Be sure to pick a shoe that you’re comfortable in. Don’t make the heel to high, or the toes too tight. This is the day you truly need your Cinderella slipper it needs to be a perfect fit.

Remember to have your dress fitted with the shoes you will be wearing that day so that all the final adjustments come out perfectly.

A lot of brides opt for a reception shoe. Some brides provide flipflops for themselves and their guests! A suggestion though, if you’re wearing 3 inch heels to the ceremony get a flip flop with a heel to it so your dress looks just as elegant after.

What kind of shoes are our brides looking at. Show us your shoes and we will compile a top 5 list of our favorite shoes to say “I do” in.

Consider purchasing a universal memory card reader. Bring a laptop to your reception and set it up near the card table. (Be sure to get some sort of a computer lock to fasten the laptop to the table. While you can probably trust your guests, wedding venues typically have tons of staff and many times more than one event at a time)

Before guests leave you can request that they unload their memory cards at the computer so that you will have instant access to all those snapshots of your special day. You won’t have to wait for low quality copies to be splashed all over social media, or for your aunt to email them to you. Let’s be honest, you’re never going to see that email.

This is a great way to keep all the photographs from your special day together. And maybe it will even make a nice lazy afternoon on your honeymoon, sitting and flipping through them.

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Today’s do it yourself project is simple and it’s for all of our wine lovers out there!

Cork place cards are a simple way to add charm and detail to your wedding. These place cards are budget friendly and by the end of your wedding planning you should have more than enough wine corks to be able to assign one to all of your guests!

1.     Your first step will be to obtain the corks. You can find corks anywhere. Ask friends to save them for you, ask at a local vineyard for “reject” corks, or you can purchase a bulk number of corks online.

2.     Slit a line across the cork using an exacto knife. Go from end to end creating a niche to place your place cards in.

3.     Either design your own place cards on a computer, or have them made for you by a company. Spice them up with stamping and colors. These cards are so easy to work into your special day’s theme.

4.     Once you have your place cards simply slip them into the slot on the cork you cut out.

This simple and easy idea will add character to your big day.

Do we have any wine lovers out there who are going to give this a shot!?

This week’s wedding venue of the week is The Stone Barn in Monroe, Connecitcut. The Stone Barn is located on a beautiful golf course. We offer exceptional cuisine and outstanding service. Our Ballroom which accomodates up to 275 Guests offers a panoramic view of our scenic golf course, and lush surrounding grounds.

Highlighted by warm woods, antique brass fixtures and a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, The Fireplace Room can comfortably hold 130 guests. The Stone Barn also offers an outdoor patio for your ceremony and cocktail hour.

Our staff can assure you of outstanding food preparation and presentation. We are ready to shower you with attention for memories that will last a lifetime.

As part of your affair, choice of linens, centerpieces, a bridal room, and great picture locations are included for lasting memories.

Quick overview of The Stone Barn:

• Price Range: $50-$100 dollars
• Capacity: 325
• Ceremony Capability: Yes
• Handicap access: Yes
• Waterfront: No
• Outdoor capability: Yes
• Outside catering: No
• Kosher food: No
• Number of events at a time: One
• Bridal suite: Yes
• Valet Parking: Yes
• In house wedding planner: Yes

These cakes are creative. They can be just about anything from football helmets, to favorite animals, to anything related to your Prince Charming’s favorite past times.

While I could spend hours on the Internet looking at photos of different grooms cakes; I want to see yours!

So either send us a picture; or comment and let us know what you plan to do, what you have seen, or what yours was! The best cakes will be listed in a future blog. Can’t wait to see what you all have up your sleeves!

These beautiful lanterns are made of rice paper or bamboo. There’s a small candle inside of them and the heat from the flame lowers the density of the lantern and they fly, beautifully, in the sky.

Releasing these lanterns is relatively simple, so all of your guests and send them into the air with a wish for you at your reception.

The lanterns can be bought at a number of online retailers. Just time in Chinese sky lanterns and you will find not only all different sizes, but also all different colors. While I lean towards the romantic beauty of the white lanterns, you have the option to match them to your wedding.

Be sure to check with your reception venue to make sure they allow them before you purchase. While they are beautiful, there is still risk to using them.

Will you consider adding these gorgeous lanterns to your special day!?

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A luxurious Four Diamond hotel, we offer elegant surroundings, first-class amenities and personalized service. We know that you want your wedding to be as special as the love it celebrates, which is why we offer so many options covering everything from the hors d’oeuvres at your rehearsal dinner to the ice sculpture at your reception. Our professionals give you the choices that make your wedding your own and combine the finest elements to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Your Connecticut wedding requires focused attention to detail, impeccable timing, and exquisite cuisine that surpass your and your guests’ expectations. From Bridal Showers at Afternoon Brunch to Martini Nights for Bachelor Parties, the award winning Octagon Restaurant and world-class Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa offer the perfect venues. Our wedding specialists will plan your fabulous reception in one of our gorgeous and elegantly appointed ballrooms.

Quick facts to help you decide if The Mystic Marriott Hotel is the venue for you!

• Price range: $75 to $125
• Capacity: 1400
• Ceremony capability: Yes
• Handicap access: Yes
• Waterfront: No
• Outdoor capability: Yes
• Outside catering: Yes
• Kosher food: Yes
• Number of events at a time: 2
• Bridal suite: Yes
• Valet parking: Yes
• In house wedding planner: Yes

There’s a Daddy’s little girl in each of us, and picking that song that the two of you will dance the night away to at your wedding is another big choice to make.

So here’s a list of favorite songs 10 favorite for that special moment between you and your dad.

1.   I Loved Her First- Heartland

2.   Father and Daughter- Simon Paul

3.   My Little Girl- Tim McGraw

4.   Unforgettable- Natalie Cole with Nat King Cole

5.   My Girl- Temptations

6.   Cinderella- Steven Curits Champman

7.   What A Wonderful- Louis Armstrong

8.   The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra

9.   My Wish- Rascal Flatts

10. Butterfly Kisses- Bob Calisle

When planning their special days, many brides utilize bridal shows. While for some brides these shows are extremely helpful, others find them completely overwhelming.

So today, I’m asking you: What makes for a good bridal show?

• Do you want to see a ton of vendors or would you rather see a few hand selected excellent vendors?

• How would you like to be contacted after a bridal show? Email, phone, mail, etc.

• Do you prefer large shows or small ones?

• What location do you prefer? Would you rather be in a quaint, homey venue or an expo center?

• What would you like to see from a vendor?

• What do you love about bridal shows?

• What do you hate about bridal shows?

We want to hear your feedback! Feel free to comment on any aspect of a bridal show not just those listed above. Let us know how you feel, and don’t be shy!

Photo credit.

This week’s wedding venue of the week is Priam Vineyards in Colchester, Ct.

Priam Vineyards is an International award-winning winery and an ideal site for many beautiful weddings, celebrations and corporate events. We are the first winery in new England to be completely solar powered, the farm is fully sustainable and certified as a Natural Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, so we believe in taking care of the environment and our beautiful surroundings..

We now have our beautiful upper field in the vineyard available for weddings and other large tented private celebrations and have dates available for the 2011 season. Enjoy the breathtaking ambiance of the surrounding vineyards, as well as a magnificent 35 mile view of the New England countryside perched from the top of the 40 acre farm.

This makes Priam Vineyards not only a beautiful choice, but it’s also a great choice of the environment.

Go taste some delicious wine and check it out today!