Sunday Funday..Wedding Style

Veronica Enns January 9, 2014

We are glad to see that so many couples are prepared to take advantage of the Bridal Show for all of their wedding needs, making sure to pre-register and save money at the door is just one of the smart moves they are making. If you pre-registered you will receive your personalized mailing labels with your contact information pre-printed so that you can use them to enter to win countless prizes. If you missed the pre-registration, you can still make your own labels ahead of time and print them from home.

As always we will give a few tips for getting the most from your bridal show experience:

1. Check Your List Be aware of your needs so that can make sure to collect information from exhibitors offering the services you have not yet booked. For example, if you do not yet have a venue or a wedding coordinator you should be sure to make that a priority. Take advantage of discounts and special offers, and pay special attention to the expiration (if any) of the offer.

2. Attire Your wedding will give you time to shine, but the bridal show isn't the best place for those new heels you bought. Your feet will thank us, just be comfortable! Bring a bag that you will be comfortable holding so that you can easily store flyers and business cards from the exhibitors.

3. Entourage Make a day of it, bring your bridal party as back up just in case you need someone to help you decide which catering sample rocked your world, or to help you cover more ground and listen for your name on the prize announcements overhead.

4. Enjoy This day is about you, and all of the possibilities out there to help shape your big day into the celebration you always dreamed of. So go ahead, have another cupcake on us!

Rehearsal Dinner

Veronica Enns September 15, 2013

The rehearsal dinner really stumps a lot of couples when it comes to the Do's and Don'ts, formality, who attends etc. While just as many wedding traditions have changed, the rehearsal dinner is really up to you as a couple to decide. However here is the run down on rehearsal dinners: The rehearsal gives you a chance to have a practice run-through of your wedding and can take place either at the ceremony venue location or somewhere off-site if the location isn't available. You can take this time to delegate any wedding-day responsibilities, practice the order of the ceremony and make any adjustments as needed. This time is valuable for introducing members of your wedding party or family who haven't met, and to get some of the jitters out! The rehearsal & rehearsal dinner are typically held the night before your wedding and should be in the early evening so that you and your wedding party can get some rest before the big day.

The grooms family customarily would host and pay for the rehearsal dinner but this can be altered if you as a couple have decided otherwise. The hosts are responsible for food and drink, but if your budget is tight you might consider a cocktail & appetizer mixer, or potluck style dinner rather than something more formal. Plan on inviting your wedding party, immediate family members and their dates. If you have guests from out of town you should consider inviting them as well. The rehearsal dinner is a wonderful time to enjoy with your friends and family here to celebrate with you, and take it from us your wedding day flies by so make the most of every gathering!

If you haven't booked your rehearsal dinner location, below are some of the featured venues in the 530 area. For more ideas and suggestions, feel free to contact us.

Choosing Your Wedding Registry

Veronica Enns April 22, 2013

By Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Registering for a wedding is equal parts exhilarating and confusing. With each beep of the scanner, you begin to more clearly see your future – teal kitchen aid here; purple bath towels there; 1,000 count linens- check; fine china – umm, is this really necessary? There are so many traditional registry ideas that we can get lost in it all. In my opinion, it is most important to consider what type of items you and your groom actually need and want. Luckily, there are extensive options for registries today that allow any couple to choose the best registry that defines their needs and style.

The Honey Moon Registry - This option allows the couple to register for honeymoon experiences, rather than fine china or bath towels. From airfare and travel expenses, to meals and drinks, to surf lessons, rounds of golf, shopping sprees, massages, or romantic cruises - your guests can gift you items that allow you to customize your perfect honeymoon. There are many honeymoon registries available, visit them all and find the one that best fits your needs. You may want to consider researching expiration dates, set up or transaction fees, whether or not you are truly getting a good deal, if your desired honeymoon destination is offered, or if exclusive vendors must be used. Also, Keep in mind that you most likely will purchase your airfare before your guests complete your honeymoon registry – you might want to inquire if travel expenses can be reimbursed or transferred to another item on your registry

www.honeymoonwishes.com - Includes: Downloadable announcements to print, email announcement wizard, wedding website, full online photo album, wedding blog, and a share tool to post your registry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media site
www.honeyfund.com - Allows you to calculate the estimated cost of your honeymoon (flight, driving or cruise cost, number of nights, type of desired accommodations, dining, beverages, excursions and/or activities.)
www.travelersjoy.com - Partners with well-known wedding sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire and do not charge a guest fee.
www.wanderable.com - Wanderable provides a thank you tracker and iPhone app that allows the couple to share their experiences with their guests by sending a digital ‘thank you’ postcard.

The Traditional Registry - This option allows the couple to register for household items such as kitchen appliances, pots and pans, furniture, décor, linens, and items that they may not have bought on their own. Check out the 10 Registry Tips from The Knot. Among some of the tips: check for store return policies, register for gifts in a variety of price points, and register for items you actually need (how often do you plan on using that expensive fine china?) and items that you may not purchase on your own (teal kitchen aid mixer – yes please!)

A few commonly used traditional registries include (but are absolutely not limited to): Bed, Bath, & Beyond; Macys; Crate and Barrel; Williams and Sonoma; Target; Pottery Barn; or Amazon.com. Consider registering at a locally owned store - don’t be afraid to choose a store that fits your unique style.

The Multi-Site Registry – This registry option allows couples to register for multiple items at multiple stores all from a single website. You can register for almost anything: typical household items, entertainment tickets, travel, electronics, outdoor furniture, motorcycles, camping gear, jewelry and much more!

www.registrylove.com - Registry Love lets the couple register for anything from anywhere – from local retailers to retailers that do not have online website to honeymoon and adventure registries.
www.simpleregistry.com -Same options as Registry Love and allows for group gifting, and a mobile scanner app so you can add an item to your registry anytime, anywhere.
www.myregistry.com - Allows you to put your entire registry on Facebook, add gifts with your phone, and allows you to sync pre-existing registries.
www.knackregistry.com - Allows you to create a registry full of unique items not available from national retailers.

The Homeowner’s Registry – This registry option allows guests to put money towards a couples’ new home, or provide renovation, remodeling, or decor to an existing home. Before signing up for a Home Registry, consider the fees and restrictions involved, and how/where you can spend your gifted money.

www.hatchmyhouse.com – Allows couples to design their ideal house. Guests can gift money, which can be used to purchase parts of the house (like windows or doors) or provide general funding towards a downpayment.
www.mydreamhomeregistry.com/index.aspx - Gives couples the opportunity to register for things like paint, flooring, furniture, and/or remodeling costs.

The Charity Registry – This registry option allows the couple to raise money for their favorite cause(s).

www.justgive.org - Just Give gives you the option to choose from more than 1.8 million different charities.
www.idofoundation.org - Partners with www.justgive.org, and gives you the option of choosing charitable favors.

The Gift Card Registry – www.cardavenue.com - Card Avenue lets couples choose gift cards from over 500 stores, restaurants and services.

The Experience Registry – www.newlywish.com - Newly Wish provides guests with the opportunity to gift a variety of gifts from kitchen and linens, to spas and fitness centers, to dancing lessons and theater visits, to sporting and cultural events.

The Cash Registry – www.weddingrepublic.com - Wedding Republic allows couples to get money without necessarily asking for money and allows your guests to see what their contribution is going towards.

Three Tips To Successfully Creating Your Guest List

Veronica Enns April 16, 2013

Posted by: Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Creating a guest list can be a daunting and confusing task! Should you invite all 500 of your facebook friends, your parent's college friend whom you've never met, or your favorite middle school teacher? Usually the size of the guest list is determined on your wedding budget. It is also helpful to consider the size of your wedding venue - a backyard wedding may not accommodate your 400 person guest list. Below are three tips to assist you in creating your wedding guest list.

1. Compile an initial guest list

Traditionally, half of the guest list goes to the bride's family, and half to the groom's family. Ask that each family create their own list of guests. Think of groups of friends or clubs of which you belong (example: church, co-workers, recreation leagues, etc.) Finally, go through your address books to make sure you did not forget anyone. Once you have your initial list compiled, the hard part begins...

2. Separate names into categories

With the help of your groom and family, begin to place people into three categories. Placing guests into categories, as terrible as it sounds, will be very helpful in getting your guest list count to an acceptable budget-friendly number. Let's say your wedding budget allows for 200 guests, and in your Group A and Group B you have 200 guests to invite, and 50 in your Group C. Typically 70-80% of guests invited attend, so as you receive a "No" RSVP from someone on the A or B list, you can send someone from your Group C an invitation.

1. Group A (Definite Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be those involved in the wedding (parents and bridal party for example) or immediate family members (grandparents and siblings.)

2. Group B (Probable Invites): Examples of guests on this list would be other family members and close friends.

3. Group C (Optional Invites): Examples of guests on this list might include friends you haven't seen in years, work acquaintances, distant relatives or children. While it is appreciated by single guests, if your guest list is overflowing, it is not necessary to invite all single guests to have a plus one.

3. Check your list for any duplications

Double check your list to eliminate any overlap that may have been caused during the formation of your guest list. It would be unfortunate to invite the same person twice and eliminate another potential guest.

Special Note: If you haven't already, consider sending RSVP Cards along with your invitations. Caterers and bakers require an accurate head count to make sure there is sufficient food for your guests. It would be a shame to run out of food before all guests are served or be costly if you have an overabundance of food. In addition, having an accurate list of guests helps when creating the seating arrangements. If this sounds overwhelming, remember that the Event Coordinators at The 530 Bride can help!

Happy Planning!

Get Glowing Skin With These 12 Super Foods

Veronica Enns April 2, 2013

Posted by Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride There are countless preparatory measures a bride can take to look her very best on her wedding day: from whitening to tanning to exercising to waxing and everything in between. With all the extra steps we take prior to our wedding to ensure a perfect bridal glow, we may overlook one of the most effective and most permanent ways to attain that healthy glow: our nutrition. Check out twelve ways to promote your perfect bridal glow! *Please note that this is by no means an all inclusive list - just a few highly recognized super foods for skin health!*

#1: Blueberries

Blueberries are proof that great things really do come in small packages. These tiny morsels are very rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent free radicals from damaging and destroying collagen – keeping your skin elastic and plump. Blueberries are also low in fat, high in fiber, and high in vitamin C – which not only aids collagen formation, but also strengthens your immune system! No one wants to be sick on their wedding day! Try adding some blueberries to a smoothie, your cereal, or some yogurt!

#2: Salmon

Salmon has high levels of an essential healthy fat: omega-3. The nutrients in salmon can help reduce skin inflammation, fight against dry skin, improve skin elasticity, and diminish fine lines, wrinkles and occurrences of clogged pores. Salmon is also rich in protein and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

#3: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of my favorites fruits! Especially the delicious gems I pick from my own garden! Tomatoes are packed full of many vitamins that promote good health! There are many great things to say about tomatoes, but Vitamin A (same vitamin in carrots!) is important for the health of your eyes, hair, and skin, while Vitamin C helps to strengthen your immune system!

#4: Walnuts and Almonds

Just like salmon, walnuts have healthy omega-3 fatty acids that prevent damage to skin cells, aid in moisture retention to soothe dry skin, reduce inflammation, and can even help to protect against UV rays. Vitamin E found in both almonds and walnuts is a powerful antioxidant that protects against skin cell damage. Nuts are a fantastic on-the-go snack or add to cereal, yogurt, or salads. Not only are nuts excellent for skin health, they are heart healthy and good for your brain!

#5: Dark Chocolate

Not that you really need a reason to eat chocolate, but flavanols or the antioxidant in Dark Chocolate strengthens skin cells and can reduce the effect of UV rays on the skin! Unfortunately, this skin fighting benefit isn't uniform among all chocolate products, look for dark chocolate with high levels of cacao.

#6: Sweet Potatoes

Similarly to carrots, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and are a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin A aids in generating new skin cells and vitamin C assists collagen production to maintain skin elasticity.

#7: Green Tea

Green tea has been termed, ‘the fountain of youth' because of its high levels catechins (or antioxidants.) Green tea catechins, chiefly EGCG has been shown to reactivate dry skin cells. Green Tea is also rich in vitamins C, D, and K, and the minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

#8: Whole Grains and Brown Rice

Not only do whole grains pack a high fiber punch that keeps you full and regular, they contain high levels of B vitamins. B Vitamins help to maintain energy levels and metabolism, but also to generate new skin and hair cells and retain skin moisture.

#9: Avocado

Avocados are another favorite of mine! Avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage and protects skin. Vitamin C, as mentioned before assists in collagen formation and prevents cell damage.

#10: Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have the powerful omega-3 fatty acid that helps your skin cells attract moisture which reduces appearance of wrinkles, and reduces skin irritation. Flax seeds can be added to pretty much anything - throw some in your morning smoothie, or try mixing some into your pancakes (see recipe below!)

#11: Carrots

Carrots are excellent sources for vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for developing and maintain healthy skin cells. Not only do carrots have fiber and other essential vitamins, they are also high in damage-preventing antioxidants.

#12: Water

I know it’s not necessarily a food, but water is probably one of the most important steps to achieving healthy skin. Water hydrates your entire body – including your skin cells. Water helps to remove toxins from your body, and deliver nutrients throughout your body. You can eat plenty of vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 rich foods, but without water, nutrients cannot be edelivered to necessary cells in the body.

I am a huge fan of multi-tasking, and that carries into my meal planning. Here are a few recipes that include two or more of the above-mentioned super foods!

1. Salmon Spaghetti with Plum Tomatoes and Avocado (Salmon, Tomatoes, Avocado)

2. Blueberry, Watermelon and Walnut Salad (Blueberries, Walnuts - add some shredded carrots for some extra crunch!)

3. CrockPot Recipe for Sweet and Spicy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk (Sweet potatoes, brown rice)

4. Green Tea and Dark Chocolate Torte - (Green Tea, Dark Chocolate, Almonds)

5. Sweet Potato and Flax Pancakes - (Sweet potato, Flax Seed)

6. Lastly, Water. Infuse your water with blueberries or seasonal fruit, or enjoy plain!

References:

1. Price, M. (2010). Vitamin E on Hair & Skin. Retrived from http://www.livestrong.com/article/106234-vitamin-e-hair-skin/

2. Gaynes, S. Healthy Skin From the Inside Out. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/perfect-skin-diet

3. Tucker, J. (2012). Sweet Potatoes For A Younger Looking Skin And Other Health Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/sweet-potatoes-for-a-younger-looking-skin-and-other-health-benefits/

4. Hoffman Center Staff. EGCG - potent extract of green tea. Retrieved from http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/118.

5. Whole Grains Coucil. Whole Grains: An Important Source of Essential Nutrients. Retrieved from http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/whole-grains-an-important-source-of-essential-nutrients

6. California Avocado Commission. Avocado Nutrients. Retrieved from http://www.californiaavocado.com/avocado-nutrients/

Tips To Keep Young Children Occupied At A Wedding

Veronica Enns March 20, 2013

Children attending a wedding can be a touchy subject. You may be planning a formal event, your venue may or may not allow kids, or your budget may not allow room to pay for a child's attendance. Or perhaps you just prefer that your weddings be kid free - an evening where adult family and friends can come together and celebrate - which I totally respect and understand. There are no words to describe how much I love my daughter, but I would much prefer to attend a wedding sans baby - giving myself and hot date (my husband of course!) a night free of graham cracker smears and adult conversation - and dancing! Some other attendees may feel differently: cousin Jane R.S.V.P'd five people (two adults, and three kids), when clearly the invitation was addressed only to Mr. and Mrs. John & Jane Doe; or your friend Stacy's babysitter cancelled last minute; or perhaps you invited the entire Smith Family intentionally (2 parents and 4 kids!) There are many reasons children attend weddings - hopefully, it is because you requested their presence, but circumstances arise that may be our of your control. Fortunately, you have 530 Bride Event Coordinators to help you navigate the child attendance dilemma.

Below are some ideas to help you control the uncontrollable, and maintain your desired atmosphere by providing some entertainment to keep your little guests occupied and well-behaved.

1. Designate a separate kid-friendly space!

Look to see if your venue has a separate room or outdoor space that would be available to act as a 'childcare' setting. Hire a babysitter(s) and pay them an hourly wage. Make sure you have an appropriate babysitter to child ratio, and sitters who are CPR trained. Parents will want to make sure that their child is sufficiently cared for. For kids who are relatively young, make sure your space is child-proofed. For example, cover electrical outlets, make sure stairs are blocked off with a gate, and breakable items are stored out of reach. Bring in books, movies, coloring books, or other craft items to keep children occupied.

2. Offer a kid-friendly menu and dining table!

Designate a "kids table" where kids can eat unbreakable dinner wear (paper plates and plastic cups for example.) If you feel up to it, provide a more kid friendly main dish (chicken strips, hamburgers, carrot sticks, 100% fruit juice, cheese sticks, etc.) You may opt to avoid foods like spaghetti that may end up staining a young boy's clean white shirt. Cover the kids table with a paper 'tablecloth' and allow kids to draw silly versions of the bride and groom.

3. Provide alternate activities!

Provide kid-friendly (quiet) activities. For example: coloring books, crayons, quiet toys (foam blocks, bubbles (kids love bubbles!), balloons), puppet show, hop scotch or other crafts. Avoid providing kids with balls, bats, swords, or other fun toys turned weapons. A fun game of wiffle ball or tag would be fine if there was a space away from your reception area.
If it fits within your theme (and budget), you could hire outside entertainment (like a magic show!)
Show a "drive-in" movie. Lay some blankets on the ground, pop some popcorn, hang a sheet, and feature a popular Disney movie.
Give kids some glow sticks, and let them have their own dance party.
Get a polaroid camera and some photo booth props (mustaches, boas, hats, sunglasses, dry erase board with markers, etc.) and allow the kids to create and enjoy their own photo booth.

4. Include them!

Depending on their age, you can always include them by give them jobs, such as manning the guest book table, helping guests find their seats, or passing out wedding programs.

5. Don't be afraid to designate a person to monitor out-of-control behavior!

However you decide to provide entertainment to children - or not provide alternative activities - ideally, a parent or guardian should be responsible for their children's behavior. It is your big day, which entitles you to whatever type of ceremony and reception atmosphere you and your groom desire. However, sometimes our hopes do not turned out as planned - in extreme circumstances, be prepared to have an individual that can nip chaotic behavior before it ruins the atmosphere and vibe of your wedding.

We'd love to hear our 530 Brides thoughts and ideas on innovative ways to include children in your wedding!

Posted by 530 Bride Event Coordinator, Alisha Rouland (alisha@the530bride.com)

Game Time!

Veronica Enns April 10, 2011

While there are 100's of Bridal Shower games out there, we have selected a few that should not only break the ice at the party but really entertain! What's In the Bag Before hand, have the host of the bridal shower make up a list of items that any women would have in her purse. Such as lip stick, cell phone, pens, pictures of family, etc. Assign each item a point value. The person with the most points wins the game. For larger parties, break everyone up into groups, and the group with the most points wins the game.

Hanging Out to Dry Each visitor is given a clothespin upon arrival to shower. They are told of two words they can not mention (i.e. "wedding", and the groom's name). If they do, they lose their clothespin(s) to the one who caught them mentioning the forbidden words. The one who has the most clothespins at the end of the day, wins the prize!

How Well Do You Know The Bride and Groom? Ask the bride and groom 20 or so facts about them before the shower. Print the questions out on a sheet of paper and pass them out to the guests. The guests will have to read the questions and facts and determine if they are about the bride or the groom. Example "they graduated highschool in 1995" "the bride or the groom has had 4 speeding tickets" "the bride or the groom is allergic to cats" etc. Make the facts funny but also facts that friends and family would know about them, chances are even the parents will get some of them wrong. Who ever guesses the most right wins.

Bridal Bingo Make "Bingo Cards" with 25 empty spaces (5 across, 5 down). Have the guests write in the gifts that they think the bride-to-be will receive. As she opens her presents, mark off any of the presents written down. Or instead you can use household items that the guests think the bride will need. As soon as someone has "5 in a row," shout "BINGO!

Scrambled Words Make a list of several words associated with weddings (i.e. marriage, husband, wife, bridesmaid, groom, bride, honeymoon) and then scramble them. Give the guests 2-3 minutes to try to figure them out. The guest that figures out the most correctly win the prize.

The Apron Game Buy an apron and have the bridal party buy lots of utensils to pin on the apron. Make them practical and a couple of things they would never think of buying until they need them. Pin all of the items on the apron. Have the bride wear the apron in front of all of the guests. Have her walk around the room for about 2 minutes. Then have the bride go into another room and have the guests try to list as many things as they can remember seeing pinned to the brides apron. The person with the most wins! Then tell the bride she gets to keep the apron!!

Make the Bouquet Take paper plates and simple things like tissue paper-toilet paper-construction paper - anything that you can "simply" decorate with and tell the guest to make her bouquet for her wedding by sticking everthing on the plate together (which is usually a mess). They only have one minute to complete their masterpieces. It's funny. Then, have the bouquets "judged" and the one that wins is thrown by the bride, and the one that catches it is the "next one to be married" and wins the prize. It is a lot of fun to see what people can create in one minute.

What is your favorite bridal shower game? Email us at info@the530bride.com