Wedding Book | Weddings Books | Weding

Double Check Cake Service Utensils

2009-06-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

The cutting of the cake is one of the highlights of a wedding reception. It is a tradition that symbolizes the exchange of love between the Bride and Groom in a most simple way – their first meal as man and wife. It has become one of the most sentimental moments in the ceremony. Thus, for some, it is just as important to make it a point to get the best wedding cake serving sets for the wedding cake, as this will serve as a keepsake of this precious moment for the newly wed couple in the years to come.

There are several companies who offer a wide array of utensils and other wedding cake serving sets and utencils to commemorate this romantic tradition. Most of them market silver or gold plated sets with poly-resin handle. They also come in various designs and handles for any wedding theme. Some also provide name and wedding date engraving on the servers, as a number of couples opt to reuse these for romantic occasions.

When the first-dance music plays, the headwaiter for the reception indicates to the couple where to first cut on the cake should be done, since most cakes have what is called the dummy layer -a fake, dense bottom layer that supports the height of the cake. The groom puts his hand over the bride’s hand and using a wedding cake serving knife together they cut a small portion. In some traditions, a sword is used.

As also guided by tradition, the couple feed each other with the first bites of the cake on a small white plate, part of the wedding cake serving set. Most of the time the groom feeds the bride first although in some cultures, myth has it that the wife serves the bite first to her husband than the other way around to out rule the possibility of being childless.

The couple then takes their first sips of champagne with arms intertwined, symbolizing as well the new union between husband and wife. The champagne glasses should be just as durable yet as elegant as the utensils because during the ceremony, guests would clink on their glasses to ask and witness the bride and groom stand up and kiss.

If the couples feel generous enough, they share their cakes with the other guests, or they may take it home and give it to other guests who were unable to come. Some may have it stored by a special process that enables the cake to remain fresh up to that time that the couple celebrates their first anniversary together. At this time, apart from the cake serving set for the wedding, the couple may use their personalized utensils and relive their first cake bite as a wedded couple.

Wedding cake serving sets are valuable and commemorative pieces of the wedding ceremony and the succeeding years they will share together. However, it should also be remembered that wedding equipments need not cost a fortune. There are several firms who offer elegant yet durable and economical pieces that are fit for any wedding theme. After all, it is the special bond between bride and groom that marks their years together.

Unique Reception Ideas

2009-06-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

Finding a stunning unique wedding location is one aspect of your wedding theme. Since the wedding reception generally follows the theme established throughout the ceremony, invites etc, it is usually best to plan for the wedding and reception to follow the same general themed format, although this is not written in stone. Aim to make the reception a place to 'let loose', a place to bypass the formal setting often created in the ceremony.

Unique wedding receptions usually begin with an unusual, creative location. A drab and lackluster location for your reception, no matter how well it is decorated, will not 'wow' your guests. A unique setting will inspire you to create wonderful ideas, to 'break out of the box' and create something totally your own.

No matter where you choose to host your reception, there are essential details you need to look after when planning:

1. Weather / Environment - is the wedding reception inside or out?
2. Setup - Is this a non-traditional location? Will it have sufficient power for the entertainment? Adequate parking space for guests? Also consider distance - most guests do not want to drive into the deep woods to attend your reception.
3. Cleanup, setup - Most 'traditional' wedding reception venues have cleanup in place. Make sure to inquire about this when selecting the venue. Otherwise, you may need to draw on family and friends to help with this aspect.
4. Theme - Does the location fit the theme you have chosen for your wedding. Keep in mind, you do not need a theme for your wedding, but it does help to keep things on track.
5. Does the location invoke 'wows' from friends? Take a small group of friends to the location, and ask them what they think.

Truly Unique Wedding Reception Locations:

Corn field clearing. Now don't laugh, I have attended a 'stunning' Western wedding theme done up perfectly in a cornfield clearing. Complete with rented gazebos, a fire pit and a Country band for entertainment, the event went off very well.

Sports Venue. Why not host your reception at your favorite sports venue, if you are a sport fan? Theme the reception with sport favors.

Building Top / High Rise. A wedding reception on the top of a city skyscraper can be both exhilarating and memorable, although this might be on the 'pricey side' depending on where you live.

More common wedding reception locations might include Barns, Gardens / Display Garden Weddings, Ranches, Beaches. Since the wedding reception is only limited by your imagination, take the time to sit down and really brainstorm some great ideas. It will be well worth it in the end

Perfect Wedding Receptions

2009-06-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Your wedding day will be one of the most spectacular days of your life! Make it memorable, stress-free, and fun with just a few extra special moments of pre-planning and preparation.

The experts at California DJs know all the secret elements - and the "not-so-secret" ones too - all to help you plan the ultimate wedding reception that is perfectly you! Use these 10 essential elements to create the perfect day for you and your guests.

1. Generously Invite

Writing the guest list... what a challenge! How do you agree on whom to invite and still stay within your budget? Here's the bottom line. You are preparing for the most magical day of your life and in the end only one thing will matter - the public declaration of your love and commitment... and each and every person there to witness it.

We encourage you to invite every person you love. Your guests are the focal point of this very special day. Cut back on the cost of the dinner, limit the hours of the open bar, but don't cross off names. As you fondly remember your wedding day, you will not remember the per-person cost. You will remember glowing faces of the people celebrating your union... the buzz at the reception... the clink of toasting glasses throughout the room congratulating your marriage! The extra veggie platter, shrimp apps, and extravagant centerpiece won't be the center of attention - the people will be.

2. Designate Your Celebratory Space

Before you plan your reception know exactly where you want people to mix and mingle. Fantastic receptions brim with family and friends who feel comfortable, meet, talk, dance, and become acquainted with one another. Don't let guests leave early, slip away to check out the impressive surroundings of your location, or run outside for a smoke and then never come back to join the party. Define the space with ribbons or closed doors. Don't be afraid to close off certain areas or rooms. The liveliest receptions have a common area where guests are mingling and activities are taking place. A designated space ensures guests catch and capture each wonderful moment as it unfolds.

3. Special Activities Just For The Joy Of It

Remember, 80% of your guests won't know each other. The greatest wedding memories are the new friendships and extended family bonds created at your wedding. Use interactive games, specialty dances, bold announcements, or fun activities during the reception to break the ice and help people get to know one other. Suddenly you'll see people laughing and enjoying themselves instead of feeling shy or retreating on the sidelines.

4. Let Go, Have Fun & Toss Your Worries Aside

The bride sets the stage and the tone for reception party. This is the time and place for all brides to let go, have fun, and toss any last minute worries aside. Let the months of planning and masterful professionals you've selected take over and do what they do best. You only have one job - to be the most radiant and loveliest guest of honor. Show up and celebrate! If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your guests will sense it and feel uncomfortable too. You have the power and pleasure to give your guests permission to let loose and have a great time!

5. Dance Your Little Heart Out

One saucy shoe must be the first to step out on the dance floor. Guests will be looking to you for permission and timing to dance. As soon as you get up and dance, they'll let loose and do a little rumba too! People are typically shy and most guests are very careful not to offend or overstep their boundaries. Plan to play music you love so you are comfortable. Your physical cues can create a safe space for them to dance, toe-tap, celebrate, toast, and party. Watch friends and family get up and dance, thoroughly enjoy themselves, then talk about what a fabulous reception it was in the morning.

6. Embellish, Adorn, and Decorate

The dÃ©cor sets the mood at the reception. Simple dÃ©cor is not only best, it is marvelously elegant. Elegant doesn't have to mean expensive. Think sentimental instead of expensive and you'll amaze yourself with the brilliant ideas that come to mind. Since flowers are typically 15% of the overall wedding budget, you can save money by intermingling silk flowers. Want a discount, ask for one! Many places give quantity and wedding discounts. Use your imagination and let your creativity take over.

7. Invite Groups of People That Know Each Other

No doubt your guests will be coming from many different walks of life - but the more people you bring together with common bonds - the more alive the reception will be. People feel safest when they are surrounded by people and situations that are familiar to them. Watch the twinkle in the eyes of your family members sparkle as they greet familiar faces from way back when. Notice work friends create a "tribe" of sorts and fill up the dance floor. Birds of a feather flock together. Invite groups of people that know each other and see a warm, wonderful, and happy vibe wash over the reception.

8. Serve Thirst Quenching Libations

Every reception should have beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages available. Hesitant??? Think again. Cocktails loosen people up and lessen inhibitions. Even people who do not drink, often make exceptions at weddings. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event and rules can and will be broken.

9. Early Notice and Save The Date Announcements

Your invitees won't want to miss your big day, but with very busy schedules advance notice is not a luxury - it's required. Invite people well in advance. 30% of guests that don't show decline because they didn't get enough advance notice. Send an electronic "save the date" message via email or try a unique and money saving "save the date" photo postcard for as little as $.65 a card including postage. Avoid disappointing "Will Not Attends' that arrive late in the mail or worse yet embarrassing "Yes" response cards from people who don't show up. As rude as this is, people hate to say no. Giving people advance notice - a minimum of 3 weeks - will minimize disappointment and embarrassment and bring all your favorite people together.

10. Use The One Hour Gathering Rule

Party "kick-off" starts one hour after the official start time. Many people will show up late so use the one hour "gathering rule" to account for lateness and all the other influences out of your control... traffic, distance, directions, babysitters, weather, and other unknowns. Begin with an intimate one-hour cocktail or champagne reception to entertain before the party officially starts. Play inviting music and host an open bar if you choose. Because most guests will arrive late, serve food or appetizers toward the end of the "gathering hour." This will give the effect of a perfectly planned and welcoming entrance.

Bonus Tip: Plan for a Grand Entrance Showcasing You!

We call it the dazzling "ta-da" entrance! This is where it all comes together. You arrive relaxed and ready to have fun. Your mood is joyful and sets the tone for an utterly enjoyable reception. Your guests haven't waited longer than one hour. You've planned ahead with the photographer and the photos are archived in the camera forever. Now before your big entrance, remember all the love you feel inside and visualize the joy inside of you sweeping guests off their feet.

Hear the melody of your favorite music fill the room and feel the anticipation of the guests expecting your arrival. Let every bit of warmth, happiness, and radiance come through as you flitter into the room. Your grand entrance will set the tone and prepare your guests for one of the most talked about wedding receptions of the year. Create ambiance and fun by lining the walkway with fresh petals, a bubble machine, or doing something personal, silly, or heartwarming that is uniquely you.

Then, let the DJ do what he does best. You've hired the best and planned well in advance. Let your vision come together as the reality of this marvelous day unfolds. Hear each and every guest say,

Wedding Reception DISASTERS!

2009-06-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone has seen it. That centerpiece that doesn't look quite the same at the table to the left of the wedding party table catches your eye. Or perhaps that simple wall hanging that is just a few shades lighter than the rest of the wall hangings surrounding the reception hall. Perhaps it's just as simple as a few flowers in the centerpiece that are a little shorter than the others. Below are some quick fixes that someone can use to repair a reception decoration gone badly.

Perhaps you have a centerpiece that looks a little more lopsided than the rest. Having a reception decoration that appears to lean to the right or left is distracting to say the least. There is a good chance that people at the table will be keeping one eye on the decoration in anticipation that it will topple over, instead of enjoying the great meal that you've provided them. Depending on what is causing the decoration to tip, there are a few fixes that can be accomplished within a few moments.

If the vase or centerpiece holder for the reception decoration is uneven for some reason, placing a small coin underneath to make it level is a quick and easy way to make things right. And don't worry about people seeing the coin; once the leaning tower of a decoration is fixed, most people will return to concentrating on the nearby friends and lovely food. If the tilted appearance of the decorations is due to something within the centerpiece, try taking some florists tape and bind a few things together at the bottom and fan them out at the top, giving a more even appearance to the wedding decoration.

Perhaps the reception decoration that is catching some unwanted attention is a flower arrangement that is a bit more wilted looking then its partner across the doorway. Having symmetry, especially at an entrance or exit is essential in giving the appearance of a well put together reception. Luckily, there are two possible quick fixes for this problem. The first is to replace the live flowers in both vases with their silk counterparts. Believe it or not, the silk flowers of today are often used as decorations since they give an illusion of the reality that is hard to beat. Another possible solution to this problem is to again take some florist tape, and some stiff wire and bring the wilted flowers up to their full height, using the wire as a brace. It only takes a few moments, and since the florist tape is green, it will often give the illusion of leaves and stems.

The one thing to remember about the decorations though, is that they are simply accessories to the event. The important part of the reception is you, your husband, your families and friends, and the laughter and love that you will enjoy on this day. If a wedding reception decoration is a little bit different, try not to worry about it so much and enjoy the many requests for you and your new husband to kiss.

Perfect Music Mixes for Wedding Receptions

2009-06-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Everybody is looking forward to have a special day for their wedding – and the ‘special’ effect comes from each and every details they add to it. One such important detail is the wedding song. There are so many popular wedding songs to choose from. The following tips would help you zero on the one that would enhance your wedding day joy:

1. Take your time – there are many, many popular wedding songs and you would need to really hear them together and see which ones touch your heart enough to nominate it for the D-day. Do not hurry this process as you would not be able to do justice to the huge repertoire of what is available unless you pay attention closely to the music, to the lyrics and the overall effect the song would have on the ceremony.

2. Ask for inspiration – there is nothing wrong in asking friends and relatives what they think would be a great song for the wedding. There are millions of songs that are popular at weddings and this exercise might narrow it down quite a bit. You need to keep in mind though that this song you choose would be your song forever – so it has to really strike a chord in both of your hearts to become ‘the chosen one’.

3. Ask experts – you could always go to the DJs or Band Masters who play at weddings. They are the real experts in this field. They must have played hundreds of popular wedding songs and surely enough can give you a long list of best picks so you could choose from among the best and most popular songs for weddings

4. Nostalgia – some people like to bring in some history of the relationship with a song. Leave the popular wedding songs aside in this case. Choose the song that has a special meaning to both of you – whatever the song would be. Say, there could be the song that was playing when you first saw each other; when you had your first disagreement after which you realized you could live without each other, the song which was playing at the time he proposed, and so on.

5. Make it your song – you could use any of the popular songs at your wedding and have it changed a little. The variation could be all the difference you need to make it your special song . This could be through a different beat, or different lyrics, or changing one line where it makes the meaning more powerful, and so on.

Designing Centerpieces

2009-06-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Your best friend is finally getting married, and she has asked you to be her maid of honor. Besides planning the bachelorette party, she has also asked you to design the wedding reception centerpieces. If you don't know where to start, here are some great wedding reception centerpiece ideas to get you started.

Keep it simple

One of the things to remember when creating one of your stunning wedding centerpiece ideas is to keep it very simple and elegant. Perhaps a few flowers in a crystalline vase with a simple ribbon tied around the neck of the vase. Or another option is a simple vine of greenery surrounding a small bowl of water with floating candles would be more in line for the reception.

A Few of Her Favorite Things

Another one of the great wedding reception centerpiece ideas is to make use of something she loves. Does she have a trusted and loyal pet? Take a picture of the pet and incorporate it into the centerpiece. Perhaps she and the groom met while having cocktails at a friend's house. Why not use a small wine glass as the focal point for the centerpiece? By choosing a few of her favorite things, you can make the centerpiece ideas almost as lovely and interesting as the bride.

Guest Participation

Another great wedding reception centerpiece idea is to allow the guests at the table to take part in the creation of the center piece. This is fantastic way for those tables with a few strangers to get to know each other better over the course of the wedding reception. Here's the idea. At each place setting place a flower with a small piece of paper attached. On each piece of paper, have a question about the bridal party that the table should answer. Once the question is answered, a flower is placed in the center vase. By the end of the night, each centerpiece will be unique, and each table will have grown closer by its creation.

Another thing to remember when creating or choosing the best of the ideas is to realize that there is nothing worse for encouraging conversation across the table than a piece of flower being in your way. The best idea is to keep the centerpieces low along the table, and not to rise above the shoulder of an average person. That way your guests can look at the centerpiece, and easily have a conversation about it.

A Child's Touch

If your bride is up for having a bit of adventure bring up the possibility of having her flower girl, ring bearer, or even the junior bridesmaids to create each centerpiece. Take some baskets, some color pipe cleaners, some construction paper, some Styrofoam balls and glue and tell the kids to make some flowers for the centerpieces. Along with adult supervision, this is a fantastic way for the children involved to feel like they really did a wonderful thing for the bridal party. In addition, this is one of the centerpiece ideas that are sure to start a conversation across the table.

No matter which idea you chose, be sure to have fun with the reception centerpiece ideas and decorating as presented here. Use one of them, or simply see them as a starting point for something truly unique. Whether or not they are simple and elegant or sophisticated and conversation starting is entirely up to you.

Cut Wedding Reception Costs!

2009-06-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

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Occasions like weddings and anniversaries drain out finance like water. While a section of the society proves to be lucky enough to afford to spend any amount without a bit of hesitation, there is a great part of the population to whom the auspicious occasion like wedding turns out to be a nightmare, as the wedding reception cost is the single factor that bothers them the most. The prices are hitting higher and higher scale day by day. But still there are ways to have a fabulous wedding at an affordable range of price, even amidst the aggressively rising cost without sacrificing the style and fashion in vogue. Planning, decision making and budgeting are the salient factors associated to the topic.

Decoration And Flowers

Flower is in fact the inevitable part in wedding ceremonies. To mitigate the wedding reception cost it is advisable to opt for the seasonal blooms instead of the off-season flowers. This will help you to pull down the price to a significant level. The decoration is something that you can spend as much as you wish hence it is advisable to plan before acting. Remember that subtle strokes of simplicity can deliver huge themes. Avoid hiring high paid decorators; instead make your own wedding decoration.

Trim off Certain unnecessary expenses

It would be a nice gesture to trim off certain unnecessary expenses like expenses on Music DJs, expenses on costly favors and etc. recruit your friend for playing the wedding music CD on the boom box to get an exceptional audio perception. The favors are means of extending heartfelt gratitude to the guests. Small gifts can express big thoughts. Limit the expenses on photography by limiting the number of snaps. Try to give the responsibility on your friends.

Cut off the guests list

Wedding is one of the most special days of your life and it is very natural that you will want to be surrounded by all the special guests and beloved friends. But keeping the present market condition in the forefront of your mind it is essential to trim of your guests' lists by drawing up a list as per the priority.

Jewelry

Wedding Jewelry is another unavoidable aspect in the occasion of wedding ceremonies. Try to opt for the glamorous yet inexpensive things. Platinum Wedding Rings is the costliest metal hence it would be an impressive idea to go for the tungsten or white gold instead of platinum. Remember that simplicity is the true criterion of beauty. Always try to go for less gold.

Go for group hotels

You will have friends from far and wide and you will need to arrange for their accommodation. Opting fro the group hotel deals in dome local hotels you can save a lot.

Cocktail Wedding Receptions!

2009-06-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to have a wedding reception that does not require formal attire, and does not involve a formal dinner where everyone sits in an assigned seat, then consider a cocktail wedding reception.

Ideas for the reception should be creative:

Bar Layout - Make sure the bar is laid out in such a fashion that long lines keep from forming. If you are offering a drink that is available in variations, be sure to have the necessary ingredients readily available or already mixed.

Work Your Menu Around Your Beverages - For instance, serve hors d'oeuvres that relate to your signature drink. If your signature drink is of Mexican flare then consider your hors d'oeuvres being Mexican flavor. Following a particular theme is important when developing cocktail wedding reception ideas.

Encourage Mingling - You do not want everyone at your cocktail reception just sitting around staring at each other. Have several food stations where guests can easily walk up, prepare a small plate and move on. Also, consider have a couple of musicians walking among the guests as they play.

Prepare Your Guests - To inform your guests of the type of reception that you will be having then on your wedding invitation put "cocktail reception to follow." This will give your guests an idea of desired attire while letting them know that there will not be a main course meal.

Your wedding reception should be a time of visiting with family and friends as a new couple. Receptions should be well planned. Small details need to be thought out so that the new couple and guests may share a time of laughter, and create memories and avoid unwanted hassles.

Choosing a Reception Hall

2009-06-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

When people talk about decisions they will have to make as part of their wedding planning, you will usually hear about the bridal dress, the flowers, the wedding photographer, the caterer, the band or disc jockey, the colors, the invitations. A good deal of time is spent focusing on details that most guests will not remember, and may not even notice at all. You do not always hear about one of the most important parts of the selection process: the reception hall. The hall that you choose for your reception will establish a mood for the party after your wedding, and it is this mood that will stay in the minds of the guests after they leave your celebration.

You will want to make sure that the dÃ©cor and the ambience of your reception hall match the wedding itself. A lodge hall, for example, may not be the perfect setting for a formal, black tie wedding reception, but the reception hall at a fashionable downtown hotel may be the wrong place to have the reception for a very casual wedding ceremony. Some unique choices work, though - there is an aircraft museum in Tampa Bay that has become a highly popular venue for wedding receptions: there is plenty of room to set out the food and drinks, and to dance, and there are also rooms filled with antique aircraft for guests to peruse while they are at the party.

Remember - just like you, there are hundreds, even thousands, of couples in your area also looking for the perfect reception hall at any given time. You will want to begin searching for your venue as soon as you know your wedding date. May, June and July are the most popular months for weddings, and it may come as an unpleasant surprise to you to discover how early other couples will book the most sought-after reception sites. If the two of you have a couple of places in mind, call them the day after you two have picked your date.

If you do not do this, you may end up celebrating your reception in that lodge hall, right after the bingo session has ended, and your wedding will end with a mood somewhat different than what the two of you had fantasized when you were considering the day of your union together.

Once you have picked a place for your reception, the next set of decisions involves the perfect decorations for your celebration. You can take a room that does not look promising to begin, and change it into a magical room that seem fit for a ball, if you choose the right decorations. While you will want to make sure that your venue's exterior is a fitting place to maintain the mood of the wedding, there are ways to cover over flaws, turn blank walls into panoramic scenes, and leave your guests impressed with the mood of your party. Selecting and transforming your reception hall may be one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding, parts of arranging your wedding day.

How to Choose a Wedding Reception Venue

2009-06-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Choosing A Wedding Reception Venue

If you have already decided to get married in your own backyard then there exists no scope for the selection of a wedding venue else it becomes really important to put some serious thoughts over the issue of choosing a venue. But it is far more important to plan as to how many guests you want to invite to the special evening with you prior to plan about the wedding reception venue. Choosing your parent's backyard as the wedding reception venue also demands the prior planning for the number of guests you want to invite. Remember that too many people in a too small space will turn everything into trash, spoiling the total flavor of enjoyment. It is fine, if your backyard is wide and spacious enough to accommodate the number of people you want to invite. Else it will be wise to choose another spot as a wedding reception venue.

Wedding reception venue and celebration theme

Choose your wedding reception venues according to the theme of celebration of your wedding. This is, however, very important to come up with a unique wedding celebration that can have a long lasting effect not only on your mind but on the mind of your guests as well. While doing so, you have to pay special attention on the decoration of the venues and the central theme of the decoration. Remember your choice of the wedding reception venues must be such that it should dictate all who would attend your reception party.

Things to look for

There was a time when the wedding reception venues used to be held at the brides place and the place used to be decorated according to the theme of the wedding celebration. But now the trend has changed. The hotels and the stately banquette halls have come up with a wide range of facilities to be rented for the purpose of celebration of wedding reception. There are, however, certain questions to be asked before forwarding an advance, in order to make sure if the selection is right. Ask if there is adequate facilities of lavatory and whether there exist such facilities for the older persons with less mobility. See if there exist facilities of high chairs for the kids. Also ask if there is desired car parking facilities, safety and security.

While choosing the venues the most significant thing that has to be kept in the forefront of the mind is safety, as it is expected that a group of little kids will be there in the party with their parents. Hence, you can never afford to choose a venue that may expose the little children to dangers.

Beautiful Wedding Photos

2009-06-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hey...What can I say? ENJOY!

After the Reception Checklist

2009-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

There are several things that will be needed to be taken care of after your wedding reception is over. You, the bride, will not have the time make sure these are carried out, so ask someone ahead of time to take care of these tasks. You should ask someone in your wedding party, or a member of your family, to do this for you. Here is a check list of things to take care of after the reception is over:

_____ Pay all the vendors
_____ Cake knife or Server Set
_____ Toasting Glasses
_____ Top layer of Wedding Cake
_____ Gifts and gift envelopes
_____ Guest book and pen
_____ Left over decorations
_____ Left over favors
_____ Left over flowers and centerpieces
_____ Left over food
_____ Rented items (pillars, stand, tables, etc.)
_____ Unopened bottles of alcohol
_____ Wedding dress, if changing into going away outfit
_____ Groom's tux

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How To Choose Your Photographer

2009-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

When selecting someone to capture your special day, there are several things to keep in mind. One thing to consider is the amount you have budgeted for photography. As with most things, if you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to pay for it. While we don’t suggest taking out a second mortgage out on your new home to pay for your wedding photography, you might consider cutting back on some other area if the photographer you really want is not that much more than you had budgeted. Basically, what we are saying is that price should not be the only mitigating reason for not hiring a photographer who you otherwise think would be perfect. This being said, here are a few other things to think about when you look for a photographer.

Wedding Experience – Has this person ever shot a wedding before? Are they a full-time photographer or a weekend enthusiast? With photography, as with most everything else, practice makes perfect. Why trust your once in a lifetime photos to someone who is not staking their reputation on your happiness?

Make Sure You Get Who You Pay For – Larger firms are based on the reputation of their best photographer. If you hire such a firm, be sure to meet with the person who will actually be there, taking your pictures. Regardless of whether you hire a firm or an individual, you will need to ask about an assistant. Assistants mean a quicker photo shoot and possibly getting shots one person might miss during the ceremony.

Wedding Portfolio Work – As you look through some of their past work, put yourself in the pictures. Do you like the poses? Are the pictures lit well? Are there any glares or deep shadows?

Personality Type – Spend some time talking to a prospective photographer. Are you going to want this person around you all day on your big day? Do they seem interested in getting you the pictures and wedding experience that you want? If not, perhaps you should keep looking. Your wedding day is supposed to be a happy occasion after all.

Price – While not a mitigating reason, you do need to make sure you get a detailed price list from each of your prospective photographers and use it to make notes on the back. Ask about package deals on pictures, too. While a pre-fab package might not exactly fit your specific needs, it might save you some money in the long run.

Timeline – Asking when you will receive your proofs, albums, and the rest of your pictures might seem a little silly, but you should not assume that you will have the whole package in a couple of days. Most professionals are not going to use the one hour photo. Some photographers take several months to deliver your entire order.

Personal Appearance – We’re not suggesting you should judge your photographer on what he wears to your informal meetings, but what they normally wear to a ceremony. It might be more comfortable for them to shoot the wedding in jeans and a t-shirt, but make sure they plan on wearing at least semi-formal attire.

By far, the best way to find a good photographer is to ask around. Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone. People who had a good experience will gladly volunteer their own photographer’s name. Beware of the photographer your friend is hesitant to tell you about. While most photographers will be more honest than not about their abilities, a friend is probably a much more reliable source.

Choosing Your Wedding Day Hairstyle

2009-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

When choosing your wedding day hairstyle, keep in mind that it should reflect the bride’s personality and personal style. Coloring your hair can add flattering touches to your overall look, especially in photos. Have your hair cut and colored at least two weeks before the wedding to avoid the new cut and colored look. You can wear your hair up, down, or just choose the best styles you like from a book.

If your hair is long and you wear it pulled back most of the time than an elegant 'Updo' would be just the look. You can also do your hairstyle with knots and rolls. If you wear your long hair down most of the time then try wearing some of it up away from your face and leave the rest to cascade around your shoulders. Let few tendrils escape to float around your face. These tendrils can be curled for a more romantic look or just left natural.

If your hair is medium length it can be curled and dressed up with a sparkly headband, tiara or jeweled hair pins. Some strands can also be tucked behind the ears and secured with a decorative hair comb or clip to hold it back.

If you have short hair then you need not worry because you can do a lot with your hair. Use a curling iron to give your hair some fullness in the crown area and back. Sweep the hair off to the side and save the curls for the back area.

It is also important for the style you choose to hold up through the ceremony and reception. But be careful not to use too much hair spray because it can make your hair look stiff and unnatural. Ask your hairstylist for advice and discuss your hairstyle before the wedding. It is a good idea to have several practice sessions with your hairstylist before the wedding so that you can choose the right hairstyle.

Wedding Day Beauty Quick Fixes

2009-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Your big day has arrived and you are all set to walk down the aisle when you find yourself in a pickle. Your hair is done, your make-up looks awesome and you are wearing your dream wedding gown. But then you look down and discover there is a make-up stain on your gown or you have broken a nail. But don’t worry, here are a few quick fixes that will bring a smile back to your face:

Stain Removal:

•Make-Up Stain-Whatever you do, don’t rub it! Press a dab of Club Soda on the spot, then sprinkle salt on top to soak up the moisture. Let it dry. If a hint of the stain remains, touch up with white chalk or talcum powder.

•Ink Stain-Apply a touch of hair spray to a cotton swab and rub lightly over the stain. This should remove the stain completely.

•Oil Stain-Sprinkle some talcum powder on the spot. The powder will absorb the oil. Wait 15 minutes for the moisture to absorb, and then dust powder off with a clean white towel. Repeat if necessary.

•Blood Stain-Apply a little of your own saliva on the spot and then gently rub it. The acids will break down the stain. This works best when the blood has not yet dried.

Facial Fixes:

•Puffy Eyes-Apply cold, wet tea bags. This will help tighten the swollen tissue. For puffiness under the eyes, try a small dap of Preparation H. This will shrink the swollen tissue.

•Red Blemishes-Cover any red blemishes with a concealer that is as close to your skin tone. If the blemish is dark, dab on a slightly lighter concealer with a small brush, then set with matching powder. If necessary, add a second layer of each.

•Oily Face-Come prepared with an emergency kit containing blotting tissues or handkerchief, loose powder, or powder puff to remove excess oil from your face.

Broken Nail:

•Apply a drop of fast-bonding glue to the nail break, and position a tiny bit of unused mesh paper from a tea bag on top. Then add another drop of glue. When it is dry, file the paper down until you can’t see or feel the edges, then top with a third and final drop of glue.

10 Ways to Combat Wedding Stress

2009-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Getting married can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Here are a few ways to relieve stress and make your special day special:

Be Organized. Buy a date book during the early planning stages. Set a schedule and deadlines. By scheduling things out, you will not be left with a lot of last minute details just before your wedding.

Share responsibilities with your partner. Make joint decisions and stick with them. Don’t let forceful friends and relatives change your mind. If you come to an agreement with your partner on something and then turn around and do something else, this can cause stress on the relationship.

Set realistic goals. Don’t let arrangements for your wedding hijack your budget. You don’t want to still be paying off the loan you took out for your wedding when your children begin college.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Let your maid of honor or matron of honor, bridesmaids, mother, fiancé, etc. take care of some of the minor details.

Stay Healthy-Get plenty of exercise, eat right and laugh. Aerobic exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Also, get plenty of sleep. Sleep can help with your mood, energy and focus. Humor is a great way to relieve stress. See the humor in situations, learn to laugh at yourself, and don’t take everything so seriously.

Take a break from all the wedding planning. Spend a weekend pampering yourself and relaxing. Go to a spa or just stay home and read a good book or watch movies.

Don’t stress the small stuff. Your guests probably won’t notice anyway.

Don’t expect perfection. The higher your expectations, the bigger the disappointment if something doesn’t go right. Be prepared for unexpected snafus.

Don’t try to please everyone. Remember, it is your wedding, not your mother’s or future mother-in-law’s wedding.

Avoid people who may make your stress level go up. There are always some people (relatives or friends) that know how to "push your buttons". When you are feeling very stressed be sure to stay away from or limit you time with these people.

Prices on Wedding Cakes

2009-05-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

The cake is a very essential part of a wedding, as it a tradition which has been accepted by most cultures. Of course, like anything else, this can get to be very expensive. Are you wondering why the cake which you so desire is so pricey?

The biggest factor which will determine wedding cake prices is how big or small it is. Of course, as with anything, if the cake is larger, the price will be higher. If the it is smaller, the price will be lower. Your best bet is to go with a smaller cake if possible, in order to serve the right amount of people. Although your dream cake may serve 500 people, it is pointless to buy a cake this large if there are only 200 people attending your wedding. Many couple get floated or single level cakes that have decorative risers so that it looks larged than it actually is, as many times much of the cake get tossed out after the reception is over.

Another factor which will determine wedding cake prices is the bakery which you choose. Of course, each bakery is going to charge its own prices. While many bakeries may only charge a small amount of money along with the original price that it takes to make the cake, others may charge a larger fee in order to make a larger profit. Your best bet is to check out several different bakeries before you decide on one, as this can help you reduce the wedding cake cost.

The type of cake which a person chooses also has an affect on wedding cake prices. The cheapest bet is to select a cake which is completely the same type. However, once you decide that you want more than one type for each tier, you will end up paying much more money than you normally would have. Your best bet is to stick with one type of cake. If you do not know which type to get, you should consider marble.

Another way to keep the price of a wedding cake down is by making sure that you place an order well in advance, since many bakeries tend to book up fast. If you place an order too late, you may be paying much more than you would have or you might not even be guaranteed a cake at all.

The average price for a wedding cake is anywhere between $1.50 and $5.00 per slice. What this means is that a five tier wedding cake that is intended for 200 people can cost anywhere between three hundred dollars and four thousand dollars.

Although your dream cake may look so appealing, the truth is that wedding cake prices are not cheap. If you are looking for a great way to keep the price of your wedding down, settling for a less expensive cake for your wedding is a great way to do so.

Men's Formal Atire

2009-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Even in mens formal wear there is etiquette to what is appropriate to wear depending on the formality of the wedding and the time of day. When it comes to informal weddings almost anything goes. However, if there is a particular theme or style, the groom will typically wear a suit.

For a formal morning wedding to mid-afternoon wedding, a Cutaway or Stroller is recommended. In the case of a very formal wedding, held in the morning to mid-afternoon, the groom will usually wear a Cutaway, a coat which tapers back from the front waist button and into a wide back tail. This coat can be worn with matching or striped pants. The attendants may wear the same ensemble with a possible variation in the shirt or tie. Most often, the attendants will wear a matching Stroller coat to the Cutaway. A variety of ties and shirts are available, as well as, matching or striped pants.

The semi-formal and formal evening weddings offer choice of Stroller, Dinner Jacket, or 'Black Tie', a single or double-breasted black jacket with matching trousers.

For the ultra formal evening wedding, held after six o'clock, the classic White Tie is in order. For this most formal wedding the groom and all of his attendants are dressed in a black tailcoat (waist length in front with two long back tails). A white pique wing collar shirt, white pique vest and white pique tie is worn. Fancy studs and cufflinks are worn in place of buttons and patent leather shoes complete the ensemble. The boutonnieres are the only difference in the outfit between groom and groomsmen.

While these rules of formal wear etiquette may sound stifling, there are still many choices that are appropriate and with the help of a formalwear expert, couples can add a specific style to any wedding.

The Wedding Veil

2009-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

The tradition on the wedding veil dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. They were wary of evil spirits and demons, so to ward off these evil spirits the bride would cover herself in brightly colored veils. Others believe wearing the veil stems from the time of arranged marriages. The father of the bride may have feared the groom would not want to marry his daughter if he found her unpleasant looking, so the bride would be heavily veiled and she would not be revealed to the groom until after the ceremony when it was to late for him to back out of the arrangement.

Many believe the tradition of the 'unveiling' stems from the Biblical story of Jacob and his two wives, Jacob's father-in-law, Laban, tricked him into marrying Leah instead of his true love, Rachel. Leah was heavily veiled and Jacob did not realize he had married the wrong woman until after the ceremony. Thus the Jewish tradition of Bedeken was born, where the groom lowers the veil before the ceremony and raises it prior to the kiss. This way he knows exactly who he's about to marry.

The veil became popular in England during the 1800's as a symbol of modesty and chastity. In the Christian tradition, the veil is lowered by the father before the processional and is raised by the groom prior to the kiss. In some Eastern ceremonies, the bride is veiled throughout the entire ceremony and is not unveiled until after it is over.

The wedding veil has evolved over the centuries, and has signified youth, virginity and modesty, Roman brides were married in swathes of brilliant red or yellow, while Viking queens wore metal skullcaps. Many Japanese brides still wear the traditional tsuno-kakushi, a white hood that supposedly hides the horns of jealousy. Veils made of lace were made popular in the United States by Nelly Curtis, the adopted daughter of George Washington. Legend has it that Major Lawrence Lewis, her father's aid, saw Neily standing behind a filmy lace curtain and he was so taken by her beauty that he asked for her hand in marriage. She then wore a lace veil on her wedding day in order to preserve the effect for her groom.

The Wedding Dress

2009-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Your wedding dress will be one of the most important purchases for your wedding. You will want to choose a dress that you will remember fondly the rest of your life. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you go shopping for your wedding dress.

Do Your Homework

Before you ever "go" shopping, study wedding gowns in bridal magazines. Many current wedding gown designers have web sites where you can view their dresses online. Create a binder with magazine clippings and pictures printed off the Internet of dresses, or features, that appeal to you. Try to choose as many different styles as you can, because you won't know for sure how each style will look on you until you try on the dress. Another important pre-shopping exercise is to see if there are any bridal shows planned in your area. If there are, plan to attend. Most will have a fashion show featuring the latest bridal fashions. Be sure to bring your camera to get pictures for your binder!

Once you do begin going to different bridal salons to try on gowns, don't forget to bring your binder to give them a better visualization of what types of wedding dresses you are interested in.

Do You Have Restrictions?

Meet with your ceremony officiant to be certain that there are no religious restrictions on the gown you must wear. Some faiths require that the neckline be a certain height or the sleeves be a certain length.

Know What Looks Best

Select a gown that is appropriate for the season you will be getting married in. You don't want to wear a brocade dress for your July wedding! You should also choose a dress that you will feel comfortable wearing, looks attractive on you, and is flattering to your body type.

Shop Early

You should start shopping for your wedding dress soon after you have set a date for the wedding. Most bridal shops recommend that you order your dress six months in advance and if you are planning on purchasing a designer wedding gowns,such as vera wang, you may be required to purchase eight months in advance.

Never Shop Alone!!!

When you go shopping, ask your mom or maid of honor to go with you. When trying on dresses, you will need their thoughts and opinions on how you look. Have them watch how the dress moves when you walk and how it looks from the back. Remember, most of your wedding guests will see more of you from the back than any other vantage point.

The Wedding Party

2009-05-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

In ancient times, brides were thought to be particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, so in order to protect the bride, her friends dressed in outfits very similar to the bride's and acted as decoys to confuse the evil spirits.

It was once common for the bride and groom, as well as their friends, to walk to the church on the morning of the wedding. Afraid that a rejected suitor would try to place a curse on the bride and groom, their friends would dress in similar apparel in order to trick the evil wishers.

Today, the function of the bridesmaids and groomsmen is to be a support to the bride and groom as well as their confidant and friend.

Have you ever wondered about the purpose of groomsmen? Legend has it that this came about during ancient times when women were in short supply and a man had to literally kidnap his bride from her village, clan or tribe. The groom-to-be would bring along his 'best men' to help fight off angry family members or competing suitors.

The best man of days-gone-by was responsible for more than the holding the wedding ring. Since there remained a threat of the brides family attempting to forcibly gain her return, the best man stayed by the groom's side throughout the marriage ceremony, protecting the bride and groom from any threats. He also served as a sentry outside the newlyweds home.

It is believed to bring good luck to the groom if the best man arranges for the groom to carry a good luck charm in his pocket on his wedding day. It is also considered good luck for the best man to pay the officiant's fee in an odd sum,

Nowadays, the role of the groomsmen and best man are really only honorary positions. There is no need for them to be armed or to stand guard since most weddings are by choice.

Flower girls began appearing in wedding parties during the middle Ages. She would lead the procession down the aisle bearing a bouquet of wheat, which symbolized fertility. Now the flower girl throws flower petals as she walks down the aisle, symbolizing that the bride's path through life will be happy and laden with flowers.

The Groom

2009-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

A Groom

The guy, the second most important person in the wedding, and the love of the bride’s life. If you can bring yourself to terms with being these three things before and during your wedding, your big day as well as the rest of your marriage will go remarkably smoother:

You

•Be there for your bride to be. While in most cases, the groom’s involvement in the wedding planning will be limited, from time to time every bride is going to need help dealing with the pressures of the process. Be her shoulder to cry on if she needs one. Stress levels will be high for both of you as the planning takes shape, so be understanding of that. She might become irritable as the stress mounts, so be there to allow her to vent her frustrations.

•Offer to perform some of the endless tasks she has on her list to alleviate some of the pressure. Sitting back and letting her do all the work will not help your brides stress level.

•Offer to help plan the wedding. Keep in mind that most brides have been planning their big day for years, so realize that she might already know exactly what she wants and how she wants it done.

•Let her know your opinions on the planning. If you really don’t agree with something she has planned, try asking her why she chose that particular item. The flowered head masks she wants you both to wear might be a long-running family tradition. Better to ask the question than blurt out how dumb you think you’re going to look in them and upset her when she’s already stressed out.

The Second Most Important Person in the Wedding

This one should be pretty self-explanatory. Your bride has dreamed of her wedding day since she started playing with her Bridal Barbie back in kindergarten. Most guys don’t start thinking of their wedding day until the time is upon them. While this does vary, remember that your bride-to-be will be the most beautiful bride in the history of the marital process. She’s the one that will walk down the aisle while everyone stands, throw the bouquet to all her jealous friends, and glows the entire day. If everyone else is going to treat her like a queen on her wedding day, why should you be any different? You should be her biggest fan. Lay your pride aside and let her be the most important person in your world and everyone else’s on your wedding day.

Love of the Brides Life

The woman you are marrying is pledging the rest of her life to you. She deserves to be cherished, pampered, and loved with all you have. That beautiful creature that you are going to be waking up next to is a gift. Marriage vows do not lessen her worth, they make her that much more valuable. You worked awfully hard during the dating, engagement, and planning process to make her feel like your whole world. Why stop now? Remind her each and every day how extremely happy you are to be her friend and husband.

The Wedding Ring

2009-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

The wedding ring has a long and rich history. The Egyptians are credited for beginning the tradition of the wedding ring around 3,000 BC when an Egyptian Pharaoh gave his beloved a ring as a symbol of his love. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, the circle is the symbol of eternity because it has no beginning or end. The earliest wedding rings were made from braided reedy plants like hemp. These primitive rings generally did not last more than a year and had to be replaced often. Later, leather, bone and ivory were crafted into rings as tokens of love.

The Romans used rings made of durable iron; however the symbolism behind the use of the ring was not quite as romantic as the Egyptian?s. To the Romans, a wedding ring was used to signify a binding, legal agreement of ownership by the husband and the ring was a token of purchase. In the third century, silver and gold replaced iron. Iron tended to rust and gold and silver had more aesthetic beauty. ?Gold or silver rings also symbolized the groom?s faith that his betrothed was to be trusted with his valuable property.

Early Celtic weddings had rings were made of hair. The bride and groom would weave locks of their hair together into a braid and the bride would wear the ring as a token of their commitment to each other.

Puzzle rings, called a Gimmel, were popular engagement/wedding rings in the 15th century. The Gimmel ring consisted of two or more interlocking rings, joined by a pivot, so they could slide together to form one ring (symbolizing the union of two lives). The most popular Gimmel ring depicted two hands and a heart, which symbolized faith, trust or plighted troth. When all three rings were joined, the hands clasped over the heart. This variation of the Gimmel ring was called a Fede (Italian for ?faith?) ring. One part of the ring was given to the bride as her engagement ring, the second and third parts of the ring were kept by the groom-to-be and the witness of the engagement ceremony. At the marriage ceremony, all three parts would be reunited on the bride?s finger.

The Claddagh ring, a version of a Fede ring, became popular in 17th century Ireland and remains popular to this day. It depicts two hands holding a crowned heart, symbolizing "Let love and friendship reign". The Claddagh ring is considered the traditional Irish wedding band.

During the Renaissance and throughout the 18th century, sterling silver poesy rings were popular wedding bands. Poesy rings were engraved with mottoes or verses, mostly with a religious or romantic overtone.

At the same time poesy rings were popular, the Puritans were renouncing wedding bands, because they considered jewelry frivolous. Colonial Americans often exchanged thimbles during the wedding ceremony. Thimbles were acceptable to the Puritans because they were viewed as a practical item. After the wedding, the women would slice off the bottom of the thimble and created a wedding band.

During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, wedding bands were engraved with intertwined hearts, flowers, intricate leaves and delicate filigree. In the 1920?s and 1930?s, the art deco movement introduced styles focusing on bold colors and geometric shapes and became a popular wedding ring style.

Today, wedding rings can be made of gold, silver, platinum or a combination of two or more metals.

Superstitions

There are many superstitions associated with the wedding ring. Here are a few:

It is unlucky to go shopping for wedding rings on a Friday, due to the bad luck associated with that day (Friday the 13th).
It is unlucky for the bride or groom to wear their rings before the wedding ceremony. Once the wedding ring has been placed on the finger, it is considered bad luck to remove it. If the ring accidentally comes off, your spouse must replace it on your finger. Dropping the ring during the ceremony is an evil omen. Whoever dropped the ring would die first. If the ring rolls away from the alter and rested on a gravestone in the floor of the chapel, it would mean the bride would die first if the person buried their was a woman; the groom would die first if it was a man.
A tight ring might point to painful jealousy or the stifling of one party by the other.

A ring that is too loose could mean a parting of the ways through careless acts of forgetfulness.Having the wedding ring(s) blessed by a clergyman is believed to give the ring the power to rid disease and guard the wearer from devils

Wedding Flowers and Bridal Bouquet

2009-04-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

From the earliest times, brides have carried bunches of fragrant herbs and flowers or adorned their hair with flowers on their wedding day. Bouquets were first used in medieval times and consisted of herbs and roots to ward off evil spirits. Later, brides added fragrant flowers to their bouquet to help disguise body odors, since soap and deodorant were non-existent.

For centuries, flowers have represented a variety of meanings and emotions. For example, Orange Blossoms have always been associated with weddings because they signify purity and chastity. Orange Blossoms are also thought to be very significant because they bear both the flower and the fruit at the same time, a trait highly unusual in most plants. This trait also symbolizes great abundance and fertility. It was believed that by carrying blossoms from the orange tree in the wedding bouquet, the blessings of all things beautiful and nurturing would be passed along to the new marriage.

Other significant and popular wedding flowers include roses, which symbolize love, carnations, which represent fidelity and love, red chrysanthemums, "I love you"; ivy is symbolic of never-ending love and violets, which stand for faithfulness. Some flowers to be avoided include peonies, which represent shame, yellow hyacinth, which symbolizes jealousy, hydrangea, which symbolizes heartlessness and any combination of red and white flowers should be avoided by the superstitious because they symbolize blood and bandages. However, people from different regions may attach different meanings to the same flower. For example, lilies symbolize virtue to some but are thought unlucky by others because of their association with death. Marigolds symbolize cruelty in love and grief, but in India, they represent luck.

The tradition of tossing the bouquet holds that the one who catches the bouquet will be the next one present to marry. The groom’s flower, which is worn on his lapel, should be one that matches a flower in the bride’s bouquet. This tradition dates back to medieval times when knights would perform in tournaments and wear something in his lady’s colors to show his affection, often a scarf, feather or flower.

Wedding Themes

2009-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you want your wedding to be a little different and not the traditional wedding with the long white gown, tuxes, the church, etc., you might consider having a theme wedding. You can personalize your wedding with a theme and really have your personalities come through. Here are a few themes to consider:

Historical Wedding Theme

If there is a particular era in history that you and your fiancé enjoy, consider a wedding set in your favorite period from history. Some of the most popular eras to choose from are Medieval, Renaissance, Roman & Greek, and Victorian.

Celestial Wedding Theme

Reach for the moon, sun and stars; take a trip through our galaxy with this out-of-this world wedding.

Holiday Wedding Theme or Seasonal Wedding Theme

Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Christmas are some of the most popular holidays to base your theme on.

Country Wedding and Western Wedding Theme

For all the cowboys and cowgirls who enjoy the Wild West or their little corner of the country, a western theme might be the perfect fit.

Beach Wedding Theme

Tropical themes, ocean or seaside themes and nautical themes are fairly popular with destination weddings and those getting married on a beach.

Fairy Tale Wedding / Fantasy Wedding

Your wedding would be all about fairy tales and fantasy. Decorations and favors would spotlight mythical or supernatural creatures, such as fairies, dragons, wizards and angels.

Cultural Wedding and Heritage Wedding

Asian Wedding or Oriental Wedding, Irish Wedding, African Wedding, Hawaian Wedding etc. are a few of the most common cultural and heritage wedding themes.

No matter what theme you decide on, let your imaginations soar. Go all out and have fun with it. Incorporate your theme into every part of the wedding, from the wedding invitations, to the dresses, decorations and even the cups and napkins. Remember this is your big day; make your theme wedding a day that your guests will remember for years to come!

Basic Wedding Planning Tips

2009-04-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Planning a wedding should be fun, exciting and as stress-free as possible. Proper research and planning can make things go smoothly, help you stay within your wedding budget budget and keep it as stress free as possible. Make sure to slay organized and keep things simple. Here are some tips to help make sure your wedding plans go smoothly. It is imperative that you find the BEST WEDDING BOOKS possible to assist you in your planning

The first thing you should decide is how big and intricate you want your wedding to be. Do you want a small wedding? Or a big, lavish affair? Make sure that you and your partner agree. Be prepared to make sonic compromises. Decide on an overall theme for your wedding. This includes the type of food you will be serving, the wedding location, wedding decorations and how people will dress. Set a firm budget. First, set down and decide how much you can afford to spend. There is no reason to spend money you don’t have. This could lead to some really big problems with your families and you as a couple.

So you want to hire a wedding planner? A good wedding planner is great and will do a good job helping you plan your wedding. But they are not necessary. Most of the things a wedding planner will do for you, you can have a friend or family member do. If you decide to hire a wedding planner, make sure they know what your budget is and how you want your wedding to be. Remember this is our day; don't let them talk you into anything you don’t want or can’t afford.

Start planning your wedding as soon as possible. The earlier you decide on a date, the better. As soon as you have decided upon a wedding date, start booking locations, getting wedding invitations ready, and begin looking for wedding attire.Planning a wedding takes time and work. If you follow some of these basic tips, you will find things will go a lot smoother and make your wedding day a beautiful event.

Buying Your Wedding Invitations Part 2

2009-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Your wedding invitations will not only make your guests aware of your upcoming nuptials, but will also set the tone for the type of event you are planning. It will not only tell your guests when, where, and what time your wedding takes place, but it will also tell them who is hosting the event and subliminally say if the wedding will be formal or informal. Be sure to remember this when choosing your invitations. Ask yourself what kind of wedding are you having? Is it formal, semi-formal, informal or casual?

The type of font that you choose will directly relate to the formality of your wedding. If you're having a formal wedding you might choose handwritten calligraphy or engraved script. If your wedding is semi-formal you might go with a traditional script thermography. If the wedding is informal or casual you might choose modern block thermography or a thermography with colored ink.

There are many different components to a wedding invitation. First you have the actual wedding invitation. Then there is the inner envelope which can be lined or unlined. This is the envelope that holds invitation and all the cards. Next is the outer envelope. This is the envelope that holds everything once it's placed in the inner envelope. The outer envelope is the one that gets addressed. Next is the reception card. This is the card that lets your guests know when and where the reception will be.

Then there is the response card, also known as the RSVP. This is the card that the guests use to respond to the invitation. It comes with its own envelope, which should have the return address and return postage on it when you put it in the invitation. There's also a map and direction card. This is exactly what the name suggests, a card with a map and directions on how to get to the wedding and reception. Another component is lodging information. This lets the out of town guests know which hotel you've reserved rooms at. Lastly, there are envelope seals. These are the stickers you use on the outer envelope to help seal it.

The wording on a wedding invitation is your personal choice. Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed on the invitation as the sole hosts, but anything goes these days. Many brides- and grooms-to-be are including both of their parents and even stepparents in some cases. Make sure to consider the bride, groom, brides parents and or stepparents, grooms parents and/or stepparents, wedding date and time, ceremony site name and address when you're deciding on your invitation wording.

Most large stationery companies either on the internet, from a mail-order catalog, or a large stationer in your home town will offer a wide variety of accessory items that can be purchased to match your invitations and wedding colors. Some of these extra items include wedding personalized drink and luncheon napkins, personalized matches or wedding notebooks, personalized envelope seals, personalized ribbon, personalized wedding favor bags or boxes, and wedding ceremony program, just to name a few.

Read Part 1

Buying Wedding Invitations Part 1

2009-04-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is what kind of wedding invitations to buy. Your wedding invitations will set the mood of your wedding. They not only make your guests aware of your upcoming nuptials, but they will also set the tone for the type of event you are planning by unconsciously saying if the wedding will be formal or informal.

If you are planning a formal, black tie event, you should choose an invitation that is plain white or ecru with black ink. If you are having a themed wedding, incorporate that theme into your wedding invitations. For example, if you are having a beach-themed wedding, select a wedding invitation with shells, a lighthouse, or a couple walking along the beach. Don't forget to incorporate your wedding colors into your invitations. This can be achieved by selecting a colored ink or colored lining or an invitation that contains accents from your wedding colors.

You should begin shopping for your wedding invitations 4-6 months before your wedding date. Check your local stationery shops and printers to see what kind of invitations they have to offer. You will most likely pay a premium price for wedding invitations locally. The American Wedding Album offers quality wedding invitations and accessories at up to 50% off what you would find in the retail market. We also offer free samples of our wedding invitations and enclosure cards, as well as many of our accessory items like napkins, cake bags, matches, place cards and bookmarks. Be sure to request samples before placing your order so you know exactly what it is you're ordering. You want to make sure the wedding invitations and accessories will compliment your wedding colors.

Wedding Etiquette

2009-04-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Wedding Scrolls

Miscellaneous Wedding Etiquette and Superstitions

The Wedding Toast

Toasts to the Bride and Groom-The bride and groom should not raise their glasses like everyone else. Since they are the ones being honored, it is not considered polite to toast themselves.

Why do they call it a ‘toast’? It comes from the French custom of putting a piece of bread at the bottom of a wine goblet. The goblet was passed around to honored guests and the guest who got it last would eat the bread.

The Receiving Line

It was believed in ancient times that the bride and groom were blessed, and those who touched them would receive good luck and fortune.

The Garter

Tossing the garter is much like the bouquet toss, but for the single men. The single man who catches the garter is believed to be the next to marry. This custom originated in the 14th century when it was believed lucky to have a piece of the newlyweds’ clothing. Many times, the bride’s dress would be destroyed by the eager and drunken guests in their attempt to gain a lucky charm. In order to prevent this from happening, the bride’s garters were removed and thrown to the unruly crowd to distract them. Today, the tradition of tossing the wedding garter is much tamer.

Why on the Left?

Have you ever wondered why the brides family is seated on the left side of the church and the groom’s side is seated on the right? The tradition stems from Medieval times when men wore swords on their right side. It is said they needed that side free in order to draw their sword and protect his bride.

The Wedding Kiss

The wedding kiss symbolizes more than just an endearment. In Roman times, a legal bond or contract was always sealed with a kiss. Therefore, when newlyweds kiss, it represents an agreement to enter into a life-long binding contract with each other. Some believe the wedding kiss symbolizes and exchange of one’s soul with another. When the bride and groom kiss, their souls mingle together.

History of Wedding Favors

Wedding favors have become an important part of marriage celebrations around the world. The tradition dates back thousands of years. Favors were given to guests in appreciation for sharing in the newlyweds’ special day.

Wedding favors are as diverse as the cultures surrounding them. Different cultures have various traditional wedding favors that they use. There are some similarities among many of the traditions. For example, it is quite common for many cultures to provide each guest with a wedding favor that contains five candies. Each piece represents one of the five common wedding wishes: health, wealth, happiness, long life and fertility.

Favors are considered among the most important wedding accessory. Some couples like to use unique favors, while others like to give more practical gifts to their guests. Chocolates, picture frames, candles and candleholders are some of the most popular wedding favors. Brides seek to make a statement with their favors. Personalized wedding favors provide an especially effective way to display a brief message to the reception guests.

Historically favors were initially given in the form of sugar, which was a costly commodity and only given by the wealthy. These sugary treats were fancily packaged and presented to guests at celebrations such as nuptial celebrations, birthdays, christenings, by only the wealthy. When sugar became more accessible, this custom was no longer limited to the wealthy. The most common sugared treat was the almond. Almonds represent the bitter aspects of life and the sugar represents the sweetness of life. Today, the tradition of giving five sugared almonds is still practiced. Many brides package them in netting, favor boxes, tins and gift bags.

Bridal Shower

Wedding showers derived from the time when men would prove their intent by bringing gifts to the brides father. Livestock, food, land and cloth were given to the bride’s family as "payment" for the bride. Eventually, this ritual evolved into men giving gifts of enticement to the daughter to show he was a man of good intentions. Fabrics for clothes, the finest dishes and jewelry would prove that he could provide a good home for her.

Some believe the tradition began in Holland when a poor couple was denied the bridal dowry because of the groom's lowly status as a miller. The grooms friends showered the bride with gifts to help them set up housekeeping.

Today, friends of the bride and groom ‘shower’ the bride (and sometimes the groom) with gifts to start their new lives together. It is believed to be good luck if the first gift the bride opens at her shower is the first gift she uses after the wedding.

Bachelor Parties

Bachelor parties originated with the soldiers of ancient Sparta. The groom feasted with his male friends the night before the wedding, pledging his loyalty and friendship to them. The soldiers provided the loose women, food, drinks and good times for true male bonding. The function of this rite of passage was simply to say good-bye to the wild escapades of bachelorhood while swearing the groom's continued allegiance to his comrades.