Emergency Kit Extras

I often have brides ask what they need to have on hand on their big day, you know, "just in case". Emergency kits are a great idea (especially if you don't have a wedding planner who should have just about anything you need in a pinch), but here are a few things to add to your bag of bobbie pins, safety pins, lip gloss, and breath mints.

• Deodorant--nerves will make you sweat, and it's increased if you have a heavy dress


• Straws--keep hydrated without messing up your perfectly painted lips


• Bug Wipes--if any part of your wedding is outdoors, these are great to have on hand


• Needle and Thread--safety pins are great, but sometimes you need more than that, so it's a good idea to have thread to match the wedding party's attire


• Snacks and Water--toss a few granola or power bars in your bag in case someone's blood sugar drops, and always have a few bottles of water on hand


• Oil Blotters--a great alternative to powder to remove excess facial oil so your photos look perfect all day long


• Blister Bandages--these are amazing and a must have for shoes you're not used to


• Vendor Contact List--so important to have in a pinch, especially if you don't have a wedding planner (and PLEASE consider hiring a day-of planner, if nothing else, so you don't have to worry about your vendors on your BIG day)

I hope this helps, and best wishes to all the happy "nearlyweds" out there from Melissa and Charleston Celebrations!

A Wonderful Wedding Bridal Show--Thursday, July 9th

**DON'T MISS IT**

Check out Charleston Celebrations and many other great Charleston vendors at the A Wonderful Wedding Bridal Show, Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 6pm-10pm at the Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mount Pleasant. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door.

Book Charleston Celebrations as your wedding coordinator at the event and draw to win discounts of up to 25% off ANY package!

See you there! Happy Planning!!


-Your friends at Charleston Celebrations

Money-Saving Tips: Reception Decor

Let's face it: we're in a recession. But does that mean having to have less than fabulous reception decor? No way! For most of my brides, their wedding budget is tighter these days, but here are some money-saving tips for reception decor:

1) Use those bouquets! May brides place their bouquets on the cake table, but it's a great idea to let your maids' bouquets play double duty. Have your florist place vases on the tables, and have your bridesmaids (or planner) place the bouquets in the pre-set vases after the ceremony. This also works for ceremony arrangements! And this is a great trick to add-in touches of flowers to gift, guest book, or favor tables...instead of corsages, have your florist make small nosegays for your mothers and grandmothers. You can use them again at the reception by putting two together in a vase, and you won't have to worry about corsage pins ruining those dresses!

2) Rent vases! Ask your florist if you can RENT your centerpiece and arrangement vases/ containers instead of paying for them. Many florists factor in the vases in your floral quotes, so ask if you can rent them instead! You might have to pay a fee for the florist to pick them up at the end of the reception, but chances are that the difference is worth it!

3) Candles everywhere! Candles add such ambiance to a reception, and in this case, more is more!. They are often less-expensive than flowers, and you can usually rent them from your florist or planner. For a fantastic combo, use frosted votive holders with LED tea lights. Since the tea lights are smaller than votive-sized candles, all you'll see is the beautiful glow. This is a great option if your reception is outdoors or in a historic building that bans real candles.

4) Mirror, mirror, on the...tables! Another trick to making centerpieces look fuller is to use a mirror underneath your centerpiece and surround it with candles. You'll be amazed at the difference a mirror will make. Before you buy, check with your florist or planner to see if they have mirrors available to rent.

5) Ask your planner! Planners are a fantastic source of ideas and money-saving tips! Just ask...they're there to help!

Best Wishes for your special Celebration from Melissa and Charleston Celebrations!

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