How to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony - 10 Ideas

Hey – it’s all about you; take back your ceremony! It is a ritual – time honored and sacred – but that does not mean your wedding ceremony has to be like every other. Of course, some couples choose to be extremely original and opt for exchanging vows on a roller coaster, while bungee jumping or even dressed as trekies. Good for them for such uninhibited displays of originality. But even if you prefer a more traditional and “scream-free” wedding ceremony, you can still add a touch of personality. Consult these 10 unique ideas for wedding ceremonies to learn how. If you're looking for more ceremony advice, this complete wedding ceremony guide will walk you through the entire process.

Plan Your Wedding Flowers by Season

When it comes to wedding flowers - go with the season! Choose wedding flowers that bloom locally and naturally during the time of your wedding.

Although you can find most floral varieties all year, seasonal blooms are readily available, less expensive and often more durable. Select your wedding season from this flowers by season guide, and find out which flowers typically bloom during that time.

Once you have an idea of what blooms you would like to incorporate, this complete wedding flowers guide and photo gallery will walk you through the rest of the process with tons of inspiring ideas.

New Ring for New Years - Kick Start Your 2009 Wedding Plans Now!

If you’re among the nearly one million brides-to-be who received an engagement ring over the holidays, it’s time to ring in the new year by scratching the first few items off your wedding day “to do” countdown. Kick start your 2009 wedding plans now!

Unfortunately, for most newly engaged women – the excitement of finally finding “the one” is dampened by a hard dose of stress and anxiety. Sure, you’ll find about a gazillion wedding planning checklists out there, but they all tend to overwhelm more than they help, and all essentially fail to address the fundamental question: “Where do I begin?”

After you’ve announced the exciting news and taken some time to bask in your newly engaged glow, it’s time to get cracking. Here are the first three wedding planning tasks you absolutely must accomplish before anything else. Cross these items off your wedding checklist – and you’re on your way.

Stress Management Guide for Brides

As a bride-to-be, you’re bombarded with a growing pile of tasks demanding your attention, and the resulting stress can overpower what’s supposed to be a joyous time in your life. Instead, emerge from the pile of fabric swatches, font styles and contracts and ..…just….breathe. During your engagement, step away from wedding planning, and take time to enjoy yourself as a fabulous single woman.

Sure, kicking your heals up and relaxing as your task list expands exponentially may sound impossible. In reality, allowing yourself some time to rejuvenate will not only reduce wedding stress, it will ultimately make your wedding planning more efficient. Have you ever tried going for a morning run without a good night’s sleep the night before? The same applies to wedding planning.

This stress management guide for brides offers four methods to reduce wedding stress.

Fab Find - Bridal Headpieces that are actually stylish!

It may be your day to be a princess, but donning a rhinestone tiara is not required. Handcrafted headpieces from Jennifer Behr are glamorous alternatives featuring silk camellias, orchids, feathers, or diamonds that are more avant garde than cheesy. Since the headpieces have been spotted on the likes of Natalie Portman and featured in Gossip Girl, you can safely splurge on these wedding accessories knowing that you’ll likely sport the look again – which is more than you can say for the typical bridal crown.

Read more about Jennifer Behr Bridal Headpieces at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Health and Beauty Guide Helps Brides Get in Shape for the Wedding!

Of course you want to look fabulous on your wedding day – who doesn’t? Unfortunately, a gorgeous gown and killer accessories can only take you so far. The true pathway to looking and feeling amazing is paved by a healthy fitness and nutrition routine.

Ugh..you know that tired piece of advice is easier said than done. But that’s where this bridal health and beauty guide comes in… It outlines all of the fitness and nutrition tips you need to get you started towards a healthier you.

Plan Your Wedding Accessories!

OK ladies, here’s music to your ears (and neck, and wrist)… Once you’ve got your wedding dress, it's time to accessorize it! There’s no doubt about it, the right veil, headpiece and baubles perfect your wedding day look. This complete guide to wedding accessories offers all the advice you need to accessorize like a pro.

Take Back Your Wedding Registry

Tired of registries filled with practical mainstays owned by every newlywed in town? Tailor your wish list to your personal style.

The Do Gooder
Do your heart some good by creating a wedding gift registry with a more altruistic bent.

Where to Find: featuring more than one million charities from which to choose, JustGive.org is a non-profit website that lets couples build a wedding registry directed to their favorite causes.

The Luxe Lover
Bedding is a registry staple, but this is your chance to sink those pedicured toes into the Mercedes of linens. Get sumptuous threads that feel delicious on your skin and last forever.

Where to Find: Down to Basics (downtobasics.com) offers a specialty registry for high-quality, high thread count linens from lines such as Ann Gish and Sferra. They also have a storefront on Newbury Street in Boston.

The Risk Taker
You met your fiancé while running a class V rapid and feel incomplete without your backpack. With such an affinity for the outdoors, why place house with your registry? Instead, ask for all those outdoor toys you’ve both been dreaming of.

Where to Find: Outdoor retailers such as REI (rei.com) offer gift registries conspicuously absent of china, linen and crystal.

Learn more about Alternative Stores for Your Gift Registry at the Unveiled wedding blog

Top Trends for Wedding Flowers in 2009

Today´s brides are following the old adages, "less is more" and "use your imagination" The sayings may be cliche – but the latest trends in wedding flowers are anything but…

Daring Colors:
Gone are the days of adhering to light pastels and muted shades in wedding decorations. Today´s brides are opting for bold and interesting pairings of colors in their wedding flowers and floral schemes. Not afraid of mixing purples and orange´s, the post-millennium color palette is expanding.

More than Just Flowers:
Mix it up a bit by incorporating produce. One of the hot trends in wedding flowers is arrangements featuring fruits, herbs and even veggies as a playful and fun approach. Their naturally vibrant colors coincide with the daring color trend. Many brides are also turning to the woods for inspiration. Green grasses add dimension and structure and can elicit a warm, summery feeling. This list of unique wedding decorations has even more blossom-free arrangement ideas.

Dynamic Tables:
Table arrangements are also becoming more dynamic. Instead of conforming to identical floral arrangements on each table, some brides are using different containers, varying the heights, or grouping an assortment of low centerpieces together.

Keep it Simple:
Gone are the days of overpowering floral arrangements adorned with excess filler flowers. Today´s brides opt for a more natural and tailored look to their wedding flowers. One bouquet style rising in popularity is the hand tied bouquet. The fresh bunch of flowers presents the look of simple elegance that brides desire.

Learn everything you need to know about wedding rings!

Shopping for wedding rings involves slightly more than picking out a strand of beads. This guide makes it easy by narrowing it down to five steps to choosing wedding rings you love. Here are the steps - you can read the full wedding rings guide here.

1) Choose Your Style - article offers some useful style tips
2) Pick Your Metals - the article lists the pros and cons of each option.
3) Examine Your Budget - the article breaks it down so you can understand exactly how much your ring will cost
4) Size it up - how to determine her ring size
5) Browse before you buy - shopping tips

Bridal Pampering - Spa Services Guide for Brides

No doubt about it – one of the best parts about being a bride-to-be is a bona fide excuse to indulge in a little pampering. Not only does a relaxing massage or facial better equip you to handle those pesky seating chart conundrums and nagging moms, a little self nurturing can also ensure you look your best on the big day.

But like a kid in a candy shop, the plethora of spa treatments available can be intoxicatingly exciting and a tad overwhelming. Use this guide of the most common bridal spa treatments to decide on the pampering package for you.

How to Choose Your Honeymoon Travel Accommodations

Before you start packing your bags, you will need to determine what accommodation style best suits your honeymoon desires.

Would you rather be in the company of other newlyweds, joined by families and other groups of vacationers, or shut off from the rest of society? Read on and discover the types of honeymoon travel accommodations that are out there…

All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts

As the term implies, an all-inclusive rate covers it all—from your overnight accommodations, meals, unlimited drinks, and entertainment, to tips, taxes, airport transfers, and a mile-long list of activities for one flat fee. Once a phrase that carried negative connotations, more and more resorts are beginning to offer all-inclusive packages. While resorts vary on what exactly is included, you will likely only need to carry cash if you plan to indulge in gift shop paraphernalia, off-site excursions, a rental car, or spa treatments. But aside from booking a flight to your destination, all of the essentials are included. Sounds good, huh? Make sure you consider all aspects before hopping on board. Read more about the pros and cons of all-inclusive honeymoon resorts:

Couples-Only Resorts

What better way to start your new life together than with other starry-eyed lovers? Couples-only resorts are limited to just that—exclusively twosomes. These love nests are havens for fine dining, dancing and live entertainment, and all things romantic to ignite your libido. Before marching two-by-two to the next adult getaway, be sure to take the good and the bad into consideration. Read more about the pros and cons of couples resorts

Honeymoon Cruises

Cruises have come a long way since the mainstream “mandatory-fun” voyages. Cruises now range from weekend excursions to week-long journeys with tropical stopovers. Before climbing aboard, be sure and understand all that comes along with the price of setting sail—otherwise you might find yourself in a scene from Boat Trip! Read more about honeymoon cruises

Now that you have an idea of the type of travel accommodations you're looking for, you can plan the rest of your honeymoon travel here

Coming Up Lemons

When the time for wedding toasts rolls around, consider swapping basic champagne for shots of chilled limoncello. The liqueur made from fermented Sorrento lemons was invented on the coast of southern Italy more than 100 years ago and is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestive. The sweet, lemony beverage has gained recent popularity in America due to celebrity endorsements from the likes of Danny DeVito, George Clooney and Avril Lavigne. Restaurants this side of the Atlantic have recently begun offering it on cocktail and dessert menus because of its refreshing lemon flavor that lacks the bitterness of actual lemon juice.

Learn more about this lemony twist on the traditional wedding toast at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Diamond Engagement Rings - How to Choose Your Diamond

Since 1/3 of all engagements take place over the winter holidays, I figured I'd continue on the proposal theme. If you're one of the million men (or women) planning on popping the question this December, than you've probably already started your search for "the ring." If you've been procrastinating - then you'll need to brush up on your knowledge STAT. The integral component here is clearly the diamond, so to get you started, this guide to diamond engagement rings has everything you need to know about selecting the right diamond.

10 Ways to Pop the Question this Holiday Season

December is here, and not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also the most popular time to pop the question. Almost one million couples will get engaged this holiday season. Need a creative proposal that will deck your sweetie’s halls? This list of romantic proposal ideas inspired by favorite seasonal tunes help you pop the question in true holiday style. Here are some of my faves from the list:

Silent Night-
Ah, the first snowfall…the sparkling white silence, the blanketed landscape catching the glow of the twinkling lights and stars above. The season’s natural landscape sets the perfect ambiance for a romantic marriage proposal. Take a moonlit stroll through the new fallen snow, and ask her to be your wife.

Jingle Bell Rock-
Arrange for the two of you to put up the holiday decorations together. Carefully attach a sparkling rock to her favorite ornament, and give it to her once all the rest have been placed on the tree.

And a Happy New Year-
Ringing in the New Year goes hand in hand with a glass (or two) of the bubbly. Make hers extra sweet by dropping a dazzling diamond in her glass, and present it to her at the stroke of midnight.

Let it Snow-
Ask her in a winter wonderland; write "Will You Marry Me" in fresh snow.

All She Wants for Christmas-
If you suspect she may be on alert for a marriage proposal this holiday season, throw her off track during your gift exchange. Give her a typical present, and when she starts to think that it's not happening this time, suddenly remember another gift – and surprise her with the ring.

Now that you're ready to pop the question, you'll need a ring! This complete guide to engagement rings has all the information you need to choose the right ring for her finger.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Party or Wedding in Style

The long weekend and cozy atmosphere that accompanies Thanksgiving makes it an increasingly popular time to host a wedding or party. Thanksgiving is the perfect time for an elegant yet relaxed celebration, as the autumn holiday lends itself to natural settings, simple decor and comfort food. And while the general rule of thumb is to avoid having your wedding around a holiday, Thanksgiving presents an entirely different set of circumstances. While you probably don’t want to hold it on Thanksgiving Day, the Friday or Saturday after can be a great option. Most friends and family will either already be in town or planning on traveling anyway - so making the trip to your wedding may not be a burden. Plus, most of your guests will already have the day off. Need more convincing? Here are some creative ways to plan your Thanksgiving Wedding in style…

And if you have a different theme in mind, this theme weddings guides for ideas and advice on throwing any themed wedding.

Ready to Pop the Question? Here are Some Romantic Proposal Ideas

OK guys - if you're here, you're at least considering proposing to her. Take a deep breath, and read on...

Even if you've had conversations with your girlfriend about getting married, and even if you've looked at engagement rings together, you'll probably want the actual proposal to be as much of a surprise as possible. The reason: She's been dreaming of this moment since she first had a crush back in second grade. So you've got to make this special. Not to worry - this article offers plenty of romantic proposal ideas, along with some useful proposing tips. And to keep you on the right track, the article lists plenty of "I Don't" proposal ideas that you'll want to be sure to steer clear of.

Good luck!

How Much do Wedding Flowers Cost?

Your floral budget can certainly run the gauntlet. On average you should expect to spend about 8-10% of your overall wedding budget on the flowers. This will include the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and any ceremony and reception decor.

While this is a good estimate, you can modify many floral elements to determine the actual amount you will spend on your wedding flowers. Factors such as whether or not your preferred blooms are flowers in season in your area, the number, size and complexity of the arrangements, and the location of the ceremony and reception all influence your final cost estimate.

You should already have an idea of your overall floral budget before meeting with your florist for the first time. That said, there are a number of ways to cut costs without cutting elegance and beauty.

Learn more about the average price of wedding flowers, and get some useful budgeting tips here.

Wedding Guests - To Invite or Not To Invite, That is the Question...

Paring the guest list down to size can be as formidable as predicting the weather for an outdoor spring ceremony. To determine who makes the cut, ask yourself these "To Invite or Not Invite" qualifying questions. If you answer mostly yes's, extend the invite. If nay's have the majority, save the postage - and the meal cost.

1) Guests from Afar:

Some people (siblings, close friends) will make your "A-list" regardless of where they live, but others (second cousins, old sorority pals) fall into a gray area when they reside far from your wedding locale. These long distance guests may be unable to travel to your nuptials, so is an invite merely a gift request in disguise? Decide on a case by case basis.

- Have you seen or spoken to them within the last six months?
- Have you exchanged invites to other milestone events (their wedding, graduations, hallmark birthdays)?
- Are they close with other invited guests?

Rule of Thumb - If your special day would not feel complete without your college roommate who now resides in New Zealand, go ahead and send an invitation. Let your guests decide for themselves whether or not they want to travel.

2) Pint-Sized Partiers

Not inviting children can make for tough planning for some of your guests, but the opposite can make for some interesting moments you hadn't included in your wedding day dreams - like crying babies during the vows.

- Are you planning a relaxed daytime event?
- Does your budget and venue size make inviting all children a possibility?
- Can your caterer provide kid-friendly menu choices at a reduced cost?

Rule of Thumb - Have a blanket no-children policy or make a sweeping cut based on age (no one under 13), as picking and choosing may offend some parents. If you anticipate complaints, schedule a black tie evening affair, which is generally understood to be a kid-free zone.


3) "And Guest"

If space or budget won't allow the extra guests, some single pals may have to come solo.

- Is this person in a committed relationship (living together or engaged)?
- Will s/he be the token bachelor or bachelorette?
- Must s/he travel and plan overnight accommodations?

Rule of Thumb - Sure it's nice to let your unmarried friends bring a date, but unless that date is a long term love (living together or engaged), you don't have to include "and Guest" on the wedding invitations. Just be sure to handle seating arrangements with care - your single friend probably won't appreciate a table of couples sharing stories about how they fell in love.


4) Office Space

Deciding which coworkers to include depends on the size of your office and the nature of your relationships.

- Do you regularly socialize outside of work?
- Is your office or department close-knit and small (fewer than 5 people)?
- Is your work relationship with a few direct supervisors or assistants particularly close?

Rule of Thumb - If you work in a small office, best to follow the all or none policy. In a larger office - you can safely invite your happy hour crew or direct supervisors and assistants without incurring the wrath of the uninvited.

Get even more wedding guest advice, including how to plan the guest list and wedding guest baskets.

How to Pick the Right Wedding Veil

Ah the veil… the ultimate accessory in the transformation from engaged girl to blushing bride. Though steeped in tradition as it is, unless required by your religion, a veil is strictly optional. Today wearing a veil is more of a style statement than a symbolic gesture. Thus, the ideal veil depends largely on the style of your wedding gown and the overall look you want to create.

This guide to wedding veils, has everything you need to know about selecting the ultimate finishing touch to your bridal ensemble.

How to Choose Readings for Your Wedding Ceremony

If you’re writing your wedding vows or personalizing your wedding ceremony with meaningful readings, delve into the world of literature, poetry, quotes and lyrics for inspiration. Spend some time at the library reading works by your favorite authors; listen to lyrics from songs that moved you—even consult Hollywood for some lines that strike an emotional chord. This article lists tons of sample passages for wedding ceremony readings to get you started.

Deck Your Derriere with Stylish Bridal Lingerie

Round out your honeymoon trousseau with sweet little underthings. Elegala.com's Unveiled Wedding Blog has a new post on the luxurious line from couture lingerie brand, Spoylt. (Famously style-privy celebs like Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria are fans). Designed by women for women, Spoylt’s decadent delicates, handcrafted from carefully selected and dyed fabrics, strike a balance between demure and daring. After all, you deserve to spoil yourself when it comes to your bridal lingerie.

Read more about luxury honeymoon and bridal lingerie

How to Plan an Outdoor Wedding - Ideas, Tips, and Advice

Outdoor weddings are romantic and scenic, but there's a lot that can go wrong. Here's your guide to planning a flummox-free, al fresco wedding.

Outdoor Weddings - Things to Consider:

Who will officiate? Some officiants will only perform ceremonies within a house of worship, so you'll need to check with yours in advance before planning your ceremony outside.

Inform your guests - Guests need to know they're attending an outdoor wedding so they can dress appropriately. It's also a good idea to send weather information to out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the climate.

Be prepared - Combat potential outdoor issues by having the following items on hand:

Bug spray
Water bottles
Umbrellas
Paper fans
Sunscreen
Cell phone
Tissues/paper towels

Securing your Outdoor Wedding Location

For an outdoor wedding, the draw is the setting, so finding the right spot and coordinating the event around it is the most important task on your to-do list. Your setting options are as limitless as the great outdoors itself. But before getting your heart set on a specific spot, these are some key questions you'll need to ask:

Is There Privacy? - keep in mind that if your location is a public space - or even near a public place (like a street or sidewalk), you may have to contend with onlookers. Try to reserve your space in a secluded spot to prevent unwanted guests or distractions.

What's The Backup Plan? - obviously you'll need a plan in case of inclement weather. If your location doesn't have indoor facilities to accommodate your event should the skies open, you'll need to rent a tent.

Can You Hear? - will guests have to compete with roaring waves, gusting winds, honking cars, or screaming children to hear your vows? You may need to rent a sound system and lavalier mics for the officiant and yourselves. Your band or DJ should be able to provide this for you.

Get even more advice on finding unique and scenic settings for outdoor weddings.

Wedding Reception Rentals Guide

When you book your reception site, you'll need to make sure to find out exactly what’s included in the rental fee. Each venue is different, so you have to clarify with the site manager which items the venue provides and which you must provide.

Depending on the venue – and the type of reception you’re planning - you may need to supply some, if not all of items like tables, chairs, linens, tableware, tents - even a dancefloor. Keeping track of all these rental items can make many brides think twice about choosing non conventional venues like outdoor public spaces and buildings that don't typically host private events. But if you have your heart set on a venue where you'll need to supply most of the items needed to host your event and serve your guest, you can use this handy wedding rentals checklist to help you stay on track.

You may also want to consult this complete wedding receptions guide for even more advice, tips, and inspiring ideas to help you plan your reception from start to finish.

What are the new trends in wedding flowers?

If you're looking to keep your floral and decor scheme fashionably forward, than you've undoubtedly spent some time searching for a list of what's hot in the world of wedding flowers. Well, here's your answer: Apparently today’s brides are following the old adages, “less is more” and “use your imagination.”

The sayings may be cliche – but the latest trends in wedding flowers are anything but. This article lists the top trends in wedding flowers.

For even more floral tips and advice, visit this complete guide to wedding flowers and wedding decorations.

Luxury Wedding Tents Offer Stylish Alternative To Tent Rentals

Modern-day brides are the past’s fabled princesses, reincarnated with fab stilettos and PDAs, of course. And as such, they deserve a stylish tent to fit their outdoor wedding fairy tale. These luxury wedding tents from Raj Tents are truly a diamond in the white vinyl rough. Brides everywhere can rejoice that there's finally a snazzy way to escape the elements at your wedding reception. The collection of luxury canopies is handcrafted in India with the highest quality cotton, sultry color combinations and exotic embroidery.

Learn more at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

How to Select Your Wedding Cake - 3 Steps

This article on wedding cake ideas narrows down the process of selecting your wedding cake baker and design into 3 easy steps. The complete wedding cakes guide has even more ideas, tips, and photo galleries.

An excerpt from the article is below:

Step 1: Choose your Cake Baker
First determine whether or not your wedding site allows an outsider baker; if so, pick a few local cake bakers and book appointments to view their portfolios. When meeting with potential bakers, consider both look and taste. The one you choose should be able to create the beautiful masterpiece you desire, and it should taste scrumptious as well. Ask to taste some samples to determine the talents of your confection artist.

Step 2: Determine your Wedding Cake Style
As the centerpiece of your reception, your cake should represent the theme of your wedding and reflect your overall vision. Consider the style, shape, color and adornments. Make a list of qualities you like and don’t like, and browse and collect photographs of cakes that inspire you.

Step 3: Factor Cake Cost
Cake cost is based per slice and is determined by the complexity of the overall design. The typical cost per slice can range anywhere from $2-$15 per slice. There are 2 easy ways to keep your cake within budget.

1) Simple wedding cakes are obviously less expensive, so choose a simple design with minimal adornments. Fresh fruit and flowers are inexpensive options, while handmade gumpaste or sugarpaste decorations cost more because they are difficult to create.

2) If you have your heart set on an intricate design you saw in a magazine, don’t worry that the associated cost will break your budget. Many brides opt for a smaller, intricately designed cake to showcase at their wedding, while simple sheet cakes are held in the kitchen to be served to guests.

Last Chance to Win an Early Honeymoon!

Today is the LAST day to submit your best wedding ideas for a chance to win an early honeymoon at the super lux Taj Hotel. The Unveiled Wedding Blog from Elegala.com is looking for buzzworthy wedding ideas from brides (or anyone who's been to a recent wedding). Unveiled is known for punchy, catchy posts on what's new and trendy in the world of weddings, and they're offering a free two night stay at the luxurious Taj Hotel for the best entries.

Simply complete the brief form with your idea, and you're automatically entered to win. But you better hurry and get your submissions in today - October 31st is the deadline for entries.

Wedding Favor Booklets Tell Guests Your Engagement and Proposal Story

Between your mother-in-law’s bridge club and your fiance’s college lacrosse team, chances are not everyone attending your wedding will know much about the chain of events resulting in their being “gathered here today.” Fill them in with professionally written and designed keepsake booklets that relay how you met, how he proposed, and other notable moments in your lives together.

Pause here for a moment to say, “ick,” at this seemingly cheesy idea, then think of it this way: The magazine-style brochure or booklet will bring home the emotion of your celebration while preventing you from having to explain how you met to one of his distant relatives when you’d rather be partying with friends. Another plus? These booklets can double as wedding favors for your guests.

Read more about wedding favor booklets at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Guest Gripes - Top 8 Complaints that Irk Wedding Guests

Chances are, you’ll be the only one to notice if the five-tiered wedding cake tilts slightly to the left or the best man dons his favorite black sneaks, but wedding guests everywhere agree that the certain blunders make for a painful wedding experience…

This article lists to top 8 wedding guests complaints. You better read it to ensure you avoid these common wedding etiquette faux pas.

Luggage Forwarding Services Make Honeymoon Travel Worry Free

Schlepping overstuffed suitcases as sweat stains threaten the freshness of your fabulous, if impractical, day-one honeymoon ensemble, or worse – stewing in yesterday’s travel clothing while awaiting your bag that errantly made a detour to Yemen - is hardly a romantic way to spend your first hours as newlyweds. Instead, enlist a luggage forwarding service, and enjoy the worry-free honeymoon travel that comes with knowing your bags await upon your arrival. Whether its skis, a set of golf clubs, or shoes – lots and lots of shoes - they’ll collect it all from your home while you jet off to your honeymoon or wedding destination, and voila, your luggage is waiting for you in your room. And there you’ll relax with a tasty beverage in hand, smirking slightly as you think of those fellow honeymooners still stuck at baggage claim – wishing they were as savvy as you.

Apparently, it's easier than you think. This post on luggage forwarding services from the Unveiled Wedding Blog explains how the services works and provides links a number of reputable luggage forwarding companies.

Get Your Hand on a Stylish Couture Handbag for Your Wedding

So you’ve got the rock and you’ve found your frock, but you’re a bit perturbed whenit comes to your wedding day arm candy. In the world of wedding accessories and bridal purses, the profusion of gaudy beading and chintzy white satin just doesn’t cut it for the fashion forward bride. Answering the call for a suitable option are online storefronts that make getting your hands on a stylish couture bag for your wedding convenient and affordable.

Read more about where you can find stylish couture bridal purses

Renew Your Wedding Vows - 5 Essential Tips

What better way to express your love for your spouse than to do it all over again? Maybe you want to celebrate a milestone such as 25 years together or to mark a new beginning after a rough patch in your relationship. Maybe you eloped or had a destination wedding when you first exchanged vows and now want to celebrate with everyone you know. Or maybe you just want to let the world know that you'd do it all over again in a heartbeat if you had the chance. There is no wrong reason for wanting to celebrate your love for each other.

This guide offers 5 essential tips for renewing your wedding vows.

Wedding Cost Estimator Tool

How much does each wedding detail cost where you live? This tool takes your zip code into account to give you a more accurate estimate on how much each aspect of your wedding costs.

You will find this tool invaluable, since understanding average wedding cost now can help you with your wedding budget later.

You can also find even more useful wedding planning tools here.

Green Your Ride

The latest vendors to jump on the green wedding bandwagon are the ones who will actually get you to and from the church. A number of green-oriented wedding transportation services now feature fleets of fuel-efficient sedans, limos, or buses. Book the same way you would that gas guzzling Hummer limo, since eco-transportation options are comparable in price. Then celebrate the fact that you can still arrive instyle, just while taking up a fraction of the carbon footprint. Who said it’s not easy being green?

Where to Find
PlanetTran, planettran.com, 888-756-8876; OZOcar, ozocar.com, 866-696-5966; Elite Green Car, elitegreencar.com, 404-350-8511; Eco Limo, eco-limo.com, 888-432-6546. Rates are similar to gas-powered car services, starting at about $50 per hour.

How to Buy an Engagement Ring: A Complete Guide to Selecting a Diamond and Setting

No bride-to-be feels like she’s really getting married until that all important ring adorns her left finger. You know the one, swooned over at the office water cooler, eliciting looks of envy from all who witness its sparkle. The engagement ring may well be the only pre-wed accessory sweeter than an actual, adoring fiancé.

It’s best to face every big purchase equipped with a little savvy. There's a lot to know, so you'll need to do some research before walking into the jewelry store.

To get you started, visit this complete and easy-to-follow guide to engagement rings. With tips on how to choose the right metal, setting, and diamond, it will walk you through the process of selecting and buying a diamond engagement ring.

While you're there, you can get advice on wedding rings and other bridal jewelry in this complete wedding rings, jewelry and accessories guide.

Bridesmaids - 5 Ways to Keep Them Happy

Keep the Peace with Your Maids!
After the initial congratulatory exclamations subside, distress can erupt on the bridesmaid front. From gripes about bridesmaid dresses and wedding planning logistics, to deeper issues of insecurity and envy, there's enough drama potential to strain even the closest friendships.

Here are the top five stumbling blocks on the road to happy bridesmaids - and tips to avert each crisis.

How to Create Your Wedding Programs

Smart additions to your ceremony, wedding programs provide useful information to help your guests follow the proceedings, and they also make nice mementos from your big day. Ceremony programs can be as simple as a homemade one-page leaflet or as elaborate as a custom-ordered bound booklet. Arrange them in a basket at the ceremony entrance, or ask a close friend or family member not already a part of the wedding party to hand them to guests upon arrival.

This wedding programs guide has everything you need to know, including what to include in them, wording samples, trends and ideas

5 Easy Steps to Planning your Wedding Flowers

Aside from the bouquet you spring for each Mother's Day, chances are you're a novice when it comes to flowers. However, now you are a bride-to-be planning your dream wedding, and suddenly you must make decisions on bouquets, boutonnieres, reception centerpieces and ceremony arrangements. Overwhelming? Yes. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through this process so you can enjoy planning your wedding flowers without wilting from the stress. Read through these useful tips on wedding flowers basics gathered from experts in the field.

And for more advice to help you plan your wedding flowers, this complete guide and photo gallery offers inspiring floral ideas and will walk you through the entire process

Wedding Etiquette - Solutions to the Top Etiquette Dilemmas

As one of the biggest and most potentially stressful events of your life, getting engaged and subsequently planning a wedding brings with it an onslaught of questions. As times change and weddings evolve, traditional rules of etiquette have followed suit, only adding to the confusion.

To gain a little perspective, first understand that “etiquette” is above all about treating people with courtesy and making them feel comfortable. When an etiquette question arises, consider the feelings of those who will be affected.

When an etiquette question arises, brides can consult this wedding etiquette guide for the answers. The guide's articles address all of the most commen questions - including family issues, invititations and wording, appropriate dress code, and budget questions.

Find The Right Venue for Your Wedding Reception

The wedding reception site is undeniably the most important piece of the planning puzzle, so you’ll want to put some careful thought into this essential task. Take these four easy steps to finding a venue that meets the needs and style of your wedding reception.

1) Determine the Theme and Style of Your Event -
Different types of wedding venues set the stage for specific styles of receptions. Before deciding, determine the type of affair you would like to host.

Today's weddings are about personality and creativity. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner).

Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of wedding venue you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

2) Decide on Geographic Location -
Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? How about a Caribbean island? With today's jet-set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your wedding will dictate the location-a tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea...

3) Estimate the Number of Guests -
So you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great - you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring wedding venues, there is one final criteria to consider - capacity. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of wedding reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacities based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

4) Now Find Your Site! -
Find as many venues that meet these initial criteria as you can. You can search the national directory of wedding venues and services at Elegala.com to find sites in your area that meet your needs and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each venue and meet with the manager. After that-it's decision making time!

This complete guide to wedding receptions has even more advice on finding and booking your venue, as well as planning your entire reception.

Blog Contest - Send in Your Wedding Ideas to Win an Early Honeymoon at the Taj Hotel

Do you have a great wedding idea or have you been to a recent wedding where a specific detail really made you say “wow.” Unveiled - the new wedding blog from Elegala.com - wants to hear from you. Send in your unique, buzzworthy, or downright crazy ideas and emerging trends in the world of weddings. They’ll feature the best entries right on the Unveiled Wedding Blog (with credit to you as the source, of course).

Best of all – winning entries are automatically entered to win a two night stay at the super luxe Taj Hotel in Boston’s fashionable Newbury Street, where you can escape all the pre-wedding insanity or cap off your honeymoon with a fabulous vacation!

You can visit the Unveiled Wedding Blog to send in your ideas and enter to win this bridal giveaway

Bridesmaid Gifts Idea- Rock Their World with a Diamond Pinkie Ring

Between unflattering dresses and Friday nights spent licking envelopes, bridesmaids have it tough. The best cure for the always-a-bridesmaid blues? A little bling of their own.

Embraced by celebrities like Oprah, Tyra Banks and Kirsten Dunst, the Ah Ring is a diamond pinkie ring featuring eleven small round cut diamonds fashioned in a 14-karat white gold band.

Read more about this bridesmaid gifts idea that celebrates their relationship status for a change at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Party with a Rock Star!

It turns out chivari chairs and silk table linens aren’t the only upgrades for rent. Today’s hottest party accessory is the rentable rock star. You can now splurge on the living breathing version of stars such as Christina Aguilera, Joe Cocker, or Carrie Underwood to belt out your first dance song or headline the entire affair.

For those of us without a Hollywood in, Grabow Entertainment offers VIP access to some of the hottest acts in the music industry. They handle all the details, from contracting the event with the talent’s agent to managing onsite production.

Learn more about renting a celebrity for your wedding reception at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Fall Wedding Ideas - How to Plan a Fall Wedding

Looking for autumn-spiration? These tips and ideas for fall theme weddings will get you started towards planning a wedding with a fall twist.

Prepare for Variable Weather - Fall weather can be unpredictable: what starts as a sunny warm morning can turn into a brisk chilly evening. Be prepared for both extremes. Have portable heaters available (if your wedding will take place outside), and dress the wedding party in layers.

Celebrate the Outdoor Splendor - The season seems to call for an outdoor, rustic setting affording prime leaf peeping views. Some ideas: parks, orchards, vineyards, farms, ranches, barns, mills, or the grounds of an historic inn or mansion. If an outdoor setting isn’t an option, find a venue boasting a clear view of the fall foliage or countryside.

Consider Your Guests - Fall means back to school, which also means Friday night football games and scores of other after-school activities - all which may affect the ability of some guests with kids to attend. Be sure to set your date and notify your guests as early as possible


If you're looking to tie together the days details with your fall theme, this article has tons of fall wedding ideas - including fall flowers, decor, favors, and menu ideas.

Eyelash Extensions - Newest Beauty Treatment for Brides

Batting an eye is an old standby in the arsenal of feminine wiles, but guys should beware - this invaluable tool just gained a convincing upgrade. Eyelash extensions are the newest health and beauty treatments for brides seeking to accessorize their wedding day look with extreme flutter power after Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez first sported the wide-eyed look on the red carpet.

Read more about Eyelash Extensions for Brides at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Get Weekly Wedding Planning Tips Delivered to Your Inbox!

Ever wish for that clever, in-the-know best friend who always makes sure you're the first to get the latest? The Elegala.com weekly bridal newsletter is kind of like that, delivering the hottest wedding trends and tips right to your inbox.

The topics vary and pretty much cover anything and everything, so you're bound to receive something useful that pertains to your wedding. Last week, they sent me tips on choosing your wedding colors, and yesterday I received advice on planning a summer themed wedding.

If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, you can sign up here to receive weekly wedding planning tips.

Multicultural Wedding Invitations Add Color to White Weddings

If the American wedding industry had a theme song, it would probably be “White Wedding,” if you catch my drift. When did being a bride in the U.S. become synonymous with being pigmentally challenged? Tired of paying homage to the homogenous, some stationers are branching out with new lines of invitations and announcements that represent a more inclusive cross section of brides. Using all the colors in the Crayola crayon box, these multicultural wedding invitations feature rich jewel tones and illustrations of brides and bridesmaids from African American, Latino, Hispanic and Asian backgrounds. From an industry that banks on weddings as “expressions of individuality,” we think this makes too much sense. Now if only we can banish that bridezilla stereotype...

Get even more fresh and buzzworthy wedding ideas at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

8 Unique Ideas for Bridesmaid Gifts

They have done so much for you, not only as a part of your wedding party but also as a friend and confidant over the years. How to even begin to say thanks? Start by presenting your bridesmaids with heartfelt gifts to express your gratitude.

What to Spend -
Consider both your budget and the amount that each bridesmaid must spend to be in your wedding. In the end, it’s always the thought that counts, but giving movie passes may seem a tad ungrateful if your ‘maids had to shell out $600 each for those couture bridesmaid dresses you insisted upon. Get something that lets your attendants know how much you appreciate them. Generally, spending $50-$150 each is a good amount.

When to Give Bridesmaid Gifts -
You can present the gifts during any private moment with your ‘maids. Many brides give them during the bridesmaid’s luncheon or tea. You can also hand them out at the rehearsal dinner, when your closest friends and family are gathered together. Consider presenting them along with a toast, thanking them for their support and friendship over the years.

What to Give?
Stumped on a gift idea that all your 'maids will love? This bridesmaid gifts guide offers 8 unique gift ideas

Bridal Shower Games - 13 Ideas!

When it comes to bridal shower games, visions of “pin the tail on the groom” and “toilet paper wedding dress” usually come to mind (with a resounding groan!).

Relax, you’re not restricted to these traditional, albeit a tad cliché, bridal shower staples. There are tons of other bridal shower games ideas to please all types of crowds – from the sentimental, to the slightly scandalous, to everything in between.

This categorized list of top picks for bridal shower games to play will help you plan a fun shower for any style of crowd...

Etiquette and Thank You Notes

Yes, we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion for gift-giving, as friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment of the newly betrothed by showering them with wedding gifts. As the happy couple, just remember to always feel privileged - not entitled. Approach thank-yous with as much thought and organization as the rest of your wedding planning.

This article has some useful tips to ensure you get your etiquette and thank you notes right.

And if you're looking for even more help with your wedding thank yous, this complete guide has more advice and examples of thank you notes.

Create Your Wish List With This Wedding Registry Checklist

Let's face it, the last time you were encouraged to create a list of gifts you wished to receive was when you penned that letter to Santa circa 1987. Only now that your setting up your wedding gift regsitry, you need to fill your wish list with essentials needed to start your home, rather than, say, a Lite Brite.

Not quite sure what to register for? This complete wedding registry checklist spells it out for you. Print it and take it with when creating your regsitry to ensure a complete home just waiting to host your first dinner party

How to Plan a Green Wedding

Sure, green weddings may be all the rage, but you'll need to go the extra mile to make yours stand apart from the rest - you know, all those couples who decided to jump on the environmental band wagon and label their weddings "green," when in reality they don't know the first thing about planning an event that's kind to the environment.

That's where this article on planning a green wedding comes in. It offers advice that's actually useful, including specific tips and ideas for ensuring every aspect of your wedding is environmentally friendly - from the invitations, to the venue, to the cake, dress and favors.

Oh yeah, and rather than promoting the purchase of so-called "green" wedding items (which does little more than promote even more waste), the overarching theme of this green weddings article is to cut back and simplify, foregoing useless items alltogether.

Note: I've yet to find another wedding guide that has ever dared suggest a bride and groom do without a pricey add-on...

And if you're looking for specific tips on planning any style of wedding, their theme weddings guide has it all!

Custom 'Maid - Modern Alternatives to Bridesmaids Dresses

Picking one dress that a group of women of varying shapes will like is always a difficult task, but new online boutiques allow brides to create one-of-a-kind bridesmaid dresses.You can have as much or as little control as you like. This modern alternative ensures your 'maids feel fabulous while providing a cohesive look for the wedding party.

read more about custom bridesmaid dresses | digg story

Wedding Pictures and Stories = Bridal Eye Candy

There's something about whiling away the hours browsing at pictures from other successfully planned and executed weddings that becomes extremely addicting once a ring adorns your left finger. This gallery of real wedding day stories, ideas, and wedding pictures from brides across the country is sure to inspire you and provide hours of viewing pleasure (provided your boss doesn't catch you surfing the web!

Upcoming Bridal Event: The Wedding Salon - Monday Sept. 22, 2008 - Beverly Hills Hotel

Elegala.com invites you to Tie Up Your Loose Ends Before You Tie the Knot at The Wedding Salon; Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, 4PM-9PM.

Discover spectacular table decor, couture gowns, honeymoons, photographers, invitations, favors and more.

Indulge in complimentary beauty services, martini bars, cake tastings, gift bags and a celebrity book signing.

As a gift from Elegala.com, brides will receive promotional tickets to this event.

$25 admits two with code: ElegalaLA08P ($50 value) when you get tickets at www.weddingsalon.com or call 212-631-7777

Wedding Party Attire Workbook helps Brides Plan and Manage Bridesmaids Dresses

No doubt about it - flattering dresses equal happy bridesmaids. But when it comes to cramming bridesmaids of varying sizes and shapes into the same dress, planning the wedding party attire is often a headache-inducing chore for a busy bride-to-be.

Thankfully, this handy workbook makes managing the bridesmaids dresses and other attire a breeze. Print this easy-access, take-anywhere cheat sheet to help you stay organized when planning your bridesmaids dresses and the guys tuxes.


Remember, the big day may be all about the bride and her big dress - but the rest of the party should look and feel great too.

Here is a direct link to the pdf worksheet: http://www.elegala.com/pdf/planning_workbook/my-wedding-party-attire-planner.pdf

How to Choose the Right Wedding Veil

Ah the veil… the ultimate accessory in the transformation from engaged girl to blushing bride. Though steeped in tradition as it is, unless required by your religion, a veil is strictly optional. Today wearing a veil is more of a style statement than a symbolic gesture. Thus, the ideal veil depends largely on the style of your wedding gown and the overall look you want to create.

This wedding veils guide has everything you need to know about this finishing touch to the bridal ensemble.

Best places to Honeymoon - By Destination or By Season

When it comes to planning your honeymoon travel, choosing an exact location can be as easy as saying “I Do.” Use this guide to determine the optimal weather conditions for your honeymoon - by month or by location.

Best Weather by Month
Planning on departing for your honeymoon immediately following your wedding? Use our Weather by Month guide below to determine which honeymoon destinations are most desirable during a given time of year…

Best Weather by Honeymoon Desination
Got a specific destination in mind, and wondering when the best time to visit that region may be? Use our Weather by Destination guide below to help steer you in the right direction…

How to Hire the Right Wedding Florist

Hold the baby’s breath and filler flowers; look no further than a skilled florist for sophisticated and stylish arrangements

Even if you plan to create and arrange your own wedding flowers, consulting with a florist first is still a good idea. A florist’s first-hand knowledge and years of experience can prove extremely useful, ensuring you don’t overlook small but important details and that your floral scheme matches your wedding style.

Don’t know the first thing about hiring a florist? Follow these steps in this article on finding and hiring wedding florists, and you will be sure to find the florist that suits you.

30 Essential Bridal Beauty Tips and Secrets

Few times in your life actually command all to rise from their seats to feast their eyes upon your beauty as you walk into view. For such an occasion, looking “good” just doesn’t cut it. You need to look once-in-a-lifetime fabulous. Feeling the pressure? Fortunately, the one thing you can control on your wedding day is your bridal look. While that fabled bridal glow won’t just miraculously arrive in time for the big day, some planning and prep work can ensure your most radiant self walks down that aisle.

These lesser-known bridal beauty tips and home remedies will help you acheive silky hair, glowing skin, sparkling teeth, and healthy nails in time for your wedding day.

This complete bridal health and beauty guide has even more tips and advice to help you look your best on your wedding day!

Plan a Bachelorette Party!

Tired of standing aside while the guys flaunted their wild last night escapades, the gals are joining in the fun with bachelorette parties often just as raucous as their male counterpoints. But donning a dimestore tiara while a lubed up dancer named Duke invades your personal space isn’t required if that’s not your thing. So just does a bachelorette bash entail? Read this article on planning a bachelorette party to find out...

Beware of Arrogant Wedding Vendors - They'll Cost You

As someone who has had extensive contact with wedding vendors - both personally and professionally - I can tell you that most of them are genuine, talented professionals who strive to perform a service to the best of their ability. For most vendors, the joy gained from performing an artistic craft that they love is the primary incentive. The money earned, well, that's extra. Don't get me wrong, at the end of the day, we all need to make a living and we all work for money. But some vendors seem to be less motivated by the craft and more motivated to squeeze every last dollar from the happy (or unhappy, depending how you look at it) couple. It's these vendors who propagate the myth it's impossible to exchange vows without simultaneously shelling out tens of thousands of dollars and going into debt.

Case in point:
Elegala.com has a number of articles offering money saving tips for every wedding detail - from flowers, to music, to photography. Believe it or not, we've had some pompous vendors complain that we offer these money saving tips, insisting, for instance, that we remove a tip about how you can save on photography by being wary of upsells like custom albums or save on your floral budget by sticking to in-season flowers. Apparently, we're releasing to the public blasphemous ideas that vendors have been dubiously safeguarding for decades. Oh no - don't enlighten the brides-to-be!

Sure - there are many lucky brides who have unlimited funds to plan their weddings, but for many - especially with the economy in the state that it's in - these budgeting tips are essential in making a wedding a reality. Let's face it - even some couples who have the money spend would prefer to spend it somewhere else. And that's OK. Really, it is. But some wedding vendors would prefer that everyone continue to keep up with the Joneses so long as it keeps their wallets fat. I say shame on you.

How to Plan a Labor Day Party or Wedding

The long weekend and typically mild temperatures make Labor Day a popular time for parties or weddings. These tips will help you pull off your Labor Day Party in style.

Probably the most important tip - if you're planning a Labor Day wedding - is to mind your guests. The three-day weekend may allow long distance guests to attend without taking time off, but remember that most people make Labor Day plans well in advance. Combine that with more expensive flights and accommodations and crowded roads and airports, and you’ve got a potentially nightmarish situation for your guests. Be sure to notify guests of your Labor Day event well in advance, and help them out by securing the room block at an affordable hotel. Consider doing some leg work to find cheaper airfare and alert your guests of potential deals.

Plan your wedding settings and overall style

One of the first and most important steps on planning a wedding is selecting your ceremony and reception locations and choosing an overall style or theme to personalize them. This can be pretty overwhelming for a bride-to-be, since there are so many options and ideas out there. This guide to wedding settings and style walks you through it with step by step guides to planning your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Once you've got these basics down, their theme weddings guide offers step by step advice on incorporating a specific theme into your day (anything from an outdoor affair to a green wedding). The alternative weddings guide offers unique ideas for weddings that go beyond the conventional.

Wedding Bands or DJs - Which Should you Hire?

Inevitably, you will debate the question on whether or not to hire a band or a DJ to lead the evening’s festivities. In some instances, the type of venue you choose and the overall theme of your wedding will dictate whether you decide to go with a band or DJ, but the decision is always up to you.

Solve the debate on whether to hire a band or a DJ to lead your reception festivities by considering the pros and cons of each. THis article lists the positives and negative of both wedding bands and DJs

Get the 411 on Bridal Showers

So you're planning your best friend's shower, and you want it be be the best shower ever (OK, you'll settle for one that's fun and goes off without a hitch). Or you're the bride-to-be, and even though you won't be planning your own shower, it helps to have an idea of what to expect (especially if your maid-of-honor is show on the draw).

This complete bridal showers guide has everything you need to know. The most informative part of the article is the section on what happens during the shower (since most of us find ourselves at a loss for fun shower ideas - we can only play "pin the tail on the groom" so many times). The section lists some different ideas for bridal shower games. It also offers some unique bridal shower ideas if girly tea parties aren't quite your thing.

How to Choose Your Wedding Colors

Your color scheme has the power to set the vibe for your wedding day - so you'll want to choose wisely. This article lists the top five determining factors in choosing your wedding colors

Create a Memorable Wedding Album with these Unique Photography Shot Ideas

As you plan your wedding photography, remember to think about the specific pictures you want in your wedding album. While the typical posed shots are pretty and will guarantee that all important friends and family members are photographed, sprinkling your album with some unique shots ensures cherished memories for years to come.

This list of unique wedding pictures will guarantee unique photo opps. that will shine through the formal poses.

Mother of the Bride Dresses - A Complete Guide to Choosing Your Gown

Sure – the day may be all about the bride and her big dress, but as the mother of the bride – you need to shine too. This complete guide to mother of the bride dresses has everything you need to know to ensure you look stylish and perfectly coiffed on the big day.

And if you're already prepared to start shopping, you can search for mother of the bride dresses in this interactive photo gallery

Get the 411 on Rehearsal Dinners

The rehearsal dinner sets the stage for the entire wedding weekend and is often the first opportunity for family members and guests to meet and greet. Like a calm before the storm, it’s usually relaxed and intimate, allowing the bride and groom to unwind with their closest friends and family before the whirlwind of the wedding.

Need a rundown on rehearsal dinners? Not to worry. This article has the answers to help you pull together a rehearsal dinner, the prelude to the main event.

And if you're looking for advice on planning all the pre- and post- wedding events, this complete guide to rehearsal dinners and parties will walk you through everything from the bridal shower to the farewell brunch.

Win an Early Honeymoon at The Governeror's Club

Stressed-out brides - this post is for you. On one hand, you have an ever expanding to-do list and nagging mother-in-law. On the other, a chance to win a one night stay and complimentary breakfast at the super lux Governor's Club guest room at the Madison Concourse Hotel. Clearly this one’s a no brainer.

You can enter to win at Elegala.com's Wedding Giveaways submission form. The winner will be selected in October 2008.

You can also get a jump start on planning your honeymoon vacation at this complete honeymoon travel guide.

Wedding Planning Guide for Bridesmaids

Most wedding planning resources are geared towards brides, a fact that often leaves bridemaids feeling clueless about handling tasks such as the bridesmaids luncheon, shower, and bachelorette party. That's where this guide to being a bridesmaid comes in. With advice on planning all the parties and helping the bride pick a bridesmaid dresses that is actually acceptable to everyone, this guide will help the 'maids nail their job with poise and grace.

How to Honeymoon for Less

It’s hard to imagine spending another dime after the nightmare of expenses involved in planning the wedding of your dreams, let alone forking over thousands for a luxury honeymoon vacation. But after months of tireless planning, you will need to get away and spend some alone-time with your new hubby. A honeymoon can be as costly as a month-long excursion across Europe or as cost-efficient as a weekend away at your local B&B. With this list of ways to save on honeymoon travel, you can escape without sacrificing your ultimate goal: relaxation and reconnection.

If your looking for even more tips and advice on planning your post-wedding vaca, this complete honeymoon travel guide will help you plan your trip.

Look Your Best on Your Wedding Day!

Few times in your life actually command all to rise from their seats to feast their eyes upon your beauty as you walk into view. For such an occasion, looking “good” just doesn’t cut it. You need to look once-in-a-lifetime fabulous. Feeling the pressure? Fortunately, the one thing you can control on your wedding day is your bridal look. While that fabled bridal glow won’t just miraculously arrive in time for the big day, some planning and prep work can ensure your most radiant self walks down that aisle.

This complete wedding attire, accessories, heath and beauty guide will walk you through everything from finding your wedding dress, bridal jewelry, and accessories to getting in shape for the big day.

Alltop.com scours the web for the top wedding blogs

Alltop.com has added Unveiled to its list of top wedding blogs. For those of you unfamiliar with the site, Alltop collects stories from “all the top” sites on the web and groups them by topic. Inclusion in the list is purely subjective, so we’re honored that their editors have deemed Unveiled worthy to be listed as one of the web’s best wedding blogs.

Tackle the First Three Steps of Wedding Planning

Unfortunately, for most newly engaged women – the excitement of finally finding "the one" is dampened by a hard dose of stress and anxiety. Sure, you´ll find about a gazillion wedding planning checklists out there, but they all tend to overwhelm more than they help, and all essentially fail to address the fundamental question: "Where do I begin?"

After you´ve announced the exciting news and taken some time to bask in your newly engaged glow, it´s time to get cracking. Here are the first three wedding planning tasks you absolutely must accomplish before anything else. Cross these items off your wedding checklist – and you´re on your way.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget -
Every decision stems from the wedding budget. Before you can plan anything, you must know how much you can spend and who plans to contribute. Your budget will determine the type of wedding you can have - from how many guests you invite, to where and when you host your wedding, right down to the specific blooms in your bouquet. And with the ever increasing cost of weddings, financing the event is often a group effort; the bride´s parents no longer need to take out a second mortgage just to fund the upcoming nuptials. You´ll need to talk to your families about who will pay for what, and arrive at a total wedding budget. This complete wedding budget guide will walk you through the process.

Step 2: Tackle the Guest List -
Some "checklists" suggest setting a date and commencing other wedding plans before this step, but Elegala considers the guest count is the most vital decision after the budget. Here´s why: Capacity is one of the most important criteria in finding a suitable wedding venue – more so even than style and vision - and you must secure your location before you can successfully plan anything else. Trust us, cramming 300 people into a venue that seats 150 will not go over well. You don´t need to have the list finalized just yet, but you´ll need an estimate from both sides of the family (and yourselves) right away to avert countless planning headaches down the road. This complete wedding guest list guide will help you get started.

Step 3: Set on a Site and Date -
Only once you have an estimated budget and guest count can you begin searching for a place to hold your event with any accuracy. Remember – many reception sites book over a year in advance, so you really can´t decide on a wedding date until you have officially booked your venue with a signed contract. Find as many reception sites that meet your budget, capacity and overall style quotient as you can. Use our wedding reception site search to find venues in your area, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each wedding venue and meet with the manager. After that—it´s decision making time.

There is one wedding planning truism that we hold dear. As you may have heard it said, once you find your wedding venue, everything else falls into place. Once you have accomplished these steps, you will find the rest of your planning task list a piece of, ahem, wedding cake.

Don´t stop now - this complete ideas and advice guide will walk you every step of the wedding planning process, from setting the theme and style to managing every wedding detail

44 Ways to Set Your Wedding Apart

Take Back Your Wedding!

There's nothing wrong with the traditional white wedding, but sometimes it's nice to make yours stand apart from the rest.

Here is a list of creative wedding ideas to incoroporate into every detail of your day.

My personal fave? The idea of making your grand entrance escorted by your dog. Seriously.

I promise not all the ideas are that weird!

And if you're looking for even more advice on wedding style and settings, you can consult this guide at Elegala.com

Top 12 Wedding Trends for 2008

Every year, The Wedding Report, a resesarch company that tracks and forecasts wedding industry statistics, publishes a list of the year's top wedding trends. Unlike most of these trends lists, however, The Wedding Report turns to two sources for its results and then compares them. The consumer report looks at what brides are talking about and searching for, while the industry report look at what the wedding industry is pushing as trends.

As their report indicates, the two aren't always the same, which begs the question: When it comes to "trends," what's more important - what the media/industry/news declares as trendy - or what the public/consumer/bride actually embraces?

Either way - here is what The Wedding Report found as the top wedding trends for 2008:

1) Designers are pushing wedding dresses with alternative styles and necklines, but brides still favor the strapless gown.

2) The biggest trend for bridesmaids' attire is the wear-again dress.

3) Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming popular.

4) Consistently designed invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, escort/place cards, menus, and thank-you cards are becoming trendy.

5) Cinematic videography is a new and exciting alternative to standard photography and video services.

6) Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend.

7) Despite the sluggish economy, extravagant weddings that include big gowns, multiple wardrobe changes, towering lush floral centerpieces, gilded place settings, seven course meals, and elaborate desert displays are still expected in 2008.

8) 1980's fashion styles are popular, including textured dresses, bright colors, wide belts or sashes, big jewelry, and cover bands.

9) White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold.

10) Currently in style are antique wedding rings for men and women, as well as exaggerated, big, bold jewelry.

11) Destination weddings are growing in popularity due to all-inclusive packages offered by resorts and easy planning through their websites.

12) High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts.

Wedding Cakes Made of Cheese?

If you want to serve a dessert your guests will actually eat, consider a wedding “cake” made of cheese. No, not the rich, loaded with sugar variety with graham cracker crust - literally a cake made of cheese stacked in tiers and decorated to look like a wedding cake. The trend is taking off in the U.K. where cheese for dessert is prevalent.

read more about cheese wedding cakes | digg story

Theme Weddings - How to plan the details for a stylish theme wedding

No doubt about it, theme weddings are all the rage. Tired of wedding clichés, more and more brides and grooms are setting out to craft events with a little more personality by incorporating a design element throughout the day's details.

Of course, coming up with those creative design elements can prove a challenge. To help get your creative juices flowing, this complete guide to theme weddings suggests ideas for every wedding detail that will tie together the day's theme, whether an outdoor wedding, spring wedding, winter wedding, summer wedding, fall wedding, or green wedding.

Be the first to get the latest in the world of weddings

In an industry notorious for recycling tired advice and information, unearthing something fresh in the world of weddings can prove as difficult as predicting the weather for an outdoor spring ceremony.

That's where Unveiled - the new wedding blog from Elegala.com - comes in. Like a clever, in-the-know friend, Unveiled editors scour the web to bring you weekly ideas, products, and tools that are guaranteed to set your wedding apart from the rest.

See it first - then decide if you want to share the scoop with your friends.

Tackle the First Three Steps of Wedding Planning

So he popped the question - now what?

Unfortunately, for most newly engaged women – the excitement of finally finding “the one” is dampened by a hard dose of stress and anxiety. Sure, you’ll find about a gazillion wedding planning checklists out there, but they all tend to overwhelm more than they help, and all essentially fail to address the fundamental question: “Where do I begin?”

This article on the first three steps of wedding planning is here to help. After you’ve announced the exciting news and taken some time to bask in your newly engaged glow, it’s time to get cracking. Here are the first three wedding planning tasks you absolutely must accomplish before anything else. Cross these items off your wedding checklist – and you’re on your way.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget
Every decision stems from the wedding budget. Before you can plan anything, you must know how much you can spend and who plans to contribute. Your budget will determine the type of wedding you can have - from how many guests you invite, to where and when you host your wedding, right down to the specific blooms in your bouquet.

Step 2: Tackle the Guest List
Some “checklists” suggest setting a date and commencing other wedding plans before this step, but Elegala.com considers the guest count is the most vital decision after the budget. Here’s why: Capacity is one of the most important criteria in finding a suitable wedding venue – more so even than style and vision - and you must secure your location before you can successfully plan anything else.

Step 3: Set on a Site and Date
Only once you have an estimated budget and guest count can you begin searching for a place to hold your event with any accuracy. Remember – many reception sites book over a year in advance, so you really can’t decide on a wedding date until you have officially booked your venue with a signed contract.

Don’t stop now - this complete ideas and advice guide will walk you every step of the wedding planning process, from setting the theme and style to managing every wedding detail.

Wedding Invitation Wording Samples

Gone are the days when wedding etiquette mandated that the bride’s parents, and the bride’s parent’s only, hosted the wedding. Today anyone can foot the bill, and with modern familial arrangements often anything but nuclear, there is no straightforward rule for wording invitations. This wedding invitation wording guide sorts through the confusion to bring you wording samples for the most common arrangements. Here are a few wording formats listed in the article:

Simple, Traditional Format
[proper names of those hosting] official hosts
request the honour of your presence request line
at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host]
[bride’s first and middle names]
to
[groom’s full name],
the [day of the week] of [day and month of wedding]
at [hour] o’clock in the [time of day] at
[name of wedding venue] in
[city, state]
Reception to follow

Divorced Parents
[proper name of host]
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if parent is remarried and hosting with new spouse:
[proper names of those hosting]
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if divorced parents are mutually hosting:
[proper name of mother]
and
[proper name of father]
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host]

When the bride’s one living parent is hosting
The invitation is issued only in the name of the living parent:
Mr. [Mrs.] Jonathan Stephen Smith and Timothy Wright
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of his [her] daughter
Elizabeth Ann

When the Bride and Groom host
The honour of your presence
is requested
it the marriage of
Miss Ashley Johnson
to
Mr. Paul Wilkins

OR

Miss Ashley Johnson
and
Mr. Paul Wilkins
request the honour of your presence
at their marriage

Wedding Rings - How to Pick Your Metal

Should you go traditional gold or platinum? Titium or silver? This wedding rings guide's excerpt on ring metals will help you decide:


Platinum

Great Because…
It’s valuable – King Louis declared platinum the only metal fit for a king, need we say more?
It’s durable – platinum is resistant to tarnish and great for holding prong settings
It’s hypoallergenic – platinum is 90-95% pure and won’t irritate the skin

The Downside… It’s expensive – it’s rare, making it more price sensitive
It’s malleable – platinum nicks and scratches easily; however, since no metal is lost - it can be buffed to look good as new.

Gold
Great Because…
It’s traditional – gold has withstood the test of time to be the most common wedding ring metal
It’s less expensive – gold is more abundant than platinum, making it more affordable

The Downside…
It’s not as pure – gold is always mixed with metal alloys (copper, silver, nickel) to make it stronger. The lower the karat, the higher the percentage of other metals.
It’s soft – making it susceptible to denting. The higher the karat, the more pure – and therefore softer - it is. If you’re highly active and not planning to purchase platinum, you may want to consider a lower karat gold.
It’s not as pure – gold is always mixed with metal alloys (copper, silver, nickel) to make it stronger. The lower the karat, the higher the percentage of other metals.
It can irritate skin – metal alloys can cause allergic reactions

Titanium
Great Because…
It’s hypoallergenic
It’s strong – three times stronger than steel
It’s inexpensive

The Downside…
It can’t be resized

Silver
Great Because…
It’s the least expensive precious metal

The Downside…
It’s extremely soft – even when combined with other metals, it shows wear over time
It can irritate skin – usually combined with nickel to make it stronger, silver can cause skin irritations

Unique Wedding Decorations and Alternatives to Flowers

So you're not a froofy floral arrangement kind of bride - that doesn't mean you can't still have a wedding décor scheme that wows. Think outside the proverbial flower box with this list of blossom-free ideas for wedding decorations.

Love Visually -

Build a structure consisting of a bunch of different ornate frames with photos of not only you and your fiancé, but also parents and grandparents whose marriages serve as inspiration for time-tested love.

The Food Pyramid

Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done, so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts - or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.

Outside Looking In -

Give your guests something to really look at with goldfish swimming in aesthetically shaped vases. Consider building interesting mantels or use other species like Siamese fighting fish or white clouds. For their sake, add the water and fish right before the reception and return them to a bigger tank before the party's over.

Au Natural -

Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pine cones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance. This idea will nicely complement a fall wedding theme.

A Library Look -

Stacks of books intricately piled can work in a number of different ways. For sophisticates, choose antique leather-bounds. For a more fun approach, use kitschy romance novels. Or, tie it to your wedding location - if beach-side, go with maritime classics like Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea.

Wine-O -

Wine bottles and decanters create interesting focal pieces. Turn a wine bottle into a "lamp" by filling it with candle oil and adding a wick. Decorate the base of the bottle with bunches of grapes.

This article offers even more unique ideas for wedding decorations. Or visit this complete guide to planning your wedding flowers and wedding decorations.

Wedding Invitation Wording

Gone are the days when wedding etiquette mandated that the bride’s parents, and the bride’s parent’s only, hosted the wedding. Today anyone can foot the bill, and with modern familial arrangements often anything but nuclear, there is no straightforward rule for wording invitations. This wedding invitation wording guide has sorted through the confusion to bring you wording samples for the most common arrangements:

Simple, Traditional Format
[proper names of those hosting] official hosts
request the honour of your presence request line
at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host]
[bride’s first and middle names]
to
[groom’s full name],
the [day of the week] of [day and month of wedding]
at [hour] o’clock in the [time of day] at
[name of wedding venue] in
[city, state]
Reception to follow

Divorced Parents
[proper name of host]
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if parent is remarried and hosting with new spouse:
[proper names of those hosting]
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of [his/her] [relationship of the bride to the host]

Or, if divorced parents are mutually hosting:
[proper name of mother]
and
[proper name of father]
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their [relationship of the bride to the host]

When the bride’s one living parent is hosting
The invitation is issued only in the name of the living parent:
Mr. [Mrs.] Jonathan Stephen Smith and Timothy Wright
requests the honour of your presence
at the marriage of his [her] daughter
Elizabeth Ann

When the Bride and Groom host
The honour of your presence
is requested
it the marriage of
Miss Ashley Johnson
to
Mr. Paul Wilkins

OR

Miss Ashley Johnson
and
Mr. Paul Wilkins
request the honour of your presence
at their marriage

Alternative “Request Line” Options

“pleasure of your company”
“honor of your presence”
“share and celebrate in their joy” another creative idea that reflects the theme and tone of your wedding

Write your own wedding vows

Looking for ways to personalize your wedding ceremony? Consider incorporating your own carefully chosen words into the occasion. Writing your own vows is can be an ambitious undertaking - not only must you determine the perfect words to say, but those words must be rehearsed and recited in front of your closest family and friends on a day that will be one of the most important of your life.

It may be intimadating, but being able to recite personal promises from the heart - rather than the same tired words uttered by every other couple - makes the effort worthwhile.

To help you get started, this guide to writing your wedding vows has some useful tips to make the task a little less laborious.

Let Grooms Get in on the Action Too!

Throughout history, the guys had pretty much been relegated to the sidelines of wedding planning. But as more couples get married at an older age and fund their own weddings, the guys are starting to take a more active role in wedding plans. But traditional planning resources like bridal mangazines still seem to be lagging behind the times, targeting the majority of their advice and tips to the brides. So where's a guy to turn when he wants some advice on executing his share of the wedding plans?

This groom's wedding planning guide is a good place for guys to start, answering questions on everything from buying the ring and popping the question, to choosing groomsmen and making his wedding toast.

Wedding Toasts - Some Tips for the Bride, Groom, Best Man (or anyone with something to say)

There’s nothing like a great toast. And nothing worse than an absolutely torturous one. Here’s how to handle the speeches whether you’re the bride, groom, best man or really any wedding guest...

What to Say (and not to say)
- Always thank the bride’s parents. And both families for that matter.
- Thank the guests too since they make the day what it truly is.
- Look for a particular anecdote that quickly emphasizes a point you’re trying to make. For the best man: a moment when the groom’s personality truly shined.
- Funny is always good, but dirty or too risqué almost always falls flat.
- Inside jokes in front of hundreds of family and friends are pointless too.

Speaking Tips
Think back to the last time you gave a speech or presentation in front of lots of people. How nervous were you? Did you get on a roll when you had cues to rely on or was it better when you were speaking off the top of your head? This should be your guide as to how much time, thought, and effort you need to put into preparing for the speech. Beyond that, here are some tips:

- Even if you’re a veritable John Stewart, think of what you want to say at least a day or two before the wedding.
- The good news is that your subject is something (or rather, someone) dear to your heart. Let that guide you.
- Try to avoid needing to memorize or type out the entire speech. Instead, use a few note cards and practice it a few times to get your rhythm.
- Perhaps the most important thing about a toast though, beyond its pithy stories and emotional moments, is its brevity. Keep it to 2-3 minutes max. Whether you’re the bride, groom, best man, father of the bride, or maid of honor, this day obviously means a lot to you. And while it means something to all of the guests, it’s not as big of a deal for them. So get to the heart of the matter quickly, and get out.

Looking for more advice on making a wedding toast? This complete guide to wedding toasts and speeches will walk you through it.