Voter Registrations

There is a concern with some of my brides with regards to changing their name and the election approaching. In the state of Washington you have a 30 day deadline (before the election date) by mail to change your name/address on your voter registration. Your name must match your drivers license/drivers license number. If you happen to miss that 30 day deadline you can go in person to your county elections department 15 days before the election.

For more information please visit: http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx

European Chocolate Shop

During this busy season I have come across this wonderful chocolate shop in Kirkland. It is called Sweet Caroline's owned and operated my Ms. Caroline herself! I ordered chocolate seashells for a beach wedding as wedding favors for a bride. While I was there I peered over the counter to a tray of fresh out-of-the oven filled with chocolate chip cookies. They looked delightful, so I just had to try one. She gave me two just because she was being nice. I said, " I will just give the other one to my husband when I get home."

Needless to say I had eaten both of them by the time I got home. They were the best chocolate chip cookies ever! I highly recommend Sweet Caroline's Chocolate Bar for all of your wedding favors and treats. She can put together a chocolate bar for your wedding reception also! She has every kind of chocolate you can think of and the price is right as well!

Sweet Caroline's Chocolate Bar
10015 NE 137th St.
Kirkland, Wa 98034

Walking Down the Aisle with the Greatest of Ease

Alright ladies, here it is, plain and simple...Your Guide to walking down the aisle with ease.

No matter what the ceremony or culture, there is always an element of production involved with a wedding ceremony. Here are a few tips to think about before you walk down the aisle.

• Right before you walk down the aisle take 3 big deep breaths to help sooth the overwhelming emotions you will be feeling and slow down your heart rate!
• Wear a Matte lipstick and NOT lip gloss. You don't want your veil sticking to your lips.
• Brides always get nervous and hold their bouquet too high. (Bridesmaids too!) Practice in a mirror at home to find your most flattering placement. Don't hide your beautiful waistline! The bouquet should be carried at hip height NOT at your waist. The exception to the rule would be a very small bouquet, which should be carried at your belly button.
• SLOW DOWN as you walk down the aisle. Dad and Bride need to practice the pace ahead of time. During the rehearsal, practice walking down the aisle a couple of times. You don' t have to pause between steps like in the movies, just a slow stride will do.
• Remind your dad or whom ever is walking you down the aisle to be aware of the train if your dress has one. You don't want him tripping over your dress trying to get to his seat!
• As soon as you arrive at the altar or chuppah, hand over your bouquet to the Maid of Honor. If she is on train duty, make sure she hands over the bouquets to the next in line for safe keeping.
• If you think you might cry or well up with tears as you walk down the aisle it would be a good idea to give your maid of honor a tissue for you to have once you have reached the altar.
• Don't hold your breath! Breathe, breathe, breathe as you walk down the aisle!!!

For the Groom

The wedding isn't just about the bride anymore. More and more grooms are stepping up and having a say on what goes on during their special day. I think it is great that grooms are taking more interest and there are so many ways to bring in his personality to the day of the wedding.

Here are 5 ways to bring out the groom's personality the day of the wedding:

What to wear? After the bride and the groom decide on a style that coincides with the wedding and reception, have the groom dress himself. If the groom isn't very fashion forward, send him to IMPECCABLE. Impeccable is a company specializing in image consulting and personal shopping for the groom. He will be in good hands there!
Visit www.impeccableSeattle.com for more information.

Grooms Cake. This allows the groom to express his taste without the white whipped butter cream frosting! The grooms cake is generally smaller and made up of fruitcake or chocolate. These cakes can bear the logos of sports team or reflect their pet, car or hobby. The cakes can be placed side by side or on opposite ends of the room.

Signature Drink. So many weddings now have a signature cocktail to reflect the color or theme of the wedding. Why not have 2 signature drinks -- One the ladies can sip on that reflects the bride's taste and one that the men can enjoy that the groom picks out.

Honeymoon. Maybe the groom doesn't want anything to do with planning the wedding. Have him plan the honeymoon. Either you both decide on a destination and he plans the details or there was this bride and groom that decided he would plan the whole honeymoon and not tell his bride where they were going until they were checking in to get their boarding pass. (Of course he told her the climate and what to pack for.) She was so excited when she found out she was going to Jamaica!

Getaway Car. This is for the man who wants to make a statement driving his bride away from the reception. This is such a fun new trend. There are exotic car rentals that rent out cars like Corvettes to Maseratis or even Smart Cars for the "green" groom. Please visit www.marvelcars.com for more information.

Groom's Day of Emergency Kit:

• Breath Mints


• Cologne


• Comb


• Hair Gel


• Handkerchief


• Lip Balm


• Tums


• Razor and Shaving Cream


• Toothbrush and Toothpaste


• Extra pair of black sox (of what ever the groom is wearing that day and make sure they are not too short!!)


• Extra pair of black shoelaces

Things to Remember:

If you are a man that perspires a lot and/or you are getting married outside on a sunny day, it would be wise to bring an extra dress shirt to change into for the reception.

If you are buying your shoes, make sure to break them in. Wear them to your dance lessons or around the house...but do not wear them outside! Make sure your shoes are in pristine condition the day of the wedding!

Make sure you try on the tux or suit close to the wedding so that if there are any alterations that need to be made it can be done. Also if you are renting a tux, make sure to check and see if you have everything. The cuff links, sox, kerchief, shoes that are both the right size, etc.

Remember this is your wedding day, so please limit the alcohol intake before the ceremony. Make sure the groomsman are aware of how special this day means to you also!

Bachelorette Party Ideas

We have all heard of the wild nights in Vegas or the embarrassing strip club stories. While those are parties are fun, I thought I would share a few ideas of some bachelorette parties that will fit a variety of different brides:

"Playing Through!"
Get out your plaid short shorts and knee high argyle socks, "We are going golfing!" Well, sort of...Get all dressed up and pick 3-5 holes (bars) to attend that evening. Walk from bar to bar, rent a limo to drive you from hole to hole or make sure you have a designated driver! This is a great idea that can be done anywhere on any budget! This is a fun themed bachelorette party that will be sure to attract attention and create memories that will never be forgotten!

Slumber Party
This is a great idea for a bachelorette party on a budget. Choose someone's house or cabin and host a slumber party like the good old days. Tease the pizza delivery man and break out the DVD's (Sex and the City is always a good option) and pink frozen drinks. This is a good time to bond up and relax with one another before the big day!

Beach House & Wine Tasting
You can rent a house on the beach on the Oregon coast that is actually affordable if you have a group of people. Road trip to Oregon for the weekend! Rent a limo for the day to take you all wine tasting for the day. Oregon has plenty of wineries and fabulous Pinot Noirs!! BBQ for dinner and play poker into the evening! Wake up to mimosas and brunch overlooking the ocean with your best friends!

Spa Weekend
For the bride that doesn't care much for the party, getaway to a spa for the weekend! Relax, Rejuvenate and Unwind with your girlfriends! There are plenty of great spas in Seattle or plan a weekend spa getaway to Victoria, Canada or Laguna Beach, California.

3 Day Cruise
Off Season is the best time to plan for a 3 day Mexican or Californian cruise. The prices are not as bad as you would think! This is a great idea for any number of bridal parties...because on a cruise there are so many things you can do!

Houseboat
For a bridal party that is ready for an adventure! You can rent a houseboat in Washington or travel down to the Trinity Lakes in California. This will truly be a remarkable experience!! You can fish, hike, rent jet skis, sun bath on the deck with a margarita..do what you please and go where you want...Ahoy Captain!

Lindeman Wedding's Pick for Best Bachelorette Party Favor:
SOFIA mini cans of champagne. They are sure to be a bridal party pleaser!

Whatever party you choose to do for your friends, have fun, laugh often and be safe!! If there is going to be alcohol involved please make sure that you plan for appropriate transportation back home or to your hotel!

If you have any unique bachelorette party ideas you would like to share or have any questions about any of the above parties email them to erin@lindemanweddings.com.

Planning the Party

For all of the MAIDS OF HONOR out there....if the planning is getting to be too much or you are running out of time, we offer Bachelorette Party Planning Packages ranging from $100.00-$500.00. Let us plan the party for you!! These packages range from pre-planning consultations to full service party planning to any destination!

Please contact Lindeman Weddings for more details! We will make sure you get the best deals on flights, hotels and transportation. Upon booking with us, your entire party will receive complimentary gift bags that will be sure to delight!

This will save you time and money!! Let Lindeman Weddings & Events plan your Special Weekend Getaway or Seattle Bachelorette Bash!

A Few Wedding Reminders!

As wedding season is upon us, I thought that I would share a few things to remember for the month leading up to your wedding through to your wedding day. Being as prepared as you can for the day of your wedding will ensure a smoother wedding celebration!!

• Break in your SHOES!! And just in case that doesn't work for the day of your wedding, make sure to place a more comfortable pair of shoes under the chair at your reception that you can change into if needed.


• Remember to BOOK your MANICURE AND PEDICURE for the day before the wedding about a month out. Nail Salons and Spas are very busy on Fridays and you don't want to wait until the last minute to book!


• Review and Confirm HONEYMOON travel reservations! Also remember to make reservations for any special restaurants, outings, spa appointments or sporting events you would like to take part in on your honeymoon.


• WAIT to change your name...until after you return from your honeymoon! The name on your airline ticket has to match the name on your passport and driver's license. The last thing you are going to want to do is be held up at the airport before your honeymoon!


• Make sure to stock up on all PRECRIPTIONS for your honeymoon! ie: Birth Control, Disposable Contact Lenses, Allergy Meds, etc.


• About a month or two before your wedding, visit your DOCTOR to ensure that your "cycle" will not interfere with your wedding or honeymoon!! I have already seen a catastrophy at a wedding this year!! Also, make sure you are prepared for ANY surprises on your wedding day!!


• Keep checking your REGISTRIES up until a few days before the wedding to ensure that there are gifts still available at all price points.


• Confirm and Reconfirm your WEDDING NIGHT HOTEL reservation!!!


• Make Arrangements for your PET while you are out of town, have NEWSPAPERS and MAIL stopped and remember to arrange transportation to and from the airport if you are flying out of town for your honeymoon.


• About one month out, obtain your MARRIAGE LICENSE and make sure it will still be valid through your wedding day. The link below will lead you to all of the offices in the greater Seattle area where you can obtain your marriage license: http://www.theknot.com/WP_mlresults.html?market=010&keyword=SEATTLE


• Start writing your THANK YOU notes as the gifts start to come in. It will make for one less thing you have to do when you get back from your honeymoon.


• Remember to THANK your parents and bridal party after the wedding. Send them flowers or a handwritten card.


• After the wedding, if there is a bad stain on your WEDDING DRESS, don't wait to take it to the cleaners. Otherwise hang it up and take it to the cleaners one you return.

I work with an Officiant that insists to the bride and groom that they should go out on a DATE during the week before their wedding. May it be over a cup of coffee or dinner and movie, get away from the family and friends and PAUSE for a moment TOGETHER! Enjoy each other's company and excite about the next few days to come!

The month leading up to your wedding is such a wonderful time. It is filled with pure excitment and lots of celebration! Take time to pause and enjoy this time with your friends, family and especially your fiance!

Honeymoons by Lindeman Weddings & Events

Lindeman Weddings and Association of Bridal Consultants are proud to be partnering with Sandals All Inclusive Vacations.

Let us plan your dream Honeymoon!

Antigua, Jamaica, Bahamas…Bring on the Sunshine and Fruity Cocktails!

All Inclusive Honeymoons are the absolute way to go! I recommend this to every one of my clients.

So many people think that it is called your “wedding day,” when really they should call it your "wedding week!" From all of the relatives flying in to the rehearsal dinner, hair appointments and last minute adjustments…trust me, by the time you wake up the morning after your wedding, the last thing are going to want to do is make more decisions or follow more plans.

All Inclusive Vacations are great because as soon as you get off the plane you are greeted with a smile and escorted to straight your suite. "No Worries, Mon!"

The only thing you have to worry about is what you and your new hubby want to do with your days and nights. From Scuba Diving lessons to Couples Massage classes there are endless opportunities to have fun without all of the research or the worry of breaking the budget. The food is outrageous and the entertainment is endless. There is something new to do every single day…and night! If you are a newly wed, you get even more extras. You just have to make sure that you bring a copy of your wedding license!

When my husband and I went on an all inclusive vacation to Jamaica, we just couldn’t have been more impressed with the excellent service and hospitality. We didn’t want our vacation to end and we look forward to our next trip back to the Caribbean!

We experienced a couple of weddings while we were there too! Everyone was having so much fun!! One wedding was smaller and very intimate; another much larger and ready for the party. A ceremony set on the beach with the gentle breeze blowing her veil. A photographer's dream! Everyone was wearing flipflops and light linen clothing. They held the festive receptions in the garden under the stars. Every single one of my senses was captivated by these weddings. From the sheer beauty of the crystal cleer ocean to the smells of the salty breeze and authentic catering, these weddings were truly remarkable!

Please let us know if you would like more information on all inclusive vacations or if you would like to start planning your wedding in the Caribbean!

Have you been moved in with your fiance for a while? Bought a house? So you don't really need a new blender? Consider having your guests pay for your honeymoon with Sandal's Honeymoon Gift Registry!!