Outdoor Wedding Tips

We went to see a venue at the beginning of our wedding planing, and I fell in love with it. It was pretty shabby looking from the front, but once you got inside, oh my gosh. You were transported to a beautiful resort. You didn't feel like you were in North Carolina; it felt like some posh resort in Playa del Carmen.

I fell in love immediately.

Pete and I walked to the beach area where a wedding was already set up and I just started imagining our guests out there with the ocean as our backdrop.

We crossed the street (which I was a little bummed about but figured I would just deal) and were greeted by the outdoor dance floor. It was exactly like all the beautiful Pinterest photos I had seen. I just loved it.

Pete and I crossed the street again to go back to the tiki bar by the pool and discuss. We loved it ... but had some concerns. See, with an outdoor wedding, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration that you don't when you're planning an indoor wedding. But you don't have to think about them. I've already thought about them for you.

Outdoor Wedding Tips

Plan for a hot day.
If you're planning a winter wedding, you're probably not going to have the ceremony outdoors. These types of venues are reserved for the other three seasons. And those other seasons can be hot. Really hot. When I was originally writing this up, it was a regular summer day, and it was nearly 100 degrees. I was sitting at the pool, so once the heat became unbearable, I could jump right in. But your wedding guests won't have that option (although, if I'm being completely honest, two of my bridesmaids jumped in the pool at our wedding. But most wedding guests won't do that).

So for an outdoor wedding, you really have to think about what you'll do on a hot day. For the ceremony, you definitely want to order wedding program fans. If it's hot, your guests will most likely be fanning themselves with anything that's handy, and that will most likely be your program. So plan for them and make your programs with handles.

Also, think about how your guests will stay cool during the reception. Is there an AC unit outdoors? Is there an indoor section of the venue where they can cool off? Is the venue's tent equipped with misters that your guests can walk under? The answer to one of these questions has to be yes. If not, you risk our guests getting heat stroke and needing to go to urgent care -- and no one wants an ambulance showing up to their wedding uninvited.

Plan for a rainy day.
Alanis Morissette was convinced that rain on your wedding day was ironic. But actually, it's just a pain in the neck. If you're planning a beach wedding ceremony ... and it rains, you need a back up plan. Where will you get married if there's a storm? Make sure your venue has a back up plan for a ceremony and reception, in case of bad weather. If the ceremony moves into the reception area, where will your guests go during the breakdown and set up? If the venue doesn't have a back up plan (and some don't), you need to find a different one.

You also have to ask if the venue will cancel your wedding due to bad weather. We went to a venue that had in its contract that any inclement weather or "acts of God," including hurricanes, could void the contract with no refund. So basically, if a tropical storm rolls through, the venue can call your wedding off and you don't get your money back. In that case, you need wedding insurance (yes that's a thing), but you also need a back up plan. Your guests are still planning to come, so you have to give them somewhere to be. If the venue can't help you come up Plan B, this is not the venue for you.

Keep your guests extra hydrated.
An open bar is great at a wedding, but if yours is outdoors, there's a good chance your guests will want water too. So make this something special for them. Have the wait staff hand out small water bottles with personalized labels to guests as soon as they enter the reception hall. Print something cute like, "Welcome to our wedding" on them and your guests will love them. At the end of the night, you can have a table with full-size water bottles with a matching label that says, "Thanks for coming." It's a nice way to say "drink some water" without actually shoving it down their throats.

Also, make sure water is an available beverage choice. I know, it sounds obvious, but when you choose your own caterer, you often need to hand select every item on your menu, and that includes beverages. If you don't ask for water, you might not get it.

Fill the venue with "extras" that your guests may have forgotten.
Some of your guests may not actually realize that your ceremony or reception (or both) is entirely outdoors, so they may not plan accordingly. Help them out. Create a sunscreen bar so they don't go home burned. Pick up cooling wipes (they actually work, believe it or not) and have them near your sunscreen basket. Pick up paper fans (if you don't do the program ones) and have them available.

Stay out of the sun.
You'll be standing for the majority of your wedding ceremony and the last thing you want to do is pass out before the "I Do." But with all the running around you'll be doing pre-wedding, you won't have time to eat or drink, which aids in your lightheaded-ness. Standing in the sun during the ceremony probably isn't a good idea. So don't.

Instead of flowers, hold a really pretty wedding parasol when you walk down the aisle. You can get one in white for you, and your bridesmaids can carry ones that match their dresses. Then, you can hold it open during the ceremony. You'll get more use out of it -- and you'll get a little shade too.

Choose your bridal party's attire appropriately.
With an outdoor venue, you have to worry about your bridal party. If it's an outdoor wedding in summer, don't force your bridesmaids to wear long, heavy gowns. If it's an outdoor wedding in winter, don't ask your girls to wear open toed shoes (because walking through snow with those is not fun).

For the groomsmen, think about just how hot a black tuxedo can get in the sun. Choose a lighter color, like khaki. And maybe do vests instead of a suit jacket. And a lighter shirt will be their friend (because you don't want sweaty pit stains in your photos for the rest of your life).

BRIDAL BABBLE: What other outdoor wedding tips do you have?

What You Need To Get Your Marriage License

Pete had an appointment to go to, so I took a ride downtown with him. I had about an hour to kill, so I decided to open Pokemon Go and look for Pokestops (because, yes, I ran out of Pokeballs and catching Pokemon without them is impossible). I didn't catch any Pokemon without Pete because it just didn't feel right, but walking around, getting steps, and collecting Pokeballs so we could play after his appointment sounded okay with me.

As I was walking, I passed the register of deeds where we got our marriage license. I remembered that I didn't even think about picking it up until a handful of days before our wedding, and then I freaked out worrying that we had waited too long.

We got to the registrar of deeds in time ... but Pete didn't have his social security card on him so we had to go back home and come back.

A slight hiccup, but one that could have been easily avoided. And you can avoid that. I'm here to help.

What You Need To Get Your Marriage License

• A spouse-to-be. You can start the application online in some states, but you and your spouse-to-be will each need to show up in person together to finish your application for a marriage license. 
• Identification. In each state, the requirements are different. In North Carolina, we needed a valid photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and a social security card (or a form with our social security number, like a pay stub). If we got married in New York (where we're from), we would have just needed ID and proof of age. No social security card.
• Money. Yes, you have to pay for this. Each state charges a different amount. In North Carolina, we had to pay $60 -- half was for the fee and half went to North Carolina Domestic Violence programs.
• Time. Or not, actually. In New York, you have to wait 24 hours after your application is filed and your license is issued to get married. In Pennsylvania (where I used to live too), it was three days. In North Carolina, you can use it right away. So, you definitely want to look this up because you might not be able to apply and then turn around and get married. And if you wait until the last minute, you're in trouble. But, you're also in trouble if you go too soon. In many states, the license is only valid for 60 days. So if you go too early, you'll  have to start over (and pay again).
• Proof of a divorce/death, if you were married previously. Although, if we're being honest, if you were married before, you went through this before and you're probably not reading this list. But, just in case, if you've been married before and divorced or your spouse passed away, you need to bring proof of that.
• A reliable person to marry you. You'll have a priest marry you at a church, but you can go with an ordained minister if you choose to get married somewhere else. Choose who fits you best (and who is allowed by the state where you're getting married), but make sure they're reliable. That person usually will have witnesses sign your license, sign it after performing the ceremony, and then send it to the appropriate clerk so you can get your actual license in the mail. You need that, so make sure this person will send it off for you (or will give it to you to sign off).

BRIDAL BABBLE: Are you planning on taking the (what seems to be, anyway) obligatory photo with your marriage license? 

How Pokémon Go Is Good For Your Relationship

Pete and I went away last week and stopped in a new (to us) town on the drive back home. We had a nice dinner and walked around a bit before heading to the hotel to sleep. We woke up early the next day and decided to walk around the town to see it in daylight.

Yelp had given me a few historical buildings to look out, but once we saw those, we were kind of stumped.

"We should look for Pokémon," I suggested, half-jokingly. See, I had downloaded Pokémon Go on my mom's phone the week before and she told me to get it so we could walk around together. But, other than opening the app at home, I hadn't played. Pete and I weren't quite sure what to expect, but we decided to play.

It was the best. Seriously. We had such a fun time exploring the town, letting Pokémon lead us from one landmark to another. We want to make it a thing now, going to new towns and following Pokémon to spots to see. Playing made me realize how Pokémon Go is good for your relationship, so, of course, I had to write this post.

How Pokémon Go Is Good For Your Relationship

It gets you walking. 
So much of the fun of Pokémon Go was that we were able to explore a new city on foot. The downtown area was filled with Pokéstops, and we went from one to another -- wherever Pokémon said to go. Bell at a church? Sure. Veterans memorial? A nice way to pay our respect. Small park on the ocean? What a view!

The next thing we knew, Pete's Fitbit buzzed, letting him know we had already walked 8,000 steps -- and it wasn't even noon yet. If you're already sweating for the wedding, this is a fun way to do it. More fun that what we often do at night: walk around our community, pretty much in the same loop.

It gets you talking. 
Each Pokéstop shows a photo of a landmark and you basically have to walk to find it. So you open the app, click on the closest Pokéstop, and figure out where it is. You talk about if one of you knows the location and, if you don't, you read the map together and figure out where it is.

Even if the conversation is only about Pokémon, it still gives you an excuse to talk. Plus, you can talk about what you see on the way too.

It gets you learning. 
We were in a new city when we played the first time, so we were able to really learn the history behind it. Pokémon took us to different historical signs and museums. So, of course, we were there hoping to catch an Eevee, but it was cool to learn about the battles that were fought over the waterway in the town.

And it's fun to learn stuff together. Maybe it's a cooking class, maybe it's painting, or maybe it's Pokémon helping you learn history. Whatever it is, learning new stuff together is a great way to evolve as a couple.

It gets you burning. 
You're burning calories together, which is great. But it also means you'll probably get hungry at the same time. So you can take a break from Pokémon and grab a quick snack (or meal, depending on what time you're hunting). All of a sudden, you have an impromptu date -- and who doesn't love that.

Plus, it just gives you something to do together. I'll be honest. At first, I was like, "I don't get it." I would open the app when I was blogging and sometimes there would be a Pokémon on my laptop screen, and mostly there wouldn't be. So I got bored and that was that. But when Pete and I played in the real world, when we took turns catching Pokémon and got excited when the phone vibrated to let us know there was one around, we really, really liked it. So no matter what you think of it, get the app. You'll like it. And your relationship will too.

BRIDAL BABBLE: What other ways is Pokémon Go good for your relationship?

Going To The Chapel Cucumber Feta Salad

If you love this Cucumber Feta Salad recipe, be sure to Yum it here: Yum

I told you I had the idea to post easy recipes on A Bride On A Budget because after you're married, you're gonna need to cook for two. And, as much as cereal may pass as a meal when you're single or in college, it's not exactly a nutritious dinner for two.

Our first recipe post -- For My Fiance Focaccia Bread Pizza -- did so well, we're keeping the ideas going.

This new recipe is so easy. It's a summer side salad, which is healthy and a good alternative to a pre-packaged bagged salad. Which, yes, is easy to open and serve, but not as tasty as my Going To The Chapel Cucumber Feta Salad.

Going To The Chapel Cucumber Feta Salad

We actually grow cucumbers in our garden, which is why the one in my post is so irregularly-shaped and less green than normal. But oh my gosh, it is tasty. I love cucumbers anyway, but they can be pretty bland. The ones from our garden are really flavorful, which is why I don't need salt in my recipe. You can add a pinch if you need it.

What You'll Need:

• 1 cucumber
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

What You'll Do:

Clean your cucumber. Since we grow ours in the garden, I know they're pesticide free and leave the skin on. If we buy them at the store, we usually use a dish brush to clean our fruits and veggies. Keep this on the side for food only. Don't use it with dish soap on your dishes and then try to clean your food after. That is a big no no. You could also wash your veggies in plain vinegar too, if you have that handy (which, honestly, I never do).

Cut your cucumber.

I cut mine like a pizza, into eight pie-shaped pieces. I like to sort of try to keep the size of the cucumber pieces similar to the chunks of feta. That way, you can have a nice balance in every bite.

Add the cucumber, feta, olive oil, and vinegar in a bowl. Toss. Add a pinch of salt if you want and toss again.

Serve.

That's it. I'm telling you, it's so tasty. I've been making this salad every single time we've had a cucumber come out of our garden. I'm obsessed with it -- and I'm sure you will be too.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you make this cucumber feta salad?

DIY Heart Escort Cards (made from toilet paper rolls)

I'm really into upcycling. Anything that can be turned into something else will. My mind is basically a resurrection yard for garbage. Which is fun when I do the projects, but less fun when I tell Pete things like, "Hey. If you're the one who finishes the toilet paper in the guest bathroom, don't throw out the tube. I need it for a project."

So we saved it. And another one. And I finally had enough to upcycle into this project.

DIY Heart Escort Cards

These are pretty easy to make, but they do take a bit of time since you're, literally, watching paint dry. So invite over a bridesmaid or two (or a glass of wine), so you have someone to chat with while you're waiting.

What You'll Need:

• Toilet paper (or paper towel) rolls
• Acrylic paint (in two colors)
• Foam paint brush
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Mini binder clips
• Scrap paper
• Card stock
• Pen

What You'll Do:

Fold your toilet paper roll in half.

With your ruler, measure your toilet paper roll into eight equal pieces. (They end up being a half inch each, so if you are using a paper towel roll instead, mark pieces of that size).

Mark each section with a pencil. Cut the pieces with the scissors.

Paint your pieces and place them on the scrap paper. Let them dry completely. For a nice effect, paint half the pieces one color and half a second color. Just be sure to paint an even number of each since you'll want to match two pieces to form your heart.

For a dark color like red, I only needed one coat. The pink was thinner so I did two coats. Then, I painted the inside.

Place glue on one side of one of the pieces. Affix a second piece to it, making sure to line up the "point" of the heart at the bottom. Clip a binder clip to the glued portion. Let this dry completely.

Try and keep the "flat" side out and put the uglier side (with the crease) inside. It looks prettier that way.

While that's drying, you can make the name cards. Cut the card stock. You can cut it straight or in a scroll, whatever you prefer. Just make sure it's 3-inches from edge to edge so you can fit it on your heart.

Write the name of your guest(s) and assigned table number on the card stock.

Put a little glue on the edges of your heart and stick down the card stock. As with every other step involving glue, let it dry completely.

You can display these at your wedding welcome table flat. Just make sure they are in alphabetical order so your guests can find their seats.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you be able to make these DIY heart escort cards?

DIY Wedding Coffee Stirrers

I love coffee. I'm actually drinking some as I type this. Which really should come as no surprise to anyone who reads this blog on a regular basis. What should be a surprise is that I didn't make these DIY wedding coffee stirrers for our wedding. The idea didn't hit me until way after our wedding. But you should definitely make these. They're so easy and really add a personal touch to your wedding.

DIY Wedding Coffee Stirrers

I would suggest making these ahead of time, mostly because they're something that won't spoil or perish. So you can make them now, even if you're wedding is a year from now. Just cross it off the to do list.

What You'll Need:

• Card stock (in your wedding color)
• Wooden coffee stirrers
• Pencil
• Shot glass
• Scissors
• Glue
• Personalized stamp (I used a circle image)

What You'll Do:

Using the stamp, stamp your card stock. Leave enough room around each circle to make a border.

Put the shot glass face down over each stamp. If you use a clear shot glass, you'll be able to assure that the graphic is centered. Trace around it with a pencil.

Use the scissors to cut out each circle. You'll need two per coffee stirrer, so keep that in mind when you're stamping.

Glue the entire backside of the circle.

Place your coffee stirrer in the glue.

Affix a second circle to the first circle. 

Be aware of the placement of the circles. You'll want to make sure that each is facing in the proper direction.

Let them dry.

That's all. They're so cute and really add a nice touch to your wedding.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Could you make these DIY Wedding Coffee Stirrers?

How To Prepare For Your Wedding Kiss #MyBoldMoments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyBoldMoments #CollectiveBias

There's a scene in The Wedding Singer where the bride-to-be is worried about her upcoming nuptials. Not the wedding, but the kiss. How do you kiss at a church, she wonders. The dialogue is comedic, but there's a truth in it. You've kissed your fiance hundreds of times, but never in front of all your family and friends and a minister. It's nerve wracking.

You have so many other things to think about when you're wedding planning. How, exactly, to get ready for that big smooch is another item on your wedding to do list. But don't worry. I've got you covered.

How To Prepare For Your Wedding Kiss

I put together a fun post to help you prepare for your wedding kiss. Oh sure, it's a little tongue in cheek, but ... here's some advice: Don't kiss on your wedding day with your tongue in your cheek. That's not gonna work. These tips will.

Do: 
Brush your teeth. This is a no brainer people. You have to brush your teeth. But you also want to brush your tongue too. That's where all your bad breath lies.

Don't:
Eat garlic the morning of your wedding. Or, really, anything particularly fragrant. Not that you'll have time to eat much but if you do, avoid stinky foods. No garlic. A tuna fish sandwich on an onion bagel is probably not the best idea. Opt for foods that are mild.

Do: 
Floss. I'll be honest: Flossing is not my favorite activity, but it helps remove all the junk that gets between  you're teeth where your toothbrush can't go. And anything you can add to your oral care routine to keep your mouth healthy gets a thumbs up from me.

Don't:
Suck on brightly-colored hard candy. Have you ever been licking a lollipop, only for it to turn your entire tongue blue? It's funny ... but it's not so funny when you're getting ready for your wedding kiss. You don't want that in all your photos. Anything that might dye your teeth or could get stuck in your teeth (like poppy seeds, spinach, etc.) should be off limits.

Do:
Use LISTERINE® mouthwash. A little mouthwash can go a long way. See, brushing misses 75% of your mouth, but LISTERINE® Antiseptic cleans virtually 100% and kills 99.9% of bad breath germs. Having a clean mouth may help you be "Confidently Bold," which is just how you want to be on your wedding day when you're kissing in front of everyone you know.

Keep this handy on your wedding day too because kissing doesn't stop with the one after the "I do." Photographers will be asking you to kiss all day, as will your guests (tapping of glasses or ringing of bells means "Kiss!"). Having LISTERINE® mouthwash handy for after the cocktail hour and after dinner will keep your mouth clean. And using it is so quick, you can sneak off from the reception and come back fresh before anyone even realizes you are gone.

Everything you need to prepare for your wedding kiss can be found at your local CVS/Pharmacy. Some stores may even have a special LISTERINE® brand display making it really easy for you to find it. Mine didn't, but there was plenty on the shelf, so I didn't miss it.

BRIDAL BABBLE: What other tips do you have to prepare for your wedding kiss?

Get A Free Subscription To Brides Magazine

When I got engaged, the best gift I received was a subscription to a bridal magazine. It was so helpful to read through the magazine and get ideas.

I'll be honest. At first, looking through the magazines was super overwhelming. The magazines were filled with possibilities and had advice for things that I hadn't even thought about yet. When I finally got into wedding planning, the magazines were less intimidating and were simply helpful.

If you're starting planning, you definitely want a wedding magazine.

How about a free one?

Right now, you can get a free subscription to Brides magazine from Rewards Country. Click that link, enter your information, and take a quick survey. You'll be rewarded with a free subscription. I've gotten a ton of magazines free from Rewards Country, so it's completely legit.

I currently have a subscription to Brides magazine. Each issue is really thick, but that's because it's very ad heavy. I usually don't like ads in magazines, but ads in bridal magazines are actually really helpful since you do need to order a lot of items. So the more ideas you can get from ads, the better.

Free subscriptions don't last forever, so definitely subscribe now (or sign up your engaged friends. They'll thank you).

BRIDAL BABBLE: Do you subscribe to bridal magazines?

At-Home Bachelorette Party Shopping List

Bachelorette parties can be wild weekends out ... but they don't have to be. Sometimes, they can be wine and cheese nights at home with friends.

And if that's the way you're leaning, you'll want to pick up some items to make the day special. I put together a great at-home bachelorette party shopping list for you. You can print it out and take it to a store or you can just shop online with our suggestions below.

At-Home Bachelorette Party Shopping List

• Napkins
• Cups
• Plates
• Utensils
• Food
• Drinks
• Wine Glasses
• Wine Charms
• Wine
• Bride's Cup
• Bride's Sash
• Miss To Mrs. Banner
• Confetti
• Team Bride Shirts
• Bride Shirt
• Guest Book
• Photo Props
• Games

Napkins

These bachelorette party napkins are the first of the disposable products on this list. Now, if you know me, you know I never use disposable products in our home -- unless we are having a party. I hate trash, but I hate washing dishes after a dozen people even more. So for your at-home bachelorette party, disposable is the way to go.

Purchase here.

Cups

Disposable cups will be your friend, too. Go with hot pink cups because nothing says bachelorette party more than hot pink and black.

Purchase here.

Plates

And go with matching plates ... because it's so much easier for you to toss out plates at the end of the night than try and load a dishwasher.

Purchase here.

Utensils

Add magenta plastic utensils to your cart as well. Honestly, I had no idea how much I loved plastic utensils until we started having a lot of company every weekend. It's a big party must.

Purchase here.

Wine Glasses

I guess you could go with plastic wine glasses, but I think it's more fun to get personalized wine glasses. They're a great memento of the night and people will actually save them and reuse the glasses.

Purchase here.

Wine Charms

The trouble with personalized wine glasses is they're all personalized the same. And they're generally stemless, so you can't add traditional wine charms. Oh, but you can add these wine charms. They're bachelorette party perfect.

Purchase here.

Bride's Cup

The bride doesn't need a wine charm ... because she gets her own bride's cup. The brighter and blingier, the better. Just be sure her cup is never empty!

Purchase here.

Bride's Sash

What's a bacelorette party without a bride's sash? Even if you're staying home, she should still wear one. It's a fun experience she'll only get once.

Purchase here.

Miss To Mrs. Banner

Part of the fun of getting married is changing from a Miss to a Mrs. (or, in my case, a Ms. since I didn't change my last name). So of course, your bachelorette party decor should have a Miss To Mrs. banner incorporated. With so many styles to choose from, you can definitely find one to fit your theme.

Purchase here.

Confetti

I love confetti. I won't say I love cleaning it up, but I sure love how it looks on a table. It's just so festive and fun ... and usually so shiny. As long as you have a handheld vacuum available, definitely get some bachelorette party confetti.

Purchase here.

Team Bride Shirts

If Pete and I are ready to leave the house and we're matching, one of us will change. But if a bridal party is wearing matching Team Bride shirts, I think it's so fun. You shouldn't miss that opportunity, even if you're just having an at-home bachelorette party.

Purchase here.

Bride Shirt

And don't forget about the bride. Grab her a bride shirt that matches, but is a little unique so she fits it -- but also stands out -- and her party.

Purchase here.

Guest Book

You want to remember the night even if you can't, well, remember the night. A guest book will help with that. You can go with a picture frame, an actual book, a canvas print, whatever you think is the most fun.

Purchase here.

Photo Props

Photo booths are so popular right now. You can easily make your own. Just find a blank wall and pick up some photo props. Take photos with a camera or your cell phone and be sure to tag them with a fun bachelorette party hashtag.

Purchase here.

Games

Bachelorette party games can be pretty risque, but you can also find some that are a bit more tame. Just go with what you think the bride will be comfortable playing. You don't want her to feel awkward at her own party.

Purchase here.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Which of the items on this at-home bachelorette party shopping list would make your party great?

DIY Date Night Guest Book

Guest books can be such a great way for you to be creative. Yes, the word book is in the name, but that doesn't mean it has to be an actual book. You can get super creative, like making a wooden letter guest book or making a thumbprint tree.

Or, you could make our DIY date night guest book.

DIY Date Night Guest Book

My friend Allison gave me the idea for this when she put one together, and I just loved it -- loved it so much that I actually gave it to Pete for his birthday yesterday (filled out with date night ideas, of course).

What You'll Need:

• Card stock (I used four colors)
• Heart-shaped cookie cutter
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Gift bag
• Marker
• Tape

What You'll Do:

Use the pencil to trace onto the card stock with the heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Cut out the hearts. I cut three sheets at a time. If you're able to do more, go for it. You'll want one heart per guest, so you may have to cut a lot -- and cutting one at a time would take forever.

Write out two cards. Let one say "Date Night Guest Book" (so you can affix it to the bag) and the other is instructions.

Lay the cards and marker out near the entry to your reception so your guests can know to sign it.

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you make this DIY date night guest book?

Mint To Be Mint Chocolate Muffins (perfect for bridal showers)

If you love this recipe, be sure to Yum it here: Yum

My friend gave me a recipe for muffins that I have been obsessed with ever since. The recipe was for mini muffins, which are bite-sized deliciousness, but I recently started making them full size. Oh. My. Gosh. They're just delightful. Plus, they're made with cake mix and just two other ingredients (plus any add ins you choose), so they're simple to whip up. They're frosting-free too, which makes them feel healthy.

But, with such a simple recipe, you can put together a batch for a bridal shower easily. You can make these in any combination you can think of, but I'm going with chocolate mint muffins this time.

Mint To Be Mint Chocolate Muffins

What You'll Need:

• Chocolate cake mix
• 5.3oz container of vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup mint chocolate baking chips
• Cupcake liners
• Muffin pan
• Toothpicks
• Glue
• Mint To Be flags printable *see below

What You'll Do:

Preheat your oven to 350-degrees.

Mix together your cake mix, yogurt, water, and mint chocolate pieces.

Put a cupcake liner in each cavity of the muffin pan. Now, about those. I used foil-lined cupcake liners. They're so much better when you're making something where you're worried about presentation. With paper liners, they'll become transparent during baking and often separate from the cupcake itself. It ruins your presentation. Foil-lined ones stay bright on the outside and stiff too. (If you're wondering, these are the exact ones I used for these mint chocolate muffins).

Then, fill each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 15 minutes until your muffins are baked through.

While they're cooling, assemble your flags.

Cut out the flags, then apply a generous amount of glue to the back of them. Put a toothpick in the middle and close the flag.

Stick the toothpick into the top of the muffin and you're done.

These will keep for a few days in an air-tight container in the fridge, so you are able to make them ahead of time. Mix and mach the yogurt and cake mix (I like carrot cake mix and vanilla yogurt) and you can have a variety of muffins for your guests to choose from.

Now, about those flags.

That printable is formatted to print on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper, so you're able to print them at home. Just right-click the image, save it to your computer, and print it out whenever you're ready. It's the exact one I used to make the ones in this post, so you can see that it is perfectly formatted so the "Mint To Be" can be read easily (and it's all on one side).

BRIDAL BABBLE: Would you make these Mint To Be Mint Chocolate Muffins?