Posts Tagged ‘wedding planning tools’

Free Wedding Registry App Streamlines Wedding Planning

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

iList Wedding Registry App

We like the word “free,” especially when we heard brides can download the Wedding Registry app for free on their iPhone, iPad or iPod.

The iList Wedding Registry app is a powerful tool that promises to make the bridal registration process easy, exciting and, yes, even fun.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with wedding planning, but couples can turn around a hectic schedule by downloading the free Wedding Registry App at iListApp.com or itunes.apple.com/app/id453734688?mt=8.

How does it work? Well, thankfully techies make everything super easy for the end user.

The bride- and groom-to-be can visit any store and scan the barcode of any item.  The information is collected and categorized in their personal registry, both within the Wedding Registry App and on the companion website.  The couple now has a single registry regardless of how many different stores they visit to register.

Once the couple completes their wedding registry, they can notify their guests (either all or a select few).  HHI Classic Distributors developed Wedding Registry, Baby Registry and MyList.

One feature is the ability to create and display a personalized wedding invitation by entering their names, a date and time, location, and provide maps for directions.

The user can manage multiple categories, sort items to single or multiple stores, and sort the list by store location addresses. Samples categories include cookware, cutlery, electronics, bakeware, glass and bar, tabletop, home keeping, bedding and bath.

The Wedding Registry app also makes it easy for friends and family to shop by comparing prices of items in the list and finding the store with the lowest price.

The personalized registry can be accessed by friends, family and work colleagues who have an iPhone or iPad or by using a laptop, PC or tablet and connecting to the website which synchronizes with the couple’s registry App.  Once someone purchases a gift, they simply place a check by that item on Wedding Registry and others know that gift has been selected.

Shop or register at AdvantageBridal.com,  your one-stop shop for everything wedding!  From honeymoon bride bikinis to sexy lingerie and from bridal flip flops to couture wedding shoes, Advantage Bridal has something for everyone and every bride.  Whether you’re shopping for a unique bridal gift or looking for custom wedding accessories that complement your theme and decor, we’re sure to have the perfect accessories and gifts to make your day a truly memorable celebration.

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Young, Engaged & On a Budget

Saturday, March 10th, 2012

Lily, 22, just graduated college and celebrated her accomplishment with more than a graduation ceremony. Her boyfriend, who she met during her freshman year, proposed on graduation day. They’re young, in love and on a tight budget. But like other brides we know, they’re determined to plan the wedding of their dreams in just 12 months. If they work efficiently, that gives them enough time to shop for wedding venues, vendors, bridal accessories, food and cake, as well as learn the dos and don’t of planning this momentous affair. Think Wedding Planning 101. To top it off, Lily’s mom has ideas for the wedding that aren’t exactly in line with hers. Rest assured, there are steps brides like her can take to smooth out the details.

Brainstorm first. Write it all down, including a tentative guest list, possible venues, day or evening wedding, music preferences, wedding theme, bridal gown style, etc.

Set a budget, and stick to it. Become a DIY bride, even if you don’t have a creative bone in you. There are plenty of kits that make it easy to do DIY wedding invitations and DIY favors. A little hard work up front can save in the long run.

Look at the big picture. Prioritize your plan by starting with the big-picture, like the venue and type of wedding. Fill in the details later to see what’s left in the budget.

Stay organized. Search for vendors, setup a website and utilize wedding planning tools on websites such as The Knot.

Make decisions quickly. Being wishy-washy adds stress and can have a domino effect on other plans.

A little etiquette goes a long way. Buy a book on wedding etiquette to easily navigate the process and omit any faux pas. Tips help with everything from the guest list to thank you cards.

Accept good enough. We all want the couture wedding shoes, 2-carat diamond ring and designer bridal gown. But you can achieve the look of luxury without going broke. Pick items that mimic your favorite style and designers. Sites such as The Budget Savvy Bride or The Broke-A** Bride provide useful tips.

Remember wants vs. needs. Do you need it for the wedding or simply want it; paring down this list will cut costs.

Think beyond traditional. Your preconceived ideas may blow the budget, so think outside the wedding box. Marry at a public venue or the courthouse and spend on the reception. Have an intimate ceremony with a larger reception. Combine your ceremony and honeymoon. Serve h’orderves and cake instead of a meal. Skip the alcohol. Rent or borrow a dress. . .

Have a heart-to-heart with mom. Sit down with your mother over coffee and be specific about her involvement in the wedding planning process. Let her know how you feel, that you appreciate her and that your wedding will be different than hers. She loves you and wants the best for you, but you’re all grown up now and this is your wedding after all.

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Holiday Engagements: Wedding Planning Books & Organizers

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Bride's Wedding Planning Tote

When he puts the ring on your finger is only the beginning of a lifelong journey together (hopefully!) – maybe you’re already celebrating a holiday engagement or expecting one soon. Either way, don’t let the excitement turn to stress when you ring in the New Year. Check out Advantage Bridal’s Just Engaged apparel and accessories, which would make great bride gifts!

Take time to choose when envision your wedding, and don’t rush this step or you can become overwhelmed fast. You can start window shopping, browsing magazines and looking for wedding inspiration without a date. And the sooner you get organized, the better. Start with something as simple as a wedding planning book or organizer, so you’re ready when the time comes.

Carry the book with you and jot down notes, vendors, websites, etc. You don’t have to be meticulous, but this extra effort will save you time and money down the road especially if you’re a procrastinator (we don’t know any of those, right?) If you’re an Internet savvy bride, who’s doing most of the work online, create bookmarks and a special folder to save any images, blogs or sites you love.

Whether you’ve thought about your dream wedding since you were young or only recently started considering the type of wedding you’d like, trust your own instincts in this department. Plenty of people will offer their advice (some good and some not-so-good). Smile and nod if you don’t want to hurt their feelings, knowing your preferences might vary considerably.

Even if you feel pressure from a relative who’s helping out financially, there shouldn’t be any expectations when giving. The more prepared you are, the more you can enjoy your big day!

Plus, you may not even need to hire a wedding planner if you can make your vision come to life with the help of vendors. However, you may need someone to help coordinate behind the scenes stuff while you’re getting ready or taking pics on your wedding day.

Glamour offers these tips on holiday engagements (the Do’s and Don’ts).

Advantage Bridal carries wedding planning books and bridal party books, such as Emily Post’s Wedding Planner, the Mindy Weiss Wedding Planner, How To Be a Bridesmaid, Bride’s To Do’s organizer, When I Was a Flower Girl, and more.

 

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Brides.com Launches Virtual Dressing Room

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Brides Virtual Dressing Room Photo: Brides.com

BRIDES.com announces the launch of Brides Dressing Room, a realistic simulation tool for brides-to-be to virtually try on hundreds of gowns using her own full body photo.  The simulation tool uses revolutionary body remapping technology, which automatically conforms dresses to realistically match any body shape, posture or size.  Users are able to link directly to a salon to make an appointment or purchase.

Brides can also “try on” virtual makeup, skin care and hairstyles with Brides Beauty Salon.

These one-of-a-kind tools were created by ModiFace and can be found at Brides.com.

“The BRIDES Dressing Room and Beauty Salon take online shopping to a whole new level, helping even the busiest bridal parties determine their wedding-day style to make confident and informed purchasing decisions. Virtual try-ons allow brides and bridesmaids the opportunity to vet their style in the privacy of their own homes allowing for a more focused shopping experience when they arrive in stores,” states BRIDES VP/Publisher Carolyn Kremins.

Lord & Taylor is the launch sponsor of BRIDES Dressing Room, providing a custom closet featuring wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride ensembles.

Brides can follow a few simple steps to enter the virtual dressing room.  Once a photo is uploaded or a model selected, visitors can select from wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride styles.  Then they can share favorite looks – complete with hair and makeup – with the entire bridal party before the big day.  These tools help ease wedding planning worries for friends and family who live across cities, states and continents.

Then, visit your one-stop shop for bridal accessories and wedding accessories at AdvantageBridal.com, where we carry everything but the dress!  Our custom wedding accessories and personalized bridesmaid gifts let you do all your shopping in one place – without leaving your home!  Our top-notch customer service is perfect for the busy bride, who might need some advice along the way.

 

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Planning Tips: Questions To Ask Wedding Vendors

Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Purse-Size Pink Wedding Planner $9.95

Get Married‘s article provides some valuable information when working with wedding vendors. Knowing what to ask can save you time, money and headaches down the road. So do your research first and learn the art of negotiation. Read these tips from Get Married and check out wedding planning books and organizers at Advantage Bridal.

Be prepared before booking an appointment with a vendor. Bring questions and a notepad (or an iPad). Get contact info for follow-up questions.

But what should you cover during the initial meeting? Here are the top five suggestions to ask vendors:

1. What Do You Offer? Despite how obvious this may seem, many vendors have affiliations or upgrades you may not find on their website. For example, your photographer may offer a free engagement shoot if you book a package with them, or your venue may offer a discount with a local cake vendor if you sign on the dotted line. Always make sure to ask about professional partnerships, free delivery, package deals and referral programs that may be available.

2. What Dates Are You Available? Though you may have your heart set on a specific date, try to be flexible if you want to save some money. If a Saturday slot is booked, consider a Friday affair for less money. Better yet, if the other bride wants tents for her ceremony at the same venue, you can probably secure the same tents for a reduced cost or even free, since it saves the venue time and money putting them up the night before.

3. How Soon Do You Need a Deposit? Today, tomorrow, in a week? If you’re planning a wedding during peak season, be prepared to pay up front. Vendors can handlle  a certain number of requests, so don’t be surprised to find they’re already booked if you wait too long. Also, ask about payment plan options if you need them. While not every vendor will be open to this proposition, some might welcome the opportunity to work with you (especially with referrals).

4. Are These Prices Set in Stone? There’s always room for negotiation – especially if you’re having a big wedding and spending a lot with one vendor. While you might not be able to cut costs in every situation, you could get some added perks.

5. Can We Have a List of References? Don’t just go by the vendor’s website – ask for references you can call. Was the vendor helpful during your planning process? Did they call you back in a timely manner when you had questions? Did their offerings match what you requested? Were there any secret upcharges or fees they didn’t make you aware of before you signed a contract? This information should be gathered before booking signing a contract or giving a deposit. And, if you run into a vendor who is unwilling to share references until you sign on the dotted line, find someone else.

Blue Bridal Organizer $17.95

 

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