Numbers
Most wedding planners recommend a bridesmaid for every 50 guests in attendance. If you have a small wedding, it might look odd to have four or five bridesmaids next to you. On the other hand, for a big wedding, it might look less formal to only have one maid of honor. Either way, it’s always nice to have a matching number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, so take your fiancé’s expectations into consideration as well.

Etiquette
Once you have a number in mind, be sure you don’t ruffle any feathers. If you have sisters, they should always be included, even if you don’t get along that well. It’s perfectly okay to have your best friend as your maid of honor, but it’s rude to leave family members out of the bridal party.

Reliability
You probably have lots of dear friends that you would love to share your big day with, but keep in mind that you will rely on them for many things—least of all looking polished for pictures and the ceremony, and most of all—moral support. If you have friends that are chronically late, will insist on casual footwear or tend to get excessively tipsy, think twice about including them in your day. (You will regret it.)

The Proposal
You have chosen your special friends who will stand next to you on your big day, but it’s still appropriate to ask them to honor you in this way. After all, it is a big commitment of time and money for them, so a more formal request goes a long way. Consider inviting them all to a special night out, or giving them a personal gift like this one.

Something Turquoise.com – They’ll be sure to say yes!
http://somethingturquoise.com/2011/1…my-bridesmaid/

Gifts
While it’s common for bridesmaids to buy their own dresses, it’s a thoughtful gesture to buy their jewelry for the wedding day. You can choose something that coordinates with the dresses, which will also make a great gift for them to remember the occasion.

Use a personalization option to use gemstones that coordinate with your wedding color.
http://personalize.kay.com/kay2.html…stone_pendants

Other Friends
If you couldn’t include everyone you wanted to, don’t forget that there are other ways for them to be involved in your big day. They could do a reading during the ceremony, perform a musical number during the reception, hand out programs, and of course still take part in the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

• Ice Skating

Find an outdoor skating rink and rent some skates. Bundle up and grab a thermos of hot cocoa (with maybe a touch of peppermint schnapps), some mugs and a camera to document your winter wonderland memories.

• Stargazing

Find a tranquil outdoor setting and bring an air mattress, hammock or some reclining chairs. For an unforgettable time, mark your calendar for the next big meteor shower and get ready to make some wishes! Bring a nice bottle of wine and ask 20 questions while you gaze. Make your own constellation.

• Take a ski day

Hit the slopes with your love, and be sure to spend some time by a nice roaring fire at the end of the day. Make s’mores and then hit the hot tub together.

• Scavenger Hunt

Whether it’s throughout your house or throughout the whole city, make a scavenger hunt for your love and help them follow the clues to a picnic or dinner at a nice restaurant.

• Row, Row, Row your Boat

Rent a row boat and take a few leisurely spins around a lake. Timeless romance. Sigh…

• Go to a Game

Get tickets to a home game and tailgate together. Wear team jerseys and be super fans together.

• Play Strip Poker

And let them win a few games!

• Get Fresh

Go to an orchard or berry farm and pick some fresh fruit to enjoy together. Bring a nice bottle of champagne (of course) to reward yourselves for your efforts. Find a nice spot to plant a tree together. Go back and carve your names in it on an anniversary or special occasion down the road.

• Be Adventurous

Go bungee jumping, skydiving, rock climbing, anything out of your comfort zone. You’ll get a great adrenaline rush and wonderful memories with your loved one.

• Dance the Night Away

Take a dance class and then go to a nice dinner afterwards.

• Volunteer Together

Find a common interest and donate some time together. Visit a nursing home for a monthly bingo night, help out at a food bank, visit children in the hospital or clean up a trail or park.

Hope this list helps your imagination run wild. Get out there and spend some quality time with the one you love!

Valentine Pancakes
Just use an empty condiment bottle and some pancake batter—delicious and so yummy! Add strawberries and whip cream for a special touch. (Don’t forget to mix in some love. That’s very important.)
http://www.moredesignplease.com/more…e-doodles.html

Pillowbox Alligator Valentine
This adorable do-it-yourself valentine can be downloaded for free and filled with candy.
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/02/0…our-valentine/

Heart and Lollipop Flowers
A fun and simple gift—perfect for school valentine exchanges!
http://www.marthastewart.com/267672/…entines-for-ki

Crayon Heart Valentines
These gifts are candy-free, adorably sweet and easy to make too!
http://mrspereasclass.blogspot.com/2…es-having.html

Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies
Use a heart shape for fun twist on this decadent treat.
http://www.bakerella.com/easy-and-ea…entine-treats/

Happy Valentine’s Day from everyone at BlueFlair Photogarphy!

Cupid's Cuties

Give us a call (858.356.5859) if you’d like to schedule a new headshot session, or if you’re interested in purchasing digital web files from a previous session.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS:

To learn more about strategically using social media for your business, check out social media guru, Bridget Ayers, at Get Smart Web Consulting Group

To learn more about creating effective marketing strategies, check out marketing expert, Shonna Jordan, at Jordan & Jordan.

Or, if you’re needing to reinvent your image, or you need to develop a personal brand, contact Katy, image consultant, at Puris Image.

Are you following us on Facebook?

An announcement, releasing the names of the 12 finalists and 3 alternates will be posted to facebook and the www.blueflairphotoblog.com on Sunday, June 12, 2011 no later than 5:59 p.m. PST

Those selected will return to Kidsville later this month for an exclusive photo shoot featuring a dozen the façades that make up the imaginative experience behind the pretend-play city. The twelve finalists will earn a year membership and a fine art canvas totaling more than $650 in value.

Owners of both businesses were pleased with the response and look forward to the unveiling of the new wall in early August. A special event and autograph signing featuring the twelve finalists will be held in accordance with the grand opening of the Wall of Fame.  In addition, an on-location contest will run to choose the 2012 Cover Model for a charity benefited calendar.

Playtime just got more fun with our graphically designed playdate cards featuring your child!  When you’re out and about with your young ‘uns, these playdate cards create a buzz among the other mommies, because your child has their own ‘calling card’ to set up future playdates.

We’ve even had some “mom-preneurs” comment that having their business email on the cards has helped increased their business visibility, and helped them connect with more potential clients.

What’s more, is that when your friends book their session with us, and say they were referred by your child’s playdate cards, YOU receive referral credit with BlueFlair Photography!

So how do you get some of these for yourself? Here’s how:

For a limited time, BlueFlair Photography is offering a specially priced child portrait session that includes 48 playdate cards!  Book your child’s session now for just $79 (regularly $150) and mention special offer code: PLAY11 to receive 48 complimentary playdate cards (a total value of $145).

But hurry, this special offer ends April 3.  Call for details: 858-356-5859.

To see our complete florist branding session, click here.  For more examples, check out our preferred vendors categories in the drop down above.

Some locations (more than 15 miles from studio) may incur travel fees.  Call for details: 858-356-5859.