Tips For a Less Stressful Wedding Day

With the height of wedding season approaching in the Midwest I can already tell that brides are beginning to think about their wedding every second of the day, are losing sleep, and panicking at the thought of anything going wrong on their big day. Let me say this, something will go wrong, no wedding day is perfect but you can take a few steps to ease your stress that day.

1. At about 2-3 weeks before you wedding take the time to contact all of your day-of vendors (only if you haven't recently met with them though) and confirm their arrival times and also the details of your contract. Knowing that you've had a final discussion with them will give you the utmost confidence in them and their service.

2. Create a production schedule mapping out all of the details for you day. I can't emphasize enough how important and helpful this is.

3. Get your "stuff" organized. Create separate boxes or containers for items related to different events throughout the day. For example, keep all of your items for the ceremony together and labeled in it's own container. This way whoever is setting up has no reservations to where it belongs.

4. Emphasis to your bridal party and any day-of vendors the importance of time. If everyone is prompt and on time it will ease your mind and allow you to really soak in the emotion of the day.

5. Seriously though, just try and relax. If the flowers aren't the perfect shade of magenta, a bridesmaid walks down the aisle on the wrong cue, or your welcome toast isn't exactly how you practiced, at the end of the day you'll still be husband and wife and nobody will have even noticed. Try your best to soak up every moment of the day, it goes by way to fast.

Does anyone else have other tips they'd like to share?

A New Partnership for the Wedding Industry

I don't normally post current events on the blog but this one is just too good not to share. Some of you may be aware of a new partnership in the wedding industry between Vera Wang and David's Bridal. Are you surprised? I certainly am!

Apparently the new (unnamed) collection will debut in stores in Spring 2011 and will include about 20 different gowns. The gowns will be consistent with David's Bridal pricing and will not exceed $1,500.

I'll be honest, I am surprised about this partnership but am very excited to see the collection debut and to see so many more brides be able to wear her gorgeous gowns.

What do you think, would you buy a Vera Wang gown from David's Bridal?

How to Create a Timeline | Part 2

A few weeks ago I discussed the importance of having a timeline on your wedding day and how to go about drafting one. A lovely reader also requested that as a follow up I post a sample timeline. So, for the last couples days I have been trying to create one and I've discovered I just can't do it. I don't feel comfortable providing brides with a sample timeline when all weddings are entirely different, especially when it comes to timing. I'd really hate for someone to try to make my sample timeline work just for the sake of ease. So, the next best thing is a list of the must-haves for your timeline.

• the arrival times of all wedding day vendors
• the start of the "getting ready" process for the bridal party
• the time of the first look or when the bridal party should arrive at the ceremony site
• the ceremony start time
• the reception start time (including the start time for cocktails, dinner, hosted bar, etc.)
• the approximate time of all toasts
• the approximate time of formal dances
• the close of the event

Of course, there are most likely additional elements for you to add to your timeline but again it depends on your wedding. You may want to include: the time of family formals, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc. The key is to create a timeline that is detailed and easy to follow. After you have completed your timeline I suggest giving it to all of your vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and any discrepancies can be dealt with before your wedding day.

As I mentioned in part 1 of this post, a timeline is necessary no matter how simple you feel your wedding day is. If you are organized and have a timeline prepared I can assure you that will alleviate some stress on your wedding day.

Wedding Season Fever

I typically don't post many pictures or inspiration boards on this blog and that is definitely intentional. There are already so many lovely blogs that do that so well that I would rather concentrate on straight up advice, but today is different. The weather in Milwaukee has been so incredible lately that I can't help but let my mind wander into the upcoming wedding season. I've put together some of my favorite spring time finds for you, and hopefully that will help cure my Wedding Season Fever.

The bridal gown you are about to see from J.Crew is one of my new favorites. It's so romantic and whimsical looking-perfect for a garden wedding.

This bridesmaid dress is also from J.Crew (don't be mad, I have an addiction) and would be the perfect mate to this gorgeous gown. Also, take a note to the model's shoes. Who ever decided that bridesmaid's shoes need to be open toed, sparkly or a basic pump?

Oh, and this headband! There is nothing that makes a statement more than a beautifully designed accessory. (confession: I really wanted a different headband for my wedding, designed by ban.do, but I was concerned that it may look like a crustacean on top my head, thoughts?)

Lastly, I leave you with this stunning pair of shoes. A classic ivory in color but just so feminine in design. Wouldn't you love to enjoy your first dance wearing these beauties? I sure would!

So, anyone else have Wedding Season Fever?

Introducing The Wedding Boutique

So, I promise that my absence from The City Bride Blog is the result of something brand new, spectacular, and quite innovative if I do say so myself.

I {proudly} introduce to you...

I am so excited to finally be able to share with you what I have been working on lately! So, what is The Wedding Boutique? The Wedding Boutique is a luxury consulting service that offers wedding industry professionals an opportunity to see the benefits of blogging and the use of social media without having to actually manage it themselves. The Wedding Boutique is currently offering blog memberships in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles.

The reason I am so excited about The Wedding Boutique is because it truly helps all of those involved with planning a wedding. The vendors are given an opportunity and the space to collaborate with others in their area and brides can look in one place for inspiration, advice and happenings, and it's all relevant to their own city.

I also must tell you that I can't take all of the credit for this amazing new project. I have teamed up with Amanda from The Blissful Bride and our partnership is dynamite. Her personality and business experience are a perfect compliment to mine and I wouldn't have been able to make this concept come together without her. (Thanks for being so awesome, Amanda!)

Again, thanks for understanding my recent absence and I'd love to hear your thoughts about The Wedding Boutique!