We emailed and facebooked friends and family the wedding web site letting them know of our wedding date. We made the free website, which took hours to make because we couldn’t agree on a template, pictures, or which song we wanted. It also took us a while to pick a website name. In the end the webpage looked great. It was easy to email people with the link, and then people were able to RSVP on the page or just call us. It gave us a good idea of who to send wedding invitations to because we already knew who couldn’t come.

This was key in our wedding planning; we got many of our wedding accessories from Marianne’s Rentals, like large glass dishes for the desserts and fountains for drinks and things like that. The hall where we were holding our wedding reception only had basics, and we wanted to add more. We also got our linen here. The custom linen option really brightens up the room, and gives the party a more original feel.

My husband didn’t give them raving reviews when I asked him about his suit shopping experience, but he also didn’t say it was horrible. He bought a suit instead of renting a tux. He calculated that having a suit would be more useful than renting a suit once. He said that he needed to make an appointment, get fitted, and then pick up his suit. It all sounded very easy and stress free. I know his suit was over $300, but he says he can’t remember the exact price. He did say that he bought shirts and socks there for cheaper than you can find elsewhere.

This was a touchy subject, but I will say that the first ring my husband proposed to me with was from Zales. I know it’s supposed to be the thought that counts but I hated the ring. It looked like something that my mother would have gotten as a ring in the 1970s by a cheap boyfriend. It was boring looking, traditional, and it looked cheap. I think Zales is fine if you want to get you want something traditional, but if you are a creative spirit I wouldn’t get a ring here.

Steve and his team are great, really wonderful stylists that took such good care of my bridesmaids and me on my wedding day! I have had my hair styled at Schardein’s salon before, and made an appointment for a wedding day consultation. We tested the looks that would work with my dress and face, and then on my wedding day everything ran smoothly. Everyone had their hair done, and everything was done on time and stayed in place all night.

This was where my sister had her bouquet made, and I also had my bouquet made here. One reason why we chose the place, other than their great reputation, is the fact that it’s right by my grandmother’s house and my grandmother loves flowers. It gave us the chance to do some wedding planning and preparation with my grandmother present. Because of this I was talked into getting a really traditional looking bouquet, but the consultant was able to spice it up by adding some extra color and unique foliage to the bouquet. I would say that they try hard to please everyone, and that they do a good job. I was really happy with my consultation and my bouquet.

We opted for a dessert bar/table rather than just have one cake. We decided to order trays of cup cakes and small squares, cookies, and lots of other small treats. You really need to go into the shop and see what’s there to get a better understanding of all the tasty treats they have! We made a meeting to go over what we would like to order, and made our order, just to be sure that everything we wanted would be in stock and fresh for our wedding. It didn’t cost less than a wedding cake, but it worked out wonderfully. People just helped themselves to desserts all night long.

I was a big fan of Maxi dresses last year, and I wanted my bridesmaids to have long dresses. We shopped at a few bridal stores but I found the dresses to be to stiff. I think Dillard’s had one of the best formal wear sections that I had ever seen. They have dozens of dress styles and brands to choose from in-store, and they also have a great online selection. We choose a dress in store, and then order 3 of the same dress in different colors online through Dillards. I loved the each one of my bridesmaids had the same style dress but in different colors.

This is a great day spa. Its clean, the staff is professional and really nice, and the products they use are hypo allergic and great for sensitive skin. I was given for my bridal shower day the Body Wrap treatment while my bridesmaids got their nails done. The wrap gets rid of dead skin and leaves you feeling so soft and fresh from head to toe. I’ve also gone here for massages, and manicures, but that was my first body wrap. I would love to get it again!

I went to the 2007 show, but have been to the 2008 show as a bridesmaid and have plans on going to the 2009 show with friends who are getting married. The show is great, it’s the perfect place to meet all the wedding vendors in the area and see which ones have an interest in weddings and experience in wedding planning. I think this was important for things like flowers and equipment rental and invitations. I saved lots of research time by going to the show! I also won a spa gift certificate, which I did use!