It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas !

Christmas is coming and personally it's one of my most favourite times of the year.  I love the magic that comes with it and the build up towards the day itself.    I'm not talking about the commercial side of things with the Christmas shopping and bustling crowds, I'm talking about walking through the city seeing all the lights twinkling, going ice skating and drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows.    I love seeing the little kids with wide eyes and big smiles at the thought of Santa coming and the excitement that it generates.

Many of us will be putting up the tree and decorating it over the next few weeks, that can lead to its own challenges.   In our house my kids are in early adulthood now but there is a certain tradition that we stick to..no laughing please!    I have always tried to create a tradition where we do the tree together and  have that little bit of family time that is so precious as the kids grow.  However, this reality is this:

1.  I get the tree and decorations out of the garage
2.  My daughter joins me to get everything ready (I have one of those trees that you have to build branch by branch! ) 
3.  The cats jump in the bag that the tree is in and into the box with the baubles.
4.  I start to build the tree, I turn round ...my daughter is gone... I continue to build the tree
5.  I string the lights (600 lights go on my tree so it takes a while)
6.  I start to put the baubles on...my daughter reappears and hangs a few..then disappears again! 
7.  I get to putting the tree topper on...daughter reappears and insists it's her job to put the star on the tree.
8.  The tree is done and my son appears!!   Says "yeah that's nice" and disappears
9.  Cats take an interest and start knocking the baubles off the bottom branches and proceed to play "football" with them.

And this is how it is every year!   but they do still take great pleasure in "sorting" out the presents, trying not so successfully pretending that they are not counting how many each have and are sorted into their respective  piles, even at 16 and 18 they still do it! 

Christmas can be a time of stress especially if you are having loads of family round and having to cook, shop, clean etc, tempers can get frayed, arguments follow  and sometimes you can wonder why you do this to yourself every year.   My tip is don't stress over it, it depends just how traditional you want the day to be and what you want to get out of it.  

It is a fairly laid back affair in our house and certainly not stressful, I'm not saying that it was always like that, it wasn't until about 5 years ago, when I had a really bad dose of the flu and it came to Christmas Eve and I was still feeling like I had been hit by a bus, but had nothing in for dinner (luckily the gift shopping had been done a while before)   So on Christmas Eve around 2pm I dragged myself out with my husband, went to 3 local supermarkets and realised there was nothing left!  We ended up in Aldi's and they still had plenty of everything, we got the food we needed for the next day and all was well, but it did make me realise that there really is no need to go all out with mountains of food and a really expensive food bill.

Click to get this recipe

We might be in the minority but we don't actually like turkey that much so we always have chicken instead.   This year I have bought lovely big chicken breasts which we are going to wrap in bacon, we will do the rest of the trimmings as usual,but there will be no waste and we won't be eating turkey sandwiches, currys etc for the following week, we will save a fortune as the price of turkey is ridiculous at this time of year and I refuse to bow down to the retailers, just because it's Christmas.    I have bought some gorgeous diced steak and will make my own Steak Pie on Boxing Day.  Tradition is whatever you and your family make it not what the media tells you it should be.

So my tips for this Christmas are: 

• Make your lists NOW of what you need to do
• Don't stress, make sure you take a bit of time out to have a bit of fun
• Have the dinner you want to have, minimise waste, it will have a positive effect on your pocket too! 
• Enjoy what time off you do have, snuggle up in front of a Christmas movie, wrap up warm and go for a walk in the park and crunch on the leaves, people watch...go for a coffee in town, sit at the window and watch the world go by.
• SMILE!  no matter what trials and tribulations you have been through in 2012, you have done exactly that you have come through it and  its time to just relax a little.

So, I'm now off to get the tree out the garage and start our Christmas traditions........

Happy Holidays Everyone have a good one! xxx

Crystal Nails and Tanning - Highly Recommended

When I recommend my suppliers, it's not just because I have made contact with them, I have actually tried out their services myself and for my brides who are having a spray tan and nails done, it can be quite daunting trying to find the right one to look her best on the day.

Well I have one fantastic supplier that I can't recommend highly enough and is in the Falkirk area.   I travel from Glasgow to Falkirk to get my treatments done so that speaks volumes in itself.

Crystal Nails and Tanning are a new business established only this year, and Sara Dwight is the owner.

Sara is constantly updating her packages and offering new services to her clients.  She has a gorgeous treatment room at her home address so you can be assured of privacy and a high level of service.

I have personally sampled some of her services including the amazing Shellac Nails and Brown Blitz Spray Tanning.

I will start by praising the tan... I have had several spray tans over the last few years, and I have to say by far this is the best one yet, not only did it look great straight away, but it didn't streak or go blotchy, it was even from the start, it faded beautifully and I was able to wash it off after just a few hours, and it continued to develop overnight which was great, no tan stained sheets!  Not only that it smelled gorgeous.   It lasted over a week and have to say can't wait to get another soon.

The Shellac Nails are fantastic, I confess to being a nail biter for most of my life, but thanks to my dentist who fitted new crowns, it means that I can no longer nibble!   The result is for the first time I have lovely long nails that I am incredibly proud of.   The Shellac is gorgeous, long lasting and non chipping, making my hands look great all day everyday.  I opted for the French Manicure because for me it was the most versatile and am still not into painting my nails every few days, perfect solution.

Sara herself is great, she has a fantastic bubbly personality and immediately puts you at ease.

She has some really fantastic offers on at the moment including:

Bridal Nail package includes for: Bride, Mother of the Bride and up to 3 Bridesmaids: Shellac £100

Spray Tans - Book and pay for 4 spray tans in advance and get your 5th tan free.   Cost £40.00

Get yourself a fabulous Brown Blitz Spray Tan and gorgeous Shellac Nails for £25.00

Check out her website for more offers especially coming up to Christmas! 

To contact Sara at Crystal Nails and Tanning you can 

Visit her Website: Crystal Nails and Tanning

By Phone: 07514 209376

To book online: Online Booking 

Crystal Nails and Tanning 

House of Elliot Clearance Sale

I had to share with you today the amazing clearance sale from House of Elliot.     These are all going fast so if you fancy something extra special and a special price then get in quick.

These shoes are reduced from £175.00 to £60.00 and are available in a Size 5

Also available in black if you wanted something different or if you are planning to change in the evening.

Also available are these rather gorgeous Keepsake Boxes, they come fully assembled and are covered in highest quality interior design paper.  Perfect for you precious memories no matter what the occasion.

Check out their website for more gorgeous goodies including garters, boots and much much more.

http://www.houseofelliotcollection.com/

Tefal Kitchen Machine and Jamie Oliver Bakeware Product Review

How excited was I to be able to try out the Tefal Kitchen Machine and Jamie Oliver Bakeware for Cupcakes,  here is the press release and our review is at the foot of the page

The trend for cupcakes is ever-present at weddings up and down the country, with brides opting for this individual, quirky approach over a more traditional three tier confection.

There are a lot of advantages to a cupcake wedding, these smaller cakes can be individually coloured to the theme of the wedding, are easier to distribute without the venue having to cut them up and, crucially, they can be made at home for a valuable saving on your wedding costs.

There’s been an increase in cupcake bars at receptions, so all the blushing bride needs to do is provide un-iced cupcakes, and a variety of frostings and toppings so guests can create their own delicious memento of the happy occasion

 

There’s no question it’s easier to bake a lovely batch of cupcakes than a three-tier royal icing creation but it can be tricky to produce a moist, spongy, deliciously-light cupcake. It's quite simple really - the secret to baking the perfect batch is getting enough air into the mixture to begin with

The Tefal Kitchen Machine (£199, www.tefalfreshexpress.co.uk) uses a planetary movement system to reach the whole mixture, gathering all the ingredients and adding air into your mixture, creating cupcakes that rise beautifully and are so mouth-wateringly light, you'll be able to eat two! 
        

There's no point whipping up the perfect mixture if it's not going to cook evenly. We've all made a dozen cupcakes before where 6 happily rise and the rest seem utterly reluctant. Achieving that elusive even finish is heavily dependent on even heat distribution. Hot spots can cause some parts of a cupcake to rise faster than others, not to mention leave the bottoms burnt in some places and undercooked in others. The 12 muffin tray from the Jamie Oliver range of bakeware from Tefal (£13, www.tefal.co.uk) is made from tough carbon steel which eliminates hotspots and ensures you turn out perfect cupcakes every time.

     

Try some of these great suggestions for jazzing up you cupcakes:

Classic Vanilla
For just the right amount of creamy sweetness add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or fresh vanilla straight from the pod to your cupcake mix, and top with fresh buttercream

Mocha Cupcakes
The grown up’s cupcake – mix in half a cup of coffee and a generous helping of cocoa powder for a delicious mocha flavour. For the real coffee lover try whipping up a decadant espresso icing to go on top

Earl Grey cupcakes with a hint of lemon
Just two tablespoons of earl grey tea with add a delicate flavour to your cupcakes, for an authentic earl grey taste top with buttercream infused with a hint of lemon juice

Double chocolate
The addition of melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder to the initial cake mix, and melted chocolate to a buttercream topping, makes for the ultimate indulgent treat


Beauty Weddings Review

Firstly I am going to review the Tefal Kitchen Machine.     I am the first to admit that I am not the keenest baker in the world, in the past when I tried to bake a cake it would sink in the middle, was unevenly cooked or was just like a brick!  I'm sure that many of you have been in the same boat at one time or another.   This machine is brilliant, not only does it look good and would take pride of place in your kitchen, but it also makes baking fun and more importantly in my case ..easy!    So I decided to make some cupcakes. Assembling the mixer was straightforward and the instructions clear.   Mixing the ingredients was easy to do and the splash guard stops the splatter mess.   The mixture came out exactly as promised.   Taking it apart to clean was also easy to do and I was cleaned up in no time at all.   I couldn't actually find fault with this machine, so if you are looking for a new kitchen machine, this Tefal model for me is definitely the way to go.  

Our Rating

Jamie Oliver Bakeware  As I said before baking isn't really my "thing", however, my faith in my ability has been restored.   I have cooked several batches of cupcakes with this tray and it really does work fantastically, that I have went out and bought one for myself.   I must have made about 10 batches of cupcakes over the past few weeks and each time they turned out perfectly, the tray is so easy to clean and it still looks brand new.  So if you are planning on making your own cupcakes for your wedding cake, this is a must buy.  Great value for money and perfect cupcakes every time, what more could you ask for!

Superdry Product Review

TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH NEW SUPERDRY STEEL AND BLACK

HANDY SIZE 40ML

Whether you’re off on holiday or simply heading to the gym, Superdry’s new Steel and Black travel size is the ideal companion when you need to be space and weight conscious. 

Developed for day-to-night appeal with sleek, bold lines and embossed glass, the touch-soft packaging makes these fragrances the perfect travel companion.  

Superdry Steel

A refreshing, effervescent statement fragrance, with top notes of lime and bergamot, a heart of cardamom and violet leaves and rich base notes of cedarwood and moss.   The sleek silver steel and embossed blue glass bottle creates an indispensable new scent for the modern man. 

40ml £29.50RRP

    

Superdry Black

An aromatic heart of lavender, jasmine, thyme, coriander and nutmeg, sweetened by a juicy lime note and rich ripe fruits completed by a deep base rich of sandalwood, balsam, incense, leather and moss for a fresh take on fragrance.     40ml £29.50RRP

Superdry Steel and Black are available now from Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, larger Debenhams stores, larger Boots stores, selected independent department stores, Superdry stores and online at www.superdry.com.

Beauty Weddings Review

We tried the Superdry Black for our review.   I had always associated Superdry with clothing so was a little sceptical as to whether or not they could pull it off with a fragrance.    I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.  The packaging was pretty funky and looked great on the bathroom shelf.   This is a gorgeous men's scent that has fantastic staying power and lasts all day.  Our tester was delighted with this and has now said that it is his scent of choice.   The price point is great value for money.   A good all rounder and is excellent for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Our Rating

Coast Collection from National Trust

Escape to the seaside with the beautiful scent of the

Coast Collection from National Trust

   

Be transported to the seashore, along sandy beaches and rugged coastline with the National Trust Coast Collection. 

The collection is made in England using fragrance extracts from British fruits, flowers and plants, features four distinct fragrances inspired by the coast, countryside, gardens and woodland looked after by the National Trust.

Every purchase will go towards supporting the National Trust’s work as an independent charity preserving special places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

National Trust Coast – Rock Samphire and Driftwood reflects the stunning setting of Holnicote Estate in Somerset, with its spectacular coastline and panoramic views from some of the most dramatic cliffs in England.

Rock Samphire grows on the shingle beach which sweeps around Porlock Bay.  Its fleshy, aromatic leaves deliver an invigorating aroma with a spicy kick that encapsulates the fresh sea air and rugged coastal beauty.  

Driftwood creates a full scent that adds depth and blends with refreshing Rock Samphire to produce a richly aromatic fragrance.  

The National Trust Coast Collection is available now at selected National Trust shops, leading Department Stores and Premium Garden Centres and Gift Shops or Online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk .

Beauty Weddings Review: 

I have tried the hand and body lotion and I have to say I absolutely LOVE it, not only does it smell absolutely gorgeous, it leaves your skin soft and silky too,  it absorbs beautifully.  I actually love it so much that it is now my everyday moisturiser.  If you are looking for a lotion that smells great, does the job and every purchase goes to helping preserve those special places and towards the hard and deserving work of the National Trust.

Our Rating: 

Beauty Weddings Product Reviews

It's been a busy time over the past few months for Beauty Weddings and we are in full swing of the wedding season.   Whether you are getting married in 2012 or in the next couple of years we can help with your planning and accessories.


Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing a variety of products that may provide you with inspiration and ideas for your wedding needs.  


There are some very exciting things to have a look at and every product I have tested myself, so you can be sure that the review is honest and reliable.


Also Beauty Weddings website is getting a complete redesign, which I am very excited about, it will be more interactive and user friendly, as well as special offers and competitions coming up in the future.   Its all very exciting stuff.    I am happy to share with you the new banner for our new website

Why not subscribe to our blog to make sure you don't miss out on any of our exciting and inspirational updates.


Fiona

Planning Your Wedding - Part 6 After the Wedding

All your hard work planning and organising has now reaped its rewards and the wedding is over and you are now a married.   You may have had your honeymoon, so what now?   Many couples don't realise just how intense the whole planning of a wedding can be until its all over and you might be feeling a little deflated and at a loss of what to do next. 


There are still some things to be done, your photographs will be ready to view and your favourite images need to be chosen, your thank you notes need to be sent out to your guests, your dress needs to be cleaned and stored, it's time to tie up the loose ends as life returns to normal.


Photographs & Video
Whether or not you had a professional photographer and videographer, you will still have hundreds if images to go through and you will have fun doing this, choosing your favourites and creating your wedding album.    Watching any videos that may have been taken throughout your day, you will see many things that you missed, this is a fun part of reviewing your day and over the coming weeks you will look back fondly on your day.

There are a number of ways that you can let friends and family have a copy of your favourite images, one of mine was to create a photobook from Kodak Galleries . This allowed me to upload my favourites and create this delightful photo album for our parents and family.  Not only is it affordable (starts from £5.99) it is a wonderful keepsake.  I also made an extra copy for myself so I could show friends and colleagues.  This allows you to show off your images without your wedding album getting worn and possibly damaged. It also allows you to include images that maybe friends and family have taken too.


Thank You Notes/Cards
You have hopefully taken careful note of the gifts you have received and from whom on the run up to and just after the wedding.  It's so important to do this, after all, your guests have taken the time to think about and choose a gift for you.  It's only right that you thank them properly after the wedding.   There a whole range of ways that you can do this, you can buy pre printed notes, but I always think it is nicer to add a personal message to each guest.  You might get stuck with what to say, here are a few ideas .

Whatever you choose to do, try and send these out within a month of your wedding, don't leave it too long.


Dress Cleaning
Many dry cleaners will offer to clean your dress, wrap it and box it up for you to store, the cost can be from around £65 upwards, depending where you get it cleaned.   The cleaners should be insured and reputable and take advice from friends and family who may have used them in the past.   What should you expect?  Your dress should be cleaned by an expert team, pressed and folded into acid free tissue paper, to avoid discolouration of the fabric then placed in a specially made box to protect your dress from light but allow the fabric to breathe.  I know that this might seem like another expense, but the likelihood is that you have spent a significant sum  of money on your dress, it's not a huge sum to pay to have it cleaned.

I will share with you what I did with my dress although I would not recommend it as a normal course of action.   My gown cost £1200 and after the wedding it had red wine stains, fake tan stains and under the train was grubby.    One evening about a year after the wedding I had the mad idea of putting it in the washing machine!   I turned it inside out and rolled it into a ball, put the washing machine on a gentle wash, after they cycle was finished I took it out and it was absolutely fine, I hung it up on a coat hanger to dry over night.  The next morning it was like new again (phew!!). It is now stored away in my wardrobe.   As I said before I took a risk with my dress and have to say that 45 minutes  it was in the machine were the longest of my life!  Would I do it again?  Not in a million years, which is why I will always recommend having it cleaned professionally.  I got lucky, but I do know that if it had gone horribly wrong I would have been devastated.


So what next?
All your loose ends are now tied up you have found a home for all your gifts and life is settling down.  If you are still feeling at a loss, take on a new project like decorating a room, taking up a new hobby (or picking up an old one), catch up with friends, invite them round for dinner.  Most of all spend quality time with your new spouse, after all that's what the whole event was all about, both of you starting your new life together.


I hope you have enjoyed our series on Planning Your Wedding and that you have picked up some useful hints and tips along the way.   Beauty Weddings are here to assist, advise and guide you through one of the happiest and exciting phases in your life.   Don't get married without us! 

Planning Your Wedding - Part 5 The Wedding Day

The big day is here at last! This is your day, where you and your future spouse start out on your new lives together as a married couple.  This is a day of celebration and it should start as it means to go on.

Available to buy from Gorgeous Gifts

For the Bride
Get up early, shower and have a light breakfast.   Breakfast on today of all days will be the most important meal that you eat, as it could be hours before you get to eat or drink again, and this will provide the much needed energy you are going to need.  

Do not start stressing about things that might be going wrong, there is very little that can't be sorted, replaced, rearranged in the worst does happen.  My previous post titled It's my wedding day what could go wrong addresses this.  What you need to do is delegate and it will be taken care of.





Enjoy having your hair and make up done, have a glass or 2 of bubbly but not enough to get your tipsy, you don't want to remember your wedding day for the wrong reasons! 





Cherish the moments when getting dressed, if you are calm and relaxed you will be surprised by just how emotional and special the moment can be, as you share a special moment with your friends and family, and remember those who maybe can't be with you, in the last minutes before you make a life transition by creating a family of your own.


Many brides have a few jittery moments in the hours leading up to the wedding, this is the day that you have been meticulously planning and organising and its finally here and you start to panic hoping that it all goes to plan,  just take a moment, take deep breaths and it will pass. Everyone knows what they should be doing, trust them to get on with it.


You are dressed, have your flowers in your hand and you look and feel beautiful, the car has arrived and its time to go. (or if getting married in the venue, its time to join your guests! )    Before leaving, take a deep breath, relax and SMILE.  


Walking down the aisle can be a very emotional moment, no matter where you get married.  The ceremony may be the shortest part of the day but it is the most important and most meaningful part of the day.  When you say your vows to each other, face each other and look into each others eyes, its each other you are making those promises to, to the celebrant.     I have seen so many couples over the years that don't look at each other when saying their Vows, they have missed out on such a special moment where it feels as if it's only the 2 of you in the room.   I know that sounds soppy and romantic, but isn't that how it should be on your wedding day?  The rest of the day is going to go past in a flash, enjoy every second of your wedding ceremony that you can.


The Groom

Exactly the same as the bride: get up early, shower and have a light breakfast.


You should have everything ready the night before so that there is no last minute panics, your attire is hanging up and ready to wear (Tip  if you have a new shirt wash it a few days before - this will avoid any irritation caused by over starched collars and smell fresh too!)  You have the rings, your speech prepared, never leave it to the last minute, have everything laid out the night before that way you won't forget anything.


Avoid going to the pub before the wedding, have 1 or 2 of course, but don't get drunk,  there will be plenty of time for that later on in the day.   This is your wedding day too, enjoy every moment of it.

At the ceremony, when you hear the music begin, turn and face your bride as she walks down the aisle towards you, it's okay to shed a tear when you see her, you are making the woman you love your wife in just a few minutes and the moment can be very emotional.





As she arrives at your side, tell her how beautiful she looks and that you love her, she will appreciate it more than you will know.






After the ceremony if you plan on drinking, try not to consume too much before making your speech, nothing worse than a drunken groom trying to tell his new wife how lovely she looks as he tries to stay upright.  I don't think I have every come across a Groom who isn't nervous before making his speech.  Hoping that he has covered everything and has practised enough.   If you make a mistake just laugh it off.  My husband referred to me as "my bride to be & I"!  which resulted in much heckling from family and friends, we just laughed it off, what he was meant to say was "my wife and I".  I still tease him about it sometimes.


Dinners over and now its time to party... enjoy.


Both of you
When you say your vows to each other, face each other and look into each others eyes, its each other you are making those promises to, to the celebrant.     I have seen so many couples over the years that don't look at each other when saying their Vows, they have missed out on such a special moment where it feels as if it's only the 2 of you in the room.   I know that sounds soppy and romantic, but isn't that how it should be on your wedding day?  The rest of the day is going to go past in a flash, enjoy every second of your wedding ceremony that you can.



The Ceremony is over, it's time for photographs, videos, cocktail reception, wedding breakfast and of course the wedding reception itself.   You will probably only come together occasionally throughout the rest of the day as you mingle with your guests and pose for many more photos as the day progresses.   Take time out with your new husband for half an hour, whether that's finding a quiet spot in the venue, going for a short walk in the grounds or going to your room, just to enjoy a few precious moments of quiet and share your thoughts on the day so far.


Enjoy every moment of your wedding day, it about both of you and the promises that you make to each other as you start out on your married life together.






Next Week:  Planning your Wedding - Part 6  After the Wedding

Planning Your Wedding - Part 4

The Lead Up to the Wedding

The final 6 weeks before the wedding is the most stressful for any couple.   All those plans that you have been putting into place now need to be pulled together.

I am going to give you a few hints and tips to make this time just a little bit easier.

• Forget the previous lists that you have done, and create a new one!   you might want something like this:

Dress fitting appointment made
Dress fitting -  let everyone know that needs to be there
• Shoes found 
• Shoes bought 
• Underwear search done 
• Underwear bought 
• Make up purchased
• Rings ordered 
• Rings collected
• Groom and Groomsmen outfits ordered and fitted 
• Marriage licence 
• Officiant booked/confirmed
• Venue for both ceremony and reception confirmed (by phone if you like) 
• Timings checked and finalised
• Reception - food chosen and confirmed 
• Cars booked and confirmed 
• Flowers chosen and confirmed 
• Cake Chosen and confirmed 
Invitations sent and system to collect RSVPs in place
• Photographer booked and confirmed
Hen night and stag night arranged
Gifts for bridesmaids
• Flowers for mothers ordered (optional)
• Evening entertainment booked/confirmed
• Hair Trials booked 
• Fake Tan appointments booked (don't forget to have a trial run approx 6 weeks before so you can check that the colour of the tan is right) 
• Nail Appointment booked
• Make up trial booked
• Honeymoon confirmed (if applicable) 
• Glass of something strong and preferably of the alcoholic nature in hand after you have ticked stuff off this list! :D 

I always find it useful to colour code it so that you can see at a glance what you have completed.   Like this

Dress fitting appointment made
Dress fitting -  let everyone know that needs to be there
• Shoes found 
• Shoes bought 
• Underwear search done 
• Underwear bought 
• Make up purchased
• Rings ordered 

Red = Urgent   Amber = Needs to be done soon   Green = done

The most important thing is to make sure you make a start on the confirmations and appointment bookings as soon as possible, so in the case that anything might have to be changed then you will have plenty of time to do this.    Many brides will employ a wedding coordinator at this point as it can be very overwhelming to try and pull it all together, especially when you are working full time and it feels that there just isn't enough time in the day.  This is also the time when you as a couple need to spend as much quality time together as possible without discussing wedding plans.

Delegation is something that you really need to do at this point, you will be surprised at just how many people are willing to help out at this time, even if it is a small task.  You don't have to do it all by yourself! 

This is the time that should also be the most exciting, you have your hen/stag nights to enjoy with your friends and its a great time to let your hair down and have some fun.   

You will be starting to receive some wedding gifts from your guests, either write your thank you notes now or make sure that you have a list of who sent you what and when.   Never send a generic thank you note, always make it personal, don't forget that person has given some thought and effort into choosing your gift, returning the favour in your personalised thank you notes is the least you can do.   You don't have to start these before the wedding itself, it's something that can wait until after the wedding.   

Most of all its important that you stay organised and relaxed, if something does go wrong, take a deep breath and relax, don't go off in a panic as you will most likely make a rash decision that could be worse in the long run.

Next Week: 

Planning Your Wedding - Part 5    The Wedding Day