Designer Bridal Dresses For Today's Budget Bride

Be on the look out this February for the new line of Vera Wang Bridal Gowns. Theses fabulous gowns are priced to fit into today's budget savvy bride's price range.  They can be found at David's Bridal and are sure to be a big hit with the 2011 brides. 

Enter The Kate Aspen Contest To Win A Wedding Full Of Favors

Kate Aspen is running a great contest for a lucky bride to win a wedding full of favors.  You must enter by September 30, 2010 as they will be drawing the lucky winner on October 5, 2010. Absolutely no obligation – you pick the favors, and Kate Aspen will ship them right to your door.  What a fun way to win the favors for your dream wedding! 

For more details and to register to win visit Kate Aspen Registration Form
or the Kate Aspen Blog

NEW ARRIVALS!

If you haven't shopped our New Arrivals page then you may be missing out on some of the latest wedding favors that have hit the market.  These personalized favors can be coordinated with any look or theme with that special thank you message to your guest.

Shop and Pick Your Box Color.

Shop and Pick Your Bow Color or Use Your Own Ribbon and Bow.

Shop and Pick a Sticker or Tag.  Then Choose the Coordinating Design and Color.

Personalize Your Tag or Sticker with a Monogram or Your Name, Wedding Date or Special Message.

Fill Each Box With Your Own Special Treat!

Place Ribbon, Bow or Personalized Sticker or Tag on the Box.  
Its That Easy To Create !

Planning Your Honeymoon - Checklist:

• Gather brochures, books and use the internet for information on the location you are considering to visit.  Read travel magazines and maps to get a better idea of the area.

• Contact a travel agent that specializes in your destination.  This is a great way to learn more and to gather other resources when planning.

• Check prices online and with your travel agent for comparison.  Verify if any hidden fees, rules and restrictions.

• If purchasing airlines tickets be sure to book at least 21 days advance. If you book less than 21 days the price goes up daily per ticket.

• Consider what each location needs when packing if you are thinking of flying since the price for bags are so high.

• Booking hotels, be sure you are aware of hotel policies and cancellation fees; be sure to inquire these when also booking with a travel agent or directly with the hotel. 

• Be sure to book you rental car in advance, prices increase typically closer to your arriving date.  Availability may not exist if a convention, sporting event, etc. are in town.  This will make prices also soar.

• If booking at a resort, check pricing for All-Inclusive verse paying for things separately to ensure best pricing.  Also verify what makes up the price when receiving a quote.  Often the price can include room rate, a menu you must choose from in advance, tickets, transfers or other passes.

• Each of you should write down things you like and dislike about the places you’re considering and then compare notes. Then it will be that dream honeymoon that the two of you have always imagined.

• Consider the cost of booking it yourself vs. with a travel agent.  If you have booked it yourself you will need to carry the contact numbers for each item you booked in case of a delayed flight, or another problem arises that you are unfamiliar with.  If you booked with a travel agent, you have the ability to call their emergency hotline to have a person assist you with the delayed flights, transfers or other unforeseen problems that you need an answer too so you can get back on track and enjoy your trip.

Happy Planning!

Do I need a travel agent for my honeymoon?

When you are busy planning, you always wonder do I really need this or that?  Well when it comes to a travel agent, it really depends if you truly know about the place you will be traveling to.  If you have been to the place a few times before, then you probably can handle it yourself if you made the arrangements before.  But if you are exploring some place new all together, it is best to find a travel agent.  Most travel agents have the resources to be able to inform their travelers about the location, best times to travel, and what to do when they get there or how to be safe.

How do I know if I have the right travel agent?

Most travel agents specialize in destinations, these are places that they have had additional education, or have personally traveled to. Some agents specialize only in Disney while others specialize on such places as visiting Italy, France or England.  Travel Agents are able to inform their clients about what each destination has to offer that they specialize in. If your agent does not specialize in the place you want to go, they will still be able to help; from getting information about your location or who you might be able to contact that would serve you better. Travel agents attend conferences, continuing education classes and more to keep up to date with popular destinations, and places.

 

But do I still need a travel agent?

Travel agents don’t just simply book your trip.  They will research a trip if needed for your destination for a fee; plan your itinerary if you want to book additional items such as show tickets.  They will work to make sure you have the best deal.  If you run into a problem, they have thought of that as well and have included some kind of emergency numbers or have their own toll free emergency number.  They maybe able to tell you what flights are available while you are standing in line at the airport because your flight was just canceled.

Where do I find a good travel agent?

Most travel agents still advertise in your local phone book.  You can also visit your local bridal magazine or the Knot, OneWed and GetMarried local sections to find a travel agent near you.  Keep an ear to the TV for commercials as some agents advertise special trips that you maybe able to take advantage of for your honeymoon. Some agents have websites listed that you can find out more information on the services they offer or where you can plan your trip directly from their site.

Things To Bring With You On Your Wedding Day

As a Bride you have so many things to do the day of your wedding so put your bridesmaids to work with this handy check list of items that a girl needs on her wedding day to help cover your bases.

Wedding Dress

Veil or Hairpiece

Shoes

Under Garments

Make-up

Curling Iron

Flat Iron

Contact Solution & Eye Drops

Contacts or Glasses

Get-a-way Clothes and Shoes

Bobbi Pins

Safety Pins

Needle & Thread that matches dresses and tux

Tide Stain Stick

Band aids

Aspirin

Sunblock

Umbrella

Pen & Paper

Cell Numbers of Wedding Party & Parents

Cell Numbers of Photographer, Videographer, DJ, Limo, Caterer & Cake

Photo List & Timeline Schedule (give a copy to the guys too!)

Have snacks and drinks around during getting ready to make sure your Bride & Groom have had something to eat

Now be sure that the all the guys have picked up their tuxedos.

Sunglasses if using them in pictures or any other props for pictures

Don't forget the Kleenex....

Getting Those Romantic Pictures For Your Wedding Album

You have seen your girlfriends wedding pictures, your sisters pictures and your moms pictures.  Wedding Photography has evolved over the years. Today's Bride wants Fun, Exciting, Romantic, Sexy, and much, much, much more out of their wedding photo session.  Here's some tips to get the most out of your Photographer to allow him or her enough time to capture those shots:

1) Look at their portfolio online and in person when meeting with your photographer.  Look at albums too, for options on how those photos are designed and displayed into the popular Storybook Albums as a finished product.

2)  You will need a basic time-line when meeting with the photographer the first time.  Most wedding photographers prefer for you to be flexible when meeting them if you want to capture a storybook image.  They only need to know the basics of ceremony start/end time, dinner time with flexibility on serving it.  The reason for this is due to everything that falls in between.  From you getting ready shots, the groom getting ready shots, and family formals.  If you are running late due to some unforeseen reason it will make you Rushed, Panic, and Stressed Out before your photographer has a chance to capture your beauty naturally.  The Ceremony may go longer for instants which pushes the family formals back and then you will be Rushed, Panic, and Stressed Out.  Your parents still want those particular shots, but the church has to setup for Mass, what to do?  This will create your photographer to be rushed.  They will push through, you will cut your photo list and you will be short on time for the one on one time with your new hubby that you so wanted in the first place for those romantic pics.  Then if you stay longer for those pics or are running far enough behind that those are cut short, your into the reception stating late etc.  The snowball effect takes place.  While no wedding runs exactly on time be sure that your pictures are usually the first to go.  Keep this in mind when working on your time-line.  Be sure that your vendors such as Caterer, Reception Hall and DJ are flexible with the final time-line for them to start and be sure they have a game plan if you are running late.  This will help so you don't feel Rushed, Panic, or Stressed Out.

You have spent money on the dress, flowers, ceremony, reception, decoration, DJ, etc  but if you don't spend the money on your photographer and allow them enough time to capture what made you booked them for in the first place you'll be disappointed because you won't have those pictures to remember your day long after it has passed and you're growing old together.

3) If formals aren't your thing, most parents still want them.  Get with each set of parents and get a list of groupings of who will be in the pictures.  Be sure to have that handy for your photographer so they can be sure to help you figure that into your time-line.  Typically it takes 2 to 3 minutes per picture if everyone is present this doesn't count the setup of each shot such as move one person from the front to the back or checking for blinks.  That only includes rounding everyone up and getting the up front and ready.  A photographer will take multiple shots of each group to be safe in case someone wasn't ready.

4) Map your driving time to estimate how long it will take from getting ready shots to ceremony then to romantic location and to reception site.  You will need to factor this in as well.

5) Your Alone Time with each other and if you want any fun shots with your bridal party will typically need to be 1 hour and 30 minutes. 30 minutes to get to point A to B with all of your bridal party and for those great fun shots.  1 hour for your romantic time to capture all those wonderful moments between each of you that will be the most treasured naturally.  This also allows that built in cushion if something has started late or ran to long.  Though your pictures maybe cut here you will still have enough time to get something memorable.  You can always show up early for to your reception if finished early and mingle with guest.

6) If you don't want to pay the photographer any longer than you need to.  Look at having your cake cutting right after dinner, so the cake can be distributed to guest.  If the older guests want to leave before the party gets into gear they can.  Also follow the cake cutting with the bouquet and garter toss, first dances, dollar dances and parents dances.  Then your photographer can stay for 30 minutes or so to get those fun and crazy dances that will finish your storybook.  If you booked a package with your wedding photographer that consist of a time package of 8 -10 hrs this tip will help you to not have to pay overtime unless you want it or have to go up to the next package because of time unless you want those upgrades.  You can focus your time with your photographer on the two of you.

7) Look at wedding photos and analyze the pose.  This will help you to naturally recreate something similar for your day.  You will be use to seeing and practicing the pose when trying on your dress.   This will also prepare you since you're not use to being a supermodel and this is your moment.  Most photographers capture the moment, so not many of them pose you.  This is due to the fact that posing makes you look rigid and the positions are usually not natural to create with your body unless you have played Twister a lot as a child.  Be sure if you're looking at photos for the poses that you share them with your man.  Make sure you have him practice that dip so you don't end up on the ground and the picture will look like your pros.

8) Remember that your photographers are human.  They are the only vendor that is with you from before the beginning to the end of your day.  They will still need the bathroom break as you will. They will also need to eat.  Be sure that they are the one vendor that eats the same time as the head table.  The last thing you want is for your photographer to leave the wedding to run and get something to eat or be served last, so by the time you have finished eating you're waiting on them.  So to fix this have them added into your guest count, be sure to let your caterer know where they are sitting (preferably close to you in line of sight so they can still capture those moments that may pop up. Most won't take pictures of you nor your guest eating.) so they are served at the same time as you and they can be ready to go when you are ready to mingle with guest.  Don't forget as you mingle with your guest this will allow your wedding day photographer the time to get the gift table, cake picture, and table details to add into your wedding album.

We hope that these inside tips will help you with getting the most out of your wedding photos, wedding photographer and help you prepare that timeline with your photographer and vendors. If you need help with your time-line your wedding day photographer is the best source to assisting you since they are with you from beginning to end.

Ideas For Your Hotel Favor Bags

You have the rooms blocked, the wedding day is fast approaching now your thinking a gift, favor or special thank you for your guest that have come into town for your special day.  We have some great tips and inexpensive ideas to help you.

In a bag - look no farther than Dreamland, we have some white miniature gift bags with strings of beads and hearts on clearance shop now

Want a bag that has a coordinating color to match your wedding theme?  Look at your local party or craft store to find the perfect color.  

Need to embellish your gift bags? Choose from tissue paper, ribbons, stamps, stickers, tags or note cards for that personal touch.

Things to include in your gift bags:

place the little soaps from the hotel room into the gift bag

water bottle

cookies

aspirin

candy

handmade chocolate only for them

$5.00 gift card or coupons

local information for things to do and see in the area

preferred restaurants with menus

and don't forget the special thank you message thanking your guest for coming.

You can always consult your local hotel for ideas and help with getting the gifts bags into each room.

The best part is your guest will be surprised and the possibilities of small things to put into the gift bag are endless.

Tips For Creating Your Wedding Day Timeline

Begin with the dates & times on your contracts from your vendors; such as caterers, photographers, DJ etc. List when they will be setting up and ending.  Leave plenty of space on your sheet.

Next add in the details such as when you will be getting your hair and make-up done, putting your wedding gown on, when your bridesmaids are showing up, the groom showing up, and when the groomsmen are showing up.

Add in the brides and grooms first meet if you will see each other before everyone else arrives.

Now add in if you will have formal pictures before or after the ceremony

Ceremony Start Time and End Time

Post ceremony pictures as husband and wife

Arrival time for reception hall and grand entrance time

Dinner start time

Add the DJ timeline of songs and announcements such as the garter toss, cake cutting, bouquet toss and any other special moments that the DJ or Photographer need to announce and capture for your day.

End time with grand exit.

Its easy to create this timeline, but with nerves and a ton of other things running through your head it can be overwhelming. We hope these tips will help you focus and make quick work of getting this prepared for your vendors so they maybe able to provide their best service for you on your beautiful wedding day.

 

Searching for the perfect summer wedding favors?  

Here at Dreamland Wedding Shoppe we have a variety of favors that would be perfect for your dream wedding this summer.  

Choose from Love and Hearts, Love Birds, Butterflies, Calla Lily, or Beach themes favors.  From practical or decorative these favors are sure to delight your guest.  

Visit our Theme & Occasion section to learn more and shop for these wonderful favors.

Do You Need A Block Of Hotel Rooms For Your Out Of Town Guest?

Every Bride wonders if they need a block of rooms for their out of town guest that will be coming to their wedding.  The answer is simply Yes.  If you will be mailing any invitations to out of town guest it is customary that you block of rooms to be set aside.  Getting a block of rooms should be near the top of the to do list next to booking the ceremony and reception site.  This is do to the fact that if for some reason you are unaware of a big event in town like a Notre Dame vs USC home football game, or a Convention on your wedding day it will be near impossible to have a place for your wedding guest to stay comfortably and safe as all rooms will be sold out or expensive if booked last minute.

Getting a block of rooms is easy:

1) Call around for prices.  Count up ahead of time how many out of town guest invitations you may have.  Think of how they will sleep if they have older kids and will need two rooms. You will want to get a reasonable price for your guests.

2) Search the web like Hotels.com to get reviews of the property before settling on price.  Even though you have probably driven by the hotel hundreds of times and it looks fine from the outside doesn't mean you want your guest staying there.  Service or the rooms could be a nightmare.  You may even want to check it out in person and take a tour.

3) Once a price and location are agreed upon, call that hotel and let them know you need a block of rooms, and how many.  Some hotels may have a minimum numbers of rooms to block off that can be dropped 30 days out from the wedding where others will work with a small quantity of rooms within a block.  Inform them it is for your wedding for your out of town guest.  You may even want to ask your hotel representative if there are any big events coming in town that weekend that may sell out the hotel.

4) You should receive a contract that states the cut off date to cancel any rooms, terms and conditions of the hotel, price should be included and even a deposit maybe needed if you are planning around a home football or basketball game.  Be sure to read the contract fully and if you have any questions or scenarios that may or may not happen speak with the hotel to make sure those questions or concerns are answered. 

Now that you have your rooms, make a custom note on your computer to enclose with each out of town invitation.  List the hotel name, address, phone, price, your contact person from the hotel, the dates of the room block with the check-in and check-out date, and that you have a hotel room block under your name. You will want to enclose all this information on your handcrafted note, so should any of your out of town guest have any questions such a non-smoking room, or an extra bed request they may have those questions answered easily without having to call you or parents for more details.

Be sure to mark the cut off date in your calendar. You may also want go over your RSVP cards to double check whom you have from out of town guest coming and match that with the Room Block reservations that have confirmed rooms before letting the block go.  Once you release the rooms, the rate and availability usually go up and become scarce.

It's really easy. Hotels work with Brides all the time from receptions in their halls to providing rooms for the Bride's guest.  Check out your local hotels for more information.  Your out of town guest will thank you that you have gone the extra mile so they can have a good time to share in your special day.

Winter Wedding Theme Table Vase Decoration

    

 Planning A Fall or Winter Wedding? 

Dreamland Wedding Shoppe has some great new fall and winter wedding decorations that are now available. Choose from two colors options for table vases, window/car clings, dance floor decals and matching cake toppers all of which can be personalized. Visit our New Arrivals or Theme and Occasion Sections to see these great new products that are on sale this week until Sunday August 1, 2010! 

                             

Personalized Fall Wedding Table Runner

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