Send this to your maid of honor!

Mrs. Emerald over at Wedding Bee posted an essay that her younger sister (and maid of honor) wrote for her junior high English class about how to be a maid of honor. The essay is so innocent and sweet, and 100 percent honest! This is a must-read for your honor attendants.

Some highlights:

"It is vital that the train trails elegantly behind the bride. Practice “fluffing” in the air in case doing it wrong during the ceremony plagues your mind...

"Despite being higher up in the hierarchy of the wedding party, the bride will readily order you to run errands and check that everything is running smoothly on the day of the wedding instead of her other bridesmaids. Be prepared to run to and fro complying with her every command much like a subject serving the queen...

"While carrying out such tasks, be sure to remain calm and polite. Even though many duties must be accomplished, the guests that are family friends will stop you every few paces in order to compliment or request that a picture be taken with them..."

Put your wedding on the map

Worried about your guest finding your ceremony site? Can't figure out how to get all of those directions on you invitation inserts? Check out WeddingMapper.com. This site lets you create a custom map for your wedding, for free. All you need to do is enter the addresses for your locations, and Wedding Mapper does the rest.

What's great is that you can customize your map even further by adding site descriptions, Web links and phone numbers for each location--you can even upload a photo. Think beyond your ceremony and reception venues and add hotels, restaurants, airports and tourist attractions. Your wedding map can be a one-stop resource for bot your out-of-town and local guests.

The free map service is wonderful, but I really think their upgraded map is a steal at $9.95. You get to create a custom url for your map, which is great especially if you don't already have a wedding Web site to direct guests to. You're also able to add links to other Web pages and upload files--so if you don't want to make a wedding Web site, you can add virtually all of the info your guests will need here. And, if you do have a Web site, the paid version help you insert your custom map into your own site. And finally, you won't see ads on your map, which is always an added bonus.

Spending money like there's no tomorrow

My TiVo's been recording episodes of My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding on VH1 lately. It's similar to Platinum Weddings, with the all out spare nothing budgets (or should I say lack of budgets), but at least from what I've seen, there seems to be more of a focus on the strain the big wedding puts on the couple.

My favorite episode so far has to be Erica and Shae. I kept thinking the whole time I watched it how much of a Jessica Simspon wannabe Erica looked like...and when she got all excited when she heard Jessica had used the same cigar bar company I almost lost it. I also chuckled throughout the show, wondering how much money they would have saved if any of their vendors were actually located in Maui, where the wedding was, instead of shipping it all (plus the staff) over from the mainland.

These wedding shows, though completely removed from most people's reality, can be entertaining to watch...and can definitely be a source of inspiration and ideas for your own wedding, even if you can't go as grand or couture!

The ladies over at Weddingbee post daily about the trials and tribulations of planning a wedding. It's a great site to check out for ideas, inspiration and a little sympathy with fellow brides.

One of the current bloggers, Mrs. Lollipop, is from Pittsburgh. She recently tied the knot, but you can check out all of her old posts on the site as well.

Fab 5: Fall wedding favors

It's officially fall, and today's Fab 5 looks at my current top picks for fall-themed wedding favors.

1. Twig Votive Holders from beau coup
   These candle holders lined with tiny twigs will add an outdoorsy, rustic touch to your fall wedding.
   
   
2. Caramel and Candy Apples from Daffy Apple
   I love edible favors and can't think of any treat that says "fall" like a candy apple.
   
3. Maple Syrup in Leaf Bottle from MyWeddingFavors
   What's not to love? You get color, shape and taste all in one.
   
   
4. Turning Leaves Bookmark from Creative Bride
   A favor your guests can actually use. The burgundy tassel adds another fall touch.
   
   
5. Wedding Gourmet Fortune Cookies from Lilies
   With a wedding message inside, the cookies complement a fall theme with rich colors of chocolate and caramel.
   
   

These are just a few of the options out there for fall wedding favors. Look for items that incorporate a fall element, like leaves, apples, pears or pumpkins, or something that highlights colors like, red, brown, orange and yellow.

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Marriage license rejected on lack of religious affiliation?

Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette featured a story about a couple trying to obtain a marriage license that does not require an officiant. According to the article:

According to the lawsuit, the couple applied for the self-uniting license on Aug. 29. But they were told they would have to supply documentation that they were Quakers or members of the Baha'i faith, who believe that there is one God and that all humanity is one family.

Otherwise, a supervisor told them, the register had been directed to stop issuing self-uniting licenses.

I don't think the state and/or county should be able to decide or receives a certain type of marriage license based on religious beliefs. Isn't that what separation of state and religion is all about? Also, shouldn't the standards be the same across the state? Butler County doesn't even offer the self-uniting option. A license issued in any county can be used for a wedding anywhere in Pennsylvania, so the rules should be the same across the board.

What do you think?

Wedding Webisodes

Who needs a TV? Bride-O-Rama has great Webisodes on their site with both expert advice and real wedding profiles. I love the format of the wedding profiles...the brides, looking back on their big days, give their tips for a great wedding and share some highlights from the event. Check it out for inspiration!

Color your wedding

One of the first things most brides do when planning a wedding is to pick their color scheme. Some girls may have known what colors they want before they were engaged, but for others, choosing a color palette for the big day can become a struggle.

Color is an important element in wedding planning because it helps set the tone for your event. Color can express your theme (browns and reds for a fall theme; greens and pinks for a garden theme) and your formality (black and white works for a formal, sit-down wedding; turquoise and orange suggests a more casual affair). You can use any colors that appeal to you, or find inspiration from the time of year or the decor of your venue.

Once you select a palette, choosing everything from bridesmaids dress and flowers to invitations and linens becomes easier. If you don't know where to start, try one of these color palette tools. DaGraeve's tool lets you upload a picture that you like and will output several shades that will work together. At Bliss Weddings, you can play around with more than 40 shades and decide for yourself what combinations look best.

Budget saver: silk flowers

Wedding planners say to estimate about 10 percent of your wedding budget for flowers: from the centerpieces to the bouquets, the corsages to the altar arrangements, the costs can add up quickly. But you can save some money here by considering silk flowers as an option.

Silk flowers don't have to look fake. Look around before you buy anything, and make sure you are comfortable with your purchases. Sometimes less expensive may mean low quality. If you order online, try to find a site that will send you samples or has an easy return policy. Shop smart, because you certainly can end up spending as much on silks as you would on fresh flowers. Watch for sales and coupons--one advantage silk has in this area is that you can buy the flowers as far in advance as you want.

You can also do a mix of both fresh and silk flowers, either by combining silks with the real thing in all or some of your arrangements, or by picking and choosing which elements are made with silks and which ones are fresh.

Once you've found your flowers, consider whether you want to hire a professional to create your arrangements or if you want to DIY. If you DIY, you can find many Web sites with instructions and tips. Michael's and DIY Network are great places to start.

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Driving distance honeymoons: Hershey

Only a three and a half hour drive from Pittsburgh, Hershey is a great place to consider for your honeymoon. While you may think of Hershey as a spot for a family trip (hey, Hersheypark can be fun for everyone!), the central Pennsylvania town can perfect spot for a romantic couples getaway.

Outside of the amusement park, zoo and a free tour at Chocolate World, you'll discover plenty in and around Hershey. The Chocolate Spa at the Hotel Hershey offers plenty of relaxing treatments that sound so good you'll want to eat them (cocoa massage anyone?). Nearby Indian Echo Caverns offers a glimpse at the world below the earth's surface. Hershey is a just a short drive to both city life in Harrisburg and Amish life in Lancaster if you want a change of pace.

You can find plenty of hotels in the Hershey area, including the Hershey Lodge and Hotel Hershey, which offer some exclusive benefits to their guests, including free admission to the Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Museum. I've personally stayed at both the lodge and the hotel and think either would make a great place to honeymoon.

Personalize your wedding: Time to party

Make your reception fun and memorable for your guests by mixing up the wedding standards. Welcome your guests to the party by having your first dance as they enter the hall. Serve foods or drinks unique to your hometown. At every guest’s favorite, the bar, add your personal touch by offering a signature cocktail (or several…I love the “old, new, borrowed and blue” idea!). Instead of cake, choose your favorite dessert. You can still have a small cake for the newlyweds to cut, or you can just cut the substitute dessert.

These are just a few of the ways your can add a personal touch to your reception. If you have an idea, don't be afraid to try it. Make it unique and make it yours.