Wedding Week - Giveaway and memories

Next weekend Paul and I will celebrate our one year anniversary. It's been a year full of growth, learning, and adjustments, but a time that has also been filled with incredible moments. We still reminisce about last year and the days that lead up to our wedding, so I felt the best way to celebrate such a big moment would be to dedicate a week to all things wedding related. Whether you are the bride, groom, parents, bridal party, or an excited guest watching their friends say "I do", Wedding Week will offer everything you need to get ready for a wedding this year. Those final weeks can fly by and the list of things to do can grow rapidly, but I've teamed up with a group of amazing creative minds who will be sharing their knowledge to help you prepare, tie up loose ends, and enjoy an event that is memorable in many ways.

To kick everything off I've asked a group of bloggers to share their favorite memories and tips with everyone as well as ask a talented Stella & Dot stylist to pick out the perfect piece of jewelry for one lucky reader. What's a wedding without gifts and advice anyway?

• Jeanne from Shop Sweet Things said "After you said your vows, all your guests will want to congratulate and take pictures with you. So before you get into the craziness, take 10 - 15 minutes alone with your partner after the ceremony and enjoy the moment. The day is about the two of you, so make sure you carve out some time to enjoy it!" 

• Lena from A Crimson Kiss gave a piece of advice that was recently given to her by a close friend. She explained that "a wedding is just the first dinner party (or whatever you decide) that you throw as a married couple, and not all that different in many ways from the housewarming party you might have thrown when you moved in together. If your wedding feels like an event you'd throw in your own home, you've truly infused this rite of passage with yourselves, and that is beautiful." 

• Suze from Suze Geeks Out has a touching memory of sharing her wedding day with her father who passed away a few years after the wedding. She pointed out that having something go wrong on your big day is not big deal, it's sharing the day with loved ones that counts and after three years of marriage the mistakes don't matter at all. Her big tip is to take a moment for the two of you to savor the experience... and to eat! Your want to have energy for the reception. 

• Katie from Twin Stripe Magazine advises to pick what is most important to you at the reception (her's was flowers) and budget for it by cutting back in other areas. Also, check the referrals of the person who is doing your alterations to avoid any unnecessary headaches or mistakes. 

• AV from Long Distance Loving will always remember the sweet moment she shared with her husband right after the ceremony before they headed to the reception. It was 15 minutes of laughter, excitement, and a little bit of first dance practice. The brief moment for the two of them is something that still stands out in her memory. 

• Kelly, creator of the adorable shop r-ki-tekt advises "Remember that there is a day, a week, and a month aka LIFE after the Big Day. Stick to your budget so you and your new hub can still afford the date nights that are recommended to keep the marriage fresh (after he loads the dishwasher incorrectly). None of your guests will know that you didn't get the fanciest table numbers stands, or photo booth prop, or large bow napkin rings. Only you will and once you are in the mix of the celebration you won't care either because the DJ is now playing Nina Simone's Sinnerman. Live in the moment, give tons of kisses, and soak in the sparkler trail waving you goodbye." 

To celebrate the week, the talented Kari from Stella & Dot is graciously giving away one of these chic "Together Forever" necklaces to one lucky reader. It's the perfect item for a guest, as a gift, or for a honeymoon outfit.

To enter:

• Follow Stay in the Lines on Facebook or through my site 
• Leave a comment below telling Kari and me how you would style this great piece
• For an extra entry, re-tweet the giveaway or something from Wedding Week

I'll pick a winner on Monday April 30th! (We can only ship to U.S. readers for this one, but look for another international giveaway soon!)

Stop by tomorrow for some great accessory and finishing touches tips from Stacy at The Gown Shop.