5 Wedding Website Pages Your Guests Will Gush Over

 

 

Once upon a Vow works with you to transform your LOVE + STORIES into unforgettable wedding vows, speeches, ceremonies, and every written word in between personalized to feel every bit like you.

 

 

You said ‘YES’ to your happily ever after and now you can’t wait to say ‘I Do’! Wishing everyone could feel your love and excitement, you brilliantly decide to build your own wedding website. But where do you start and what do you say?

 

First, pick the right wedding website platform for you. With so many WEDsite options to choose from, it’s important to figure out which one matches your needs and style. Maybe you want a free, no-frills platform that shares your wedding details and your love story. Or maybe you want more of an interactive website that helps you manage RSVPs, gift registries, and wedding photos taken by your guests. You might want a wedding website that comes with a personalized URL or one that links to your own purchased domain. There are even options, like MyWedding.com, that matches your favorite wedding website design to your wedding invitations so you can kill two birds with one stone.

Once you’ve figured out which wedding website platform works best for you, give your guests a sneak peek into your big day with these five must-have WEDsite pages.

 

1. Wedding Homepage

This will be the first page your guests will see and their first look into your wedding day so you want their experience to reflect your wedding story style. Make everything simple, uncluttered, and clear. The menu should be easy to navigate so guests can find your registry, guest book, and every page in between. Add a beautiful picture of you two with your names and wedding date front and center. Welcome your guests to your story and thank them for celebrating your upcoming wedding with you. If you’d like to add an extra touch of excitement, include a countdown clock so you can tick off the days together.
 

2. Your Love Story

Share all those serendipitous moments that brought you two together, especially the details of how you first met, your first date, your favorite things to do together, and all the reasons you’re both imperfectly perfect for each other. Add a scrolling gallery of your favorite moments and take your guests through your sweet timeline.

3. Your Proposal Story

Everyone wants to know how they asked so give them those details here. You can walk them through both your perspectives on the whole experience, like their planning process versus your emotional reaction. This is the perfect place to share your favorite engagement photos or video, if you have one. Let your personalities and quirky love shine through in both your love story and proposal story pages. It will undoubtedly make your guests excited to witness your I Do’s!

4. Wedding Day Details

Your wedding website will be your guests go to resource for all your wedding day details, especially if you’re having a destination wedding or invited many of out-of-town guests. Clearly paint a picture of what the big day will look like - when is the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Where will each be held? It’s important to be as specific as possible to avoid confusion, especially if there are multiple locations. Add a picture of the venue and a Google map widget so guests can be prepared and plan ahead.

5. Wedding Party

This is a great opportunity to highlight the important people in your lives, especially the members of your wedding party. Include a picture of them and a short introduction with their wedding party role (i.e. Best Man, Maid of Honor, Mother of the Bride(s)/Groom(s), etc.). Personalize each one, describing what makes them an important part of your life or tell a story about your friendship. On a more somber note, if you’d like to remember someone who is no longer here with you, include a Remembrance section dedicated to your lost loved ones. In this way, you’re acknowledging their importance in your life and giving others an opportunity to fondly remember them with you.

These five must-have pages intimately walk your guests through your journey that they wouldn’t otherwise experience until your ceremony. But with a well crafted wedding website, they can share in your excitement, bask in your joy, and feel lucky to witness this incredible moment in both your lives.

Guest Blogger/Written by: Daniela VillaRamos


Have a Sweet Day,
Clarissa

Save.The.Dates 101: Tips & Advice

Photo Credit

Being engaged is a exciting time! As you get closer to saying I DO, you want to create a buzz of excitement. What better way to do that is by sending out Save.The.Dates. I was inspired to write this blog post by one of my 2016 Brides, she's getting married next Summer (so exciting). Let's chit chat today all about how to properly create and send them out to all your
guests.

Photo Credit

 

What is a Save.The.Date?
 

 

A Save.The.Date can be designed in many forms and ways. But it's basically a elegant way to announce to your guests that you are getting married. This speaks volumes for your special day that's coming up, and sets the tone! Furthermore, letting them know to make plans to attend your wedding. This is exactly what you send out BEFORE the formal wedding invitations.

Photo Credit

 

Hire a Professional Paper Designer!

Please! Hire a professional that specializes in paper. The same person that is going to design your BEAUTIFUL wedding invitations; should be the EXACT same person that designs the SAVE.THE.DATES. You want everything to be cohesive, this is your wedding after all. Your wedding is one of the most amazing events (biggest events) you will plan in your lifetime. We talk about this on the Bridal Style Blog Wedding Talk Show. When you hire a professional you will get quality paper. You want a nice polished, and professional look. What you don't want is cheap paper (even the actual weight of the paper is IMPORTANT), that washes out the over look and feel of the Save.The.Date. When you have the menu cards, invitations, save.the.dates, place cards, ect you want everything to look amazing (and match).

 

Photo Credit

 

When do you send Save.The.Dates out? 

Rule: Ship out 6 months PRIOR to your wedding date.

Once you have hired a professional paper designer (aka person the specializes on making invitations, and all other wedding stationary). Also, before hand you want to allow time to have the Save.The.Dates created, which I recommend to start that process 8-12 wks (if possible) before you ship. This allows time to gather mailing addresses directly from your guest list as well. Furthermore, time to have the envelopes   "addressed" postage stamps, ect.   You are ready to ship to all of your guests. Starting ahead of time makes this process so much smoother. Also, for a special added touch you can hire a calligrapher to address your envelopes for you (makes the Save.The.Date more elegant. 

 

How should I choose my overall style? 

The style or theme should be a true reflection of you as a couple. Starting from your wedding website, to the save.the.dates, and wedding invitations. This is the gateway into your wedding day. As mentioned, earlier in the post, this sets the overall tone. Perhaps, if you are having a shabby chic, or boho style, perhaps vintage rustic, or glam wedding; the Save.The. Date should reflect just that. Also, the time of year, season of which the wedding is taking place. You want to capture the true essence of that into that Save.The.Date. Not only is this exciting for the guests, but let's them know what to expect. 

Written By: Clarissa 

 

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa 

Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

      Photo Source: Pinterest 

Bridesmaids play a very important in your overall wedding experience. From the moment you choose them, to the dress shopping, and discussing wedding details. Countless hours spent on discussing nail color, hair, shoes, and more. Your girls are by your side through all the pre-wedding celebrations, and leading up to the wedding date ( Bridal Showers, Luncheons, and Rehearsal Dinners).  Don't forget to choose them a very special gift, and something from the heart is always best!

Here a few items that you can give members of the bridal party on your special day!

 

 

 

  Photo Source: 

       www.weddingwindow.com

This necklace which includes a adorable little locket is so sweet! You write a message, or favorite quote on the paper. You fold it up completely and place it in the locket. The paper will pop out upon opening. Very heart warming gift for a member of your Bridal Party. 

               Photo Source:

 jamiebeargphotography.com

Beautiful packaging always makes receiving a gift extra special. Be creative, add bright colors that pop, and custom design each decoration especially for each member of your bridal party.

        Photo Source:

 oncewed.com

Personalized wedding hangers for your bridal party dresses are a nice touch. Taking the time to have each of their names embellished on the hanger; really is a wonderful idea!  Makes for a great photo as well, to perhaps hang all the dresses up together! 

The inspiration of the post came from a Bride.to.Be getting  married this Summer. 2014! 

Have a Sweet Day ❤

Clarissa 

Wedding Feature: Love Story of " Mr. Brandon & Shontae Hinnant"

               "Summer Time Fine"

Mr. Brandon & Mrs. Shontae Hinnant 

of Georgia; had a fun wedding theme, lots of love, and heartfelt emotions. The Bride bright and fresh aqua blue and coral colors were infused throughout her wedding! 

 Brandon & Shontae's destination wedding took place in "Wilson Rose Garden" located in North Carolina.  The beautiful blushing bride Shontae and her groom Brandon said, "I DO"  surrounded by close friends and family. 

The Engagement

Shontae & Brandon marriage proposal took place on a cool winter day last year; February 2, 2013.  A day celebrating their daughter's birthday; turned into a beautiful proposal! 

The Marriage Proposal

The couple were attending their youngest daughter's second birthday party. It was a fun and eventful day for the two of them! During the party Shontae & Brandon were kidding around doing "old school" poses; in the mist of all the excitement he asked for her hand in marriage!

Pre - Wedding Celebration 

During the engagement the bride held a pre-wedding celebration with 2 close family members.  Shontae had a very intimate bridal Luncheon with my cousin Nyesha Alston and mother Cathy Lucas. They talked, laughed and cried together, enjoyed some delicious food, and and delightful strawberry cake! 

Wedding Theme & Inspiration 

This beautiful couple had a fun and playful summer theme, called "Summer Time Fine"!  The couple chose cool and crisp wedding colors aqua blue, and coral.  

The inspiration for the couple's wedding day developed from their "Summer Time  Fine" theme. The bright and sunny long summer days. 

Something also magical happened about one hour before the wedding ceremony.  It rained briefly, around noon, and then the sun came shining brighter than ever!

Special Moments from the Bride

Bride (Shontae) says, 

"The morning of our wedding day the most special and magical moment for me  wasn't putting on my dress or looking at myself all dressed up; it was hours before that took place. My God father Dia Daniels, pulled up that morning to see me on my big day; only days after being out of the hospital from a complex high risk surgery of the lungs . I was so happy and sad all at the same time. Because it hurt to see him in pain, but the smile on his face made it worth it."

Special Wedding Highlights 

The highlight of Shontae's day was seeing Brandon, grandmother, and Wedding Officiant all standing waiting for her as she made her grand entrance! 

-

Coming soon is part II here more about this beautiful couple, and get great advice from the blushing bride Shontae! She will give tips, inspirations, and more to engaged brides!

Have a Sweet Day! 

Clarissa 

3 Tips on How to include the dog in your wedding.

More couples are including their furry friend on the wedding day.  Dogs are very popular among weddings, this is a growing trend in the wedding industry.  I have 3 tips on how to include your pooch as you say "I DO"!

Photo Source

                 

Confirm Dogs are allowed at the Venue

As soon as you decide to include your dog in your wedding day; contact the venue.  Confirm this at the beginning of your wedding planning. Ask specific questions (Any breeds that are not allowed, any documents  that are required to show on the "Day of") you never want to be un-prepared.  An idea if your furry friend is not allowed include them in your engagement photography. You can implement their photos in the reception! Always, check with the photographer as well to make sure dogs are allowed in the photo shoot.

Hire a Pet Sitter

Hire a professional Pet Sitter someone your doggy is comfortable with, and knows your dog well.

The dog's sitter can assist with getting your dog ready for the ceremony. Feeding, walking, and dressing the dog in that cute little outfit, fancy collar, mini tux/dress, or bow tie!   Also, you want to relax and enjoy your wedding day, and not worry about your favorite furry friend. Another great element about hiring a sitter is him/her can bring your canine to and from the ceremony; and watch the dog during the reception!

Tell your Guests

You want to let your guests know that your pooch will be present at the wedding.  You can include this in your wedding invitation by adding in a insert, or include this on your wedding website.  This prepares your guests, so they know your four-legged buddy will be there.

Do you have any ideas that you would like to include on how to include a pet on the wedding day? Please leave a comment below! Thanks!

Have a Sweet Day,

Clarissa

Happy New Year! 2014

Happy New Year from "The Sweetest Thing Events" ! 

Have a Sweet Day ❤

Clarissa

The Organized Bride

Blushing brides are always busy with planning their big day! Everything from attending gown fittings, to make-up trials, practicing their first dance, going over wedding vows, working out ( Staying fit for the Wedding), shoe shopping, shopping with their bridesmaids, to meeting future in-laws and more ( you get the picture)!

With all the wedding planning, vendor meetings, cake tastings, chef tasting, beverage/signature drink tasting, bridal shows, bridal workshops, engagement celebrations to plan, engagement photo shoot, invitations to order, receipts, invoices, order forms, and more it's ALOT to organize; and as a Beautiful Bride.to.Be it's quite a task to keep up with everything!

I know from week to week, month to month there will be paper, business cards, samples and more to keep up with!   As a planner I truly understand, and I wanted to show you a solution to your problem! a perfect way to organize your wedding planning, and even your home!

Introducing a Christian Based Company called "Thrifty One Gifts" ( The inspiration behind name came from Proverbs 31).  This  Company offers everything you need to keep everything in your life organized. 

Thirty One  has beautiful bags! Everything from tote bags, wrist-lets, handbags, large and small bags, aprons, organizing baskets, containers, and even stationary. Please, stop by my vendor "Naomi Irion, Consultant of Thirty One and visit Click Here thank you! You will be supporting a Christian based company ( which is a really GREAT cause). These make great Bridal, Bridesmaids, and even Groom's Gifts!

Honeymoon Tip: This makes the perfect gift for you and your new spouse especially on your honeymoon. Imagine arriving to your destination carrying a bag in your wedding colors with your monogram on it!

 Please, provide feedback and tell me what Items, tools, or systems are put into place to keep you organized. I would love to here from you 

DIY Brides: You can benefit from hiring a wedding planner!

            ( Do-it-Yourself- Bride)

DIY Bride can mean many things in the wedding world. It's such a broad term, I don't want to put all DIY brides or DIY weddings in one "box".  Some DIY Weddings have professional wedding planners evolved, some don't. Every -DIY Wedding and or Bride is different. 

Example:

DIY bride may opt to only hand make her hair Embellishments. Should weddings be 100% DIY? In my opinion I say NO, a professional wedding planner should always be hired. 

     (Source: www.borrowedandbleu.com) 

However, this post is focussing on the DIY Bride that is planning her entire wedding, and making a lot of her decor by hand, and is relying on friends and family to assist her in executing the wedding. This DIY Bride is not hiring Professional vendors, and will take on this HUGE task of planning the entire wedding. 

How can a Bride enjoy the actual wedding day when she has to worry about the set-up and break down, last minute mis-haps, and a wedding day is 12-15 hours long on average ( very long detailed day!).

Some brides opt to be a DIY Bride and create, hand make all the elements needed for their wedding (That is totally fine).  These Brides are crafty, and can master tutorials, and create their own inspiration boards. 

       (Source: www.bridalmusings.com) 

Weddings involve so many fine details, that a DIY Bride will still need to HIGHLY consider hiring a wedding planner. 

Below are few reasons why you NEED a wedding planner:

*Day of " Services 

You plan your wedding from the moment you are engaged, leading up to the wedding day. However, who will professionally execute on the "Day of"? A Professional Wedding Planner!  The planner along with her staff will pull all the elements together, confirm with all your vendors, and apply his/her expertise, skills, training, experience, so you can focus on being a beautiful blushing bride! 

"Pre-Wedding Activities"

A wedding planner can plan your "Engagement" Celebration. Relax, and allow a professional planner to pull all the details together, and hire professional vendors so your celebration can go off without a hitch!  What about your planner putting together a swanky Bridal Shower! Perhaps, planning a beautiful Bridal Luncheon, or a amazing Rehearsal dinner? 

"Wedding Insurance"

You may not think about wedding insurance. However, as a Bride you want to protect yourself, and have coverage. Also, some venues may even require you to have wedding insurance. A professional wedding planner can educate you on insurance, and recommend what policies work best for you. 

"Current Trends & Ideas"

I know you can use the internet to check out the new trends, and what's popular.  However,  Professional wedding planners are learning about new trends on a daily basis, attending conferences, workshops, webinars, seminars, social media organizations, joining professional organizations, and some planners are developing and creating their own new trends! 

"DIY Workshops"

I know what you are thinking! Why would I need a wedding planner to teach me DIY projects? Yes, you NEED professional guidance!  Some planners offer a DIY Workshop. It's a day of DIY Brides and Professional vendors. These workshops will teach brides hands-on skills of how to properly make anything from bridal bouquets, to fancy centerpieces, and more! Vendors will provide professional advice, and tips on wedding planning. Plus DIY workshops are a lot of fun! Tastings, swag bags, networking, and most important professional guidance! 

"Preferred Vendors List"

Don't cut corners, and hire your uncle that's good with a camera to shoot your wedding photography!.... Or hire your girlfriend that is good at cooking to cater or the next door neighbor that is learning to design invitations (PLEASE DO NOT) ...Please, hire professional vendors, that are educated, experienced, and trained (Do not just Goggle someone and pick them)! Hire a professional vendor and inquire about his/her Preferred Vendor's List. A planner has developed professional relationships, and this list has the best the industry has to offer, and experience, education, and skills. 

I can name more reasons that a DIY bride can truly benefit from hiring a wedding planner ( Honeymoon planning, Out-of-Town guest services, Wedding/Honeymoon Registry, Budget Planning, .... Production Day Schedule, and more).

Please leave in the comment section below how you feel about DIY weddings and or DIY Brides? I would LOVE to hear from you!

Thank you,

Have a Sweet Day ❤ 

Clarissa

I have so much fun with my clients!

I love to work one-on-one with my clients. Everything from attending the vendors meetings together, bridal gown fittings, tastings, and also attending Bridal Shows together!

At the beginning of the year I booked a beautiful blushing bride, Shandria Duffy. She was a June 2013 Bride!  We dove straight into the planning.  Our first stop,  we planned a fun activity for the month of
January!

                                        As you can see by the pictures below we were having a ball!

We decided to attend the 2013 "Black Bride Bridal Showcase" together, we had so much fun! In the pictures you will see Shandria ( in the black and white shirt) and to the left of her is the Matron-of-honor Kammie and to the right the Maiden of Honor Ebony. I'm the one making silly faces right below the blushing bride! The show was full of awesome vendors, tastings, samples, fashion show and more! We had a blast when we decided to stop and take pictures at this photo booth! 

Lastly, I think it's so important to have a beautiful relationship with your clients, and be able to have fun throughout the planning process.

More information on Black Bride Bride: www.blackbride.com

Thanks for reading,

Clarissa

Have a ❤ Sweet Day!

Chocolate, Ivory, & Pink Wedding Inspirations

Green Wedding Shoes

These green shoes are so pretty ...I have a blushing bride that has a GREEN and CREAM theme and I thought these shoes would fit perfect for her special day! Congrats again Christy!

"Have a Sweet Day"

Green & Cream Wedding Inspirations

These are beautiful Green and Cream Wedding Inspirations for the beautiful up coming Bride Christy! This is for you! Hope you enjoy!*

Chocolate, Ivory, & Pink Wedding Inspirations

Sources:
www.weddingpaperdivas/com

http://www.prettychicky.com/
http://www.chelseanicoleblog.com/
www.herecomestheblog.com

http://www.thingsfestive.blogspot.com/

http://www.bridesofnorthtexas.com/

"Roshunda" I hope you like these pictures! I had you in mind along with your wedding theme!* Let me know if you want MORE ideas!! I will be posting more inspirations SOON*!

Enjoy~

Have a Sweet Day*

Non Traditional Wedding Shoes & Accessories

Source:

http://mymodernvintagewedding.blogspot.com/

Top row left to right: 80s vintage shiny silver and gold pouch clutch purse from decades; Vintage SELBY flats with GOLD detail from allencompanyinc; 60s vintage mod silver clutch purse from decades.

Second row left to right: Whiting and Davis silver mesh circle disco purse from ikonic; XL frame pouch with pearl dots, velvet and ruffles from oktak; Vintage gold floral evening bag from FromRagsToBags.

Third row left to right: Jasmine envelope clutch Grecian print from BlueOrchidBags; Vintage 70s gold peep toe t-strap party heels from sweetwatervintage; Heirloom lace butterfly purse from angelsandoutlaws.

Bottom row left to right: Vintage 60s white patent leather and crochet t-strap heels from BlackRavenVintage; Miranda Venetian white clutch from leighannkline; Vintage 50s metallic brocade babydoll shoes from moonbeamsandmemories.

Top row left to right: Vintage 80s fuchsia french leather heels from OurLadyoftheUnderpas; Yellow and white pouch from oktak; Vintage purple snakeskin heels from vintageair.

Second row left to right: Pleated clutch in peacock from bespokeboutique; 40s/50s Victorian velvet stilettos from ultraretro; Mini frame pouch with Japanese mums on blue from oktak.

Third row left to right: Vintage lemon yellow leather from vintagethisretrothat; Medium frame pouch with green wallpaper and lavender velvet ribbon from oktak; Va Voom yellow raffia retro heels from RetroCycle.

Bottom row left to right: Pleated crème and green flower print clutch from bespokeboutique; Cherry red leather pumps from beatvintage; Gifted clutch bag from abibansaldesign.

Source:

http://www.etsy.com/

Additional Resources:

ShopAMano.com

ShopTulip.blogspot.com

PoshOnMain.comIsadoras.com

LulyYang.com

Junebug Weddings

What Junebug Loves blog

Junebug Fashion Report

Junebug Real Weddings

Junebug Groombug section

Saying "I do" with color is not only cute but fun! Add splashes of color to your special day!! I decided to continue to add more non traditional wedding day inspirations to all those brides out there or anyone thinking of renewing their vows.

Enjoy have a sweet day!