FEATURED VENDOR UNIVERAL WEDDINGS

FEATURED WEDDING VENDOR

FOR MONTH OF APRIL

Services Description:

We perform wedding ceremonies in English, Spanish or both languages for those couple's who are not having their ceremony in a traditional church setting; by traveling to their ceremony destination of choice serving all Chicagoland.

We personalize a unity based ceremony which can include Hispanic traditions and symbolism’s. We are a flexible service. We leave all the important decision making to the couple.

We tailor your wedding ceremony to fit not only your personalities but your wedding budget as well by keeping our rates affordable.


Ceremony Advice from Universal Weddings:

There are so many little details to planning and executing a wedding ceremony. We encourage having a dress rehearsal at the ceremony location two to three days prior to the ceremony. At the dress rehearsal all the last minutes details of the ceremony can be address and practiced so the ceremony looks and feels organized. Be sure to bring all the necessary props to enhance the feeling of the actual ceremony like the bride’s veil, a mock flower bouquet, the unity candles, the flower girls baskets and the ring bearer’s pillow.

TO CONTACT UNIVERSAL WEDDINGS:

Lilian Dircio


847-912-5269

www.bilingualweddingceremonies.com

How To Make Your Day Memorable Without Going Into Debt

How To Make Your Day Memorable Without Going Into Debt

Looking back at our wedding 13 years ago I realize all the things we should have, could have, and didn't get to do. All in all what really matters the commitment, the love that is there, and the loved ones that were there to celebrate our special day. 

Here is what happened to us and happens to so many.  In the end I will show you how to cut back the costs and have your cake and eat it too!!

What we wanted to do was have a casual affair with a pig roast, cocktails, and flowers everywhere.  Maybe invite 30 of our closest friends and our family members.  Well that is where the issues all began.  If you have a big family or a lot of friends then you know what I mean.  Inviting aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, nieces, and nephews can end up being 80 people if you aren't careful, it is the same with your friends. 
Before you know it your guest list is out of control and you feel obligated to invite everyone. Your parents object to a kegger, or a cash bar so that adds to your overall budget, of course then you have to invite your parents friends because of course they went to all their children's weddings and they feel it is time for them to have some reciprocation.  It can lead to a major PITA factor. 

Here is my advice from experience not only from hearing fellow brides but from my own wedding woes.

Figure out where you want to have your wedding if it is outside always prepare for the weather. 


LOCATION:

If it is at a hall choose an off season month, and an earlier wedding affair.
Having your wedding in March versus May can save you 100's of dollars, of course having a Friday wedding is always cheaper but if weekends are a must than why not host a brunch or luncheon type affair.  Then you do not feel obligated to have an open bar, you can make it as simple as you want or as elaborate as you want and still have fun and not go broke doing so.

GUEST LIST:

Sit down with your Fiance' and decide how many people you truly can afford to come to your wedding if it is 100 than stick to 100!  If your family is large than only invite adults, and cut out neighbors, co-workers, aquaintences, and relatives you are not close with.  Send them an announcement if you wish but do not feel obligated to invite everyone and anyone to your wedding day.  Remember this is YOUR DAY!!

FLOWERS:

For some flowers make the day seem even more special, so don't skip out on the flowers but be selective. Order flowers that are in season and can be found locally if possible. Your local grocer often has a wonderful floral department and they do just as good of a job as a florist for a fraction of the price. Less is more should be your motto.

WEDDING DRESS:

Discount bridal stores are a great place to go but if you are not a traditionalist why wear a white wedding gown when you can easily get a beautiful dress, suit, or gown at a fraction of the price.  Think unique and classy when making this decision.  Some brides feel they have to pay 1,000's of dollars to look good for their wedding day when in fact most brides are uncomfortable, hot, and itchy.  Comfort = Sexy!

INVITATIONS:

This is the first impression for most on what to expect at your wedding a do it yourself kit can be less costly but first, who has the time, and second do you really want to send out self-made invites when you can just as easily order budget friendly professional invites. A little leg work and you can find in-expensive beautiful invitations that represent your day with style.  Don't skimp on  first impressions.

We had a wonderful wedding 13 years ago and really have no true regrets on how we put together our wedding reception or ceremony but working two jobs for two years to pay for it did put a crimp in our day to day plans it did prepare us for our future budgeting needs, but was it really all necessary? No.  What I remember the most is the food, the music, and seeing how handsome my husband looked on our wedding day.  The best part of it all truly was our Honeymoon!!

Wishing you all the luck and remember this is your day!

For Budget Friendly Invitations, Accessories and more contact
Love To Promote 815-603-2324 or visit our website and order online at http://www.lovetopromote.cceasy.com/ look for the Budget Invitations!

Before You Say I Do

There are some great books out there that can be very helpful for recently engaged couples.

One that I personally recommend is - THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES BY: GARY CHAPMAN

Dr. Chapman developed the five love languages and explained how different people express love in different ways. The five specific languages of love are: Quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

Once you learn your mate's love language and how to communicate that language, you and your mate will feel a much deeper connection, said Dr. Chapman

This is a great read!!!

WEDDING SHOWER GAMES

Bridal Shower and Games go hand in hand.  Girls just love to have a good time!  There are several games out there that you can purchase however the ones that are free are just as fun!

Here are a few ideas for your upcoming Bridal Shower some are even great for a Co-Ed event!


FOR SALE

Everyone is given a piece of paper that has For Sale _________ at the top of it. Then ask each guest to think of something they own that they would like to sell. No husbands please!







Examples: A toaster, a table, microwave oven, old clothes, etc. Once they have come up with an item to sell they must write a classified advertisement for whatever they are selling.






For Sale Washing Machine


For sale used washer machine for washing clothes, machine has various setting from hot to cold and works really hard to get clothes clean.






Now once they are done tell them to replace the mention of the item in the ad and replace it with the groom’s name and read their advertisement out loud.






So the ad would read:


For Sale John Smith


For sale used John Smith for washing clothes, John has various setting from hot to cold and works really hard to get clothes clean.


If it is a couples shower, the men's would write the bride-to-be's name in the blank and women would write the groom-to-be's name in the blank.


 
 
Cotton Ball



Bridal Shower Game



To play this shower game you will need two large bowls, one of which should be filled with white cotton balls plus a large kitchen spoon and a cloth to use as a blindfold.



Each guest in turn competes in this game. Blindfold the guest and give one minute to transfer as many cotton balls from one bowl to the other just using the kitchen spoon.



Make a note of how many of the cotton balls each guest can transfer in exactly one minute. The guest who transfers the most cotton balls is the winner.



Due to the fact that the spoon is quite heavy and the cotton balls are quite light it is very difficult for the guests to tell whilst blindfolded whether they have anything in the spoon, consequently they will spend most of their time transferring an empty spoon.



This is a very amusing game for the other shower guests to watch.



The Purse



Bridal Shower Game






Before the shower the hostess draws up a long list of items which you would expect to find in a woman's purse and allocates each item with a number of points from one to twenty, depending on how unusual the item would be, ranging say for one point for a comb to three points for a mirror and five points for nail clippers. Other items could be a driver's license, lipstick, key ring with more than five keys on, a key ring with more than ten keys on, more than five credit cards, more than ten credit cards etc.






Each guest in turn shows the hostess the items which she wants credited to her points tally and the guest with the highest amount of points wins the game. If there are any items which are not on the list, or anything particularly unusual the bride and hostess could act as the judges to award a special points award.






A variation on this game could be to see who has the most items in their purse, or who has the heaviest purse.




Have fun! 

If you are in need of shower invitations, favors, accessories, etc.. visit our website or call us at 815-603-2324.  We would love to help you plan your special day! 

Eco-Friendly Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  As you start to plan your wedding the first of many things that you need to decide is:  What is your theme?  How much can I afford? What am I willing to cut back on?

Once you answer these three questions you can easily move forward with the representation of your wedding day, your invitations, or Save the Date cards! 

If Going Green is your goal for 2010 or 2011, than take a look at these beautiful invitations.  No longer does eco-friendly = dull and drab there are some exciting picks out there now at affordable prices.

This invitation features a botanical design printed in Soy-based inks and produced on cream colored recycled paper.

Mention Item #S 528 From our BirchCraft Line

To view more go to Invitation Website Link

Our vendor Carlson Craft has a wonderful line also called Naturally Ever After here is one of their stunning eco-friendly invitations:

Simply Mocha

An ecru pocket is created for your mocha invitation card when you tie ribbon around this ensemble. Format and design are available only as shown.

5 1/8" x 7 1/4"

These invitations are crafted on quality, recycled papers containing at least 30% post-consumer fibers.

Mention Item # WAN12387-718

From our Carlson Craft line to view more invitations from this vendor

please go to: Our Carlson Craft Website

For more information on any of Love To Promote's Products visit us at: Love To Promote Main Website
Or call us at 815-603-2324 

We look forward to servicing all of your wedding needs.

CHECK LIST FOR WEDDING

Nine to Twelve Months Before:
● Pick out engagement ring with fiancé.
● Determine who will officiate at the ceremony.
● Select a wedding date and time.
● Announce your engagement in the newspaper
   and with engagement announcements by Carlson Craft.
● Determine how many guests may attend.
● Determine the type of wedding you want (size, formality, style, color scheme).



Six to Nine Months Before:
● Start compiling the guest list (inform your families to do the same).
● Select the attendants for your wedding party.
● Shop for wedding dress, headpiece, veil, etc.
● Start planning for honeymoon.
● Register with a gift bridal registry in your favorite store(s).
● Send Carlson Craft Save The Dates.

Four to Six Months Before:
● Make appointment for a physical exam with your doctor/dentist.
● Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state.
● Shop for wedding rings.
● Select and order Carlson Craft invitations and stationery.
● Decide where to live after the wedding.
● Complete the guest lists.
● Begin shopping for trousseau.
● Send your engagement announcement to the newspaper.
● Inform mothers to select their dresses.
● Select and order the men’s attire.
● Finalize honeymoon details and make the necessary reservations.

Two to Four Months Before:
● Confirm the menu and catering details with the caterer.
● Prepare all maps and directions for the ceremony and reception.
● Select your wedding rings.
● Buy a wedding guest book, available through Carlson Craft.
● Set the dates and times with the officiate for the rehearsal.
● Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon and any other parties.
● See your Carlson Craft Retailer for designing and printing the program for the ceremony.
● Finalize the florist details, photographer, videographer, musicians, etc.
● Arrange the necessary accommodations for out-of-town guests.
● Plan a rehearsal dinner, time and place.
● Confirm the wedding cake details with the baker.

Six to Eight Weeks Before:
● Mail invitations and announcements.
● Prepare a portrait for the newspaper. Check your local newspaper for
   details and timing.
● Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
● Select gifts for all your attendants. Shop Quite Personally! by Carlson Craft.
● Set appointments with any hair dressers and/or make-up artists.
● Hire the limousine or other forms of transportation for the wedding.

Four to Six Weeks Before:
● Decide what your menu is going to be for the reception. Estimate the
   expected number of guests.
● Buy a gift for the groom.
● Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for your formal
   bridal portrait.
● Purchase a going away outfit.
● Pick up your wedding rings.
● Purchase wedding accessories from Carlson Craft such as the ring pillow,
   goblets, garter belt, candles, etc.
● Confirm florist details and delivery times.
● Plan the seating for the reception as well as other details for the ceremony
   and reception.
● Start writing placement cards.
● Make sure all bridesmaids’ attire has been fitted.
● Buy a gift for the bride.

Two Weeks Before:
● Make arrangements to have your wedding gifts moved to your new home.
● Handle business and legal details such as name changes, address changes, etc.
● Prepare the wedding announcement for the newspaper.
● Reconfirm your guests’ accommodations.
● Make sure all clothing and accessories for you and the bridal party are ready.
● Get your marriage license and any blood tests which are needed.

One Week Before:
● Review any seating details with the ushers.
● Make sure all wedding attire fits.
● Finalize the seating arrangements.
● Reconfirm your honeymoon reservations. Ensure you have any necessary
   plane tickets.
● Start packing for your honeymoon.
● Call any guests who have not responded yet.
● Finish all the place cards for the reception.
● Review all the final details with your photographer, videographer, etc.
● Give a final head count to the caterer.
● Confirm the availability of the musicians and vocalists.
● Delegate responsibilities to reliable individuals on your wedding day.
● Wrap and present the wedding party gifts.
● Finalize your rehearsal dinner arrangements and other plans.

One Day Before:
● Get a manicure or massage to relax yourself.
● Stay with your family the night before and go to sleep early.
● Review and rehearse all the details of your participants.

The Big Day:
● Make sure the best man and maid of honor sign the wedding certificate.
● Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed.
● Enjoy your wonderful wedding and cherish each and every moment.
● Be sure to eat properly.
● Rest and relax with a good bath.
● Prepare for your hairdresser and make-up appointments.

After the Wedding:
● Send thank you notes from Carlson Craft, as soon as possible, after the wedding.
● Have bridal gown cleaned and preserved.
● Change your name on ID and important documents.
● Complete change of address cards.

WEDDING TRENDS

The flutter of spring brings refreshing excitement to the air. What a great time for a wedding!

One of the bonuses of a spring wedding is the increased availability of event locations and vendors; however, with spring comes prom, so hire the limo and rent the tuxes early!



With unpredictable weather this time of year, select a dress that is adaptable to the conditions. Satin shoes should be avoided due to the elevated possibility of rain showers. As gifts, supply your wedding party with matching umbrellas. They may come in handy on your special day, and they can always again.



The defining elements of spring include flowers. Use them abundantly when decorating! Tulips, daffodils and crocuses are well-known symbols of spring. Branches of cherry blossoms are also a fabulous choice! For a unique and entertaining decoration, consider a may pole. Have guests release butterflies or throw rose petals thrown instead of rice, for a special touch.




A carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a great spring choice for your wedding cake. Not a fan? Consider decorating your cake with fruits that are in season now (e.g., blueberries, strawberries). Incorporate the variety of in-season berries and melons into your menu as well.

To complement your spring wedding, fresh, young vegetables (e.g., sugar snap peas, baby asparagus, and baby carrots) could be used in your menu, too. With this variety at hand, the sky is the limit when it comes to menu creativity.


Build on the exciting energy of spring!