Happy Holidays!

It’s the Holidays, and that usually means couples all over the world are getting engaged! If you are a Bride-To-Be, and planning your upcoming Wedding, may we be one of the first to say Congratulations! What a great way to start out the new year! And there are so many Bridal shows in January to choose from. Choose wisely, because some are better than others. We recommend all the shows that we will be attending which are listed under Bridal Shows on our website, WeddingGuideonline.com These snow scenes are beautiful, but it sure is nice to be outside in the warm sunshine like today. Days like today and yesterday, are the reason we all love living in sunny Southern California! The snow is fun to visit, but living in it every day is a different story. For comfort, I’ll take a beach scene over a snow scene any day! Snowboarding works great in the sand. Sand is a lot like snow, but much warmer. We hope your Christmas is wonderful and that you all have a safe, and very Happy New Year. Try to slow your life down, relax and enjoy the rest of this year with your Family & Friends. We’ll see you in January...

December 5th in OC

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

When you ask someone to be in your wedding, they will be expected to spend a substantial amount of time and money on your wedding. This will include buying a dress and shoes or tuxedo rental, fittings, buying a gift for, and attending your shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, and wedding day. Working with your attendants will probably be one of the most stressful parts of planning your wedding, simply because you are working with a lot of different personalities, tastes, and schedules. Try to keep this in mind when you and your fiancé are choosing your wedding party. You want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. The selecting of the tuxedos seems to be less complicated than the dresses and accessories. Of course this is true of the Bride’s dress and Groom’s tuxedo as well. The bride and groom usually pick out all of the tuxedos together. The groom is generally the only man in a different tuxedo. The best man will have a different accessory such as tie, vest, etc. The hardest part will be getting the groomsmen, best man, and dads in for sizing, and deposits to order their tuxedos. Always be sure they try on the entire tuxedo when picking it up, to be sure everything fits and is included. When choosing bridesmaids dresses, it is best to only take one or maybe two people shopping with you. If you want to go with more, just have fun and don’t try to make any decisions until later. Otherwise, you will be frustrated because you will have several people saying I want this dress, not that one, which will not be fun for you. Very rarely can several women all agree on the same dress as being their favorite. Keep in mind the sizes, shapes and ages of all your bridesmaids when shopping. Once you have selected your bridesmaids dresses, each girl will need to come into the bridal shop to be sized, and put down a deposit which is usually half of the total. The shop will not place the order until everyone has been in, so the dresses will all come from the same dye lot. Otherwise, your dresses may be different shades. The maid/matron of honor can have a similar, but different dress or bouquet for her to stand out. Once the dresses come in, each bridesmaid will need to schedule a fitting for her dress. Some alterations are usually necessary, and are not included in the cost of the dress The most common alterations are side seams for a tight fit, and a hem. At the time of the fitting, it is necessary to have the under garments and shoes that will be worn at the wedding. You will probably want your bridesmaids to all be wearing the same shoes, so it is best to order them at the same bridal shop, especially if you will be having them dyed to match the dresses. You will want to think about the jewelry they will be wearing. The perfect solution may be to buy each bridesmaid matching necklaces and earrings. This way everyone looks great, and you have your attendants gifts taken care of as well! Article written by Debbie Christensen, Publisher of The Wedding Guide & former owner of Candle-lite Bridal Salon in Torrance.

Tuesday at Hwy. 39

Local Networking Group of Wedding Specialists Our mixers are always on the first Tuesday of each month, at different locations, from 6:00 – 8:00pm, and admission is absolutely FREE! Please join us for our next networking mixer on
 Tuesday evening, November 7, 2017 from 6:00-8:00pm at Highway 39 Event Center 1563 S. State College, Anaheim, CA 92806 Visit with other Wedding specialists, hear about becoming a Wedding Wizard, and exchange business cards. Get some valuable tips from our fellow Wedding Wizards, who attended the Wedding MBA earlier this month, and see an amazing collection of classic cars and other memorabilia at this unique venue. • The Wedding Wizards is affiliated with The Wedding Guide publication See you there! Invite a few friends…

Weddings Become Marriages

Getting Married should be about the Marriage and not about the Wedding. So many Brides get caught up in planning a perfect Wedding, they don’t think about the “Ever After”. I am a firm believer in Marriage and living “Happily Ever After”. That doesn’t mean that everything in your life after your Wedding will always be perfect, but if your expectations aren’t unrealistic you can have a very happy life together. When you go through the good times, it is so wonderful to have someone to share and enjoy those times with, and when times are tough, you have someone by your side to help you, and you can work through them together. The secret is, not having any secrets from each other. That doesn’t mean that you need to report to each other on every little detail of your life, but that you always share your feelings and opinions with each other about the important things. You can agree to disagree, but at least you are talking and sharing. Pick your battles carefully, everything is not worth fighting about. Starting with the day you say “I Do” to each other, work together as a unit and you can accomplish so much more in life. Don’t try to change each other, just accept each others faults and focus on your strengths. Work to bring out the best in your partner, and allow them to bring out the best in you as well. Always make time for each other, and remember why you fell in love, and you should stay in love for the rest of your lives. A few “Words of Wisdom” shared with you from Debbie Christensen, Publisher of The Wedding Guide.

Bridal Sunday at the Marriott

We will be handing out our Wedding Guide books at the Bridal Show on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 11am - 3pm at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel, 4700 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, 90815 Meet Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. Learn what every couple should know when planning their wedding at the Bride and Groom 101 Seminar. The first 50 brides in line will receive special Swag bags. Grooms are special too - a separate "Groom's Only Drawing". You can have your photo taken at the photo booths, learn the latest trends at the Wedding Planning Seminars, Ask the Experts, enjoy cake tasting, hors d'oeuvres, mini massages, beauty makeovers, entertainment and live performances. See you Sunday!

Budget Wedding Mistakes

Here are some Budget Wedding Mistakes You Should Never Make! Taking care with your wedding budget is admirable and even financial advisers agree that it's a really good idea. Entering a marriage with a truckload of debt from a celebration that lasts a couple of days at most isn’t part of the recipe for a happy future. There are a lot of ways to save on your wedding. Purchase affordable attire – solid gold bridesmaid dresses don’t actually have to cost you bricks of gold. Or, scale down your guest list to save the most. The cost of each individual guest measurably impacts the bottom line. Marry in off-season, on a day other than Saturday, or at a venue maintained by local government. All of these strategies could favorably minimize your budget. That said, there are some ways that you simply should not economize when it comes to your wedding. Food Quantity and Quality If saving money might lead to choosing a substandard caterer, stop your planning and figure out somewhere else to carve the budget. A great menu is critically important on a wedding day, and ordering enough food so that people don’t go home hungry is just good hosting. Rain or Inclement Weather Plan No one likes to think it might rain on a wedding day, but controlling the weather is still outside the wheelhouse of even the best of wedding planners. It’s vital that you have a backup plan and you know in advance what you will do if the weather doesn’t play nicely. Sweating the meteorologist’s report 24 hours out and pacing a few minutes before your wedding because you chose to save money on an alternate site in case of rain is not only nerve wracking, but inconsiderate towards your guests. No matter the cost, find an acceptable inclement weather site or plan and pay for it in advance. Set Up and Break Down Time Some venue contracts are paid by the hour and do not include set up and break down time unless you negotiate a rate for it. It might seem like an opportunity to save – like it’s not possible that the venue won’t let you set up, but it’s just not worth the gamble. Don’t cheat yourself or your venue management out of necessary set up and break down time. Make and pay for a reasonable estimate of the time you actually need to do what needs to be done. Open Bar with No Safe Rides Home If you plan to pay for and serve alcohol, figure in to the cost of your party easily accessible, safe rides home for your guests. If you can’t afford to provide them with drinks and a shuttle or taxi ride back to safety, simply don’t serve drinks. There is absolutely nothing and no amount of money that is worth the lives of your wedding guests. Anything Safety-Related Don’t use an outdoor, shade-less venue on the hottest day of the year because an air-conditioned building costs more. A flush savings account won’t make you feel better after you’ve subjected your guests to possible heatstroke. Don’t attempt to squeeze more guests than the legal occupancy allows into your ballroom. It only takes one fire to create a disaster, and no one wants a disaster on a wedding day. Ten, 20, or 30 years from your wedding day, people will remember your gorgeous gown, your stunning attendants in their gold bridesmaid dresses, and the beginning of your marriage story. Save money where you know it legitimately will not impact the final product, and avoid these common mistakes. by Wendy Dessler (305) 209-1277 Outreach Manager on behalf of www.honeyfund.com

Sunday in Riverside

We will be handing out our Wedding Guide books on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $12 Admission at the Riverside Convention Center, 3650 3rd Street, Riverside, CA 92501 Don't miss the biggest and best Inland Empire Bridal Show of the year. Now 2x bigger than other bridal events. Shop, compare and connect with 80 Inland Empire wedding vendors. Find new planning ideas, inspiration and great values at this season's largest gathering of florists, wedding venues, photo booths, photographers, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, tuxedos, entertainers, bridal beauty tips, custom invitations, vintage decor, and romantic honeymoons.

ABC Tuesday

Bridal Shows on Sunday

We will be handing out our Wedding Guide books at two Bridal shows this Sunday. September 17, 2017 11:00am - 3:00pm Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648 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 - enter the "Groom's Only Drawing". _____AND_____ September 17, 2017 12:00 - 3:00pm Yorba Linda Community Center 4501 Casa Loma Ave. Yorba Linda 92886 Complimentary Hors 'doeuvres & Champagne. See you at one of them...

Anaheim Brewery, Sept.5th

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

When you ask someone to be in your wedding, they will be expected to spend a substantial amount of time and money on your wedding. This will include buying a dress and shoes or tuxedo rental, fittings, buying a gift for, and attending your shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, and wedding day. Working with your attendants will probably be one of the most stressful parts of planning your wedding, simply because you are working with a lot of different personalities, tastes, and schedules. Try to keep this in mind when you and your fiancé are choosing your wedding party. You want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. The selecting of the tuxedos seems to be less complicated than the dresses and accessories. Of course this is true of the Bride’s dress and Groom’s tuxedo as well. The bride and groom usually pick out all of the tuxedos together. The groom is generally the only man in a different tuxedo. The best man will have a different accessory such as tie, vest, etc. The hardest part will be getting the groomsmen, best man, and dads in for sizing, and deposits to order their tuxedos. Always be sure they try on the entire tuxedo when picking it up, to be sure everything fits and is included. When choosing bridesmaids dresses, it is best to only take one or maybe two people shopping with you. If you want to go with more, just have fun and don’t try to make any decisions until later. Otherwise, you will be frustrated because you will have several people saying I want this dress, not that one, which will not be fun for you. Very rarely can several women all agree on the same dress as being their favorite. Keep in mind the sizes, shapes and ages of all your bridesmaids when shopping. Once you have selected your bridesmaids dresses, each girl will need to come into the bridal shop to be sized, and put down a deposit which is usually half of the total. The shop will not place the order until everyone has been in, so the dresses will all come from the same dye lot. Otherwise, your dresses may be different shades. The maid/matron of honor can have a similar, but different dress or bouquet for her to stand out. Once the dresses come in, each bridesmaid will need to schedule a fitting for her dress. Some alterations are usually necessary, and are not included in the cost of the dress The most common alterations are side seams for a tight fit, and a hem. At the time of the fitting, it is necessary to have the under garments and shoes that will be worn at the wedding. You will probably want your bridesmaids to all be wearing the same shoes, so it is best to order them at the same bridal shop, especially if you will be having them dyed to match the dresses. You will want to think about the jewelry they will be wearing. The perfect solution may be to buy each bridesmaid matching necklaces and earrings. This way everyone looks great, and you have your attendants gifts taken care of as well! by Debbie Christensen, Publisher of The Wedding Guide & former owner of Torrance Bridal Salon

Sunday at the Sheraton

Sunday, August 20, 2017 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will be at the Sheraton Park Hotel 1855 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802, We'll be handing out Wedding Guide books, and you can see our Elegant Wind Waves in action at their ceremony site. Don't miss the biggest and best Orange County Bridal Show of the year. Shop, compare and connect with 100 Orange County wedding vendors. Find new planning ideas, inspiration and great values at this season's largest gathering of florists, wedding venues, photo booths, photographers, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, tuxedos, entertainers, bridal beauty tips, custom invitations, vintage decor, and romantic honeymoons.

Destination Wedding Proposal

The Perfect Destination Wedding Proposal By now you have gotten to know this lovely person you are with and you have come to the conclusion that you want to spend the rest of your life with them. You want to propose, but you want it to be unique and unforgettable. The idea of a ring over the dessert plate just doesn’t do it for you. Here is an idea that will make your proposal one that will never be forgotten. Instead of planning a destination wedding, suggest a luxury vacation to a romantic place like Hawaii. Set the date out far enough to allow you time to prepare. Order tour packages and all inclusive deals from places like Hawaii and begin your plan. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to set up a free Plumfund account. Make sure the account is set-up to say it is TOP SECRET. Make your account for wedding expenses. Your guests can contribute to the wedding in lieu of wedding or engagement gifts. Things like hotel expenses, romantic dinners, the wedding gown, transportation, and activities are all listed and your guest’s chip in, as a way to wish you well. Choose a romantic hotel, overlooking the sea. Plan your activities around romance and adventure. There are so many beautiful sites and experiences on the islands, you will not find it hard to do. Visit ancient volcanic, black sand beaches, enjoy a luau, or go diving. Do some research on wedding packages that are available where you are going. A small wedding on the beach with a reception at sundown is beautiful. Ask your hotel what kind of venue and package they can provide. Keep the number of guests low, as this is a private and personal event and people will have to travel to attend. As the time nears, choose a florist, caterer, baker and minister or official to perform the ceremony. You can start dealing with the wedding gown, however, ordering one has never been easier. Select a beautiful hand-crafted dress online on Azazie.com, then get a sample sent to your house. Roughly six months before the event, arrange a dinner or small party. The theme of the party is the “Hawaiian vacation”. Present your partner with travel goodies such as luggage, swimsuits, video cameras, gift certificates for tanning, and create a computer presentation of the wonderful adventures you have planned. At the end of your presentation, present them with a beautiful gift box that includes airline tickets, itineraries, and travel brochures. On top of the paperwork, place an engagement ring and a card that reads, “Let’s make this a vacation that begins forever. Will you marry me?” You can review all the details later. The plumfund account will relieve any worries they may have. They have six months to finalize the details and get their wedding attire. Any money left over can go for the honeymoon. By using the proper channels, you can have a destination wedding of your dreams for a lot less than you expect. This is going to be a once in a lifetime adventure and the beginning of a beautiful life together. Your friends and family will gladly cooperate in order to give you and your future spouse such a unique and wonderful gift. With careful planning and patience, you can do this. It is worth the effort because your union is worth the effort. **Article by Wendy Dessler, www.honeyfund.com

Sunday at the Queen Mary

Join us at the Bridal Show on Sunday, August 6, 2017 • 11:00am - 4:00pm The Queen Mary - Long Beach 1126 Queens Hwy • Long Beach, CA 90802 Meet some of Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. 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. For more info: www.WeddingGuideonline.com/bridalshows.html See you there!

August First at The Fifth

Hope to see you all at the Wedding Wizards mixer, on August First at The Fifth!

L.A. Bridal Show this weekend

Upcoming Bridal Show: Saturday, July 22 & Sunday, 23, 2017 - L.A. Convention Center, Los Angeles 10:00am - 4:00pm - $12 Admission, or FREE with The Wedding Guide! Don't miss the biggest and best Los Angeles County Bridal Show of the year. Now 2x bigger than other bridal events. Shop, compare and connect with 150 Los Angeles County wedding vendors. Find new planning ideas, inspiration and great values at this season's largest gathering of florists, wedding venues, photo booths, photographers, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, tuxedos, entertainers, bridal beauty tips, custom invitations, vintage decor, and romantic honeymoons. See you at the L.A. Convention Center, 1200 L.A. Live Way, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Marriage Licenses

Marriage License Or Confidential Marriage License Most people don’t give much thought to the laws in effect which govern marriages within the state of California. Here is a summary of these laws to help ensure that everything in your upcoming marriage is in order. Marriage License • Can get married in any county within California • License is filed by county clerk and becomes public record. • No blood test required • 1 or 2 witnesses required to sign at time of wedding • Valid for 90 days from date issued • May obtain certified copy after wedding (Additional fee required) • Can be obtained from county clerk’s office Confidential Marriage License • Must get married in county where license is issued • License is filed by county clerk, but does not become public record • No blood test required • No witnesses required to sign, but deputy or notary journal acts as witness • Valid for 90 days from date issued • May obtain certified copy after wedding (Additional fee required) • Can be obtained from county clerk’s office OR authorized notary public • Couple must be living together as man & wife To apply for and obtain a Marriage License in the greater Los Angeles area, both applicants must appear together at the Office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to complete an application and submit it to the cashier no later than 3p.m. The processing time to complete the license is up to 2 hours. For same day service, we recommend that you be at the office by 2 p.m. A valid California I.D., drivers license, passport or alien resident card must be presented as proof of age. All persons previously married must present a copy of divorce/annulment papers if the event occured within two years or less. The fees for both Public and Confidential Marriage Licenses is now $70. Locations Where Marriage License Can Be Obtained: LAX Airport Registrar Recorder County Clerk’s Office 11701 S. La Cienega Bl., 6th Flr. Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm M-F (310) 727-6142 Norwalk 12400 Imperial Hwy. Room 1002 Hours: 8am-5pm (562) 462-2137 Beverly Hills 9355 Burton Way, 1st Flr. Hours: Tues-Thurs, 8:30am-4pm (310) 288-1261 Van Nuys 14340 West Sylvan St. Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm (818) 374-7176 Los Angeles 4716 E. Cesar Chavez Ave. (formerly Brooklyn Ave.) Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm (213) 260-2991 Florence Firestone 7807 S. Compton Ave., Room 215 Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm (323) 586-6192 Orange County 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Rm. 201, Santa Ana Hours: 8am-4:30pm (714) 834-2710 Fees and requirements differ slightly. Please call for details.

Happy July Fourth Brides

The United States celebrates the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, with fireworks as a tradition continued down through history since the initial year the country's independence was celebrated. The first celebration, which came one year after the Declaration of Independence was signed, began and ended with 13 fireworks being set off from the city's commons. After that first celebration in Philadelphia, Boston held its own celebration with fireworks, and the tradition grew from there. Explorer Richard Byrd even set off fireworks in Antarctica. The original tradition behind fireworks was to symbolize the 13 states of the union as 13 fireworks were set off at the beginning and of the celebration. However, it evolved as more states joined the union. The Fourth of July was officially declared a federal holiday in 1941, but the country has been celebrating this day since July 4, 1776. This holiday is recognized as the birth of American independence, and it is celebrated each year with a wide range of festivities including firework shows, parades, concerts and barbecues. It is a day spent celebrating patriotism and has remained an important holiday throughout American history.

Beach Weddings

Southern California has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and many couples find it perfect to have their wedding along the coast. From a toes in the sand to an overlook, couples can have a picturesque beach ceremony. Planning a ceremony along the coast can be a challenge as each City, County and State beach has different rules and regulations. These regulations may range from the number of guests allowed, to the type of decorations or structures that may be set up or may not be allowed at all. A walk on ceremony would consist of the couple, officiant, and a few guests. There would be no chairs, arch, or structures of any kind. There may be flowers. For most locations, no permit would be required for this type of ceremony except Laguna Beach which requires permits on all their beaches. For a set-up, there could be chairs, an arch, sound system, etc. This would require getting a permit through the respective governing body. This process could take anywhere from minutes to weeks to finalize the permit. Understanding how to get the correct permit and insurance for the desired location can be a bit of a challenge. Once the date, time and location is set then you can plan the details. Work with your budget to add extras. Utilizing a company that specializes in beach weddings is essential to make sure that the proper rules and regulations are followed. These companies have done all the homework and have existing relationships with the appropriate entities. It also makes it easier as these companies have all the resources to make it all come together seamlessly. They make it come together so all the couple and their family has to do is show up and say “I Do”. For more information on Beach Weddings go to: www.ElegantWindWaves.com

Father of the Bride

Father's Day weekend is here! For the Brides who are lucky enough to still have their Dad to walk them down the aisle, and share a dance with, Congratulations to you for a second time. For the Brides who have someone else walking them down the aisle, and sharing the Father-Daughter dance, let's thank them and appreciate them standing in, as well thinking about the Dads that are with you in this new endeavor in your life in spirit. It's a day your Dad has been equally dreading and dreaming of—your walk down the aisle, your dance, your good-bye. Here, some of the most loving moments captured between brides and their fathers. photos by: brides.com/gallery/father-of-the-bride-photos

OC Bridal Show on Sunday

Attention all Brides! We will see you at the Orange County Bridal Show on Sunday June 11, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | $12 Admission at the O.C. Fair Event Center, 935 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626 Don't miss the biggest and best Orange County Bridal Show of the year. Now 2x bigger than other bridal events. Shop, compare and connect with 150 Orange County wedding vendors. Find new planning ideas, inspiration and great values at this season's largest gathering of florists, wedding venues, photo booths, photographers, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, tuxedos, entertainers, bridal beauty tips, custom invitations, vintage decor, and romantic honeymoons. See you there!

Rusty Pelican Tuesday evening

See everyone tomorrow...

Attendants' Responsibilities

Your Attendants duties include but are not limited to the following: Maid or Matron of Honor: Acts as official witness. Usually signs marriage license. Helps bride select attendants’ attire and colors. Assists at bridal showers, gift openings, and records gifts. Helps bride dress and prepare for ceremony. Holds bouquet, rearranges veil and train during ceremony. Assists bride in changing to going-away apparel. May arrange for gown cleaning or bouquet preservation. __NEXT__ Best Man: Acts as official witness. Usually signs marriage license. Helps arrange pre-wedding festivities that honor the groom. Attends and assists groom throughout wedding day. Carries rings and wedding license to the ceremony. Oversees ushers’ functions. Toastmaster at bridal table. Drives wedding car, if no limousine. Returns groom’s rental formal wear along with his own. __NEXT__ Bridesmaids: Help arrange showers and attend all pre-wedding festivities. Assist in making reception favors/filling rice bags. May light candles, attend guest book, gifts, etc. __NEXT__ Groomsmen/Ushers: Attend pre-wedding festivities that honor the groom. Groomsmen escort bridesmaids during ceremonies and reception. Ushers greet and seat all guests. Unroll aisle runner. Also distribute maps, drive cars, run errands, attend or move gifts. __NEXT__ Flower Girl: Precedes the bride down the aisle, tossing flower petals. Her dress may complement the bridesmaids, or the bride. __ AND LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST__ Ring Bearer/Page: Precedes bride down the aisle, bearing actual rings or replica rings secured to a satin pillow. Escorts flower girl. Apparel complements groomsmen, groom, or flower girl.