Here’s a fun site…check out Ecoist for their eco-friendly handbags, jewelry and accessories.  This eco-friendly Wristlet is made out of repurposed newspapers and they say it’s water resistant.  It’s is self-lined with a zipper close.  How cool!

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~share your favorite verse or poem

~use the space for guest information

~reception information

~your monogram

~personal photo

I could spend so much of my day on Etsy.  If you’ve never been or are looking to be inspired with all things hand-made, just click over, type in whatever you’re looking for and watch the magic pop up.

I love, love these Errings.  Gorgeous and fun.

This Day bag is so incredibly retro-cute!

Flip-flops for your Flower Girl?

I just fell in love with this reconstructed Mermaid’s Nest ~ filled with replica seashells, pearls and bounty of the sea.  Can you see them as centerpieces in a small, intimate beach wedding?

Cake image: Brides.com

The other day we had internet connectivity issues that lasted the entire day (no fun if you’re internet dependent).  Apparently there was a construction accident in Wisconsin.  As a result, the internet was absolutely painful to be on… slow is too fast to describe it.  Note to self: have Plan B when internet is down.

Our wedding reception was held on the second floor of a 150 year-old building with a  narrow stairway.  I hadn’t thought about how my adorable yet chunky… ahem, very chunky grandmother would ascend the long and winding staircase.  This was an awkward problem.  It took a few men to assist her in getting upstairs… it would have been easier had I a plan B for Gram.

Rarely do everyday events and life for that matter, go completely according to plan.  There’s usually a bend in the road somewhere that forces us to take a detour.  I don’t think you can avoid problems so much as you can prepare for them~ by anticipating them.  The old saying~ an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure makes a bunch of sense.

Prepare for Wedding Day Mishaps

1. Determine your “what if” plan. Take a look at the scenarios surrounding your wedding day.  Anticipate anything that could likely go awry:  is the lighting adequate enough? what if it rains? what if it’s really hot or really cold? what if I break a heel?  what if the flower girl throws a tantrum on her way up the aisle? is the stairway large enough to accommodate your grandmother?  Ask your vendors about their “what if” plans? I’m not suggesting that you worry yourself sick about what probably won’t happen~ just to anticipate the possibility of what might (realistically) happen.

2. Stay organized: Systematically work through your to-do list and check items off. Write ideas down as they come to you.  Don’t put off til tomorrow what you can do today.

3. Minimize surprises: Professionals, vendors should be recommended and researched.

4. Avoid wedding day disorganization: Print a schedule of wedding day proceedings and give it to your attendants, vendors, officiate, parents, etc.  Everyone will be on board with when and where they are supposed to be.

5. Emergency Kits: Anticipate not only the needs of yourself but also of the groomsmen and the guests.  Here is a list of emergency kit items from the Knot. I would also add items such as a first aid kit, shoe polish, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, lip balm and water bottles.

Avoiding problems is not so much the issue as anticipating them and effectively handling them as they occur.

What are you doing to avoid wedding day mishaps?