Top 5 Not-So-Obvious Items that should be on every bride’s shopping list

Welcome to the Fineline wedding planning section of our blog where the top wedding planners in the Pittsburgh area give their advice on new and old topics for future brides to be!

Each week we will provide our local wedding planners with a topic that they can share their insight and experiences on! Check back each week for some exciting blogs that will be incredibly helpful for you!

If you have any topic suggestions or questions for our wonderful list of wedding planners please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this article!

Ideas for the bride’s shopping list from Summer Schmitt at Simply Perfect Weddings:

1. Individual boxes or small bags for extra goodies from your cookie table and/or candy buffet (not only will this alleviate you from having to take home a ton of extra food; your guests will also appreciate a late night snack after the wedding is over!)
2. Cold drinks for an outdoor summer wedding or personal handheld fans if your church/venue does not have a/c (always a big hit with wedding guests!)
3. Bridal “emergency kit” full of beauty essentials (if you have a wedding planner/coordinator, he/she should bring one for you)
4. Extra pens for guestbook (you never know when guests will walk off with your only pen!)
5. Nice hanger (i.e. wood or satin) for your wedding gown (you don’t want to have photos of your beautiful gown hanging on an old wire or plastic hanger, do you?!)

You can reach Summer Schmitt from Simply Perfect Weddings at http://www.simplyperfectwedding.net

Ideas for the bride’s shopping list from Brenda at Wedding Wishes:

1. Extra pair of pantyhose
2. A special gift for her groom
3. 2 colors of lipgloss
4. Clear lables
5. 10 extra favors

You can reach Brenda from Wedding Wishes at www.weddingwishesofpa.com

Ideas for the bride’s shopping list from Jodi Colella at Accents Unlimited LLC:

1. Engagement Photos – I recommend this for so many reasons. Think about it, how often do you get professional pictures done as a couple? Go for it! It will be nice to use these photos in aspects of your wedding – such as a card box, photo guestbook or guest matte for guests to sign, save-the-dates and more. Plus, it will be nice to use as art in your house in supplement to your wedding photos. Pick several locations with your photographer to get different effects and atmosphere to the shots.
2. A Planner or Coordinator – Because they can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. They know the secrets, will take the stress away;  they strive to keep you within or under budget — and know the best and most reasonable vendors in town.   They are more affordable than you think. Most work with all kinds of budgets (we do!)!
3. Cover Those Rings – Under insurance that is! Make sure that you are able to add it to your homeowners’  or renter’s insurance(sometimes called a rider). To do this, you will need to get the rings appraised and provide proof of purchase. If you do not have either types of insurance, talk to your jewelers as some work with certain insurance companies.
4. Spreadsheets – No not the kind to sleep on. Spreadsheets are invaluable in keeping your wedding tasks and budget organized. It comes in most Microsoft packages. If you cannot afford that, go to www.openoffice.org for a free Excel-like program (they have almost all Office programs. For FREE).
5. Spanx. Enough Said. They work wonders! Because not every bride is built like Sarah Jessica Parker or Heidi Klum…

You can reach Jodi Colella from Accents Unlimited LLC at www.accentsunlimited.net

Ideas for the bride’s shopping list from Mary Jo Romano at Wedding Designs by MariJo, Ltd. and Beckonings:

1. The correct foundations or undergarments for your gown
2. An “emergency-kit” if you do not have a Wedding Planner
3. Corsage or buttonaire for readers that are a part of your ceremony
4. Ceremony programs
5. “Take-away” bags or cartons for cake/cookies/candy

You can reach Mary Jo Romano from Wedding Designs by MariJo, Ltd. and Beckonings at www.Bridesplans.com and www.myBeckonings.com

Ideas for the bride’s shopping list from Michele Holbrook at Posh Parting Planning:

1. Waterproof mascara
2. Blot Papers-to reduce shine on your face
3. Band-Aid/Safety Pins/Advil
4. Madame Paulette Stain remover-http://www.madamepaulette.com/professional-stain-removal-kit/
5. Granola Bars, Water & Other Bite Sized Snacks
6. Spanx

You can reach Michele Holbrook from Posh Parting Planning atwww.PoshPartyPlanning.com

Thanks to our wedding planners for the great ideas for our brides to remember those items they may forget on their brides shopping list!