Wedding Author Sharon Naylor's Blog

Come to the New Sharon Naylor Wedding Books blog!

2011-05-23T13:51:00.000-05:00

Come on over to my new and improved Sharon Naylor Wedding Books blog: http://sharonnaylorweddingbooks.wordpress.com/

The REAL action -- including my new monthly giveaways -- is at my Twitter, so follow me @sharonnaylorwed to win wedding books, bridesmaid fashion items, bridal shower goodies and more!

See you there!

A great question on my Wedding Mapper Q&A board

2010-03-24T10:18:00.002-05:00

Ooo, this is a good one from my Wedding Mapper Q&A board! The groom wants a Hawaiian pig roast for the reception, and the bride's family is objecting. The bride, too, wants a different style of wedding. Check out my suggestions to solve the issue!

Question:
My Fiance and I are getting married in June 2011. He wants to do a causual dress pig roast, hawaiian themed reception becasue we are going to hawaii for out honeymoon. My family if fighting me on it saying that some people are not going to like that option. Im also having a difficlut time to find a reasonable priced caterer for that type event. As for me I would rather have a not to formal reception filled with flowers that give it the hawaiian atmosphere. My question is how do I tell my fiance that we can't have the pig roast with out hurting his feelings? He is already crushed that we had to move the location.

Answer:

Great question, and you're going to help a LOT of people with this one :]

In one of my books, I wrote about a groom who wanted a New England clambake for the wedding reception, but all of that seafood was going to be too expensive for their big wedding guest list. I suggested that they do the clambake thing as the REHEARSAL DINNER theme, and that made their day. The budget was fine, the guests loved it as something really unique and fun for the rehearsal dinner, and the hosts got raves. So why don't you propose to your groom that you do the Hawaiian pig roast for the rehearsal dinner, and then you can have the reception with the Hawaiian flowers? That really would suit everyone's wishes.

As far as the caterer for the pig roast, there are caterers out there who specialize in barbecues, and this would fit right into that category. So if you can't easily locate a caterer who does that sort of thing, I highly recommend that you get a wedding coordinator *just* for the task of finding a great caterer or personal chef they know who does parties like that. Today's wedding coordinators are available for these single-task jobs, and it's not that expensive...plus many of them will get you a discount from their partners in the wedding industry.

See if your groom likes this idea -- I hope he does -- because it sounds like it would be a real treat to your guests and would make him super-happy. And don't forget that you can also do this theme for a combined co-ed shower if the rehearsal dinner hosts already have their theme and menu planned. If the groom's parents are the hosts of the rehearsal dinner, it could make them very happy to give their son the exact kind of party he wants!!

Check out the Weddzilla Rock the Launch Party!

2010-03-15T14:38:00.002-05:00

What a fabulous night! A great party! And my fabulous fellow Weddzilla Gurus made the celebration extra-special. Check out the highlight reel:

Check out Robert's gorgeous photos!

2010-03-08T09:36:00.006-05:00

Robert Koene is one of the talented contributors to my book Wedding Flowers, and I thought I'd give him a big spotlight on his fabulous floral photos here so that you can check out his gorgeous work!

All images are used here with permission from Robert Koene and are protected by copyright law.

My Green Wedding Gown Guide on Gorgeously Green!

2010-03-01T18:25:00.003-05:00

The fabulous Sophie Uliano, founder of the Gorgeously Green website and author of 'Gorgeously Green,' recently invited me to guest blog about green weddings, and here is my new post on Green Wedding Gowns!

Check out Sophie's site Gorgeously Green to clean up your world, look great, feel better, and green your lifestyle with style!

Check out my wedding budget tips on Wishpot

2010-02-24T14:18:00.003-05:00

I love being a regular guest expert on Wishpot's wedding blog! Check out my latest budgeting tips on Transportation!

At the bottom of that blog, you'll see links to my additional wedding budget posts, and be sure to subscribe to their blog for my upcoming topics!

Wing It for Your Co-Ed Bridal Shower or Rehearsal Dinner

2010-02-14T09:20:00.004-05:00

The Mango Curry Hot Wings!

Your guests will LOVE choosing from your chicken wings bar! I was flipping through Food & Wine magazine and came across a mouth-watering feature on different wing recipes to thrill the crowd. Get this:

Jamaican Jerk
Mango Curry
Maple Chipotle
Old Bay
Sweet & Sticky
Thai Green Curry
Ginger Honey

Serve with a great collection of microbrew beers, great dipping sauces and lots of celery sticks to cool that hot wing heat!

Renewing Your Wedding Vows!

2010-02-09T21:28:00.002-05:00

The Norah Award winners for January 2010

2010-01-31T06:59:00.002-05:00

This month, I have a very special group of wedding industry luminaries to honor with Norah Awards. These talented and generous experts have volunteered to be my Board Members for the NY chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding, though which we will be granting dream weddings to people with life-threatening illnesses. As busy as everyone is, especially in an economy like this one where every weekend is vital, how honorable of these wonderful people to set aside their time to bring wedding wishes to life. I'm honored to know them, and very happy to name them to our roster of Norah Award-winners:

~ Stella Inserra, wedding and event coordinator, www.simplydazzlingevents.com
~ Rhonda Bassat Rivera, inspiring event planner, www.brideideasnj.com
~ Amanda Picone, dream wedding photographer, www.amandapicone.com
~ Wayde West, party-starter and entertainer extraordinaire, www.yourweddingentertainment.com~Christine Brower, award winning event designer and producer/planner, www.cbrowerandco.com
~ Beverly Johnson, premiere event planner, www.capriesevents.com
~ Courtney Kern, event designer and coordinator, www.eventsbeyond.net
~ Denise Hernandez, innovative event coordinator, www.barefoottoblacktieevents.com
~ Lisa M. Barr, delightful bridal blogger, www.bridalease101.blogspot.com
~ Cassandre Snyder, wedding and event planning innovator, www.fetefestafiesta.com

Wish Upon a Wedding Launches!

2010-01-28T17:11:00.002-05:00

And I am so glad to be a part of it. Here's the hottest, latest news:

America’s only wedding wish granting organization, Wish Upon a Wedding produces weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for couples facing life-threatening medical conditions.

By celebrating the courage & spirit of these couples, it is our hope that others facing similar situations will find hope, strength, and the promise of eternal love.

Officially launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding currently has five chapters to serve Wish Applicants. Beginning February 14, couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of the following cities are eligible to apply for weddings: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Chicago. Receive a reminder email about when we will begin receiving applications. If you reside in another area, we still encourage you to stay connected as New Chapters open regularly.

Get Involved

There are many ways you can lend your talents to facilitate wedding wishes for our Wish Recipients. Here’s how you can help.

Follow us on Twitter: @WishUponWedding

Become a Fan! Facebook: WishUponaWedding

And if you're in the NY and NJ areas, join our team here at the local NY chapter!

Groom's Boutonniere Choices

2010-01-26T17:10:00.003-05:00

The following is an excerpt from my book What's Your Bridal Style?, which I wrote with Casey Cooper of Botanicals, Inc. in Chicago....

First of all let it be said: You are not required to wear a boutonnière. But, wearing a boutonnière-- a small embellishment of fresh flowers or greenery-- allows you, as the groom, the opportunity for additional self expression. So, if you choose to wear one, it will be the final touch on the clothing ensemble you’ve so carefully assembled. One other advantage of a boutonnière is that it will distinguish you from your guests and your waiters if you have a formal, black tie wedding.

Here are some suggestions for matching your boutonniere style to your overall wedding wardrobe style:
Black Tie/Formal
Structured blossoms with distinctive shapes: miniature calla lilies, spray roses, stephanotis, freesia, and orchid blossoms. The clean shapes of these flowers stand out nicely against a formal jacket.
Garden/Casual
Textural items such as herbs & berries: lavender, rosemary, hypericum, tufts of hydrangea, spray roses. A combination of materials works well for this wedding wardrobe style.
Destination
Something local, indigenous, abundant, or traditional to the area: a hibiscus bloom picked right before the ceremony and tucked into a white linen jacket (St. Barthes); an orchid lei (Hawaii); a marigold garland (India)
Seasonal

Take advantage of fresh materials only available during the season of your wedding:

Spring: Lily of the Valley, muscari, individually wired hyacinth blossoms
Summer: nerrine lilies, agapanthus blossoms
Fall: viburnum berries, oak leaves, rosehips
Winter: white pine tips, snowberry, holly

The most popular boutonnière for the groom is to wear a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet. For example, if your bride is carrying a gathering of exquisite ivory miniature calla lilies, you might wear a single ivory miniature calla lily. If she is carrying a gorgeous collection of exotic Mokara orchid sprays in shades of amber, red, and tangerine, a petite trio of amber Mokara orchid blossoms would look smashing on your jacket. A loosely bound bridal bouquet of wild flowers, herbs and berries might lead you to select a few berries backed with a sprig of rosemary for your boutonnière.

Some of the more unusual boutonnières in recent weddings have included acorns and oak leaves, a miniature pine cone paired with a sprig of fragrant white pine, and chocolate fiddlehead fern curls neatly tucked into the lapel.

A groom’s boutonnière can and should be slightly different than the rest of the wedding party and family boutonnières. Use this section to check off the spotlight style points that sound good to you:

_____Color Sometimes the bride and groom carry and wear white and ivory flowers, while the rest of the bridal party carry and wear more colorful flowers, or vice versa.
_____Size The groom typically wears a slightly larger boutonnière than the groomsmen and male family members.
_____Complexity A boutonnière designed with a few different blossoms as opposed to a single bloom for the rest of the wedding party.
_____Detail A simple stem treatment such as a ribbon treatment finished with a tailored knot, an Asian inspired snake grass sleeve to hide the stem, or an organic twist of banyan root.

Your bride will be selecting the flowers she is going to carry; you’ll be selecting the flowers you’re going to wear. There needs to be a visual blend and balance of style. There will be an influx of likes and dislikes, aesthetic influences, history, possibly ancestry, possibly practical issues such as allergies…

I Still Do!! Renewing Wedding Vows is the Hot Trend for Valentine's Day

2010-01-25T06:35:00.001-05:00

Are you using your bridal luck?

2010-01-23T09:01:00.003-05:00

Consider yourself lucky! All throughout time, brides have been thought to possess an extra dash of good luck -- and it is that good luck that has to be protected in all of those superstitions we put in our wedding days. Guests wanted to tear off a piece of the bride's lucky dress, so they would dive at her to rip a piece of fabric from her gown...and we made that one safer by having her throw her bouquet. The lucky sixpence in your shoe became a lucky penny, or a saint medallion sewn into the handle of your bouquet. Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

We could go on and on, but what I'm suggesting is that you made great use of your bridal luck by...oh....say... winning the HGTV Dream House! Or a new elliptical machine! Or a laundry room makeover! Or a free honeymoon! $2,000 off of your photography! A trip to the Golden Door spa for you and your bridesmaids as the world's best bachelorette party!

Entering giveaways is supremely easy, and I start my own day by logging on to HGTV to put in my daily entry for that Dream Home. They're so awesome over there, it's an auto-enter...you just fill out the form once, and then each day you fill in your e-mail address and it fills in the rest. Simple. Done. Consider me one step closer to that house in New Mexico with the awesome views, the 12 cool housewarming gifts, the eco-friendly everything, the fab furniture and chef's kitchen. I'm dreaming of winning that baby. And entering every morning starts my day with a dash of optimism and hope, the time to sip on my Dunkin Donuts coffee and imagine living in my new house in New Mexico. Not a bad way to start the day.

So add a few sites to your Favorites list so that you can enter to win some pretty amazing stuff for your home, for you, and for your wedding [right now, BHG.com has a contest going for $1,500 gift cards to Staples -- that would pay for your invitations, ink, programs, place cards, thank you notes, and so much more!]

Check out the Sweepstakes pages at:
HGTV.com
Better Homes and Gardens [Scroll to the bottom to get to the Sweepstakes link]
Fitness magazine
DIY Network
And at your favorite bridal websites, where they're always running amazing sweepstakes for free honeymoons and girls' getaways, destination weddings, and more

And go to bridal shows. Not just for the free champagne and hot appetizers. You could win some pretty fabulous stuff IF the prize comes from a reputable vendor and free doesn't mean a cheapo prize. You've got to compare and shop smartly. Awful, free tuxes are still awful tuxes!

15 Guest Book Ideas

2010-01-05T12:46:00.002-05:00

Get creative with your Guest Book! Why set out a plain, lined book with a big feather plumed pen when you can do so much more? Either go artsy with a colorful and unique blank book, or ‘dress up’ a traditional, white ‘Our Wedding Guests’ sign-in book in your own personalized ways.
When you match your Guest Book to your wedding’s style and location (such as at the beach), your Guest Book becomes something extra-special to match your personalities and impress your guests. We have some suggestions for creating your own stylish and unique Guest Book:

Book Alternatives:
• Creative covers: In place of the traditional, lined, white guest book, go to the bookstore to pick up a decorative lined or unlined journal with a terrific cover to match your wedding’s style or theme. It could be floral, ocean blue, decorated with graphics of colorful autumn leaves, red velvet-covered, funky vellum-covered with opaque hearts or shooting stars – the options are endless
• Single sheets: Instead of a bound book, set out individual sheets of card stock that guests will sign and leave on a silver platter or in a basket. You can go formal with ecru cards to match your invitations, or go artsy with pink, heart-shaped cards. You’ll keep these as a loose collection of cards or insert them in your future photo album or scrapbook.
• Going with color: Choose colorful pages, either in book or single-sheet format. Bright red, sage green, even dark colors that can be written on with metallic silver ink pens.
• Photo-journals: Set out one of the new styles of photo-journals – they have a sleeve for a photograph (which you can fill with any pictures or printed quotes you wish – even greeting cards or postcards you love) plus lined space or blank room to write a message. Guests choose a page to sign next to their chosen insert.
• Autumn leaves: Like the ‘single sheets’ category above, only you’ll set out artistically cut leaf-shaped papers in bold oranges, yellows and persimmon reds. They’re a forever reminder of your autumn wedding. Select your cut-out theme to match your wedding style and season (like snowflakes for winter, or daisies for summer), pre-made from the craft store.

Decorating Covers and Inside Pages:
• Glue Gun Genius: Glue a starfish or sand dollar to the front cover of your Guest Book
• Stick-Ons: Affix your own selection of theme-, season-, and color-appropriate decorative stickers to the covers of your book, and also randomly spaced throughout the inside pages
• Your Monogram: Stamp the letter of your monogram at the top of each page, in colored ink
• Quotes: Pre-write your own inspirational or romantic quotes on the tops or bottoms of every other page, leaving room for guests to sign. For example, Browning’s “the best is yet to be...”
• Message From You: In colored, metallic or classic black ink, sign your own book with personalized messages written to your guests from the two of you. A simple “Thank you for being here!” penned on every other page adds a nice touch.

Audience Participation
• Hearts or Flowers?: Set out sheets of theme stickers and invite guests to ‘decorate’ their own pages with their chosen hearts, flowers, words, and so on…it’s an ice-breaker for guests too!
• Which Color Pen?: Set out a collection of colorful gel pens or metallic ink pens, calligraphy pens or classic gold pens for guests to use.
• The Kids’ Book: Create a separate ‘children’s book’ just for child guests to autograph or in which to draw pictures for you
• Any Comments?: Encourage your guests to jot a little note to you, rather than just signing their names. If you’ll make your own single sheets, print a note on each to that effect.

Save It
* Keeping It Safe: Your Guest Book is a priceless keepsake, and you’ll treasure those autographs and messages from family and friends for years to come. So consider storing it in a plastic container or other safe place in your home.

Welcome, newly-engaged brides and grooms!

2009-12-25T05:59:00.011-05:00

Congratulations on your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day engagement! Last night, as my husband and I celebrated our second Christmas as marrieds, counting our blessings and fielding many phone calls from family and friends wishing us a joyous day, I was also thinking about you, about the fact that you're just entering the exciting world of wedding-planning, and maybe this is the best holiday ever for you. Three cheers to your groom for a fabulous marriage proposal, and I hope you're waking up this morning beaming over how much fun stuff is ahead of you.

I know that wedding information world has gotten super-crowded and noisy with a ton of wedding sites and blogs, and of course all of the well-meaning suggestions from your own family and friends (and his mom!). And I know that the best, money-saving and stress-busting information you need can get buried by all of those fun quizzes and celebrity wedding stories, thousands of articles about wedding dresses and so on and so on and so on.

Consider me your sister in the wedding business -- I have the insider secrets to planning your wedding day, and I'm also going to make you smile and lighten your mood. I'll help you word that confrontation with your pushy future mom-in-law, jealous bridesmaid, and the groom who thinks he's supposed to just sit back and let you do everything. [It's not his fault...many grooms are just trying to let you have the fun, and they don't realize it's coming across as disinterest.]

You have my 35+ wedding books here to help you plan every element of your day, and -- most importantly -- avoid and handle some of the most common wedding mistakes. Visit my website to get your copies, and also reach me to ask your wedding planning questions.

Give a Bed and Breakfast gift card!

2009-12-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

With the holidays speeding toward you, and all of your wedding plans speeding up as well, there might be some holiday shopping you've yet to do. So make it easy -- and give your guests something amazing to look forward to -- with a BnBFinder.com gift card that allows THEM to pick out WHERE they want to go, and maybe finance some extra treats while they're there! I love this gift for parents, letting them get away for a weekend, and how awesome is it to surprise your groom with a pre-honeymoon or a romantic weekend away, minus wedding talk! Here's your website to check out: www.BnBFinder.com! Happy shopping!

Megan McMorris guest blogs about the Bridesmaid Background Check!

2009-12-17T08:32:00.002-05:00

HOW TO RUN A BRIDESMAID BACKGROUND CHECK

By Megan McMorris

When you’re interviewing for a job, you provide references. When you buy a car, they check your credit. So why not dig into a friend’s background to make sure she's wedding-worthy? After all, there's nothing like a wedding to stretch friendships thin, even if you're the furthest thing from a Bridezilla, as my friend Dawn discovered years ago after getting engaged. When Dawn announced her engagement, her (soon-to-be-married) friend had her own news to share: she was dis-inviting Dawn from being a bridsemaid (!). Turns out, the bride-to-be thought that Dawn should have let her hog the spotlight until after the cake was cut. Yes, weddings can sometimes reveal an evil underbelly to those closest to you, when you least expect it. So before decide your wedding party, print out my super-scientific "bridesmaid background test" to make sure those who are standing beside you at the altar really have your back.

*she has friends from childhood: Is it just me, or is there something suspicious about someone who doesn’t retain any friends from years ago? I may be biased, since some of my great pals are those I met when I was five years old (hi, Andy and Diane!), and I don’t expect you to be besties with your entire elementary-school class, but I do think it’s important to have at least one pal who remembers when you wore braces and had sleepovers. I learned this the hard way with a certain Former Friend (F.F.). Let’s just say she made me wonder who any of her pals were before we met in our 30s. Is that a warning bell I hear?

*she isn’t afraid of one-on-ones: Invite her for a hike or Happy Hour? A true friend is one who agrees without having to turn everything into a group event. My F.F. was quick to invite her neighbors, roommates, people she met at the grocery store, stray dogs (okay, I exaggerate), to the point when I’d have to specifically ask “hey, this time I just want it to be the two of us, okay?” To my mind it’s hard to bond in a group of 10, but I’m just crazy like that.

*she doesn’t drop you for a boyfriend: I’ve always been one of them thar women who don’t change my female-friendship ways when I have a boyfriend. So imagine my surprise when F.F. cancelled plans, dropped our conversation when the phone rang, and just generally become one of “those girls” when she had a boyfriend. Ack.

*she’s there to share: When you spill the beans on your life struggles, she relates to you and shares some of her own. Unless she’s like my F.F., whose picture-perfect ways and Stepford Wife lack of emotion made you feel like a walking basket case even if your dramas were pretty average on comparison. A true friend is supposed to make you feel like you’re not alone, not try to one-up you in the game of “how perfect can we get” (ding ding! She wins!)

*she doesn’t pick and choose: The thing that always made me laugh about my F.F. was that she said (again in a Stepford Wife tone) “I like everyone!”. Hmmm, well, if you like everyone, doesn’t that cancel out your friends? I prefer my friends to want to hang out with me because they think I’m funny, cool, interesting or any of the above (just as I’m selective about my pal picks for certain criteria they bring to my life) not just because I happen to have crossed their path on the street. But that’s just how I roll.

Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer and editor Megan McMorris is the editor of P.S. What I Didn’t Say: Unsent Letters to Our Female Friends, and she has many fabulous friends who pass this checklist. And she’s actually just kidding about giving potential friends background checks. Unless you want to, in which case let her know how your friend fared! Visit her book website at www.psanthology.wordpress.com and view more of her work at www.meganmcmorris.com.

A rave review in Library Journal!

2009-12-15T14:31:00.002-05:00

Library Journal, the authority for all libraries' new book acquisitions, has graced me with a fabulous compliment [I'm doing cartwheels] as well as a fabulous review of my book The Bride's Survival Guide.

See the review here.

Crowd-pleasing sangrias

2009-12-08T14:10:00.004-05:00

One of the smartest things you can plan for your drink menu -- for at-home parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, wedding-weekend events and other wedding parties -- is a collection of amazing sangrias for your guests to enjoy.

I've included sangria in several of my bestselling wedding budgeting books, and I thought it was about time I showed you where to get the best recipes! One pitcher of sangria is good for 6-8 guests, so there's your formula for how much you'll need.

Find amazing sangria recipes from your favorite Food Network chefs here, and stock up on great sangria cookbooks here.

It's a great idea to add sangria cookbooks -- as well as other cookbooks -- to your bridal registry, since guests LOVE to give these inexpensive, yet practical and much-loved presents to you for your future parties. From white sangrias to rich, red berry-based sangrias, even a hot sangria for those cold winter nights, the recipes are sure to please.

So thrilled to be president of NYC's Wish Upon a Wedding

2009-12-07T15:00:00.002-05:00

This is one of the greatest honors of my long career in the wedding industry: I've been asked to serve as President of the New York City chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding!

Wish Upon a Wedding is the ONLY national organization that grants wishes for weddings and civil unions to couples who are facing a life-threatening illness. Since I spent most of the past five years caring for both of my parents during their long battles with blood cancers, and I had my own scary foray in the world of breast cancer with a Stage 0 that had to be lumpectomized and radiated away [I'm fine now!] I know how much it means to those who live in the terrifying world of medical treatments, waiting for test results, undergoing painful and exhausting procedures...and how much it takes out of loved ones and caretakers around them. So my reward for getting through all that in my own life, and since it's my soul's way to provide wonderful things for others, I am beyond thrilled to head up this terrific organization, create my board of advisors and start granting wishes left and right.

If you would like to be involved as a wedding vendor who can help grant wishes to NYC-area couples, contact me at SLNaylor@optonline.net.

Mmmmm....Mushroom Risotto from Gorgeously Green

2009-12-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

Oh, how I love my Gorgeously Green! Creating a healthier lifestyle is so easy, chic and fun with Sophie's terrific site, and her book is amazing!

Since we're focusing on foodie choices for weddings, I had to share the Mushroom Risotto recipe from the Gorgeously Green Diet -- not only is it perfect for your fall or winter weddings, it can be a fabulous part of your getting-fit-for-the-dress healthy regimen.

Here's the announcement from the Gorgeously Green site:

December is Mega-Giveaway Month at Gorgeously Green. We are giving away dozens of our favorite products that we showcased in 2009. Cosmetics, shoes, clothes, luxury skincare and more, is all for the winning. The giveaway will change every day and a new winner will also be announced daily. Simply visit Gorgeously Green, check out the Daily Giveaway and enter a short comment to WIN! And be sure to tell all your friends...

This is one of my favorite recipes for this time of year from THE GORGEOUSLY GREEN DIET. Mushrooms are in season, so go wild.

Remember when you’re making your holiday gift lists, making-your-own is the Greenest way to go. I’m crazy busy with canning, pickling and making jellies and jam. Despite a couple of mishaps, I’ve pretty much got the hang of it. Now for the fun part: labels and decorating the jars. What gifts are you making this year?

Mushroom Risotto
I love to serve this risotto with a fresh bowl of arugula leaves dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

1 package mixed dried mushrooms or 2 cups of fresh mixed mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini, and shitake are perfect).
About 1 quart vegetable or chicken stock
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 3/4 cups risotto rice
2 wineglasses white wine
1 tbsp butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Put the mushrooms in a measuring glass and cover with 2 cups of hot water. Set aside.

Pour stock into a medium saucepan and heat gently. Keep warm over low heat.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the rice, turn up the heat, and stir until the rice looks translucent. Add the wine and stir until almost evaporated.

Now you are ready to add your first ladle of stock (you never leave a risotto—it needs to be nursed!). Keep stirring as you add more and more stock, waiting until each addition is absorbed until you add the next ladle. After 15 minutes, taste to see if the rice is cooked; if it needs a little more time, add a ladleful of the water that mushrooms have been soaking in. The risotto is cooked when the rice is slightly al dente. Take it off the heat and stir in the mushrooms and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste, spoon into bowls, and top with a generous dusting of cheese.

Serves 4 to 6

How much liquor to buy for your party?

2009-11-28T07:51:00.002-05:00

During your wedding weekend, for the rehearsal dinner you'll host at home, for bridal showers, bridesmaid parties, crafting parties at which volunteers come help to make the favors, and even for an at-home engagement party , you'll want to be sure you have enough drinks to go with your menu. But, of course, you don't want to spend a fortune at the liquor store, over-buying the wine and alcohol and wasting money. The trick is getting just enough...

Here is a terrific tool from Evite.com that I've found to be right on target in estimating how much liquor you'll need to suit your crowd of light- to heavy-drinkers.

If you're on a budget, keep in mind that a terrific champagne punch or sangrias stretch your liquor dollar and guests LOVE getting to sip on a unique drink they don't get every day. I love the drink recipes at Food Network, and I also have a fabulous Sangria recipe book that I often break out whenever we have guests or are hosting a party.

It's important to pair your drinks to your menu -- since a great app will be spoiled by a so-so vintage or a too-strong mixed drink -- so get adventurous, explore your drink options, and taste test any new drink recipes before the big party, just to be sure.

All-time favorite, easiest appetizer!

2009-11-25T15:32:00.002-05:00

I love Alouette cheeses! On their own, as a spread for crackers or grissini, they delight the crowd, but when you take it to the next level with Alouette's recipes, you turn DIY party menu-making into an 'Is It Professional?' level that your guests will love.

Right now, I'm preparing the Alouette stuffed mushroom caps for my Thanksgiving feast, and I highly, highly encourage you to make this easy recipe for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself, the after-party and let your bridesmaids know about the Alouette site for the bridal shower.

We're going Foodie here at Sharon Naylor Weddings

2009-11-16T07:54:00.003-05:00

Get your soup tureen ready, and get ready for some very happy engagement party, bridal shower, and at-home wedding guests when you serve my Lobster Bisque! It's filling dish, perfect for fall and winter, so you only need to set out little serving bowls or cups -- I love the new square ones at Crate & Barrel. Anytime you set out unique serving bowls or dishes, you up the Wow Factor for any dish...and also make it look like you spent more money!

This recipe will serve about 14 people with smaller servings, so make your adjustments accordingly. I like to boil frozen lobster tails to get nice, huge chunks of lobster meat, but you can also have your seafood specialitist at the grocery store steam your lobster for you. Some will even cut the tails in half for you, which really helps. You could subsititute shrimp or crab, but I find that the lobster is in a class by itself here...

LOBSTER BISQUE

2 large lobster tails, cooked and diced
1 large onion, diced
1 and ½ sticks butter
¾ cup flour
2 cans condensed chicken broth
¾ cup dry sherry
3 small containers heavy cream
1 can tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste

1. Sauté onion in butter until soft, stir in flour to make a roux
2. Add chicken broth, stir, allow mixture to thicken and boil for one minute
3. Add lobster and sherry, cover and simmer for 20 minutes
4. Blend in cream, tomato paste, salt and pepper, stir until combined and soup is pink
5. Heat on low flame until soup is hot.

Vegetarian Menu Inspiration for your wedding

2009-11-14T17:04:00.002-05:00

Finding inspired and delectable vegetarian dishes for your cocktail party or wedding isn't a challenge at all when you work with a caterer who has experience with vegetarian or vegan menus. I'm so thrilled to share some samples from VegetarianWeddings.com

Sides, Salads & Dolci — Mediterranean

Vegetables, Grains & Legumes

Platter of Grilled Seasonal Vegetables in light balsamic marinade
Wild Rice with broccoli, bell pepper, tarragon & toasted pecans
White Beans with tomatoes, olives, rosemary, feta, light balsamic sauce
Couscous or Tabbouleh with tomato, cucumber, parsley, mint
Israeli Couscous with julienned vegetables & light vinaigrette marinade
Persian Wedding Rice with caramelized onion, dried fruits,
saffron, cardamom, toasted nuts
Indian Dal garnished with yogurt, tomatoes, cucumber & cilantro
Sicilian Eggplant Caponata

Salads

Mixed Seasonal Greens with grilled vegetables & agrodolce dressing
Salade Niçoise with green beans, potatoes, tuna, tomatoes, eggs, olives & basil
Lebanese-style Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, onions, sumac
Orange Salad with red onions, & mint dressing, served on a bed of greens
Panzanella: Italian bread salad with roasted peppers, olives, tomatoes, basil
Fattoush: Middle Eastern bread salad with cucumbers,
tomatoes, peppers, mint, cilantro
Seasonal or Citrus Fruit Salad with orange flower water & mint

Dolci

Fabulous flourless Italian Chocolate Torte with hazelnuts
Ricotta Tart with seasonal fruit or berries
Platter of Dessert Bars, including triple chocolate fudge brownies,
Slices of moist Lemon or Orange Cake, & hazelnut bars with raspberry jam
Strawberries in red wine
Tarte Tatin (upside down apple cake)

* * *

Sides, Salads & Postres — South of the Border

Vegetables, Grains & Legumes

Platter of Grilled Seasonal Vegetables with light cilantro/lime marinade
Arroz Escarlata (scarlet rice with beets)
Spanish-style Rice with chiles, tomatoes, celery, cilantro
Pineapple Rice: a spicy rice with vegetables & fresh pinapple
Black Beans with mango, tomato, corn, avocado, lime/cilantro dressing
Lentil Stew with pineapple & banana
Zucchini & mushrooms in spicy lime marinade
Eggplant with garlic & spring onions
Quinoa with julienned vegetables, tomato & light marinade

Salads

Red, White & Green Salad with spinach, red cabbage & avocado
Orange & Radish Salad served on a bed of greens with anise dressing
Jicama & Cucumber Salad with orange lime marinade
Salad of Beets & Cabbage with candied pineapple & avocado sauce
Cactus & Jicama Salad with watercress & avocado
Cauliflower Corn Salad with orange dressing
Painted Desert Coleslaw: finely shredded cabbage & veggies in a lime marinade
Peruvian Vegetable Salad with baby vegetables, eggs, olives & thinly sliced pancetta
Mango, Tomato & Red Onion Salad
Avocado, Arugula & Citrus Salad

Postres

Citrus Fruit Salad (tangerines, blood oranges, grapefruit) with light sauce
of kumquat & orange blossom water
Platter of Fresh Fruits (melon, pineapple, strawberries)
Louisiana-style Bread Pudding with dried apricots & bourbon sauce
Jamaican Fruit Trifle (layers of cake, cream, dash of rum & tropical fruit)

***
Sample Menus

International Specialties

Indian Specialties
Sides, Salads & Sweets

Take your appetite on a Mediterranean adventure into tangy spices, zesty sauces, salty crunches, cooling dips and subtle sweets from Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Sicily, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Portugal, and Tangiers.

Our Latin menus include foods from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Caribbean, where beans and rice are never ordinary!

For more information on this expert, contact:
Margaret Riesen
805-967-9848
877-967-9848 toll free

Now accepting all Major Credit Cards

Santa Barbara • Santa Ynez Wineries • Montecito • Malibu • Santa Monica
Southern California • San Francisco Bay area

website by
Design Mine

Fabulous fall foodie favor!

2009-11-12T07:32:00.004-05:00

I have been looking *everywhere* for a great spice bars recipe -- both because my Mom loves them, and because they make great shower, wedding and party favors! when you give your guests a luscious taste of the season, your favors are a hit.

And when you can save a LOT of money by baking your own, it's a double-hit.

I found these amazing spice bars, plus a maple cream icing that has just the right amount of sweetness, and they're going right on my fall party menu list:

Here's the recipe, from BHG.com, the site for Better Homes and Gardens.

My new book is a hit before it even launches!

2009-11-10T14:47:00.003-05:00

Authors check Amazon all the time to see how our books are doing. It's exciting when a six year-old book is still selling like wild, and it's really exciting when a book that hasn't even launched yet is...well, selling like wild! I'm so proud of my new book Your Wedding, Your Way -- my idea-filled book on how to take all of the traditional wedding elements like the first dance, the cake-cutting, the bouquet toss, and give them a unique, personal spin that pays homage to your own personal love story. This book gives a spin to everything you can imagine, and it was one of the most fun books I've ever written.

And I LOVE the cover! My art team at Adams knocked it out of the park.

Here's a quick description of the book:

Wedding experts agree: Today’s bride and groom want a wedding that reflects who they are—without regard to tradition, convention, or in-laws. This guide shows you how to:
Break with tradition—on a budget!
Present nontraditional ideas to parents and grandparents
Build in time for visiting friends and family
Incorporate shared passions into the ceremony
Use elbow grease and inventiveness for a DIY wedding
Deal with vendors and suppliers
You will identify ways you can express your individuality during your wedding celebration, from rehearsal dinner to the morning-after brunch. The memories you take away will be of a ceremony celebrating your love—your uniqueness as a couple.

And here's where to get it: It's not even up on my website yet, so you're going to be among the first to get your copy when the book is released in a few weeks.

In honor of the military families who are going through so much these days, I am offering 5 free, signed copies to the first military couples who contact me through Twitter @sharonnaylorwed.

Another reason to love Envirosax

2009-11-03T09:22:00.002-05:00

Loosk like we know who's next on the list for my Norah Awards! Envirosax is one of my favorite sources for eco-friendly wedding favors and guest welcome bags, and now they're knocking it out of the park again for their work in saving abandoned pets. Check out this press release, which I think is pretty amazing!

The Foreclosure Pet Phenomenon

There has been a disturbing rise in animals left behind to starve or fend for themselves in empty foreclosed homes. Once discovered and taken to shelters, many of these pets are in need of medical care.

Animal shelters nationwide depend on donations to cover medical costs and to provide food and shelter; however donations are dwindling and many shelters have been forced to cut holding periods from six days to three after which the animals are put down.

But there's great news and this is where you can help!

Let all your blog followers know that this November, Envirosax is proudly donating $1 from the sale of every pouch (set of 5 bags), sold on the Envirosax website, to the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Click here to order your Envirosax pouch today and help give these abandoned pets a second chance.

Who knew Holiday Season shopping could be so rewarding?

A glowing review for '1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding'

2009-10-22T12:20:00.000-05:00

1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding by Sharon Naylor

View more documents from Vette05.

You HAVE to get "Signature Sasha"

2009-10-21T13:55:00.003-05:00

It's new. It's amazing. It's my dear friend and colleague Sasha Souza's phenomenal book Signature Sasha, filled with breathtaking images of her wedding designs.

Sasha is known for her amazing color artistry, and you're going to find so much inspiration in here for your own big day. It's packed. And gorgeous.

And here's another awesome perk: if you order through Sasha's site, you can get an autographed copy. So, Moms and Dads, bridesmaids and friends, this could be a great gift for the newly-engaged couple. Brides and grooms, how great would it be to get personal congrats from one of Modern Bride's Top Trendsetters and our newest addition to the circle of celebrity wedding book authors?

Check Sasha out, follow her @sparkliatti, and follow her blog. She's a different kind of celeb wedding coordinator: almost sinfully talented, yet still the cool sister or best friend you'd like to hang out with and throw back some martinis. I'm thrilled to know her, and thrilled to point you to her site so that you can get to know her, too!

Budget-Saver: Use Locally-Grown Foods in Your Menu....But What Are They?

2009-10-19T09:18:00.004-05:00

You see the advice everywhere in articles and books on how to save money on your wedding: use locally-grown, in-season foods in your wedding menu. Importing costs extra money, after all. But how do you find out what these foods are?

As I'm researching my newest book, I came across these fabulous resources for you! Check out the following to find lists of the local foods in your region, searchable by season:

LocalHarvest.org
and
NRDC.org, which is organized so beautifully! You just enter your state and the season, broken down by 'early October' and 'late October' and such, to really zero in on what's in-season...as well as what's in-season in states near you. A great resource that's going to help you work so much better with your caterers!

Bring in your European heritage through flowers

2009-10-06T12:42:00.002-05:00

I'm all about personalizing weddings, and bringing in the official flowers of your heritage is a great way to do so!

Here are the official flowers of some European countries, so that you can combine your His and Hers heritage in every floral detail:

Albania: Red and black poppy
Austria: Alpine gentian
Bulgaria: Rose
Cyprus: Cyprus cyclamen
Denmark: Red clover
Estonia: Cornflower
Finland: Lily of the valley, and the white rose
France: Fleur de lis
Germany: Cornflower
Greece: Laurel branch, and the violet
Iceland: White dryas
Ireland: Shamrock
Italy: Cyclamen
Macedonia: Poppy
Netherlands: Tulip
Norway: Heather
Portugal: Blue-white hydrangea, among others
Romania: Romanian peony
Serbia: Plum
Slovakia: Tilia cordata
Slovenia: Carnation
Spain: Carnation
Sweden: no national flower, but each province has its own flower
Switzerland: Edelweiss
Turkey: Tulip
United Kingdom: Tudor rose, and each county has its own signature flower

Perfect flowers for Asian-themed wedding events

2009-10-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

If your wedding -- or your cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower -- will have an Asian theme, bring the tone and feel of an authentic Asian wedding into your celebration beautifully by using the Official Flower of your chosen Asian region:

Bangladesh: Shapla
Bhutan: Blue poppy
Cambodia: Romdual
People's Republic of China: Peony (also the plum blossom or the chrysanthemum)
Hong Kong: Bauhinia blakeana
Macau: Lotus
Indonesia: Melati (a type of jasmine) or moth orchid
Japan: Cherry blossom or chrysanthemum
North Korea: Magnolia
South Korea: Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Malaysia: Chinese hibiscus or Phalaenopsis orchid
Singapore: orchid (Vanda Miss Joaquim variety)
Taiwan: Plum blossom
Thailand: Dok Khuen
Vietnam: Red lotus

Use one, or use a combination, to pay homage to your culture, or just to your chosen style for your big wedding events.

Barbie's big wedding season

2009-09-23T16:44:00.002-05:00

This is Barbie in a Reem Acra. Yes, that's right. Reem. Acra.

Wedding world is Barbie's world -- with the 50th anniversary of our favorite doll offering all kinds of amazing special editions, including a Barbie and Ken wedding set that I just have to have. Looking on eBay, I found a vintage Korean Barbie and Ken wedding doll set that just might kick off my new collection of all things Bridal Barbie.

I'd love for you to check out this site for links to what's new in Barbie's world, plus special Barbie editions of bridal-party perfect goodies from Dylan's Candy Bar and other hot places. I'm thinking the Barbie bridal shower --no matter what age the bride -- is quickly going to take over the bridal shower theme, since we all had such fun with our Barbie collections, the Barbie Dream House. I had the cabana, a convertible, a Winnebago, even an airplane. So we all have that Barbie DNA, making this an incredibly fun and special theme for showers and bridesmaid luncheons. The fact that it's the 50th anniversary special edition of these dolls -- a collector's item gift for the bride, too -- just makes it all the more fun.

Oh, and at that site, you can learn the new Barbie dance, performed to the 'Barbie Girl' song. Maybe after a few cocktails, the girls can give it a go...

Pretty Pink Freshwater Pearls

2009-09-22T15:14:00.004-05:00

Look at these! Pretty pink freshwater pearls would make the perfect gift from groom to bride if she wants a delicate pop of color to match her wedding bouquet. Who says you have to wear diamonds? Or white pearls?

These babies are so lovely -- maybe too pricy for your bridesmaids' gifts unless you're so not on a budget, but wouldn't they be GORGEOUS gifts for the Moms? If the Moms are wearing any variation of pink, taupe or silver, these would look amazing!

I'm a huge fan of freshwater pearls, and I don't believe in the whole superstition related to pearls on the wedding day [supposedly, not the best luck in the world.] To see the pink freshwater pearls above, check out the Blue Nile page...

Signing up for Martha Stewart University

2009-09-22T13:50:00.003-05:00

Martha's done it again! What a fabulous gift idea for the bride! Martha Stewart now offers video classes that you can upload -- most for just $12.95 per course...and some of these have 14 different segments! Check it out here. If you plan to DIY anything for your wedding, invest that $12.95 and get help from Martha and Darcy!

Write it, but don't send it

2009-09-14T11:26:00.004-05:00

When someone really tweaks a nerve with you, saying something heinously insulting, or throwing a wrench into your plans, or questioning your taste in wedding plans...or your groom, you're probably going to boil up in anger and want to lash out. They do say it's better to get anger out than suppress it, right?

Well, reacting in anger isn't going to get you anywhere. You just sink to their level and make them very very happy. Because their goal was to pop your happiness bubble and make you miserable like they are.

So for now, write out the best tell-off letter you can -- by hand, so there's no file for anyone to see later -- and then toss it away. Or burn it. I just wrote out one of those babies today, and I feel a lot better. It helps so much to get that vitriol out of your mind, onto paper, and into the trash. For really bad offenders, you might find yourself scribbling out several notes over the course of some time.

Face it, anyone who's an adult is a finished project. You're not going to teach them anything by telling them a better way to handle their misery. You're not going to touch upon any sense of compassion in them, because there probably is none. So don't waste your time trying to teach a bottom feeder to become a benevolent soul. It's not going to happen.

Hang out with your benevolent soul friends, and absorb the good vibes of their input and their company. Leave your misery-soaked acquaintances to their own paths. This time is too short to let them have any effect on your fabulous life.

Following the fall foliage

2009-09-12T18:52:00.003-05:00

Fall is almost fully here, and if your wedding takes place this fall, you're probably very interested in the colors of peak fall foliage. What a fabulous background, all of those vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and a gorgeous blue sky behind them all! I love this Weather Channel tool that shows you when and where peak fall foliage is arriving, and don't forget that this is a fabulous site to check if you'd like to plan a fall foliage pre-wedding getaway with your sweetie [think B&B, spiced cider, hayrides and apple picking!] or a fall spa getaway with your girls.

Getting out in nature is a great way to de-stress too, so maybe this map will -- in the coming weeks -- inspire you to hop in the car for a spontaneous road trip together. Just make your hotel reservations before you go, since 'leaf-peeping' is hugely popular and thus many of the more affordable hotels and B&Bs will be booked solid during peak weeks. Call ahead, book, and -- okay, so maybe it's not so spontaneous, but better to call ahead. :]

Create your color scheme with Dessy and Pantone!

2009-09-09T10:07:00.005-05:00

In my book What's Your Bridal Style, I talk about where to find inspiration for the perfect color choices for your bridesmaid dresses, table linens, flowers, even the icing on the cake! I'm so thrilled to share with you the newest, fun tool from Dessy and Pantone that will make your color selections fabulous!

Here's the big announcement that JUST landed in my In-Box:

Brides want their big day to perfect, but we we’ve all heard the classic wedding horror stories about missing photographers, toppled cakes and color disasters. Wouldn’t it be nice to strike one potential nightmare from the list?

To help brides plan the color-coordinated wedding of their dreams, The Dessy Group, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid’s dresses and bridal apparel, together with color authority Pantone have announced PANTONE WEDDING, exclusively from Dessy. PANTONE WEDDING is a collection of color tools that make it easy for brides to create perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.”

PANTONE WEDDING features paper swatch cards that can be used on their own, or in combination with Dessy’s popular fabric swatches, to coordinate wedding colors – from bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, accessories and menswear to flowers, invitations and tabletop designs. The Dessy Web site now includes a special section dedicated to PANTONE WEDDING that features inspirational Style Boards to help brides choose their wedding colors and accompanying bridal apparel. Brides can browse over 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors, select from all Dessy bridal apparel and accessories or import wedding and inspirational images from the Web, then save or share their styleboards with friends.

Congratulations to the Envirosax contest winner!

2009-09-08T13:05:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Rachel S. of Chicago, the winner of my green weddings contest! Rachel shared some terrific ways that she plans to incorporate eco-friendly elements in her big day, and she has won 8 gorgeous eco-friendly bags from Envirosax. Rachel like the Mikado styles. Which are your favorites?

My novel is a hit on Kindle! Reviewed as 'laugh out loud' and 'fun, fun, fun!'

2009-09-07T17:53:00.003-05:00

I have to agree with the reviewers! My novel It's My Wedding Too *is* laugh out loud and fun, fun, fun! I had such a blast creating these characters -- my uptight, upper-crust romance novelist Delilah and her attempts to take over her daughter's wedding. My Earth-mother Carmela who is having a really hard time accepting that her son has cut the apron strings. And we have a male dancer named The Hawk [pronounced 'Da Hawk in true Bostonian pitch] and a feng shui-obsessed, heartbroken bridesmaid who finds love at the end of the novel...only it's not with a man. Nor a pair of shoes. You're going to LOVE how her love story evolves. Throw in a fake, cheesy bridal shower just to stun Delilah and an unforgettable backstory for Carmela (heart-wrenching!!), and you know you're so going to read this novel now, right?

Check out It's My Wedding Too here on Kindle.

Or get your paperback copy here at Amazon.

Get ready to laugh out loud, and please do leave me a great review on Amazon!

Forget fireworks...plan for Shooting Stars

2009-08-31T10:45:00.003-05:00

Who wants the hassle of finding a fireworks company, getting permits, worrying about drought conditions that mean you can't set off those dramatic post-reception fireworks? Get a light show overhead that's FREE from Mother Nature by checking out this terrific site's schedule of expected Meteor Showers.

The night sky could be filled with dozens of meteors per hour -- in some regions, at peak meteor shower times, and with a clear sky, that number could soar to the hundreds! You and all of your guests get to make wishes on each of them.

How fabulous would this nighttime light show be for your wedding plans? And for marriage proposal plans! So guys, if you're looking for the perfect place and time, with a gorgeous scenic view, and want to propose under the stars, there's no better and more romantic way to get your sweetheart to join you for a night of stargazing.

Ann Taylor LOFT Sweepstakes Widget

2009-08-30T06:06:00.001-05:00

Massage For the Cure -- Help Fight Breast Cancer on Sept 15th

2009-08-28T09:06:00.004-05:00

We can all use a great massage, and I'm thrilled to help Massage Envy partner with the Susan G. Komen group to battle breast cancer with their special event: Massage For the Cure. On September 15th, you can get a $35 massage -- and they are INCREDIBLE! -- with $10 donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

As a grateful beneficiary of the research and early detection of breast cancers -- my pre-cancer was found, cut out and radiated before turning into something horrible -- I encourage you to join in the fight in a very pleasant, calming and relaxing way...with a great massage on September 15th. Find out more here.

Some wedding lore makes me laugh...

2009-08-25T08:05:00.004-05:00

While double-checking the symbolism of certain wedding flowers, I stumbled upon this very funny Old-World rhyme about the color of a wedding dress. Way long ago, white wedding dresses were a sign of being fabulously wealthy, and not every woman could get her hands on a white dress. At the Morris Museum, where I recently gave a lecture, their historical wedding gowns on display showed bright emerald green dresses from the 1800s, sapphire blue dresses...and even today's bride might choose a dress with a touch of color to it. Top-name designers are showing pink dresses, sage green dresses for organic weddings, lilac dresses, metallics and brights. With modern fashion trends in mind, how funny is it to see a poem like this one:

Married in white, you have chosen alright.
Married in green, ashamed to be seen.
Married in red, You will wish yourself dead.
Married in blue, you will always be true
Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow.
Married in black, you will wish yourself back.
Married in pink, of you he'll think.

Of course, we know that cultural weddings often call for gorgeous red wedding dresses, and it would be a bit dramatic to think a bride is wishing herself dead!

It's quite funny to look back on the role that superstition and 'what's proper' played in weddings of olde, and aren't we lucky that we can choose a gown of color if we want to?

Catch me on Bridal Guide's homepage EVERY DAY!

2009-08-24T16:12:00.004-05:00

Starting you off with : 153 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding, and encouraging you to check out my daily Recession-Buster tips on the Bridal Guide home page -- we launch a fresh tip every day!

Celebrity-studded bachelorette parties!

2009-08-18T16:52:00.005-05:00

It's the new, hot trend in replacing the drunkfest bachelor and bachelorette parties: going to a fanfest convention, such as the hot ticket TwiTour Twilight convention. Yes, it's Twilight, and all of our favorites will be there -- Ashley Greene included. This event has been sold out for months, and imagine the excitement of everyone from your flowergirls to your junior bridesmaids, all the way up to the Moms who love their Twilight when you announce that this is going to be your pre-wedding celebration! Everyone gets to sit in on a Q&A session, you may get to have brunch with the stars, meet the director of the movie, and shop like crazy -- money far better spent on Edward keepsakes than on shots of tequila!

I love these shows, for the creativity of the sets, the excited vibe in the showrooms, the chance to speak to artists and creators who are big in the news, and the thrill of getting to say, "I was there!" The same-old bachelorette party doesn't give you this kind of fun and excitement for your entire group, young and old!

For your local tour dates and the Creation Entertainment lineup of upcoming tour dates, visit their website today and get your tickets now!

I love these tee shirts!

2009-08-13T20:34:00.007-05:00

How cute are these?! I admit it...I was looking through CafePress.com for Twilight tee shirts...to give to my Mom....for Christmas, and I stumbled upon these fantastic tees that would be the most adorable bridesmaid gifts or bridal shower favors. And if you're a stressed-out bride, maybe your bridesmaids are going to give one or two of these to you as a gift. As in, Take the Hint.
You can find these, and other designs, right now at CafePress.com.

Tax-free shopping!!

2009-08-11T07:41:00.005-05:00

It's true: some states have designated a tax-free shopping weekend on a wide range of items designated for back-to-school supplies, but many of the item categories apply to your wedding shopping too!! Ask any parent of school-age children, and you'll find out that they have a certain weekend blocked off for back-to-school shopping, and you'll find out that it's all about the paper supplies, pens, craft items, tote bags, even clothing and shoes! Computer software is often on the list!

This is big news in today's economy and can save you a fortune! Many of these shopping weekends take place soon, so don't miss yours!

Here's a story to check out, and I've also included a list of the states that were on record as planning tax-free shopping weekends. Check them out through your own Google search!

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32286279/ns/travel-tips/

States That Offer A Tax Free Week or Tax Free Weekend:

Alabama
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Louisiana
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington D.C.
West Virginia

If you find that your state offers a tax-free spree and is not on my list here, just let me know so that I can add it!

For more money-saving tips, check out my book 1001 Ways to Save Money and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding

Say It The Right Way

2009-08-10T06:37:00.003-05:00

In any wedding season, you're going to have to word things...gently with some people. Diplomacy is a key to success in any stage of life, but when there's a wedding afoot, it seems like everyone's emotions get magnified a thousand times over. And there you are, wanting to respond to a cruel message with an equally icy retort, or facing a manipulator who's trying to weasel her picks into your day (or her date onto the guest list). And the fireworks are all around YOU, waiting to blow skyhigh if you say the wrong thing.

But wait a minute...if you're just responding to something rude that THEY said, doesn't that exempt you? Sadly, no. In some freaky loophole of human behavior, the real dangers lie in how you respond. People, it seems, can say or do whatever they'd like to you if they have no sense of decency [and they don't lose sleep over it when they do!], but when you strike back, all of a sudden you're the center of gossip, you're getting lectures, and all around you the Hypocrite Olympics are going on. How could it be that your response could set off such drama?

Because the troublemakers were waiting to bring you down. According to them , you're 'all up there on your high horse,' being decent, and having things going pretty well in your life. So if they can hit a nerve with you, if they can make you lose your cool, if they can get you to respond in anger, if they can get you to gossip, you're in the Game.

Save yourself from this! Save yourself from the petty games of people, the gossip, the wounding that lasts long after the wedding, the hurt feelings, the sleepless nights, the things you wish you didn't say, the terror of sending an angry e-mail and then not being able to recall it...pick up your copy of The Bride's Diplomacy Guide today. Now available in Kindle edition at discount price!

Something Blue: The New Pool Hues

2009-08-05T12:33:00.006-05:00

Something Blue has long been a part of wedding lore, and now we're seeing the blue stone -- tourmaline and aquamarine, especially -- quickly becoming the new hot hue for spring and summer wedding jewelry...for the bride, the bridesmaids and the moms!

Take a look at the above pieces, which I found on Zales.com just to give you an example of what's hot [not as an endorsement of Zales in particular, but hey, if you're a Zales fan, go for it!]

While brides of past years didn't look beyond the diamond necklace, or the pearl pendant, today's style-chic bride is wearing the pool blue stone with her wedding gown, as her Something Blue. And if you have blue eyes, the effect is dazzling!

On a personal note, I'm thinking about the tourmaline earrings I saw on St. John during our second honeymoon, and I'm kicking myself for not buying them! My husband offered, but I said I'd think on it. Silly me! Those babies are long gone. So if blue is for you, don't let a good one get away!

Win stylish eco-friendly guest welcome bags!

2009-08-03T13:39:00.005-05:00

It's time for my newest contest! You can win 5 eco-friendly Envirosax bags for your stylish guest welcome bags! Justin Timberlake was recently spotted carrying his Envirosax bag, and now it's your turn to WIN a collection of your own!

Here's how to enter: just e-mail me at sharonnaylorweddings@hotmail.com with your name and what you're incorporating into your wedding to be a little friendlier to the earth. Are you supporting a 3rd world artisan co-op? Did you create a charitable registry? Did you use recycled paper for your invitations? Share your story with me, and you could win!

The winner gets to pick out his or her favorite design from Envirosax, and we'll ship your 5 bags right to you, along with a copy of my newest book! Which newest book? YOU get to choose from my website.

The deadline for this contest is August 31st, and you only need to enter once. Tell your friends!

Catch me on MSNBC

2009-07-28T19:09:00.002-05:00

Ooo, a very fun appearance on MSNBC.com, all about the top ways to cut wedding expenses. Many thanks to Brides.com and the great Anne Chertoff!

Win a $4,000+ trip to Caneel Bay -- my favorite!

2009-07-28T11:24:00.003-05:00

Need to get away before the wedding? Want a free honeymoon? Then become a fan of Caneel Bay on Facebook -- the real one, with the beach picture, not the exclamation point one that was created by some college kid :] Here are the sweepstakes details:

"We’re having a sweepstakes! Become a fan of Caneel Bay and automatically enter yourself into a chance to win a free four-night stay. Already a fan? Invite your friends! The package includes a free four-night stay, complimentary Full American meal plan, two ferry roundtrip transfers. This terrific package is valued at $4,150.50. A winner will be chosen on October 1st, 2009!"

Keep in mind that airfare and alcohol is not included in this prize package. Good luck!

And to find out a bit more about Caneel Bay, read my blog http://caneelbayhoneymoon.blogspot.com.

It's in the bag!

2009-07-22T05:44:00.005-05:00

Right now, I'm working with Australian company Envirosax to create a giveaway of their fabulous, eco-friendly graphic tote bags, and I *love* these as your budget-friendly bridesmaids' gifts, as shower favors, and as the stylish, eye-catching guest welcome bags to hold their water bottles and organic snacks during their stay in the hotel.

Shop now, shop smarter. Several of Envirosax's collections are on sale for 25% off right now, so stock up!

Is your First Dance song creepy?

2009-07-16T10:23:00.002-05:00

It astounds me that some people are still choosing 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston as their first dance song, since it's pretty well-known that it's a goodbye song. And what's with all the inappropriate songs for father-daughter dances? Yeesh!

There's a lot more to a song than just a catchy chorus. So you have to be careful that you're not slow-dancing to something creepy with your dad.

Check out the lyrics to the songs you have in mind for special dances and dedications at:
www.lyrics.com
www.songlyrics.com
www.romantic-lyrics.com
www.anysonglyrics.com
www.azlyrics.com

I invite you to share your stories on the most inappropriate wedding songs you've ever heard at weddings. E-mail me at my website now, and you could win a copy of my newest book "Love Bets"

Be on TLC!

2009-07-14T11:48:00.002-05:00

Want to Say Yes to the Dress?
Find out What Not to Wear and get $5,000 worth of new clothes?
Get your invention on television?
The top TLC shows are casting now, so visit their applications page and sign up!

Guy Fieri's Help With Your Pre-Wedding Food and Drinks

2009-07-12T19:59:00.005-05:00

First off, I must say that I love Guy Fieri. Love him. I didn't vote for him on The Next Food Network Star way back when, since I thought he was a bit arrogant --- and arrogant doesn't work in my world -- but he's now a top fave of mine, and I'd love for you to let him help out with your pre-wedding party menus and bar lists....and his ideas and menus work for an after-party or wedding weekend event, too. Check out his fabulous videos and recipe lists here.

Have you written Praise Letters?

2009-07-10T07:27:00.004-05:00

Imagine hearing from your boss that a client was SO happy with your work that they took the time to write in to the company, singing your praises. That would do SO much for your job security and your esteem in the boss's eyes. You might get a raise or a promotion because you reflect so well on the company.

That's exactly what I'm proposing you do for your wedding vendors' staff, assistants, and the vendors themselves. It only takes a few minutes to write up a note saying, "Sheila did such a wonderful job with our wedding decor -- she really created exactly what we had in mind, and we're so thrilled that we got to work with her. We'll be sure to recommend her -- and your company -- to all of our engaged friends!" and e-mail it in to Sheila's boss.

It's a feel-good task, and since Sheila worked so hard on your behalf, it's such a generous thing to write a Praise letter at any point during your planning stage or after the wedding.

JT must have gone to a co-ed bridal shower!

2009-07-07T06:27:00.004-05:00

Justin Timberlake's carrying my favorite, favorite, favorite eco-friendly bridal shower gift: fabulous totes from Envirosax. At just a few dollars apiece, you can't find a better shower favor than this! And the styles are adorable. Visit the site and let me know which style is your favorite!

Coordinating postage stamps? Brilliant!

2009-07-02T07:57:00.003-05:00

If you'll make your own invitations, it's such a lovely touch to have your postage stamps match your stationery design! Check out what you can create here at MountainCow.com

There's still time to win!

2009-07-01T13:38:00.004-05:00

Have you entered to win two new Nokia 7205 cell phones and a week's honeymoon in Jamaica? There's still time to enter the contest and win fun new His and Hers phones and a luxury getaway!

Rock the Recession, Pop the Question! New video contest!

2009-06-27T14:29:00.004-05:00

ROCK THE RECESSION, POP THE QUESTION!!
GEMEX LAUNCHES DIGITAL VIDEO CONTEST ENCOURAGING MARRIAGE PROPOSALS DESPITE THE ECONOMY

Upload Video by July 31 at www.DiamondLightPerformance.com for Chance to Win $10,000 Prize Package Including Diamond Engagement Ring, Weekend in New York City.

The $10,000 prize package includes:

- 1 Carat Diamond Ring, certified by GemEx for superior Brilliance, Fire and Sparkle.
- Round trip airfare to New York City for two, anywhere within the continental US
- Two night stay at Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue
- Lunch and Dinner at The Palm, Classic American Steakhouse
- Meeting with America’s foremost wedding planner, Sharon Naylor and a collection of her Wedding Planning Books
- VIP Appointment with a Bloomingdale’s Personal Wedding Registry consultant

NEW YORK, June, 2009 – Ready to take the next step in your relationship, but need to persuade your significant other that the current state of the economy isn’t a reason to put things off?
Here’s a brilliant idea - GemEx® Systems, Inc., the global leader in diamond brilliance, fire and sparkle certification, announced today the launch of Rock the Recession, Pop the Question, a digital video contest in which lovebirds can upload a video and offer their most romantic and persuasive plea to get engaged, for a chance to win a prize package worth $10,000, including a 1 Carat GemEx certified diamond engagement ring. Submissions will be accepted until July 31.
“The diamond engagement ring is a big purchase and can be one reason to delay popping the big question,” said Randall Wagner, CEO of GemEx. “At GemEx, we are big believers in romance, and thrilled to help one happy couple move toward wedded bliss. Now there are no more excuses. We’ll provide a diamond that has been certified based on its beauty…brilliant in every way, to get things started.”

To enter, simply create an original video, 1 to 2 minutes in length, using your most creative, funny, sympathetic and romantic argument to convince your significant other to get engaged - despite today’s tough economic times. Then upload the video to www.Diamondlightperformance.com.

In addition to the GemEx certified diamond, the winners will be whisked away for a romantic getaway to New York City where they will enjoy luxurious accommodations at the famed Loews Regency Hotel. Winners will also be treated to lunch at The Palm’s newest New York City location in Tribeca with wedding planner Sharon Naylor. “Not only will the contest help a deserving couple, but the prize package includes a way for them to celebrate and start planning for the big occasion,” added Wagner.

Selecting a Winner
Submissions will be accepted as of today until July 31, 2009. The person in the video must say GemEx or show the GemEx logo at least once. Site visitors will be able to view all the videos submitted, and are given the chance to vote for their favorite through the end of August. At that point, the 5 videos with the most votes will be judged based on creativity, humor, pathos, romance and persuasiveness by three judges, Randall Wagner, CEO of GemEx Systems Inc, author Sharon Naylor and Bruce Bozzi, Jr., Executive Vice President of The Palm. The judges will then select the final winner.

The winner will be announced on or about September 15, 2009. For complete contest rules, and to upload a video, go to www.Diamondlightperformance.com

Give Great Welcome Bags

2009-06-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

If you have guests coming in from out of town, and bridal party members, who will be staying at a hotel, be sure to provide a pretty welcome basket upon their arrival. You don't have to spend a fortune to create the best welcome basket ever. At stores like Costco, Target and WalMart, you'll find bulk goodie packages of 3-dozen snack packs that divide up perfectly into each bag...and that bag can be a simple, colored bag for $1 at the craft store! Make sure it has a sturdy handle, though....paper handles on cheap bags will rip in a heartbeat!

Here are what I would consider the Essentials for inclusion:
* At least two bottles of water
* At least two cans or bottles of soda, regular and diet
* Bags of chips and pretzels
* Bags of chocolate chip cookies, bought or homemade
* Chocolates, such as individually wrapped Lindt truffles
* Bags of candy, such as M&Ms
* A copy of the wedding weekend itinerary
* A copy of your WeddingMapper directions
* A hand-written welcome card from you

Appreciated Extras:
* Single-dose packets of Motrin and Advil
* Rolaids roll
* Emory board
* Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner and lotion in a great scent, such as from Bath & Body Works [often better than what the hotel might offer gratis]
* Coloring or activity book and crayons for kids
* $5 or $10 gift card to the hotel, for guests' use at the gift shop or restaurant
* Gift card to a nearby Dunkin Donuts [location noted on your map!] for great coffee --- hotels don't always serve the best java

What else have you seen in guest welcome baskets that you've loved? Let me know and you could win a copy of my new book Home From the Honeymoon

Do you have Thank-You notes to write?

2009-06-21T19:29:00.003-05:00

Summer weddings in full swing mean there are a lot of you out there wanting to know how to write the perfect, personable and personalized thank-you notes for bridal shower and wedding gifts. The tricky part? Not keeping the groom motivated to sit down and write them, but rather finding the perfect, diplomatic wording for notes you'll send to those guests who did a little something unusual with their gift choices. My book The Bride and Groom Thank-You Guide gives you multiple options for writing thank-you's for the following tricky situations:

* Obvious re-gifts
* Gifts that are not from your registries
* DIY gifts that *are* your style
* DIY gifts that are not your style
* Gift cards
* Wedding gifts sent way before the wedding
* Guests attending the wedding without giving a gift (yet!)
* You've lost a few cards and got disorganized, not knowing who gave you the gravy boat and who gave you the $150!
* Charitable donation gifts you were alerted to through your registry
* Honeymoon registry gifts
* The 'future promise' gift: as in, "We'll take you out for a 5-star dinner when you get back from your honeymoon."
* The gift of legwork and labor as their wedding gift to you

Write those notes well, because people really get offended by the simplest wording!

Protect your Junior Bridesmaids and Flowergirls!

2009-06-15T06:42:00.004-05:00

Junior bridesmaids in sexy, strapless gown to match the bridesmaids? Flowergirls being told 'that dress makes you look fat?' Pre-teens in terror over how they'll look in the spotlight at your wedding? I have the perfect expert to help you mind your child and teen attendants' comfort and well-being as part of your big day. Dara Chadwick, my lovely colleague and the author of You'd Be So Pretty If, answers a few questions here:

Q: Brides might be surprised to know that junior bridesmaids AND flower girls are worried about how they will look in their wedding day dresses! What are the signs that a young girl has concerns about this?

A: If she makes any comments about the fit of the dress or about her body – or if she keeps asking others how she looks – those are clues that she may not feel comfortable. If you know her well, you may already have a sense of her fashion preferences — she may like frilly, ultra-feminine styles or she may be more comfortable in a tailored style. A girl who dresses in surfer shorts and graphic tees might be extremely uncomfortable in a ruffled pink dress, so try to keep her personal taste in mind. Ask her if there’s a style she likes (or hates!), but keep it about the dress, not about her body; it’ll make her feel grown up to know that you value her opinion. You might also ask her mom if her daughter is at all uncomfortable with her appearance and let that guide your choice – but don’t talk to her mom in front of her. Girls this age are sensitive about sharing that kind of information.

Q: What should a bride avoid when it comes to choosing dress styles, particularly for junior bridesmaids who are starting to develop? I personally hate to see pre-teens in strapless dresses when it's so easy to have a seamstress sew on straps that still let them coordinate with the bridesmaids.

A: It’s best to avoid anything overtly sexy, like plunging necklines and extremely short lengths. At the same time, you want to honor the fact that she’s growing up and not dress her like you’d dress a five-year-old. I think it’s best to go with an age-appropriate version of what your bridesmaids are wearing (a good tailor can help with this). When I got married, I had my nine-year-old niece as a junior bridesmaid; she wore the same dress as my bridesmaids did, but hers was slightly less form-fitting and had a less-plunging back. The dress was similar enough that she felt part of the group, but it was also tailored to respect her age and her body.

Q: Should a bride just let the parents choose the dresses for the girls? What are your feelings about parental input?

A: As a mom, if a bride tried to put my daughter in a dress that I felt was too sexy or made my daughter feel uncomfortable, I’d speak up. But I wouldn’t expect that I’d be the one to choose what my daughter wore. I think it’s gracious to give parents input, but I’d suggest choosing a few dresses that you and her daughter are happy with and letting the parent choose from those. Watch out, though, for mother-daughter conflict; if the daughter loves the dress, but the mom doesn’t think it’s flattering, you’ve got a delicate situation on your hands. Talk to the mom privately about her objections; if it’s simply a matter of preference, but the daughter feels great in the dress and you like it, go with what makes your junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great.

Q: What should you do if parents choose “too-sexy” or too-revealing dresses for junior bridesmaids? This one stuns me, but I have seen it before. A strapless dress for an 11-year-old? And when that dress inevitably fell down as the child was dancing, she ran off to the bathroom and cried!

A: Ugh – that poor girl! I think as the bride, you have to pull rank here. Simply say something along the lines of “that dress is lovely, but it’s not what I had in mind for her” or “It’s really important to me that everybody be comfortable so they can relax and enjoy my big day. I’m concerned that Susie wouldn’t be comfortable dancing in that dress.” If all else fails, throw yourself on the parent’s mercy: Choose another dress that you like and say, “I know you like that dress and it’s lovely, but I’d prefer to see her in this style.” It’s your wedding, after all.

Q: Being in the center of attention can be hard for a shy junior bridesmaid or flower girl. What’s the “right” way to make her feel comfortable about being seen by so many? What should you say? Not say?

A: If she’s uncomfortable, do everything you can to take the focus off appearance. Give her a special job to do and thank her for helping you on your big day. Tell her she looks beautiful once, then let her know how important it is to you that she’s there for you and part of your wedding. Make it about her participation, not about her appearance. If she’s truly uncomfortable about being stared at, a quick joke or whisper about how you “feel funny with everybody looking at you in this big fancy dress” lets her know that it’s OK to be nervous. Or, create a private joke between the two of you – maybe you and she agree to pretend you’re movie stars on the red carpet as you walk down the aisle. Anything that lets her know you understand her feelings helps take away the pressure to be “perfect.”

Q: Any final tips for brides when it comes to helping a junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great?

A: When you’re shopping for a dress and trying things on, be careful with the words you use to talk about dresses you don’t like. Avoid language like, “That one makes you look hippy…or chunky…or [insert ‘body flaw’ here].” Always make it about the dress, not about her body, such as “I don’t like the cut of this dress” or “I don’t like the way this fabric drapes.” Remember, too, to downplay the importance of appearance whenever you can. Talk about the great time you’re all going to have at the wedding, rather than about how perfect you’re all going to look. And above all, let her know that you want her to wear a dress that she feels comfortable and happy in.

Buy the book here.

Subscribe to Dara’s fabulous blog at www.youdbesoprettyif.com.

Celebrate being married to an awesome person!

2009-06-14T12:01:00.004-05:00

Already married? Just helping the bride and groom by pointing them toward my books and website? Are you the parents of the bride and groom, inspired by all of this wedding talk to remember your own Big Day? Hey, this is the perfect time for YOU to plan your own wedding vow renewal celebration! It could be a re-do of your own wedding, complete with bands and big wedding cake, or a private moment on a bluff overlooking the ocean on your next vacation. Check out my book to help you make your vow renewal perfect!

Raise the Cake!

2009-06-08T16:18:00.002-05:00

How gorgeous is THIS?! I love the dramatic, raised platforms for your cake, and this brilliant website for Raise the Cake allows you to custom-design your own coordinating-color cake platforms (which you can also use as a cupcake platform, or use for other great desserts.) They're so gorgeous, I can even see them elevating table numbers or framed photos as centerpieces! Visit, explore, design...and Raise the Cake!

Banishing Bridezilla - YourTango

2009-06-03T05:32:00.001-05:00

Banishing Bridezilla - YourTango

Posted using ShareThis

2009-06-01T15:37:00.002-05:00

I love brilliant artist minds! These wallets are made from recycled suits and ties, and the price is right for fun groomsmen's and Dads' gifts.

Love it!

My novel is Kickin' on Kindle!

2009-05-31T19:43:00.003-05:00

"It's My Wedding Too" is enjoying fabulous success in paperback, as it makes the rounds for movie rights, and now as a Kindle hot pick. Looks like real-life brides are enjoying seeing Emilie get her revenge on those battling mothers of the bride and groom!

So tell me...what do you think of the surprise ending? Did Carmela have it coming to her? And what would you like to see happen to Leah -- she can't be all work and no play, no matter how much she's in love with her new, dreamy, hotspot dessert lounge. Your ideas could help shape novel #3....

THE most hotly-anticipated bridal magazine is on the way!

2009-05-27T08:49:00.003-05:00

You've seen me on Get Married with Colin Cowie and with David Tutera, also in segments with Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock. You know the show as a gorgeous compilation of expert advice and breathtaking images for inspiration. Now, get ready for the Get Married magazine, which is coming to you FREE starting with the October issue!

We in the wedding industry are so excited about the launch of this new magazine, because we know its fresh and innovative styling is going to thrill YOU, the bride, and everyone around you. They're mixing planning ideas and savvy shopping ideas, the latest tips and trends from superstar wedding experts, and more. So make sure you subscribe to this beautiful new glossy!

Catch me on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve'

2009-05-27T08:19:00.001-05:00

I recently appeared on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve,' talking about how technology can save you money on your wedding plans: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7581801.

Ritz Carlton Lodge...beauty on a budget!

2009-05-26T14:17:00.001-05:00

A budget wedding at the Ritz-Carlton?! It CAN happen for you! Here is an announcement I just received, and get ready to marvel at the opportunity before you...

The Ritz-Carlton Lodge INTRODUCES
NEW SIGNATURE WEDDING PACKAGES
Offering ease of planning for busy, budget-conscious brides-to-be

GREENSBORO, Ga. - May 26, 2009 - The Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation proudly rolls out its 2009 wedding season packages. From the “’Let’s Run Off’ Lodge Elopement” to the “Everything But the Dress,” these value-packed packages offer affordable luxury for the bride-to-be while easing the task of planning the perfect wedding.

Each of the four signature wedding packages include a choice of venue. “From a sunrise service with the backdrop of the shimmering waters of Lake Oconee, to an evening affair under towering loblolly pines in the privacy of a forest clearing, to an amorous afternoon rendezvous within The Lodge’s elegant and luxurious interiors,” said Kimberly Bachelder, Catering Sales Manager, “The Lodge is known for its vast array of inspiring ceremony settings.” Additionally, each of the planning packages offer the services of a Ritz-Carlton wedding professional to handle every detail and indulgence, so that the wedding party and family are free to enjoy the experience.

Perfect for a Vow Renewal or secret getaway wedding, the “Let’s Run Off” Lodge Elopement package is $1,250 USD and includes:

· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony

· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony

· Bottle of Champagne for Toasting

· Dedicated Special Events Manager

· Directions or transportation to and from the Greene County Courthouse for marriage license

Offering additional luxury and pampering for couples, the Romantic Rendezvous is priced at $2,675 USD and includes:

· All Lodge Elopement inclusions

· Overnight accommodations in a Luxurious Executive Suite

· Photography for Ceremony (Wedding Portrait Session)

· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet and Boutonniere

· Romantic Lakeside Chiminea Dining Experience for Two

· 60-minute Couples Massage in The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s Couples Suite

· Rose Petal Turn Down

· Breakfast In Bed

The Lodge’s most popular package, Ceremony Simplicity provides a memorable ceremony setting for intimate weddings of 30 or less. Priced at $3,500 USD, it includes:

· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony

· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony

· Signature Décor at Ceremony Site

· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet

· Traditional Groom’s Boutonniere

· Photography for Two Hours (Ceremony, Portrait Session and Family Portrait)

· Solo Musician to perform during Ceremony (Additional Fee for Harpist)

· Dedicated Special Events Manager

· 10% off any Spa Wedding Packages for you or your wedding party

This ceremony and reception package is ideal for guest lists of 50 to 75. Priced at $6200 USD, Everything But the Dress* includes:

· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony

· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony

· Signature Décor at Ceremony Site

· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet for Bride

· Groom’s Specialty Boutonniere

· Maid of Honor Rose Bouquet

· Best Man Boutonniere

· Photography for Four Hours (Ceremony, Portrait Session and Reception)

· String Trio to perform during Ceremony and Reception (Total of Four Hours)

· Floral Centerpieces for Reception (Up to Five Centerpieces)

· Dedicated Special Events Manager

· 10% off any Spa Wedding Packages for you or your wedding party

· Complimentary two-night first anniversary stay, redeemable at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

The Lodge’s Signature Wedding Packages are available Sunday through Friday and Saturday prior to 4 p.m. Prices above do not include applicable service charge and tax. For parties of 15 or more, a Food and Beverage Package is required. For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s Destination Wedding packages, please contact The Lodge’s Catering Sales team at (706) 467-7115 or visit the resort’s website at www.ritzcarltonlodge.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is a AAA Five Diamond resort, providing guests legendary Ritz-Carlton service highlighted by gracious southern hospitality. The Lodge is recognized as one of the “Greatest Hotels and Resorts in the World” by Travel + Leisure (2009 T+L500) and is named one of 50 Top Resorts in the U.S. by Zagat (Zagat Survey 2009). The 251-room Lodge is secluded on the sparkling shores of Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, with 99 holes of golf designed by the greatest architects of the game, Mobil Four-Star-rated Spa with southern-inspired service and exclusive Lodge adventures from fishing for large mouth bass to horseback riding and canoeing.

"It's My Wedding Too" on Amazon's hot chick lit list!

2009-05-20T12:23:00.004-05:00

Amazon suggests my novel "It's My Wedding Too" among hot chick lit titles by:
Jennifer Weiner
Plum Sykes
Helen Fielding
Emily Giffin
and Sophie Kinsella!

It's almost beach-read time, and it is wedding season, so pick up my comedic tale about a battling Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom and all the chaos they cause before the Big Day. [And don't fret that the graphic is different on the order page: we have the fresh new cover (seen above), so if the title's right, the book is right!]

Enjoy, and don't forget to let me know what you love about the book! It's been a top book club pick at PashWeddings and iVillage, so you might even want to book club with your friends and bridesmaids over my novel. E-mail me, and I might just call in to chat with you all about it!

Wanna Bet?

2009-05-18T16:05:00.004-05:00

My book Love Bets is on the front tables at bookstores all over the country, and couples are writing to me with reports of the fabulous things they're winning in bets with their spouses:

"We're going for a 3-day weekend getaway, without the kids, for the first time in 5 years. I got to pick the destination." - Sam, New York City

"He has to make me breakfast every day this week. The American Idol results went my way! Sorry, Danny Gokey, but I'm getting my waffles and bacon!" -- Elizabeth, Houston

"She's washing my car right now. I picked out her outfit." -- James, Sarasota

Here's what else my Love Betting couples are winning: handbag shopping sprees, foot massages, cleanup of the dog's messes in the backyard [oooo -- that's quite a wager, people!], taking the kids every Sunday so Mom gets a day off, three things knocked off the To Do list this weekend, trip to the winery, and a karaoke performance. What will YOU win with Love Bets?

Get your copy here, and have more fun with your partner!

Who wants a week in Jamaica?

2009-05-15T09:13:00.003-05:00

Sign on to win a week's honeymoon -- or second honeymoon if you're already married -- at www.techsavvybride.com, where you can also win two phenomenal new Nokia 7205 Intrigue cell phones and find out how technology can help you improve your wedding planning process, keep you organized, save money and -- most importantly -- maintain your relationships with everyone around you.

I just returned from taping a segment on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve' where I shared insider secrets about how this particular Nokia phone organizes your wedding vendor calls and messages AUTOMATICALLY, so that you can keep their quotes, your orders and your payments organized, saving you the headache of checking messages on your 4 different e-mail accounts. The phone does it automatically! So when that florist says you didn't pay your deposit, you can just whip out your Intrigue and show her that Yes, you did make the payment and she sent you a thank you message. No paying double for you. On a design front, the Nokia 7205 has a Habitat mode that assigns nature icons for each of your contacts. And they have His and Hers models. Check it out at www.techsavvybride.com, and get your His and Hers phones instead of spending hundreds on those His and Hers tee shirts, hats, and underwear sets.

Like the phone? Send me an e-mail, and I'll give one winner a month a copy of my newest book "Home From the Honeymoon," giving you tips for handling the first, challenging year of marriage.

Catch me on Arizona Bride!

2009-05-07T11:23:00.003-05:00

Arizona Bride has posted a lovely review of my book "Home From the Honeymoon"

This new book helps newlyweds celebrate all of the Firsts of their first year of marriage, and also tackle the many challenges of adjusting to life as Marrieds. No more post-wedding blues! There's so much to look forward to...

'Here Come the Moms' Show #7 is now live!

2009-05-04T09:38:00.002-05:00

'Here Come the Moms,' my show at Wedding Podcast Network, is now live with our newest installment! Listen in here to find out the newest ways that brides and their moms can face the challenge of a wedding budget together, get some things for FREE, and not sacrifice quality on the wedding day.

Personalize your wedding with Caribbean 'Shells of the Month'

2009-05-01T06:57:00.005-05:00

While my husband and I were on our second honeymoon on St. John, we visited a lovely jewelry shop in Mongoose Junction and discovered this fun chart about the 'Shells of the Month,' which works a lot like birthstones and the flowers of the month. The jeweler casts actual shells using precious metals in his work, but you can incorporate the real deal in your decor. Check it out to see if your island destination wedding or honeymoon could use a fun shell theme with meaning:

Attributes of Shells, from http://www.pattongold.com/shell_attributes.htm

In the 1970s R&I PATTON collected local* shells and made molds of them in order to cast them in solid 18k, 14k and sterling. They are beautiful, lasting tokens of remembrance for an amazing island and a significant event.

Seashells and what they have come to represent:

January:
Starfish: orderliness, charisma, honesty, persistence, regeneration, originality

February:
Limpet: intensity, stability, determination, durability, steadfastness

March:
Scallop:truth, faithfulness, trustworthiness, precision, balance, dependability

April:
Tulip:sweetness, compassion, loveliness, kindness, tranquility, love

May:
Murex: poise, beauty, intricacy, intelligence - very feminine shell

June:
Sanddollar:loyalty, encouragement, reliability, certainty, predictability

July:
Coral:warmth, charm, openness, complexity, enthusiasm, zeal

August:
Urchin: boldness, confidence, creativity, decisiveness, certainty, bravery

September:
Cowry: prosperity, worth, generosity, directness, ambition, versatility

October:
Flamingo Tongue: strength, simplicity, potency, courage - a very masculine shell

November:
Triton: expansiveness, loquaciousness, wildness, energy, passion

December:
Conch: power, leadership, devotion, optimism, cooperation, harmony

* Since it is now illegal to remove any shells from the beaches and waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, these precious metal replicas are great and lasting mementos.

These shells make wonderful wedding party gifts. Our staff would be happy to help you decide about which shells would be appropriate for individuals in your group.

For more on personalizing your wedding, visit my site!

2009-04-30T11:48:00.001-05:00

View my wish list on Wishpot »

Win a pair of Nokia phones and a Honeymoon!

2009-04-20T14:22:00.002-05:00

Announcing my new position as the Bridal Spokesperson for Nokia's new Intrigue!

With wedding season around the corner and brides looking to simplify the planning process, technology tools are taking the place of the personal wedding planner for a new generation.

Sharon Naylor, bridal expert and author of more than 35 wedding books – including 'Home From the Honeymoon' to be released in May – is available for in-person or phone interviews. Sharon has partnered with Nokia to help brides use technology to plan the wedding of their dreams, without the stress! From keeping in touch with far away bridesmaids to avoiding late fees, Sharon will show consumers how to use technology to make the entire planning process a breeze!

Wedding Planning Tips

Share Updates: Allow long-distance friends and relatives to get in on the fun wedding details by posting quick and easy updates to Twitter or Facebook right from your mobile phone.
Stay Organized: Organization is key to saving money and limiting wedding stress! Your phone can be your ultimate wedding organizer. For example, with the Nokia 7205 Intrigue, available at Verizon Wireless, you can lose the big, heavy wedding binder and access all of your important phone numbers, calendar and images of your dress, your venue and your dream flowers in one light device.
Map it Out: Use free online mapping sites such www.weddingmapper.com to create your wedding map. This handy tool allows you to create a personalized map of your ceremony, reception, hotels, etc for out of town guests.
Create your Virtual You to Save Time: Build a virtual model of yourself online at My Virtual Model (MVM.com) to try on your outfits for every bridal occasion. Invite your wedding party including bridesmaids and mother of the bride to do the same. Doing it all online instead of traveling to stores saves time and budget.
Streamline Your Guest List: Skip the traditional reply cards and invite your guests to R.S.V.P. online through your personal wedding web site at The Knot.com. Your guest list will be easy to manage and you can check for updates anytime from your mobile device or at home!

Nokia is also hosting a Tech Savvy Bride Sweepstakes for one lucky bride to win a seven-night honeymoon package and a pair of Nokia 7205 Intrigues to share with her groom. Click here for more information: http://www.techsavvybride.com.

Please let me know if you are interested in scheduling an interview.

Have a smaller more intimate wedding!

2009-04-20T07:06:00.004-05:00

I love that my fellow wedding authors are such wonderful people -- not at all agressively competitive, but so willing to partner up and work together well...which is why so many of the 'generous in spirit' pros skyrocket to the top!

Today, I'm recommending my colleague Christina's wonderful book Intimate Weddings. Here's more info on her terrific book:

Small weddings rock. In fact, thanks to the economy, small weddings are one of the biggest trends of 2009.

If you are one of the thousands of brides planning a small wedding, check out Christina Friedrichsen’s Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style.

In Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style , Christina Friedrichsen shows you how to plan a wedding that is small in scale but full of your personality and style. Inside you will find:

* Inspiring stories and advice from couples who have planned small and intimate weddings

* Creative location, ceremony and reception ideas for throwing a wedding that matches your personality

* Inventive ways to get loved ones involved with wedding planning and the wedding day events.

* realistic wedding budgets from real-life couples.

It's time to think outside the "big wedding" box and explore the possibilities of a small and intimate wedding. Before you walk down the aisle, consult the guide that shares your perspective: Intimate is ultimate! And don’t forget to check out www.intimateweddings.com which lists more than 1,300 small wedding venues throughout North America. The website also has a blog (www.intimateweddings.com/blog) with heaps of helpful information on planning a small wedding.

Get your copy at the website now!

What have YOU won with 'Love Bets'?

2009-04-14T05:58:00.002-05:00

My book 'Love Bets' has people winning great things! And enjoying *losing* bets to their partner, when the payout is something they really, really want to do.

My publisher and I would love to hear what YOU'VE won from your partner in the 'Love Bets' you've made while using the book. When The Today Show and Good Morning America plan their segments on this book, we just might bring you along to share your story!

Get your copy of the book here.

SmartMoney's hot destinations

2009-04-12T08:43:00.004-05:00

Looking for a great deal on a destination wedding or honeymoon hotspot? SmartMoney.com has just released its exciting, exotic list of destinations where the dollar is strong and the scenery spectacular for your smart wedding site shopping: www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Travel/6-Vacation-Spots-to-Stretch-Your-Dollar/.

Dream big. Spend small. Travel wisely.

Check out my budget-saving books at www.sharonnaylor.net/books.htm

Set aside an emergency fund!

2009-04-07T13:37:00.004-05:00

With the wedding plans in full swing, you might be looking at your bank account and credit cards, maybe your tax refund check, as your All-Wedding-Access-Cash. But be careful...

Take a bunch of your money and put it away, safely in an emergency fund. There's no protective bubble that forms around brides and grooms the minute you get engaged. Since we live in a world where anything can happen, you have to make sure that you have a nice chunk of change available to use if any emergencies come up.

Right now, I'm sitting in a tarped-off room while plumbers jackhammer my foyer floor away, looking for a pipe problem under the house. If this had hapened last year, while my husband and I were planning our wedding, we would have lost our minds.

An emergency doesn't have to involve plumbers. It could be a new tire that you have to get for your car to replace a flat. A co-pay at the doctor's office for an antibiotic. Your dog's vet bill. Small or large, you need that money set aside so that you have peace of mind as well, and are not fighting with your groom-to-be about money.

So stash some cash away, and if you have it leftover when the wedding arrives, that's Play Money for the Honeymoon (or a smart start on your married life emergency fund.)

Get your copy of The Bride's Survival Guide to find out how else you can save your wedding, your sanity and your relationship!

My new logo! And Sharon's white tee shirt contest!

2009-04-03T05:44:00.005-05:00

The Sharon Naylor brand gets a makeover today, as I select the winner of my brand logo competition...and here it is! So my new brand logo is official, and VistaPrint is working on my letterhead, business cards, presentation folders, and very cute tee shirts that you will be able to order through my site very soon.

So this starts Contest #2: please share your ideas for the tee shirt wording! I'm looking for funny or sweet -- nothing Bridezilla-ish.

Listen to something better than the news

2009-04-02T08:12:00.004-05:00

Image courtesy of Caneel Bay on St. John.

How much more scary news can we take? Immersing yourself in the downer of the day is only going to depress you, so find a more soothing voice to listen to. In my world, it's Kerstin Sjoquist, who has created beautiful meditation CDs and downloads on her site.

You'll also find a little something on her site that she worked on with me, so check it out!

Oh, and I'm newly on Twitter, so follow me at @sharonnaylorwed.

Free Manicures for Brides!

2009-03-24T08:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, so this article in Glamour is talking about a brilliant marketing plan by a nail salon in California, but YOU can turn their genius into a Free Manicure plan for you!

The next time you go for a mani-pedi, suggest to your salon owner that today's brides are stressed-out and cash-strapped, so wouldn't it be the coolest thing ever if their salon offered a free monthly manicure to brides-to-be? Hey, it can't hurt to ask, and most salon owners facing customers' cut-backs in disposable funds would love to draw fresh, new customers into their place.

Memory Photos on Your Bouquet

2009-03-19T12:16:00.003-05:00

Photo courtesy of Tory Williams (http://www.torywilliams.com/weddings)

The Fine Art of Family offers wonderful little photo charms that you can attach to your bouquet if you would like to honor a departed relative or friend during your walk down the aisle.

If your father is departed, and not able to escort you down the aisle, you can attach his photo in a charm to your bouquet so that he can join you in a bit more than spirit as you approach your groom. If a mother has departed, her photo can grace your bouquet as well.

I love the concept and design of these, so I encourage you to visit the site for more information!

The Top 100 Wedding Blogs!

2009-03-18T14:36:00.002-05:00

Today was a big day for wedding bloggers everywhere, as BrideTide.com announced its list of the Top 100 Wedding Blogs! And I'm so proud to share with you the news that my iVillage blog is on the list!

As they say on the red carpet, it's an honor to be nominated, but it's way cooler to get on the A-list. Many thanks to the team at BrideTide, and I recommend my readers to go check them out!

Give Back! Designing Charitable Favor Cards

2009-03-16T12:50:00.004-05:00

I LOVE this site for Charitable Registries and Charitable Wedding Favors: ChangingThePresent.org. Finding a way to Give Back with your wedding has long been a trend, and it's only growing stronger as we think about the value of wedding gifts and favors, and how wonderful it is to choose something that adds to humanity, and makes a difference, far more than a little silver wedding frame.

Check out their DIY package so that you can choose from some wonderful offerings -- Adopt a Tiger ($40), Plant 40 Trees ($22) and fabulous favors such as Equip Artisans ($5) and Provide Back-To-School Supplies for needy kids ($5). They even have a $1 Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich donation for a kids' food pantry. What a great late-night favor that would be: a mini PB&J slider for the road, as hungry guests leave your reception after hours of dancing, plus a cute note that you've designed on this site announcing that they've just fed a hungry child. This is a wonderful thing!

Make your wedding maps at WeddingMapper.com!

2009-03-13T08:36:00.003-05:00

Here's an easy and fun way for you to create your own wedding maps together! WeddingMapper.com's DIY section allows you to design and print your own icon-studded directions for your wedding invitations, and if you have any questions, they have an expert available to help you out!

I love this site so much, we used it to create our own wedding maps for our Big Day, and I'm their new Q&A Expert for all topics related to finding the perfect venue and vendors! Just click on Advice at the top of the DIY maps page to get to my section.

Great cake toppers!

2009-03-12T07:49:00.004-05:00

If you want your wedding to sparkle, even after you've taken a lot of cost-cutting steps to make your Big Day more affordable, check out these dazzling cake toppers:

A description from the company: "Elegant details put the finishing touch on the big day. When it comes to the reception, everyone notices the cake. Why not make the cake standout even more? Toppers With Glitz adds a little bling to wedding cakes with custom designed crystal cake toppers. Extra edible components can increase the cost of your cake – and they are usually thrown away. Glam toppers are hand made with CRYSTALIZED Swarovski Elements AND they are a fun keepsake. Three-letter monogram toppers come in various sizes and custom made designs are offered, including palm trees or snowflakes, anything to go with your theme.

"Designer Sari Watkins hand makes every topper herself. While planning her own wedding she searched everywhere for high quality monogrammed cake toppers. She wasn’t happy with the selection so she started her own business. Toppers With Glitz specializes in customizing artwork, lettering styles and crystal colors. The possibilities are endless and gorgeous!

For more information: www.topperswithglitz.com
Email Sari: Questions@topperswithglitz.com

Check out Presents For Purpose

2009-03-04T11:02:00.002-05:00

When you're looking for gifts for your bridesmaids, the moms, and any other special person in your life, it's always a great feeling to buy an item that 'gives back' to charity. I'm especially excited to recommend this website, for its great work and high-fashion angle, organic items and 'go pink' selections that help a cause and might just fit with your wedding's color scheme ;)

Presents for Purpose (PFP)— www.presentsforpurpose.com —was founded in 2002 by Alayna Kassan and Cynthia W. Dressel, two Lymphoma survivors who, along with PFP co-owner Leslie Weissman, wanted to give back to the community that had been there for them during their struggles. The women originally designed and began selling crystal watches, their first retail collection which quickly sold out, resulting in a $20,000 donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Since that time, the site has grown exponentially and now offers hundreds of high-fashion, high-quality and in many cases, designer gift ideas for women, men and children. Items range from fashionable apparel and jewelry to hand bags, baby gifts, organic/green items, “go pink” items, stationary and even personalized gifts in all price ranges. PFP has teamed up with and/or has been supported by a number of celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Teri Hatcher, Lisa Rinna, Jessica Biel, Marisol Thomas and Ethan Zohn.

In many cases, PFP works with the individual charities and designers to create a gift that represents the core of that particular charities work, an example of which can be found in their latest piece of jewelry, added to the site. The “beauty within” butterfly necklace (shown above) supports children with a vascular anomaly.

Do something stupid, get a free honeymoon?

2009-03-02T21:21:00.003-05:00

I knew it when I saw these two giggly post-teens on the Today Show. The girl apparently swallowed the engagement ring that the oh-so-creative boyfriend slipped into her milkshake, and -- good thing they had a camera rolling! I always need video evidence of my having a milkshake! -- and now she's blogging that maybe, just maybe, they'll get a free honeymoon out of the deal.

So we're in a recession, right? I'm thinking....we'll start seeing some pretty creative efforts via YouTube and its best friend The Today Show enacted by opportunists trying to get a free vacation and a free wedding.

I know that there will be lots of people out there nodding their heads, admiring these kids, saying 'Wow, that's clever.' I happen to know some of these people by name, and I'm sure they're greasing up some jewelry ready to go win themselves a fresh trip to Hawaii.

And then I know many, many more people who would never pull a trick like this.

'Here Come the Moms' at Wedding Podcast Network

2009-03-01T07:06:00.003-05:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of getting back into the studio with Robert Allen and Holli Ehrlich of Wedding Podcast Network for our newest talk show segment tapings for the MOTHERS of the bride and groom (and the bride who loves them). This week, we delve into the dark ravings of the mom who wants to be the bride, or who THINKS she's the bride. Why do Moms lose their minds? How can a Mom make it up to you when she's gone too far? Tune in to hear about Mama Dramas and the sweet solutions that get everyone back on track.

Five lucky listeners will win a signed copy of my new book 'The Bride's Survival Guide.'

Sweepstakes and contests for the bride!

2009-02-28T09:15:00.005-05:00

Since so many wedding traditions are all about Luck (tossing the bouquet, the first dance, the old, new, borrowed and blue, etc.), you can consider yourself lucky that you have so many opportunities to WIN so many amazing things for your wedding and for your future together!

At every bridal show you attend, you could win a free honeymoon, free photography, free hair and makeup services, and more. Some couples win free receptions! Not bad for an hour on Sunday browsing through the bridal expo at the Ramada!

If you're the contest-entering type, now is a VERY good time for you. The top bridal sites offer plenty of contests, and you'll find amazing contests at your favorite magazines' websites. Here is one that's going on right now...the chance to win a free Prius from Better Homes and Gardens. I've signed on to their site so that I get access to all kinds of national contests, and with an easy click, it signs me up for my daily entry. Piece of cake. Right now, I'm trying to win an elliptical, which would be an amazing addition to our home gym.

Where else will you find great contests for life after the wedding? Go straight to HGTV, and get connected to their awesome contests, as well as to those at DIY Network and Fine Living.

In this economy, you're going to find bigger and better contest prizes out there, and it costs nothing to sign on. Just make sure you're being smart and not giving out your SS# or other personal data that could get your identity stolen. I find that sweepstakes endorsed by these major media websites are usually safe, but I still read the fine print.

Good luck to you!

Real brides and grooms offering vendor referrals

2009-02-25T13:02:00.001-05:00

Now this is a good one!

We all know that the best way to find outstanding wedding vendors, and to find the best wedding sites, is to ask recently-married friends and relatives who they used, who they would recommend, and who they didn't like.

But what if no one you know has gotten married recently? What if you've just moved to a new area and don't have a big circle of friends to consult with yet? Are you out of luck? No, there's a great resource called Wedding Mapper that not only lets you build a fun map for your guests' use in finding the hotel, ceremony and reception sites; it shows you Real Life wedding couples in your area, who they used, how they rated them, what they had to say about them AND you can e-mail those couples to ask any additional questions you have.

It's a fabulous extra tool in your research, to get you the best of everything on a budget that's right for you. Joe and I used this site when we were planning our wedding, and we loved it. I've recommended it in the past as a fun budget-saving way to do the directions thing, but I also wanted you to know about the 'inside scoop' element!

What are grooms buying for their brides INSTEAD of diamond jewelry?

2009-02-25T07:04:00.002-05:00

Diamonds are expensive these days, but grooms still want to get something fabulous for their brides. Find out in my cover story, "5 Questions With Sharon Naylor" at Brides.com.