8 Wedding Tips to personalize YOUR big day

1. Make it Yours
Pick out items that you can create yourself. While saving money, it personalizes the wedding too. They may be the favors, the floral arrangements, table cards. Lisa suggests the bridal attendant gifts could be jewelry the bride can make.

2. With A Little Help from My Friends
Accept help from friends and technology. A talented graphic friend might create invites that look great with today's fine papers and high tech printers. Likewise with a photographic friend can capture all the moments. Lisa suggests that someone in the family guide the person around the wedding to ensure everyone is photographed- as you would with a professional photographer.

3. 29 Dresses
Bridal party can wear the same color dress but in any style they want- easing the burden on them to buy a costly dress they might never wear again. A beautiful ribbon can tie the entire bridal party together from the bridal bouquet to sashes for attendant and flower girl dresses. Lisa's Gift Wrappers carries the finest in grosgrain and double faced satin ribbons and can special order.

4. Multi- Task
The cards with table assignments can be turned into the gift for your guests. Lisa has made ones into bookmarks. Lisa has worked with brides for years and is on top of the trends. Some she spots this season are:

5. Personalize it
An Embosser can personalize the napkins at the reception, favor bags and used to make stationery for thank you notes. Make an extra set of napkins for the new couple so they can entertain in style. Embossers can be ordered at Lisa's Gift Wrappers.

6. Colors in Vogue
Leave it to Lisa Gleeson who studies color trends in fashion to have the colors brides are seeking. This season chocolate brown is paired with pinks and turquoise and all shades of pink and lime green still reign.

7. Green Weddings
Today's couple can order biodegradable invitations and cards but also tableware - ideal for outdoor weddings. Gleeson says that biodegradable cellophane and biodegradable wrapping paper is not far off.

8. Out of Towner
"Goody" bags, as they were called, are now getting even better with healthier snacks, (Lisa loves to do Michigan themed foodstuffs) directions and guides to local points of interest and fun things to keep kids entertained. Gleeson works with the best hotels in town and can have bags delivered in advance of the guest's arrival.

Need some additional tips?
Lisa consults with brides and wedding coordinators and planners. Private appointments can be scheduled by phoning 248.547.9094. Lisa's Gift Wrappers is located at 28834 Woodward Avenue (1 block south of 12 Mile), Royal Oak. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and by appointment.