↓IMPORTANT↓ Everyday Next Month!

Stay tuned! Each day of Feburary we will be giving you a new tip on Weddings for Less . How to create your dream wedding without breaking the bank.

I want to help you organize and experience a beautiful wedding that doesn't break either family's bank account or leave you in debt for the first 3-5 years of marriage. In America today, the national average cost for a wedding is $25,000. That's enough money to use as a down payment on a house, car of boat!

With my daily tips, cost cutting advice, some resourcefulness and careful planning, we'll work together to make every dollar count and give you the event of your dreams.

So, the next 28 days you will get 28 valuable tidbits that can be applied anywhere to any type of wedding. I am so excited!

BE WHO YOU ARE

Every person has their own unique persona from athletic chic to city style. Glammed gals and goth guys we all have a "look" that's distinctly our own. The very best wedding day looks for you are dependent upon this style. Don't reinvent yourself but own your persona! Be the person you truly are (only better) on your big day! Not a high heeled girl? Go with flats or even special custom made Chucks. Don't follow the crowd... be you!

A Chic Alternative To Traditional Wedding Bouquets - Feathers!

Who doesn't love wedding flower bouquets? They're colorful, aromatic, vibrant and each one is totally unique. The only bad thing about a bouquet of flowers is that they just don't last very long. It's just a matter of days before all those beautiful living flowers begin to wilt and lose their vibrancy. Don't worry, you have options. Have you ever thought about having a feather wedding bouquet instead? These avant-garde couture alternatives can be made in nearly any shape, size and color and unlike feather bouquets, they will last forever. Take a look at some of stylish feather bouquets below we've found.

The Wedding Gown - Royal & Memorable

The wedding dress is the first thing that every bride thinks about when she gets engaged. Finding that perfect dress to be married in is the most important detail to most brides, so can you imagine being Kate Middleton (whose title will be announced by Queen Elizabeth II) after her royal nuptials? With the entire world’s eyes on her, she will have to not only be absolutely stunning and unforgettable, but she must wear something that will represent royalty and grace and be respected by the entire world, not to mention the Royal Family. What she wears, not just on her wedding day, but every day of her life, is used as a marker of who she is.

According to People Magazine last week, Kate Middleton has chosen the designer who will create her wedding dress. The person's identity will remain a secret, as per the couple’s request. There is speculation the designer will be Bruce Oldfield, one of Princess Diana’s most beloved designers, who is also the top choice for those betting on the chosen designer.

Creating couture dresses for more than 30 years, his clients include Britain’s first lady Samantha Cameron, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Kate’s mother, Carole, and sister Pippa, were spotted in Bruce Oldfield’s London shop, causing rumours that he was "the chosen one."

Even though we might not be princesses, duchesses, or countesses, we can still be a princess on our wedding day and wear a dress that makes us feel like one. Think tiaras, elegant jewel sets, extra full ball gowns and, of course, a long train that goes on and on all the way down the aisle.

Winter Wedding | Romantic or Chaotic?

Winter weddings can be so romantic, but with the chaos we've faced in the past month due to the snow, will newly engaged couples be in such a hurry to try make their dream of a white wedding a reality? I seriously don't believe that when couples in the south, even as southern as Florida thought when they began planning a winter wedding that there would really be a chance of snow.

We take a look at the pros and cons of winter weddings, and offer some tips on how to overcome some possible problems you may be faced with.

Pros:
◊Guest Availability - Your wedding guests will probably not be away on holidays like summer weddings.
◊Off-peak Prices - It may cost less to get married during the winter with wedding off-peak season. Some hotels and wedding suppliers may offer a special rate during the winter months.
◊Availability of Wedding Suppliers - Your preferred wedding vendors may have availability during this traditionally quieter period.
◊Christmas Cheer - If you opt for a Christmas wedding, most of your guests will be on holidays, and full of the festive spirit. Christmas weddings are generally quite relaxed, as guests are not in such a hurry home the following day. Relations get to spend more time together during the holiday period. There is a great atmosphere with the Christmas tree, mulled wine and mince pies.

Cons:
◊Weather - Although you’re not guaranteed fabulous weather for a summer wedding, winter weddings bring the possibility of bad weather. Snow and icy conditions may be hazardous for guests and suppliers travelling to your wedding.
◊Less Light - With the dark evenings arriving earlier, this leaves very little time for your photographer to get outdoor photos taken.
◊Accommodation Costs - Room rates over the Christmas and New Year period are generally higher, so it may deter guests from staying overnight at your wedding.

Helpful Tips to overcome winter wedding woes:
♥ Have a later ceremony. This leaves your guests and wedding suppliers more time to make their journey to your ceremony if the weather conditions are hazardous.
♥ Keep in contact with your wedding suppliers. Carry their numbers with you on your wedding day in case they get stuck. Ask can they line up a local wedding supplier to cover for them if they get snowed in.
♥ Holding your wedding ceremony in same venue as your wedding reception leaves less traveling for you and your guests.
♥ If you’re planning a Christmas or New Years wedding, check which days are bank holidays before you book your wedding, as this may affect your vendors.

♥ Have alternative indoor location for photographs if it is too dark or cold or wet outside.
♥ If you are having a church wedding, conduct your receiving line inside the entrance.
♥ Dress your bridal party accordingly. Have alternative footwear (rubber boots), keep those fingers warm with gloves, wrap up in a cute bolero or cape, and keep a fleece or blanket in your wedding car to through over you between photos to keep warm.

Have you had a winter wedding disaster, or a magical white wedding? Let us know. If you have any more tips for our brides, leave a comment below.

Thanks

Introducing Our Newsletter {Coordinator's Corner}

I am thrilled to announce the launch of our monthly newsletter {Coordinator's Corner}. As a Professional Bridal Consultant and Event Coordinator in Eastern Carolina each month I have the opportunity to see beautiful venues, build working relationships with trusted vendors, see innovative ideas and attend inspirational events. Through this newsletter I hope to share the highlights of what is happening and what I have seen in area each month. Each edition will be filled with regular features including Design Tips, Real Weddings, and more! We will also be featuring local Wedding vendors, fantastic online sites, and keeping you in the know when it comes to the latest and greatest wedding trends, event developments and parties. Get an inside glimpse of what Julie, Melissa and I are up to, and learn some industry tricks and tips on making your events fabulous! Best of all: each month we will be showcasing special deals, draws, prizes and more! To sign up for {Coordinator's Corner}, enter your email address in the sign-up box on home page of our website - www.sandytevents.com
Keep reading my blog for ideas for your next "Special Event".

Wedding Color Combinations

Beautiful color combinations are in store for 2011 weddings. According to a wedding experts, this year’s wedding color combinations are as follows: Stone, Shell, Navy; Honeysuckle, Plum, Mercury; Peach, Ivory, Mint; and Gold, Teal, Deep Blue. What wonderful colors to celebrate a wedding; these wedding colors are sophisticated and elegant with a pop of color in deep hues. Note the Navy, Plum, Teal and Deep Blue. Wonder what the wedding colors will be at the royal wedding? The Pantone wedding accessories at Advantage Bridal help brides choose the perfect color combinations.