http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/radio/2012/01/09/Business_Beat_S2...

Everyone has heard the saying, 'Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.' The saying is from Victorian times and is a common tradition for brides all over the world. The original saying also included the line 'and a silver sixpence in her shoe.' Each item symbolizes something different for the bride.

One very common way to show your family and friends how 'green' you are is to bring in elements of your eco-living into your wedding. You can start by choosing a venue that is a "one-stop-shop" for your ceremony and reception or choosing a reception venue that is close to the ceremony. This will help eliminate your guests having to waste fuel by driving from one venue to another. In regards to your flowers, try to choose a florist that grows or gets their flowers locally and from farms where pesticides are not used.

We are rolling into summer and while I would love to constantly play wedding planner I know there are other parties that take up the summer. There is nothing like an afternoon bbq to bring friends and families together. To get started you obviously want to make up a guest list. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors. Invite them all. Go to evite.com and create a cool and fun email invitation or create an event on your Facebook page. Try to send the invitation out 2-3 weeks prior to the event. Let people know you will be hosting something at the bbq.

Even if you don't hire a wedding planner, one thing you must remember to have on hand is a Bridal Emergency Kit. This is a little bag or purse you can pack that has some essentials that you don't think you will need, but you will find everyone is asking for! Keep it in a bag that you can store under a chair or a table. Some things to remember to pack are:

Wedding favors are a very traditional way to thank you guests for coming to be a part of your day. Sometimes you will see candy almonds or chocolates. Or maybe even a picture frame or wine cork. Whatever you choose I am sure your guests will be appreciative but in the end is it really worth the money you are spending?

You have paid all of this money for a dress you are very much in love with but when all is said and done, it is sitting in a box in your attic or under a bed in your spare bedroom. So the question is, what do you do with it? You are probably never going to wear it again. Why would you pull it out of the 'preservation box' to just try it on? Are you going to wear it around the house when you vacuum? Or would you wear it out to dinner? Probably not. Why not sell it and make another bride out there happy?

When visiting with your caterer or venue you are having your reception one thing that will come up is what you are going to host for alcohol for your guests. Most people would love to be able to host a full open bar but for most people that isn't very affordable. Here are some things to consider:

Some of today's brides do not opt to for the most traditional route for their ceremony by getting married in a church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. You can still be legally married by someone without having your ceremony in a church and without having your ceremony performed by an actual pastor of a church.

Something I have to always remind my brides about is a cake stand. It could be something that comes with the cake from your baker or maybe it is something the venue will offer, but it is always good to double check. There are some gorgeous options out there from different shapes and sizes and materials that will add more elegance to your already beautiful cake.

Check out some of my favorite sites below. And don't get discouraged by the prices. You can always see if your baker or venue wants to buy it from you or even your planner might want to buy it and keep it in their stash!