What happens after you’ve had your dream wedding? Sixty plus years of wedded bliss of course! Here are a few gift ideas for your sweetie. If you want to get creative, you can always incorporate your own gift idea into the tradition — tie a ring to a scarf, hide cuff links in a leather bag, tuck a bracelet into a pocket and so on.

Traditional Anniversary Gifts by Year

First: Paper — Thoughtful card, scrapbook or something home-made, movie/ concert tickets, book

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This entry has 0 comments Posted on April 29th, 2010

Tiffany Blue has been a popular wedding color for years. This classic wedding trend may never go away. There’s something so special about that little blue box. Enjoy!

Dresses: The Preppy Princess
Cake: Wish Special Events
Favor Boxes:  eHow
Napkin/ Purse Favor: Good Things Wedding Favors
Invitation: Joyful Heart Design
Ring Pillow: Squidoo
Bouquet: My Wedding Blog
Boutonniere: Richard Wood Photo
Flower Girls: Pegeen

This entry has 0 comments Posted on April 26th, 2010

If you’re having your wedding at home or your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, this post is for you. Buying your own alcohol at a wholesale place such as Costco, can definitely save you some cash, but how much do you buy?

The general rule is one drink per person per hour. Use this Wedding Wine and Liquor Calculator from Real Simple to get a detailed shopping list based on your needs.
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This entry has 1 comment Posted on April 22nd, 2010

If you choose to take your husband’s last name, there are some necessary steps to make it legal. This can be an overwhelming task if you don’t know where to start. First, some advice — Travel on your maiden name. If you’ve already made honey moon arrangements your plane ticket, passport and ID must all match! Do not attempt to change your name until you’ve returned home. To make things easy, change your name in this order:

1) Proof of Reason for Change: In most cases, you’ll need a copy of your marriage license to change your name. Depending on the company/location, you might need a certified copy (with a seal). Read this post before applying for your marriage license.

2) Social Security: Take the proof to your local Social Security Administration office to order a social security card with your new name. They will have you sign, so practice first! You can also call (800) 772-1213 for an automated system that will talk you through the name change process. Your new card will be free — if you’re contacted by a company that claims to do this for a fee, don’t buy it. These companies have nothing to do with the SSA and should be reported to authorities. Visit SSA.gov for more information.
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This entry has 3 comments Posted on April 19th, 2010

The bridal gown is ivory — what should the guys wear? This question has been asked by brides for years and answered in many different ways. The answer is there are exceptions to every rule and it depends on your unique situation.

Many tuxedo shops will tell you that if the dress is ivory, the shirts must be ivory or the dress will look ‘dirty’ or less white next to the groom in bright white. While this is true, it is a subtle difference in color and sometimes works. Here are some things to consider when choosing your man’s attire:

Other accessories: Will the guys be wearing vests and long ties that cover the majority of the shirt or no vest and bow ties? If the shirt is mostly covered up, mixing colors works. If the look is more open, you may want to stick to matching. Also — Mixing ivory and white is completely OK! Check out the photo below of a white shirt with ivory vest.
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This entry has 2 comments Posted on April 15th, 2010

Need a pre-wedding spa treatment? Spa Week starts today and goes through Sunday, April 18.

Spa Week is a Bi-Annual Event that allows you to enjoy luxurious full-service spa treatments at the finest spas all across North America for just $50 each (plus tip).

Participating Dallas Spas include:
Red Door Spas
The Spa at the Crescent
The Spa at the Stoneleigh
ZaSpa at hotel ZaZa Read More »

This entry has 0 comments Posted on April 12th, 2010

Yesterday morning I went to Bridalicious Boot Camp, a weight-loss and toning class for brides. I met the trainer, Doug Rice, at Alice in Weddingland and he encouraged me to try it. I felt pretty optimistic, but given that I had not worked out for months prior,  about 20 minutes into class I got a major wake up call — I am not fit! I felt nauseated and had to stop and slow down (not that I was fast to begin with!).

And so now my adventure begins. I’ll be going back for more butt-kicking tomorrow morning. Keep reading the After Yes Blog to track my progress and get more great wedding advice and inspiration.

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This entry has 0 comments Posted on April 8th, 2010

Many couples get overwhelmed with the task of writing thank you notes. Writing 200 in one sitting can certainly cramp your hand and your mood, but by using the tips below, you can write notes your mother will be proud of and spread out the work.

• Keep a log: Use my Guest List Template to help you track gifts as they come in. This template is great because you don’t have to go searching for the person’s address — it’s all on one spreadsheet! As you send your thank you notes, check them off the list.
• Use nice stationary: Invest in something classy that matches your wedding theme. Just as your save the date or invitation sets the tone of your wedding, a thank you card, leaves the last impression.
• Be timely: Write each thank you card as the gift is received. A good rule of thumb is don’t use your gift until you have thanked the person who sent it. This gives you incentive! Within two weeks is appropriate. Use the two week rule for after you’ve returned form your honeymoon as well.
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This entry has 2 comments Posted on April 1st, 2010