Kindness Trend

More and more couples right now are incorporating a charitable element into their big day – and it’s not just celebrities who are doing this. A wave of couples everywhere are making the choice to do something generous for a good cause as part of their wedding celebration.

Weddings have always had a self-indulgent element to them, and so it’s exciting to see couples generously opening their hearts to others on their wedding day. What a wonderful way to celebrate the love they share – by sprinkling some of that love out to others by doing good.

Kindness is contagious.

With any trend, the more people see of it, the more likely they are to adopt it. But a lot of people really feel inspired by the good deeds of others. It makes them want to do something good too. When you think about it, it’s a really beautiful way for a couple to start their new life together. You've got to admit, it’s got a good vibe to it.

We predict that the kindness trend will continue to pick up momentum over the next 12 months, but unlike other trends that fade completely after reaching their peak, the concept behind this one has some staying power. Trends, by their very nature, are flaky. One day everyone’s doing a particular thing, and before long it’s never seen again. But fortunately kindness never completely goes out of style. Chances are this current trend will show people how easily charitable elements can be incorporated into weddings, and those ideas will continue to be seen at weddings long after this is no longer the ‘it’ thing of the moment.

Once people try it they find that doing something kind for others actually feels amazingly good. And that makes them want to do more of it.

On a more personal note, frankly, I wish this trend had started back when I got married in ’92. I personally have a lot of concern for the well being of animals. Looking back, making a donation in each of my guest’s names to a no-kill shelter would have been more meaningful than all those pretty little wedding favors we gave away. Sure, the favors were gorgeous, but doing something to make a difference would have been an unbeatable feeling. Unfortunately, no one thought of doing this fifteen years ago.

So why this trend at this time? Here's our theory. In recent times, we’ve witnessed a lot of really harsh realities. September 11. America at war. The Tsunami. Then Katrina. As they spend all that money on a big one-day celebration for themselves, and revel in their own happiness, a lot of caring, socially conscious couples are trying to reconcile that with the suffering many others are experiencing in these times. There may be a little pang of guilt, or simply a genuine desire to share their blessings with others who are nowhere near as fortunate.

Today more and more couples use the details of their weddings to paint an intimate self-portrait of themselves. Through the many wedding-related selections they need to make - the decor, the food, the flower, the favors - they strive to make a statement about who they are so that their wedding day becomes a meaningful reflection of themselves. Certainly, making kindess a part of their weddings or including a philantrhopic element says something very special about a couple.

More and more couples everywhere are taking the opportunity to show kindness to others when they exchange their vows. You can do this too, and we highly encourage it! Make a charitable donation in the name of each of your guests in place of traditional wedding favors. Or ask guests to make a donation to the charity of your choice, or theirs, in place of wedding gifts. Sooner or later, kindness is always returned to you, ten fold. We promise!

Here are some ideas on how you can make kindness a part of your wedding:

* In place of traditional wedding favors, make a donation to a worthwhile cause in each guest’s name. At the reception, present each guest with a small nicely printed card explaining that this has been done.

* Suggest that instead of wedding gifts, guests make a contribution to either a charity of your choosing, or a cause that is important to them. Pop star Christina Aguilera did this when she wed last December and requested that guests make donations to Hurricane Katrina victims rather than giving wedding presents. Even comic strip characters are taking a shine to this trend; the popular comic strip character Cathy also did this last year when she asked her guests (and readers of the strip) to make a donation to a particular California shelter for homeless animals!

* Some gift registry services will donate a percentage of all gifts purchased through their service to the charity of your choice – look for one that offers this.

* Make arrangements to donate food left over from the reception to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

* Donate flower arrangements to local hospices or nursing homes following the wedding.

* After the wedding, donate your used wedding supplies and accessories –or even your wedding dress - to Goodwill (Goodwill Industries International) or another charitable organization that collects used goods.

Quote of the Day!

"Of all actions of a man's life, his marriage does least concern other people,
yet of all actions of our life 'Tis most meddled with by other people."

John Selden
1584-1654, British Jurist, Statesman

Wedding Quote for the Day!

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance; a church filled with flowers and friends. I asked him what kind of wedding he wished for; he said one that would make me his wife."

Source Unknown

A fun Wedding Favor idea!

A Candy Bar

For an extra sweet favor, treat your guests to a slew of different kinds of colorful candies on their way out.

To make your own candy bar, simply choose candies in your theme. Look online for special colored candies. Then place them in large vases and hurricanes of different shapes and sizes.

Remember to go all out with the candy -- you don't want to have a wimpy-looking candy bar!

Lynnwood Wedding Expo

Plan to join us for the Lynnwood Wedding Expo: September 26th and 27th
@ the Lynnwood Convention Center. 10-5 Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday!

Informal fashion show modeling daily:
Models will be roaming the floor of the Expo modeling the latest fashions from Davids Bridal, Proms and Promises, Private Label Brides Outlet, and Lorraine Layman. Don't forget the Men: Men's Wearhouse and Tux Shop!

Look for a coupon in the Sunday Everett Herald! and on http://www.bridesclub.com

Over 75 booths to look at, sample, and provide information for your wedding planning!

Expos

Thank you to everyone, exhibitors and brides to be, that attended and helped make the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo a success.

If you still have shopping to do: Come see us at the Lynnwood Expo on September 26th and 27th at the Lynnwood Convention Center. 3711 196th St SW; Lynnwood, WA 98036

More info and tickets at http://www.bridesclub.com

Thanks!

Show link on Bridesclub:
http://www.bridesclub.com/bridal-shows/lynnwood-everett-fall-wedding-expo.cfm

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo this weekend!

Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall; Saturday and Sunday

9:30am-5pm; 10:30am-4pm

Fashion Shows daily

2 for 1 coupons available @ http://www.bridesclub.com/

See you there!

10 tips for managing Wedding Stress

10 tips for managing Wedding Stress
1. Expect Stress: Try to plan and then respond to issues as they
 come up. If you have planned, you will be less likely to react instead of respond.
2. Set realistic expectations: You cannot please everyone!
3. Don't expect perfection! Expect a "terrific" day...
4. Try meditation or visualization if you are feeling particular
 pressure or stress about an event or element of your wedding
5. Take a walk! Exercise is the best way to combat stress.
6. You know those people who are really good at pushing your
 buttons? Limit your time with them, or stay away from them
during extremely stressful times.
7. Take a break and do something fun together if you and
your fiancé reach your stress threshold.
8. Be aware that if your parents are acting a little strange
 it could be "separation anxiety". It can be hard to let go.
9. Do not try to do everything yourself. Delegate to people
you can trust.
10. Don't forget to spend extra time on your relationship during the
planning process.  
Planning the wedding is important, of course, but it is a minute

 compared to the lifetime you will be together.

Seattle Times Ad

Hey~

If you are looking for a coupon to the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo check out our ad in the Sunday 9/6/09 Seattle Times!

Also, coupons are available on www.bridesclub.com

See you there!

Still looking for a wedding dress?

Are you still looking for a wedding dress? We have several gown shops that will be at the Expo in Tacoma on September 12th and 13th.

Brides By Demetrios
David’s Bridal
Group USA
Princess Bride Couture
Proms & Promises
The Wedding Bell
Weddings with Joy

Some have booth displays but others will be having a gown sale at the Expo. Come prepared to try on...or even purchase...your dream dress.

Fashion Shows daily.

Maid of Honor Duties

1.Host or Co-host a bridal shower with the help of the other bridesmaids and/or the bride's mother, sisters, etc.

2.Help the bride choose her dress and shop for bridesmaid dresses. (The Wedding Expos is the perfect place for this one!)

3.Make sure the bridesmaids all go for their dress fittings and get everything they need for the big day. ie jewelry, flowers, shoes, etc

4.Lend an ear when the bride wants to/needs to vent, no matter what the topic!Generally keep the bride sane during wedding planning.

5.Can help with addressing Invitations, choosing colors, cake, decor, attend the Expo...

6.Make sure the bridesmaids know where they need to be and at what time on the big day. Also, inform the bridesmaids about all pre-wedding events and parties.

7.Plan the bachelorette party with the other bridesmaids.Keep a record of all gifts and give the list to the bride for Thank You cards.

8.At the ceremony, stand next to the bride while she exchanges vows and hold her bouquet during the ring part of things.

9.Stand in the receiving line. May be announced with the Best Man.

10.Bustle the bride's train for the party. Also, help the bride change clothes for the honeymoon and take charge of the dress until the bride returns.

11.She may dance with the best man during or after the couple's first dance. Also, can give a toast after the best mans'.

Generally keep the bride sane during the wedding itself and help her truly ENJOY the most wonderful and anticipated day of her life...so far.

Bridesclub.com

Check out all the great stuff at www.bridesclub.com

Upcoming wedding expos in the Puget Sound; Tacoma and Lynnwood.

Download a free wedding planner!

Great ideas and discussions!