Last week we covered the Kitchen, so now we are moving on to something equally important, dining. It’s so tempting to register for that set of beautiful china. I mean, it’s tradition, right? Well yes but ask anyone who has china how many times they’ve used in the last 5 years. Dishes take up a lot of valuable cabinet space and most of you aren’t moving into your dream home with tons of storage just yet. With keeping all that in mind, here’s simply the basics to register for when comes to dining.
Image credit: Me, My Nikon, and our kitchen
Dishes
Whether you two are the entertaining type or not, having a set of dishes that you can use everyday is very important. From cereal bowls to coffee cups you are going to use these a lot. Be sure to register for a set that includes: bowls, salad plates, plates, and coffee mugs. If you want an eclectic set think of registering for each of the items separately. Just the two of you? You will probably only need 4 of each item. Entertain a lot or have a big family? Think of registering for at least 8 of each item.
If your an avid chef in the kitchen and love to document your meals, consider going all white with your dishes. Food looks the most appetizing on white, it photographs well, and if a few pieces break they will always match the replacements when it comes to color.
China
As I mentioned above, traditionally couples registered for beautiful china that would be used for special occasions and holidays. These days, not everyone chooses to include this on their list. Things to consider when contemplating registering for china include:
If you decided not to register for it now, you can always purchase it later. Perhaps as an anniversary gift to yourselves.
Glassware
Traditionally brides and grooms would register for both everyday glassware and crystal for special occasions. Questions to ask yourself include:
When registering for glassware, think about what you would use on an everyday basis first. Tall glass tumblers are most useful. If its only you and your sweet mate, you may only need 4 but if you love to entertain shoot for 8. Next think about your barware needs. You will need at least 4 red and 4 white wine glasses as well as two champagne flutes. Also think about getting a few high ball glasses for you or any friends who love a mixed drink or even a margarita!
Flatware
You can go as contemporary or as traditional as you like. If you want service for 4 register for a 20 piece set, service for 8 register for a 45 piece set, and for service of 12 register for a 72 piece set.
Other Items
Other items you may want to include are:
That’s it. Easy right? Next week we’ll be chatting about Bathrooms. Until then, Happy Planning!
A Day After Session is a photography or videography shoot the day after your big day. The day of the wedding, you’ll be doing all sorts of things to get ready. Perhaps you’ve planned on a massage, a day of pampering at the salon, or even just a fun time getting ready with your friends and family. Add in photo sessions for you, your hubby-to-be, the wedding party, your families and you’ve got a day so full you probably won’t be relaxed enough to enjoy it. Read more…

Happy Tuesday lovely brides!
The Wedding 101 gals have decided to dedicate the whole week to celebrating Valentines! While Amy and Ashley #1 were away, Tiffany and I (Ashley #2) were so excited about Valentine’s Day that we decided to get crafty. We had a blast playing with glitter and roses! Tiffany found this awesome activity in a magazine and saved it just the this romantic holiday, Valentines! So, in the spirit of love and all things fabulous, I am dedicating today’s blog to DIY glitter roses!
Read more…

Hello all of you brides-to-be!
Congratulations on this exciting time of your life! When I think back to my wedding preparation, fourteen years ago, I can remember all of the joys. I can remember the celebrations, the dreams, the planning, and the excitement. I remember registering for gifts, attending showers that friends had planned, and the fun that came preparing each intimate wedding detail. Details that I had waited my whole life to plan!
Read more…

Thirty-One has 22 new styles and 15 new prints in the brand new Spring Catalog to help you get organized in style for your upcoming wedding. Thirty-One can help you organize just about everything, including your new home with our brand new home organization line.

Tiffany and I (Ashley #2) spent our Friday night celebrating the grand opening of The Bridge Building. The building has been completely renovated and restored to a new, sleek modern event space. The historic Bridge Building straddles the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and sits near LP Field. The space is highlighted by a rooftop terrace and a main event area with floor-to-ceiling glass architecture. The Bridge Building is a great space for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, or for a wedding reception and ceremony.

While Ashley #1 is in Greenville, South Carolina preparing for the opening of the new Wedding 101, me and Tiffany are here holding down the fort in Nashville! Thankfully, we all survived the severe storms from Wednesday morning so I could share today’s real wedding!
Jeb Wilson of Nashville Photography Group sent over this gorgeous downtown wedding! I had to share! Nashville’s Legislative Plaza was a stunning ceremony location with the elegant reception set up right inside of War Memorial Auditorium. From the excited smiles of Tara getting ready, the romantic shots of Tara and Ben around the Plaza, and the gorgeous reception decor, I love the details captured by Nashville Photography Group from Tara and Ben’s magical day. Read more…

We are so happy that both Perl and The Chef & I have opened restaurant locations! Not only can you have them cater your event, but now you can go to their restaurants for a sit-down meal!
Perl is a unique cafe available for breakfast and lunch. The cafe serves farm to table creative American cuisine and will have both vegan and gluten-free options daily. Perl uses local food and recycles as part of the “Go Green” movement! All of the furniture in our space has actually been purchased second-hand! The marketplace features daily entrees and sides for purchase to bring home for dinner as well as a full espresso bar, coffee, tea, breakfast pastries, and desserts. Check out Perl’s website for more information!
Read more…

Savoir Faire is one of Wedding 101′s event design and draping vendors. Melissa and her I Do Crew create gorgeous draping designs, intimate lighting, and custom centerpieces. Each event is customized to fit the style and vision of the bride to make her day magical. Savoir Faire made its bridal show debut at this January’s Pink Bride Show!
Melissa describes her first bridal show experience as a designer:
“This was our first time participating in the Pink Bridal Show, and it was a great experience! I was thrilled with how great my booth design turned out. As with any wedding design, I love seeing an idea come to life and I couldn’t have asked for a better response. I was astonished by the positive comments I was receiving from brides and fellow vendors alike. It was a wonderful way to begin 2013 and I have a feeling it’s going to be a wonderful year!” Read more…
Two, yes TWO, Real Weddings today! This one was sent over by Rachel of Rachel Moore Photography. I am loving all the details! They really make the day memorable.
From Rachel: Adam and Katie are from Austin, TX and chose to have a destination wedding at Front Porch Farms this September, one of my favorite venues. I feel like guests get to go on this adventure over the hills and through the woods to get to Front Porch Farms, making it all the more magical. Read more…