Wednesday, December 30, 2015

New Year's Eve Weddings

Will you be married when the ball drops? Many couples want to begin the new year as man and wife. We celebrate you! Here is some history of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, for un-Wedding and New Year related reading! Revelers began celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. The first New Year's Eve Ball, made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. It was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, and for most of the twentieth century the company he founded, sign maker Artkraft Strauss, was responsible for lowering the ball. As part of the 1907-1908 festivities, waiters in the fabled "lobster palaces" and other deluxe eateries in hotels surrounding Times Square were supplied with battery-powered top hats emblazoned with the numbers "1908" fashioned of tiny light bulbs. At the stroke of midnight, they all "flipped their lids" and the year on their foreheads lit up in conjunction with the numbers "1908" on the parapet of the Times Tower lighting up to signal the arrival of the new year. The Ball has been lowered every year since 1907, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943, when the ceremony was suspended due to the wartime "dimout" of lights in New York City. Nevertheless, the crowds still gathered in Times Square in those years and greeted the New Year with a minute of silence followed by the ringing of chimes from sound trucks parked at the base of the tower - a harkening-back to the earlier celebrations at Trinity Church, where crowds would gather to "ring out the old, ring in the new." In 1920, a 400 pound ball made entirely of wrought iron replaced the original. In 1955, the iron ball was replaced with an aluminum ball weighing a mere 200 pounds. This aluminum Ball remained unchanged until the 1980s, when red light bulbs and the addition of a green stem converted the Ball into an apple for the "I Love New York" marketing campaign from 1981 until 1988. After seven years, the traditional glowing white Ball with white light bulbs and without the green stem returned to brightly light the sky above Times Square. In 1995, the Ball was upgraded with aluminum skin, rhinestones, strobes, and computer controls, but the aluminum ball was lowered for the last time in 1998. For Times Square 2000, the millennium celebration at the Crossroads of the World, the New Year's Eve Ball was completely redesigned by Waterford Crystal. The new crystal Ball combined the latest in technology with the most traditional of materials, reminding us of our past as we gazed into the future and the beginning of a new millennium.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Christmas Weddings

Happy Holidays to all, with many loving and peaceful thoughts from our Wedding Guide family, to your family! Remember this Holiday season, always try to, "Count Your Blessings!

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Avoiding Stress

This is an article for Brides that are stressing over their Wedding plans. It is also a good time of the year to get rid of Christmas stress. Enjoy the Holidays with your family. Unfortunately, they won't always be here with you. Avoiding Stress As anyone who has ever planned a wedding can tell you, the months leading up to your big day can be a time of stress as well as happiness. There’s so much to think about and do, and all this while you are having the inevitable bridal jitters. Fortunately, there are ways to control our anxiety. Below are a few common sense suggestions: Communicate Your Feelings Be open and honest if you’re feeling upset. Tell your fiancĂ© or family what is bothering you. Don’t try to keep stressful feelings to yourself as they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible - worrying never solved a problem. Share Responsibilities Do not assume you have to do everything yourself. This idea is outdated and exhausting. Ask your fiancĂ© to go over the checklists in this book and handle as many of the planning functions as possible. Pace Yourself In the beginning stages of planning your wedding, you have several major decisions to make. Do not try to tackle them all at once. Plan to accomplish one major job a day. Have A System It will give you the secure feeling that you are not forgetting something crucial. Try to break down each task into organized steps. Then decide how long each step should take and who will do it. Set a completion date for each step and stay on schedule. Take Care Of Your Health Eat right and be sure to get enough rest and exercise. Take advantage of time-tested soothers at night, such as a hot bath, warm milk or a back rub.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

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. The “throwing of the rice” at fleeing newlyweds is a traditional way of wishing them many children.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Thanksgiving Day Weddings

We at The Wedding Guide wish everyone a 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.

Monday, November 16, 2015

LGTB Wedding Expo in Long Beach

LGTB 3rd Annual Wedding Expo on Sunday, November 22, 2015 • 12pm - 6pm at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & The Pike in Long Beach Last Bridal event in 2015! Enjoy a Fashion Show, Live Entertainment, Celebrity Guest Appearance, Speakers and Workshops, Live Wedding Ceremony, Giveaways, and much more! (800) 967-8001 ext.201 info@lgtbweddingexpo.com www.lgtbweddingexpo.com

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Bridal Brunch in Orange on Sunday

Champagne Brunch at Southern California Wedding Center on Sunday, November 15, 2015 • 11:00 - 3:00 2922 E. Chapman, in Orange 92869 Complimentary for engaged couples Meet a variety of Wedding Specialists in one location Chance to win a 3-day Cruise for two! The Southern California Wedding Center in Orange is putting on an elegant wedding show brunch to connect you with amazing wedding planning services. If you are recently engaged, come join us for a complimentary champagne brunch affair. This event will feature great music and live performances, networking, a lavish spread of appetizers, a champagne bar, giveaways, gift bags and more! Who We Are: The Southern California Wedding Center is home to Mary Me Bridal and several of Orange County's finest wedding professionals. Our Center consists of award-winning professionals such as Photographers, Videographers, Music and Entertainment, Wedding Planners, and much more! Register at: champagneweddingbrunch.eventbrite.com

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Bridal Show in Pasadena

Bridal Showplace Event on November 8, 2015 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Hilton Hotel in Pasadena, 168 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101 •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, including The Wedding Guide, •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". See you there...

Monday, November 2, 2015

Roaring 20's Bridal Party

Presented by The Cornerstone Bridal Connexion Upcoming Roaring 20's Bridal Party Friday, November 6, 2015 • 6:30pm - 10:30pm Anaheim Marriott Suites, 12015 Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove, CA 92840 Fashion Show, Hors d' Oeuvres, Desserts, Cash Bar, and Live Music • First 100 registered Brides receive a complimentary Glass of Champagne, and Sample Dinner Contact Chris Stults (714) 658-8788 or Register at: www.thecornerstonecap.com

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween

Have a safe and fun Halloween!!!

Friday, October 30, 2015

Sunday Bridal Show

Recreation Park 18 Golf Course Upcoming Bridal Show: November 1, 2015 • 1:00pm-4:00pm 5001 Deukmejian Dr. in Long Beach Free Admission to Brides! Our colorful Rose Garden presents an idyllic setting for your outdoor wedding ceremony. A lovely white gazebo, surrounded by bursts of floral color and fragrance, provides for a charming backdrop and exceptional photos. Shelby Webster, Private Event Director (562) 494-5000, ext. 233 privateeventdirector@recreationparkgc.com More info: www.recpark18.com/weddings

Monday, October 26, 2015

Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Join us in a very personal, intimate atmosphere beginning at 6:30 in the evening, Wednesday October 28th for an OC Brides Networking Event at the Velvet Lounge...

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Wedding Gown Care

Wedding Gown Care by: Carol Clarke of TotalBridalGownCare.com Most gowns are designed to be worn only one time. The designer uses fragile fabrics, delicate trims and beads to make the most elegant looking gown for each bride’s special day. Unlike our everyday clothes, these specialized garments cannot be cleaned in the same manner as your favorite silk blouse or your polyester slacks by the dry cleaner. Special processes, solutions, procedures need to be followed to make sure the soil and stains are properly removed without damage to the gown. They cannot withstand abrasive treatment and should not be totally saturated with solvent, solutions or liquid which will dramatically increase the weight of the gown. Any major movement or agitation could cause major damage to the gown. Invisible stains are important to identify. They are called invisible because they cannot be seen with the naked eye, but the aid of a “black” light will identify them, which shows the area affected and allows the technician to clean the spot or stain completely before the gown goes into the machine. Not cleaning these soil stains properly could result in brownish colored stains in the future, much like when you cut an apple and leave it sitting for a period of time in the air. It starts to turn brown; much like the garment stains will do over time. A bride will never hear a guest say ….” Oh you look so beautiful in this gown, and by the way, I just spilled some of my drink on the side of it”. And if the dry cleaner / technician does not properly “flush” the solvent from the stain area, in years to come, there will be a ring area around where the soil was which may also discolor and affect the fabric of the gown. If you are not able to clean your gown within 2-3 weeks after the wedding, do not store it in plastic. The garment needs to “breathe”. You can always wrap it in a sheet, or if you have a cotton/mesh type garment bag, it can be returned to hang there. Gowns should not hang for more than 6-9 months, as the weight of the gown can pull on the bodice fibers and the risk of a “torque” to the bodice may require major alterations if someone else wants to wear the gown. You have made a major investment in your gown and cleaning it should be done by a professional who is experienced in gown cleaning. Many cleaners will clean gowns, or even send them out to be cleaned, but the person who is actually doing the work should be trained in the proper techniques and procedures. You are entitled to know how and who will be doing the actual cleaning and a reputable cleaner will provide you with all the information to give you a comfort level that your gown is in good hands. Mailing your gown to an out of state cleaning facility has risk and should be evaluated carefully. Here are some tips for keeping your prized wedding gown clean and ready for your perfect day starts the moment you bring it home from the Bridal Salon. First take your gown out of the plastic garment bag and hang it somewhere it will be safe from little children and pets. Breathing is important to your gown. It cannot properly breathe while covered in plastic. Inspect your gown – inside and out. Check for loose seams and beads. Avoid storing your wedding gown in a plastic bag or container. Plastic emits fumes which can yellow or trap moisture which will be harmful to your gown. Protect your gown from exposure to light, dust, and air by loosely wrapping it in a clean sheet or freshly laundered unbleached muslin. Hang your gown using the loops inside the gown which are attached to the side seams, never by the fragile shoulder seams which can stretch or sag. A Final Fitting should be completed 2 to 4 weeks prior to your wedding in order to complete any last minute alterations and tailoring. Pre Wedding Touch up – Have your gown steamed and pressed by a cleaner or salon that is trained in gown care and has specialized equipment for this purpose. Pick up your gown 1 – 2 days prior to your wedding date. Transport your gown to the wedding site in a gown carrying and preservation bag (or protected by a clean sheet pinned around the gown). Consider using a gown specialist who can deliver your gown directly to your wedding site. Emergency items are important. Attach a few safety pins to a hidden inside seam of your gown prior to the wedding. Most problems occur when a seam opens or the gown gets stepped on during the reception. Safety pins provide a quick fix.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Skylinks Bridal Event

See our Wind Waves in action, and pick up a Wedding Guide book at Skylinks Golf Course Fall Bridal Show, Sunday, October 18, 2015 • 12:00noon to 3:00pm 4800 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, 90808 Complimentary Admission! Come mingle with some of our best wedding vendors, tour our beautiful venue, and sample Chef's cuisine. We will be showcasing wedding decor ideas including a ceremony setup as well as sample tablescapes. Added bonus: register today for a chance to win a Free Wedding Ceremony!! PrivateEventManager@skylinksgc.com Anna at (562) 421-3388 x 205 eventbrightinvite/skylinkslb

Monday, October 5, 2015

Knotts on Sunday

We will be at Knott's Berry Farm Resort this Sunday Bridal Showplace Bridal Show on Sunday, October 11, 2015 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave in Buena Park, 90620 Brides contact us at WeddingGuideonline.com for free tickets!

Friday, October 2, 2015

Diamond Bar Bridal show

Diamond Bar Golf Course Upcoming Bridal Show on October 4, 2015 • 11:00-3:00 Free Admission to Brides & Grooms 22751 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar Enjoy meeting wedding professionals and tasting samples of our Chef's best hors d'oeuvres and seeing the most current wedding trends! (909) 861-5757 ext. 252 RSVP at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bridal-show-tickets-18663101840

Monday, September 21, 2015

El Niguel Bridal Affair

Upcoming Bridal Affair Sunday, September 27, 2015 • 11:00am to 2:00pm El Niguel Country Club, in Laguna Niguel. Please RSVP for Complimentary Admission & Parking 949.322.1091 • cori@eventsbycori.com www.eventsbycori.com

Monday, September 14, 2015

The Catering Choice

The Catering Choice... The question of whether or not to use a caterer, a restaurant, or fix your own food is more a matter of choice than cost. It’s difficult to plan, buy food, rent goods, prepare, serve and clean-up after a party and really enjoy going to the party. Friends who could help out prefer to be guests instead of volunteer workers. Caterers are sometimes called “wedding consultants” for good reason. So much of the wedding revolves around the reception and serving your guests that it becomes the all important task of the caterer to see to all the details of the party. It makes little difference if your party is for 50 or 500, your caterer should give you an opportunity to order as many or as few of his/her services as you require or as your budget allows. Do not be bashful — ask what is included! You should expect a complete written quotation covering the selected food, services, and extras you have ordered and their cost. Know in advance what you are getting and the total cost. Be prepared to pay a deposit in advance for the caterer to begin ordering your services, food and servers. A catered rehearsal dinner is an excellent idea. It can be as formal or as casual as your setting and budget dictate. The gift opening party (usually the day after the wedding) is another occasion for which a caterer should be strongly considered. Parents of the bride and groom really have no time to prepare these parties themselves and still enjoy the wedding. A professional caterer will help you plan your menu according to your wishes and budget and can supply almost all of the party needs including table covering, dishes, silver, ice, music, servers and clean-up people. He/she has the experience to really help you present a successful party with very little stress and worry.