Watch this video to hear the advice of these wise women, each happily married for over 50 years!

And if you’re looking for more every-day wisdom, you should check out her book, How to Sew a Button. Practical and empowering, this book is a collection of the treasured wisdom from nanas, bubbies, and grandmas from all across the country—as well as modern-day experts. You will access more than one hundred step-by-step essential tips for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.

Each of these grandmas survived The Great Depression, and their stories on making due, helping others, finding fun, and even falling in love are the basis for How to Sew a Button.  They can teach you how to make life much simpler, sweeter, and richer—and a lot more fun, too! And, as your grandmother might say, if you want to save money, it pays to learn how to do things yourself!

As the bride-to-be points out, “I think most brides will agree that bridal showers are kind of overwhelming. So many people gathering around you, absolutely drenching you with love and care, and no groom in sight to help you take it all in. This was absolutely the experience I was able to savor this week, and I hope each of you are able to enjoy the same.”

Of course being center of attention is all part of the fun, but I think it would be a welcome change of pace to kick back with your good friends and watch a fun movie together. Preferably, something about weddings! Just to get everyone in the mood, you know…

Another good idea to facilitate that cozy girl bonding:

“After everyone had enjoyed a little trifle treat, we all sat down in a circle. I turned to each person and spoke of a memory I had of them and why they meant something to me. My mom had suggested the idea of doing this, and it made me really nervous because I wasn’t sure who was coming and I didn’t know what I would say. There were a few people that I feel like I stumbled over a little bit, but for remarks made up right then and there I think it turned out to be just what we wanted it to be. It’s not something you could do with just any group of people, but I lived in the same tiny town my entire life, and so most of those present were people I had known since I was in diapers.”

Each couple has submitted a two-minute video featuring the prospective bride and groom telling their story, and the finalists have been selected for their creativity and originality.

Who will win the lavish $30,000 wedding package? Cast your vote to help the happy couple enjoy a 20-guest wedding with four nights at the Inn on Fifth, a beach ceremony with flowers and music, limousine service, wedding cake, a horse-drawn carriage, photography and video of the event, and much more.

Visit www.paradisecoast.com to vote for your favorite couple!

The wedding package is valued at over $30,000, including a 20-guest wedding with four nights at the Inn on Fifth, a beach ceremony with flowers and music, limousine service, wedding cake, a horse-drawn carriage, photography and video of the event.

The wedding party will not only stay at some of Naples’ best hotels, the package also includes eating out at several of the finest local restaurants, including brunch at Bellasera and a rehearsal dinner at Fleming’s Steakhouse.

After the wedding, the newly married couple will enjoy a 5-night honeymoon at LaPlaya in northern Collier County. Meanwhile, wedding guests will continue the celebration with an afternoon champagne cruise on the Naples Princess.

The couple may choose the color schemes, flowers, music, content and design of the invitations. They also may add on to the wedding package, including adding more guests, but must pay the additional costs.

You can submit a video by mail or by going online to the tourism bureau’s Web site www.paradisecoast.com. Good luck!

Beginning March 21, you can vote for your favorite couple! Visit www.paradisecoast.com. The winner will be announced on April 15.

It starts out as a traditional slow dance and then mixes into a… well, watch it and you’ll see!

With over 8 million views from the top poster, it’s no wonder they call it the Best First Dance Ever. According to WiredPRworks, this video got the newlywed couple, John and Michelle Brubaker, spots on Ellen, NBC’s Today show, MSNBC, WNBC New York and who knows where else. The bride’s dressmaker, J.Crew, is the fortunate recipient of all kinds of publicity they couldn’t dream up or buy.

Forget the Fumbling Best Man’s Speech. Now you (or your guests) can star in your own movie! Ichikoo is a documentary film-making company with a “quirky eye and an artistic touch” who will can capture your big day in a classic cinemetic style, fashionable art look, or TV documentary format. They are located in the UK, but you can watch some of their video clips to get ideas for your own wedding video.

Tim Earl, Ichikoo producer, explains: “We all know how it goes… the best man stands up after too many glasses of champagne, forgets his words, and then starts revealing inappropriate details about how he once stole a kiss with the bride – before falling over. Most people dread making a speech because it doesn’t come naturally to them, so why do it? Instead, a bespoke film can capture everything the speakers want to say in a controlled environment, before the event, ensuring nothing goes amiss such as nerves, intoxication or ‘cat-got-your-tongue’ syndrome.”