Crazyforus

Ethical Weddings

2009-09-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

While reading one of my husband's magazines (nothing to do with weddings!), I found an article on weddings. Yes, they are everywhere. It was a spotlight on how people are helping their community during this economic challenge.

This particular spotlight was on a couple who started a website called ethicalweddings.com while they were planning their own wedding in 2005. (I absolutely LOVE to learn how people find their calling.) It is their goal to bring you the suppliers and information on how to make your wedding the most ethical as possible. This means no conflict diamonds, no hothouse flowers soaked in chemicals, no bridal gowns made in sweat shops, and more.

So, I took sometime on the site and found that it is pretty fabulous. The ethical suppliers are minimal and mostly in the UK, but hopefully that will change as the site grows in popularity. "Challenge Us" is a place where you can ask them questions or tips for a particular problem you are having with your own ethical wedding. There is also a countdown, planning ideas and tips on how to create a green wedding, DIY tips, polls, and more.

If you are living a "green" life, like we are all trying to, be sure to check out www.ethicalweddings.com.

Honeymoon in Playa del Carmen

2009-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Still deciding where to go on your honeymoon?

Here is one idea.

Travel down to Cancun, Mexico and stay at the Secrets Capri Resort in Playa del Carmen. It is an adult only, honeymooner friendly, PARADISE.

Upon arriving to Cancun, you will take a shuttle directly to Secrets. Driving, you and your new spouse will see many other hotels and resorts and think they are absolutely beautiful. You may even think, "I hope ours is as nice as that one". But when you step out of that shuttle and walk into the Bellagio style lobby, you will know that you are in heaven. If that hasn't grabbed your attention so far, maybe the glasses of champagne that are handed to you as soon as you sit at the check- in desk, will.

Someone will escort you to your room and a banner will be draped on the door that announces, "honeymoon". If you are shy, better get over that! There is also a newsletter everyday announcing the new honeymooner arrivals and anniversaries that day. It's a great keepsake for your wedding book.

Your room is made for relaxing! A four-poster bed, jacuzzi tub, and large balcony (some looking out at the crystal blue ocean), are just some of the amenities. When you walk in, it will be covered in rose petals with the towels made up in a swan on your bed. Don't forget to take a picture of that! Then sit down and relax with another glass of bubbly that has been given to you by the hotel.

Where off to now? Don't even worry about leaving your resort. There are 5 restaurants that are all of the highest quality. Lounge by the pool, or venture out to the beach and grab a spot on the sand. If you have enough energy, play a game of pool or checkers or dominoes. You might even want to hit the night club after dark.

This resort is made for us who want to enjoy each other, relax, and have a fabulous time in the lap of luxury.

You may think this is way out of your budget. Don't be fooled! Check out their site and you can get an all inclusive stay, including airfare, for a very reasonable price.

5 Money Saving Tips

2009-08-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

1. Instead of hiring an expensive wedding planner, ask a friend of the family to help with the day-of duties. Schedule a few meetings during the whole planning process to keep them abreast of the details. A gift certificate to a nice restaurant or to a store you know they love is a great payment for their time and help.

2. If you are looking to hire a limousine, look through your local paper or even your junk mail for coupons.

3. Choose flowers that are in season and local for your bouquets and centerpieces.

4. Have your wedding on a Friday night instead of Saturday or Sunday. This could save you hundreds of dollars!!!

5. Bring the flowers that are used in your ceremony to the reception as centerpieces or extra decor.

Bride's Shoes

2009-08-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right shoe is almost as important as choosing the right dress. You will be standing, dancing, and walking in the choice pair of shoes for hours and hours and if you buy for looks and not comfort, you will be paying for it the entire day/night (and probably the next few days after). This problem is totally avoidable.

Don't go to the department stores.

Don't go to Payless Shoe Stores (they have a special bridal shoe collection).

Don't go to the designer shoe stores in the mall.

DO go to your local ballroom dancing studio or search the web for ballroom shoes.

These shoes are made for long hours, hard work and they are totally affordable. There are some with bling on the buckle or the toe. Some are plain, yet fashionable. If you can't find the color of your choice, take them to a shoe repair that dyes shoes. Bring in a sample of your dress and they will match it to the exact hue.

You will be so grateful for these shoes that you won't even think about them until the next day when you realize that your feet don't hurt!

Bridezillas

2009-08-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

There are so many wedding related TV shows out there. Amazing Wedding Cakes, My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding, Say Yes to the Dress, Whos Wedding is it Anyway? are just a few.

But Bridezillas is the show that, in my opinion, RUINS the idea of what a bride should be during the entire wedding planning process. The point of the show is to watch these women degrade their future husbands, friends, family, and even the vendors that they work with. It is absolutely disgusting to watch them become these over bearing, control freaks that have lost all of their morals and values just because they have become "the bride".

This term, "bride", does not give you any right to become the devil in white. Planning a wedding is normally expensive, so yes, I understand where assertiveness comes into play. You need to make sure things are in order and to your liking, but these women don't care about what their fiances opinions are. Hello?!!! Isn't the wedding a symbol of the TWO of you?

They don't care that being borderline abusive means that their wedding is doomed. In no way, shape, or form will a wedding turn out perfect when there is no room for error and the element of surprise is completely taken away from the day.

I speak from experience as the laid back bride. When I went to the vendors, I told them what I had envisioned and what I wanted and let them work with my ideas. They are the experts, not me. Giving them the control was the best decision that I made. I showed up to my wedding and everything was what I wanted and more. When you are nice to your vendors they are nice to you! Not to mention that my family had the time of their lives because I wasn't controlling their behaviour or moods. It was the wedding of my dreams and theirs. That is how it should be.

Bridezillas is about weddings that are perfect for one person and one person only. Again, absolutely disgusting.

Join me in boycotting this horrific, horrific show.

Audra's thoughts on the Mother of the Bride's attire

2009-08-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is an important issue that needs to be discussed somewhat early on in the whole wedding planning process. Once your colors are picked and the bride has chosen her dress, I would not hesitate to start looking for the MOB dress. Being that the MOB (mother of the bride) has such an important role on the big day and that she gets a lot of attention, finding the perfect dress should be given the respect it deserves.

Most of what I have to say comes from my experience as the bride with a mother who chose the perfect dress, but to this day, second guesses herself. ( I really wish that she wouldn't because I was so proud that my mom looked so beautiful.)

She chose a floor length, green, beaded dress that complimented all of her features, including her short stature and big bosoms. (I think she will kill me after reading this) She brought it home from the designer shop and tried it on for me, all the while telling me that she could take it back if it wasn't appropriate or showed too much cleavage.

When she walked out of the room with this spectacular dress on, I could see how beautiful she felt and I wouldn't have taken that dress off of her for anything. Yes, I have to be honest and tell you it showed a little more cleavage than normal, but nothing that was over the top. She looked elegant and classy. It was perfect for her.

This is what I want you to think about if you are having issues with your mother and the dress she chose.

*Your wedding day is very important to her. Don't be too controlling over what she wears. Make sure she feels comfortable and beautiful in an elegant way. It will make the whole day go so much smoother. *

And don't forget to order a corsage for the MOB to add the finishing touch to her ensemble.

Valuable Coupons For Your Wedding

2009-08-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was going through the stack of coupons that came in the Sunday paper and found two great coupons for anyone who is planning a wedding.

The first coupon is for personalized M&M's. You get either a FREE bonus bag, 10% off an entire order, or $15 off a 5lb and 10lb order. Click here to see their pricing http://www.mymms.com/pricing/pricing_popup.asp. I love these as favors and so will your guests! They now have M&M's that shimmer in Gold, Platinum, and Pearl.

The second coupon is for http://www.expressionery.com/. They specialize in stationery, custom stamps, designer stampers, and much more. The coupon is for 40% off an entire order. There is so much on this website that you should take a look at. My favorite are the designer stampers that would be great to put on your invitations or save the dates.

Keep your eyes open for valuable coupons. They are EVERYWHERE!! I will keep you informed of any coupons that I run in to, so make sure to check back here.

We are on Facebook!

2009-08-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, we are fairly new to the Facebook phenomenon, but we have a page and like every little bit about it. It is so much fun learning how we can interact with our fans and how to use it to every one's benefit.

Our unique templates are displayed in the photo gallery, so take a look and see if there is one you like. Feel free to make comments and suggestions on those templates and suggest new ones as well. We LOVE hearing from you. Keeping connected with our users is very important to us.

There are 3 new discussions started on our Facebook page:

Discussion 1 - "We are over half way through the year 2009. If you have already had your wedding, how did it go? Anything you would have changed? Any advice for brides and grooms that have weddings in the near future? If your wedding is months or weeks away, are you getting nervous? Do you have any questions for other couples embarking on the same adventure? Let us know. "

Discussion 2 - "2010 is approaching quickly. Let us know of your plans or great finds for your wedding in 2010. If you have any questions or need advice, ask away."

Discussion 3 - "Okay. 2011 is still a bit away, but if your wedding is in that year, it is going to be here faster than you know it. What are you looking forward to most? "

I would love to hear all about your wedding that you just had or the one you are planning. Did you run into an issue that you think other bride's should know about before their big day? Or did you come across a fabulous wedding favor that everyone should know about? Comment below or go to our Facebook page. . . . . and don't forget to become a fan! We will keep you updated on new blogs, when new templates are added, when new features are put on our site http://www.crazyforus.com/, and more.

Save the Dates on Crazyforus.com

2009-08-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

When you register for a website on Crazyforus.com, you now have the option to order matching Save the Dates. We are offering postcards or postcard sized magnets at a very low cost.

Avoid the hassle of having to address, add stamps and mail your cards. Simply e-mail us your guest list and we will print, address and mail your Save the Date Cards for one low price! We are very excited about adding this feature! Go to http://www.crazyforus.com/ now!

For anyone who attended the Bridal Bazaar and signed up with us at the booth, we are giving a 25% off coupon for your matching Save the Dates. It is such a great deal! Look for an email with the coupon code in the next day or two.

Do you need a Groom's cake to complete your wedding?

2009-08-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

No, not necessarily. This is one of those old traditions that can be passed up if there is a strict budget or if you just don't find that you want one.

Before we started making one cake, the "wedding cake", there was a bride's cake and a groom's cake. The groom's cake was for those guests who would like to take a slice home with them. It was usually made with heavy fruitcake because of it's durability and that it is capable of keeping for a longer period of time.

Nowadays, you can find groom's cakes in shapes and decorated with anything the groom favors (sports, hobbies, etc) to something the couple enjoys doing together. This is where a lot of creativity can come into play and this can be a fun thing for you to cultivate together, or let him have full control over this one.

There is a little myth that went along with the groom's cake that you can pass on to all of your single girlfriends.

Have them take a slice of the groom's cake home with them and put it under their pillow. That night, she will (supposedly) dream about the man she will marry.

Will you have a groom's cake?

Native American Ceremonies

2009-07-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

THE BASKET CEREMONY
Symbolic of a time when large dowries were sometimes required by the families of the bride and groom, the practice of exchanging baskets filled with meaningful gifts developed. For example, the bride's basket to the groom may be filled with bread and corn representing her promise to nurture and support her new husband. The groom's basket might contain meat and skins representing his promise to feed and clothe the bride. However, as weddings are personal, you can add anything you want.

THE WEDDING VASE CEREMONY
First, the bride drinks from one side of the vase. Then she turns it and the Groom drinks from the opposite site. Then they both drink at the same time. It's said that if they don't spill anything the marriage will have good luck and prosper. It's sort of like the anglo custom of the bride and groom cutting the cake and feeding a piece to each other.

THE BLANKET CEREMONY
Two blue blankets are used in this ceremony, with each representing the couple's past lives that may have been filled with loneliness, weakness, failures, sorrow and spiritual depression. The couple are each wrapped in one of the blue blankets. After the spiritual leader blesses the union, the couple then sheds the blue blankets and are draped in a single white blanket representing their new ways of happiness, fulfillment and peace.

While under the white blanket, the couple then embrace and kiss. This is the end of the wedding ceremony.

The white blanket is kept by the couple and then is often displayed in their home. It is the same blanket that is some times split in half if the marriage goes sour.

CHEROKEE WEDDING PRAYER

Grandfather,

We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together.We honor Mother Earth and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons.

We honor fire - and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts.

We honor wind - and ask we sail through life safe and calm as in our father's arms.

We honor water - to clean and soothe our marriage– that it may never thirst for love.

As we honor all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness, as we forever grow together.

Amen.

Drycleaning the dress

2009-06-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

One thing you may forget about when looking at your budget, is the dry cleaning cost of your wedding dress. This can add a good chunk of change and if you don't take action fast, you will find yourself a year and a half later with a dirty dress still stuffed in the bag.

At least, that is where I am at. It's the costly chore that I am dreading. It's not as easy as bringing your dry cleaning to any old cleaners. You have to do some research and price comparisons and get references. I'm not going to bring my dress to just anybody.

And then, there is another question. . . What in the world am I going to do with the dress once it has been cleaned? Do I save it for my daughters? No. If they are anything like their mother, they will want something completely unique and made for them. Do I save it for nostalgic purposes? Maybe, but I'm really trying not to be a hoarder. There are tons of pictures for me to remember the dress with. Or do I sell the dress? Another possibility, but I'm having issues with that one, too.

Until these answers come to me, I am not shelling out the cash for the cleaning. How long do you think the dress will last without being ruined? Hmmm. . . . I guess I'll find out.

Wedding Cake Fun Facts

2009-06-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

FERTILITY

During the time of the Roman Empire, the groom would break bread over the bride's head as a blessing for luck and prosperity. It is the grain that symbolizes fertility and has been featured in weddings for centuries.

Fruits and nuts were added to cakes in Britian, where it was thought to enhance fertility as well.

HAPPINESS

An old tradition from Britain was that of baking a ring into the wedding cake as a symbol of happiness. Whoever it was that ended up with the ring in their piece of cake it was said, could look forward to a full year of uninterrupted happiness.

Another old British custom was to throw a piece of wedding cake on a plate out of a window the day that the bride first returned to visit her family’s home after the wedding. An intact plate indicated a happy future with her husband, but it was doom and gloom if the plate remained intact.Cutting of the cake

Cutting the wedding cake together symbolizes the couple's unity and their life together as one.

There is also a superstition that says that whoever out of the bride and groom has their hand on the top while cutting the cake is the one who will be more in control of the relationship.

The traditionally accepted practice is for the bride to have the first bite; otherwise, she’d be childless and barren.

The cake should be cut from the bottom layer and never at the top, unless you’d like a replica of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Cake Gallery

2009-06-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Cakes by Susan Kirecjzyk

Wedding gratutities

2009-06-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple guide to help you figure out how much gratuity to give each of your vendors.

CATERER
Usually, the tip is agreed upon before hand and is included in the contract as "service fee" or "service charge".

WAITSTAFF
15%-18% of total bill

BARTENDERS
15%-18% of total bar bill

MUSICIANS or BAND
$25 per band member or musician

DJ
15% of total bill

LIMO DRIVER
15%-20% of bill

PARKING/RESTROOM/COAT CHECK/VALET
$.50-$2 per guest

Vendors who do not require or expect to get a gratuity:

FLORIST

PHOTOGRAPHER

BAKERS

WEDDING COORDINATORS

(If you find that any of these services have been extraordinary, a tip of 15%-20% is appropriate.)

OFFICIANT
Wedding etiquette says that an officiant is never tipped.

Make sure that you plan to include tips in your budget, because, depending on the size of your affair, tipping costs can become quite substantial, easily increasing your costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Weddings on Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T09:57:00.001-07:00

Being that Memorial Day means a long weekend, some couples may think it is the ideal time to have their wedding. Before you start planning, you need to think about these very important points.

PRO: Yes, the weather is usually very nice.
PRO: It is a holiday weekend, so most people have 3 days off of work.
PRO: Having trouble picking a theme? Incorporate the Memorial Day theme into your wedding by using reds, whites, and blues.

CON: Be hesitant to plan your ceremony or reception on a beach or park because each will likely be inundated with people.
CON: Most people make plans to go away on vacation. Be sure send save-the-dates very early!
CON: Traveling to get to/from ceremony and reception will be hectic due to more traffic.
CON: It will be more difficult finding vendors, so again, plan early. Call around to find out if their prices will be affected.

Craigslist

2009-05-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Have you been on any of the discussion forums on Craigslist? They have them dedicated to women, men, singles, outdoor, poets, wedding, etc. . . A lot of them have inappropriate discussions, but the wedding forum tends to stay on topic.

Go there anytime for some quick advice or even just to see where people are at in their own planning process. You can also offer some of your own advice and tips that you have learned from your experiences.

If you know nothing about planning a wedding (which most people don't)---make sure you visit this forum.

www.craigslist.com

Elfin Forest Estates

2009-05-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

There is a special Wine Tasting Event at Elfin Forest Estates on May 29th.

Where is Elfin Forest? Well, I've been told it's in San Elijo Hills, just inland of La Costa. I have never been there myself, but I'm really excited to get the chance to go there and get to know the place. I'd love to feature this new venue on our site.

I'll keep you updated!

Up-dos

2009-05-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

What are you planning to do with your hair for your big day? Are you going to go to your regular hairstylist or someone that specializes in up-dos?

Not having a regular hairstylist myself, my ventures into finding the perfect hairstylist were very rocky. There are so many professionals who turn there nose up to these very particular dos. What is the problem? The artistry that goes into these creations, perhaps? Maybe these people don't have what it takes to come up with something that a bride would find breath taking.

I have decided, that's okay! Turn us brides away. But lead me to the professionals who thrive off of making the bride the most beautiful she can be on the most special day of her life. ---Yeah, they don't do that.

Do you know what I ended up doing? I had some friend of a friend of friend (you get my point) do my hair. She was still in beauty school. My trial run was in her school and she only finished washing my hair before she realized you can't style wet hair. I can laugh now, but I was terrified then. The day of went off pretty smoothly because I chose to have my hair down with big curls. You can't really mess that one up. I know that I would have been devastated if I wanted anything more intricate.

That is why I am going to call on all my hair professionals that choose to up-dos and find a way to promote their much needed business. I am going to make it possible for all brides to come to our website and find a stylist near them. Let's even do hair shows where we will have cocktail hour while a stylist (or two) are showing us all demonstrations of the newest trends. I wish this was around when I was getting married. It would have been fun to attend with the MOH or even the MOB.

I'm looking forward to this new venture!

Ocean Palms

2009-05-19T10:51:00.001-07:00

During my trek around San Diego County searching for a perfect wedding locale, I toured the tiny, coastal hotel Ocean Palms. You would never know it existed unless you ventured off the beaten path of Olde Carlsbad.
I chose not to have my wedding there, but I always wanted to come back and stay there. I finally got the chance last night and it got me thinking about how perfect it would be for a small, intimate reception. The grounds are surrounded by lush, tropical greenery with large palm trees that have their trunks carved into tikis.
There are 2 areas that could be used. The small courtyard with firepits and tables or the lawn in the pool area. Either way, you have the perfect back drop for the most perfect day of your life. The waves crashing just feet away makes it a relaxing choice for anyone.
Another bonus is that the rooms are very reasonable in price. Just make sure you get one of the remodeled rooms. Those rooms have jacuzzi tubs, granite counter tops, full kitchens, and a shower to die for! The older rooms resemble a run down Motel 6. Having these rooms right next to the event is very convenient for all out-of-town guests.
After viewing this property, and you think it's just too small for you. You might want to consider having a day before barbeque there or even a day after. Just make sure you take a look.

Pacifica Breeze Bridal Show?

2009-05-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Kharron and I went down to Del Mar last night to check out Pacifica Breeze. Supposedly, they were putting on a mini bridal show. We wanted to see if this was something that we wanted to be a part of in the future.
The patio was set up with tables to dine at, a band to listen to, and waiters passing hors d'oeurves. We were expecting a variety of vendors, but it turned out to be Pacifica promoting themselves. Did I mention that there was absolutely no one there at 6:10pm (the event started at 6)? We decided to give it an hour before we gave them our $12 each. After a glass of wine at Il Forniao, a very beneficial conversation where we figured out some necessary additions to the website, and another quick walk around to Pacifica, we decided it was pointless for us to go in. There may have been 5 brides-to-be in the place.
How did they advertise for this? Finding brides seems to be the hardest situation for all wedding related vendors. There has to be an easier way. Maybe something like a Wedding Facebook. As soon as you get engaged, you create your engagement page. I like it. Hmmm... I think I've said too much.

"Say Yes to the Dress"

2009-05-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Have you watched the show, "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC on Friday nights? I'm addicted to it! It follows brides-to-be that arrive at Kleinfeld, a premier bridal salon. There are so many different personalities that come in to that place. I love seeing how the 60 year old bride is just as excited about finding her perfect dress as the 25 year old is. And OH MY GOD! some of those dresses are so divine and EXPENSIVE.
It would have been nice if I would have taken some more time at picking out my dress. I tried on 3--and said, "I found it". Would it be bad to go dress shopping again just to try on the dresses? Maybe that's going a little too far. A dear friend of mine is throwing a party in November where you have to where a wedding dress. Either it's your old dress or you rent one for the evening. I'm so excited! Why aren't more women throwing these parties? We buy these gorgeous, expensive, outrageous dresses and only wear them once. Whooohooo. . . . not this time.

Bridal Shows

2009-05-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

Throughout the past year, we have been going to the Bridal Shows here in San Diego. Not as a vendor, but as a bride/groom. We have been doing so much research on how to give the couple exactly what they want and need.
As a website provider, we saw no competition at every show. Why don't the others attend bridal shows? It's the perfect way to get our name out there. When I was planning my wedding in '07, I had no idea of all of the website companies (I refuse to mention their names). If one of them had a booth at a show, I certainly would have used them. Instead, I had a friend design my site.
From the beginning, I have said that I want to be at the Bridal Shows. Yes, we will start here in San Diego, but eventually, I would love to attend EVERY show across the country. It's such a great way to meet the couple and get to know them a little bit.
It's because of the couple that we wanted to create a FREE website. We want to give something to them to make their wedding a little less costly, stressful, and more enjoyable.
Be sure to look for us at the Bridal Bazaar this July!! We would love to meet you and help you design your wedding website.

Location, Location, Location

2009-05-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yes, most of our vendors are located in San Diego. It is our goal to get it right, here in our hometown, before we move on to new cities. Giving good customer service and creating quality relationships with our vendors is very important to all of us.

This does not mean that you have to live in San Diego to create your FREE wedding website. You can be anywhere. The only differences for San Diego residents is that on the admin page there are lists of vendors in the area and all of the events are in San Diego County.

The checklist is handy for EVERY bride. We have given you the option to print out the entire list from 12 months to the day of or just print out month to month. We are working on making the checklist interactive on-line. You will be able to check off a task on line. Yes, I like to have a paper checklist, but the world is going green and we want to join in!

I'll keep you updated regularly about our newest ventures and options on the site. And as always, feel free to contact us with any comment or suggestion.

Writing Articles

2009-05-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the fifth month of production and we are now beginning to publish articles on the site. Not only will we be writing these articles, but we are going to open our site to select vendors who would like to post an article. Who knows better than wedding vendors? It is best to get advice from the professionals who deal with weddings on a daily basis.

Is there a topic you would like to see discussed? Please email us at info@crazyforus.com .

Don't forget the little things!

2009-05-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Over the past year, you have been planning your dream wedding. You have been following all of the checklists, to-dos, and must-haves. The song list is made, the flowers ordered, the vows written, but has this one MUST-DO been done?
Do not be the bride that walks down the aisle with the tag of your dress sticking up. Pin it, iron it down, cut it off! I don't care what you do - just do it! As you walk down the aisle and begin saying your vows, you do not want your guests to be watching the tag and not you. Make sure that your Maid of Honor knows to triple check.