Do Your Research & Get the Right Thing

Girls, here’s a tip to give to your guys: Most guys want to surprise you with a ring and do it romantically. They want to give you the right ring, the ring of your dreams. They don’t want to spend money on the wrong ring or a ring you won’t be happy with and enjoy. Here’s the suggestion: go to the jeweler with your intended and show him what you like. There might be several stones and settings that you like. Your engagement ring is your most important piece of jewelry! After all, you will have this ring for a lifetime and it’s something you will wear every day. Let your jeweler find the ring and the setting. And let your intended figure out how to propose and present your gorgeous ring.



by Jay Lake of Carter Jewelers



Jay Lake and his father are owners of Carter Jewelers in downtown Jackson, MS. Carter Jewelers is the third oldest registered jewelry store in the country.

Do you really need a Wedding Coordinator?

The last thing you want on your Wedding Day is to run around putting out fires. A wedding coordinator’s primary goal and motivation is to prevent those fires from happening in the first place. They are with you every step of the way to alleviate stress, help you build the wedding of your dreams and allow you and your family to enjoy your special day as well as the entire process leading up to it.

A professional coordinator will ask questions, show pictures, share experiences, ideas and help you develop a cohesive wedding plan that is distinctively you, from beginning to end. Your coordinator will offer workable suggestions to those sticky situations, help you find the perfect wedding vendors, and steer you away from common, costly mistakes.

A wedding is a huge investment. You wouldn’t make a major purchase without seeking professional advice. Why would you do anything less with the most important day of your life?




by Jean McGrury of After the Proposal


Jean McGrury is a wedding and event coordinator on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Jean’s creativity stems from her many years on the west coast.

Home Away from Home

Among the countless wedding checklists that exist, too often an important consideration is missing, making hotel reservations for out-of-town guests. Part of the success of any wedding is the atmosphere in which your guests gather. Arranging for hotel accommodations should be on your wedding checklist four to six months prior to your wedding date. When choosing a hotel consider location, price range, number of guestrooms needed, special facilities and requirements: pool, suites or a hospitality suite, handicap accessible rooms. Proper planning in arranging accommodations for your guests will save you unnecessary worries and allow you be a relaxed and happy bride and groom.


by Lindsay Hamm of the MMI Hotel Group

Inspiration Boad... Bridesmaid's Gift

Here are a few of our favorite BM gifts! Let us know yours!

Selecting Your Venue

Once you and your groom have chosen a date, it’s best to reserve your reception site immediately, even if it’s one to two years in advance. With this done, you will have alleviated a lot of stress for yourself. The particular details of your reception can be done later, but getting the place and date you want is now accomplished! Realize that many venues require a small deposit to hold the date. Check with your venue events coordinator about this when you call.



by Shelley Tolson of Diamondhead Country Club

Home Away from Home

Among the countless wedding checklists that exist, too often an important consideration is missing, making hotel reservations for out-of-town guests. Part of the success of any wedding is the atmosphere in which your guests gather. Arranging for hotel accommodations should be on your wedding checklist four to six months prior to your wedding date. When choosing a hotel consider location, price range, number of guestrooms needed, special facilities and requirements: pool, suites or a hospitality suite, handicap accessible rooms. Proper planning in arranging accommodations for your guests will save you unnecessary worries and allow you be a relaxed and happy bride and groom.


by Lindsay Hamm of MMI Hotel Group