Welcome to our Misc. page: (see our Misc. photo gallery )

Here is where you will find all kinds of ideas for things you couldn't find on our other pages:

MAKE AND TRACK YOUR BUDGET:  There are a number of web sites that will help you keep to your budget. We suggest   marthastewartweddings.com/planningtools

Music, Photography, etc.
Once you determine your budget, decide what is most important to you.  Do you want a big party, or do you want beautiful photos?  If you want the party, you want to put the money into the music, a dance floor, etc.  If you want amazing photos, you put the money in a professional photographer - and pick a reception site that would be photogenic (like a park or pretty back yard).

Re Photographer:  You can save money on photography by hiring someone who is studying to be a professional photographer.  He or she would be happy to have a wedding under their belt, and you would save money and have great photos. 

When my daughter had her wedding, we had all the little girls in the family wear floral rings in their hair and the little boys wore sheriff badges (she married a policeman).  The photographer said it really helped him to know who was family so he could make sure they got in the photos.


Have you created your wedding website yet?

There are a lot of FREE ones to choose from.  However, if you want something that is more "you,"  and are willing to pay a small fee, our favorite (and we spent 3 hours checking them out) is weddingwindow.com  It is linked with Martha Stewart and einvite.com and has tons of layout and color options.  You can manage your invitation list, responses, gifts, etc.  We think you'll love it.



Make up

Did you know that Bobbi Brown puts out a special kit every year just for brides? It includes the most flattering lip, cheek and eye colors and varies year to year to keep up to date on the latest trends.The Bridal Palette sells for about $50  get it at bobbibrown.com

Gifts for Bridesmaids:

How about this cute fragrance set by YSL - or divy it up for four bridesmaids. Sephora.com  $32

Or, check out David's Bridal's great selection of gifts for your whole wedding party: David's Bridal


Self-inking address stamps would make a great bridal party gift (and get one for yourself while you're at it):

    

These are just two samples of many styles available at  beau-coup.com for  $39


 Bachelorette Party ideas:

Have a fun movie night with your bridesmaids:

  • My Big Fat Greek Wedding
  • Father of the Bride
  • Bride and Prejudice
  • Runaway Bride
  • The Bachelor

Go shopping and out to lunch (have the last stop be the place where you bought their gifts.  Arrange with the store to have the gifts wrapped and ready to be picked up when you arrive.)

Have spa day.  Treat your bridesmaids to a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure. (or they treat you).  Have breakfast or lunch together.

 

SUGGESTED  BOOKS:
There are lots of books on the market to help you create the marriage of your dreams.  
Here is a short list of new books available at Deseret Books:
               Your Temple Wedding, by Jeri-Lynn Johnson and Amy Jones
               Becoming Celestial Soul Mates, by Trafford R. Cole
               Wisdom of the Prophets: Eternal Marriage, a compilation
               Happily Forever After, by Michele Ashman Bell
               Covenant Hearts: Marriage and the Joy of Human Love, 
                         by Bruce C. Hafen
          The Proper Care and Feeding of Marriage, by Laura Schlessinger
               
There is also a fun game (similar to the old “Newlywed  Game” on TV)  you can play with your fiancé – 
it too is available at Deseret Books: The Celestial Companions Game.


Here's a new one we really like:  available at bookstores and  Amazon.com