HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR WITH THE NEW WEDDING GUIDE BOOKS...

Wedding Traditions

You may be interested in the origins of some popular traditions included in observing your marriage. Bridal gowns, for example, are white because the Greeks believed white embodied purity, innocence and joyfulness. Wedding veils have always symbolized modesty, privacy, youth and maiden hood. That way of thinking still has a foothold; bridal etiquette authorities today advise second-time brides to skip the veil and wear a less traditional headpiece instead. Most are familiar with the poem about bridal attire: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky sixpence in your shoe.” What’s not generally known is that if a bride borrows an item from a happily married woman, the giver’s happiness is said to be passed on to the bride. Something blue symbolizes constancy in a relationship. The bridal garter originates from at least two cultures. In ancient times, it represented the virginal girdle; the groom’s removal of the garter symbolized her relinquishment of that status. The garter can also be traced to the Old English custom of flinging the stocking. Wedding guests would sneak into the bridal chamber, pick up the newlywed’s discarded stockings and throw them at the couple. Whoever flung a stocking that hung on the bride or groom’s nose would be the next to marry. Wedding bands, symbolizing eternal love by their lack of a beginning or end, grew out of an ancient tribal custom of using circlets of grass to decorate a bride’s wrists and ankles. The Romans and Egyptians, with their love of precious metals and stones, initiated the practice of using silver and gold. Rings are worn yet today on the third finger of the left hand because ancient cultures believed that finger had a vein running straight to the heart. Happy Holidays to you, your families and loved ones from The Wedding Guide!

Wedding Planning

Following the thrill of engagement, comes the excitement of wedding planning and the hundreds of decisions that need to be made to make your special day come true. Attending a bridal show is one of the best ways to shop and compare wedding ideas and local services. Attending a bridal show can be overwhelming but extremely helpful in providing needed information and services, inspirations, wedding planning memories as well as awesome savings. In order to take advantage of all of the benefits bridal shows have to offer, it is best to be prepared. Not all Bridal Shows are created equal. Find a show that best fits your style and event. By paying attention to the location where the bridal show is being held, this can help you determine a bridal show that will best fit your style. Talk with other brides about shows they have attended or check internet reviews for upcoming shows. Shopping and comparing wedding services and ideas can take time, so plan to make a day of it. Arrive early to see everything and be able to have the opportunity to speak to wedding professionals about your day. Be sure to bring along your support team. Moms, maid of honors, bridesmaids and fiancés are encouraged to attend. Not only will you appreciate their support and their help in carrying collected wedding materials, but you will have created a lasting wedding planning memory. As soon as you are engaged, create a wedding email address. This is a great way to keep your wedding information organized. You might also want to print labels that include your name, address, email address, telephone and wedding date to use at the bridal shows to enter contests or request information from wedding companies. Bring a check list of services that you need but be prepared to soak in creative and unique ideas and services that you may not have thought of that can make your day complete. Bring along your digital camera/smart phone. Not only do most bridal shows allow them, they are encouraged. What better way to remember all that you have seen and to compare ideas, then by capturing them in a photo. Remember to share your bridal show experience with others via facebook, twitter and instagram. If you have chosen colors for your wedding, bring along a swatch to show potential wedding vendors. If not, pay attention to displays and designs to get an idea of the hottest new color combinations, colors that work well together as well as what you envision would work best for your event. Take the time to talk with the wedding professional. They can provide you with expert wedding advise, answer questions and give you ideas that you had not thought of before. Your wedding will be a very personal experience. By talking with exhibitors, you will know who will be the best fit for your special day. If you find a service you like, you can book at the event or schedule a follow up appointment. Be sure to follow up right away to ensure that they have your date available. Take advantage of show discounts and give-aways. Most bridal shows will offer a number of bridal shows discounts as well as door prizes that are given away during and after the fashion show. Complete wedding packages, honeymoons, photobooths and dj services are just some of the many door prizes available to brides. Exhibitors will generally offer a show discount at their booths which can result in huge savings. Cake and food samples offered at bridal shows are a great way to compare cuisine but be sure to eat before the bridal show as the cake samples won’t be enough to get you through the day. Bridal show fashion shows feature the latest in bridal gowns and attendants wear. Although it is great to shop for gowns in magazines or on the internet, nothing will give you a preview than what your gown and your attendants’ attire will look like than to see the gowns in person on the catwalk. Bridal gown shops are generally on hand to answer your fashion questions. With all the many details that are involved in planning a wedding, no other source provides a better opportunity to shop and compare services than a bridal show. Look for 2015 Premier Bridal Shows in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Long Beach and the Inland Empire (www.premierbridalshows.com)

Thanksgiving Weekend Weddings & Sale

Congratulations to all the couples getting Married this Thanksgiving weekend. We at The Wedding Guide wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Please do something fun with your family, and remember to be thankful for what you have. A wise friend once said to me "No matter who you are, there is always someone who wishes they were you!" I have remembered that many times, as it is so true. I am thankful always, not just one day a year, for who I am, the life I have, and most of all for my husband and daughter and the love of my family and close friends. So, I challenge you to make it the best holiday ever no matter how you will be spending it, from Debbie, publisher of The Wedding Guide. AND after Thanksgiving, a one day, BLACK FRIDAY BRIDAL GOWN SALE! Blush Bridal Couture Gown Sample Sale - Friday, November 28, 2014, ALL SAMPLES MUST GO!!! We will be a hosting a ONE DAY black Friday Sample Sale at our store. All samples are first come, first serve, with no appointment necessary. Doors will open at 9am. Dresses start at $799. Prices will vary based on condition of the dress. Blush Bridal Couture, 13011 Newport Ave Ste. 111, Tustin (714) 573-8000 www.blushbridalcoutureoc.com

Mobile Wedding Apps

Brides can download our Wedding Guide app for free, by searching: The Wedding Guide, connecting Brides... On our app you will find many planning information articles, special promotions, upcoming Bridal events, and Wedding professionals. _This is one of the few articles posted that is written for Wedding professionals. Is your company ready for your own Mobile App? Will you be left behind? There’s a new revolution shaking up businesses ... The Revolution is Mobile Marketing! Your website may very well be mobile ready (meaning that a client can find your website using their browser on their mobile device), but have you thought about implementing your own downloadable app? Stats show that users want Apps, not mobile ready websites. The widespread use of smartphones, makes it possible for even the smallest business to generate large flows of traffic by sending a single text message. And this can be done for a small fraction of your traditional Advertising Costs! You probably use text messages all the time to communicate with your friends and family but now ... You Can Tap Into The Power Of Sending SMS Text Messages Directly To Your Potential Customers! If you want your business advertising to produce the best RESULTS, then you need to jump on the revolutionary bandwagon and get into Mobile Marketing! With a Push of a button, Mobile Marketing Gets Instant And Direct Access To Your Customers Traditional advertising like television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and yellow pages won't produce the results that a mobile app will. There is only one place where you can be 100% assured that your marketing messages will be read by your prospects, Their Mobile Phone! Mobile Marketing can get your business filled with customers eagerly talking about how they can’t wait to do business with you. Mobile Marketing uniquely positions your business in your local market as Up and Coming and DIFFERENT. Nearly everyone who has a cellphone loves texting, and by positioning your company as one of the few smart enough to engage customers on this medium in your local market, you can enjoy phenomenal results for being unique. To be included on our Wedding Guide app, please contact Debbie@WeddingGuideonline.com, 562-425-7069 or www.WeddingGuideonline.com

Vintage Wednesday

Bridal Networking Event presented by OC Brides on Wednesday, November 5, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm at The Vintage Rose 1160 N. Tustin St., Orange 92867 The Vintage Rose was inspired by my love for Paris and everything French. I love the French country side. I love Shabby chic styled weddings with romantic old world charm. I love my brides and understand the need to offer affordable weddings with style. The Vintage Rose is a private venue with timeless mismatched furniture and a unique and eclectic design. Vintage chandeliers, exposed wood dinner tables with lace, relaxing lounge areas and cozy fire places. On the walls, empty frames and vintage mirrors create dramatic and different backdrops. Our impeccable, friendly and professional style, set us apart. Rose Wade Events is a class act and a style above the rest! -by Rose Wade, owner Enjoy the quality cuisine from Rose Wade Events, Enjoy music & Make Memories in this french country shabby chic atmosphere, See the beauty of Rose Wade Events, Elegant Wind Waves, & White Feathers Events, Special deals from Diana & Company Jewelry, Pick up your complimentary copy of The Wedding Guide! $20.00 at the door. BRIDES ARE FREE (714) 970-6380 • www.ocbrides.com

Halloween Weddings & History

Evolving from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, modern Halloween has become less about literal ghosts and ghouls and more about costumes and candy. The Celts used the day to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and also believed that this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead. Over the millennia the holiday transitioned from a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades and sweet treats for children and adults. All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows, Solemnity of All Saints, or Feast of All Saints is a solemnity celebrated on 1 November by the Catholic Church and several Protestant denominations, and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, in honour of all the saints, known and unknown. The liturgical celebration begins at Vespers on the evening of 31 October and ends at the close of 1 November. It is thus the day before All Souls' Day. All Souls' Day is a day of prayer for the dead, particularly but not exclusively one's relatives. In Western Christianity the annual celebration is now held on 2 November and is associated with All Saints' Day (November 1) and its vigil, Hallowe'en (31 October). In the liturgical books of the western Catholic Church (the Latin Church) it is called The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, and is celebrated annually on 2 November, even if this date falls on a Sunday. In Anglicanism it is called Commemoration of All Faithful Departed and is an optional celebration. In the Eastern Orthodox Church and the associated Eastern Catholic Churches, it is celebrated several times during the year and is not associated with the month of November. Beliefs and practices associated with All Souls' Day vary widely among Christian churches and denominations. Happy Halloween!!

Free Bridal Show in San Dimas

Free Bridal Show at the San Dimas Canyon Golf Course, this Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (PDT) San Dimas Canyon Golf Course 2100 Terrebonne Ave San Dimas, CA 91773 We will set up our Wind Waves, and be handing out our Wedding Guide books. Stop in and say "Hi"! San Dimas Canyon Golf Course For all your Special Event's If you can dream it we can create it! Register to attend http://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-bridal-show-tickets-12038715121?aff=rss

Sunday, October 19th Bridal Events

South Coast Botanic Garden October 19, 2014 • 1:00 - 3:00pm Presented by The Events Boutique and South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Pennisula 90274 Come engaged. Leave inspired. Whether you are looking for your venue or still searching for your vendors, enjoy an afternoon unlike most bridal events! Enjoy an afternoon filled with vendors, workshops, live music, culinary artistry, and thirst quenching libations. Space is limited so RSVP by September 30, 2014. For more information email oohlala@theeventsbutique.com OR http://www.eventbrite.com/e/oohlalove-part-deux-wedding-soiree-tickets-12215172911 Bring a blanket and feel free to picnic! VIP Bridal Gift Bags for the first 50 couples. And, at the Hyatt Resort in Newport Beach...

Come Visit Us On Sunday...

Bridal Showplace Bridal Show, October 12, 2014 • 11:00am - 3:00pm at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave • Buena Park, CA 90620 At our shows you will find an average of 100+ of Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. Each event offers a variety of on-site features, such as: cake tasting, hors d'oeuvres, mini massages, beauty makeovers, entertainment and live performances. You can have your photo taken at the photo booths, learn the latest trends at the Wedding Planning Seminars, Ask the Experts, get free wedding planners and magazines. Preview the latest bridal fashions for the entire bridal party featured in our beautifully choreographed fashion shows. Enter to win thousands of $$$ in Door Prizes. Grooms are special too - at each event we hold a separate "Groom's Only Drawing". Tickets $10 at the door. ___OR___ Premier Bridal Show, on Sunday - October 12, 2014 at at the Le Meridien Delfina, 530 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, CA 90405, Show Hours: 11 am - 3 pm About the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica . . . Let Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica Hotel help you set the stage for an unforgettable dream wedding created just for you. An elegant cosmopolitan setting and Santa Monica’s only Penthouse ballroom 9 floors above the beach offering coastal, mountain and city views are just the start. In addition to offering a beautiful venue for your most memorable day, Santa Monica provides a gorgeous backdrop and many diverse activities for your out-of-town wedding guests.

A Very Special Wedding

OC Brides, Elegant Wind Waves and White Feather Events Helps Young Cancer Survivor Have The Wedding Of Her Dreams! Congrats Andrew and Mariah Dreams certainly came true for this young cancer survivor. Mariah was diagnosed with brain cancer at the young age of 6. Doctors didn't give her much time. But at the age of 25, this tenacious girl was able to walk down the aisle with the love of her life Andrew in Huntington Beach August 20, 2014. Erin Taylor of Angel Brides put out the call to help this beautiful couple and many vendors stepped up and offered their time, products and services. The OC brides team was honored to coordinate this special event and provide a fun western candy buffet along with Wind Waves at the entrance. Thanks to OC Brides, White Feathers Events and Elegant Wind Waves for their contributions and time. What a wonderful celebration it was! Andrew and Mariah are truly blessed with much love and support from so many caring family members and good friends. We all sincerely wish this happy young couple a lifetime of fabulous memories!

Back-to-back Bridal Events

We will be attending and hope to see you at both of these intimate Bridal Events. Please join us for our summer bridal open house! Wednesday, September 24, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PDT) El Dorado Park Golf Course 2400 N Studebaker Rd Long Beach, CA 90815 Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while meeting our preferred vendors and touring the venue. Don't miss this opportunity to see our beautiful Garden Pavilion with complete set up and upgrades! You can also win raffle prizes as well as take advantage of special booking incentives! Stop by to see how your dream wedding starts here at El Dorado Park Golf Course! Please feel free to contact us with any questions about this event, our venue, or our wedding packages. 562.795.7751 x229 PrivateEventManager@ElDoradoParkGC.com We're on Instagram, too! CountryClubReceptions.com ___ and on Thursday... Los Coyotes Country Club Annual Bridal Open House Thursday, September 25, 2014 6:00-9:00pm 8888 Los Coyotes Dr., Buena Park Featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor event space to suit your needs, Los Coyotes Country Club is the perfect setting for unforgettable ceremonies and receptions. (714) 994-7750 www.loscoyotescc.com

Two Great Bridal Shows

We will be attending TWO Bridal shows this weekend. Come by, enjoy the air conditioning and say hi! Bridal Showplace, Upcoming Bridal Show on September 21, 2014 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Westin Hotel, 333 E Ocean Blvd, downtown Long Beach __AND__ Premier Bridal Shows, this Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the Sheraton Cerritos 12725 Center Court Drive Cerritos Show Hours: 11 am - 3 pm Stay cool!!

Upcoming Bridal Trunk Show

Blush Bridal Couture, OC's Newest Hot Spot, is having a Bridal Trunk Show beginning on Friday, on September 12, through September 14, 2014, showing the new Matthew Christopher Collection Call for Appointment (714) 573-8000 to visit Blush Bridal Couture, 13011 Newport Ave Ste. 111, Tustin A boutique of simple elegance will create an unforgettable experience with an intimate setting. We engage our brides while aspiring to make your dreams come true… www.blushbridalcoutureoc.com

Sunday in Newport Beach

Join us at the Bridal show this Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the Radisson Hotel, 4545 MacArthur Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92660 Show Hours: 11 am - 3 pm Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the leading wedding experts. Preview new ideas and fresh styles. Taste gourmet cake and cuisine, see fashion, enjoy music/entertainment and take advantage of show discounts and giveaways. Have fun while discovering the best options to make your dream wedding come true! We will be handing out Wedding Guide books, and our Wind Waves will be in front of the hotel. Hope to see you there! (714) 572 -1363 www.PremierBridalShows.com