Photo: Morgan Trinker Photography 

Brides look forward to their last night out as a single lady before their big day. That’s why the maid of honor and bridesmaids do the honor of hosting. Not only should they decide on a date that is not the night before the wedding, (unless they want to remake the Hangover), but also pick a theme that suits the bride’s style. A typical bash drags the bride from bar to bar and makes her blush at the sight of any man. However, there are endless ways to celebrate, reminisce and of course, laugh. Start planning with some of these low-key ideas if you need help!

How are you celebrating? Let us know in the poll below!

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Photos (from left to right): Jose Villa 

With so many items to choose from, registering for wedding gifts can be an overwhelming but exciting task. That’s why our registry checklist is here to help! Make sure that your registry has a mix of home essentials you need and your guests can afford. Otherwise, your guests may purchase an item you won’t use. Tip: choose more items than the number on your wedding guest list. Some will purchase two gifts–one for the bridal shower and one for the wedding. It’s always fun to personalize your list too, let it reflect your hobbies or interests. Maybe sports gear, if your groom is an athlete or bakeware, if you have a sweet teeth for cakes and cupcakes. Happy scanning!

Now, by all means, we don’t want you to stalk your registry to see what’s been purchased, but it’s okay to sneak a peek. Which gifts will make your jaw drop when you tear the wrapping paper off? Let us know in the poll below!

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Photo: Richelle Dante Photography

Whether it’s yesterday’s golden oldies or today’s pop hits, music is the key to having a full dance floor at any reception. Can’t decide who should play your wedding tunes? Surprisingly enough, the type of entertainment you choose often sets the tone of your reception and solidifies your theme. That’s why you’ll need to work with your band or DJ to incorporate a mixture of musical genres that will entertain all age groups. Meaning you’ll want them to hit the right notes with your playlist, so you can send your guests home with happy feet!

Which must-have songs did you put on your playlist? Let us know in the comments below!

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Photo: Liz and Ryan 

The maid of honor and often bridesmaids share the responsibility of hosting the bridal shower, according to tradition. Surprisingly though, it’s common for a bride to have more than one bridal shower. In that case, the host(s) should make sure that there is no duplication of guests on each list. The guest list should be filled with the bride’s nearest and dearest family and friends whereas the menu should be filled with the sweetest of treats. (Tip: Every guest that is invited to the bridal shower should already be on the wedding guest list.)  Invitations, including registry information, should be sent out six weeks to one month in advance. One of guests’ favorite rituals at a bridal shower is making a bouquet out of ribbons and bows from the opened gifts so the bride can use it at the rehearsal.  However, it’s perfectly acceptable to start your own ritual.

What’s your favorite ritual at a bridal shower? Let us know in the comments below!

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Photo: mbphoto

Did you know that there is a difference between escort cards and place cards? Escort cards escort guests to a specific table number whereas place cards assign guests to a specific seat at a table. They can be as simple as a folded piece of cardstock with their names written on it or as creative as a mason jar, piece of fruit or succulent. Often times, they can double as favors for your guests too!

So, will you give your guests their own piece of reception real estate? Let us know in the poll below.

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