Author: Olga Pomeransky

Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. https://www.bestforbride.com/
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Wedding Registry Tips

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As the newlyweds removed the bow and unwrapped their 7th large, crystal deli tray, they realized they should have created a bridal registry. In my small town, it was not common for a couple to register. I have never been to a wedding where the couple has registered. However, this is becoming more common in communities where it was not always popular. Couples who are not familiar with the practices and etiquette of bridal registry may find these wedding registry tips helpful.

How do you tell people where you are registered? This is where many couples break wedding registry etiquette. The temptation is to put the registry location on the wedding invitations since everyone receives one. However, including the registry information on any written cards such as the invitations or Save the Date cards is considered tacky. Instead, include the wedding information on your wedding website or Facebook page and include the link on the invitation. Also, it’s perfectly fine to mention where you are registered if someone asks about gifts.

Register at both an online retailer and brick and mortar store. You may choose to register at three stores. One of the stores that you register at should be a local store for the convenience of the guests who may not shop online. Some guests may need the ease of an online store due to transportation issues or busy schedules that would make it difficult for them to shop at the store you chose. If you register at three stores, the third can be either a brick and mortar store or online retailer.

Make decisions about the items on the online wedding registry list together. One spouse should not have the responsibility of choosing all the items. Both partners need to be happy with the items on the list. After all, these are the items that you will be living with for years to come. Select items that you will both enjoy.

When you register, select items of varied price ranges at each location. Guests should feel comfortable selecting a wedding gift that is within their budgets. Instead of selecting all high ticket items, consider splitting the registry into thirds. Choose about a third of lower cost items, a third that are middle range, and a third that are higher. How expensive should the items on the registry be? This depends greatly on location and the financial means of the guests. If I quoted a price of $100 as a high range item, this would be beyond the reach of most guests at some weddings and considered too low at other weddings. The couple needs to consider the financial standing of their friends and family and choose registry items accordingly.

Setting up the registry should not be put off until the last moment. Allow your guests to have plenty of time to shop. Some couples set up the registry when they start making their engagement announcements in case anyone would ask for the registry location. Visit Best for Bride blog to learn how to make your wedding an enjoyable experience for everyone.

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What Wedding Flowers Are in Season?


In order to save money on wedding flowers, many people advise brides to choose wedding flowers which are in season. However, little is ever said about when each type of wedding flower is actually in season. Here is a brief guide showing what flowers commonly used in wedding decor are in season each month. A flower’s season is typically longer than a single month, so some flowers are mentioned several times. If the wedding date has been chosen, the bride can check that month to see which flowers are in season. Roses are available year round, but much more expensive during February.

January

Alstromeria, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Casablanca Lilies, Daffodil, Gerbera, Jasmine, Narcissus, Snapdragons, Star Gazer Lilies, Stephanotis, Sweetpea, Tulips

February

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Daffodil, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips

March

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cherry Blossom, Cornflower, Daffodil, Dahlia, Freesia, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

April

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Cornflower, Cherry Blossom, Dahlia, Daffodil, Delphinium, Freesia, Hydrangea, Lilacs, Orchid, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Tulips, Zinnia

May

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Hydrangea, Peony, Ranunculus, Star Gazer Lilies, Sweetpea, Zinnia

June

Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Hydrangea, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies

July

Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

August

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Bird of Paradise, Calla Lilies, Cockscomb, Chrysanthemum, Foxglove, Glorioso Lilies, Iris, Star Gazer Lilies, Sunflowers

September

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Calla Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Star Gazer Lilies

October

Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Marigold, Star Gazer Lilies, Statice, Zinnia

November

Anemone, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Narcissus, Orchid, Pansy, Statice, Waxflower

December

Anemone, Carnation, Cosmos, Gerbera Daisy, Holly, Narcissus, Poinsettia, Sweetpea, Waxflower

 

Flower seasons can vary depending on your geographic location and availability. Brides can ask the florist which flowers will be in season at the time of the wedding. Flowers that are out of season often can be found and used for the wedding. The cost of out-of-season flowers is higher than those that are in season. If the wedding budget is a concern, it’s best to stick to flowers that are in season.

The flower budget for a wedding can be small or extravagant. Some couples decorate the ceremony venue and reception with numerous floral bouquets and runners. Even using wedding flowers in season can become costly if flowers are the main decoration everywhere. Some couples love that and can afford an expensive florist bill. If budget is a concern, reserve the flowers for certain areas where you want that dramatic effect.

Some brides may have an emotional attachment to a particular flower. Checking what months that flower is in season before setting the wedding date may be an option for including the special flower at a discounted price. For more ways to save money when planning a wedding, browse the Best for Bride‘s blog for helpful, money-saving tips.

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Questions to Ask Before Booking a Venue

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Choosing a venue for the wedding and reception is a big part of the wedding planning. The most popular locations fill up quickly. The couple may feel rushed to choose a wedding venue quickly. Before you make a decision, consider some of the possible problems that can occur with wedding venues. If you rush booking a venue before investigating their rules, you may find that their rules prohibit you from doing some of the things you definitely want at your wedding.

Are the rates different for different days and times? When are deposits and payments due? The couple needs to make sure that the wedding venue fits well within their budget. If the wedding date needs to be changed or cancelled, is there a cancellation policy? Make sure you have a clear understanding of any associated costs and fees that may be added such as cleaning and parking fees.

Must your vendors be used? Venues may have a list of vendors that are their “approved vendors.” You may be required to use their florist, caterer, or photographer. Since these professionals know they are the only approved vendors for that venue, they might charge higher prices.

What happens if it rains? If you are looking at outdoor venues, you will want to know what the plans are for rainy days. A venue may have tents that they set up for the ceremony and reception. They might only set up one tent to be used for both the ceremony and reception.

Is alcohol consumption permitted? Some venues will not allow any alcohol on the premises. That champagne toast that you had your heart set on will not be permitted at a venue prohibiting alcohol. Make sure that the rules of the venue don’t contradict with the plans that you had for the reception. Other venues may provide alcohol. If that is the case, you may want to ask about the prices of alcohol.

Are candles allowed? Are there restrictions on decorations? Who is responsible for removing the decorations and cleaning up after the wedding and reception? The couple will need to know who has the responsibility for restoring the room to its pre-reception condition.

What times would my wedding guests be allowed to arrive and when must they leave? Some venues book more than one wedding in a single day. An AM wedding may leave the guests feeling rushed to leave. The PM wedding may mean that your florist or others helping with decorations may feel rushed to get everything ready before the wedding.

The couple may want to ask about the availability of parking, restrooms, and whether or not the venue is handicap accessible. Couples who plan to have dancing and music at the reception may want to ask about the space and any noise restrictions.

Couples should feel comfortable asking the questions and not feel rushed or scrutinized for inquiring. It’s important that you know exactly what is expected before agreeing to the wedding venue. For more tips about wedding planning, browse the Best for Bride blog for helpful advice.

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Engagement Photo Tips

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Your engagement photo does not have  to be like those drab, sterile photos of the engagement announcements in the local newspaper. Many couples go to a professional photographers studio and get photos taken that are reminiscent of school pictures. Instead of choosing a color background and grinning, get engagement photos that reflect your personality as a couple. Here are some engagement photo tips to stoke the creative embers.

Many couples opt to hire a professional photographer for the engagement photos. Some couples who do their own engagement photos outdoors with the help of a photo-savvy friend end up with some great outdoor photos. When deciding whether or not to hire a photographer, consider your budget and if this is the best choice for getting the photographs that you want.

Natural daylight is beautiful light for an engagement photo. However, bright sun can be harsh and result in shadows and squinting in photos. Consider when the best light would be for the photo. Do you want the soft light of right before sunset? Are you having the photos taken in a wooded area and need more light? If you are using a professional photographer, the photographer should have some suggestions for capturing the perfect daylight shot.

Dress to suit the setting. If you choose to have your engagement photos in a field, formal wear isn’t going to look right. It looks out of place and staged. Choose clothing that looks natural, like something you would actually wear in that setting. The engagement photo is about you as a couple, not about your ability to dress to impress others. Some brides-to-be wear a white dress for the engagement photo that is suitable for the setting yet hints at what is to come.

A common problem that couples have for the engagement photo is tension and stress. When you focus on trying to create the perfect photo, it brings heavy expectations. Instead, get close and enjoy the moment. Remember what the photo is about. It’s not about every hair being in place and perfect smiles. It’s about the love you share.

Tell your love story. The engagement photo does not have to reflect how you met or where you got engaged or your favorite activity to share, but some of the most endearing engagement photos do just that. If you share a hobby, consider showcasing that activity in the photo. Share where you met or some place that is special for you as a couple.

Home is where the heart is, right? You’re comfortable at home and relaxed. If you tense up just thinking about a photographer taking your photo, you might want to opt for home. Why not have an engagement photo in the kitchen if you enjoy cooking together? In front of the fireplace is a classic choice. While you may feel comfortable in your bedroom, it can come across as creepy for an engagement photo.

For more tips about making the most out of your engagement and planning the big day, visit Best for Bride. Our blog has some fantastic tips for making your wedding the best day of your life.