One of the less than stellar side effects of wedding planning is the looming worry that something will go wrong. Nightmares consisting of ripped gowns, embarrassing guests, and misplaced rings often wake brides in cold sweat at night, but one very real horror story that happens too often to ignore involves wedding venues that unexpectedly close.

Less than a month ago, a venue in Bayville, N.Y. altered the plans of 25 couples who had booked their weddings at the waterside resort before the venue was unexpectedly shut down. Lawsuits are inevitable, but the worry at the moment is finding an alternative to host their guests and doing so without the chunk of change they put down as a deposit.

That same week in Phoenix, Arizona, 60 couples had to begin scrambling to find a new locale after another venue was abruptly foreclosed, with no refund in sight.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this plan-altering scenario. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance, it’s dangerous to put down a large sum without protection. Wedding insurance gives policy holders reimbursements when things go awry as well as a peace of mind, which, let’s face it, is priceless.

WedSafe is the top wedding insurance company in the U.S., and was founded by a couple who were unsuccessful in finding insurance protection for their own wedding against unpredictable illness, weather, no show vendors, damage to gifts, and to the bride’s dress.

The company, which has been around since 1999, offers two wedding insurance products that can be purchased individually or together as a package: Wedding Event Cancellation and Postponement and Wedding Liability Insurance.

Heaven forbid something happens, but if it does, make sure you’re protected.

 Photo: Shea Christine Photography

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I’ve been writing about weddings for 10 years.  During that time, I have interviewed countless couples about their weddings. I’ve interviewed couples with big budgets. Couples with little budgets. Couples from big cities, and others from tiny towns. Brides who have dreamed of their weddings their entire lives, and others who didn’t even have marriage on the radar screen. I finally decided it was time to put down in writing what I have learned during this decade of dedication to all things wedding.

I hope these words resonate with you. I hope they will serve as a reminder for you to stay grounded and keep your eyes on the prize; marrying the love of your life.

You can get the 8.5″ x 11″ printable version of The Bride’s Manifesto here. Place it on your desk or beside your bed; it will help ward off the wedding crazies.

 

 

Pansies are one of my favorite flowers. The colors are electric! My favorite hues are indigo and purple – but you could use any color for these mini-favor pots.

You can purchase a flat of pansies for around $12; that will give you 32 DIY wedding favors! Your only other expense is the flower pots.

Here’s what you will need for this project:

Salvaged and antique windows are perfect for vintage weddings. Keep the glass inside the panes or use just the frames as decorations, seating charts, signs or photo props.

You can find old windows at flea markets, yard sales, resale shops – and don’t forget to check Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. If you don’t have any luck finding old windows, consider renting pieces from a vintage rental company.

Before you rent or buy antique windows, think about how you’re going to use each piece.

One of the biggest wedding trends we’re seeing is the wedding weekend. However, this three-day bash can be tough to pull off without the right venue.

Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa, located in the rolling hills of Escondido, California, is the perfect location for couples who love the idea of an extended celebration.

The 11-acre historic estate can be rented out with full and exclusive use and sleeps up to 40. Welcome guests to your wedding weekend with a cocktail reception by the property’s pool and jacuzzi, capping off the evening with the rehearsal dinner and S’mores around the fire pit.

The morning of the big day, outdoorsy couples can schedule a hike along nature trails in the surrounding woods to kick off the excitement, or keep guests entertained with outdoor games such as life-sized Jenga or horseshoes. Guests who want to stay indoors can play board games, Foosball, or belt out ballads on the venue’s Karaoke system.

For the actual wedding ceremony and reception, the options are endless. This DIY-friendly venue allows couples to completely customize their nuptials and offers a variety of backdrops to set the scene. The gorgeous wedding terrace and amphitheater in a live oak grove make for idyllic ceremony sites, while an expansive event center, nestled in fig grove and landscaped with orchids and sculpture gardens, is truly enchanting for the reception.

After the whirlwind wedding, take some time to thank your  guests and bid farewell the next day with a post-wedding brunch, which you could even whip up yourself in one of their two on-site kitchens.

Want more info? Go to Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa.

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