And what about registry completion? I was surprised and pleased to find out about this helpful feature of many bridal registries. It means that after your wedding, whatever is not gifted to you, you and your new spouse can then buy for a certain percentage off. Say you registered for eight butter dishes and only received three as gifts. Then you can go buy the remaining (and essential) five butter dishes for 10% off (depending on the store’s deal.) Even better: if you want some really expensive kitchen contraption that you think nobody’s going to buy you (in my case, a $400 sparkling water maker,) put it on your registry anyway. Best case scenario, some fairy godmother/father comes through and gifts it to you. Worst case scenario, you buy it for yourself after the wedding using the store’s registry completion discount deal.

Here are some popular registries and the incentives they offer:

Bed Bath and Beyond: Lots of different incentives based on brands, like if you register for $500 worth of Calphalon stuff, you get a free Santoku knife ($300 value.) Upon registry completion, there are more (and fancier!) gifts offered by brand, like if you get $299 of Samsonite or American Tourister goods, you get a free Boarding Bag upon completion.

Macy’s: Although it appears that Macy’s has removed the links for registry discounts from their site, I would advise brides and grooms to ask in-store. Last I checked they had a pretty decent discount (10-15%) for registry completion.

Crate and Barrel: Calphalon and All-Clad offer free gifts with a certain dollar amount of registry.

And one last quick tip: Check out alternative registries like

Honeyfund.com

Uncommon Goods

JustGive.org

Happy registry!

By Megan Peters

While planning our wedding I have been thinking in the back of my mind that my own grandmother probably won’t be attending. I love her dearly and was very close to her as a child. You are probably thinking why isn’t she going to attend? And no it’s not because we aren’t inviting her or that she doesn’t like my fiancé. My grandmother is unfortunately a fatist. Yes, you heard it right. She discriminates against fat people even though she is large herself.  She doesn’t tolerate people who are fat especially anyone in her family.

It makes me sad to share this news, however I hope this will help remind everyone that a fatist is a negative attribute. Our culture has made it clear that judging someone based on race or culture is wrong, but the same societal pressure is missing for the differently sized. I hope to get across this point to my grandmother so she can accept the millions of other things I am and not push me out of her life because I have gained an extra twenty pounds.

I have not had a chance to reach out to my grandmother however, today I hope I helped shape a young mind. A friend’s four year old asked me “why is your tummy big?” I took the opportunity and told her “because everyone’s bodies are different shapes and sizes, I like my round tummy and I like to eat. That’s why I have a tummy.” She smiled and hugged me as she said “I love it, it makes you so cozy.”  It was pure and simple.

So my task for you this week is to see how often you judge someone for his or her size. Then stop and instead try to think of something that is positive about that person. Remind yourself to not judge by appearance, especially something as vulnerable as someone’s size.

You can buy a “Fatism Sucks” button here:  http://www.cafepress.com/+fatism+buttons

By Elizabeth Zachry

Rice, or no rice?  Traditionally, rice is thrown at the bride and groom to symbolize fertility, fruitfulness, or other good wishes.  This tradition has been passed down since the Middle Ages and there is no good reason to stop the tradition now.  In recent years, people began spreading the myth that birds would eat the uncooked rice, it would swell in their stomachs, and they would burst.  According to multiple articles, this is untrue, and the uncooked rice thrown outside a church will hurt the birds no more than birds eating rice out in the fields.

Champagne Bubbles From American Bridal

However, due to the popularity of this myth, a number of alternatives to rice throwing have taken hold in the wedding industry.  In addition to the simple option of throwing birdseed, one new alternative is blowing bubbles as the happy couple makes their way out of the church.  American Bridal is one company which offers a number of different keepsake bubble bottles, including these adorable ones shaped like champagne bottles.

Another alternative to rice are flower petals.  I recently went to a wedding where the bride’s mom and aunt dried all of their flowers from their gardens

Rose Petal Cones from Moments of Elegance

during the months leading up to the wedding.  They then rolled paper into cones and decorated them with black bow ties to represent men, and maroon ribbons for women.  They were adorable and everyone had a good time throwing the petals.  You can buy these pre-made cones from Moments of Elegance if you do not have time to make them yourself.

What are you planning to do for your wedding?  If you like the tradition of throwing rice, then I say, let them throw rice!

by Vera Devera

We met up over the weekend and I took advantage of checking out a few wedding-related businesses on my trip there: Sift, a cupcakery; Avia, a swank boutique hotel; Ubuntu, a Michelin-star rated restaurant and Betty’s Girl Boutique, a vintage clothing store specializing in evening wear. If you’re planning a wedding in Napa wine country, here’s a few places to consider:

{Sift Cupcakery: Sweet Side}

Marry Me Live Guest Post

In my search to find a sustainable Livermore Valley wedding location, I came across Captain Vineyards. It may not be in Livermore Valley and it isn’t the huge vineyard weddings you typically think of. But, I immediately fell in love with this place and the family who runs it.

Let me preface this post before you read any further. It takes a certain person to love this type of venue, and I just happen to be one of them. Captain Vineyards has an understated beauty about it with a gorgeous view that overlooks the LaMorinda hills. If you are looking for an intimate wedding venue, with spectacular ambience, sustainable practices, and a family run business, you have found your wedding venue!

I found the vineyard online when researching sustainable vineyards. I did a quick review of their site – www.captainvineyards.com, and assumed it was just a typical vineyard. When driving to the location, I found myself a bit confused because I was in the middle of a residential neighborhood. As I approached the property, I was not sure what to expect.

After a tour of the vineyard, the Captain’s welcomed me into their home, literally. When talking with Susan about the family vineyards and sustainable practices, you could see the passion in her eyes, and feel the love that she felt for working the land. The family does all the work on their own except for volunteers who help to harvest the vineyards. It looks like back breaking work, and yet the couple does not seem to mind.

This wedding venue is not just a property, it is the Captain’s home. And yet, they will open it up. The Captains share what they have including: their kitchen, their living room that opens up to the patio and the whole backyard that includes the deck overlooking the vineyard and hills, and the two tasting rooms. This is why I say that this wedding venue is not for everyone. It is for a special couple – a couple that wants that picturesque backyard wedding, and appreciates the property that the Captain’s call home.

For more information, visit http://www.captainvineyards.com
Call: 925.631.0714

By Erin Frank

On your wedding day you want to look and feel great from head-to-toe.  That’s why before my big day I went to my top choice for manis/pedis in town, Silk Spa.

Silk offers full nail and waxing services.  A basic manicure is $18, pedicure $30.  I’ve enjoyed both, but a word about the pedicure for now. For a long time I was addicted to the bubbly tub and massage chairs you get many nail spas. Then I started hearing horror stories about women who’d left with more that just a polish, like a nasty infection, and realized how tough it can be to really get those tubs clean and sterile.  Silk doesn’t use the tubs.  Instead your feet soak in a lovely silver bowl (easily sterilized, folks) filled with warm water and floating chamomile. Even better, well…equally good, you can see all of their sterilization equipment out front and in use, so you have the peace of mind that comes with decidedly clean tools.

Just about the time you’re missing the comforting jets of your former bubble bath the real fun begins.  Your feet and legs are slathered with warm mango lotion, and you get an expert massage from your technician that lasts oh-so-much longer than you’d expect.  The whole pedicure takes an hour, so there’s no skimping here.  This decadent bliss is followed with steaming hot towels wrapped around your legs to warm you up and remove the excess lotion.

To top off the pedicure you get nail polish, of course. Silk has a wide selection of polishes including OPI and Chanel (shown above: No Spain, No Gain by OPI).  Head over to the drying bar where you can snack on gummy candies or chocolates while your polish sets. Even better than this, schedule your appointment on a Saturday when Silk puts on quite a spread!  Sandwiches, veggies, pastries, and other goodies are there to tempt and satisfy you.  You’ll feed me, massage me, and make my feet pretty?  More Silk, please!

Silk Spa

1425 Franklin St (between Sutter and Bush Street)

San Francisco, CA 94109

415-885-3277

A bit of gossip: A little birdie (not affiliated with Silk) told me that the director of a top SF beauty school forgoes the free manis/pedis she has at her disposal and goes to Silk instead, as it is the bees knees!

By Megan Peters

Recently in the Bay Area as many of you may have already heard, director and actor Kevin Smith was reportedly booted off Southwest Airlines for being too fat for a single seat. Kevin Smith has twitted that he does fit in a single seat and can even buckle his seatbelt without a buckle extender.

However, a Southwest spokesperson said its “Customer of Size” policy requires that travelers must fit “safely and comfortably” in one seat – or make other arrangements. After hearing about this I suddenly started to worry about our up and coming honeymoon and the way we will be treated traveling as a plus size couple.

I began to research on this and I found that it is not only Southwest Airlines but also, United and Delta Airlines that enforce their policy of charging overweight passengers double if they can’t comfortably fit into one seat. The airline also could bump an overweight passenger if the flight is sold out and no extra seats are available. So the question is what can we do to avoid buying extra seats? Or if you are able to fit comfortable but not according to the airline; like Kevin Smith?

One suggestion I found is to find out ahead of time, prepare before you book a flight. You can look in advance the width of the seat on a flight by going to www.seatguru.com and click “charts.” Then you can sort by seat width, flight, type of aircraft, by airline or by type of service (such as international economy or domestic business class.) The difference can amazingly be as much as 2 inches in seat width.  This is great news for me because last time I flew I fit but I could feel the arm rests on my hips. I was certainly comfortable enough but wouldn’t mind that extra two inches. So before we book our flight from San Francisco to Florida to reach our cruise to the Bahamas. I will most definitely check the seat width ahead of time.

By Elizabeth Zachry

Next time I need a photographer, Sabrina Wong tops my list.   Sabrina has a way of making all of her subjects feel at ease, which comes across in all of her photos.   I had the opportunity to sit down with Sabrina and learn a little more about the woman behind the lens.

While working as a consultant, Sabrina took up photography has a hobby and after realizing it was her true passion, it grew into a full time job.   Her first photo session was with a woman and her two year-old granddaughter who came in wanting 20’s themed photos.   This example really fits in with Sabrina’s style, which is fun, easy-going, and personalized.    She works with each client to make sure the photo sessions are tailored to fit everyone’s needs and comfort level.   When asked about her favorite shoot, she was hesitant to pick a favorite because each session is so unique.   Some of her favorites are shown in the following photos and include taking photos of a couple with their Ford Mustang, experimenting with the cherry blossoms, and just being able to get the subjects to open up and enjoy themselves during the shoot.

Another thing that makes Sabrina special, and one of my favorite offerings, is that along with wonderful photos, Sabrina creates handmade albums.  This adds a more unique aspect to the album because instead of just haphazardly picking photos and putting them into pre-designed settings, there is a more intimate feel and personalized touch.  She also offers the option of both digital and traditional film.

According to Sabrina, the best part of photography is having the opportunity to share her passion and help capture the happy couple on their special day.  It is important for every couple to find a photographer that fits their style, which is why Sabrina is offering everyone who mentions “Bay Area Bride Guide” the opportunity for a free engagement session to determine if you have a good fit.

If I were getting married soon I would definitely give her a call! For more information you can check out her website at http://www.sabrinawongphoto.com/

To follow up Stacy’s post about Google dipping their virtual toes in to the wedding world, I have to mention that Daily Candy is doing so also! I just found out that they’ve started a wedding version of the ever-popular and helpful email update. So far they’ve posted some interesting ideas about brooch bouquets, invites, and personalized wedding favors such as jam made from a local fruit that’s in season during the time of your wedding.

Secondly, I just love my photographer so much that I have to share them. (once like a spark) photography is named after a line in an ee cummings poem, who happens to be my favorite. It’s a collective of a couple of the freshest, most original wedding photographers on the West Coast, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. Everything is online, from payment to profile to print ordering. Our engagement session was amazing, and our photographer Michael was very generous with his time and talent. He was open to suggestions from us and also had some great ideas himself.  Check out their website at http://www.oncelikeaspark.com.

Thirdly, I found a pretty awesome etsy decoration that is cheap, festive, and original. On the etsy.com site, search for “party poms”. They are these amazing paper pom poms that you can order in any color – just tell the artist your colors. They come out to about $4 per pom, are made from recycled paper, and can be recycled (rehearsal dinner – wedding – farewell brunch, anyone?)

by Vera Devera

Above is a private dinner event San Francisco Opera held for a few hundred guests onstage at the War Memorial Opera House. The centerpieces were carnations — usually a bride’s last choice for flowers. But, I beg to differ as the carnations delivered high impact and drama when arranged in a single color on floral foam spheres. The bases of the centerpieces were modern IKEA flower pots and a few wide pedestal bowls were from Fantastico, a great event supply warehouse around the corner from the San Francisco Flower Mart. Using carnations and these vessels certainly cut costs!

When it comes to bargain shopping for tablescapes, there are four places I turn to and highly recommend to you:

IKEA (Emeryville): If you’re going for a modern and clean look, this is the place. You’ll often find fabric for $0.99 to $5.99 a yard. Vases in bold colors range from $2.99 to $7.99 a piece and flower pots are an easy way (at $1.95 to $7.95) for creating a garden look. Clear votive candles come in 4/packs for $1.95 and 100 tealights are $3.99. Here’s a tablescape I recently created for 20 guests for under $80.

IKEA Tablescape by Vera Devera

Crate and Barrel Outlet (4th Street, Berkeley): CBO has lots of bud vases starting at $0.95 each and if you are creative, you can use glassware as tealight holders instead. They have a small but fun collection of Marimekko fabric. I just bought six 120″ long table runners in orange, gold and brown for $2.95 each (92% off the original price). Visit often to find hot deals like the one I found this week!

Crate and Barrel Outlet

Urban Ore (Ashby Ave, Berkeley): If you like going to antique flea markets, you will not mind the disarray this salvage store is in. They have a decent sized collection of previously used standard flower vases (the kind you’d find at a florist) for $1.00-$3.00.  Need mason jars and can’t get your friends to give them their used jars? Look no further — you’ll find many shapes and sizes for $0.50 to $2.00 (depending on size). If you’re going for a farmer’s market look, they have tons of wicker baskets and also an interesting collection of vintage vessels. When I visited this week, they had vintage Napa water glass bottles for $5.00 each (an antique store I visited quoted me $40!).

TJ Maxx (Alameda): The management at this location have really started to clean it up — there are even rotating collections every week that focus on baby, home, entertaining every week. If you’re building a confection/candy bar with apothecary jars, skip the big box stores like Michael’s and Target. TJ Maxx’s apothecary jars and hurricane taper candle holders are $15 and less, with an average of $7.00 each and sometimes $3.00 a piece if you look for the red clearance sticker. They also carry Brides Magazine branded materials like printable seat signs ($2.99 for 2 instead of $19.99!), DIY invitations and more for $9 or less per pack.

Apothecary Jars - Photo by Vintage Pretties

Happy shopping! If you find any good deals, please let us know!