DOs and DON'Ts of Bridal Registry

I found a great article on wedding registry “DON’Ts” on CNN’s website. It’s straight to the point about the things you should and shouldn’t worry about while registering. There are great tips - from making sure your groom is involved (even if it’s just a little), to what to do if you receive something you don’t want or need.

I’ve also put together some helpful “DOs” and additional “DON’Ts” to also keep in mind while registering. Check them out below:

1. Do be organized.
It’s easy to get scanner-happy, and start scanning items you may not have been planning on wanting beforehand, so make sure to keep a list of what you want and what you have already registered for. That way, you won’t end up with three of the same wine glass sets.

2. Don’t choose too many stores.
It’s perfectly fine to register at more than one store, but don’t overdo it. Giving your guests up to four registries to choose from is a great idea; try choosing one store for china, one for furniture, one for bedding, etc.

3. Do make a day of it.
Registering can be very stressful, and that’s why you shouldn’t rush through it. Make sure to plan to be in the store or seated at your computer for a long time (or at least a few hours). To help make it more fun, treat yourself and your partner to a nice meal before or after to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.

4. Don’t follow the trends.
The seasonal items may look great right now, but in a few months time (especially if your wedding is many months away) they may be out of style, or out of stock. It’s best to register for items you know will still be in the stores by the time your guests decide to start purchasing. Try to keep it classic, and you won’t go wrong.

5. Do register for what you want.
Even though it is smart to keep classic choices in mind while registering, it is becoming popular to register for interesting items, too. Even if your guests might not want to pitch in for your honeymoon suite, you can still register for it!

6. Don’t be picky, be gracious.
If a guest buys you a surprise gift that you don’t like, try not to stress over it. You may find that in time, it will be in style, or can be used in the household. Make sure to thank them as graciously as you would for a gift you love.

7. Do know the return policies.
Make sure to check the return policies of the stores you are registering with. Some stores allow returns for up to three months after the wedding, but some have earlier dates. A few stores have even been known to set the return date for the day of the wedding!

8. Don’t forget to send thank-you cards.
After the honeymoon is over—literally—you and your other half should get yourselves ready to thank everyone who supported you during the wedding, and especially those who took the time to pick out a gift. Hand-written cards always seem more personal, but keep it simple by thanking them for attending and/or their gift. By keeping the message short and sweet with a personal touch, your guests will appreciate your gratitude.

Unique Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are an important aspect of your wedding; they are a way of saying thank you to your guests, and with increasing travel costs it is really a great way to show your appreciation. However, it is important to find something all of your guests will enjoy, and also has a special touch.

Edible wedding favors are always terrific gifts for your friends and family. By picking out a few favorite chocolates or candies, you are sharing your personal tastes. Another idea is to pick out a few of your favorite coffees and teas for guests to try. You can get these products from wedding vendors, such as http://www.americanbridal.com/, and they can even be personalized to match the theme of your wedding.

One different idea is to give each guest a bottle of your favorite wine. But instead of handing out a common wine found at any liquor store, get more creative. Research the area around where your wedding is taking place and see if there are any vineyards close by. With every sip, your guests are reminded of the great memories of your wedding!


Some couples give back to the community on their special day. Instead of a gift for each guest, the newlyweds will use that money to donate to their favorite charity in the name of their guests. Not only does this show gratitude to your guests, it also benefits the community. One option is to pick the charity yourselves, or at the reception give your guests a few different organizations to choose from, and after the wedding make a donation in their name.

Another wedding favor everyone loves is a candle. You can take a simple votive candle and have it monogrammed to commemorate your special day. With the many different scents and colors candles are available in, the options are endless. Gel candles can even be made with decorations in them, like seashells for a beach-themed wedding.



Whatever way you choose to thank your guests on your special day, try and add some sort of personal touch, it really shows your appreciation they were there and they’ll have a reminder too!

(Photos Courtesy of:
http://images.theknot.com/blimages/1110996592210676m.jpg
http://www.fantasticfavors.ca/images/seashell%20gel%20candlesmall.jpg)

New Color Schemes

With an Indian Wedding, almost all of our clients want to do new color schemes instead of the traditional Indian colors of burgundy and gold or red and gold. For the ceremony, it is ok to go with other colors! We have been telling our brides to take a fresh approach to color. I mean, come on, how many Indian Weddings have you been to where the colors are Red and Gold?

In recent months, especially with Fall just around the corner, we have been recommending colors that are more daring. Hear are some ideas:

Rust orange and gold
Bright orange and brick
Hot pink and light pink ( my personal favorite)
Yellow and Fuchsia with accents of gold (looks stunning outdoors)

For the reception, you can really go wild with color. For example:
We love the peacock color scheme of teal and royal blue
Orange and grey was one I read about in Bride's Magazine
Aubergine (purple) and teal with gold is very dramatic
Light pink with royal blue is another

I always hear from our brides, "I want my wedding to be unique". The best way to do this is to stay away from color schemes that are used by the majority. Be creative and take a chance on color. Remember to get a great lighting company to help you create a magnificiant overall color in the room. Your guests will walk in and be amazed! Isn't that what we all want?

A Day at the Spa—the Perfect Stress Reliever!

Weddings can be stressful, and it’s natural to want some rest. It’s also the perfect excuse to spend a day at the spa. Pre-wedding pampering is always a great stress reliever before your wedding day, and it’s an amazing gift to show your appreciation to your bridal party for all their help and dedication throughout the nuptials.

I recommend that my brides take at least one day to relax before their weddings. With the tranquil atmosphere found in many spas, believe me, you will leave feeling refreshed and anxiety free.

There are so many spas that have great wedding packages that are not only therapeutic (facials, massages and wraps) but also cosmetic (manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup). They even have group packages for your entire wedding party to take advantage of!

The best luxury spas can be found near your wedding location. I’ve found that nearly every hotel and resort has one, so finding somewhere to accommodate you and your bridal party is simple, just make sure to book one in advance.

Here’s a helpful website that you can search for reputable spas near you:
http://www.spafinder.com/spas/day-spas.jsp
My favorite spa in the whole world is…
http://spa.jwdesertridgeresort.com/