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Do Tell: What's the Most Interesting Wedding You've Been To?

TresSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:00:00 -0700

It's Wedding Planning Mania time on the Sugar network, and as brides-to-be surely know - it may be one of the most stressful times they may ever experience. From planning the guest list, to deciding the registry, to choosing a location for the big day - it's almost understandable that some women go into Bridezilla mode.

But for some daredevils (or financially strapped and/or free spirits), there's a way of getting married - short of hightailing it to Vegas without telling anyone - that can turn the day into a near-spontaneous and yet memorable and poetic event. Want to hear about one such wedding I attended? Now read more.

Years ago in New York, a boyfriend's coworker invited us to his wedding. He told us it would be simple, short and sweet. Not expecting much, I was nevertheless, floored by how lovely the ceremony was. To this day, after attending many weddings, I cite it as one of the most magical I've attended.

The venue? Sleepy Hollow, a village in Westchester County, New York on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, only thirty miles north of midtown Manhattan. (Take a peek at it in the picture above.) The wedding took place late afternoon, and as soon as we got off the train, I knew this was going to be special.

As we walked toward the woodsy locale (it inspired Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow), strains of a solo violin could be heard. Soon after, the bride and groom (both struggling theater actors) read carefully selected poems to each other while we all tried not to choke up. Sunlight was still visible through dappled leaves.

After the ceremony was over, there were delicious passed hors d'oeuvres, champagne toasts, and, of course, wedding cake. As it began to get dark, we all said our goodbyes as the forest cooled in the night air. Simple and beautiful. I remember it like it was yesterday.

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Handle This: Your Friend Ruined Your Plans

DearSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

You have a large group of girl friends from college that you still stay in touch with. You've all been talking about getting together for a reunion night, but after months of talk, no one's taken on the responsibility, so you decide to take it upon yourself. You all agree that instead of a big group dinner out, it would be more fun to make it a girls' night in. The problem is your apartment is just too small for that many people. One of your friends has a great place for groups; you ask her if she'd be willing to let you throw it there, and she agrees.

When the weekend of the party arrives, you call your friend to confirm the plans for setting up at her house. But now she tells you that it's not a good time for her, and she's not feeling well. You assure her she doesn't have to do anything, but she refuses. Now you have a 20-person party with no location. How do you handle this?

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The How-To Lounge: Avoiding Lines

DearSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

If you’re anything like me, then the idea of standing in a line for longer than a minute or two makes you want to go home and crawl under the covers. I’m exaggerating a bit, but you know what I mean - lines can really dampen a mood! If you feel the same way, see my tips for dealing with the dreaded line and read more.

If you’re going somewhere you know is crowded at a particular time, like after work or first thing in the morning, put off your trip for one hour. Even an hour can make a huge difference. And waiting in your house or office is far better than waiting in line.
If you’re going to an event that will be expecting a huge influx of people at one time, try getting there early or late. It might be slightly inconvenient, but you’ll save yourself so much trouble that you won’t mind. And you'd be surprised how much even 15 minutes can help.
If you’re going to be alone, bring your iPod, a book, or a magazine that will keep you occupied while you wait. Taking your mind off of the line really does make it feel like it’s moving faster.
If you have someone else with you, then break up the monotony by letting one person walk around or do errands while the other waits. Switching off like this will not only give you each a break, but it’s a good opportunity to get other stuff done too.
And of course, if applicable, always buy tickets in advance.

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Dear Poll: Do You Ever Lie to Get Out of a Commitment?

DearSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Life is hectic, and it’s all too easy to sign on for more than you can or want to handle. Fortunately, I’ve practiced saying no often enough to avoid locking myself into an obligation I know I’ll regret later. Though I’m sure we’re all the type to try our best and follow through on commitments, every once and a while, when the time comes, it's normal to not feel up to making the effort. Sometimes a lie is easier than the truth, so do you ever lie to get out of a commitment?

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The How-To Lounge: Wedding Timeline, Part I

DearSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Whether you're going casual and quaint or all-out traditional, planning a wedding takes a lot of work and even more organization. Following a wedding timeline will keep you both sane and organized. Obviously the first step in wedding planning is choosing the right day. Once you've got that narrowed down - keeping in mind the time of year and any other events or holidays that may interfere - it's go time! To see some important points to consider in phase one of your wedding planning, read more

One year in advance

Create a wedding folder or binder to store the details of your event, including any inspirational ideas. Staying organized will be the best thing you can do for yourself during this process.
When it comes to planning the big event, the first thing you'll want to determine is the style you're hoping for. Formal or casual? Whimsical or modern? Many of the decisions you'll make will have you referring back to the thematics.
Plan your budget. Consider absolutely everything, and don't forget to leave room for the unexpected.
Select a venue that works with both your budget and style. Don't choose the first one you see - shop around!
Research and begin the selection of your wedding professionals: caterer, photographer, florist, etc.
It's also time to start wedding gown shopping. You want to get the perfect one so leave yourself a little time to be indecisive. Also, keep in mind that it can take anywhere from five to eight months to have a wedding dress made, not to mention the time it takes for any adjustments.
Pick your wedding party and make sure that the lucky few are willing and able to participate.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks for part two of our Wedding Timeline.

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com.

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Would You Consider Freezing Your Eggs?

DearSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 -0700

While some of us don’t want children ever, others of us just don’t want children right now, but maybe later. However, now that many women are focused on their careers, education, travel destinations, and just living the single life, that “later” can end up further and further away. Thus, the timer to have children starts to become more about biology and less about societal pressures. Sure, there are women having children well into their 50s, but that’s not a reality for everyone, furthermore, you won’t know until you try - and by then it might be too late. So, would you consider freezing your eggs to plan for children later on down the road?

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Fit Tip: Make Workout Plans With a Friend

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:15:00 -0700

Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to work out on your own. Things always come up in your schedule, and it's easy to skip exercising. One thing that helps me stay on track is when I make plans to work out with a friend. You can make it a once in a while type of thing, like planning a two-hour hike on a Saturday. Or you can make plans where you meet at your local yoga studio for a class once a week. If you need something more consistent then schedule something such as a walk before you both have to go to work in the mornings.

Having someone who's counting on you to be there makes it less likely that you'll skip it or put it off. It'll motivate you to go knowing your friend expects you to be there. Plus working out and being able to chat can make the time go by quickly, and it's so much more fun that you may actually forget you're even exercising.

Fit's Tip: If you're looking for something different to do with your friend, check out all my ideas for getting active with a partner.

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It's Wedding Planning Mania on The Sugar Network

PopSugar — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 23:34:54 -0700

As promised, we are back again with more Wedding Season fun. A few weeks ago was all about the Engagement and now it's time for anything and everything related to actually planning the Big Day! There is sure to be something for everyone whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams or a guest with lots of summer weddings to attend. Here's an idea of what we have planned:

Tell us your planning nightmares on DearSugar
Learn about the latest fashion trends for Brides and Guests on FabSugar
Tone your Arms and Abs while trying to stay sane on FitSugar
Get tips on everything from the invitations and decor to the cake and favors on YumSugar
Relive some of TV's greatest weddings on BuzzSugar
Learn how to choose a videographer and a photographer on GeekSugar.
See some brides behaving badly on GiggleSugar

All of this and more coming this week across The Sugar Network. To see all of the wedding coverage, visit the Wedding Talk group on TeamSugar. Stay tuned all Spring for more wedding coverage including showers, flowers, honeymoons and more. Fun times.

The How-To Lounge: Wedding Time Line

DearSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0700

As much as you would love to fast forward to your wedding day immediately after your fiancé pops the question, weddings take time and careful consideration to plan. There are many caveats to making your day everything you always dreamt it would be, so it is imperative to create a time line leading up to your wedding day.

Whether you have hired a wedding planner or are orchestrating the big day yourself, you will need to keep track of important tasks, vendors, participants, and most importantly, deadlines. Having every detail accounted for and mapped out will help alleviate any unnecessary stress. Since most engagements last a year, I am here to give you some tips on mapping out your wedding time line.

Click here to read more
One year before your wedding

Since you have already chosen your wedding party, it's now time to decide the formality of and style of the big day
Create your budget. Consider everything from the dress to the wedding officiator, including everything in between
Start interviewing and booking wedding professionals: ceremony site, receptions sites, caterers, waiters, bartenders, photographer, videographer, florists, etc.
Finding your wedding dress is extremely important to most brides, so get shopping ASAP. Most gowns take at least 5-8 months to make, and don't forget to account extra time for multiple fittings once your dress is ready. Bridal gowns are nonrefundable, so be certain you pick the right one
Once you choose your dress, decide on colors and attire for your bridal party
Start mapping out your guest list and compiling addresses. Start big and after you lock down your budget, you will have a better grasp on how many people you can invite and then you will be able to thin out your list
Start a gift registry. A year before your wedding is when engagement parties and showers will be thrown in your honor, so make sure your guests know where to shop and what to purchase
Start planning your honeymoon and book your travel as soon as you can. The longer you wait, the more expensive your flight and hotel accommodations will be

6 months before your wedding

Finalize your guest list and send your save your dates
Reserve accommodations for out of town guests. Research hotel blocks and rental car deals
Order your wedding invitations, thank you cards, place cards, programs and any additional personalized stationery you desire. It is important they are all ordered at the same time in case there is a difference in the paper run
Choose and book a location for your rehearsal dinner. It might be difficult to find a venue that can cater to a large party, so if you have a place in mind, sign a contract ASAP
Start tasting wedding cakes. If your wedding is during high season, you need to make sure to place an order sooner than later

4 Months before your wedding

Shop or rent formal wear for the groomsmen and purchase their ties
Shop and purchase wedding bands. Account for any time needed for engraving and additional sizing if need be

3 months before your wedding

Book appointments for hair and make up for your wedding day and make sure to sign a contract with your stylist
Look into wedding day transportation
Finalize your menu

2 months before your wedding

Send your wedding and rehearsal dinner invitations
Decide on music set lists including your first dance and any specific processional music

1 month before your wedding

Pick up your marriage license
Go in for your final dress fitting, and remember to break in your shoes
Make sure your bridal party has received their dresses, tuxedos and suits
Create and print your wedding program

Review final RSVP list and create your seating chart
Conform all reservations and vendor contracts
Determine wedding party precession

The week of your wedding

Get your final beauty treatments: haircut, hair color, wax, facial and a much needed massage
Purchase and wrap bridesmaids' gifts
Purchase and wrap a gift for your husband if applicable
Plan out the morning of your wedding. If you choose to get ready with your bridal party, organize the venue, food, photographer, transportation, etc.
Touch up your manicure/pedicure
Designate a dress handler. The last thing you want to be worried about the day of your wedding is leaving your dress at home
Remember to load up on water the week before your wedding> Nerves can do strange things to your body, so make sure you stay hydrated

I know this seems extremely cumbersome, but it's everything you will need to remember and plan for your perfect wedding day. Although all these steps are critical for your planning, the most important thing to remember is to have fun and really enjoy this experience. Your wedding is meant to happen only once! Good luck.

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iDo

FitSugar — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 02:30:00 -0800

Are you going to be a June bride? Planning for the big day can be really stressful. Working women/brides-to-be have so much to think about: flowers, the ceremony, the cake, to honeymoon. Planning the wedding could easily become a full time job unto itself.

So you don't become too overwhelmed you are going to make multi-tasking a part of your planning process. So reach for your iPod and download podcasts to your iPod from iTunes. Here's a few for you to try: Wedding Planning Talk Radio (8 free episodes), Queer Eye (has a 9-episode wedding series), and 4 free podcasts from Bride Magazine.

For a small bit of change, you can download individual episodes of your favorite wedding-themed TV shows, or even get an entire season of the reality TV show, Whose Wedding is This Anyway? for $18.

Now busy brides can do 2 things at once - research wedding info while working out. That is truly great multi-tasking since you'll be listening to something while on the treadmill, make it an informative podcast.