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How To Plan A Classic Cocktail Wedding Reception

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

cocktail wedding receptionThere are lots of reasons why some brides choose to hold a cocktail wedding reception. One is that it can save you a great deal of money while still looking chic and classy. Another reason is that it allows you to be creative and imaginative with the menu selection. Let’s not forget that cocktail parties are always a big hit. If you want to have a cocktail wedding reception yourself, here are the things that you need to keep in mind.

Location

First, you need to pick a location. While you can pick almost any location for this type of reception, some are better choices than others. Ideal for cocktail receptions are spacious wedding halls with high-top tables. Art museums, outdoor tents and historic sites would also fit the bill. Make sure that the venue you select will be conducive for a reception that serves mainly cocktail appetizers and drinks.

Invites

Don’t forget to inform your guests about the type of reception that you’re having. You don’t want them expecting a full meal only to be surprised that they’re only going to be munching on appetizers throughout the night. It would be suffice to say in the invitation, “cocktail reception to follow ceremony.”

Caterer and Menu

It’s a must to find a caterer who specializes in cocktail drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Ensure that the caterer has enough staff to attend and serve the guests. Don’t forget to ask for references from brides you know who have had this kind of reception.

Try to find a caterer that can offer unique options apart from the typical basic small plate selections. Basic options are cheese platter, spring rolls, baked oysters, shrimp cocktail and chocolate dipped treats.

Wow your guests with something new like red potatoes topped with tomato and avocado salsa, antipasto skewers, goat cheese endive bites and corn muffins stuffed with red peppers, cheese and scallion. It would be nice to incorporate ethnic choices like Caribbean, Thai or Japanese.

Signature Cocktail

It’s not enough that you think of unique cocktail appetizers. You must also have a few drinks that will complement the food as well as the overall theme of the event. If you’re gifted in the bartending department, then you can make your own signature drink that can be served to the guests.

There are plenty of cocktail drink recipes online. Just give yours a little twist and you can call it personalized! There are two options for serving drinks in a wedding cocktail reception. One is a full bar, which gives the guests the leeway to have their favorite drinks made by the bartender. Two, you can have a drink menu, which is also convenient but more budget-friendly than the first option. Serve mocktails for those who don’t want to ingest alcoholic drinks during the night.

More Helpful Hints

  • Send out invitations early so guests can schedule your wedding into their busy lives.
  • Buy cocktail wedding favours, some stores carry a huge assortment.
  • Learn about food pairing suggestions.
  • Stock up on cocktail plates, napkins and glasses.
  • Estimate that each person would have two to three drinks.

Now that you’ve learned the basics, let the cocktail reception planning begin!

Filed Under: Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With:

Top Wedding Colours for A Spring Wedding

January 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

colour wheelIt’s going to be the wedding of your dreams—all the people you know keep on telling you this. As a bride, you’re very excited about your big day. But there’s also a part of you that seems like it’s going to burst with anxiety and stress any minute now. Hold it right there! There’s no need to be overly stressed about the whole thing. Remember, if you plan everything right, everything will fall into place. Even the color scheme that would make your spring wedding perfect isn’t something that you should worry about. Just relax and take a look at these fabulous spring wedding colors of 2012 that you may want to use on your special day.

Tangerine Tango and Hot Pink Combo

Do you know why this combination is on top of the list? That’s because tangerine tango has been hailed as 2012 pantone color of the year. One look at this amazing color and you’ll know exactly why. Bright, rich and encouraging—these are what this shade is all about. It’s the perfect motif for a spring wedding. But since it can get a little overwhelming to see tangerine tango all over, you can tone it down a bit by throwing in some hot pink elements. You’re probably skeptical: tone it down with hot pink? Despite being a strong color, hot pink can immediately add softness and femininity to whatever it touches.

Innocent Mint Green and Candy Pink

Spring has always been synonymous to gentle but classy pastel colors. For 2012, one of the best ways to pull this off is through the combination of mint green and candy pink. It’s young, playful and innocent. Not to mention, there are countless of flowers that come in this color. You can give away mint tin favors with pink and green mints as wedding favours.

Platinum and Honeydew Green Ensemble

It’s not that often that you’ll see this color scheme in weddings, probably because only few brides realize how beautiful the combination can turn out. The subtlety of honeydew looks amazing when paired with the sparkling platinum. The result will be a spring wedding that’s elegant, soft and pleasing to the eyes.

Terracotta Pink to Complement Robin’s Egg Blue

It’s hard not to fall in love with these colors. The wonderful thing about this is that it’s a perfect fusion of feminine and boyish colors that results in such a gorgeous outcome. Imagine a church or wedding hall adorned with these colors and it would feel like it’s going to be spring forever. Have the bridesmaids wear robin’s egg blue dresses that match those of the ties of the groomsmen of the same color. The bridesmaids can hold pink bouquets for a striking contrast.

Pretty in Blush Pink and Pewter Gray

Many brides think that gray doesn’t have a place in wedding. It’s dreary and uninspiring. But wait until you pair it with a luscious blush pink and you’ll get something that’s truly an eye candy. Blush pink is the softest of all shades of pink, it’s almost similar to the blush of a baby’s cheek. And that makes it such a soft and elegant choice. Combine it with pewter gray and voila, a stunning look for your incredible spring wedding.

Filed Under: Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With: , ,

Most Popular Wedding Flower Ideas For Modern Weddings

November 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Flowers beautify weddings in a way nothing else can. Gorgeous blooms plus their sweet fragrance can definitely take your special day a notch higher. If you’re aiming for modern, you’ll be glad to know that there are countless of wonderful ideas out there for you to consider. Here are some of those that you would want to use for your big day.

White means purity

White has always been the traditional color for weddings. The gown is white, the bouquet is white, and every other thing is white. This is probably the reason why some years ago, modern weddings meant shunning white and going instead for bright and vibrant colors. But this time, white has made a comeback. This timeless shade is now a top choice in modern weddings. Hand-tied white Turkish tulips and white water lilies make an elegant bouquet. The combination of dendrobium and phalaenopsis orchids can be used to brighten up the aisle of the ceremony venue. For the table centerpiece, go for a cherry blossom branch filled with calla lilies around. Display wreaths of ranunculus, roses and dogwood blooms around the venue.

Let’s go green

wedding flowersIf white isn’t your bet and you want something that looks simple and fresh, opt for green. Make the entire venue look like it’s fresh out of the forest. After all, modern times call for back to the nature themes. A candlestick wrapped with lily grass and amaranthus will wow your guests. The bridal bouquet can be composed of green fritillaria, green wave parrot tulips, maidenhair and umbrella fern. Have more of the organic vibe by decorating the venue with garlands of spider mums, bamboo, clump moss and bear grass. This color theme is especially great for eco-friendly weddings. Apart choosing a green color theme for the wedding, do eco-friendly wedding planning as well.

Romantic shades

Romantic colors like red and pink never go out of style. They’re also very in-demand at modern weddings nowadays. These hues set the tone for the romantic celebration. For the guests’ tables, decorate a shallow bowl of water with floating bellis pomponettes and rose petals. Line up the buffet table with votive glasses with cymbidium orchids and garden roses. These can double as party favors that guests can take home. As for the bridal bouquet, what would look amazing is a bunch of pink sweet peas, Little Susie orchids, pink jasmine and maroon fritillaria.

Clematis Wedding FlowersSunny and rustic

A modern summer wedding would look outstanding with the shades of happiness—bright yellow and orange. It’s a common mistake for people to think that modern equates dull colors. Modern can also be vibrant and colorful, depending on the couple’s taste. Create the perfect bridal pedestal with floral foam of poppies, cattleya orchids, cobra lily flowers, ostrich feathers and Banksia roses. Liven up the place with wooden boxes filled with yellow cherry blossoms and poppies. Add some orange fruits too to complete the look. Flower arrangements can compose of peony tulips, Turkish tulips and parrot tulips. The bride can walk down the aisle with a striking bouquet of cattleya orchids, ostrich feathers, fritillaria and yellow narcissus.

Some Tips on Choosing Wedding Flowers

The ideas above will surely give you the inspiration you need to choose the perfect flowers. Other than this, it would also be nice if you can add a touch of elegance to your already glamorous bouquet with brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystals or monogrammed ribbons. For green-themed or summer weddings, shells, starfish and pinecones look great.

Since roses have always been the traditional choice for the bridal bouquet, it would be good to go for other choices such as those mentioned above or other blooms like peonies, hydrangeas and lilies. Have it arranged in such a way that it looks like the flowers have just been picked up. The more casual is better than the usual tightly-bound bridal bouquet.

For the venue decoration, modern times require choosing similar tones but varying sizes and textures. This gives a unified but at the same time contrasting look for the venue. Choose unique shaped vases and containers for the table centerpieces and add embellishments like crystals, sea glass shells, marbles and fresh fruits. Rose petals and diamond confetti can be spread around the table.

Filed Under: Ideas, Decorations, Collections, Accessories Tagged With: , , ,

7 Tips to Get Your Marriage License on Time

November 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

marriage licenseBefore you can get hitched, one of the required documents that you must get hold of is the marriage license. It’s a document issued by a governmental authority that gives permission to a couple to officially get married. Its validity timeframe, which is usually from about 30 to 60 days, depends on the state location where the couple is going to exchange vows. Apart from the validity period, the requirements for marriage license application and waiting time period also depends on the state. You have to remember though that this document only serves as a proof that you are legally allowed to be married. It is not a proof that you’re married already. Since there is a waiting time for the license to be issued and a validity period as well, you would want to get your marriage license just in time to avoid any problems. Here are some tips on how to do just that.

Tip # 1 – Apply early but not too early

It’s never a good idea to wait until the last minute before you file the application for your marriage license. It’s recommended that you get it a month or two before the schedule of your big day. Don’t do it earlier than this since most marriage licenses are only valid for 30 to 60 days. If you don’t hold the wedding in that time window, the license will expire and you need to repeat the entire application process. Since every state has its own waiting time and validity periods, you must know about these things first to ensure that you get the marriage license in time for your wedding date.

Tip # 2 – Learn the procedure

It’s not enough that you know how long you should wait for the application process or how long the license is valid, you must also know the entire procedure so you don’t lose your way around. Again, the procedure for getting marriage license differs in every state. In fact, some counties impose additional rules and restrictions. Because of this, you should be aware of the step-by-step procedure so you don’t encounter any problem.

Tip # 3 – Be sure you’re at legal age to marry

Some couples encounter problems getting the marriage license because of the age. Age requirement is something that you can’t overlook. For example, if you’re getting married in Nebraska, you must be 19 or older to be issued with a marriage license. In some states, young people are allowed to be married if they have permission from their parents.

Tip # 4 – Prepare the requirements

Like everything else, requirements also depend on the rules of the state where you’re getting married. But generally, what you’ll be asked to provide are your valid driver’s license number and Social Security number. If you’re not a citizen of this country, you may also need birth certificate and passport. Don’t rely on this list of general requirements and be sure to inquire what the state’s specific requirements are and prepare them as soon as you can. Most of the delays in marriage license applications are due to lack of or missing required documents.

Tip # 5 – Be ready with the fees

The fee for marriage license application varies from $4 to $80. But most require a fee of about $40. Prepare this amount before you even file for the marriage license application to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Tip # 6 – Know where you’re going to apply

In most cases, you’ll need to apply at the county clerk office. Usually, this can be found in the state court offices. There are some states however that would require you to get marriage license from a registered chapel. Find out if you need an appointment to apply so you can call ahead. Inquire about the county clerk’s office hours and get there early.

Tip # 7 – Get a blood test

Blood test used to be a requirement for all states. But nowadays, only 12 states require you to undergo this test as part of the marriage license application. If the state where you’re getting married requires this, you and your spouse-to-be should undergo it to find out about the possible effects of Rh incompatibility.

The marriage license is not only important because it allows you to get married. It’s also essential because it is a requirement for getting marriage certificate, which is the proof that your wedding is officially recognized.

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Ribbon Boutonnieres and Paper Bouquets

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/blogs/wedding_style_file/archive/2009/09/30/ribbon-boutonnieres-and-paper-bouquets.aspx

 

Don’t get me wrong: I love flowers. But every once in a while, a non-floral item comes along that blows me away. This time, there were two. The paper-flower bouquet on the right is more gorgeous than some real-flower bouquets I’ve seen. Too intimidating to DIY? The ribbon boutonniere on the left looks a lot more uncrafty-friendly.

 

>See our favorite wedding boutonnieres.

 

Photos: Stephanie Ascari, Cleverly Candid Photography (http://www.cleverlycandid.com)

 

Boutonniere and bouquet: Rebecca Nolen, Dallas TX

Filed Under: Weddings Canada

Invitation Etiquette: Asking For Cash

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EarthFriendlyWeddings/~3/EO4vvFEhfGI/invitation-etiquette-asking-for-cash.html


“Yay! ANOTHER blender!” “I’ve always wanted two toasters!” “I can’t wait to display all these picture frames…in my closet.”

When registering for your wedding, you may find you already have all the little necessities that a bride and groom typically register for. Couples are getting married later in life, shacking up (good or bad, it happens all the time), and already have established careers, apartments, or homes, by the time they tie the knot. So in the world where cash is king, it’s tempting to ask for good old fashioned moolah on your wedding invitation. After all, this saves your guests time, right?

Not exactly.

While some rules are meant to be broken (who said that punch bowl didn’t have alcohol?), never ask for cash on your wedding invitation. In fact, never put any registry information at all on your wedding invitation. If you do, you seriously run the risk of having about three grandma’s call you on it at your wedding. And I’m not kidding. In a recent Q&A in the Wall Street Journal, the author cites Anna Post (author and spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute), who says, “Saying anything about any gifts of any kind can be jarring to recipients.” Instead, a perfectly acceptable way to let guests know you prefer cash is to ask friends and family to pass along the information. You can even let them know via a wedding web site.

Think cash is tacky? Other types of registries are becoming more and more popular, such as a honeymoon (honeymoonwishes.com) or charitable organization registries (changingthepresent.org).

P.S. Speaking from experience, if you want to ask for cash gifts, but are worried it will be tacky, you’ll find guests are much more receptive when they realize they are contributing to a bigger cause – your first home, an in-house photography studio, an outdoor garden and sunroom, etc…

photo by: Leaca’s Philosophy

Filed Under: Weddings Canada

Bash Eco Events: Beautiful Backyard Wedding

November 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EarthFriendlyWeddings/~3/YmBJg7v2mu4/bash-eco-events-beautiful-backyard.html

I had a lovely chat yesterday with Paige Anderson of the Los Angeles based Bash Eco Events, an eco-friendly event and wedding planning studio. Our communication led me to learn much about Paige, such as how her background in film production led her to event planning and launch parties, and then eventually wedding planning. This talented gal has a lovely blog, Bash Eco Events: The Blog, of which she recently shared a beautiful backyard wedding. My favorite parts of this wedding are the hand dyed bridesmaid’s dresses, but it also involved homemade goodies, a disco ball hanging from an old oak tree, and wildflower centerpieces with eggplant and asparagus! I borrowed a few photos to post here, but see the rest here.

All photos by Miriam Geer

Filed Under: Weddings Canada

A Christmas Wedding Theme Is Incredibly Romantic

September 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Christmas Wedding Theme Place Card HolderThere is something incredibly romantic about a Christmas wedding. Images abound of snow falling like confetti on the bride, bridesmaids in cloaks and ear muffs and the vows being made in flickering candlelight.

In reality, it is just as likely to be raining with the main players and the guests arriving at the venue somewhat bedraggled or a glorious sunny day with the bright light streaming through the windows spoiling the candle lit effect.

However, just because the weather outdoors may not match up to your Christmas idyll it does not mean that you cannot enjoy a full-blown, romantic Christmas wedding. There are plenty of ways of giving your big day a Christmas theme without worrying whether the snow will fall.

Planning a Christmas wedding is the same as planning a wedding any other time of year. You use the location and the time of year to give you inspiration for themes for the day`s celebrations. In many ways getting married at Christmas can make the planning easier as the wedding theme is already dictated.

So how can you ensure that your wedding celebrations make everyone feel Christmassy? There are a variety of themes you could use to give your big day a Christmas feel. One of the simplest is to have a color theme, concentrating on colors associated with Christmas such as red, gold and green. The theme would start with your wedding invitations and continue with the bride`s wedding dress and the clothing worn by any bridesmaids and page boys. How about the bridal party all wearing red fur-lined cloaks and the bridesmaids carrying red fur-lined muffs instead of flowers?

The theme could continue with the flowers and the flowers themselves could become a Christmas theme. Think red and green with Christmas floral bouquets and displays – Christmas roses, poinsettias, holly and mistletoe. Bunches of holly decorating the venue and used as table center pieces would make an extremely evocative Christmas theme. You could even have some holly as a wedding cake decoration.

If you want to be more ambitious, you could go for a Dickensian Christmas theme, with candles decorating the venue, a traditionally-decorated Christmas tree in the corner and carol singers greeting the guests as they arrive. How about one of the readings during the marriage ceremony coming from the Dickens novel A Christmas Carol?

If you live in an area which usually gets snow at Christmas time you could have a snow theme throughout the day. The bridal party could all wear fur-lined outfits and snow boots and the bride could walk down the aisle to the strains of “Let it Snow”. Perhaps you could persuade the venue to provide some artificial snow and maybe even a snowman as decorations? Your wedding favors for the guests could be mini snow domes!

Finally how about continuing the Christmas theme by sending Christmas cards to all the guests following the wedding instead of thank you cards? Everyone loves a celebration and the combination of a wedding and Christmas is irresistible so giving your wedding a Christmas theme is a sure fire way of ensuring everyone enjoys themselves.

Filed Under: Supplies & Invitations Tagged With: , , ,

Show Your Love and Appreciation with Elegant Wedding Favors

February 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Elegant Wedding FavorsIf you were living in the16th to 18th Century Europe, you can only give out wedding favors if you belong to the upper class or nobility. The first wedding favors were candies and other confections, and sugar was an expensive commodity back then. These were usually placed in boxes (called bonbonnieres) made of precious metals and gemstones. Each box contained five sweets to stand for the gifts of happiness, health, fertility, longevity and wealth. At that time, newlyweds believed that by giving these small tokens, they are imparting good luck to their guests.

Favors have evolved from Jordan almonds to almost everything else, depending on the couple’s preferences and their guests’ personalities. Buy them or make them yourself; either way, favors should have a touch of elegance and tastefulness in deference to their distinguished origin.

Toasting FlutesTrimmings

These include ornamental pieces that your guests could use to decorate their homes. They can be personalized to coordinate with your wedding theme or to suit your guests’ tastes. Refrigerator magnets, frosted glass shades and crystal decorations in various shapes (umbrellas, dolphins, globe, cross, heart, ring, and many others) and sizes are some examples.

Travel accompaniments

A great way to show your thoughtfulness is to give your guests something that they can use when traveling. Going to different places is something that most people count as a happy thought so giving your friends luggage tags and travel candles is a way to remind them that they should go on a trip for that much-deserved break.

Dinner table add-ons

Functional favors are the best kind because your guests will remember and appreciate you every time they use what you gave them. Some of the most common favors are those that can be used during meals. Personalize coasters and place card holders with your guests’ photos and pick out wine pourer and stopper sets, bottle openers, and toasting glasses that reflect your wedding motif. Choose designs that are simple yet stylish.

Candle Wedding FavorsCandles and Soaps

Candles and soaps are in a category of their own because they can both be useful and decorative. Many use candle wedding favors as ornaments and some use soaps to keep their cupboards and dressers fragrant. They come in different forms and designs so it’s easy to pick out something that will be perfect for your individual guests.

More Options

Edible favors like brownie pops, mini cakes and cookies have also gained popularity but since your guests will probably eat them, they might be left with nothing but memories and plastic wraps. Giveaways like hand fans, mini photo albums, compacts, and favor boxes are great because your guests will find them useful as well as decorative since they usually come in exquisite designs

Many books and online sources cite DIY instructions to those who want to either add a personal touch to the favors or save on the cost of buying ready-made ones. There is no rule on whether you should buy or make your own favors but you have to remember that favors are meant to show your appreciation to your guests. Therefore, make sure that you’re going to give them keepsakes that will show just how thankful you are.

Filed Under: Blog, Elegant Wedding Favors, Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With:

Top 30 Wedding Favor Ideas For 2012

January 25, 2010 By 1 Comment
Beach Wedding Favors

Beach Wedding Favors

This 2012 is two years into the new decade. For weddings, this means new wedding trends and many more wedding days. Some of the most popular trends for this year revolve around the wedding favors. Below you would find some of the upcoming trends as well as the top 30 wedding favor ideas for 2012.

Top Wedding Favor Trends

  1. Do-it-yourself favors – These are ideal for the crafty bride looking for a way to hand out unique favors at a smaller budget.
  2. Monogrammed packaging – Items that bear the initials of the couple are going to be very big this year.
  3. Humorous items – People love to laugh and so, wedding favors with a funny twist are making their way into the arena of popularity this 2010.
  4. Eco-friendly giveaways – These favors intend to help the environment in one way or another.
  5. Edible treats – These are always appreciated by guests who have sweet cravings.
  6. Items for a cause – Express your advocacy with this type of wedding favors
  7. Personalized favors – Giving guests personalized favors is a good way of showing your utmost gratitude.
  8. Candles in unique shapes and containers – Boring and plain candles are out; candles that come in unique shapes and fabulous containers are in.
  9. Beach favors – Beach favors are now not only for beach weddings anymore.
  10. Favors that serve double purpose – These favors serve more than one purpose and can you save money.
  11. Miniature versions of real things
  12. Practical Items – Items that come in elegant designs but can be used as everyday things.

Top 30 Wedding Favor Ideas

  1. Palm Tree Favor Box with Multi-dimensional Detail
  2. Life Is Sweet-Beach Chairs with Heart with Honey Favors
  3. In Favor of a Cure Pink Ribbon Plantable Wildflower Favors
  4. Personalized Audio CDs
  5. Miles of Memories Suitcase Favor Tins with Optional Personalized Labels
  6. Chocolate Bars with Customized Cover
  7. Personalized Expressions Collection Mirror Compact Favors
  8. Sailboat Place Card Holder
  9. Topiary Photo Holder/Place Card Holder
  10. Tin Favor Pails
  11. Welcome to Our Wedding” Canvas Tote Bag
  12. “Cosmetic Couture” Quilted, Monogrammed Make-Up Bag
  13. Choice Crystal Star Bottle Stopper
  14. The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Flip-Flops
  15. The ‘Gratest’ Love of All Stainless-Steel Cheese Grater in Showcase Gift Box
  16. The Cosmopolitan Monogrammed 5 Piece Manicure Set
  17. “Cut Out for Each Other” Stainless-Steel, Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters
  18. “Sew Perfect” Classic Houndstooth Sewing Kit
  19. The Perfect Mix™-Red Roses – Lemonade Favors
  20. Sandalwood Fan Favors
  21. Cross Design Memo Pads
  22. So Pretty Miniature Purse Bottle Stoppers in Gift Box
  23. Peace, Love and Happiness Collection peace sign keychain favors
  24. Adorable Bride & Groom Salt & Pepper Shaker Favors
  25. Scented Frosted Glass Votive- Hearts & Vines
  26. Cupcake bookmark
  27. “Love’s a Peel” apple peeler
  28. Personalized Glass Favor Jars
  29. Olive You! Glass LOVE Oil Bottle in Signature Tuscan Box
  30. Lucky Seven dice candle favors

For a very long time, wedding favors have taken a back seat behind the big wedding aspects. Today, couples give more attention to this small detail because many have realized the importance of wedding favors as a way of thanking guests for being part of the momentous celebration.

Filed Under: Candle Wedding Favours, Decoration Ideas, DIY Wedding Favors, Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors, Honey Wedding Favors, Ideas, Decorations, Collections, Accessories Tagged With: , , , , , ,

How to Use Candle Favors Creatively on Your Wedding Reception Tables

January 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Apple of My Eye Mini-Candle

Apple of My Eye Mini-Candle Wedding Favors

Weddings are not just about big things like the wedding venue, bridal gown, or reception program. These are not only about picking your entourage or about choosing flower decorations for the church and reception area. Even the smallest details like the candle wedding favors are an important factor that would contribute to the success of the event. And because times are quite hard these days, it would be a good idea if the bride and groom can find creative ways on how to use these keepsakes on reception tables in such a way that you would be able to maximize your wedding budget. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

Use Candle Favors as the Table Centerpiece

Candle favors can be incorporated into floral arrangements to make a stunning table centerpiece. As you would notice, candles can make any flower bloom glow and look livelier.  You can also arrange the candle favors into a tiered stand, a smaller version of the one used for wedding cupcakes.

Another idea would be to have candles placed on crystal tea light holders floating on a clear vase with a wide opening. Sprinkle in some embellishments such as flower petals, faux gems, pearls, and glitters. It would also be nice to have a mini potted plant surrounded with botanical garden votive candle holders. Just make sure that the guests are informed that the candle decorations used on the reception table are wedding favors so each can take one home.

Garden Glass Gel Candle - Calla Lily

Garden Glass Gel Candle Wedding Favors

Light up the Table with the Candle Favors

If you are going to hold the reception at night, you would need light sources for the tables. The candle favors can serve this purpose. As mentioned earlier, you can arrange the candles in such a way that they can be the focal point of the wedding table decoration. However, for this purpose, you should also remember to light up the candle favors to provide glow for the tables. Miniature lanterns with hangers are also great for this purpose of lighting up the table and being a wedding favor.

Go for Candle Favors that can double as Table Place Cards

Candles placed in clear vases can be both a souvenir and a table place card. How is that possible? You can have mod “blox” clings with personalized text adhered onto the vases not only to add a modern look to the table but also to give people information regarding guests’ names and corresponding table numbers. The good thing about cling is that it leaves no residue and can adhere to almost any type of glossy smooth surface.

Candles are very beautiful tokens of appreciation that can make your wedding day special and memorable. They give a warm inviting glow, set a romantic mood, and provide an elegant atmosphere to the occasion. But aside from their sheer beauty, they are also very flexible and can be used for a wide variety of things aside from simply being favors. They can be used as sophisticated table centerpieces, bright light source, and efficient table place cards.

Filed Under: Blog, Candle Wedding Favours, Table Decoration Ideas Tagged With: , , , ,

7 Tips to Contract a Limousine Service for an Elegant Bridal Arrival

January 12, 2010 By

Hiring a Limousine Service For Your Wedding

Do you think you have everything covered? Wedding attire, church, reception, music, décor, wedding invitations, wedding favors—everything check! But wait, you might be forgetting something. Remember that on the day of your wedding, you would want to have an elegant bridal arrival that would amaze guests and wow your future spouse. How do you do that? By riding an exquisite limousine, of course. As you know, the bridal car, which will bring you to the location of the wedding, is an important detail that should not be missed. If you want to have a smooth ride in your limo, here are some tips on how to contract this type of service.

Tip 1: Begin your search early

Yes, there are many limo services in the market but this does not mean you should wait the last minute before you browse through your options and look for one. First off, you should determine what your needs are concerning the type of limousine, color, and passenger capacity. This would help you in your search as you can narrow down options more easily. Next, contact various limousine companies and get to know which ones would be able to offer you what you are looking for.

Tip 2: Set a budget

Aside from your vehicle preferences, you should also set a budget for the rental, as this is one of the factors you have to look into when viewing your options.

Tip 3: Ask smart questions

To help you further in making a choice, get to know the limousine company by asking several questions about their business and services. For one, inquire how long it has been in this industry. Ask about the types and colors of limousines that are available. Get a list of references from past clients. Inquire also about features, services, and rates. Compare the pieces of information you gather so you would be able to make an informed choice.

Tip 4: Know the chauffeur

The limo driver will play an important role in ensuring that everything goes perfectly. A good driver will pick you up on time, cooperate to the plan, and drive safely. See to it that the limo service gives you a driver with all these qualities.

Tip 5: Inspect the limo

Before you make the final reservation, inspect the limo that you are going to use for the big day. Examine it inside and out. Remember there are some limousines that are dazzling on the outside but are not pretty or comfortable inside.

Tip 6: Plan arrival and location

Give detailed directions on the location of arrival. Map out if necessary. Confirm reservation 48 hours before the event and do not forget to reserve a parking slot for this big car.

Tip 7: Book the service

You will need to pay a deposit to reserve your vehicle of choice and sign a rental contract. Before you do, make sure that you read and understand everything first. A contract should contain details on the date of service, arrival time and location, rates and penalties, and color, model, year, license number of the vehicle. It should also indicate policies and charges on cancellation, cleaning, and refunds. Get a copy of certification of insurance to ensure that passengers are covered in case of an accident.

Finding and renting a limo service can be a breeze if you follow the simple tips mentioned in this article. Have fun riding this fabulous car and make a wonderful grand entrance that would make you the talk of the town even after the wedding is over.

Filed Under: Limousine Service, Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With:

Plan Your Dream Wedding With Virtual Wedding Planners

October 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The real world secrets behind the most beautiful (and inexpensive) weddings around…

This one-of-a-kind Wedding Planning and Coaching Membership site (www.thebridalcoach.ca) is all about you and your perfect wedding. Everything here will support your dream and help you to really get there. Our team of virtual registrationwedding planners is committed to provide you with what you need every step of the way, with your vision, with your theme, how to get things done, how to deal with your relatives and friends, and so much more. You have everything in one place and you can do it all from the comfort of your home.

Click Here to Learn More!

We will keep you up-to-date with newest wedding trends through our weekly webinars, and we connect you through our members’ forum with other brides and wedding planners so you aren’t doing this alone. The wedding planning checklists accompanied by how-to videos will get you organized, which in turn reduces all the stress brides report when planning their wedding. You will be confident that you will have done everything on-time and in the most creative way, and best of all, the money you spend for our membership site will be put back into your pocket many times over by following our time-proven money saving tips with vendors.

Click Here to Learn More!

Here is what you will receive when you order a membership with TheBridalCoach.ca TODAY!

Time-proven wedding planning checklists
The first cluster of information in the members only area called Start Here explains through text, videos, and checklists the following: engagment, wedding vision, wedding budget, legal stuff, reception site, ceremony site, photographer, videographer, bridal party, wedding gown and encore weddings.
Comprehensive wedding planning videos covering every aspect of your wedding
The second cluster Build On It includes bridal party attire, honeymoon, stationary, guest list, florist, wedding cake, personal grooming, bridal registries, ceremony musicians, reception musicians, wedding rings, and bridal suite.
Daily answers to your questions by our wedding planners in the members’ forum
The third cluster called Finalize explains through text, videos, and checklists the following: transportation, reception and catering, ceremony and vows, rental items, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, parties, guest accommodation, finalize contracts, and spousal gifts.
Weekly webinars with the latest trends, ideas, and information
Virtual wedding planners in the forums and on the weekly coaching calls
Almost There is the 4th cluster of modules where you will be guided through topics like wedding invitations, decorations, wedding favours, itineraries, music selection, toast to parents, wedding announcements, thank you gifts, more legal stuff and attire tryouts.
Wedding planning timeline to keep you on-track
Money saving video series for every part of your wedding—gowns, caterer, flowers, musicians, wedding favors, and much more
The final cluster is called Countdown and that’s where we coach you through topics like seating plan, task assignments, bridesmaids’ luncheon, groomsmen outing, vendor payments, wedding day kit, rehearsal, decorating, and final confirmations.

Click Here to Learn More!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Red Wedding Dresses Make Brides Even More Beautiful

October 19, 2009 By 1 Comment
Red Wedding Dresses

Red Wedding Dresses

Gone were the days when the only acceptable color for wedding gowns was white (and any shade close to it). Gone were the days when wearing other colors would mean breaking the law. Gone were the days when a red wedding gown was considered taboo.

More and more brides are choosing red wedding gowns for a number of different reasons. Some dare to defy the wedding norms. Some are bored with the usual white color. Some desire to be unique and stand out. Some want to look stunning with this bold color. Others simply intend to follow the latest trend.

Whatever your reason is for wearing this gown, there are several things you have to know about it before you buy one. Here are some of the things you must know about red wedding gowns.

Symbolism of Red

Red is the symbol of color, so it can be the perfect color for wedding gowns. Aside from that, it also symbolizes passion, romance and fiery emotions. If you want to make your wedding symbolic and meaningful, wearing a red wedding gown may be the perfect option for you.

red-dress

Picture: Photobucket

The two basic options you have for red wedding gowns is a solid red wedding gown and a white wedding gown with a touch of red that may come in the form of a sash, lace, or embroidery. As for the gown’s style, you can go for strapless, tube, mini sleeves, long sleeves, sweetheart cut, empress, turtleneck and many others. Before you decide on a certain style, consider your personal taste and personality. Choose something that would evoke your character and fashion sense.

Confidence: Most Important Accessory for a Red Gown

This is a very important reminder: do not wear a red wedding gown unless you have the guts and confidence to carry it. If you are the meek type, who shies away at people’s hint of dislike, this is not the dress for you. But if you are the daring type who can wear the gown with confidence, go for it! Just remember that you cannot please everybody, especially those people who have conservative views about wedding traditions. Keep in mind that this is your moment and that you should not really care what other people think.

Source

Picture: Photobucket

Red Gown: Is it just a Fad?

Another thing you have to consider is the fact that a red wedding gown may just be a current trend. Ask yourself how you would feel looking at your wedding photos many years from now. Do you think you would be proud enough to say that you were among the first who started this trend? Or do you feel you may end up saying that you made a terrible mistake when you followed a crazy trend that has already long been buried into oblivion?

Many wedding experts say that the red wedding gown is here to stay. Just like the strapless wedding gown that was unacceptable (even unthinkable) some decades ago, red may become a staple in wedding gowns. But of course, it is still up to you to make the final decision.

Red wedding gowns have been making noises in the wedding fashion industry. If you want to make a fashion statement, if you want to look gorgeous and stunning, if you want to stand out and be unique, consider wearing this vibrant and bold color that would surely turn heads as you make that memorable walk down the aisle.

Filed Under: Blog, Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With: ,

What Are Some Pretty Colors for a Winter Wedding

October 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Colors for A Winter Wedding

Colors for A Winter Wedding

When you think of a winter wedding, the first color that would come into your mind is white. After all, winter is about snow, ice, snow, ice and more snow and ice! But this does not mean that your winter wedding event should be bleak and boring. In fact, white is such a wonderful backdrop that you can use in combination with a wide array of vibrant and exciting colors to turn your wedding day into a majestic event.

If you are wondering what pretty colors to use for your big day, here are some ideas to get you started:

Red, Green & White for Christmas Weddings

If you are going to have a winter wedding around Christmas, the best colors of course are the festive red, green and white. But since you do not want your wedding decorations to look like a Christmas tree or wreath, you can tone down these shades a little by opting for muted tones. Alternatively, you can combine vibrant shades with gray or mix together muted tones with silver. Whatever way you use three colors, you would surely achieve a festive and fun look for your winter wedding celebration.

Metallic Shades for a Shimmering Effect

Winter shimmers the way no other season can. Because of this, you would probably want to consider using sparkling metallic shades such as gold, silver, brass, bronze, and copper. You can use them as a single motif color or in combination with a muted tone. You can use the metallic shade as the dominant motif color or just for accents. For example, silver and blue can go well together; bronze and light pink would also look ideal.

Color Wheel

Color Wheel

Warm Colors to Tone down the Chilly Ambiance

Red, orange, and yellow are usually summer colors but no one will stop you if you want to make use of these warm colors to have a distinct winter wedding atmosphere. But so that there would still be a winter feel to the event, use any of these shades in combination with silver or gold. Red and gold look nice together while orange, yellow and copper can also be fabulous color palette.

Rich Contrasting Hues for Dramatic Feel

For couples who want to have a dramatic effect for their wedding, opt for rich hues that can give striking contrast to the white backdrop of the winter scene. Purple, burgundy, brown, navy blue, black cherry, plum, forest green and dark teal are just few of the many options on deep velvety shades you can use.

Wonderful Color Combinations

Two- or three-color combinations have become a choice of many couples. It would be a good idea to consult the color wheel so you can check what colors complement each other. Some ideas you can use are

Royal purple, rich green accented with gold or silver

Blue, blue violet, teal and white or silver accents

Purple, chocolate brown, and bronze

Navy blue, sky blue, and silver

Ice blue, emerald green, and silver

Emerald green, periwinkle, and mocha

Gold and chocolate brown

Choosing winter wedding colors may not be easy for some but with the excellent tips and suggestions found on this article, picking the right shades for your majestic winter wedding celebration can be a breeze.

Filed Under: Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Simple Guide to Planning a Country Wedding

October 14, 2009 By 1 Comment
COUNTRY FLOWER GIRL

COUNTRY FLOWER GIRL

There is something about the countryside that you are very fond of. It may be the charming rustic look or the homey and relaxing ambiance. Whatever it is, you and your groom-to-be did not think twice when you decided to have a country-themed wedding. After all, you think this is a nice alternative to the high-end and frenzied city-style wedding that most of the people you know have had before. Here is a simple guide on how to have a simple yet stunning country wedding.

Attire

Since the atmosphere of the countryside promotes ease and relaxation, the best kinds of attire are those that speak of comfort. Sundresses, khakis, cotton dresses, kaftans and anything casual and laidback can be the perfect way to dress up for a countryside wedding. However, if you still want to have a formal event with the tuxedos and the works, it is still all right to do so.

Venue and Decor

Ideal locations for a country wedding can be a barn, a farmhouse, a wheat field, plantation, rustic church, valley, or a country inn. For an outdoor wedding, you can use picnic tables covered with checkered tablecloths or quilts. You can also make use of candles and lanterns to light up the place if the event will be held at night. Flowers like daisies, gerberas, dahlias, and sunflowers can be a nice way to decorate the table centerpieces. Use one or two colors as the wedding motif to unify the look of the venue and the decoration.

Invitations

A country-style wedding invitation would be a nice preview for your lovely wedding event. An embroider invitation would be a good option. Another type of invitation that would be suitable for this type of event would be one that comes with a nice dramatic photo of country scenery.

Music

Contra or bluegrass bands as well as country singers are the perfect providers of music for the wedding. It would also be a wonderful idea to have a square dance. Guests would surely have a grand time dancing the night away.

Favors

Bake cookies and wrap them in country style floral gift wrapper. You can also gather local fruits or vegetables, put them in wicker baskets and tie the baskets with raffia ribbons. Also, you can make handmade soaps or handmade candles and then put them in beautiful mason jars. Do not forget to add a gift tag and scribble personal messages for the guests.

More Tips

These tips below are general wedding tips you can use even if you are not going to have a country wedding.

  1. Plan your budget and stick to it.
  2. Get everything in writing especially when transacting with wedding vendors and service providers.
  3. Do not force yourself to do everything. Get as much help as you can. Do not forget to say thank you to all the people who help with the wedding preparations.
  4. Be flexible. Remember, not everything you want can be done.
  5. Do not be a bridezilla!

Planning a wedding, whether it is a country wedding or some other theme, can truly be time-consuming, exhausting and sometimes exasperating. But once you walk down the aisle and say “I do” to your beloved, all your exhaustion and emotional turmoil will be worth it.

Source: This article was submitted by Janet Plunkett, owner of FavorsByAnn.com and wedding consultant from Texas who periodically writes for wedding blogs and ecommerce stores.

Filed Under: Ideas, Decorations, Collections, Accessories, Weddings Canada Tagged With: , , , , ,

What Can Happen If You Don’t Have a Wedding Hat

October 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Wedding Hats

Wedding Hats

The veil is not only your option when it comes to bridal headwear. You can also choose to don a majestic tiara, a flower headdress, or an intricate headband. For outdoor weddings, wearing a wedding hat has not only become a trend but more of a necessity.

If you are going to have an outdoor wedding whether it is at the beach, at the park, or by the riverside, wearing a wedding hat will surely add a touch of class to your look. Moreover, this can also prevent uneventful circumstances that you would not want to happen on your wedding day.

So what would happen if you do not wear a wedding hat for your outdoor wedding day? There are two possible unfortunate outcomes for not wearing a hat on an outdoor wedding. One would be sunburn and another would be your hair gone wild.

The Stinging Sunburn

If you are having a summer wedding, wearing a hat can give you optimal protection against the scorching heat of the sun. If you do not want to end up with stinging sunburn on your face, make sure you wear a wedding hat with a brim wide enough to protect your face. Moreover, do not forget to wear sunscreen that has a strong SPF for effective sun shielding.

Bad Hair Day

Since the wedding is held outdoors, you can expect that it may be a little windy. Unless you would restrain your hair into a tight classic bun, your next best option to avoid a bad hair day would be to wear a hat. This way, you do not have to worry about your hair going frizzy because of the windy conditions. A hat would also be an efficient way to protect your face against dust and debris.

How to Choose a Wedding Hat

Now that you are convinced that a wedding hat is necessary for your outdoor wedding, you need to start shopping for one. Here are some tips on how to help you find the perfect wedding hat for this glorious occasion:

  1. Search online. The Internet is overflowing with online bridal shops that sell different kinds of wedding hats.
  2. Choose a wide brimmed hat that will be able to give you maximum protection against the sun.
  3. Do not overspend. Set a budget and make sure you stick to it. You can find a beautiful wedding hat without having to spend an enormous fortune.
  4. Pick a wedding hat that complements the wedding theme. For example, if you are going to have a classic 60’s themed wedding, a wedding with a net veil may be a nice choice.
  5. Make sure the hat fits. If the hat keeps falling off your head or if it is too tight on you, you may be better off not wearing it.
  6. Do not choose a hat that would cover your entire face. Remember, guests would want to catch a glimpse of the bride so do not deprive them off that by wearing a larger than life hat that masks your face.

An outdoor wedding is a fabulous event but elements like heat and wind can pose as a challenge for most brides. Overcome these difficulties by wearing a wonderful wedding hat to complete your bridal look.

Filed Under: Blog, Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Why Couples Look for Wedding Sets when Shopping

October 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

dreamstime_3203718Wedding sets, which also come in the names of wedding ring sets and bridal sets, are sets of rings that include the engagement ring and matching wedding bands. Jewelers have long been selling these kinds of jewelry but it has only been in the recent years that wedding sets have become very popular.

One probable reason for their popularity is the fact that wedding sets are now available in a wider variety of styles and designs. Before, couples have limited options on wedding sets and most of them would prefer to buy individual engagement rings and wedding bands.

Today, the range of styles and designs on wedding sets has increased significantly. Moreover, there are many advantages to buying wedding ring sets. Here are the top reasons why couples prefer wedding sets:

1. This makes it easy to achieve a unified look.
Since you are going to buy an engagement and wedding ring that match in designs, you do not have to worry about things like slight difference in color shades or finishing. You can be guaranteed that the rings will look exactly same. This would be to your advantage if you and your spouse-to-be want to have matching wedding bands.

2. This can save you shopping time.
Shopping for wedding rings can be a long tedious process. It would definitely take you a lot more time if you have to purchase single rings. Buying a wedding set can save you so much time, which you can use in other more important aspects of the wedding planning. As they say, time is gold and the amount of time you save on shopping for wedding sets can truly be priceless.

3. This can save you money.
Time is not the only thing a couple can save when buying a wedding set. They would also be able to save money. This is because wedding sets usually come at a lower price than when you buy rings separately. Jewelers give discount on the prices, after all, you are buying two or more rings at once.

4. You can enjoy unique and exquisite designs.
Many bridal sets are now made with unique designs and styles to cater to couples who are looking for beyond the usual types of jewelry. Unless you have single bands customized for an extra cost, it would be quite difficult to find single rings that exhibit unique designs and styles.

5. Cleaning and insurance are less complicated.
Since you would be buying the rings from the same jeweler, processing the insurance and having the jewelry cleaned will be an easier task.

6. You can enjoy great incentives.
Many jewelers offer excellent rewards and perks for buying wedding sets. You will be able to enjoy discount on their other items or get freebies like other types of jewelry.

Of course, buying single rings also have its own advantages. At the end of the day, it is up to you to make a decision on how you are going to purchase the wedding bands. Just weigh the pros and cons carefully so that it would be easier for you to make an informed choice.

Filed Under: Blog, Ideas, Decorations, Collections, Accessories Tagged With: ,

Top Wedding Table Decoration Ideas For 2010

October 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
BLUE TABLE SETTING

BLUE TABLE SETTING

Time flies so fast. Even in wedding fashion, wedding experts are surprised that 2009 is almost over and it is time again to conjure up new ideas and trends for the upcoming weddings for next year. Wedding table decorations are some of the most important aspects that wedding experts pour much effort into conceptualization and planning about it. So what’s the forecast? Here are some decoration ideas for wedding tables for next year.

Orange, Pink, Yellow: 2010 Color Palette

Things that are festive and bright are the center of attention when it comes to weddings for the year 2010. Pastels and light shades are also okay but they are not as big as vibrant shades such as orange, pink and yellow. These are the main hues that you can use for decorating your wedding tables and the whole event as well.

Recycled Table Centerpieces: Economical and Hot

More and more people are getting into the bandwagon of recycling. It is not any different for weddings for next year as recycled table centerpieces are becoming such a hot item among many couples. These centerpieces are not only trendy but more importantly, they are economical and eco-friendly.

Artificial Handmade Flowers: Takes Ugly out of Artificial

We always say that fresh flowers are more beautiful than artificial ones. In fact, some people would say outright that artificial flowers are unsightly but if they see these exquisite handmade flowers made of wonderful paper material, they would probably change their minds. These are intricate pieces of art, which are great to use as table centerpieces. These would surely amaze the guests attending your big day.

Edible Centerpieces: Hitting Two Birds with One Stone

One example of such kind of wedding centerpiece is the miniature wedding cake (replica of the actual wedding cake). This is a festive wedding table decoration and centerpiece that can be lit up for ambiance and be taken home afterwards as a wedding favor.

Couple’s Photos for Centerpiece: Nostalgic and Classy

The coming 2010, couples can make use of their old photos as wedding table decorations. They can make use of childhood photos, photos of vacations together, and photos with their respective families. Not only does this decoration make a classy centerpiece, they can also keep the guests entertained while waiting for the reception to start. After the big event, the photo frames can be used to decorate your new home. Talk about practicality!

Linens with Patterns: Plain Table Covers are Out

For 2010, you would see more and more couples making use of patterned tablecloths for their wedding tables. Linens with floral designs and paisley patterns are especially hot for this coming year.

Origami Folded Table Napkins: Get Creative with the Napkin

Who said the napkin should just sit there? Napkins can also be a way to decorate the table if you make use of your artistic skills and fold them into nice origami artworks. These origami napkins are very trendy this 2010.

Many wedding experts agree that 2010 is a good year to get married. It is the end of a decade but for couples, it is a start of their new life together as husband and wife.

Filed Under: Decoration Ideas, Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

A Simple Guide to Organize Your Wedding Party

September 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Beautiful Bridesmaids

Beautiful Bridesmaids

A wedding is such a festive activity that when you make mention of the words, “wedding party,” the first thing in people’s minds is a fun celebration. However, the wedding party refers to the people who will help the couple with the planning and assist them during the celebration. It can be members of the family, closest friends, or relatives.

Organizing your wedding party can become a challenge if you are not used to the idea of organizing or coordinating with a group of people. You are probably asking yourself these questions: “Who should be in my wedding party?” “How many people should be involved?” “How do I communicate with each one and ensure that everything is systematized?”

To help you in this endeavor, we have laid out some practical information about wedding party as well as tips on how to get your wedding team unified and organized.

Members of the Wedding Party

  • Bridesmaid/s

Duties of the bridesmaid include helping plan the wedding, giving advice to the bride, helping the bride shop for the wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses, running errands for the bride, throwing a bridal shower, planning a bachelorette party, and supporting the bride all throughout the event (including the before and after). Therefore, it is important to have a bridesmaid who is helpful, dependable, organized and responsible.

  • Maid of Honor

The Maid of Honor, who is the “main assistant” or the “right hand person” of the bride, helps with the whole wedding

Bridesmaids With Ring Bearer

Bridesmaids With Ring Bearer

planning, organizes the bridesmaids and the rest of the wedding party, organizes the rehearsal dinner, gives toast during the reception, and does most of what the bridesmaid does.

  • Groomsman/Groomsmen

The groomsmen are the closest friends or family members of the groom, who help the bridesmaids and the maid of honor with the event planning, and assist the groom in any way possible. The groom should choose groomsmen who are not only after the fun parts of the wedding but who are willing to lend a reliable helping hand.

  • Best Man

The best man is the counterpart of the maid of the honor. He is usually the best friend of the groom or his close brother. Just like the maid of honor, he also assists the groom, gives him wedding advice, and help plan and organize the event as well as a bachelor’s party.

  • Ushers and Usherettes

Ushers and usherettes know where everyone should be seated. They are the people to ask if you get lost and could not find your seat. They are the people you can rely on for the logistics of the event.

Handsome Young Groomsman

Handsome Young Groomsman

Size of the Wedding Party

The number of the members of the wedding party is ultimately the choice of the couple but some of these guidelines will help you make a decision.

  • Follow the ratio of one usher for every fifty guests
  • For formal weddings with over 200 guests, you can have 5 to 10 bridesmaids and 5 to 10 groomsmen.
  • For semi-formal weddings with less than 200 guests, 1 to 5 bridesmaids and 1 to 5 groomsmen are ideal.
  • For casual or intimate weddings, you can have just the maid of honor and the best man.

Tip for Organizing the Wedding Party

  • Keep the wedding party small. Coordinating with too many people can give you a headache plus if there are so many members, the cost for dresses and tuxedo will be more expensive.
  • Get the contact information of all the members of the wedding party. Get their cellular number, e-mail address, home phone number, address, fax number, office number, even their facebook account (some check their facebook more often than they check their phone!)
  • Be patient. Do not be the bridezilla or cranky groom that your wedding party will love to hate. Remember, they are only helping you so you should not boss them around.
  • Arrange regular meetings to get updates. Gather your wedding party for an afternoon of coffee and get to know the updates for the errands they have been assigned to do. Keep the meetings light and informal. Nobody wants to feel as if they are having a meeting with their boss.
  • Give them a thank you gift afterwards. Make sure you show your gratification for all their hard work and contribution. Your wedding would not have been a success if not for them.

Your wedding party are the people you will largely rely on for most parts of your wedding. Make sure that you organize them the right way without going overboard or bossing them around.

Filed Under: Tips, Advice, Gifts & Favours, Wedding Party Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Real wedding: Stephanie and Cliff

September 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: classicbride.blogspot.com


Stephanie and Cliff were married on August 15, 2009, in central Pennsylvannia at a quaint manor house overlooking beautiful lush lawns – the perfect setting for their adorable picnic-style wedding.

Now I’ll turn it over to Stephanie so she can share some of the sweet details with you:

It was so fun for me to get ready at the {venue} because I could run outside and see the army of friends and family that showed up that morning to help set up and decorate.

We knew it would be hot so we arranged to serve {the guests} Rita’s Italian Ice before the ceremony. After dinner, we served Penn State Creamery ice cream and sent them away with cookies and milk. The cookies were made by aunts and friends and were … paired with the best milk in the world from Myers Dairy, where they sell local fresh milk in glass bottles!

The sparkler send off was such a last minute decision but it was such a rush to drive down the long driveway seeing all the faces of the people I love the most lit up by sparklers.

So lovely! Congratulations, Stephanie and Cliff! If you’d like to see more photos from the wedding, head over to Missy Photography right here.
Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With:

your etsy weddings: hannah’s hand-picked daily etsian finds

September 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Moss Ring Bearer Pillow
{ hannah’s pick: moss ring bearer pillow by aprilhilerdesigns, new braunfels, TX }

[today's guest host is the lovely hannah, who writes a fantastic blog on etsy, crafting, and all sorts of artistic inspiration, here to tell her etsy wedding story and share her excellent finds:]

My name is Hannah and I can be found over at the Daily Etsian. My darling boy and I are getting married June 12, 2010 at the university where we met and fell in love. We’re totally psyched about the wedding, our impending marriage, and life in general. Our reception is going to be held at a hall that is on the grounds of seven acres of gardens. Thus, our theme for the reception has naturally become gardens and outdoorsy-ness.

Here are some Etsy lovelies that I found while trolling the site looking for wedding inspiration. As I’m planning to make much of the wedding details by hand (such as all the corsages, boutonnieres, my veil, centerpieces, favors, etc.), I’ve included several tutorials in this collection of Etsy Wedding goodness. Enjoy!

custom tea dress SUMMER SALE- Custom Letterpressed Wedding Invitations-- Wild Mustard Flower
she lives on love street - Moss Terrarium custom wedding cake topper with arch - you choose the details
Ivory velvet Chrysanthemum - silk-lined clutch bag Green Garden - Wired Fabric Bircage
100 Unscented Soy Tea Lights Dusty blue and gold, little bobbies
{each photo links to its shop}

plus tutorials!
How to Make A Birdcage Veil Tutorial
how to make a birdcage veil

PDF Vintage Fabric Flowers-eBook, PDF, Tutorial, Instructions Rolled Fabric Roses Rosette
how to make a vintage fabric flower

DIY KIT and TUTORIAL. latte ribbon flower brooch.
diy kit and tutorial: ribbon flower brooch
————-
i had never thought of looking on etsy for DIY instructions and templates — thanks so much to hannah for sharing these! please check out the daily etsian for more tutorials, finds, and etsy inspiration, and best wishes to hannah for july 2010.

Wedding News Via RSS: http://etsywedding.blogspot.com/2009/09/your-etsy-weddings-hannahs-hand-picked.html

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DIY Wedding Shower Favors

September 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

diy wedding projectOne of the first Martha Stewart crafts I remember making were these little glassine Valentines. It was 1998 and a group of friends and I decided to make this project the subject of a Girls’ Night In. They turned out pretty cute, as I remember, and were fairly low on the difficulty scale (and coming from me, you know that means super easy).

These would also make a simple and affordable DIY wedding project and could be used as bridal shower favors or even tucked into the wedding invitation.  You could choose a cookie cutter that goes with your theme and trace that shape on to the glassine paper. Choose a thread that matches your wedding colors to tie the look together. Smaller stitches are shown in this photo, but using larger stitches would give the packets an updated, more modern look.  The glassine paper was difficult to locate even eleven years ago, but we finally found a small independent art store that carried some.

Are you doing any DIY projects for your wedding?

Photo from Martha Stewart

Wedding News Via RSS: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BlueOrchidDesigns/~3/nTfzltwIRlM/diy-wedding-shower-favors.html

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10 Tips to Dress Your Wedding Table

September 28, 2009 By 2 Comments
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Wedding Table

The decoration for your wedding table must be one of those things that you are still thinking about for your wedding. It makes sense that it would take you time. After all, this is where you and your beloved will be sitting down during most part of the reception so you want it to be as special and as beautiful as possible. To help you in this matter, look at these 10 tips on how to dress your wedding table.

Decoration Tip # 1 – Shape and Size

The shape and size of the couple’s table are two of the important factors to consider during the decoration planning. This would determine the size and kind of backdrop and decoration that you can use for the table. For example, if you are going to use a round or oval wedding table, this can be placed under an arch adorned with flowers or balloons.

Decoration Tip # 2 – Beautiful Table Cover

Cover the table with a tablecloth that is complementary to or the same color as the wedding motif. A table cover with patterns and designs can be more visually interesting than a plain one.  It would also be a nice touch to have a runner on the center of the table such as chiffon drape, wide ribbon, lace cloth, or organza fabric.

Decoration Tip # 3 – Exquisite Table Centerpiece as Focal Point

Beautify the table with an exquisite table centerpiece. A floral arrangement consisting of colorful and dynamic blooms can surely add wow factor to your wedding table. Add some accents to the centerpiece such as votive candles, satin ribbon, or raffia.

Decoration Tip # 4 – That Edgy Look

Since your wedding table will be facing the guests, you would want the outer edge of the table to look nice and not boring. You can drape cloth or ribbons on the edge of the table and add some accents in between such as pearls, ribbons, or flower blooms.

Decoration Tip # 5 – Small Details that add Visual Interest

Sprinkle some items on the wedding table to add visual appeal. Be sure to coordinate the items with those that you intend to have on the tables of the guests. Some of your options include glitter, confetti, rose petals (or other flower petals), autumn leaves (for fall weddings), faux ice cubes (for winter weddings), glass beads, pebbles, crystals, mini rose buds, seashells (for summer or beach weddings), and feathers.

Decoration Tip # 6 – Lighting for the Table

Your wedding table can illuminated with a spotlight to draw attention to you and your beloved. Aside from that, you can also use a candle table centerpiece to light up the table, as well as have twinkle lights intertwined into the garlands, floral swags, tulle, or whatever it is used to decorate the edges of the table.

Decoration Tip # 7 – Place Settings that are Functional and Beautiful

Use fine china, cutlery, dishes and glasses for the table. It would be a nice idea to complement the color of the items with the motif color for a unified look.

Decoration Tip # 8 – Give a Creative Twist

Show the guests your creativity by having table napkins folded into intricate origami artworks to serve also as decoration for the table. Do this not only for your wedding table but also for the tables of the guests.

Decoration Tip # 9 – Add Glam for that Extra Sparkle

Make your wedding table dazzle with diamond shaped crystal dazzlers. Adding some bling can definitely liven up your wedding table.

Decoration Tip # 10 – Things to Avoid

Avoid having a larger than life centerpiece that would block the couple’s view. Do not be overly extravagant with the wedding table decoration since the attention should be on the couple and not the table. Keep it simple and yet strive to make it stunning.

Dressing up your wedding table will not be too much of a difficult task if you keep these practical and brilliant tips in mind.

Filed Under: Ideas, Decorations, Collections, Accessories Tagged With: , , , ,

SP: Card boxes from For the Modern Bride

September 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: classicbride.blogspot.com

One thing a lot of engaged couples don’t think about or overlook while planning their wedding is the card box. J&I were one of those couples and if I had it to do over again, I would make sure we had some sort of card box at the reception to create a bit more order at the end of the night.
So when I heard about a company offering custom and couture boxes, I knew I had to share. For the Modern Bride prides itself on creating card boxes made specifically to the client’s specific color palette and style. The boxes include fabrics, ribbons, silks, rhinestones and other embellishments. Other options like embroidery, custom logos, rhinestone monograms and Swarovski toppers are also available.

And they also offer custom stationery – from save the dates and invitations, to menu cards and programs, to dance floor decals and canvas bags, they’ve got you covered:

Check out all they have to offer right here.

{Images: 1: Palmer box; 2: Baquet box; 3: Dooley; 4: Cambareri box; 5: Maksym stationery collection}

*Sponsored Post

Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With:

Cabbage Roses

September 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: brideslittlewhitebook.blogspot.com

There’s nothing like a cabbage rose. Said to have more than 100 petals, cabbage roses were a favorite of Dutch painters. Most always a shade of pink, they have the loveliest scent (so lovely that rose oil is cultivated from them to make perfume).

{picture 1 via real simple; pictures 2, 3 + 4 via Martha Stewart}

Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With:

August Wedding on the Bay

September 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Wedding News Via RSS: bridalbubbly.blogspot.com

Well, I admit I have fallen quite behind. I had a huge wedding month in August and have yet to share all of the wonderful details with you. So, here goes!

On August 22nd, Annie and Rob treated their guests to Annapolis wedding weekend that would keep the celebrating going for days. I met Annie and Rob in January and there was really only one issue we had to work with. Very good friends of theirs were getting married Sept. 19th so we had to leave some time before or after that date. So, we started looking at places on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Annie and Rob were coming from NYC and wanted something a bit more slow paced than DC, and we decided on an October wedding date. After reevaluating their guest numbers a couple of times, we determined that their ideal setting was going to be a bit too quaint for their numbers and we had to look elsewhere. The couple finally fell in love with the setting of the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club and decided to nab the only date still available, August 22nd!


The humid weekend began with a rehearsal at St. Christopher’s Church, a newly opened house of warship in Chester, MD. The wedding party boarded the bus to travel over the Bay Bridge from their hotel in Annapolis. The rain came and went while we were inside practicing, and as the night cleared up, the celebration continued with a dinner at Treaty of Paris and drinking in Annapolis.

The morning of the wedding was a humid one but the bridal party was in great spirits as they got ready and boarded the buses to the ceremony. The rain came later, as guests were arriving at the Beach Club but that certainly wasn’t going to start the festivities. The steel drum group, Oasis Trio provided by Bialek’s Music, moved themselves inside and the cocktail hour was hopping


Amaryllis and Digital Lightning made the ballroom look beautifully traditional, but the decor didn’t take away for the beautiful wall of windows overlooking the Chesapeake and the Bay Bridge. Rentals were brought in from Party Rental LTD to finish the look.

A special thank you to Fancy Cakes by Leslie for the wedding cake and grooms cake, a Loyola Grey Hound, Free Spirit for keeping the party pumping all night long, Linder and Associates for the transportation, Jenny Lehman Video for capturing the emotions of the day and Michael Bennet Kress and Associates for the beautiful Images.

Sara

Filed Under: Weddings Canada

Vintage Style Bikes Make for Eco-Friendly Transportation

September 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

You can take a cab to your wedding. A limousine. A chauffeured car. A bus. A truck. A tractor. A rickshaw. A Flintstone car.

Or.

You can ride your bike! Doesn’t get more eco-friendly than that. Phooey to all those who complain about their dress potentially getting dirty. So what. You’re only gonna wear it once. Might as well get good use out of it.

Need a bike? Make sure you know what to look for.

Groovy, retro bikes available at Linus Bike. Found via Oh Joy.

Wedding News Via RSS: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EarthFriendlyWeddings/~3/m0UPs88YgW0/vintage-style-bikes-make-for-eco.html

Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With:

Inspired by Dorothy Draper

September 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment


I’m in love with the Fall issue of Elegant bride, particularly the “Peak of Chic” article mid way through the magazine, inspired by the designs of Dorothy Draper. Draper was an amazing woman – she professionalized the field of interior design. Known for color combinations that were bold, vibrant and unusual for the time, checkerboard flooring and her signature “cabbage” chintz and stripes, Draper’s influence is often referred to as the “Draper touch.” Wouldn’t it be fun to add a dab of modern day “Draper touch” to a wedding? Think Kate Spade china, Cheree Berry invitations, touches of gold, an elegant, simple gown…oh so glamorous but totally fun and playful!

Wedding News Via RSS: http://brideslittlewhitebook.blogspot.com/2009/09/inspired-by-dorothy-draper.html

Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With:

Wedding Guest Book Idea – Use Use Vintage Post Cards!

September 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Spotted this idea yesterday: Have your guests write notes and well wishes to you on vintage post cards (or ones that work with your wedding day colors and style). Later, fill up an old photo album or scrap book them all together. This couple used an old blue type writer for show — the paper reads, “Please choose a post card and share your fond memories of the past, well wishes for the future, or a piece of marriage advice you’d like to pass along.”

Photo: Erin Hearts Court (ErinHeartsCourt.com/blog)

> Get more guest book ideas

Wedding News Via RSS: http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/blogs/wedding_style_file/archive/2009/09/23/wedding-guest-book-idea-use-use-vintage-post-cards.aspx

Filed Under: Weddings Canada Tagged With: ,
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