Q: I’m tossing the garter tradition out the window. What can I use for my something blue that will remain hidden so as to not clash with my color palette?

A: Lisa from Bridal Jewelry by Lisa Ann suggests a delicate and smooth pin which is designed with blue pearls that could be attached at the bottom center of the bra that dangles just a bit.  If no bra is worn then maybe a very thin but durable chain worn around the waist with a few very dainty blue pearls or crystal.

The great thing about this idea is that after the wedding you can take the pearls (or crystals) and turn them into jewelry you can wear out in the open as keepsakes.

Other ideas would include a custom made dress tag sewn to the inside of your dress, or if you want to be daring, a temporary tattoo hidden for your groom to find later.

Q: Is it proper to use our married monogram on thank you cards before the wedding?

A. It is not considered socially proper to use your married monogram before the ceremony. As a stationery designer I’ve also encountered many churches or houses of worship where the officiant strictly prohibits use of the married monogram on wedding programs. As a result many of my clients have asked me to create monogram designs using either their first two initials or their last two initials. I find monograms using the first initial of the Bride and Groom’s individual names to be most versatile. Since first names don’t change with marital status, this monogram can be used throughout their entire stationery wardrobe, from the invitation, to the program, to the place cards and the thank you notes. Another option is to create a second variation of the first initial monogram, which also has the groom’s and the bride’s new last initial worked into the design. The first initial monogram is used on all the pre-reception materials (save the date, invitation, aisle runner, program) and this second variation is used on all reception and post wedding items (guestbook, place cards, table names or numbers, and thank you notes.

Special thanks to our stationery expert Erin McKenna Nowak from Bride Designs and Sweet Talk Boutique.

Q: I am not having a sit down dinner at the reception. Since there will be no place settings, where should I put my favors?

A:I would suggest a table close to the door so that people will see them as they enter and exit. Get creative with the display. Have a sign thanking your guests and making it clear that these little presents are for them. Add height to the table with things like a tiered dessert plate, cake stands, or other items that will accent your favors without distracting from them. If space is limited your favors can share a table with your guestbook.

If you are having small favors, another option is to hand them out along with your tossing items (rose petals, birdseed, bubble ,etc.) These jobs often fall to young family members, and are placed in baskets to make carrying them easier.

Q: How much money can you really save from ordering flowers that are in season?

A :Probably not enough to make a difference. Wholesalers buy flowers from all over the world so almost every flower is in season somewhere. There are a couple of exceptions. If there is a flower that you want to use a lot of and it can be bought farm direct in your area then there will be a good bulk discount that should be passed on to you. You'll need to ask your florist what flowers are available in your area at bulk discounted prices and be ready to use a lot of that specific flower. On the other side of that there are a few flowers that are harder to catch in good condition in season. For example, peonies are often harder to find and do not always arrive in the best condition. Some may open while other stay tightly shut, which means the florist must order many more flowers than they will actually use and that cost will be passed on to you.

Special thanks to Brenda at Funky Mountain Flowers & Gifts for her answer to this question