Will you marry “moi” ?

We can’t begin to tell you the countless number of times we’ve been asked by a panicked groom and his groomsmen (usually about 10 minutes before the start of the wedding ceremony) how to tie their cravate or bow tie. At first, and much to our embarrassment, we were clueless and had to run to fetch the groom’s mother, having never tied a cravate or bow tie in our lives! But as the years have passed and our conscience as professional wedding planners weighed on us, we felt it our professional duty to learn how to tie a cravate and bow tie.

If you fear that your H2B and his groomsmen will also be clueless on your big day and that your mother-in-law or wedding planner will not be around at just the right moment, then here are a few videos that give you step by step instructions on how to tie the perfect cravate or bow tie.

How to tie a cravate for a wedding suit

How to tie a cravate

How to tie a bow tie

How to tie a bow tie

Forward these to your H2B, wish him good luck and don’t forget that practice makes perfect!

After the excitement of the year-long – or longer – planning for your destination wedding, the frenzy of the big day, the emotional charge of the ceremony and the pure relaxation of your honeymoon…what is there to do next? The creators of The Knot have it covered. We invite you to visit The Nest, your go-to source for all things newlywed. Now that your big day is over, happily ever after can begin…that is, after you’ve written your thank-you notes, merged your money, and maybe even changed your name. Exhausted already? Don’t worry, the site is very user friendly and will teach you such things as how to: 

Preserve your top tier cake
Preserve your gown
Preserve your bouquet

You can also download checklists such as:

Change your name
Moving
Buying your first home
Merging money
Create a will

Other fun and creative post-wedding ideas are also showcased such as:

• Root the greenery from your bridal bouquet and watch it grow.
  
• Frame your invitation and/or your marriage contract.
  
• Create a time capsule of your wedding day with a copy of the newspaper from that day, your horoscopes, and jot down your favorite song, book, movie, TV show, restaurant, etc. Seal it up and open it on a future anniversary.
  
• Save (or buy) a bottle of wine from your reception dinner to drink on your anniversary.
  

Lot’s of help, advice, practical tips and ideas at your fingertips to ensure a smooth transition into married-hood.

We understand brides who wish to thank their bridesmaids by offering them a gift worthy of the friendship, support and encouragement they have given you during the months of planning your wedding (we are sure you have driven them mad with the details !). But we also understand that you don’t want to opt for the customary necklace or earrings or order one of those cheesy personalised gifts at an online wedding store.

That’s why we’ve come up with our own exclusive Top 5 list of fabulous bridesmaids gifts, guaranteed to suit all types of bridesmaids from the most sophisticated and chic to the most down-to-earth and practical.

Make every day happy : A message that deserves to be shared with all those we love, especially on our wedding day ! This site proposes a fantastic selection of fair trade accessories created by Aissata Malhaire. The company’s origin stems from a beautiful human and ethical adventure. All products are 100% handmade. We love the selection of bags embroidered with its spangly leitmotiv. They are perfect to wear around town or on the beach. Add a little glitter to your bridesmaids lives. This collection is sure to please the most discerning bridesmaids around.

My Tikka Shop : This is another favorite of ours. From the laptop covers to the iphone and/or MP3 covers, each with a great selection of unique fabrics to choose from, to the handbag organiser, make-up bags and purses…you will be spoiled for choice! Perfect for the most practical and chic bridesmaid.

Laptop covers:

Handbag organiser :

Tutti Frutti Cordials : For the fun and funky bridesmaid, why not offer her a selection of mini cordial fruit drinks to mix the perfect colorful non-alcoholic cocktails to sip at home, at a party or alongside the pool? The bright bottles contain original flavors such as banana bonbon, cactus, chewing gum, crumble, poppy or liquorice and will add a splash of color to any kitchen. They also sell spray oils (olive and basil or olive and truffle) which are simply divine!

Cocktail mixing party : For those of you who have bridesmaids who like the real deal, why not treat them to a girly evening in, with a twist! Invite a professional barman to come and teach you how to mix the perfect cocktail before creating your own and sampling them all! Guaranteed to get you giggling and tipsy by the end of the demonstration. Make sure taxis are ordered to ensure everyone makes it home safely or invite everyone to crash at your place! A simple online search will provide you with names of local companies offering this service. Shaken not stirred please J

Decadence and Indulgence : Perfect for bridesmaids with a sweet tooth who love to indulge! Offer them one of this site’s unique and affordable combinations of chocolates with champagne, chocolates with tea, chocolates with flowers and other decadent gift ideas.

…and for those of you planning your perfect destination wedding in France, think about asking your wedding planner to order the gifts and have them delivered directly to them, thus saving on shipping costs and leaving some much needed space in your baggage for the million and one other things you will need to pack J Happy shopping!