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.

Sponsored post.

She was your partner in crime during those high school hijinks and she’s been by your side through all of the college heartaches. Now, she’s graciously accepted your invitation to stand beside you on one of the biggest days of your life – your wedding.

Give her a token of your appreciation with a stunning piece of jewelry that she can wear on your wedding day and beyond. The Wedding Outlet features collections by leading designers, including Cathy’s Concepts, whose collection is curated with timeless pieces that set the bar for bridesmaid gifts. The 16-piece collection features both necklaces and bracelets, and each piece is fashioned with a delicate charm, freshwater pearl, and Swarovski crystal.

Many of the beautiful baubles can be personalized with a single block initial on the charm, at no additional cost, and come with a complimentary gift box with your choice of five card message options to cater to each member of the wedding party:

• Bridesmaid: “Thank you for being my bridesmaid…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Maid of Honor: “Thank you for being my Maid of Honor…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Matron of Honor: “Thank you for being my Matron of Honor…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
• Wedding Day: “Thank you for being part of my Wedding Day…I couldn’t say “I DO” without you.”
•  A Special You: “A Special Gift for A Special You”

Check out The Wedding Outlet to view the entire collection.

Sponsored post.