Now that you know what to pack, here are some tips on how to pack it all.
We look to Martha Stewart for tips on packing your hanging items and toiletries:
Hanging
For the most foolproof wrinkle-free packing, suits and blouses should be stuffed with tissue and encased in dry-cleaning bags before going into a travel garment bag. The tissue keeps the fabrics from crushing, and the plastic reduces friction so clothes can settle into their natural shape. Pack everything else -- shoes, toiletries, books, papers, valuables -- in a separate carry-on bag.
Toiletries
To avoid leaks caused by pressure changes during air travel, fill travel-size plastic bottles partway, squeeze out excess air, and cap them, creating a vacuum. Then double-bag them, first in a cosmetics bag or large resealable plastic bag, then in a plastic shopping bag. Never pack toiletries in the same bag with clothes -- a single spill can cause great damage. Along with toiletries, your carry-on bag should hold your jewelry and other valuables; eyewear; a travel first-aid kit; travel documents; maps; and reading material.
In an article for Apartment Therapy, packing expert Doug Dyment of OneBag.com says "If it's not on your list, it shouldn't be in your bag." "What happens with people is that they pack before their trip, and that packing activity consists mostly of talking to yourself and saying, 'Well I might need this and I might need that and what if the queen invites me to dinner?' And that's death to light packing."
Dyment has two big tricks for packing a bag correctly: Don't let any space go unused, and wrap your clothes in bundles.
"If you're packing a pair of running shoes, say, don't forget there's a lot of space inside those shoes that you can use to pack stuff," he says.
When it comes to clothing, Dyment says travelers who fold items individually, put them in a stack and force them in the suitcase are making a huge mistake.
Instead, he suggests using a technique called bundle wrapping, because it keeps clothes from getting wrinkled and takes up less space.
"You think of laying a shirt flat on your bed and placing this bundle where the chest would go and then gently wrap the sleeves around the bundle, and then bring the bottom up and wrap it around the top," he says. Here is a diagram to help you pack like a pro:
As I prepare to depart on a trip abroad for my Birthday (and a much needed break after Spring wedding season) later this month, I have been thinking a lot about packing- what to bring, how much to bring and how to get it all in my suitcase(s)! I am sure you brides-and-grooms-to-be are also thinking about this as you plan your honeymoon, so we decided to post this two part series of packing tips. {And don't you love the pretty luggage set above from Steamline?}
1. Pack light
Seems obvious but it’s always a challenge to pack as light as you know you should, because you want to look your best when on vacation. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the load and still look great. The first is to coordinate your vacation wardrobe so that every item you pack can mix and match with every other item.
Choose classic pieces with complementary colors as your basic wardrobe - a single pair of slacks, 1 pair of shorts, and a skirt if appropriate. These classic items can be combined with a selection of tops, belts, scarves, wraps and other less bulky accessories to fit most every occasion. And, by coordinating your vacation wardrobe you will also reduce the number of shoes you need to pack, which is a quick way to reduce bulk. For example, 1 pair of shoes for traveling, a pair of sandals and a pair of flit-flops is all that you really need for a tropical vacation, unless you plan to go on an eco adventure.
2. Don’t pack valuables
If you can’t live without that precious pendent, your grandmother’s ring, or your designer watch, then DO NOT pack them, and DO NOT bring them with you on vacation.
What with the opportunity for misplaced luggage, petty theft, and items you just forget to repack, savvy travelers tend to pack costume jewelry, whether or not their room has a safe. And…
You don’t want to wear flashy or expensive items while you are on vacation anyway because doing so will only attract pickpockets and undesirables.
There is nothing that can spoil your vacation faster than loosing something irreplaceable. So reduce stress and leave it behind, or…
Purchase travel insurance for anything of value that you must take with you, like your camera for example. Your homeowners’ policies may cover items that have been lost or stolen while on vacation.
3. Carry on essentials only
Pack only essentials in your carry on luggage - passport, travel documents, money, a complete change of clothes, your bathing suit, and perhaps a good book.
Delayed luggage, which often gets delivered to you the next day, is a lot easier to tolerate if you are in possession of a change of clothes, your medication and essential grooming tools, money and all your travel documents. This way you’ll breeze through any challenge the journey trough your way.
I know what you are thinking: "A bridal portrait!? How old school." It seems as though many brides think bridal portraits are a thing of the past or ultra traditional, but here are some advantages of having a portrait session before your wedding day:
*Practice makes perfect. Schedule your hair and make-up trial for the same day as the bridal portrait session. You will then get to see how your hair and make-up will look in photos on the day of the wedding and you can tweak if necessary. You will also get a sense of how your dress, veil and accessories will feel on your wedding day, so if you need to modify anything, you will have an opportunity to do so before you walk down the aisle.
*Get "the best of both worlds." Having a traditional/formal wedding? Think about taking your bridal portraits in a field or a much more casual setting so you get a variety of looks between your portrait and wedding day. Bring accessories that emphasize your personality. Cowboy boots might not be right for the day of your wedding, but if you love them, get a few pics at your bridal session.
*A bridal portrait session can save you time on the day of the wedding. With those photos out of the way, there will be more time for group bridal party and family photos which will hopefully get you to your reception faster!
And last, but not least, I think bridal portraits like Amy's look more like a magazine photo shoot than the uber posed, traditional portrait (those should be a thing of the past)! Thank you Tina Rowden for sharing these beautiful images with us and congratulations to Amy who was married last weekend.
We (and other planners around the country) are frequently asked the difference in our role versus a Catering Manger's role on the day of your wedding. These differences were laid out in an article by Mary Dann-McNamee in the Spring issue of Inside Weddings. I though it would be useful to share that information here. I have added a few notes as well.
Your Catering Manager (usually) will: +Provide a personalized tour of the venue (this may also be the responsibility of the venue sales manager if you are bringing in an outside caterer to an event space) +Recommend special event professionals that have worked with them/at your venue previously that do a great job +Act as a menu consultant for all food and beverage selections +Detail your Banquet Event Order (BEO)/catering contract, outlining all of your event specifics and ensure that it is all communicated flawlessly to the operational team of the venue/caterer +Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments to the venue/caterer +Create a floor plan of your function space in order for you to provide seating arrangements +Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) set up, food preparation and other venue/catering operations +Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding planner and venue/catering operations staff +Ensure a seamless transition to the venue/catering banquet captain once the grand entrance has occurred and dinner begins (this is typically when the Catering Manager leaves the reception) +Review your banquet checks for accuracy, prior to the completion of the final bill
Your Wedding Planner/Consultant (usually) will: +Provide a wide variety of professional referrals to suit your taste and budget +Assist with etiquette and protocol for invitations, family matters, ceremony and toasts +Create a comprehensive timeline for your rehearsal and wedding day including the ceremony and reception +Work with you to organize and coordinate your ceremony rehearsal +Remind bridal party of all pertinent call times +Confirm call times and details with vendors several days prior to the wedding +Act as a liaison between your family, bridal party, band/DJ, florist, photographer, videographer, caterer and other vendors to create a seamless operation +Assist the bride with dressing +Ensure the ladies have their corsages, bouquets, etc. and assist with the pinning of the boutonnieres before photos +Deliver and arrange ceremony programs, escort cards, place cards, favors and any personal items (cake knives, toasting flutes, guest book, personal or family photos, etc....) +Coordinate the ceremony (line up bridal party, assist with brides dress, etc.) +Work with the venue and catering staff to ensure the reception room is set up properly with the appropriate number of tables (with table numbers or reserved signs placed correctly) and the proper number of seats at each table +Coordinate the reception (bridal party/bride and groom's entrance, first dance + parent dances, toasts, cake cutting, grand exit, etc.) +Collect personal items and gifts as the night goes on and put them in the assigned persons vehicle or hotel room
*I have included the information from the article that pertains to the role of your wedding planner/consultant/coordinator regardless of the level of service you have hired them for (Full Service or "Day of"). Some of the services offered by your planner that Mary talks about in the article may pertain only to a higher level of planning, so I have omitted those here. I hope this helps- I know it can be confusing who is responsible for what on the wedding day with so many vendors!
Up next on FAQ: There is no such thing as a "Day of" coordinator.
We live in such a technology driven society it is no surprise technology has found its way into the wedding world. Here are some tidbits from around the web that may help you along your wedding planning journey.
iPhone apps:Eric Hegwer reviews 16 suggested wedding planning iPhone apps here. Of those 16, these are our faves:
Bride Guide (4.99) if you only need one app that can handle it all, this is the one. Tons of features including a countdown timer, to-do lists, budget calculator, and tons of informative articles that will take you from I will to I do.
Gotta Etsy (.99) Take one part incredible handmade stuff, one part internet store, and sprinkle with a ton of creativity. Etsy is the on-line source for all things handmade – and there are a ton of different wedding related items from custom letterpress invitations and save the date cards, to ring holders and more.
Nike Training Club (free) Train like an athlete with the NikeWomen Training Club. Create a personalized training program you can access anytime. Customize your workouts, invite your friends, and watch training videos. This exercise app focuses on the five areas of athleticism: cardio, core, strength, balance, and flexibility.
Yoga Trainer lite (free) – This is the free version – but there is also a paid version – Learn Yoga at your own pace. From beginner to advanced levels. Customize the sequences, and step by step pose instructions.
WeatherBug (free) I prefer this app to the standard iPhone weather application because it offers so much more – vidoe forecasts, radar maps, current humidity, and more.
Sunrise Sunset (.99) Easy to use little application that will display the sunrise, sunset, dawn, solar noon, and dusk (civil twilight end). Use the built in GPS or enter your own custom location. {This is useful when considering a photo timeline for the day of your wedding. Will there be enough light outdoors post ceremony for those "must have" shots?}
Amazon Mobile (free) As everyone knows, Amazon.com is the most comprehensive on-line shopping site on the internet. By using some of the advanced features, you can create a wish list and share it with your friends. It’s just like a bridal registry. Family and friends can even order gifts right from your wish list, and send them to you with a gift card.
iBridal Gown (3.99) Designed by a bridal salon owner, this app will help you in your search for the perfect wedding gown. As you visit bridal salons you enter info about the different dresses you love. Your favorite dresses are stored in an easy to use list, where you can view details, pictures, and even directions back to the store with your perfect dress.
theKnot wedding 911 (free) Designed by the editors at the Knot magazine and the Knot.com this free iPhone app is your on-the-go source for expert wedding advice. You can even post questions and get instant answers from other brides-to-be.
iTunes (included with your iPhone) – download songs, and create playlists of your favorite wedding songs. Of course this is no substitution for a professional DJ or a live band, but it does provide some great music for getting ready, or so you can share ideas with your DJ.
Maps (included with your iPhone) – There are some powerful features to the built in map program – When you are visiting a venue, use the drop a pin feature to note the location then add it to your contacts. You can get directions from your hotel to the venue, and reception and send them to friends so they don’t get lost, too. Even check traffic patterns so you don’t get stuck.
Contacts(included with your iPhone) Stay organized with all your vendors. Names, addresses (and links to maps) websites, and notes are all just a few taps away. Create groups to take it to the next level .
Banking Apps from Bank of America, Chase, Citibank Paypal to help you keep track of your finances and stay on budget.
Google Wedding Docs:
Style Me Pretty and Google recently unveiled an incredible new wedding planning resource that is absolutely free through Google Docs. This wedding dream team {Style Me Pretty, Jessica Claire, Nancy Liu Chin, Michelle Rago + more} created 20 individual Google Docs templates, "geared exclusively towards the bride, groom and their adventures in planning a wedding. With these little gems you can not only keep track of your guest list and your budget, you can literally plan your entire wedding in one, uber-organized little place…from booking your photographer to managing and collecting your addresses. Oh, and because these documents live online, you can share them with your bridal party, you can access them from work, you can even edit them using your smartphone. It’s wedding planning genius filtered through Google’s smart, simple approach." {via Style Me Pretty} Click the picture below for a short video about how these templates came to be and even better, how they can simplify and organize your wedding planning.
Priscilla of Boston and HP's TouchSmart Screens: (via geeksugar)
This new partnership should make choosing a bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses much easier.
"The newest Priscilla of Boston store in San Jose, California, is boasting an army of HP TouchSmart screens along with a specialty application that when paired, bring their entire collection to your fingertips — allowing you to narrow down your gown choices by price, silhouette, and fabric, while still letting you browse through hundreds of dresses and check out runway videos with just a swipe of your finger.
One of the best ways Priscilla of Boston is utilizing this technology is for the bridesmaids — bringing in a group of picky gals can wreak havoc on an appointment if they can't agree on the cut and color of their dresses. But the TouchSmart screens let the entire group browse and choose colors, while seeing the transformation take place in front of their eyes. Hear more about the application, and see it in action when you read more."
Priscilla's General Manager of Merchandizing describes the addition of the TouchSmart screens as the "perfect marriage of style and technology." Check out the app and HP TouchSmart screen in action below!
There is something about calling cards that is so Southern and proper. I love them for brides-to-be! I think it is the prefect way to keep in touch with your vendors. Give them a calling card to include in your file and they can always reach out to you with ease.
I have a science degree, so numbers and statistics as they relate to the wedding industry have always been important and relevant to me. So, here are some numbers I found in a recent issue of Elegant Bride Magazine that you may find interesting and useful:
4-6 {months} prior to a destination wedding to send Save-the-Dates 8: Minimum place settings to register for 3-4 {stores} to visit before purchasing your wedding gown 2{minutes} for the ideal toast 50 guests per usher at the ceremony 10guests can be seated at a 60 inch round table 30-40 guests per waiter at your reception 2.5-3 {square feet} per guest for the appropriate size dance floor 3 {swimsuits} to pack for a beach honeymoon 50 guests per bathroom at your wedding venue 60 to 85 optimal degrees for an outdoor wedding {I think 85 might be pushing it here in Atlanta!} 1.5 {feet} in a chapel length train
I came across this beautiful wedding on the green wedding shoes blog today and noticed something important I wanted to share with you about these amazing invitations {Love all of the beautiful letterpress and creative design!} from Twin Ravens Press. You will note that the response card indicates this will be a seated dinner with a choice of an entree. You will also see that the couple is asking the guests to initial their selection. PLEASE DO THIS IF YOU ARE HAVING A SEATED, PLATED MEAL WITH A CHOICE OF ENTREE! Too often we hear from brides who have not done this and are faced with the daunting task of then calling all of their guests to determine who is having the chicken and who is having the beef... At the wedding, it is appropriate to have an escort card that will let your guests know which table they are to be seated at as well as a place card assigning the guests to a particular seat at the table. Letting the venue staff know what your guests have chosen to eat can be done in a few ways including diagramming out each table with the entree selections of each guest {for the "back of the house"} or noting the guest's choice on their place card with a particular color ribbon, ink color, etc. for each menu selection. Happy Planning!
