They wanted something a little different than the normal bar hopping experience. That was sooooo last year.

So I have gathered some ideas I thought I would share.

• Scavenger Hunt. If the bride-to-be is stuck on going out, then make it a little bit more interesting. Make up about five to 10 cards with questions about the next location (or bar). You can have a small gift at each location for her. Maybe items for her to wear that night. Veil, ring pop (for her engagement ring), etc. Or, heck, take a shot at each location. Whatever the bride is into…

• Pottery. So if you are the bride that idea #1 sounds like the worst night ever, try something a little bit calmer. Having a party at one of the much paint your own pottery business in Arkansas. Have 6 or more people in your group? It would be a good idea to have each person paint a personalized plate and “gift” it to the bride as a wedding gift – giving the bride a complete set of plates and a special memory for the day.

• Lake house/cabin. Renting a cabin or lake house just for the girls is really fun any time of year. In the summer, combine this with renting a party barge and going on the lake for some fun in the sun. In the fall, spend the afternoon hiking a surrounding trail. Arkansas has many choices of cabins and locations to choose from. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com for locations near you or your favorite lake or trail.

• Spa day. For the bride who would rather be pampered than rough it in the woods, plan a spa day for her and her closest friends. Many spas offer packages that caterer to groups and in some cases could include brunch or lunch and a cocktail or two.

• Symphony/musical/play. This is a great idea for the bride who needs to be entertained. Check the calendars in your area for any upcoming plays, musicals or symphony productions and get the group together for the show. A night out on the town can always follow.

Just like you love your own family, he loves his too.  The difference is, loving your own family has been a lifelong process.  You’ve had lots of time to adjust to their faults.  You can dismiss it when your penny-pinching dad tries negotiating prices at WalMart. And, bless her heart, your mother is just trying to be nice when she puts underwear and socks in everyone’s stocking every Christmas. (Because everyone really does need new underwear and socks.)

But, dealing with a whole new set of personalities can be trying.  Each family has their own faults and idiosyncrasies.  Is it your soon-to-be mother-in-law what you perceive as a meddler? Does it drive you crazy when his aunt starts talking about her colon during dinner? Each time you come across a situation or personality that drives you nuts, always remember, this is your family now, and you’re going to have to deal with it. If you don’t, you could be putting a huge burden on your marriage before it ever begins.

The meddling mother-in-law could just be honestly trying to help.  Maybe the reason she bought you that cookbook isn’t because she thinks you can’t cook.  Maybe she knows what your fiancé likes, and she thought he would love you even more if you knew how to cook his favorite dish.

And the aunt with the colon?  Well, if you can, try to sit at another table.  You could also need a beverage refill the moment she opens her mouth.  If she’s still going on and on, refill everyone else’s glasses while you’re at it.  If she’s STILL going on and on, you’re just going to have to accept it.

Just always remember, every time your fiancé sits down to dinner with your family, he’s probably feeling the same way.

I have always loved outdoor weddings, even had one myself, but the closer I got to the “big day” the more I was obsessed with all things weather. I tuned into to every newscast a week prior to the wedding, logged probably 40 hours on weatherchannel.com and had to many “what if” conversations with anyone who would listen.

I would advise anyone who is planning an outdoor wedding to get with the site coordinator well in advance to learn what your “back-up plan” is. I learned (after putting in my deposit) that the rain plan for my wedding was a hallway in their offices. Not ideal. I had nightmares about it actually. But, I got lucky. It rained the morning of, but sunny skies by 2 p.m.

Some are not so lucky. Did you see the “Bachelor Wedding” recently? They got drenched and all I kept thinking was how long she probably spent in hair and makeup only be ruined in two seconds. Of course, she had a hair and makeup team that fixed her right up, but mostly likely you won’t have that luxury so you will have to play the “what if” game about a thousand times. And really trust your weatherman.

Are you brave enough to have an outdoor wedding? If so, please let us hear from you. Where are you going to host the wedding and what is your “back-up plan” in case of raining weather. Or if you have had an outdoor wedding, let us know how it went for you.

Take a deep breath and think about what is important to you. Not your best friend and not your mom, but YOU. And maybe your groom-to-be. I guess he should have a say, too.

Think about what things will matter the most at your wedding and reception, and those are maybe the things you don’t want to skimp on.

Is having good photos important to you? (And for most, they are.) Then this may not be an area you need to be cheap on. Find the best photographer to fit your budget and style, but don’t hire your friend’s sister because she has a camera. You don’t have to order every print they take, but you will want some good quality pictures that will last a lifetime.

What about the event location? Maybe you have always dreamed of being married in a certain location. OK – don’t let a few dollars stop you; you’ll just need to look at other areas to cut costs to get the right location.

Think about the look of the event – fresh flowers always make a huge impact, but you can always talk to your florist about using your dollars wisely. I have seen many florists bring in items from the bride and groom that will help in rental fees — like glass vases, bottles or even old heirlooms. This can fill up the space with flowers and create a unique look that is also more economical.

Another area I think doesn’t need to be overlooked is the food. Let’s face it — your uncle doesn’t care about what shade of pink is on the linens even if you do, but he will care what kind of food is there. Guests walk away saying, “what a beautiful wedding … and the food was great!” or not. You don’t have to serve a plated dinner or even a full buffet. You can work with your caterer to provide the right amount of good food for the right price. Don’t bring in a fruit tray and call it a day. This will leave the wrong lasting impression of your wedding.

And last, but not least, don’t skimp on your wedding dress. I am not saying this has to be the most expensive one you can find, but by all means, be happy with your selection. You will be the center of attention. There is no doubt about this, so choose a dress that fits your style (and of course your budget). You don’t have to wear your cousin Mary’s hand-me-down just to save a few bucks. Have a budget in mind and shop around. Stores can offer you great selections if you give them a price range and style and this will take a little stress off you.

Regardless of all this advice, don’t go broke having your wedding. It is a very special day and you want it to be perfect, but you don’t want to be paying for it for the next 15 years. Think ahead, plan a budget and don’t get too caught up in the moment to remember the true meaning of the day.