Being the maid of honor means more than some girls realize. Yes, your dress might be slightly different, you might get to read a special reading during the ceremony, and you get to tell embarassing stories about your best friend during your speech. Along with all that fun stuff a good maid of honor will brush up on her girl scout handbook and be super prepared for the brides big day. Pack a bridal emergency kit to bring along to the venue. This little bag of tricks will get your bride out of any jam that comes her way on her special day!
Bridal Emergency Kit Items:
- Sewing Kit, including safety pins and small scissors
- Clear nail polish (helpful for stocking runs)
- Nail file
- Nail polish in the bride’s shade
- Makeup
- Extra stockings
- Hairspray
- Brush and comb
- Bobbypins and hair elastics
- Hairdryer
- Bounce Sheets for Static-cling
- Tissues
- Lint brush
- Earring backs
- Iron/steamer
- Baby powder or white chalk (also useful for getting out last-minute spills on a white dress)
- Eye-drops (look for redness reducing)
- Contact lens solution
- Antacid
- Mints
- Tampons and pads
- Headache medicine (bring two different kinds in case one of the bridal party is allergic)
- Band-Aids
- Mirror
- Bottle of water
- Moist towelettes
- Camera for taking getting dressed candids
- List of vendors phone numbers
- Wristwatch
- A copy of the wedding vows
Every little girl dreams about her wedding day. What time of year it will be in, what her color-scheme will be, and of course, the dress!
Give your girlfriends a chance to make their dreams come true…with the Toilet Paper Bride game at the bridal shower. Divide the guests into even groups of 3-6. Pass out a few rolls of TP to each group. The group then decides which lucky girl will get to dawn the dress and the others turn into instant seamstresses and start to create the masterpiece. They can tuck, tie, and pinch the toilet paper into place creating their dream wedding gown. Some creative gals will even go all out and make veils, garters, and wedding rings as well.
Once you call time (give them about 7 minutes or so) allow your real bride to be walk around from group to group and pick the dress she likes most.
This game is a great way to get your guests moving around and socializing…and hey…who doesn’t want to be turned into a bride for a day? Have fun!
One of my favorite sites offers engaged couples a place to put all their wedding information live on the web. www.eWedding.com allows you to put vital wedding info, such as date, location, etc… It also offers extras like adding music, uploading photos, adding pre-wedding events, wedding party information, and putting up cute stories about you and your man! Guests go to the site…search your name and are able to view it all! They can also RSVP to events, see your registry, take polls and quizzes, and leave comments!
Daisy did a sample site to show how easy breezy it is. Check it out!
http://cs02.ewedding.com/v30/?a=clintandjulie/
Surprise your groom with a sexy treat! Buy a garter that he will love to wrap his mouth around! Here are some sites that Daisy loves for bridal garters! Check them out!
PS: All eyes will be on your legs during this part of the wedding…so some toned legs might not be a bad accessory either!
http://pcolaweddingcreations.com/garters.html
http://www.exclusivelyweddings.com/listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=42&refid=zgoogle&keywords=wedding_garters
http://www.difrancia.com/
Wedding cakes are pricey…we have already determined that! So why not do it yourself. This idea is perfect for a casual backyard or beach wedding!
Buy some cupcake pans with a unique design. We love the rose design. Pick your favorite kind of cake and bake it up. Add some powdered sugar or lemon frosting to the top for a beautiful touch. Stack the cupcakes on a gorgeous tiered cake stand, and add decor if you want some more flare.
This is a beautiful, easy, and delicious way to create a one of a kind wedding cake masterpiece!
Have a basket of clothespins by the sign in book at the shower or have one of the bridesmaids give one clothespin to each guest on their way in the door. Explain the rules to them as they get their game piece…and watch the magic unfold.
When a couple gets engaged, friends and family expect them to know each inside and out. Put your bride and groom friends to the test, and play a modern version of the Newlywed game at the engagement party!
Here’s how to make a homemade newlywed game:
• Put your bride and groom up against another newlywed couple or a couple that has spent many years together. Daisy threw a joint-engagement party once for friends who got engaged a week apart from one another, and paired both couples up against an older couple who had been married for 27 years. The game was super fun with three couples.
• Decide how many rounds you want to include in the game. Daisy recommends three rounds (about 5-10 minutes each):
o Multiple choice round- in this round the host will give each couple a question and a few answers to choose from.
• For example: Groom- what does your fiancé do first things in the morning?
• A: brush her teeth
• B. turn on the coffee pot
• C. go to the bathroom
• D. roll-over on top of you
• If the groom gets the question right, they get a point. If they get it wrong, they get shamed by grandma.
o Matching-answers round- in this round the host asks the couple a question about their relationship.
• For example: Where was your first date?
• The couple then writes down an answer (buy spirals or make an answer-book for them to write down their answers). The couple will then hold up their answers. If they match, they get a one-couple-point. If they get it wrong, boo the living daylights out of them.
o “That’s My Mate” round- this round includes all couples in the game. Read interesting and obscure facts about the players.
• For example: This person only eats cold tomatoes. Hot tomatoes are unacceptable.
• The partner of the person who only likes cold tomatoes should raise their hand and say,”that’s my mate!” If they get it right, they get a one-couple-point. If they get it wrong, embarrass them in front of the crowd.
Whatever couple has the most points at the end, knows each other the best! In turn, they have a 100% chance of living happily ever after!
If stunning beauty is what you are looking for in a wedding venue, then Daisy has found the perfect place. It also happens to be in one of the most amazing cities in the country…Chicago! Sure, the Windy City boasts a breathtaking skyline, beautiful lake Michigan, and some of the best Museums, nightlife, and restaurants in the country. But what many tourists probably don’t notice when they are in the middle of the Magnificent Mile is one of the most striking churches in the country also rests on the same street. The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago is located right in the heart of the modern city, while still holding on to a timeless charm (constructed in 1912).
So, this place is exactly what you and your future hubby have been dreaming of for your “I Do’s?” Here is some info you will need:
• Weddings are normally held only on Saturday. (A total of three weddings may be held on a Saturday. No ceremony is held simultaneously with another)
• Members (get a special discounted rate) must be an active member for at least three months before they reserve a wedding date. Nonmember couples may reserve a date up to but not more than seven months in advance, subject to the availability of dates.
• Fourth Presbyterian Church provides a wedding coordinator to oversee the arrangements and details of the wedding service. If an outside wedding consultant has been employed, it is requested that his or her involvement be limited to the reception and other non-church activities.
• There are three different areas to say your vows:
o John Timothy Stone Chapel- Seating Capacity: 15
o Blair Chapel- Seating Capacity: 65
o Sanctuary- Seating Capacity: 1,000
• The Wedding Fees at Fourth Presbyterian Church are as follows: (These prices are as of August 2008, but it is always good to contact the church to make sure the prices have not changed)
Sanctuary: Members- $2,000 , Non-Members- $3,500
Blair Chapel: Members- $1,750, Non-Members- $3,000
Stone Chapel: Members- $875, Non-Members- $1,500
Contact, Ann Meuse, Fourth Presbyterian’s Wedding Coordinator for more information.
Main Line: 312.787.4570 (The best days to catch Ann are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
To learn more, please visit the church website, www.fourthchurch.org.
Music is a big part of creating ambiance at your wedding. Below is a perfectly compiled list of songs to make your wedding events memorable…from the first dance all the way down to the garter toss!
First Dance music: First dance as husband and wife.
- Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)
- Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray)
- The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
- It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.)
- What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
- Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie)
- I Cross My Heart (George Strait)
- I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One)
- A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
- As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein)
- When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss)
- Faithfully (Journey)
- No Ordinary Love (Sade)
- Here And Now (Luther Vandross)
- I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery)
- Power Of Love (Celine Dion)
- Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson)
- Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams)
- When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton)
- All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
- I’ll Be There (Mariah Carey)
- On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men)
- At Last (Etta James)
- Don’t Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
- From This Moment On (Shania Twain)
- Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.)
- Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers)
Father/Daughter music: The dance between the new bride and her father.
- My Girl (The Temptations)
- Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi)
- Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
- Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole)
- The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
- My Dad (Paul Petersen)
- Hero (Mariah Carey)
- Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
- Times of Your Life (Paul Anka)
- A Song For My Daughter (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire)
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John)
- The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra)
- Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart)
- Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion)
- My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion)
- Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison)
- What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
- Through The Years (Kenny Rogers)
- Daddy’s Hand (Holly Dunn)
- Daddy’s little Girl (Kippi Brannon)
- Daddy’s Girl (Peter Cetera)
- Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof - Sndtrk)
- Lullabye (Billy Joel)
- A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle)
- How Do You Fall In Love (Alabama)
- Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)
- Landslide (Fleetwood Mac)
- Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi)
- Father’s Eyes (Amy Grant)
- Friends (Elton John)
- In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Mother/Son music: The dance between the husband and his mother.
- Don’t Know Much (Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville)
- Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
- I.O.U (Jimmy Dean)
- Moon River (Andy Williams)
- Moon Dance (Van Morrison)
- ‘Til The End Of Time (Perry Como)
- Through The Years (Kenny Rogers)
- Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart)
- Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion)
- Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
- Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole)
- What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstong)
- In This Life (Bette Midler)
- You’re The Inspiration (Chicago)
- Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler)
- Friends (Elton John)
- Wishing Tree (Sonia Dada)
- Blessed (Elton John)
- Hero (Mariah Carey)
- In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
- A Song For My Son (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire)
- Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof - Sndtrk)
- In My Life (The Beatles)
- Ever I Saw Your face (Roberta Flasck)
- Greatest Love Of All (Whitney Houston)
- I Wish You Love (Natalie Cole)
- Thanks Again (Ricky Skaggs)
- Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
Bridal Party Dances music: The dance including the Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen, and family members.
- That’s What Friends Are For (Dionne & Friends: Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder)
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John)
- Friends In Low Places (Garth Brooks)
- We Are Family (Sister Sledge)
- Friends (Elton John)
- Heroes and Friends (Randy Travis)
- In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
- Celebration (Kool & The Gang)
Cutting The Cake music: Played while the Bride & Groom cut the cake.
- Cut the Cake (Average White Band)
- I Wanna Grow Old With You (Adam Sandler)
- How Sweet It Is (James Taylor)
- Sugar, Sugar (The Archies)
- Hit me With Your Best Shot (Pat Benatar)
- When I’m 64 (The Beatles)
- Recipe For Love (Harry Connick Jr.)
- That’s Amore’ (Dean Martin)
- Happy Together (The Turtles)
- Pour Some Sugar On Me (Def Leppard)
- I Got You Babe (Sunny & Cher)
- Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra)
- Oh Yeah! (Yello)
- Axel F (Harold Faltermeyer)
- Peter Gunn Theme
Garter And Bouquet Toss music: Played during the bouquet toss and garter toss.
- The Stripper (David Rose)
- Legs (ZZ Top)
- You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate)
- Oh Yeah! (Yello)
- Macho Man (Village People)
- Theme From Mission Impossible (Danny Elfman)
- Wild Thing (The Troggs or Tone Loc)
- Let’s Get It On (Marvin Gaye)
- Bad Boys (Inner Circle)
- Another One Bites The Dust (Queen)
- Curly Shuffle (Jump n’ The Saddle)
- Kiss (Prince)
- Do Ya Think I’m Sexy (Rod Stewart)
- Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top)
- Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison)
- Freak Me (Silk)
- Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen)
- Heaven (Bryan Adams)
- U Can’t Touch This (MC Hammer)
- Shameless (Garth Brooks)
- *Girls Night Out (The Judds)
- *Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
- *Whipped Cream {Dating Game Theme} (Herb Alpert)
- *Miss America Theme (Various)
*Songs for Bouquet Toss Only.
Last Dance music: The last song of the night for the Bride & Groom and their remaining guests.
- Last Dance (Donna Summer)
- New York, New York (Frank Sinatra)
- Good Riddance {Time Of Your Life} (Green Day)
- From This Moment On (Shania Twain & Bryan White)
- Save The Best For Last (Vanessa Williams)
- Wonderful Tonight (David Kersh)
- Could I Have This Dance (Anne Murray)
- You’re Still The One (Shania Twain)
- Closing Time (Semisonic)
- Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole)
- I’ve Had The Time Of My Life (Bill Medly & Jennifer Warnes)
- How Your Love Makes Me Feel (Diamond Rio)
- Goodnight, Sweetheart (David Kersh)
- The Party’s Over (Nat King Cole)
- Goodnight Sweetheart (Spaniels)
- What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
- The Dance (Garth Brooks)
- Truly, Madly, Deeply (Savage Garden)
- Always And Forever (Heatwave)
It is the day before your best friend’s bridal shower. You have been planning the event for a few months now, and are totally ready and excited for the shower. Your BFF calls you and announces that she has still not purchased her wedding book! She casually asks you, “So…what are my guests going to sign?” Your first reaction is to scorn her and let her know how hard you have worked on her shower to make every detail perfect, and her only duty was to provide you with her wedding-book! Okay, now take a deep breath and put all that anger aside, because Daisy is here with a quick, easy, and cheap solution!
Step one, run to the nearest craft store and purchase a cute patterned piece of paper, in the bridal shower colors (the piece of paper will generally cost about 50 cents).
Step two, get out your handy-dandy laptop and create a document to print on the paper. Something like…”A Bridal Shower Honoring, Daisy, February 23, 2008.” Also, include lines for the guests to sign. Print the document on the piece of paper.
Step three, find a piece of cardboard and some tissue paper/wrapping paper that goes with the shower colors. Wrap the piece of cardboard with the tissue paper/wrapping paper.
Step four, attach the guest list paper you just printed to the cardboard using double-sided tape.
Step five, tie a ribbon around the piece of cardboard to add a cute touch and tie everything together.
The guests will just sign this adorable creation you have thrown together, and the bride can attach the paper to her wedding book, when she finally gets around to buying it. Hey, you did your part!