How to Plan a Well-Organized Wedding and Rehearsal

One of the most stressful things--for brides, and for those attending their weddings--is a poorly organized event. Nothing makes the wedding weekend crazier than a bunch of people running around asking each other questions with no answers. This is especially true for DIY brides, but even those with a wedding planner will need to sort out the details. So do yourself, and everyone else, a huge favor and take some time to thoroughly organize your big day with these tips.

Start Early

Regardless of how much time you have to plan, get started early on deciding what you do and do not want included in your wedding ceremony and reception. Think through who will be doing what, how you envision the day transpiring, and what elements are important to you. No one else will know just what you want, and if you leave it up to others to decide, you may end up disappointed and they'll end up stressed.

Do keep in mind that even though you're planning everything out now, things may change, and the day may not go exactly as planned. But, having thought through the specifics in advance will help you relax when your wedding weekend comes.

I know some brides don't care as much about the little details, but do keep in mind that someone will. Whether it's the officiant, your family, or the wedding planner, at some point someone will ask what you want. Help out those involved in your big day and plan those details. This will save them from the stress of wondering, "What does the bride want?" Plus, it will help cut down on the questions you will have to answer.

Map it Out

As you begin your early planning process, start a document on your computer or tablet where you can type up your plans. As you determine details and specifics, map out where they fall, both in the timeline of the weekend and in terms of responsibility. It will help you worry less as you'll have the details in writing, and it will help you distribute responsibilities among your bridal party, coordinators, and attendants.

Your map should include all the information your bridal party will need--different events and their locations throughout the weekend, pertinent contact information, etc.--as well as a breakdown of responsibilities for the big day--who will direct the bridal party as they walk down the aisle, who will help bustle your dress, who will be responsible for collecting your gifts and cards. It doesn't hurt to be thorough in writing out instructions.

As your wedding weekend gets closer, continue editing your map until it is ready to go. Provide a copy of it to anyone who may need the information, including your officiant, your wedding or ceremony coordinator, your attendants, and your bridal party. You can also give people individualized lists if they don't need all the information.

Rock Your Rehearsal 

The best wedding rehearsals I've been to have been planned out in advance. The really good ones included a printed breakdown of exactly who was doing what and when. You should meet with your officiant (and coordinator if you have one) before the rehearsal to talk through these details. Your officiant or coordinator may prepare and print a breakdown of the rehearsal for you, but if they don't, you can create one yourself.

The breakdown should be like a more detailed version of your wedding program with clear instructions for everyone involved. Make sure to include details for the officiant, ushers, bridal party (including the ring bearer and flower girl), family members, musicians, and anyone else involved. Everyone will need to know when it's their turn to participate, where they need to go, what they need to do, and what song will be playing. Make sure you have enough copies for everyone involved, and a few extra just in case.

Besides giving everyone thorough instructions, the printout will also help when people aren't paying attention (shocker, some people will talk through the instructions). These socialites can refer to the typed document when they realized they missed the part that was for them.

Don't Stress

Once you've finished your map and assigned responsibilities, try to relax. People will most likely still have questions, so don't feel like you failed if that happens. If the answer is on the map, kindly refer them there or direct them to an attendant who can help. This is your day to enjoy, so relax and tell yourself it's time to reap the rewards of all your hard work.

My Summer Beauty Picks

With warmer days right around the corner, spring is a perfect time to get your beauty routine summer-ready. I don't know about you, but winter leaves me feeling sort of bleh. I've usually over-indulged in heavy foods, worn thick sweaters and long pants, and haven't seen my toes for months.

Along with getting active and eating healthier foods, I want to use some great beauty products to help me get ready for summer. I created this board with 12 of my top picks to share with all of you. Whether you're planning a stay-cation or going on a vacation, get your skin and beauty routine summer-ready with these products.

1. Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Scrub - One of the first steps to getting your skin ready for summer is by exfoliating. Bath & Body Works' scrubs will definitely help with that! Find one in a new summery scent (like this one!) and make sure to get the corresponding Ultra Shea Body Cream for hydration and the Fragrance Mist to lock in the scent.

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist - Tanning in the sun is fun, but isn't always safe. If you're looking for a good self-tanner, I recommend Airbrush Color from Banana Boat. It's easy to apply, and doesn't turn you orange. You can get a little color from one application or build a deeper color over several days.

3. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanse - I recently started using this cleanser and I love it. I'm adding it to my summer beauty routine because it not only keeps my skin clear, but is lightweight and will be perfect for cleansing away chlorine, dirt and sun screen.

4. Clean Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I'm always on the lookout for facial products that have SPF built in, especially during the summer. I recommend starting with this moisturizer, it's light and will brighten your skin.

5. Garnier Fructis De-Constructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray - Whether or not you're actually at the beach, you can still get beachy waves with this texturizing spray. You can scrunch it into damp hair before you dry, or twist your hair up and leave overnight for extra waves. Who doesn't love an effortless hairstyle during the summer?

6. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo - I almost never wash my hair two days in a row, so dry shampoo is a staple. I recommend this one because it leaves hair looking fresh and not greasy. Use it to extend the life of your blowout or save time when you're getting ready for the day.

7. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - Summertime and the activities that come with it can definitely dry out your skin. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and protected from the sun with the SPF 20 in this balm.

8. Neutrogena Naturals Cleansing Towelettes - I'm a big fan of makeup remover towelettes, especially when I'm using waterproof products. I really like these from Neutrogena because they are free of parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, and dyes. They're great for when you're on-the-go, or times when you might be tempted to go to bed without washing your face.

9. Bliss Spa Fat Girl Slim - I got turned onto this product when I was looking for a skin-firming cream with caffeine before my wedding. After one application I noticed the skin on my arms looking firmer and smoother. It's not a weight loss tool, but it's great for giving your skin and confidence a boost.

10. Bath Body Brush - Another great exfoliating tool is a bath brush. This brush can be used on dry skin, but I prefer to use it in the shower. I apply body wash and use it to scrub dry skin and cellulite problem areas.

11. e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach - I love using a shimmering bronzing stick to create a sun-kissed glow. With this color stick by e.l.f., a little goes a long way, and it only costs $1!

12. NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder - Set your summer look with this super lightweight finishing powder. A little goes a long way and leaves a soft finish.

What are your favorite summer beauty products? Share them in the comments!

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

Today I'm sharing 12 of my top beauty picks from this year and all time. I'm including the items that have gotten me the most complements and have made me feel my best. I'm also answering the questions I am most frequently asked about my beauty routine and my hair. :)

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

1. L'Oreal Feria Wild Ombre Hair Color - People most often comment on my hair and this is how I create my ombre look (yes, my hair is DIY). I started using this kit over a year ago and I love how my hair looks with it.

My recommendation is to follow the directions until it comes to actually applying the dye to your hair. In the included instructions, you put the color on from mid-strand moving downward. If you want a subtle fade, you want to apply from the tip upward.

I recommend applying in two- to four-inch segments (depending on how long your hair is and where you want your ombre to fade out), every five to seven minutes moving from the ends upward. Follow the included instructions for how to part your hair for dying and how long to leave the dye on your hair (start timing from your first segment application). If you want to get a little more creative, you can add in a highlighting-effect by covering longer sections of hair for more time as you dye.

If you have more questions about this, contact me!

2. L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray - I follow up every ombre dye-session with a generous helping of this nourishing oil, which I also apply daily. It protects against heat damage and color fade. Plus it makes your hair feel hydrated and less static-prone in the winter.

3. Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer - This primer is amazing. It has a slight tint, so you can wear it alone or under foundation. It goes on smooth and makes your face feel soft while holding your makeup in place throughout the day.

4. Revlon PhotoReady Makeup - I originally tested this foundation for my wedding makeup since I was using tinted moisturizer and BB creams for daily wear. I fell in love with it right away and have been using it regularly since. People often comment on how my skin looks (it's been called "peaches and cream" before), and I owe it all to this foundation. (I use 004 Nude.)

5. Mary Kay Concealer - For those times when a bigger, more visible blemish needs to be covered, I recommend Mary Kay's concealer. (I use Beige 1.)

6. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer - I love Too Faced's chocolate bronzers. They go on smooth and smell amazing too. Bronzer is quickly becoming another daily makeup item I use for contouring and I also use a little on my eyelids.

7. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Another thing people sometimes comment on is my eyeliner. I've tried lots of different kinds over the years but most recently I've stuck with Maybelline's Unstoppable Eyeliner. It glides on smoothly and you don't have to sharpen it, just twist for more. My trick for a smooth line is to use a conical sponge tip to smooth and straighten after I apply the liner.

8. Dove White Beauty Bar - I've dealt with skin conditions like eczema for most of my life and the only thing that's consistently kept my skin clear is Dove's bar soap. I used to use Dove body wash, but even that didn't give me the consistency of bar soap. So I'm sticking with it and recommending it to you!

9. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask - This mask can also be used as an exfoliating scrub. It always leaves my skin looking better than any other face cleanser I've used. Plus I love and recommend regular exfoliation. 

10. Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray - For the days I don't wash my hair, I use Suave's dry shampoo. It's good at eliminating oily spots and it smell like grapefruit.

11. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance - Any time someone tells me I smell good, I'm always wearing Amber Romance. My tip is to spray body mist onto your hair, which holds the fragrance better than skin and it'll be the first thing someone smells if they give you a hug.

12. Crest 3D White Vivid Whitestrips - Finally, I recommend Crest Whitestrips for a whiter, more confident smile. I started using Crest whitening products in college when I noticed yellowing on my teeth. Since then, I periodically use the strips to maintain whiteness, but mostly just use whitening toothpaste. Crest Whitestrips really do work and are less expensive than whitening treatments you can get at the dentist, so I always recommend them to anyone who asks.

Honeymoon Planning: Packing + Traveling Tips

In case you've missed every wedding planning post I've written up to now, you should know, I love to pass on wedding advice to my bride friends. That, of course, includes advice on honeymoon planning! I haven't blogged much about that yet (save for a guest post), but what better time to start than now?

Getting ready to travel is one of the most stressful parts of honeymoon planning, especially if you're planning it yourself. There's the hassle of figuring out what to pack and the stress of arranging transportation. Help ease the stress with these honeymoon planning tips.

Packing Tips

1. Create a packing list in advance. As soon as you know where you're traveling to, start making a list of the things you want to pack. The more time you give yourself to make your list, the less likely you'll be to forget something. (And to help with that, check out my packing list suggestions below!)

2. Include outfits on your packing list. Don't wait until the last minute to plan your attire or you'll end up either over-packing or, worse, under-packing. Use down time before your wedding to take an inventory of pieces you have and items you'll need to buy. Also look for ways to make multiple outfits with the same pieces by mixing and matching coordinating clothes.

3. Trim your packing list. Okay, this is me preaching to the choir because I always over-pack. However, it's a really good idea to eliminate some of the non-necessities, like that extra dress or unnecessary pair of shoes. You won't want to be bogged down by a heavy suitcase or run out of room for any souvenirs you may find.

4. Pack as early as possible. Whatever you do, don't leave packing to the night before you leave, it will only add to the stress and cause you to pack more than you need. I recommend starting packing the week before if possible. Obviously you can't pack anything you'll need to wear, but you should at least start filling your suitcase with whatever you can. You can always throw in a few things last-minute, like your phone charger, camera, and some clothes.

5. Bag your liquids. Protect your clothes and accessories from potential spills by putting all your liquids in zip-top bags. Even if you're not flying to your destination, you always run the risk of something leaking. Save yourself the trouble of having to clean up your suitcase and bag up anything that could leak!

Travel Tips

1. Shop around. Always compare prices on anything for your wedding before you buy, and that includes your honeymoon travel. Don't settle on the first thing you find as there could be a money-saving alternative.

2. Consider an all-inclusive option. When we were planning our honeymoon, we mapped out prices and found that the best deal was an all-inclusive resort. It covered our room, all meals and drinks, transportation, and entertainment. Depending on where you are going and what you want to do, an all-inclusive could be the best option for you.

3. Check out RelayRides. If you need to rent a car when you reach your domestic travel destination, look into RelayRides, a peer-to-peer sharing car rental service. They have cars available at airports across the country and can help renters save money with great, low-price options. Check out their site or download their app, available in the App Store or on Google Play.

My Packing List

Some things to consider putting on your list:
scarf / bobby pins / facial cleansing wipes / bronzer / spray-able sunscreen / headphones
a catch-all bag / flip-flops / phone charger / camera / wide-brimmed hat / skin-nourishing spray / lip balm
sparkly earrings / cardigan / reading material / sunglasses / wide-tooth comb / journal / pen
card game / hair ties / necklace / passport / sleep mask / beach cover-up

On Becoming a MOH

Last week, this showed up on my Facebook newsfeed and I was pretty dang excited. :)

One of my best friends in the whole wide world, Jessica, is getting married this summer and asked me to be her Matron of Honor (aka, MOH). I've been in several weddings, but always as a standard bridesmaid. So I figured, why not document this occasion and add it to my wedding ramblings on this blog? I figured I'd be learning some great new things that I could pass along to other future "honors." So get ready! :)

In the mean time, let me just tell you a little about Jessica. Jess and I met back in our college days once, but were never really in the same friend circle. (Which actually is really sad because the two of us together is the right combo of crazy and fun and what friend circle wouldn't want that?!) Then one summer we both moved out to Colorado to live closer to guys we were dating and decided to meet up one day. That kicked off our awesome friendship, and for a while our lives followed a really similar path. That is, until I moved back to Iowa. :/

It's been hard to have a long-distance friendship because we're both face-to-face quality time-type people, but we always make it a point to chat on Google or Skype or Facebook or text. This has helped us stay close even while miles apart. And I've learned that if you put in the effort, you can still have a great relationship even if you can't hang out in person as much as you want. I'm so thankful that Jessica is the type of friend who will put in that effort right back. She and I both know we can text the other one whenever to talk about whatever (sometimes that meant guy drama, or job stuff, or moving, or family craziness, or just regular old mundane stuff). Having someone who is always there for you is the biggest blessing, and I have been so blessed by knowing Jessica.

Over the past few years we've been able to see each other about once a year, visiting either in Colorado or Chicago/Iowa. Last year, Jessica was a bridesmaid in my wedding and helped throw me a fantastic bachelorette party and pretty much made sure everyone was having fun the whole weekend. We haven't seen each other since then, but I'm so glad we'll be together for her big day!

I'm a big sucker for weddings, so I'm super excited for everything that will be going on. I'm also excited to document the process and will be sharing all the important details here. Until I get back to post again, I would really appreciate any tips/advice you have for being a matron of honor, from a MOH's perspective as well as a bride's, because I think both are important. I want to make sure I remember all the important stuff (like writing an aww-worthy speech and throwing an epic bachelorette party) as well as all the essential little things. So comment away and check back soon! :)

How to Create a Wedding Slideshow

When Nick and I were planning our wedding, we decided to make a video slideshow of photos [our growing up years through our engagement] which we played prior to the ceremony in place of a prelude. We also played it at our rehearsal dinner so that our bridal party and families could see it. I had some people ask where they could watch it later, so I promised to put it on YouTube. Well, it's a little late but it's finally up!

Besides sharing the video, I also wanted to share some tips for creating a slideshow like this for your wedding. It's easy to put together, but it will take some time. You can display it whenever you want, whether after the ceremony while guests are still seated, or at the reception while guests are waiting for you to arrive. It's a great filler for down time, which can get boring at weddings.

Tips for Creating a Wedding Slideshow

1. Ask for help

One of the biggest challenges to creating a slideshow is gathering the content. Depending on how long you want your slideshow to be, you will need a lot of photos. You will also need photos you might not have access to, like your fiance's baby pictures. Don't be afraid to ask for help gathering and scanning pictures.

I got lucky when I started working on our slideshow, Nick's mom had recently scanned tons of past photos of the family and posted them on Facebook. It was easy to click through and drag-and-drop the photos I wanted to use into my computer's desktop. I had some of my own photos already scanned and saved, but not many. I had to dig through a few boxes of old pictures to find some I could use.

2. Scan multiple photos at once

Rather than scanning one photo at a time, which will take longer, put as many photos as possible on the scanning glass and take turns saving them. Your scanner should allow you to select the area of one image at a time, which you can then save to a folder.

3. Be selective 

Chances are you will find tons of cute, useable pictures and you may be tempted to scan them all. Try to limit yourself and be selective. Choose one photo for each year of your life and your fiance's life, or choose one or two photos that represent a milestone. Make sure you choose at least one photo that includes important family members and friends. You don't want your slideshow to go on forever. 

That being said, you may want to scan a few extra photos in case you need to fill out your slideshow to fit the background music you select. Be flexible with your selections, but keep in mind that your guests don't need to see 25 baby photos of you both. Look for variety.

4. Save all the photos in one place

As you're collecting photos, make sure to put them all in the same folder on your computer. Once you start making your slideshow, you won't have to go searching through multiple folders or remember where you put certain pictures. Everything will be in one place, which will save time and eliminate stress.

5. Pick music that will fit the mood

It's important to select songs that will not only fit with the theme of your wedding, but will also mesh well with the photos you are displaying. Try to find songs that will represent the process of growing up, falling in love, etc. You will want to structure your slideshow so that the pictures fit within the music, which will help determine how many photos you can display per song. A photo should only be on the screen for a matter of seconds to keep things interesting and moving.

6. Use a simple program to create your slideshow

I have a Windows7 operating system, so I used Windows Movie Maker to create my slideshow [if you have a Mac, iMovie is a simple program you can use]. It's easy to use because it involves a basic drag-and-drop creation process. [Drag-and-drop all your photos, then your music.] Once all your photos have been imported, you can select them all and then set the duration of time they will display [I set mine for 3.5 seconds each]. Then you can set animations for each photo, like zooming in or scrolling, which will make your slideshow dynamic.

If you've never used a movie-making program before, it may save stress to ask for help from someone who has. However, neither program is particularly difficult to use, so if you're a fast learner, you should be able to figure it out. I recommend using a simple program because they're easy to use and provide the features you will need and not the ones you won't. The point is to not over-complicate your slideshow, or the slideshow making process. You have a lot going on with wedding planning, you don't need to add more stress. [Also, if you want, you can recruit someone to make your slideshow for you. This may be a great project for your fiance if he's into it.]

7. Save often

I can't stress this enough. If your movie-making program crashes mid-project and you haven't saved it, you will lose everything. Save your project frequently to avoid stress and losing your work.

8. Final touches/recommendations

It's ultimately up to you when deciding how to structure your slideshow, but I have a few final recommendations. First, I recommend placing photos in chronological order. People will like "watching you grow" as opposed to seeing pictures in a random order. In our slideshow, we intertwined photos of Nick and I growing up. You can do it this way, or you could separate your photos and your fiance's, showing one of you growing up and then the other.

Second, choose alternating animations for the sake of variety and interest. Don't give every photo the exact same zooming-in effect. Change things up and try not to use the same animation back-to-back. Sometimes it gets hard to remember which animations you're selecting when you're working quickly. After editing a group of photos, go back and watch them to see how everything looks together.

Third, try to use the clearest, most focused photos you have. Sometimes you have to throw in a grainy or fuzzy pic because that's all you have. But, as often as possible, include high-resolution, well-exposed photos so that your guests can actually see them. If you need to, use a quick photo editing program to enhance your scanned photos. If your scanner doesn't have editing software, try a free, easy-to-use photo editing site like PicMonkey.com. Just make sure you don't get bogged down with editing every single photo. Your pictures should be clear, not museum-quality. 

Fourth, don't be afraid to re-watch your slideshow a dozen times to make sure everything is just right. Get input from your fiance or a couple of friends before you finish. And, add a finishing touch like a fade in at the beginning and a fade out at the end.

Finally, publish and save your slideshow to the proper device. It's important to know if your slideshow needs to be burned to a DVD, saved on a flash drive, or published online. Make sure you know what equipment will be used when the slideshow is displayed. If you have a tech guy running everything, check with him on what is required. When in doubt, save a couple of different ways.

Guest Blogging on Wedding Planning

Today's guest blog post over at Lindsi Rian Photography is all about wedding planning! I shared some of my tips for the planning process, including the most important thing to start with: a timeline. Check out the post and Lindsi's site.

As always, I would love to hear from you! What are some of your tips for brides? Do you have any questions about wedding planning? I'm excited to dig deeper into this topic in the coming posts!

Looking for more?

Find all my guest posts for Lindsi below. I'll continue to add links as posts become available.

>> Meet Elise, our new guest blogger! | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> First Things First | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> Booking Your Vendors | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> Wedding Attire & The Honeymoon | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> Odds & Ends | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> We're Going DIY | Tips and Tricks Tuesday 
>> Getting the Down-Low to Your Guests | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> DIY: Decorative Paper Fan Circles | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> #PhotoOp | Tips and Tricks Tuesday
>> Little Personal Touches | Tips and Tricks Tuesday

DIY Weddings: Adding Custom Touches

It's been a while since I wrote about wedding planning, but even though the wedding is over, I still have plenty to share!

Sometimes when you're planning a wedding on a budget, you may worry that it won't be unique or reflective of you. The last thing a bride wants is for her wedding to look like "everyone else's" wedding. I wanted to make sure my wedding reflected both my personality and my groom's, so I looked for opportunities to customize, personalize and create.

One of the ways I did this was by creating my own customized guestbook with Shutterfly. I had already used Shutterfly to create a little engagement photo album, and I knew it was easy to use and often offered discounts (either on-site offers or coupons). So I decided it would be the perfect way to put my own touches on what could otherwise be a very generic guestbook.

If you decide to create your guestbook with Shutterfly, you'll find that you can start from scratch or use a pre-designed template. I went with a template to save time and stress. The template also offered some ideas--like creating pages for just the parents or the wedding party to sign--that I never would've thought of on my own. I filled the pages with photos from our engagement session to make sure the book maintained a sleek, professional appearance. I was also able to choose from various page layouts, embellishments, and creative designs.

I also had fun personalizing and getting crafty with the bags we put together for our out-of-town guests (see the full post here with photos). It was a chance to turn something inexpensive, like simple paper bags and swing tags, into a customized masterpiece filled with goodies and relevant information.

We also decided to save money by designing and printing our own programs for the ceremony. It wasn't a complicated program, just a half-sheet of glossy card stock paper (which we found on sale), printed front and back. We designed a monogram letter with our names to adorn the top and added some simple swirls as breaks in the text. My advice, if you're going to design your own program, is to make use of creative fonts. We used one for the "M" in our monogram and another for the swirls. If you don't have many fonts--or ones you want to use--on your computer, you can download just about anything you'd want from dafont.com.

Finally, I looked for ways to add personal details, handmade items, or finishing touches to the ceremony site and the reception. Items like decorative paper fans (how-to is in this post), cardboard or wooden monogram letters, antique bottles, paper confetti, or handmade tags tied on with decorative string, are all simple ways to personalize.

Please feel free to ask questions or share your favorite wedding crafts, suggestions and tips in the comments!

Wedding Hashtag Success

It's going to take some time for us to receive our professional wedding photos, which is fine with me! Edit away, oh skilled photographer. But, I did get some instant photo gratification with Instagram, thanks to our friends and family members who took tons of pics!

Our exit, captured via Instagram by my cousin Jenae.

As I wrote previously, Nick and I decided to create a custom hashtag for use leading up to and on our wedding day. We started posting a few things on Twitter and Instagram, adding our #NickElise713 tag. I also started pulling these posts into a Storify list (see the slideshow below!). At the wedding, we included a plug for the hashtag on the back of our programs, asking guests who used social media to add it to their posts.

The result was 128 Instagram photos and videos and this slideshow! :) (Side note: The videos don't show up in the slideshow, for whatever reason. Click here to see the list format if you're really interested.)


I love the candid photos, group shots, and little moments from the point of view of our beloved friends and family. I'm so glad that they helped take up the job of documenting our day, and that we had a hashtag to help us collect the documentation into one place. I would absolutely recommend the creation and use of a hashtag for any wedding. (For more on this, see my previous post.)

Are you using a hashtag to help document your wedding? If you have used a hashtag to document an event, do you have any tips or tricks to share?

A Post-Wedding Moment

I'm officially back in the "real world" after my whirlwind wedding/honeymoon week. I have so much to share (stories, tips, photos), but I wanted to jump on and share my initial post-wedding thoughts.

Our first dance, an Instagram pic captured by my cousin, Jenae.

First, I can officially say it is possible to have a lovely, memorable wedding for under $5,000. But, at the same time, it's hard to do without the help of amazing family members and friends! So I was very blessed. Many people commented on how beautiful everything was, how they loved the music (I stressed over it for a while, so that was nice to hear), how pretty the colors were, how they were surprised at what I did with the space I had, and many people commented on my dress (how beautiful it was and where I got it). It all turned me into a believer in the power of small-budget weddings (and my abilities as a decorator/event planner). So I will be sharing all my detailed tips and tricks as soon as I can!

Second, when people tell you that your wedding will be a blur, they're right. I remember trying to capture each little detail and soak up everything that was being said and done, but in the end, it was over so fast and I don't remember so many things less than two weeks later. I'm so excited to see our professional images and I'm really glad we asked my co-worker to film everything. So whatever you do, don't skip photos and a video!

Third, because everything goes by so fast, make the most of every opportunity you have with your guests. I remember feeling a little silly as I hugged people at the rehearsal dinner thinking to myself, "I can hug these people later." But as it turned out, in the rush to leave (we had our send-off at the end of the reception, so we left and didn't come back), I didn't get to say good-bye to anyone beyond my parents. Looking back, I was glad I hugged people when I had the chance, even though it did feel silly. So my advice to all brides and grooms--hug and hug often!

Fourth, if you're going on a honeymoon and it involves being in the water or doing water-related activities, invest in a water-proof camera. We went snorkeling and hiked up a waterfall and I wished so many times that we had invested in a water-resistant camera we had been looking at. It would've been perfect for capturing those moments when we couldn't take our regular camera and phones along. Thankfully we were able to purchase a photo of ourselves in the waterfall and take pics on the boat before snorkeling, but I'm a sucker for underwater photos.

Finally, like everyone will tell you, enjoy your day because at the end of it, you will be married! I was so ready to get married that by the time Thursday afternoon rolled around, I didn't care about any more details. People would ask me questions and I would tell them to do whatever they thought was best. I had done all I could do. So when Saturday came, I mentally prepared myself for the fact that something could go wrong and I told myself not to care. If anything did go wrong, I didn't know it. I was happily in bliss, swishing around in my Vera Wang gown and hanging out with my best friend who had just become my husband. From what I remember, it was the perfect day. :)

I promise more details are coming. In the mean time, please share something you learned on your big day or during your honeymoon or wedding week!

DIY Wedding Crafts: Gift Bags & Paper Fans

I decided it's time to get specific with some of the tips I shared in one of my previous wedding planning posts, 6 Tips for Wedding Planning on a Budget. Tip #6 was to "get crafty" and save money by creating some of your own items for your wedding. This post will show you how to make some crafty things for your big day! (Hopefully a second installment will be coming soon!)

Personalized Welcome Bags

Welcome bags/boxes/gifts are a great way to tell out-of-town guests that you're glad they traveled to attend your wedding. They can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but one thing I recommend is making it personal. Connect it to the theme of your wedding, add a personal note, make it your own style.

For my wedding I created these bags and tags to hold all sorts of goodies.

Obviously this craft is more assembly-oriented than crafty, but like everything else, you can make it your own and do as much creating as you want. I purchased the bags and tags at Hobby Lobby, the "M" stamp for $1 at Michael's craft store and the state stamp was a customized order from the Etsy shop StampCouture. The striped string was part of a scrapbooking pack I purchased from Michael's to use on our favors.

After deciding a layout for the front and back, I hand-lettered the "welcome to" portion of the tag, then stamped it. After that was dry, I hand-wrote the message on the back because I felt like hand-writing something was better than typing it up. (Obviously lots more time-consuming, but a personalized touch.) Then I stamped the bags with the same color ink from the tag. The tags will be tied on the bag handles.

The bags will be filled with treats like popcorn, chocolate, little bottles of moscato for our wine drinking friends, and other items we picked out, like playing cards, hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works, and a local visitor's guide. You can find lots of fun items in the "dollar section" of Target and Michael's or Jo-Ann Fabrics. Also check clearance bins.

Decorative Paper Fan Circles

This craft is simple and can add a whimsical, lovely and unique touch to your wedding table. I stumbled across this idea one day while looking at centerpiece ideas and pinned it so I could come back and try it. In the end, I made 60 fans of varying size and paper pattern, three for each table at my reception.

The key to making these work with your decor is to pick the right colors and size of fan. I recommend doing a couple of test fans in different sizes so you can decide what you want. I also recommend using paper that is easy to fold (so no card stock). The width of each fold will determine the height of your paper fan and the width will, of course, determine the width of your fan. The length effects how close the fan folds are to each other when you complete the circle.

You will need paper (I used large scrapbooking sheets), scissors, glue (I used tacky craft glue) and paper clips (two per fan).

Instructions:

1. Cut your paper into long strips. The width you cut the strips will become the diameter of your paper fans. The length will determine how close your fan folds are to each other. (See image above, the bigger fans had more folds and ended up with a more defined look. The smaller fan had less folds and ended up with a flatter look.) Choose a width for your folds and begin folding back and forth as shown below.

2. Once your strip of paper has been folded like an accordion, gather it up and hold it together at the middle.

3. Fold the bundle in half at the center, first one way and then the other. This will get the center loosened up and prepped for you to make the circle.

4. Put glue on half of one of the ends of your folded strip of paper. Press it together with the other half. This will connect one half of your circle.

5. Place a paper clip on the folded end to hold it together while the glue dries.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other end of your folded fan to bring it into a full circle. I also recommend placing a bead or two of glue at the center of your circle to help hold the shape of the fan.

I hope you find these DIYs helpful. I have other craft ideas pinned on my Pinterest boards and I am planning to share some more DIYs with you in the future! Please feel free to ask questions or share your favorite wedding crafts, suggestions and tips in the comments!

Does this Make Me Ridiculous?

Does it make me an insane super fan if I hypothetically play music from my favorite tv show at my wedding?

Okay, let me clarify... It's not some crazy music or the Cheers theme song. It's tastefully arranged for the piano and I'm not picking it just because I love the show. I also happen to love, love, love the music that was orchestrated for it. I feel like it perfectly fills out the story and on its own is gorgeous.

So what's this music from, you ask? Behold: my all-time favorite tv show, Lost.

This music was arranged for the piano by Christopher Ryan, so it's not quite the dramatic, multi-instrument stuff of the original soundtrack. He did an excellent job bringing the "music from the island" to the piano, and because it's some of my favorite stuff out there, I felt like, how could I not consider it?

Right now I'm playing around with a few parts of my favorite tracks and thinking about how I can work them in. I know weddings are so much more than the music, but at the same time, I feel like weddings are made in the music. It's how you capture your audience, it's how you tell your tale, it's how you set the stage. At some weddings, the music has been fantastic and it's drawn me in. At other weddings, it's been lackluster, a filler you forget to notice.

So my question is this: How many other people pay attention to the music at weddings? Do you notice it/care about it as much as I do, or is it just me? And is it ridiculous for me to play music from a tv show at my wedding?

I would love to hear your thoughts. :)

The Must-Have Wedding Freebie: A Website

I recently received some sweet complements on my wedding website, including one lady who wanted to pass it on to her daughter who is planning a wedding. I thought it was nice that people took the time to read through all the pages and then let me know that they liked it.

I didn't think much of setting one up, only that I knew I was going to do it because of how handy one can be. I didn't know that it would become one of the best investments I never spent a dime on.

And while I assumed most people set up a wedding website, I've noticed that not everyone utilizes it to its full potential. Which is why I'm writing this post, to encourage every bride to take the time to create a site and not just any site, but a great site.

Screenshot of the homepage of my wedding website.

Why create a wedding website?

A wedding website is a free resource you can use to get important information out to your guests. You can also share personal details about your relationship for those who might know only one of you, or not know the story of how you met.

You can also save money on RSVP card postage by having your guests file their RSVP online.

How do you create a wedding website?

There are a ton of different tools for creating websites, but you'll want one specifically set up for weddings. I recommend setting one up with TheKnot.com. The Knot allows online RSVPing (not all wedding website creators offer this tool). It also offers a variety of templates for you to choose from, it's easy to use and it's simple to input photos and text. You can also take advantage of a "password protected" option so that only certain people can view select pages.

You will have to register an account with The Knot to begin your website. You will then have the option create and manage your site. It's completely free, unless you want to add a customized domain name.

What should be included on a wedding website?

It really is up to you how much you want to include on your site, but I recommend including the following:

>> Add photos of you and your significant other to each page. They liven up your site and everyone loves photos!

>> Fill in your homepage with a welcome message for your guests.

>> Complete an "about us" page for those who may only know one of you. This will help guests to feel more connected to you as a couple. Similarly, including your engagement story will lend to this.

>> Post a photo of each member of your wedding party with a little blurb about how you know them. Again, it will connect your guests to your day and also help your party feel included.

>> Information on the location of the ceremony and reception will be important for all your guests, especially those who will need directions to each venue. Make sure to fill in these pages with as much relevant information as possible. You want your guests to enjoy your day and not stress about getting to different locations.

>> Obviously if you want your guests to RSVP online, you will need to include the RSVP page. You can also offer alternative ways for guests to respond, by mail, phone or email.

>> Fill in the guest information page with additional important information. This can include lodging options (and any booking/discount information); local dining, drink and entertainment options; attire recommendations (I included a link to my Pinterest board of attire suggestions); and anything else you think guests will find helpful--especially those who are from out of town.

>> List where you are registered on the registries page.

>> You may also want to include the guest book for visitors to sign, a photo album of pictures, a map of events and info on your honeymoon, if you want to share. (You can also tie this in to a honeymoon registry if you're setting one up. Honeyfund is a helpful site for that.)

How do you get people to visit your site?

For my wedding, rather than including a traditional, mail-able RSVP card, I created my own unique card. This card included the link to my wedding website and instructions to visit it to RSVP. I also included bullet points of a few other things guests could find.

To create my card, I used the "chubby business card" on Zazzle. Since I hadn't totally settled on an invitation design, I used an engagement photo as the background, with the text printed on top. I made sure to include "RSVP" in large letters so you couldn't miss the point of the card.

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I hope you find these tips helpful! As with all my wedding-y posts, if you have questions/comments/tips, please leave them in the comments!

Stuff of the Modern Wedding: Hashtagging

Remember how back in the day the really cool wedding receptions would have disposable cameras on the table? Then you could have about 25 snaps of random awesomeness with people at your table before it was used up? Then someone would most likely grab it and start hitting it against the table, making the flash go off repeatedly, like a mini-strobe.

Maybe somewhere that still happens. Most weddings, though, have "gone modern." Forget the cardboard-wrapped disposables, this is the age of the smartphone, and boy is it great for weddings! The bride and groom can get a guest play-by-play with apps like Instagram and Twitter, and the really tech-savy ones create their own hashtag!

For those less tech-savy readers, a hashtag is a simple term for a link that is created by using the # symbol and some text. When used on Twitter and Instagram, it turns into a link, connecting anything containing said hashtag. The only thing you need to know when making a hashtag is that symbols and the space key are bad. They will break any link where inserted, so you'll end up with half a hash and a link to who knows what.

Nick and I are definitely a tech-happy couple, so we've already created our hashtag with the hope and plan that it will help us gather little moments from our wedding into one place. Our hashtag is #NickElise713, and while it hasn't gotten much use yet, we already have a place to gather all related Tweets and images.

So far we've added mostly past photos and tweets, but once it gets closer to the wedding, we're hoping to get lots of use out of our hashtag.


And this is where you come in. We are asking our friends and relatives who use social media to help us document the occasion. Even if you aren't on Twitter or Instagram, we invite you to snap candids, post on Facebook or text/email us pictures and stories. We want to remember even the tiniest details and we can't do it alone! :)

For those who are also going to employ the hashtag at their weddings, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Make your hashtag unique. Weddings happen a lot. Like more than one on the same day. And sometimes different weddings on the same day have things in common, like initials and names. So when you're creating your hashtag, try to make it different and unique. Last weekend I saw three different weddings all using the same hashtag on the same day. Talk about a lot to sort through when you're going back to find pictures and tweets from your day. Do yourself a favor and make it something other people most likely won't have.

2. Get it before it's gone. Twitter stores lists of hashtags for only so long and gets rid of old hashtags rather quickly. To avoid totally losing your hashtags (or having to go back later and hunt through your friends' feeds), save them as soon as you can. Storify is a great tool for collecting all sorts of media, including tweets and Instagrammed photos. You create a "story," pull in elements (photos, tweets, videos, etc.), save and publish (see above slideshow for a publishing option). Also, you can even search by hashtag when you're adding to your story. Another option is to retweet friends' tweets so you can easily find them in your feed, or favorite them.

3. Don't forget to tell your friends. Creating a hashtag is great, but someone has to use it! Make sure to post the tag somewhere at your wedding and at your reception so friends and family know to use it. You may want to include it on your program, on table cards, or on a cute chalkboard sign. Whatever works for your style and theme, look for a way to incorporate it.

4. Get some life out of it. The main goal is to use your hashtag day-of, but there's no rule that says you can't use it before and after! Start using it early to document the planning process, parties and moments you want to remember. You can invite your friends to start using it ahead of time too. Use your hashtag after the wedding to document your life as newlyweds (think honeymoon, any "firsts," etc.). It's your tag, use it how you want.

6 Tips for Wedding Planning on a Budget

While this is still an in-progress project for me, I thought I would update all of you on my wedding planning and give you some tips.

If there's one thing I've learned through the process of wedding planning, it's that you can drop a lot of cash on a lot of different things, but you don't have to. For those brides who are looking to save money or plan on a budget, there are plenty of ways to cut corners, and cost. My passion for inexpensive wedding planning has made me want to pass on insights to other brides who feel the pull on their hard-earned dollars.

Disclaimer: This is NOT my wedding dress. :)

Tip #1: Recruit! This can be one of the biggest money-savers ever. It may slightly involve exploiting the talents of your friends and family, but if they love you, they won't mind too much. ;) Ask your friends to help with set up, decorating, crafting and creating. If you have a friend who is good at graphic design, ask them to create your invitations or programs. If you have a friend (or in my case, dad) who has beautiful penmanship, ask them to help with addressing invitations.

I also looked for friends and family members to do business with. A college friend is taking my pictures and my cousin is doing my flowers. Sometimes it feels weird asking for things, but don't be afraid to see if your friends will give you a discount on their services. Also, one of them may offer to give you part of the expense as a wedding gift (like the bridal party flowers), cutting down on cost.

Tip #2: Research. Do not go with the first place/offer/deal you find. That's the easiest way to get suckered into paying too much. Shop around, look at prices online, talk to other brides or married couples and compare. Sometimes a better deal is just a website away.

This also applies to attire. Stores like David's Bridal can pull you in because they're a one-stop shop, but their prices tend to be higher. Rather than purchasing a nearly-$100 flower girl dress, I found one online for $27. Check regular retailers like Kohl's and Target, or specialty sites like Etsy and Zulily. Better deals are out there, you just have to be willing to look.

Tip #3: Go digital. Creating your own free wedding website is a great way to not only get important info to your guests, but also save money. For my wedding, I am instructing everyone to rsvp on the wedding website I created with The Knot. Guests simply enter their name in a field and are then directed to indicate who from their party will be attending.

So, rather than spend money on rsvp cards, envelops and stamps, I created my own rsvp card using the "chubby business card" on Zazzle. It lists instructions for rsvping and lets guests know they can find more information on the site (like where we're registered, info on accommodations, etc.). We decided to go this route because we know most of our guests use or have access to the internet. You can also give guests the option to rsvp by email or phone.

Tip #4: Reuse and recycle. Of course every wedding should be unique and be totally you, but that doesn't mean you can't reuse old items. I recommend looking for your decorations at thrift shops and antique stores (if you can), or checking with recently-married friends to see if they have anything left over. A friend of mine offered to let me use any of the decorative items she purchased for her wedding, including lots of tulle (score!).

Shopping at bargain stores and thrift shops will help you find items for a cheaper rate than if you purchased them new. Similarly, you can find great deals at antique shops. Last year I purchased a huge glass punch bowl with an ornate iron base for only $15 at a local antique mall. I plan to use it in my home, as well as for my wedding, and I was already able to use it at a Halloween party (score again!).

Also, keep in mind other friends who may be getting married after you. They may be attempting to plan on a budget and your white lights, silk flowers or glass vases may go a long way in helping them save some cash. If not, consider gifting your centerpieces to family and friends after your reception ends. It's a great way to send them home with a little something extra.

Tip #5: Shop the sales. Okay, I know I said to avoid David's Bridal for somethings, but definitely keep them in mind when you're dress shopping. They frequently have sales and move designer dresses as they pass out of season. If you have enough time before your wedding, take a look at the dresses currently in season, then wait for them to go out of season before buying. (So if it's summer and your wedding will be in the summer, wait for this year's summer dresses to be put on sale, then buy. Your dress will still look perfectly in season come next summer.)

So even if a dress is currently out of your price range, chances are if you wait a few months, it won't be. I recommend trying on a few you love, but don't purchase. Keep a list of your favorites and check on them online until they go on sale. Then you'll be able to buy the right size since you tried it on in the store. (I wish I had known this when I went shopping, because there were a couple Vera Wang dresses I loved! I actually scored one that was already on sale while I was shopping, but I would've tried on some others if I had known they would be up to 50 percent off later!)

You can shop other sales for items like wedding bands, accessories, decorations, invites, etc. Keep an eye out for annual sales, coupons and discounts, clearances and end-of-season markdowns. I found a lot of things on sale at Michael's craft store that I used to create custom favors for my reception. If you're willing to hunt for deals and search for things you can use, you can save a lot of money!

Tip #6: Get crafty. If you're willing and able to spend time creating things for your wedding, you can save money by making your own stuff. Rubber stamps can be a great investment for things like favors, welcome bags and invitations. Order a personalized, self-inking return address stamp and save money on printing costs (and continue using it after the wedding, just change out the ink pad when it gets dry!). Order a customized monogram stamp for use on favors and other items. This also beats the cost of stickers.

I found large letter stamps for $1 each at Michael's. I bought three for monogramming, but at that price, you could buy the whole alphabet and stamp just about anything! So far I have used them on gift bags and reserved table cards for the reception. They add a personalized touch and with $1 ink pads, are an inexpensive way to leave your mark on just about anything!

Also, if your reception site needs dressing up, create your own ceiling decor or wall hangings with 3M hooks (especially good because most sites will not allow you to nail anything), tulle, tissue paper flower balls, white Christmas lights, cloth banners, Chinese lanterns, etc. Lightweight items will hang easily from 3M hooks, and you can use dowel rods to hang flat fabric. You can also create paper crafts to use on in table centerpieces.

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Those are the big tips I have from the wedding planning process so far. I will make sure to share any other tips/secrets I discover along the way. Throughout this whole process I continually think about how I would love to help other ladies cut costs, discover deals and feel good about planning a wedding that doesn't break the bank.

That said, if you have any questions to ask or advice to share, please comment or message me on Facebook. I would love to share ideas and help you if you're stumped or looking for suggestions. I don't think it's impossible to have a lovely wedding on limited funds, you just have to be willing to work for it!

Photos and 'Maids and Things

Right now my life consists of crazy-busy, yet crazy-fun work insanity, and wedding deets. It's like I can't convince my mind to think about anything else.

A week from today we're taking our engagement pics in Chicago with our wedding photographer, Tim Tabailloux. I met Tim during my freshman year at Moody, since we both started at the same time and had a lot of the same friends. Then during sophomore year we were on class council together. I always thought he was super talented, especially with photography and videography, and kept up with his work over the years.

When we started thinking about wedding photographers, obviously he was the first person who popped into my mind. Nick really liked his work too, so that sealed the deal (along with a contract and deposit, obviously). So I'm really excited to see how our photos turn out. And trying to relax about the whole thing. I have this weird obsessive thought that they have to be absolutely perfect. Then I have to keep reminding myself that it's about capturing this time in our lives, not about achieving perfection.

In other wedding news, I sent out little "invite" cards to my bridesmaids, asking them to be in the wedding. I wanted to do something a little more personal than just a call or a text, so I got some crafty card stock and made these little cards.

One side has a personalized message, then the other side pops the question. I designed different "fonts" for each question, then added a ribbon (which corresponded with the wedding colors) and a little floral decal. I liked that each was completely unique, but they all tied back to the style and feel of the wedding.

I also just recently put together a photo book using Shutterfly, and a code I got for a free 8x8 book. I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to put together something commemorating our engagement weekend in Chicago. And thanks to the awesomeness of embeddable codes, you can check it out here!

Click here to view this photo book larger • Start your own Shutterfly Photo Book today.