Chattanooga Premier Bridal Show

It's that time again!

The Chattanooga Premier Bridal Show is coming to town. Go ahead and mark your calendars to attend on July 25, 2010, from 12 to 4pm. Presented by Chattanooga Premier Bride Magazine, a wide variety of vendors from all around the tri-state area will be there. All brides can benefit from this show no matter where you are in the planning process!

If you are still looking for vendors for your big day there will be great opportunities to see some of the areas greatest showcases as well as take advantage of special show packages and discounts.

We hope to see you there!!!!

It's His Day Too!

When planning your big day, do not forget about that important person you're vowing to never leave for the rest of your life—the groom.
In the planning of the wedding, the groom's role is ever-changing. While in the "good old days" it was primarily the role of the mother of the bride to plan the wedding with some input from her daughter, the bride, the groom's participation is quickly making a comeback. From setting the date and time of the wedding to participating in the selection of music and entertainment, the groom is sharing his opinion, which should matter and be taken into consideration.
Where He Should Get Involved
While most grooms will tell their future brides to just tell them where and when to show up, there are grooms out there who would like to feel included—but not in every area.
Here are three areas where you groom might like to be an active participant:
• Choosing best man, groomsmen, and ushers
• Selection of wedding attire
• Taste-testings
The Groom's Responsibilities
Financial responsibilities also fall on the groom and his family. Some of the his responsibilities include:
• Pay the fees for the marriage license (In Tennessee, this must be done within 30 days of the wedding)
• Buy engagement ring
• Pay the fees of the person presiding over the ceremony
• Plan the honeymoon months ahead
• Purchase gifts for the ushers and best man to be given at the rehearsal dinner
• Work with the bride and family members to create a guest list
However, one of the biggest (and most important) responsibility of the groom is to ensure his bachelor party does NOT occur the night before the ceremony so that he is able to SHOW UP at the wedding very well rested and on time!!!!

I Do, Take Two!

Almost 50% of marriages today involve someone who has been married before. Therefore, whether this is your second or fifth marriage, it is your wedding day and a brand new start. While some brides may wonder if they should or should not walk down the aisle in a white dress, others may second-guess a church wedding. No matter what you choose, the end result should be the same—having the wedding of your dreams!

The Etiquette of a Second-Time Bride
The number one goal—enjoy yourself! While this may not be your first wedding, this is your first wedding to this person. The main focus is you and your love. Quit worrying about what is right and wrong. The wedding world has changed so much to where you have fewer less do’s and should do’s and more freedom. Yes, the old rule of thumb is you can’t wear white, but now-a-days, your wedding dress—even for the second time—should reflect you, your personality and fashion-sense. If that means white, so be it!
The second goal, if it applies, should be to involve the children—yours, his, or both. Depending on their age, this could mean having them play a part in the wedding as a flower girl, ring bearer, junior bridesmaid, groomsman, maid of honor, etc. Another common idea is to also involve the children in the taking of the vows. Instead of having a vow as husband and wife to honor and love each other in sickness and in health until they day you die, a family vow should also take place. This can be as simple as stating that you will love and honor you stepchildren as if they were your own.

To Register or Not to Register?
Yes! Register! It is your wedding! If you have a second child, you register for baby items again—why not for a second wedding? The people you invite and who come to your wedding are going to want to give you a gift. So you already have your pots and pans. Do you and your fiancé enjoy camping? Then register for camping equipment. Or, if there is nothing really you want or need, register for a honeymoon. There are now sites that help you, such as travelersjoy.com and honeyfund.com, which allow wedding guests to help contribute to the cost of the honeymoon.
Bottom line, whether you are a second-time or first-time bride, all that matters is that this is a joyful celebration of new beginnings, an occasion to celebrate with your friends and family, and a second chance for you to get your happily ever after.