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Eco-fy Your Wedding!

GeekSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:30:12 -0700

In honor of Earth Day (and wedding planning week here on the Sugar Network) I thought it would be a grand idea to serve you up some easy and simple ways to make your wedding just a bit more earth friendly from a geek's perspective. These days, getting down with protecting Mother Earth can be simple.

From your wedding shower, to the big event and to all the details in between - from flower and utensil selection to reducing your meal's carbon footprint by choosing local food and beverages - little changes like this can certainly help our planet and our pocketbooks! Making your wedding eco friendly has never been more simple (and surprisingly) cost effective. Besides, wouldn't you rather spend all that extra cash on the honeymoon, or better yet? That flat screen HDTV you've been eyeing? Go, Earth!

Invites - We've already talked about some great wedding websites like ewedding that you can set up at little or no cost. The best part, since all of your ceremony and reception information is in one place, no one will be losing the details on your big day. And since your guests can RSVP directly on the site at any time, there really isn't any need for paper invites anymore. Another option is to create a DVD wedding invite - high tech, yet super simple to make! However, if you are a traditionalist and want to send out your dream monogrammed paper invitations, make sure your paper is 100 percent recycled or even paper free like what's offered at Atlanta based Earthly Affair, who offer recycled invites as well as eco friendly printing and shipping.

For a few more tips, read more

Favors - No more mint candies in little bags from the earth friendly couple! There are lots of online options for some pretty unique and planet saving wedding favors. For example, The Arbor Day Foundation offers gift trees for your guests to plant, and nurture, just like your marriage! Or, you can send your guests away knowing that you have donated funds in their name to a charity of your choice, with the help of great charities like I Do Foundation.
Go Green With Transportation - Why take separate vehicles and burn all those fossil fuels when you can double, even or triple-up in something like a stretch limo? Or better yet, rent lots of hybrid cars instead of getting that earth un-friendly hummer your hubby has been longing for.
Rings - Sorry to be a "Debbie Downer," but If you haven't seen the film Blood Diamond, I suggest you take a gander before purchasing that rock you've dreamed of since you were a little girl. Times have changed and it's imperative that you make sure you aren't getting a diamond at the cost of someone's life! Research where your diamonds come from before you buy, whether it's online or from a store, or even consider going for a man made gem. Also, since mining for gold does a number on the earth's ecosystems, consider recycling your old rings that you aren't wearing, and turning them into a new piece that you can enjoy forever through a company called GreenKarat that does just that. By reusing gold or silver you already have, you can make your new rings as geeky, or as traditional as you'd like, and help reduce mining damage!
Go Digital! - Why do it the old school way and waste tons of rolls of (toxic) film when you can go digital?! With digital cameras, you can easily email your captured memories to friends and family, or upload them to lovely digital photo frames! Simple, easy on the environment and super cheap!

For more wedding coverage, check out I Do Sugar.

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Bride's Guide to Tipping Wedding Vendors

SavvySugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:59:47 -0700

Just because you're shelling out a small fortune for your wedding and feel like the next dollar you part with is going to make you seriously nauseous, it doesn't mean that tipping etiquette can be thrown out the window. While you're focused on the big-picture price, your vendors are each providing a unique service and you, gracious bride, must be prepared to tip when appropriate. Just as your Friday night dinner bill jumps when tax and tip are added to the total, your vendor costs will also increase when you add these two Ts into the mix. Take them into consideration when building your budget so you don't end up having to dip into your honeymoon fund to tip your vendors. Discover what's good tipping etiquette when you read more.

Some vendors will make it easy for you and include gratuity in the total cost of their services. This is a common practice among caterers but some other vendors have also adopted the practice - be sure to double check all bills to make sure that you haven't double tipped. If you want to tip an individual who works for a larger company, be sure to give all tips in cash and present them just before the vendor leaves. Your wedding coordinator can handle this task for you, and if you're not working with one recruit a member of your wedding party to help you. A tactful approach is to give cash tips in sealed envelopes.

Customary to tip 10-20 percent depending on quality of service: Limousine drivers, waitstaff (if not included in contract), makeup artists, hair stylists, bartenders.
Valet and coatroom attendants: Prearrange an amount of $.50 to $1.00 per car and make sure it's obvious to guests that the tip has been taken care of. The same applies for the coatroom tip, but it's $.50 to $1.00 per guest.
DJ: It's your call on whether or not you want to tip the owner, but you should tip any DJ employees about 15 percent.
Optional, but recommended gratuity: Site's wedding coordinator and your wedding planner.
Gratuity No-no: Don't tip your religious officiant as it's actually considered bad etiquette. You may make a charitable contribution if you choose, but otherwise just pay the set fee. If you're married by a judge, tipping is expected as it usually takes the place of a fee. Justices of Peace can only accept tips if the marriage is performed after office/court hours.
Gray areas: Your florist doesn't expect to be tipped, but it's optional to tip those employees who set up and deliver your arrangements. Similarly, your cake baker doesn't expect a tip but you may tip them upon delivery if you feel it's appropriate.

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

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Saving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake

YumSugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:00:15 -0700

It's de rigueur for newlyweds to save the top tier of their wedding cake to enjoy on the first anniversary. The idea behind this tradition, which dates back as far as the late 19th century, is for couples to savor the cake once again - as well as the memories of the big day and the first year of marriage.

Enjoying a well-preserved piece of wedding cake should be a pleasant reminder of your big day, so make sure it isn't ruined by a dry, smelly cake wrought with freezer burn. Learn how to properly store the top layer of cake when you read more.

To store the cake:

Designate a person to save the top tier once the cake cutting begins.
Set aside any fragile and large ornaments or decorations, such as the cake topper.
To avoid a stale cardboard taste, ensure the cake sits on wrapped cake board. A cardboard cake board should be wrapped with foil.
Place the cake in a freezer until the icing becomes firm, 20 minutes to three hours, depending on the icing.
Cover all of the cake's surface area with a generous amount of plastic wrap, avoiding air pockets.
Follow plastic wrap with two layers of aluminum foil.
Place wrapped cake in an airtight storage container and freeze for a year.

To enjoy the cake:

One day before your first anniversary, begin defrosting the cake: transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
After two hours, remove the cake from its wrapping. Continue to defrost in the refrigerator.
Bring the cake to room temperature before consuming.
Serve and enjoy.

If you know you'll be moving within your first year, lack the freezer space, or simply don't want to bother with the process of freezing your wedding cake, order a small, six-inch anniversary cake from the same bakery. Ask for similar cake flavors and fillings and have it adorned like your wedding cake (you can even save your cake topper to be placed on it). Use the cake knife and serving set from your wedding, and enjoy the memories of the special day with fresh cake.

Did you celebrate your first anniversary with the top tier of your wedding cake? What are your cake-preserving tips?

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Wedding Day Workout Tips

FitSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

If you're a bride- or bridesmaid-to-be, chances are you've kicked up your diet and exercise routine a notch so you can look and feel picture-perfect for the big day. So when the special day arrives, there's no reason to say goodbye to your sports bra and sneakers. It'll feel good to move your body a little before slipping on your dress, so here are some tips to keep in mind when working out on the day of the wedding.

Definitely exercise, even if you only have a short amount of time. It'll help reduce prewedding jitters and give you energy to dance well into the night.
Eat before you exercise, preferably something that's high in protein but not high in fiber as it may add to the intestinal uneasiness you'll most likely be experiencing.

For the other tips read more.

Now is not the day to try anything new and challenging like mountain biking or water skiing. You don't want to risk injuring yourself before walking down the aisle.
Don't push yourself too hard physically. Do something of moderate difficulty that you enjoy, like going for a jog on the beach or a bike ride around town. The purpose of this workout should be to get your heart pumping, but it should also calm your mind.
Include your bridesmaids and family in your prewedding workout. Many yoga instructors or other fitness experts will travel, so you can hire them to lead a group class. That way everyone will benefit from a little exercise, and you'll still be spending time together.
If you're at a place that has its own gym, definitely take advantage. If your husband-to-be wants to hit the gym too but you don't want to see each other until the big moment, have someone tell him what time you're planning on going.

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Six Smart Tips For Better Wedding and Engagement Photos

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:42 -0700

Are you having a wedding on a budget? Or do you just want to preserve a few before-the-big-day moments in a photo session? Either way, going the DIY route is a totally do-able option - as long as you follow a few guidelines. We asked Meg Messina, a San Francisco-based photographer, to share her secrets for going behind the lens.

For six of her best tips, read more.

Photograph at the Right Time of Day
"This is the simplest tip, because it lets natural light do most of the work for you. When the sun is directly overhead or high in the sky - say from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - it creates harsh, unflattering shadows. Shooting before or after will give you fewer shadows and a more even glow. Use morning light for a beautiful cool tone and late-afternoon light for a look that’s warm and soft. If you have to shoot mid-day, make sure it’s cloudy or overcast - or find a big spot of shade."

Pick Your Wardrobe Wisely
"His-and-her sweaters? All-denim outfits? Bad ideas. The goal here is not to match but to coordinate your clothing. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid patterns that clash. And most importantly, stay away from logo tees. You might love a band, but your engagement photo is not the place to advertise."

Use Flash to Make Your Photos Pop
"It’s very common for flash to be too strong - wiping out details and creating ugly red-eye. But when used correctly, your on-camera flash can add a nice glint to your photos. The surrounding light may cause your flash not to trigger, so first, set your flash to 'on' instead of 'auto.' Next, tape a small piece of tissue paper over the flash. The paper will act as a diffuser, softening the light just a bit before it hits your face. Make sure the tape itself does not cover the flash or you’ll be left with weird shadows. Now take a few test shots to determine how close to stand to the camera. Find the correct distance and angle and this little burst of light will add a beautiful glint to your eye."

Use a Digital Camera With a Self-Timer
"If you have a friend willing to press the shutter button, that’s great. But a self-timer and a tripod (or a safe flat surface) will work just fine. Unless you’re more experienced, stick with digital so you can see what you’re getting and make adjustments as you go along. The first step is to frame the shot on your fiancé from behind the camera, leaving room to one side for you to jump in. Set the self-timer and be ready to get in place as soon as you press the shutter button. A self-timer is a great way to eliminate the stiff posed look some photos have. There’s no time to pose because you’re running into the frame!"

Don’t Skimp on Printing
"If you want high-quality prints of your photos, take the files to a high-quality printer. There’s a huge continuum of photo printers, from drug stores to high-end labs, and something in the mid-to-high range is the way to go. Drugstore printers use machines and lower quality ink and paper. Since they’re dealing with a larger volume of customers, your prints may lack the attention to detail that make them look great. A high-quality printer will use better materials and trained professionals who make adjustments to the image before running it through the machine. They may also offer retouching services, if you need to remove a blemish, an under-eye circle, or whiten your fiancé’s teeth. Even if you decide not to have prints made, labs can improve photos before you email them out or post them online. "

Have Some Fun and Show Your Personality
"This is the most important tip of all. Your engagement photos are meant to capture your personalities as individuals and as a couple. Find a way to show that in your setting, activities, or expressions. For example: was your first date in a photogenic spot? Use that spot as your background. Do you love backpacking or camping together? Photograph yourselves in a tent. Are you both complete goofballs? Take a photo with your eyes crossed and tongues sticking out. Whatever your version is, know that you’re not confined to a perfectly posed smiley photo. So create a photo that is unique to you!"

Photograph courtesy of Meg Messina Photography

Dylan Lauren's Sweet Tips For Your Wedding

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:00:01 -0700

If you want your wedding to be a grand production but don't have the budget, remember that tiny flourishes like thoughtful candy will make the moment just as delightful. We employed the help of Dylan Lauren, daughter of Ralph Lauren and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar, a dessert outpost with locations in New York, Houston, and Florida. "We do a lot of candy favors for weddings," Lauren says. To see her pointers for making your wedding a sweet success, read more.

Include jordan almonds. In Italy, jordan almonds are popular because their egg shape symbolizes fertility and life.
Integrate silver and white candies. For a wedding theme, incorporate white chocolate roses or white petits fours.
Match candy to the bridesmaids' dresses. Reinforce your wedding's color scheme in a unique way by matching candy colors to the hues of the wedding party.
Customize favors. Design custom candy bar wrappers to announce your marriage, or enchant guests with customized lollipops.

Have you seen any other creative uses of candy in weddings past? If so, share them with us below!

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How-To: Create Slideshows and Movies For Your Reception

GeekSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:05:10 -0700

If you haven't noticed, it's wedding season here on the Sugar Network and I've been busy telling you how to keep up with your own wedding website, pick out the perfect photographer, and manage all those photos - yours and your guests - after the big day. This week, we're moving into the wedding planning stages, and today I'm talking about slideshows. But this isn't the after-the-event, it-was-such-a-beautiful-day slideshow, this is the slideshow you play during your reception, usually packed with photos of you and your betrothed throughout your relationship together.

Although I've already given you some tips on what you should consider when putting together your slideshows, you may not know where to begin once you have all your photos chosen. If you don't have a Mac (I know I've talked your ear off about the simple joy of iPhoto), you can still make professional-looking slideshows and videos with your PC. Who woulda thought, right?

Find out what software you should consider, and what to do with those stacks of (nondigital) photos when you read more.

If not all of your photos are digital, it's OK - you can scan your photos, get them onto a CD and ready for uploading just by toting them down to your local Walgreens (or similar drug store that offers photo developing). And you're on your way to getting all your treasured pics into a slideshow.

Once you have all your photos uploaded to your computer, all you have to do is choose your software to start putting it all together. With any of these programs, you can arrange your pics, choose your (optional) background music that will play during your slideshow, and will even let you add in video clips if you want to switch things up. My first love is iPhoto, mostly for its ease of use and ability to export to not only a DVD but to your website, mobile phone, and iTunes to enjoy later.

But for you PC users out there, software like DVD Picture Show, My Memories Suite, and MediaShow 4 will get you the same great results, accommodates photos and video clips, and will export online or to a CD/DVD.

Do you have a photo program you'd like to recommend? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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Geek Tip: Rent a Photo Booth For Your Wedding Reception!

GeekSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:30:18 -0700

Sure, this trend might be picking up at weddings and parties in general, but trends are usually hot for a reason: Skip the disposable cameras and capture candids with a rented photo booth! Guests will have another great activity for the reception, you'll have even more awesome photos for your album, and face this reality: Everyone loves a photo booth!

Photobooth.net helps you find and reserve a photo booth around the country (and has a great piece of advice: Traditional photo booths need a venue on the ground floor due to their weight). And Party Booths also supplies digital photo booths, if quality is an issue.

Best and worst part: Aunt Ida and Uncle Marty may find the booth after several glasses of champagne punch and get a little frisky. Those will be shots for the album for sure!

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How to Make Photo Seed Packet Wedding Favors With Your Printer

GeekSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:10:04 -0700

Not that it should be thought of as a trend, but it's clear that this is the year that people are finally paying attention to how they can green their weddings and cut down on the event's impact on the environment. And if it is a trend, let's hope that it stays "in" forever!

So today's wedding geek tip succeeds in being green, geeky, and creative: seed packets with you and your fiancé's face on them! With my DIY skills below, adapted from Kodak's website, you'll be able to make seed packets for other stuff too - invitations, announcements, greeting cards . . . there's no end to creativity when you have an inkjet printer and a little brainpower.

To see how to make the packets, just read more.

Download the Kodak-provided PDF for the seed packet template. I find that the one they provide is a little too chintzy, so you could use the dimensions from their template and design a packet that's more you.
If you have Photoshop, add your picture, names, and date to the design. Otherwise, you can glue the picture of the two of you to the template after you print it out.
Print out the paper with the template on and cut it out. If you didn't Photoshop your face on the packet, glue it on now and write or stamp in your names.
Fold the seed packet and glue the side flaps down.
Add the seed of your choosing to the packets (about a handful) and glue it shut.
Your seed packets are now ready for wedding favoring!

To see more of our wedding coverage, be sure to check out IDoSugar!

Gail Simmons's Advice For the Ultimate Wedding

partysugar — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:30:59 -0700

When judging Top Chef, Gail Simmons isn't afraid to express her opinion. So it's only natural that Simmons, who also works as special projects director at Food & Wine magazine, has strong opinions about weddings. She watched all of her friends walk down the aisle before she finally got married last August, and has plenty to say about planning the perfect big day. Recently I spoke with Gail about all things wedding. Here, you'll find details from Gail's Summer soirée (she didn't have a cake!) and learn her tips for a fabulous wedding reception. Source

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