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A Ceremony to Honor Your Service

A Ceremony to Honor Your Service

Source: Pinterest

With Memorial Day coming up next week, that sober holiday that helps us to honor and remember our fallen soldiers, we wanted to write a post for those ladies out there in the service or who are marrying a man in uniform. Military ceremonies are a wonderful way to celebrate a life-long commitment to one another as well as a way to honor your service or the man in service of your life.

Let’s take a look at some planning basics that should be considered before you begin your wedding day planning

Where to say I Do:

  • Military Chapel*
  • Military Academy
  • Church or other place of worship

*There are many chapel options, often representing different faiths including Jewish, Protestant and Catholic. 

You’re saying I Do in a Military Chapel, consult your Chaplain about:

  • premarital counseling
  • appropriate attire
  • decorations and flowers
  • Remember, a Military Chaplain will be conducting the ceremony, but if you’d like to include a civilian clergyperson that can be arranged. You should always ask first to see if it’s an option.

Etiquette:

  • While the Military Chapel is likely not to charge for use of the Chapel or Venue, it is polite and suggested to make a donation for their services.
  • Flowers should not be worn on uniform, but their military decorations can be worn in their place. Though brides in uniform may carry a bouquet

Now that you’ve decided on a military wedding don’t forget all of the wonderful traditions you’ll get to experience as a part of the Military family: the celebratory arch of sabers, the cutting of the cake with your or your new husband’s sword and the playing of your branch of service’s theme at your reception.

For more information of Military Weddings: The Knot and Truly Engaging

How to Politely Point and Shoot that Registry Gun

How to Politely Point and Shoot that Registry Gun

wedding registry
Source: Life’s a Journal

We’ve certainly all fantasized about the day we’ll be pointing and shooting that all powerful registry gun, but we must keep some composure and a few simple rules of etiquette in mind.

While the power of a registry gun might be too enticing to resist, self restraint is key. It’s important not to go overboard. It may be tempting to run all across town and step foot in every store that catches your eye, but it is best to keep the list short. Choose only a few stores, it is best if they’re nationwide chains for the convenience of your guests, although one or two specialty shops can also be sprinkled in. And although your list of stores should be short don’t be afraid to make your list of gifts long. Having more items on your registry, than guests at your wedding may seem presumptuous but it is actually a convenience. Many options, in a wide range of price points, insure that your guests will be able to make a choice they’re comfortable with.

It’s also important to register ahead of time. Be sure to start early so that you can give yourself enough time to choose items that will suit your present life as well as the life you’re building. The extra time also gives your guests plenty of time to peruse your selection.

Most importantly, write thank you notes. The sooner, the better. Your guests have taken the time to select gifts you’ll love and have use for, be sure to show your gratitude. If you review your registry list often, you’ll be able to see the gifts your guests will have already purchased, start early so that you can enjoy your marital bliss.

For more Dos and Dont’s: Martha Stewart and Life‘s a Journal

Magical and Manageable

Magical and Manageable

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Source: Keep Calm Shop

You’re gripped with panic, can’t find your cell phone and are running around in a frenzy, all while still in your underwear! That is definitely not the ideal state to be in the morning of your big day.  If you haven’t planned ahead accordingly it can be the position you find yourself in the day of. With a short to-do list and a few moments of prep the night before the morning of can be made not only manageable but magical.

  • Layout an Outfit: Don’t forget you can’t run your errands in your gown and perhaps you should save your delicates for the honeymoon. Layout a hassle free outfit the night before to avoid rummaging through favors and programs to find a clean t-shirt.
  • Prep your Accessories: Don’t wait until the day of to gather all your accessories. Put them all in a box, bag, basket or what have you, neatly, so that there’s no risk of leaving behind a shoe. Add your survival kit too. There will be a few items you should have nearby, for those just-in-case moments. Deodorant, Clorox pen, safety pin; toss them in a glittery clutch and be both prepared and glamorous.
  • Hand Off the Cell: Give your cell phone to the Maid of Honor, let them screen your calls.
  • Write a Love Note: Take the time to scribble a few words for your future husband and have a trusted groomsman or the best man slip it to him before your entrance. Add just a little more suspense before the grand moment.

Source: Glamour

Building your own WEDsite

Building your own WEDsite

Source: Anna Crafts

Read every online resource to plan the perfect wedding, seen every bride-to-be DIY project on Pinterest, all the while instagramming and tweeting your progress?! Will you be updating your Facebook and blogger down the aisle? Then perhaps you already have your own wedding website!  Oh no? What are you waiting for?

Wedsites are the newest item to add to a bride’s checklist. A wedding website is a place that can accommodate all those details that may not have fit in a standard invitation envelope such as detailed maps, hotel accommodations and registry information.  It’s also a great opportunity to share information about the happy couple to be, especially for family and friends spread far and wide who haven’t had the chance to get to know the bride or groom. Some sites also offer the great convenience of online RSVPs to keep you from losing you mind when you misplace your guest list. The best part is that your special wedsite can also serve as a place to upload pictures of your ceremony for your guests to share with others who may not have been able to attend.

There are plenty of options for the bride and groom to be. Whether you’re tech savvy and can code your own site or would prefer a less extensive process with pre-built sites and themes, there are plenty of options both free and paid.

Begin by checking out some wedding website builders below:

Free: The Knot, EWedding, Weduary

Paid: Glo, NearlyWeds, WeddingWindow

 

For more info and options: About.com, Weddinglovely

Plan A Decadent Great Gatsby Wedding

Plan A Decadent Great Gatsby Wedding

gatsby 2

If you’ve been following our blog on Natalie K, you’ll already know that celebrity event planner Brian Worely has already named the Art Deco style an upcoming trend for the summer of 2013. With the upcoming release of “The Great Gatsby” the style of the roaring Twenties will be making an elegant reappearance. Gold, pearls, and glitz will make your ceremony and reception sparkle and shine. Here are a few tips to help you recreate the decadent grandeur of the Twenties.

  • Invitations: They need to set the tone for the event; black and white, with embossed geometric gold touches will exude the luxury of the era.
  • Location: Summer time is perfect for a reception out on a grand lawn. Or you can rent out an elegant old mansion with interesting architectural features.
  • The Gown and Bridesmaid’s dresses: There are plenty of vintage finds with art deco details and drop waists. With less detailed dresses cascading pearl necklaces and fur stoles will make the same statement.
  • Head Piece: The perfect feathered fascinator or sparkling headband will offset your delicate finger-waves just right. You-tube has plenty of tutorials.
  • Cake: Gold! With a banquet table of black and white desserts.
  • Groom and Groomsman: Buttoned up vests and wide ties paired with interesting accessories like a pocket watch or flasks will make a statement.
  • Don’t forget the guests: Feathered headbands for all.
  • The Champagne must flow freely!

Don’t forget to match your ceremony with the perfect vintage inspired Natalie K engagement ring or bridal set.

Source: Buzzfeed DIY