FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL? The Styles section of the New York Times seems to think so:

The end-of-week wedding, once only done as a "Friday Night Special" by those looking for deep discounts on the food, the flowers and everything else, is stepping up to a respectable prime time slot as a first choice of many brides and bridegrooms.

"It sets the tone that your wedding is about the party," said Carley Roney, the editor in chief of The Knot, a magazine and wedding-resource Web site. "You could have even more cost savings on a Sunday afternoon, but that doesn't say 'We're cool.' "

Ms. Roney and other wedding experts said Friday weddings can be more attractive to couples than a traditional Saturday soirée or a perfunctory Sunday afternoon event because they can have the sophisticated feel of a cocktail party. And a Friday event not only saves a little on the cost and reduces competition for caterers and photographers, but it can also be unexpected.

Something to think about.

BACKYARD WEDDING? The Valley Times discusses some small things you can do around the house to dress up a backyard wedding:

It is also appropriate to add special touches to the bathroom designated for your wedding guests. Change out accessories, pictures, towels and shower curtain to reflect the décor. Meaning, if you selected a tropical-themed wedding choose natural elements, such as glass floats and seashells, a woven sea grass rug and an orchid plant or bird-of-paradise to set the mood. At the very least update your bathroom with crisp linens and fresh flowers.

NEW TEA LIGHT HOLDERS Two new gorgeous styles are in stock--just in time for the outdoor party season!

Cases of 72 red tea light holders are $32.66 each!

And these elegant round-shaped frosted tea light holders

are $19.99 per case of 36!