip in a fake page for your proposal.  Even plan ahead with an art gallery to place a special work of art into a room for her to see – the question becomes a keepsake. If you’re good with prose, write it in poetry and wrap it with her favorite bouquet of flowers. (Kite Day is May 12. Go fly a kite together and pack a romantic picnic)

Idea 4: Take a trip down memory lane
Take your significant other to the place where you met, had your first date, kiss, or another location that has special meaning to you as a couple and recreate that first moment. Express your feelings from start to finish and take your courtship full circle.

Idea 5: Surprise her
Though it may seem spur-of-the-moment, pick a spot where you can completely catch her off guard. Maybe in a photo booth so you have pictures of her response, as an announcement in a public place (billboards, sporting events), or slip it in the advertisements before a movie you are seeing (tricky, but not impossible).

Spy Cameras
No matter where you ask, think about asking someone to capture it on film (would she love that? then do it!) Videography companies now offer proposal packages that allow you to capture the moment, her reaction and answer on camera. They will hide out, blend in and not be seen by your bride-to-be until the moment has past and you’ve got a keepsake to keep for a lifetime.

No matter what you do, be creative and make sure it’s right for her!  If she’s shy, don’t make a big scene at a ballpark; if she’s the outdoors type, consider an adventure; if she’s a Disney fan, take her to where her fairytale can unfold. Think of your soon-to-be fiancé when planning and the answer will surely be “yes!”

Top America Bachelorette Hot Spots

New York, New York…Ah, the mere sound of the city name. The city that doesn’t sleep. The playground for adults. The shopping, dining and arts mecca of America. It is clearly one of the best bachelorette party destinations where you can enjoy the best of the best with your best friends. Start off with breakfast at Isabella’s at Central Park, followed by shopping on 5th Ave., a tour of Metropolitan Museum of Art, dinner in Soho, Mama Mia on Broadway…the options are literally endless. Check out the super stylish Gansevoort Hotel where you need not leave the hotel to enjoy the last precious days as a single woman. Enjoy a spa treatment at the hotel’s G-Spa where you can indulge in pedicures, facials, and massages. For your happy hour, before you and the girls get dolled up to hit the town, enjoy a drink here in the company of your guests. The hydro pools have been morphed to create liquid-illusion dance floors.

What? You want to go the beach? Consider South Beach, Miami, Florida where the days are spent sprawled under the sun on the white beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and the evenings are filled with delectable dining cuisines and dancing beyond the velvet rope at ultra exclusive dance clubs. Enjoy a chilled mojito in a beachfront cabana on a comfy lounge bed at Nikki Beach’s Oceanfront Beach Club where a DJ spins the latest hot dance sounds. Or if you have the itch to shop hit the chic boutiques along Lincoln Road to select your new little party dress that will show off your tan. Many hotels like the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club have enticing “Style the Last Mile” bachelorette packages that are surprisingly affordable. Or consider Delano Miami, the all white modern luxury hotel featuring an unsurpassed Agua Spa and pool suited for those who have pampered relaxation on the mind. 

Who doesn’t love old Southern charm? Charleston, South Carolina is a quaint, but lively city that has a natural charm of its own. You and the girls can relax at your beach house rental at Sullivan’s Island during the weekend and visit Charleston for shopping and dining. Wear your pretty sundress and oversized hat as you take a stroll along King Street where you’ll find art galleries, antiques and modern clothing boutiques. You can even get yourself enrolled into a cooking class at Maverick Southern Kitchens. As the sun sets, unwind at a multitude of wine bars, the Torch Lounge for martinis or hit the Music Farm for live entertainment.

Last but not least is Viva Las Vegas, Nevada, baby. Have your lingerie shower in a limo and get chauffeured all night long. Options are seemingly endless in Las Vegas. From the thrill of the casinos, to infamous las vegas shows, to adapting your own stripper-inspired moves oat StudiOhm. Be sure to visit Pure, LAX, and Tryst, the star studded hottest nightclubs on the strip. To recuperate from your big night out enjoy spa treatments at Spa Bellagio, Vita di Lago at the Ritz, or the spa at Wynn Las Vegas. Or perhaps a little “hair of the dog” is in order.  If so, hit the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Beach Club where music fills the air and the pool with their underwater speakers. One of Travel Channel’s Top 10 pools, this is THE place for a raging pool party, swim up black jack and even a water slide in a beach like oasis. Don’t forget to check out what concerts are playing at The Joint, the Hard Rock’s premier live music venue.

With any of your travel plans we hope you’ll consider contacting our StrictlyWeddings.com travel partner Signature Travel Boutique.

Save Money on Your Honeymoon

These days saving money is important. Even if you are getting married, you are probably looking for some great ways that you can cut back on the expenses, especially with today’s economy. It’s a great idea to come up with a budget that you can afford to spend for the honeymoon, and then try to stick to it. Wondering how you can cut back a bit on what you spend? Here are five of the best ways that you can save some money on your honeymoon.

Tip #1: Go in the Off Season
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when planning their honeymoon is going to a destination during the peak season when everything is the most expensive. Try planning your trip in the off season. It’ll be cheaper and you’ll get a whole lot more bang for you buck. Look online for those destinations that experience their off season around the time of your wedding and you’ll be much happier.

Tip #2: Register for Your Honeymoon
Nowadays, you can actually register for your honeymoon just like you would register for gifts for your wedding. This essentially allows your loved ones to contribute in a monetary way toward your wedding. Thus, you aren’t having to pay out of pocket for your wedding, nor are you receiving gifts that you don’t want. It’s a wonderful way for you to get what you want: a great honeymoon.

Tip #3: Be Spontaneous
Many engaged couples like to plan their honeymoons down to the very last second of time. This includes booking and pre-paying for activities. Don’t do this. You may find that when you get to your destination, that you no longer desire to participate in your planned activities. In addition, you may also find cheaper alternatives or prices once you get there. So be spontaneous and save yourself some money.

Tip #4: Tell Everyone You’re Newlyweds
Don’t be shy! Tell everyone on your honeymoon that you are newlyweds. This can actually save you quite a bit of money. Often companies give special upgrades, discounts, and even vouchers to those who are just married. When you are dining out, share the news with the server as well. You may get a discount or even a free meal.

Tip #5: Look at Packages
If you are looking to go somewhere fun, exotic, and exciting but don’t wish to spend a lot of money, check out the vacation packages available at out StrictlyWeddings.com travel partner – Signature Travel Boutique They have great deals on cruises, hotels, flights, and much more. It’s a great place to find great deals, and great locations!

When do you cash a wedding check?

This is a good question.

I’d suggest you examine the date on each check. It’s relatively common for people to post-date wedding gift checks for the actual wedding day, so you can’t actually deposit those beforehand. Otherwise I’d deposit them immediately knowing that many people don’t keep registries and if you wait months and then cash the check it might throw off their balance. If you cash them immediately, then I recommend you also immediately write your thank you note.

However, I would suggest that any check that arrives less than two weeks before the wedding be held and not deposited until after the wedding. I say this only because some people who give late gifts will assume the check won’t be deposited until after the wedding, and may not have money in their bank until that date.

Nervous Brides – Practice & Visualize

Do you dream about tripping and falling on your face as you walk down the aisle? You are not alone.

It’s human nature to think about the worst thing that could happen during the most important day of our life. The trip down the aisle (no pun intended) is the most nervous part of the wedding for the Bride. Brides walk down the aisle with varying degrees of composure or elan. 

The Processional is the focus of a lot of anxiety in the months preceding the wedding. Often, but not always, the Bride has an escort to help her navigate down the aisle. The escort might be her father or another male relative; or her father and her mother. The Bride might be escorted down the aisle by both her dads: her natural father and her stepfather, or accompanied halfway down the aisle by one dad and the rest of the way by the other. I have seen the Bride and Groom process down the aisle together.

Most brides know how to walk. The problem comes in trying to match your steps to the music selected as the Processional. Don’t. Walk slowly and normally. (The emphasis is on SLOWLY. Nervousness will tend to speed you up! Resist the temptation. Walk slowly and normally down the aisle.)

Few Brides do the “hesitation step” well. Most often it looks awkward and contrived. If you do try it, pay attention to what it says it is: It’s a hesitation step. It doesn’t look good when you do it fast. It also doesn’t look good when you take big steps between “hesitations.” If you feel you must do the “hesitation step,” be prepared for a long processional, and do it slowly, taking small steps.

Most of us do not have experience walking in a big dress. The wedding gown shouldn’t be dragging on the floor in the front as the Bride walks. We recommend you practice walking in the dress; not just standing. If the aisle is carpeted, practice walking on carpet to see if the front of the dress in fact will clear the carpet and not drag. Also practice wearing your wedding shoes (just as important, especially if it’s a different heel then what you’re used to). Stand up straight! There may be a train to negotiate. If you haven’t already, assign someone to spread your train out behind you as you are about to start down the aisle. Also assign one of your bridesmaids to straighten the train once you’ve arrived at your destination.

One reason to have your escort on your left is so that he won’t have to step on or over your train in order to reach his seat on the Bride’s side of the aisle.

Your Groom will approach and offer you his arm on your right side.

If you have steps to climb as part of your processional, pay close attention to your dress and your hands. You have several things to do and think about, but if you don’t pick up your dress when you climb stairs, you may stumble. In the swirling nervousness of the moment, it’s a detail that can be easily forgotten – please don’t!  The problem is that you run out of hands. If you are the Bride, you are carrying flowers in one hand and the Groom has just arrived to offer you his arm. You take his arm. Unless you put the flowers in the same hand that is linked to the Groom’s arm, you won’t be able to pick up your dress.

Don’t worry too much about doing this in high style. You most often will have your back to the guests as you climb stairs. They can’t see in which hand you have flowers or just how you manage to grab the dress (and accompanying slips, etc.) to pick it up. 

So as in all things that we want to do well on our special day – vows, that first dance – practice and visualize with the music that you will be processing to. It will help add that extra edge of confidence to get you past (some of) your nerves on your wedding day.

Photo courtesy of a new StrictlyWeddings.com partner – Bride Associates - DFW’s largest wedding coordination firm