Expert Advice from wedding guru, Sharon Naylor
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Question:
Is there any advice on not stressing out while planning for the big day?Answer From Sharon:
Wedding stress can hit any bride at any time, and believe it or not, there's a type of wedding stress that happens when everything is going so well, you can't believe it! My top tips for keeping wedding stress at bay are: 1. Keep a gratitude journal, so that you can always look back on how ...Question:
What are the top trends in wedding favors?Answer From Sharon:
Great question! We're seeing a lot of wedding favors that people can take home and use in their own entertaining, like bottle stoppers, coasters without any kind of monogram letter on them, nutcrackers, mini chalkboard signs, mini olive oil bowls. I just walked through World Market the other d...Question:
Hi Sharon, My fiance and I planing a wedding for September 21, 2014 and already overwhelmed. I had no idea what went into planning a wedding and I'm almost tempted to just elope at this point. Our budget is small and we are extremely busy. Where should we begin? HELP!Answer From Sharon:
The start of wedding planning is always overwhelming, which is why I always advise starting off with a 'clear the decks' task: writing down all the things you DON'T want, and thus don't have to spend time and money on. That feels so good! Then, both of you write down your top 5 highest priorities...Question:
hi Sharon, i am a budget bride but i would like a beach wedding and an outdoor reception. Is it more budget friendly to rent a beach house or a regular wedding venue. guest are approx 40 pple thanks so muchAnswer From Sharon:
Hello! Renting a beach house has become a very popular option for weddings, but keep a few things in mind: if you rent a beach house, you'll have to bring in ALL of the supplies you'll need (and there are a LOT of them!) like tables, chairs, table linens, multiple sets of plates, utensils, tons ...Question:
Hi, how would you substitue the ring boy and flower girl? We are having a small destination wedding and we don't think any of our guests have young enough member for those parts. will it be incorrect if i walk down the isle with out them. thanksAnswer From Sharon:
Hi! Yes, it's perfectly fine to skip the flowergirl and ringbearer if you don't have a natural 'fit' for them. Your best man and maid of honor can hold the rings for you (which they usually do anyway at weddings, while the ringbearer more safely has dummy rings attached to the ring pillow!)...Question:
Is it okay for my parents to host an engagement party? I've read that no one is doing engagement parties anymore, that they're just pleas for gifts.Answer From Sharon:
Yes, it's not only okay, it's a big trend right now! Engagement parties have come back in style, since it's a happy occasion that gets family and friends together to celebrate something GOOD going on. Party plans can be super-casual such as backyard cookouts and picnics in a park...or they can be...Question:
Do we have to include direction cards in the invitation? Everyone has GPS.Answer From Sharon:
Great question! Wedding guests still appreciate getting a printed directions card in the invitation, since you never know when a techno-glitch can happen with a car's GPS system or a cell phone's GPS. Providing directions needs to be a multiple-step priority, since making it easy for guests to...Question:
Hi there my husband and I have been married 5 years and together for about 6.5 yrs. We eloped and had no family or friends attend. I'm wanting to know if you think its too soon or tacky to renew? We've been through a lot and our family's are very traditional and feel it's too late we're already m...Answer From Sharon:
It's definitely the perfect time for your vow renewal, and it's not tacky at all! In fact, a wedding vow renewal gathers friends and family together for something HAPPY, and it gives the younger generations a look at what makes a happy marriage. So enjoy planning your celebration in any style you...Question:
Hello Sharon, My fiance and I are trying to plan our wedding quickly so that my ailing mother is able to attend. Unfortunately, we're finding that almost every Saturday is booked. We have found a place we like that has a Friday availability. Almost 50% of our guests are coming from about 5 hou...Answer From Sharon:
Great question! Friday weddings are becoming more popular, and guests often have experience with arranging their work and travel schedules to attend them. Some guests even have to shuffle their schedules to attend Thursday weddings! So yes, considering that you have a situation that everyone will...Question:
I am wondering if I should play games at my wedding... and if so, how many and what type? I dont want to ruin my guests experience with too many tacky stuff ;)Answer From Sharon:
It sounds like you sense that games at weddings can be seen as a little too alternative, so here's what I suggest...don't plan any games where guests are all invited to play. People can feel obligated, and that's where some might see the plan as tacky. BUT it's a big new trend to set out lawn gam...Sharon's Latest Book
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