Sometimes the more I think about my wedding, the more I want to elope. Friday I even took it one step further to call the wedding coordinator at the Flamingo Hotel. But I know that wouldn't fly with my FH but a girl can hope. Plus I want something fun and exciting and really just someone to do the work for me (which coincidentally may be a reoccurring theme in all of my blogs this week). After viewing a lot of the packages offered by The Flamingo Hotel, Caesars Palace, Imperial Palace and Paris Las Vegas.

My favorite package our of all the options was at the Flamingo and their Vegas A Go Go package. This package is my favorite because it allows for you and up to 6 guest to take a 3 hr tour of Vegas taking pictures at all of the hot spots. How could you not love that? And when compared to all of the packages out of all the hotels, it offers the most amenities for the price.

The main reason I even began looking up hotels in Vegas was for our honeymoon. Trying to figure out some options for us. So even if we don't elope in Vegas, at least we can have a killer honeymoon at the beautiful Paris Las Vegas. And here's why:

   * Four-night Stay in our Spectacular Calais Suite*
   * In-Suite Wine & Cheese Welcome Amenity
   * Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Two
   * Fresh Floral Arrangements & Rose Petals for Your Suite
   * A Bottle of Champagne & A Pair of Paris Champagne Glasses
   * Nightly Turndown Service
   * Champagne Breakfast in Bed Gift Certificate
   * Romantic Honeymoon Gift Basket
   * Paris Postcards
   * Two Paris Bathrobes (one size fits most)
   * Couple's Swedish Massage at Mandara Spa
   * Four Spa Relaxation & Fitness Center Entry Tickets
   * Two Hour Limousine Service - Up to 6 Passengers
   * Two Eiffel Tower Tour Tickets
   * Two Jubilee Show Tickets - An Original Las Vegas Extravaganza!
   * $200 Room Service Credit
   * $300 Restaurant Credit
   * One Hour On-Property Professional Photography Tour for the Bride & Groom
   * Selection of: 24 - 4 x 6 Photographs
   * Paris 4 x 6 Photo Album

Total price: $4700

I've never claimed to be the most financially savvy person. In fact my eyes can be bigger than my wallet at times. But for a honeymoon with all of this stuff included it seems to even out. I'm more so concerned about the $500 in credit we get for food. It's just two of us. And over the course of 4 days I don't think we would eat that much. So let me know what you think.


Photo Credit: Flamingo Las Vegas

So I sold my other dress, and now I am in the process of trying to find another. Well, on my excursion this weekend aka my alone time, I wandered into a bridal store and much to my dismay I found a dress.

I use the term 'dismay' because I had no intention on buying a dress. As a matter of fact, I didn't have the money to buy one either-not even a down payment. But I found one. It was a sample San Patrick retailing for $2450 final asking $600 so you see why I say dismay/cruel fate. Well, I tried it on, and it fit. I felt like a princess in it, it was comfortable and I could move as if I was walking on air.

So I'm going to scour some sites to see if I can find another sample, because chances are it won't be available when I do get the money. But it's still a gorgeous dress. Take a look for yourself.

Now if you found your dream dress--and you were flat broke, how would you feel? At least I now know the name of the dress and the fact that it exist, so I may be able to find it in another store it's Spring 2009 so people are getting rid of last season's dresses.

(Photo Credits: me)

While looking for unique ideas, I came across a wonderful company out of Tallahassee, Florida called Posh Stems and Company.  

For anyone looking for ideas that incorporate the use of fruit, yellow, lemons--or if you just need something to fill some empty canisters at the bar without making it look trashy, here is a great way to do it:

Your eyes are not decieving you, these are lemons!! And just look at the way the managed to incorporate them into the bouquets and centerpieces. Stunning. More pictures can be found on their blog.

After looking at these photos, you will probably be thinking of how you can add some flavor into your wedding.

Photo Credits; poshstemsco.com

So I was browsing YouTube and I came across this very beautiful song and I just had to share. He is an unsigned artist (or maybe indie artist)-Jon McLaughlin. He came to a concert last month at Wake Forest and I saw him there and I instantly feel in love with his music. This song is the perfect example of a wonderful wedding song.

If you bought Beyonce's last cd you will hear she did a cover of it and renamed it "Smash into You". But the original is so much better!! A lot more emotion in the song and more of the kind of music my fiance and I can both enjoy.

Here are both versions and I will let you decide for yourself:

I must say this is a def. a contender for first dance. Or maybe a pre-wedding song. I don't know. Hmm...

So I was browsing YouTube earlier and realized I created a playlist back in December with some possible wedding songs. I was going through the songs and not only did it bring tears to my eyes, it made me want to go ahead and get married.

A lot of the songs on the playlist were very special to me. While we don't have a song, I'm sure one of these could possibly be it.

Here is a sampling of the songs on the playlist:

Martina McBride-Valentine (yes I listen to country music)

Snow Patrol-Chasing Cars

Case-Happily Ever After

Jon B. & Babyface-Someone to Love

Chuck Wicks-Stealing Cinderella (possible father/daughter dance) Brad Paisley-She's Gone

Boyz II Men-Thank you in Advance

Musiq-Love

N*SYNC-This I Promise You, God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You

Backstreet Boys-Shape of Your Heart(maybe)

Savage Garden-I Knew I Loved You/Truly Madly Deeply (can't leave those out)

Monica-Angel of Mine

I have no clue what song we will dance to. But "Valentine" will def. be a song sung at our wedding ceremony. "This I Promise You" is a very special song as well. So I'm torn between which one would be sung at the ceremony.

Does anyone know how many songs are sung during the ceremony. Most weddings on have 1 right?

Anywho--One could be sung as the guest are entering as well. But I want to hear both songs. My FH refuses to dance to an N*SYNC song, but the lyrics encompass everything we've been through and it just fits! I don't want a lot of slow songs played at the reception, but there a lot of songs that I would like played. So what do I do? It's my wedding aka Lovefest--so I should play what I want right? Wrong!!

At least so I've read in every major wedding publication around. I'm sure some of my guest won't mind--because they could appreciate the songs as well. And of course it would be a great mixture of uptempo/fast songs along with the ballads.

But when I think of my wedding I've pictured a lot of ballads (well actually certain ones) being played and the ones named up top are just a few. There aren't many. No more than 15. And for a reception that should be plenty.

What songs are you planning on using-do you have a first dance song yet? Or a ceremony song?

Martina McBride-Valentine

When planning your wedding you have to be mindful of a lot of things that can occur in the lives of your guest. Yes it's your day and it revolves around you, but you also want people to come to your wedding, so you should take into consideration the schedule of the guest most important to you.

Not saying you should call everyone up and ask how much vacation time they have--just be respectful that not everyone can make it to your Tuesday wedding. So here are some tips that I have provided to shed a little bit of light on how to make the day more convenient for your guest and less stressful planning for yourself.

Inclement Weather - Depending on your wedding location, winter weather can be particularly hairy. If so, don’t force your guests to walk too far or spend considerable time outside. Dress the wedding party (including yourself) in seasonably warm attire.

Holidays - Remember that the action-packed holiday season and higher travel costs make it potentially inconvenient for guests to attend a December or early January wedding. Book your date and spread the word early.

School--If you have guest with children or even college students attending your wedding or who are members of your wedding, be mindful of their off days. In GA they have fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, winter and spring break (year round school) so for those coming from that area would not have a problem with our wedding date. Those in college may have more of a dilemma, especially with the wedding being on a Sunday, but my suggestion to them would be not to miss too many classes during that semester or quarter-sorry!

Also be mindful of the activities you plan during your wedding weekend. For instance my future sister in law is in color guard and my brother and cousin play football. All 3 will be entering their senior year next year. While I can't help the fact they are members of these things, I can make it convenient for them, by not scheduling activities until Saturday instead of Friday (keep in mind my wedding is on a Sunday).

Football--Since my wedding is right in the heart of football season, I am making every effort to make sure that our date doesn't fall on the day of a big game. Luckily for me my FH and I are huge College Football fans and mediocre NFL fans. There are men that will skip a wedding simply because it will fall on the day of big game. I've had first hand experience with that. My FH actually wanted me to go into labor early or wait a week later just so it wouldn't fall on the day of the Florida/Georgia game.

If there are any more tips you girls can add please let me know.

April Showers Bring May Flowers.

Well maybe that is the case, but the most beautiful time of year in my personal opinion has to be spring. With the temperature just right, fresh flowers starting to blossom, a bride and groom-to-be can never go wrong with choosing this season to share their nuptials with.

Daylight Savings Time begins in March so if you are looking for a sunset wedding this may not be the right season for you. But if you envision a glorious afternoon wedding with a party that just won't end--then this is perfect!

The sun will still be shining long into the nigh and when the sun finally does set and the moon is shining big and bright--you and your groom can be whisked away in your chariot (or limo, bike, horse drawn carriage) knowing you threw the most fabulous party of the season.

While Springtime is perfect for love, the weather can be very unpredictable so be sure to keep your farmer's almanac handy and have a back up plan prepared.

Also even though you've been out of high school for a while, keep in mind Spring gives way to Prom Season for many high schoolers. So you will be competing with the teenage boys trying to impress their first loves--BOOK YOUR TRANSPORTATION EARLY!!! You don't want to be left out in the cold in your beautiful dress while a 12th grader is riding in still to his high school gymnasium.

Colors

When imagining spring you probably envision pastels and looks of pinks, greens and yellows. Well you can play up the season and play down the colors for a perfect mixture of your personality without all the cheesiness by adding in some classic undertones to your wedding (after all we have to keep it a little manly for the groom).

Thanks to The Perfect Palette for these wonderful color combos:

Pink & Grey

Blush & Black

Latte &Shades of Yellow

Peach, Celery & Orange

Hot Pink & Lime Green

Ocean & Sand

Candy Apple Red & Kraft Paper Brown

Grey & Shades of Yellow

Flowers While I'm sure you don't want it looking like a garden party or even a tea party--having plenty of flowers available and present for your spring wedding seems to be the only fitting choice given the season.

* Seasonal blooms – classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers

* Creative containers – put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns. * Potted plants – potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all –you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Menu

*In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb

* Fresh produce – round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes

* Elegant sides – serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat

* Bar favorites – a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Cakes

(Photo Credit:Jacques Pastries)

Living in North Carolina I hear that it snows a lot. (Photo Credit: The Perfect Palette)

Probably not as much as it does up north, but the fact that it still snows is enough to make me wanna head further south like the birds do.

For those brides who are daring enough to brave the winter season with their strapless, backless dresses I salute you! You're a lot better than me. Regardless of the fashion presented for your winter shindig I would like provide a few tips to make this the best winter ever. Enough to give Santa a run for his money (at least when it comes to the anticipation of the most important day of your life).

Colors

Traditionally a lot of brides in the past (from what I've seen) have gone with the reds, greens, whites, silvers and golds for their wedding day because of the season. You don't have to do that! It's your day so don't be afraid to use a little bit of color (other than those mentioned).

There is a great way to incorporate some beautiful summery/spring-like colors into your wedding without making it seem as if you are trying to hard. If you are one of those brides who wants to use the winter theme--by all means go for it. Snowflakes and poinsettias can make for great decorations and they would be very easy to come by as well.

Here are some color suggestions:

If you are not sure about how you would fully execute a wedding using non-traditional winter colors here are a few suggestions of mine that may seem helpful.

Light Blue & Lavender

Plum & Silver

Wine,White & Silver

Color brought to you by The Perfect Palette:

Cranberry, White & Silver

Slate Grey & Silver

Red & Shades of Grey

Magenta & Antique Gold

Antique Gold & Shades of Grey

Navy & Copper

Chocolate Brown, Red, Black & Gold

(photo credit: the perfect palette)

One of my least favorite patterns for any season is damask. It doesn't appeal to me. It looks cute, but it's overdone a lot of times. And I feel some brides get a little lazy just picking Damask and Tiffany Blue. (just my opinion though)

Guest

There are some problems that can be associated with a winter wedding. I know of a lot of brides who want to have an outside wedding--30 degrees, wind is blowing and snow all over the place. They don't care--it's their wedding and they want it that way. Well that's fine.

You can have it any way you want. But I'm sure you still want people to come-correct? So when planning a winter wedding (same for summer) try to be considerate of your guest. You may be the one paying for everything and it may be your dream wedding but at the end of the day--you are the one hosting the party and you would want your guest to feel comfortable. And the thought of sitting outside in the freezing cold would be enough to make me want to sit the wedding out and put the gift in the mail! So think of your guest.

Treat them how you would want to be treated. You can still have the effect of a winter wedding without making everyone else feel uncomfortable.

Check out my "Be Our Guest" blog entry on how to make your "guest" feel like GUEST!("Be Our Guest" will probably pop up Thursday if the post appear in order)

Invitations

Here is a beautiful invitation feature in the Get Married Shop called Winter Wonders (item number GM039).

This gorgeous invitation features some beautiful blue shimmering snowflakes in a wonderful gate fold style.

Flowers

Winter Wedding Flowers In Season

Amaryllis

Camellias

Forget-me-nots

Jasmine

Orchids

Poinsettias

Holly

Winter venue advice:

1) Unless your wedding is in a location with guaranteed winter-like ambiance, you may want to avoid a ballroom with a large picture window. Instead of overlooking serene banks of snow, you may wind up with a panoramic view of a dreary gray day.

2) Make sure your site will be adequately heated, some older buildings can be drafty.

3) Be sure to ask what seasonal decorations your venue may use; you may be able to save on décor costs if your venue is already suitably decorated.

Décor elements

* Color palette –

*- new-fallen snow - use whites and creams accented with silver or gold.

- winter sparkle – ice blue or navy accented with silver

- black tie - black is especially suited for a winter wedding when paired with white, silver or gold.

Go glam – deck your halls with crystal detailing for a sparkling winter effect– adorning linens and chair covers or sprinkled over table tops. The result is deliciously glam and oh so fab.

* Liberal use of candle light – the glow will add warmth and elegance.

* Holiday theme – decorate with potted evergreens, pine branches, wreathes, poinsettias, ornaments, bells, or twinkling white lights.

Menu

Heavy dishes

serve heartier fare in sophisticated, creative ways – such as colorful butternut squash puree or warm pumpkin soup in ramekins or shot glasses.

If you aren't a fan of pumpkin soup--Clam Chowder or Creamy Tomato Bisque would provide a greater starter item. Especially if guest have to travel from one venue to another.

Wintery beverages

warm guests with eggnog, spiced wine or mixed coffee drinks

Apple Cider (or some form of cider) is always a plus.

Hot Tea

Cocoa

Then there is the bar--Irish Coffee

Cakes

These cakes are so amazing they don't even need an introduction. This section features a little bit of something for everyone. From traditional to outragous!

(Photo Credits: Jacques Pastries)

The first thing most couples do after becoming engaged is setting a date. Many choose something that is significant to their relationship (i.e. 10.10.10 for me. Since we met on 10.11-which is a Monday next year). Others decide to go with one that is convenient for guest coming in town and others go based on the season.

I've been to Fall, Winter and Summer weddings. But never a wedding in the Spring. I don't think I missed much. But I've never been to one.

My wedding of course will be held in the fall. So I have decided to dedicate 4 blogs to wedding planning in the various seasons. Just to provide the newer brides with some ideas in case they haven't chosen a date yet or if they need some ideas when it comes to themes and planning.

The first season I will feature is Fall.

I have made it known that I am not a fan of the fall wedding theme. But I have found some invitations and favors for those of you who are.

This beautiful invitation is feature right here in the Get Married Store (see: Pumpkin Passion Wedding Invitation GM038). (Photo Credit: Get Married)

This invitation is beautiful yet simple for the bride who wants to make a statement and show just how unique her wedding will be.

Colors

When choosing colors and dress styles here is a wonderful inspiration board and photo from The Perfect Palette:

What I love about this, is the individuality of each Bridesmaid with the various boots. They all bring something different plus it's comfortable and looks as if they are having a great time.

When choosing colors and you don't already have some in mind--think dark, rich, rustic colors.

Orange, Green, Dk. Yellow (i.e. Mustard), Chocolate and Crimson.

(Photo Credit: The Perfect Palette)

Last but not least is a wonderful guestbook also featured in the Get Married Store (Leaf Guest Book item# GMAGBTEMGGML).

(Photo Credit: Get Married)

Choosing a theme that is season related seems very simple. Because all of the planning and ideas are right there in front of you. But it's not as simple as some may think.

Most of the favors and table settings dedicated to the fall theme include leaves and pumpkins. That's about it. So what if you aren't a leaf and pumpkin kind of bride-then what? I suggest taking it to nature (and the grocery store or farmer's market). You can find a lot of different items to include in your fall theme that would be a lot more your style--apples, sunflowers, cinnamon. Just to name a few.

So I hope this helps!

Wedding monograms have always intrigued me.

I have been looking into some monograms over the past couple of weeks and I can't seem to find any that I really like. I even went so far as to create my own. And I'm still a little confused.

I've check out Marry Monograms to get some ideas and I still don't really like any of the ones they have. Does anyone know of any programs that I could use to create my own monogram? The monogram in the inset is one that I really like, but I don't think this would really fit with the type of wedding I want to have.

2 Questions before I end this:

Also have any of you been to a wedding where they have used the GOBO lighting? I've heard they burn out really really fast and one of the locations said they would not allow us to use them because of the hazard.

#2-If I plan on hyphenating my name should I include that on the monogram or not? Thanks for the help.

Nikki

(Photo Credits: Marry Monograms)