Lately I have seen many couples trying out new ways to create a wedding program for the guests at their ceremony. I have seen programs in the form of a Broadway show playbill, fans, booklets, and even hanging in a little pouch on each chair. What unique programs have you seen at weddings?

I have a hard time with the idea of a hairstyle that will last exactly 10 hours costing an amount large enough to take up a whole line in your wedding budget. Have you thought about doing your own hair, or finding a friend who is pretty good at following directions and asking them to help?

Martha Stewart has some step-by-step guides on this website that show you how to accomplish a variety of styles without dishing out tons of extra cash that could be spent on your honeymoon!

I am writing from Memphis , Tennessee , home of the Heartbreak Hotel! You know I couldn't travel through here and not give you some information about how to get married in Memphis .

Check out this website for more information about Graceland 's Chapel in the Woods and more ways to really Elvis it up!

P.S. Today is Elvis' birthday!

A few months ago one of the couples I met with for the first time brought their lap top to "show" me their wedding plans. And show me they did!

Using a rad website called Pinterest as a sort of digital bulletin board, the couple selected dozens of pictures that they found inspirational from the Internet to display in one place which really helps them to stay focused on the vibe of their wedding. Pinterest can be used for countless other management ideas, from recipe collections to dream travel destinations.

If you want to keep pinning forefront in your mind while surfing the net, just install a "Pin It" button in your browser toolbar. You can create as many boards as you want, with unlimited "pins" on each board... all for FREE! Happy pinning. 

If you are anything like me, you are always looking for a bargain. So against our better judgment we sign up to be on EVERY store email list possible. Lately we have been getting bombarded with emails about big deals being offered because the holidays are over... this is actually a great opportunities, oh betrothed ones!

I recommend paying close attention to stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby and A.C. Moore. These craft stores offer a lot more than crayons and popsicle sticks... look for deals on things like ribbon, scrapbooking paper (place cards, table numbers), blank stationery and silk flowers. Now is a great time to stock up, even if your wedding is not until next year!

 

Travel agents are key if you want to be sure that your honeymoon plans go smoothly. Not only do they have the ability to schedule your itinerary in a way that will keep you and your new spouse relaxed and entertained, they also have access to great travel discounts and insight about excursions that are not well known but could very well make the whole honeymoon!

I recently booked a vacation to New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville with Empress Travel & Cruises. I haven't even left for the trip yet and I am already thrilled with their service because I found out about a sporting event that was taking place in New Orleans the same week that I was going to stay there and I called them in a panic, but they calmly helped me to rearrange the vacation so I could avoid several thousand football fans and enjoy the city the way it usually is. I also booked a trip to Scotland with them a few years ago and felt incredibly safe traveling to Europe by myself for the first time because they helped me to find a tour company that was geared toward people my age traveling alone. 

Now imagine if I had to try to make changes like booking new flights and changing hotel rooms in the middle of planning a wedding and all of the other things that happen this time of year! A travel agent absolutely takes away all that extra stress.Their prices are very reasonable and I highly recommend starting with Empress if you are considering booking your honeymoon with a travel agent!

A wedding is not only a time to celebrate the relationship between you and your partner, it is a time to celebrate your family and friends. So be sure to express your gratitude for their support and love by adding a few small touches to your celebration:

• Include a note of thanks in your ceremony program
  
• Propose a toast from the two of you to all of your family and friends; tell them how much they all mean to you and how thankful you are that they were able to share in your special day
• Give your guests a small token of thanks such as a wedding favor; this could be as simple as a bit of candy, an engraved keepsake, or a donation made to a charity in their honor
• ALWAYS send "thank you" notes for gifts that you receive!
  

Here's a simple idea yet fun (and probably inexpensive) favor idea: s'mores kits. What could be more romantic than sharing a delicious s'more snack with someone you love? This website gives you step-by-step instructions and materials lists that will walk you through the process.  Get crafty!

Halloween weddings can be very memorable for guests... certainly your anniversary will be easy for them to remember! While some make opt to take the blood-and-guts approach with a Halloween wedding, there is evidence out there in cyber space that Halloween weddings can be playful and fun, yet elegant and chic. Happy Haunting!

With all of the stationery involved in a wedding; engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations and thank you notes, consider making your wedding paper goods stand out by personalizing! Check out Expressionery for some great ideas.