• Signs – Cute signs can add a cute addition to your wedding decor. Signs can also aid in pointing guests in the right direction.

• Speeches – Speeches are a common wedding tradition coming from the father of the bride, maid of honor, best man.  However, avoid having too many people give speeches as to not prolong the service.

• Extra activities – It’s a nice gesture to provide extra activities at your wedding. However, too many activities can turn your wedding into a play palace.

• Accessories – You don’t want to go overboard on accessories. You want to be the focus of the day not competing with jewelry pieces. Stick to one or two statement pieces.

• DIY – You may want to add special handmade touches to your ceremony and wedding.

• Alcohol – While you don’t have to avoid alcohol all together. It’s probably a good idea not to go overboard.

-Diane’s Bridal Boutique

The FIRST 5 things to do on your wedding day!

Stay hydrated!!

Drinking a 16oz glass of water (with or without lemon) before starting your day is the quickest way to boost your metabolism.

 Send your future spouse a text

If you didn’t spend the night together, you can take this time to send a cute message to your future spouse.  Some brides like to save these messages as a keepsake to look back on their bridal emotions later.

Air out your wedding gown

If you’ve kept your dress stored in a bag, this is a good time to open it and let it air out. This can get rid of any bag smell and loosen any wrinkles. Some brides will also take this time to have their wedding photographer snap a picture of their gown before putting it on.

Turn OFF your phone!

You’re the bride! Today is YOUR day and you don’t need to be taking calls or texts from anyone. That’s what your maid of honor, mother and bridesmaids are for. Turning your phone off will allow you to take in these once in a lifetime wedding moment without being distracted by social media.

Be still!

Take a moment to relax. Sit down, take a deep breath and take a look around at your surroundings. Soak up all these moments. Your wedding day will be one of the most exciting moments in your life and you’ll want to remember them.

-Diane’s Bridal

1.  Wedding Planning Happens Online

Pinterest was made for wedding planning, 69 percent of couples will use Pinterest or other social media to search creative wedding ideas for there wedding.

2. More Brides Are Skipping White Wedding Gowns

Wearing white on your wedding day is a wedding tradition. However, more brides are choosing to wear a color on their bridal gown.  (pink-blush, champagne, light gold)

3. Bridesmaids Can Wear What They Want

Fewer brides are asking their bridesmaids to wear the same dress. They’ll typically ask for the same color dress or color scheme.

4. Couples Are Surprising Their Guests

The biggest surprise in the 2018 Newlywed Report is couples surprising their guests with a special performance.

5. Delayed Honeymoon

Honeymoons aren’t occurring immediately after the wedding. 50% of couples are having a delayed honeymoon. Couples are choosing to wait until a preferable season to honeymoon, while others are staying local to spend time with family/friends who’ve flown in.

Happy Planning from Diane’s Bridal!

1. Narrow down a budget

         Decide how much you want to spend for your entire wedding.

2. Send out Invites

3. Book a venue

         Choose the perfect venue, keep in mind your budget and guest count.

4. Complete your team

          Book your makeup, hair stylists and also choose your bridesmaids.

5. Buy the rings

         Bride’s ring- engagement ring and the wedding band. Groom ring is just a wedding band.

6. Create an online wedding registry and website to share with your guests.

7. Start looking for your wedding attire for your complete bridal party at least six months to one year out.

8. Plan your wedding reception

9. Get your marriage license a couple of weeks before

10. GET MARRIED!!

• Start your dress shopping 9-12 months out to allow time for special order gowns and also alterations.
• Wear appropriate under garments. (Strapless bra, spandex, corsets)
• Have a bridal gown budget. (Alterations are a separate charge, allow up to $500 max for this service)
• Wear your hair in a style that resembles what it’ll look like on your wedding day. This helps when trying on veils/ hair accessories.
• For dress ideas, start looking at photos of dress styles (a-line, ballgown, mermaid)
• Wear minimal makeup to avoid smears on the gowns.
• You should limit the amount of guests you bring. The more guests you have, the more opinions they’ll have, which can make choosing a dress very difficult.
• Don’t wear rings or necklaces to your bridal appointment that may snag a bridal gown.
• If you spray tan, make sure they are 1-2 weeks old to avoid staining the gowns.
• Bring a heel similar to what you’ll wear on your wedding day so you can get an idea of how long the dress length will be.