Saturday, December 24, 2011

Designer Wedding Dresses Making Your Dreams Come True

So you've said yes to the man you've always dreamed about and now the planning of the biggest day in your own life begins. There is certainly so much to do and plan, from the venue, to the cake, to the wedding guest list, the food and everything appears to be going well until you reach the portion where you need to get your gown.


In many instances, obtaining the perfect dress is often the cause of the greatest source of stress for brides. But this will no longer be the truth. Getting the dream dress is only a phone call away. By making your appointment you can get a specialist to assist you in choosing the dress that can make you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Be it the traditional style or something more modern, designer wedding dresses appeal to all tastes. You could have a dress with lace or satin, smooth and sleek or with ruffles and bows, no matter which your heart desires. You can even replace the color from the typical white to ivory, champagne or a pastel color. There will be a huge variety to choose from and no restrictions as to how many you would want to try on. No matter your size an ideal gown will be waiting for you and after you find it you will know that the verdict you have made is the one making your heart beat faster and preferably the groom's heart too on the special day.

Professional designer wedding dresses organizations stock all the designers available and will be able to customize the gown so that it will be a ideal fit to your shape. Should you be planning the big day inexpensively the professional will also be able to assist you to choose a dress that will help you to stay within your budget? When you have decided on the dream dress, it will be reserved for you and cleaned by professionals should it not be sparkling already. Then about a month before the wedding ceremony you will go for a final fitting where the dress will be customized to fit you perfectly. The organization will ensure that your dress is available two or three days before the wedding and a final fitting and check is done to make sure that all is ideal.

You'll have the option to purchase the dress or to rent; it will be your decision. Also a number of companies can request your dress to be designed tailored for you by the top designers who stock their dresses at the display room. Designer wedding dresses really are a dream come true and have seriously become more affordable so that everyone can now wear a beautiful gown that can make the big day a wonderful memory. You will have the chance to wear a top designers dress and absolutely spend the day feeling and looking wonderful. Don't forget as you walk down the church aisle that on account of a great company you might be pleasing your childhood dream of being a beautiful princess for the day.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Designer-Wedding-Dresses-Making-Your-Dreams-Come-True

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Expression Of The Bride And Groom's Personality Through The Use Of Wedding Cake Toppers

Congratulations, you just announced your marriage engagement! Now, so very much more excitement is in your immediate future as you plan for your big wedding day. My guess is you will receive a lot of friendly suggestions and advice from your circle of friends and family, especially from your mother and perhaps grandmother and/or sisters. Your future mother-in-law may also be a virtual treasure chest of ideas. It can quickly become a bit overwhelming trying to sort out exactly how you and your spouse envision your wedding day to unfold with so many well meaning, important people all trying to give you their friendly advice.


Family wedding traditions may be important to others, but may not necessarily be as important to you and your fiance'. Perhaps the two of you want to create whole new family traditions. The bottom line is that your wedding is exactly that; it is "Your Wedding Day!" The two of you must collectively make a myriad of decisions that work for each of you while expressing your individuality as a couple.

Of course, one of the many decisions most couples must make is what kind of wedding cake will they will have, as wedding cakes traditionally become the main centerpiece for wedding receptions. Additionally, how large does it need to be? How many people does it need to feed? Do you want a traditional tiered cake, a multilayer cake, or perhaps you prefer cupcakes? What flavor or flavors do you want in your cake? What kind of filling would you like between layers?

Finally, how do you want it decorated? Wedding cakes often have a layer of fondant or marzipan with decorations on top of this layer made from icing and/or sugar decorations. Do you want it decorated very simply or very ornately? Do you want a quirky decoration, or live flower decorations? Perhaps religious decorations will be the most meaningful to the two of you. Maybe you want your cake decorated with traditional monograms or other designs.

Wedding cake toppers provide a fabulous means of putting the final touch on the wedding cake. The wedding's theme can easily be incorporated by using a topper. What's more, the happy couple's personality can easily and uniquely be reflected through the use of a cake topper. Today many fabulous choices of toppers are available for every bride and groom. Designs include the whimsical, funny, and humorous; be themed, such as sports, hobbies, military, location, ethnicity; contemporary and traditional designs and figurines; and monograms. Many toppers can be mixed and matched, allowing couples personalization for their hair and/or skin color.

Couples today have an abundance of wedding cake toppers available to choose from like never before. Of course, a custom made topper is yet one more option (although more expensive) should they still not be able to find what they're looking for. Nevertheless, thanks to such a wide array of cake toppers readily available in these modern times, most couples will find it virtually impossible not to find an awesome wedding cake topper which uniquely expresses their personalities. Keep in mind that whichever wedding cake topper is ultimately chosen, it needs to work with the overall design of the cake.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Expression-Of-The-Bride-And-Grooms-Personality-Through-The-Use-Of-Wedding-Cake-Toppers

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Fall Wedding Decoration Ideas Using Pumpkins

It is heading toward fall and weddings of the season are being planned. Think about using pumpkins in your wedding decorations, food and treats.

Pumpkin wedding decorations can be causal and simple or rise to the occasion and be elegant, It is just in the way you use and decorate them.


Here are some ideas for your wedding reception decorations and other uses for pumpkins to make your day something beautiful to see and enjoy.

As an added bonus these decorations should be less expensive and fit into your wedding budget very well.

Use a pumpkin themed cloth for the guest book table, gift table and a buffet table if you are having one or use a fall colored cloth and arrange small pumpkins on the table itself.

You can probably find the cloths in discount stores or craft supply stores.

For the tables you can hollow out pumpkins in orange or white and carve hearts in them. Then place a votive candle in each one and there you go with a very festive fall look.

At each table fill a bowl with pumpkin candies as a treat centerpiece.

Instead of mints on the tables place brightly colored pumpkin shaped candies. It is a nice treat for the guests as they sit at the tables.

Another centerpiece idea is to arrange small pumpkins and gourds on a reflective mirror and add a few fall colored votive around the arrangement.

Get some attractive baskets and arrange small pumpkins and decorative gourds in them.

To make it more elegant you can choose to spray paint some of the gourds gold.

Thoroughly hollow out mini pumpkins or gourds and they become your Fall wedding table candle holders.

For an evening reception purchase pumpkin themed candle holders which I believe come in gold, white and orange, add appropriate colored candles. Place them at the center of the tables and scatter fall colored shiny confetti around them. They produce a romantic soft glow for the event.

Tie a wide fall colored ribbon around your guest chair and tie a small pumpkin securely into the bow at the back.

As a wedding favor give each guest a miniature pumpkin and have someone you might know who prints well paint your initials and wedding date on the little "guy".

Another fun wedding favor would be to create a small area at the reception as a "Pumpkin Patch" and invite the guests to take one at the end of the evening..

How would it be to serve pumpkin soup as part of your wedding offering?

Do a treats table with small slices of pumpkin pie, or cupcakes with pumpkin candies on top. Even pumpkin flavored muffins might "hit the spot."

Your pumpkin flavored wedding cake and frosted with a maple frosting then decorated with small pumpkins and autumn leaves made of stiff icing would be a delicious treat.

Favor bags printed with pumpkins, spice soap shaped as pumpkins, a variety of place cards to choose from and other favor ideas.

You need only to search the internet for more choices.

The ceremony area can benefit for using pumpkins, too.

On a table in the vestibule arrange some various sized pumpkins and on one of them paint the word "WELCOME."

They do have pumpkin-shaped ring bearer pillows which would be unique.

Have your flower girl carry a pumpkin shaped basket when tossing the flower petals in front of you.

There are many other pumpkin ideas for you to use just do your research. You need only to search the internet, look at magazines and don't forget your family and friends especially those you know who have creative talents.

I hope this starts your creative juices going and gives you some ideas as to how to make a simply pumpkin a wedding decoration of beauty, color and a reflection of your personality.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Fall-Wedding-Decoration-Ideas-Using-Pumpkins

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Weddings Are More Than a Celebration of a Couple's Love

Introduction

Wedding is that sacred occasion when two different people join together for the rest of their lives to love, trust, faith, respect, and cherish each other through all seasons of life. It is the ultimate expression of a loving commitment between a man and a woman to take care of each other, and to share all the joys that only a marriage can bring.


How wonderful it is to see two people who start out as strangers, then develop and nurture their relationship into something more intimate and serious. These two people may come to marriage with a mixture of good and bad experiences of love, but they intend to do everything to ensure that the other spouse would be happy throughout the marriage.

Weddings Are Not Just About Two People

Weddings not just bring two people together, but two families, two tribes, two villages, or even two countries. Weddings are all about the love between two people and the friends and family they share that love with.

Weddings exist in virtually every known human society. The wedding traditions and customs however, vary considerably in different countries and cultural contexts. The ceremonies and traditions may differ from place to place and from culture to culture, but there is one thing that is common in every wedding. That one thing is "love."

The atmosphere of a wedding reflects the love that the bride and groom feel for each other. The sweet distinct smell of the fresh flowers, the organ playing the deep tones of the wedding chorus, smiling faces of the family and friends, the groom anxiously awaiting his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding dress, the bride in a beautiful white dress, holding a bouquet of flowers walks down the aisle with her father, looking at his groom through the veil nervously and offering a smile, moving one step at a time to the beat of the organ, these are the memories that both bride and groom will cherish and hold for the rest of their lives.

A wedding is not just the ceremony of joining of hands but to join two hearts and two souls together. It is about merging of two lifestyles. It is the beginning of a happily ever after. From "Yes" to the "I Do's", every single moment of a wedding is touching.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions bring everyone together. It is a great way to catch up and reconnect with old friends, and share the joy of a wedding. To celebrate and share the joy that flows from the union of two hearts, beating as one. It is the strongest bond the world has ever known, a bond that lasts a lifetime.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Weddings-Are-More-Than-a-Celebration-of-a-Couples-Love

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Say Yes to a Wedding Dress That Looks Great on You

The perfect wedding gown; what every bride-to-be wants. After all, the dress is one of the (if not THE) focal point of the entire wedding. The perfect dress for one bride might be a huge mistake for another.

Your wedding dress is probably the most expensive piece of clothing you will ever buy and even though you'll wear it for such a short time, it will make more of a statement than anything else you ever wear, so take the time to find the one that's just right for you.


The selection of wedding gowns you'll have to choose from is overwhelming. One would think there's only so many ways to do white and frilly, but it doesn't take more than a passing glance through the bride magazines to know that's not true. Silk, organza, satin, polyester, even fine cotton; all can be fashioned into wedding gowns. And all that fabric can be configured into several different styles-princess, mermaid, pick-ups, Grecian, Victorian, royal elegance, simple country... Oh, and let's not forget the embellishments-pearls, sequins, crystal or glass beads, lace, tulle, rhinestones, ribbon, gossamer and even feathers.

So... when you are ready to actually shop for your dress, follow these tips for making the event a happy and memorable one. AND for choosing a wedding gown that will add to the already beautiful and radiant you.

    Take along a couple of trusted friends or family members; ones that will be honest but not overly critical.

    Don't get hung up on numbers-the size ones, that is. You will look much better in a dress that really fits than you will in a dress that is the size you think you need to be.

    Do consider the price of the gown. Set a price limit BEFORE you set out on 'the hunt' and stick with it! Yes, you want something you feel like a princess in, but you need to remember you'll only be wearing the gown for a few hours.

    Don't buy a wedding gown with the intentions/hopes of losing weight in order to fit into it. Just don't.

    Shop around. Take pictures of the dresses and you IN the dresses. That way you'll have something to go back to.

    Don't buy your gown too far ahead of time; six months maximum.

    Be realistic when it comes to what looks fabulous and what doesn't. Not every figure is made to wear every style of gown. Find a style, neckline and fabric that is flattering in all the right places on YOU! Again... take someone you trust along to help you decide.

As the mother of several daughters-all of whom are now married-I can tell you assuredly that when you take a look at yourself in THE dress, you'll know it. You'll just know it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Say-Yes-to-a-Wedding-Dress-That-Looks-Great-on-You

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Wedding Makeup for Dark Complexions and Dark Eyes

 The Right Makeup for Brides with Dark Complexions and Dark Eyes
By the time your wedding day arrives you probably have a pretty good idea of what colors look good on you when it comes to eye shadow and lipstick. But just in case you are one of those girls who don't bother with much more than mascara and lip gloss on a daily basis but want to step it up a notch for your wedding, here are a few tips on how to be a more polished and glamorous you-not Chuckles that clown in drag.


    Foundation is meant to even out the color and tone of your skin-not paint on a new one. If your skin is very dark, you might need to select a shade lighter than your actual skin. Use a light, oil-free product that glides on effortlessly. And remember that less is more. A little goes a long way.

    Brows are meant to be left in their natural state-not plucked away and then painted on. Just neaten them up and let them follow their natural line. If you need to, fill in the spaces by smudging with a brow pencil the same color as your brows.

    Cream blush is best for all skin types and colors. Cream goes on more evenly, stays in place and doesn't fade. Darker complexions generally do better with peaches and corals. Apply sparingly and blend well. Remember... Chuckles lives under the big top.

    Eye shadow colors most suitable are browns and tans as well as copper and gold tones. A great way to make your eyes appear brighter and larger is to apply a bit of gold shadow on the inside corners of your eyes. If a bit more color is what you have in mind, pinks also work well on people with dark skin. And since this is a special occasion, a light dusting of shimmer on your just under the brow will give you a bit of extra glow. Be careful, though, too much glitter reflects off the flash of the photographer's camera.

    Eyeliner and mascara should be black and WATERPROOF. Liner is applied in a fine line on both upper and lower lash lines and mascara applied to curled lashes; a layer of lengthening and a layer of lash-thickening to top lashes and a single layer of lengthening to the lower lashes.

    Glossy, kissable lips in reds, burgundies or coffee colors look best. Be sure to line your lips to avoid 'bleeding' and do a double take in the mirror just before you go to meet your groom to make sure your teeth aren't wearing any of it.

    Finish off with a blotting paper. Loose powder is optional, but when applied lightly, sets everything in place.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Wedding-Makeup-for-Dark-Complexions-and-Dark-Eyes

Monday, November 21, 2011

To The Layman: Why Is Wedding Photography So Expensive?

There are 2 kinds of people in the world. Those who know the going rate for wedding photography, and those who don't. Those who do usually gasp and be amazed at the prices they rake in per wedding, and soon after go on their daily lives. For those who don't, now is the cue to do the above. Wedding photography can cost up to US$3,000- $10,000, depending on the experience of the photographer.


The upper limits often put people in awe of how much these wedding photos cost, after all it was all in a day's work. But is it really just a day's work? More often than not, what people fail to see is the sheer amount of hard work required to prepare for the big day (yes, it is the photographer's big day as well) and the work that follows. Those au naturale shots you see? Not without the hours of effort from the photographer on end.

Weddings were never an inexpensive affair to begin with. From the caterer, to the DJ, to the venue - all these sum up to a substantial amount of money. For the uninitiated, today we shall unravel the mystery as to why these esteemed bunch of photographers deserve the amount they are quoting.

Wedding photography is no walk in the park, that you should already know by now. Work begins even before the wedding day starts. Photographers have to ready their equipment, which does not come cheap. Just the camera for example, is at $2,500 a pop. Photographers usually have a back-up just in case of a malfunction of the first. Not to mention other special equipment such as lenses for different scenes and situations, extra battery and memory card backups etc.

At the wedding itself, the photographer devotes 6-10 hours of his day (on a weekend, no less) to capturing the essence of the event of your lifetime. Anyone who has been through a day of wedding would have no problems seeing how demanding and stressful it is for anyone who is not a guest. Other than having to be on standby for planned shots, the photographer also has to be on the lookout for great candid shots that would mark the occasion and emotions for the newly-weds and their guests for years to come. That we are talking about non-stop, hardly any breaks kind of back-breaking work. If the client's pockets are deep enough, the photographer might have some to spare for an assistant photographer.

The event does not end there for the photographer. What happens behind the closed doors of the photography studio is the photographer crouched over the computer, editing the images so that your eyes are not half-closed or your beloved little cousin is not making a face at the group shot. And contrary to popular belief, perfecting a photo does not take the same time as snapping your fingers. It takes time, and a lot at that.

So, let's summarize what has the photographer has done to deserve the top dollar. First, there is the preparation stage where he has to spend time making sure he has all the necessary equipment (and beg, steal or borrow if he doesn't have it). Time is also required to create a shot list, and coordination if the couple requires some must-have shots of their guests. If the wedding venue is somewhere unfamiliar, it would also help if the photographer could conduct a recce of the place to seek out the good photo spots. Without stating the obvious, the photographer gets busy again after the actual event, going into post-processing of the pictures to create that perfect album in your eyes. ALL of that - takes time.

Other than your wedding favours, wedding photos are the only other souvenirs you bring home to remind you of your beautiful nuptials forever. Surely you do not want to compromise on this just to pinch that few pennies? Pick a wedding photographer whom you can trust and just relax, and focus on being the happy bride or groom you are supposed to be at your wedding.

http://ezinearticles.com/?To-The-Layman:-Why-Is-Wedding-Photography-So-Expensive?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Want to Look Stunning in Your Bridal Lehenga Choli? How to Choose One to Wear on Your Big Day

One of the most colorful and traditional wedding ceremonies involve Indian brides and grooms. India in general is a country which is chock full of colorful traditions and rich cultural events. Unlike church weddings in Western countries which are a bit more formal, Indian weddings are grand celebrations where 50 to 100 guests or even more participate. There's dancing, pre-wedding and post-wedding ceremonies, and the wedding ceremony itself is fun yet solemn and fully traditional.


How to Choose the Right Lehenga Choli to Wear

One of the reasons why Indian festivals and weddings are ultra-colorful is the garments worn by both men and women. Indian brides in particular are very traditional when it comes to what they are wearing during formal occasions like weddings and grand festivals. Even Western women and females from other parts of the world tend to wear Indian-inspired garments due to their sheer beauty, elegance and brightness in color.

If you are a bride who is planning what to wear during her traditional Indian wedding ceremony, for example, a type of garment that you can don is the bridal Lehenga Choli. Worn as early as the ancient times, colorful Lehenga Cholis are the go-to outfits of most brides. When worn with the right set of accessories, these beautiful garments are definitely the best way for women to make a fashion statement.

When choosing which Lehenga Choli garment to wear, here is a quick look at the factors that you need to consider:

What material is the garment made of?

Just as it is when choosing any type of clothing item, it is a must for you to be selective in choosing the material that you are going to wear on your wedding. Lehenga Cholis are usually made from silk although the accessories are made from a light, georgette material which is used to make scarves or veils.

How about the color and pattern of the fabric?

Red and yellow are dominant colors for Indian brides, although you can also go for unusual bridal shades like blue, green, gold, orange, etc. Most fabrics of Indian women's clothes are floral in nature although some also have elegant abstract patterns.

Which style will best suit your personality and the occasion?

Modern Lehenga Choli designs are made to suit the bodies of modern Indian women. Take your pick from garments which have A-line skirts, fishtail or mermaid skirts, circular skirts or straight-cut skirts.

How about the cut of the bodice?

Depending on the amount of skin that you are comfortable showing, you can choose Lehenga Choli designs which are close fitting with long, short or half sleeves. There are even designs which allow women to bare their midriffs but without taking away from the tradition of wearing quite conservative Indian women's clothes.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Want-to-Look-Stunning-in-Your-Bridal-Lehenga-Choli?-How-to-Choose-One-to-Wear-on-Your-Big-Day

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Unusual Wedding Transport Option - A Helicopter!

With so many options available how do you choose your wedding transport? Will you be going to the church in a Rolls Royce or Bentley? Perhaps a friend has a top of the range Mercedes that you may be able to borrow! Don't forget that if you have a large wedding dress that needs a lot of space, you will need to make sure it will fit in your wedding transport!


There are the more traditional modes of transport with horse drawn carriages still a very popular choice. Obviously all of this really depends on budgets that are available. A horse drawn carriage or classic car tends to be the most expensive option and can prove unreliable! After all a vehicle that was designed and built many years ago will have a tendency to break down, even though the companies that keep these cars, keep them in pristine condition and no expense spared on servicing and maintenance. Obviously the same could be said for a horse as an animal has a mind of its own and will use it. This occasionally leads to issues, as the old saying goes you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink!

Have you considered something different? Steer away from the norm and choose a wild and wacky way to arrive at the venue! We asked our brides how they intended to get their wedding venue and our favourite response was a helicopter! Wow, imagine the look on your friends faces if you arrived in a helicopter! Although still a rare option this is becoming increasingly popular in country estates and old manor houses (where there is room to land). As you would imagine this is a relatively expensive option but how cool would you look flying off into the sunset together after the big day for a quick flight before the evening do?

There are however a number of things to check before you book a helicopter. Where is it going to land? What are the costs to land? If you are landing at the property that you are getting married they will often waive the costs. Flights are often sold per hour and range in cost between £500 - £1,000 per hour. This may sound expensive but bear in mind how fast you will be able to get there in a helicopter! Most people have time left over and many companies will allow you to use this time to have a pleasure flight to see the local sights, or perhaps to transport you to the evening venue.

Don't forget about your photographer! If you arrange to meet your photographer before the wedding, you may need to let them leave before you do otherwise you will beat them to the venue and they will miss the magical shots of the landing and you stepping out in your stunning wedding dress! Last but not least remember to have a back up plan! If the weather is not suitable the helicopter will not be able to take off. So a car on standby might not be such a bad idea! If the weather does turn against you most helicopter companies will allow you use your time at a later date.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Unusual-Wedding-Transport-Option---A-Helicopter!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Jewish Wedding Traditions

Often times we forget that within the borders of our country are many different cultures and religions-especially when it comes to a wedding. Among the most beautiful and tradition-steeped is the Jewish wedding. The history and symbolism behind a Jewish wedding ceremony is rich and meaningful. Even if you aren't Jewish, it is still interesting to read and understand the meaning behind what takes place for a young Jewish couple to become husband and wife.

Prior to the wedding an engagement contract called a Ketubah is signed by two witnesses. The contract outlines the husband's responsibilities to the wife; financially, physically and emotionally. It even goes so far as to outline what provision he will make in the event of his death. The Ketubah is taken very seriously by the Jewish community and once signed cannot be broken. It's also interesting to note that the Ketubah is written and designed in to almost be a work of art which is often framed and hung in the home of the couple.

Kabbalat Panim is the term used for keeping the bride and groom apart the day of their wedding (and sometimes even up to a week prior to the day). Protestant weddings also observe this tradition and that of the Shomer (best man) and Shomeret (maid of honor) keeping the bride and groom calm, comfortable and as stress-free as possible in the hours leading up to the actual ceremony.

The Jewish bride and groom have individual pre-ceremonies. These ceremonies are called Kabbalat Panim. The groom's is called a Tisch. These ceremonies are attended by men and women respectfully and the couple is treated like royalty in every way possible. The next event to take place is the Bedecken. This ceremonial act requires the groom to be escorted from his Tisch with music and dancing to where the bride is waiting for him. When he arrives he places the veil over her face. This is to allow the groom to view his bride just prior to the marriage to insure he is marrying the woman he desires to. This stems from the deception Jacob was subjected to when he unknowingly married Leah instead of her sister, Rachel-the woman that he truly loved (Genesis 29:23).

After the veil is in place, the groom enters the room in which the ceremony will take place and takes his place under the Chuppah-a canopy to represent the new home the couple will make together. The bride is then escorted into the room and takes her place beside her husband to be. Some Jewish communities require the bride to circle the groom seven times; symbolic of many Biblical teachings.

The first part of the ceremony begins with a cup of wine. This is called the Kiddushin. It is the rabbi's blessing of the marriage and is followed by the exchanging of wedding rings. Next comes the reading of the Katubah by the groom, who then hands it to his bride. The couple are now officially husband and wife. But the ceremony continues with a second cup of wine and the Nissuin, or reading of the seven blessings. This is followed by the familiar breaking of a glass by the groom in front of the rabbi and guests with a shout of 'Mazel Tov'.

The first thing the newly married couple does is Yihud. This is when the newlyweds are allowed some time in seclusion together before the celebration begins. What most call the wedding reception is called aSimchat Chatan V'Kallah in the Jewish community. It can be a sit-down meal or something resembling a cultural festival. Lots of music and dancing will be present, you can be sure-including the Horah circle dance.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Jewish-Wedding-Traditions

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Having an Outdoor Weddings

The pros and cons of having an outdoor wedding...

Depending on where you live, 3 of the 4 seasons allow brides to at least entertain the thought of getting married outdoors. But before you get your heart set on saying 'I do' with nothing more than the big blue sky overhead, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

- Having an alternative plan is a must. Weddings require weeks, if not months, of preparation. There's no way to predict the weather for a particular day that far in advance, so having an alternate location is essential. Your alternative location, including address, needs to be included on the invitation, too.

- You need to accommodate your guests' needs in regards to shade, bathroom facilities, parking, and convenience of getting to and from the seating area. Is it possible for guests with handicaps or limitations to attend without complications?

-Will your location have a building or room for a tent for the wedding party to get ready in? Or will you arrive ready to walk down the aisle?

-Will you hold the reception in the same location or somewhere else? If 'somewhere else' is the answer to this question, how convenient is your location to your reception area? Will guests be driving across town, several miles away, or forget it and go home?

-What happens to deposits made on either the outdoor location or alternative-depending on which one you use? Will you forfeit any monies paid for the one not used?

-What about wedding vendors; the florist, caterer, etc. Will they know where to go?

Outdoor weddings do take some extra planning, but they're not something to be discounted. An outdoor wedding can be absolutely beautiful-and there are just as many pro's as there are con's to having one...

-Outdoor weddings usually eliminate the need for flowers and other decorations. Most outdoor venues come 'wedding ready'.

-Outdoor wedding venues usually tend to be able to accommodate more people. All you have to do is make sure there are plenty of chairs.

-Outdoor weddings are often a bit less formal. This allows you to go a bit more casual with the reception decor, food served and other such items.

If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, then by all means, do so. It's your day. Just be sure you think ahead, have a 'plan b', and know that if you have to use it, you won't be any less happily married.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Having-an-Outdoor-Weddings

Monday, October 17, 2011

Say Your "I Dos" in a Gorgeous Bridal Lehenga Choli

The minute that your significant other pops the question and you tearfully say yes, what comes next? It usually has something to do with planning the 1,001 details involved with the wedding. One of the major decisions that you need to make is which bridal dress it is that you are going to wear to look your best on your big day. If you are planning a traditional Indian wedding, for example, one of the most popular options that most brides go for is wearing the bridal Lehenga Choli.


Worn during Indian wedding ceremonies and festivities, Lehenga Choli is an outfit consisting of a Lehenga, Dupatta and a tight choli. A choli is a blouse which bares a woman's midriff when worn. It is the base of most Indian outfits including the Indian Sari costume. Lehenga is a type of long, pleated or embroidered skirts; while a Dupatta completes the Lehenga Choli. This type of garment is made with different types of materials like:

    Brocade
    Chiffon
    Cotton
    Crape
    Khadi
    Net
    Satin
    Silk

Silk, however, is still the most preferred material. Embroidery work, beading and other embellishments are added to the garment to make it even more beautiful.

Now, if you are in the process of choosing which Lehenga Choli bridal style to wear on your big day, one of the top things that you need to consider is your body type. Just as it is with every bride, women have different body types and instead of focusing on your flaws, it does pay to choose the right style of Lehenga Choli to wear so that you can look your best on your big day.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can choose the right style to wear based on your body type:

For tall women.

For tall women, modern Lehenga Choli styles like ones with A-line, straight cut or mermaid skirts would elongate your body even more.

For petite women.

For women who are slender but are not that tall, almost any cut of the skirt for the Lehenga Choli should look good on them.

For pear-shaped women.

Pear-shaped women are those with a heavier lower body and narrower torso. If you fall under this category, choose designs which help disguise your hips, thighs and buttocks while accentuating the upper portion of your body.

For apple-figured women.

Apple-figured women are the opposite of pear shaped women. They have heavier bust lines and a narrower bottom. Instead of going for midriff-baring Lehenga Choli designs, choose ones which have a more fitted top and a loose, flowing bottom to balance out your shape.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Say-Your-I-Dos-in-a-Gorgeous-Bridal-Lehenga-Choli

Wedding Registry: 101

The wedding gift registry can be one of the most exciting things about getting married. It may seem overwhelming to pick out every single thing that will be part of your new home, but here are a few wedding registry tips to make the process easier.


When can I start to register for my wedding?

You'll want to have an idea of what you need and want before you go "shopping," so it's a good idea to start thinking about your registry shortly after your engagement. Put it on your wedding checklist as a priority task, and make sure to have your registry completed before your first bridal shower so people know where to shop for gifts.

How many places should I register?

Couples will register at anywhere from one to four stores. Be sure to allow for a variety of gift options, but don't overwhelm your guests by registering at too many retailers. Try to register at stores that offer online shopping to make things more convenient for guests. But remember not all of your guests may use the computer so don't make your wedding registry purely online.

Regardless of where you register, be sure to select items at a variety of price points so all of your guests will find a gift they're comfortable purchasing.

What do I need to register for?

It's important to take an inventory of what you already have, what needs to be updated, what you really want, and what you'll need later. For example, even if you're not hosting a lot of dinner parties now, consider that at some point you might, and you'll want to be prepared with good china, servingware, etc.

You can even choose to register for donations to your honeymoon fund or house payment. If this is something you're interested in doing, you should still consider creating at least one traditional registry at a store, as not everyone is comfortable giving money as a gift. Plus it's always nice to have something tangible to open!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Wedding-Registry:-101

Friday, October 14, 2011

Top Tips For Writing A Best Man's Speech

Getting ready

Do your research. No speech is improved by getting basic facts wrong, whether that's about how the groom and bride met, the names of their respective family members, or the name of their pooch. Similarly, even the most experienced speakers - in fact, especially the most experienced speakers - ensure that their speeches are structured. Again, preparation is all. There is no disadvantage in sitting down well in advance and thinking about what you'd like to say, relying on the ability to 'wing it' will rarely work. Write a draft; refine your draft; then run this past a friend whose judgement you value. Finally, once you are happy with the speech, write it up on flash cards so that you are equipped on the day itself.


Practice makes perfect
There is no substitute for rehearsal. Most best men are not regular public speakers, and so they are novices who are making a speech in an extremely emotional and very public forum. This is a very high-pressure debut, even for the most confident character. So start running through your speech well in advance of the big day. Start in front of your bathroom mirror if that's where you're comfortable! The idea is to familiarise yourself with your words. Once you feel happy and confident with the basic speech, you should graduate to running through it in front of a friend. Again, leave yourself plenty of time for this stage, as this is your chance to use their input to hone your performance. Listen to their comments and incorporate them!

Timing is all

Traditionally, the wedding breakfast format has run: ceremony; photographs; reception; dinner; then speeches and dancing. However, more and more weddings now feature the speeches before dinner starts. If you can persuade the happy couple to consider this option, it has real advantages for the nervous best man. Your audience is already in the mood - they've had the ceremony, and some refreshments at the reception - so you're not speaking to an unreceptive group. However, no one is too drunk, meaning no boisterous heckling, and more importantly you can get the speech done early in proceedings. Then you can relax and enjoy the rest of the celebrations, and that includes a glass or three of champagne.

Humour

Lastly, a word on humour. There is a premium on the best man's speech being a comic turn. This leads to often ill-advised jokes scattered seemingly at random through the speech. If you are not naturally a comic genius - and how many of us are? then avoid this temptation. This is where thought and practice are at a premium. Use the support of your chosen friend and take their advice. Learn a couple of set piece jokes if necessary, and remember - you are not delivering a speech to a party conference or a sermon. Your best man's speech can be short but sweet, and better that than remembered for all the wrong reasons.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Tips-For-Writing-A-Best-Mans-Speech

Monday, October 10, 2011

Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Party

One of the first tasks on your wedding checklist should be selecting the members of your wedding party. While this may seem like a fun part of planning, remember to choose wisely: There are actual responsibilities involved with being a bridesmaid or groomsman. Your best friend from college may seem like a fun bridesmaid, but will she be available and willing to complete all her tasks? Here are some things to consider when choosing your wedding party.


Maid/Matron of Honor

The maid or matron of honor (she's a matron if she's married and a maid if she's not) can easily end up with the most responsibility in the wedding party (save for the bride and groom). Her number one responsibility is keeping the bride calm and cool both during the planning process and on the wedding day. Some of her many other tasks may include organizing the bridal shower and bachelorette party, assisting with pre-wedding errands and projects (such as wedding dress shopping, helping design the wedding website, invitation addressing, etc.), and wedding day responsibilities such as coordinating the bridesmaids, signing the marriage license, and giving a toast at the reception.

Best Man

The groom may be tempted to choose the biggest party animal in his group of pals to be his best man, as he is head of the bachelor party planning committee. However, the best man is also responsible for keeping the groom on schedule throughout the wedding day, as well as giving the first toast at the reception. He will also hold onto the wedding bands for the ceremony, and may be asked to give remaining payments and gratuities to the wedding vendors.

Bridesmaids

In addition to helping the bride get ready for the big day, and attending and helping to organize the showers and bachelorette party, bridesmaids also serve as backup for the maid/matron of honor. Bridesmaids should be available for dress shopping, to help out with DIY wedding projects, and to share any advice the bride needs.

Groomsmen

Although most men think their only task as a groomsman is to help plan a bachelor party for their buddy, there is a bit more to it. The groomsmen generally act as ushers before the ceremony - distributing programs and escorting guests to their seats.

Ring Bearers and Flower Girls

The youngest members of the wedding party walk down the aisle just before the bride. The ring bearer carries a small decorative pillow with the wedding rings (or fake rings, just in case). The flower girl may carry a basket of petals, scattering them as she walks. Small children always look cute dressed up in their fanciest attire, but make sure the kids in your wedding can handle the responsibility of walking down the aisle and sitting through the ceremony (or come up with an escape route for them before the vow begin).

Wedding planning can be stressful, but the right bridesmaids and groomsmen can help make the process easier and more fun. Just remember to consider the responsibilities of each role before you choose the members of your wedding party.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-Choosing-Your-Wedding-Party

Friday, October 7, 2011

Asian Wedding Themes: Soothing, Sophisticated and Exotic

Asian themed weddings have become quite popular these days. The understated elegance of Asian décor can create a wedding celebration that is visually stunning. Simple, soothing and sophisticated, Asian décor also offers a touch of the exotic, a combination that has proven irresistible to many couples who wish to create a wedding look and atmosphere that is beyond the ordinary. Read on for a few tips on giving your event a bit of traditional Asian flair.


Whether your wedding will be a daytime event or an evening one, no Asian themed wedding would be complete without paper lanterns. Whether you choose mini lanterns as elements of your centerpieces or as specialty wedding favors, or large paper lanterns to serve as your primary reception lighting, lanterns are an indispensable detail of Asian wedding décor. And, no matter your wedding color scheme, you'll want to have at least a few red lanterns scattered about, since red is the color of luck in the Chinese tradition.

Fans are another must-have item for an Asian wedding theme. Decorative silk or sandalwood fans certainly lend an Asian feel when they are incorporated into the wedding décor. They can be used as table decorations, in centerpieces, placed around your guest book or given to your guests as wedding favors. Wedding programs can be printed on paper fans, and napkins can be folded into fan shape to add flair to your reception place settings. Traditional Asian fans can be purchased in a variety of sizes and can be found in an array of colors and patterns to suit any wedding color scheme.

Parasols make wonderful accent pieces in an Asian themed wedding. They can be used as decorations along the wedding aisle or carried by bridesmaids to add a colorful, exotic touch to the ceremony. As part of your reception décor, large paper parasols can be hung from the ceiling, or miniature ones used as table decorations. They can be purchased in bright, bold colors or more subtle shades, as well as in a variety of patterns.

Bamboo is traditionally included in wedding décor in some Asian cultures. Live bamboo plants scattered about as accents is a great way to use bamboo at your wedding, or use bamboo place card holders on your reception tables. Another great way to incorporate bamboo into your celebration is to give bamboo picture frames, coasters or bookmarks to your guests. Any of these items make lovely Asian wedding favors to compliment your wedding theme.

Other details that can help create just the right atmosphere at an Asian themed wedding are water features, such as small, battery operated fountains or decorative bowls with floating candles, lotus flowers, orchids or cherry blossoms. Elephants, in some Asian cultures, symbolize happiness, luck and longevity, and are traditional additions to the wedding celebration as décor elements or Asian wedding favors.

With a little imagination and research, you can put together all the elements you need for a beautiful Asian themed wedding. Whether you lean towards Chinese, Japanese or Indian elements, or a combination of them all, the simple elegance of Asian style décor is sure to set a lovely, romantic scene for your wedding celebration.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Asian-Wedding-Themes:-Soothing,-Sophisticated-and-Exotic

Friday, September 23, 2011

Indian Designer Sarees Add Meaning in Wedding Season

No matter who wears a saree, a touch of femininity and a sense of elegance are highlighted and portrayed. Women who are fascinated with the idea of wearing their most preferred saree looks effortlessly gorgeous when they finally wear one.


This is because designer sarees are crafted and designed intricately to make every woman look stunning especially on their wedding day. Wearing designer sarees has been a long time tradition in India and Indian wedding dresses are known for their salient styles and finish. Plus, the opportunity to exhibit exquisiteness and glamour at the same time can be achieved when you include a saree in your wardrobe.

Designer Sarees Open New Possibilities

At present, Indian designers and fashion inventors regard designer sarees with significance. There is no question that every saree designed sets trend and the wedding sarees designers are gaining more dignity. Genius designers gather and put their designs together to come up with an outstanding saree design that will set a new milestone in all Indian saree collections.

The creativity that is emphasized in every saree is seen in Bollywood films to promote and push quality designs that will add new meaning and fresh ideas in wedding couture. So, when Bollywood movies include the wearing of a specific design of saree, a new option of possibility is revealed.

The Famous saree Designers to Look Out For

Sabyasachi, Shantanu-Nikhil, Ritu Kumar, and Tarun Tahiliani are four of the most prominent designers of designer sarees. And if there are professional amateurs to also look out for, they are Manish Malhotra, Neeta Lulla, and Vikram Phadnis. Their contributions in setting a new trend and style in creating and crafting sarees collection are notable.

If you want to become informed about the latest additions in every saree collection, you can check out bridal dresses designs that have carefully draped and pre-stitched sarees. The lehenga sarees have also created an impact as it dominates the fashion runways that highlight the newest collections this wedding season.

Creative Ideas for Your Designer Sarees

If you welcome the idea of experimenting and wearing unique sarees that feature rare patterns, textures, and designs, explore the saree bridal wear market more. Then, you will be immersed with the different parts of saree designing and tailoring. It will be safe to admit that designer sarees are the results of an art making that has definitely captured the interests of fashion savvy people from across the world.

At present, new designs and cuts and artistic look are dominating the fashion scenes in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, France, and Australia. And if you will learn more about the plethora of collections and designs of designer sarees, you will become more particular with the fabrics and accessories to be used in finishing a specific saree.

Finally, go for finely-tuned sarees that are embroidered carefully to enhance the beauty of the saree. And if you want to add personal touch, you can use pearls, sequins, rhinestones and other precious stones to make your saree a complete treasure. Then, you have to be specific with your motif as well to make everything well-polished.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Indian-Designer-Sarees-Add-Meaning-in-Wedding-Season

Monday, September 19, 2011

Top Wedding Flowers

Flowers make a statement about your wedding, making the perfect wedding flower an absolute must. With so many choices available, picking the perfect buds for your big day can be a daunting task. Color, size, scent, and style are just a few of the many things you should consider when shopping for the flowers for your wedding.


While there are literally hundreds of different flowers for you to choose from, three classic choices always stand out. The Rose, the tulip, and the calla lily are among the most popular and elegant wedding flowers available.

Roses are the go-to flower for any couple hoping to exude love and passion for one another. Beautiful and elegant, the rose is the most common wedding flower. It has earned that popularity by being diverse, affordable, and fragrant. Roses are available in a multitude of colors, scents, and sizes.

The different rose colors often signify different things. For example, a red rose represents love, a white rose means purity, and a yellow rose means friendship and caring. Many brides and planners will coordinate table settings and boutonnieres with the selected wedding colors, but will choose specific colors for the bouquet based on the meaning behind the color.

Tulips are commonly associated with Spring, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Many people are unaware that tulips also have a long history of representing all things love. Very similar to roses, the various colors of tulips have different meanings. While tulips are commonly known for pastel colors and often associated with Easter, they actually come in a wide array of colors. This diversity makes it easy to blend tulips on with different wedding themes, or to make them the star of the bouquet or centerpiece. Tulips also range from quite common to very rare with something to offer even the pickiest of brides.

Calla Lilies are long, elegant flowers that enhance any arrangement. While many brides feel that calla lilies are reserved for more sophisticated affairs, these versatile flowers can fit in, and even shine, at any wedding. These beautiful flowers range from dark purple, all the way to the more commonly seen ivory. These flowers also come in varying degrees of size, allowing for their use in table settings as well as bouquets. These flowers can be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but if you find them in the right season they are very affordable.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Wedding-Flowers

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Why You Shouldn't Buy Secondhand or Hire Your Wedding Dress

When you decide to get married it soon becomes apparent that making that life long commitment to one another can be very expensive. Many couples will work out a wedding budget and devise a breakdown of the costings for each item, often allowing more to certain features of the day that they consider to be more important and special to them. This could be anything from having a venue that they have fallen in love with, choosing an amazing wedding dress, allowing more for some unique photography or to allow some extra cash for some bespoke wedding rings.


One particular item that is of importance, especially to the bride is her wedding dress. This is often an item that is a struggle to compromise on. In the groom's eyes he may find it difficult to comprehend why you would desire to spend several thousand pounds on an item of clothing that you will only get to wear the once, whilst for the bride this dress is usually the one item of clothing she has been dreaming of wearing and fantasizing of ever since she was a little girl.

Some brides will seek to cut back on the cost of her wedding dress by choosing to hire her bridal wear for the day or possibly look to purchase a second hand wedding gown. This may initially appear to be the alternative in saving money however there are many negatives in choosing this option. It is becoming less common to hire a wedding dress as it is simply not cost effective. By the time you have paid the hire and dry cleaning costs and had any alterations done the price will have soared, there is often very little choice of wedding dress styles for you to select from too. Likewise if you purchase a pre-loved dress online you can't be certain that when it actually arrives you will like it, it will fit you or will even be in good enough condition to wear it again. Think again if you are looking at purchasing a brand new dress from overseas. There are many horror stories of brides thinking they are getting a bargain of a dress from websites when in fact they are unlawfully using advertising photos from leading designers. The dresses if they actually arrive at all have been known to be dirty, cheaply made and of very poor quality bearing no resemblance to the picture at all.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Shouldnt-Buy-Secondhand-or-Hire-Your-Wedding-Dress

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Family Friendly Bachelorette Party Ideas

Bachelorette Parties are growing popular in America with brides considerably favoring the idea of spending a day with their friends before tying the knot of eternal bliss. A Bachelorette Party is just a way to celebrate the last days of spinsterhood. However, with the very notion of a Bachelorette Party, many conclude it to be a night of drunken debauchery where girls go wild doing not so acceptable things. Contrary to this regard, a Bachelorette Party is just a platform for having fun and the mode of entertainment can be quite family friendly as well.


In fact majority of brides opt for family friendly Bachelorette Parties to celebrate their female bonding. They make sure that their selection of entertainment techniques should be fun filling and should not "embarrass, humiliate, or endanger the honoree of any of the guests." As quoted by etiquette expert Peggy Post.

Taking the cue, some fabulous Bachelorette Party Ideas are mentioned below, which can be referred if you are planning for one.

A Day Out: You can simply go out to spend quality times with your friends. A lot many events can scheduled up for the entire day. As you're planning the day for the entertainment of your guests of honors, so list out those events that your friends will prefer. Like, you can take them for the latest movie release followed by a good lunch in a nice place. Next, you all can go for shopping in some big mall, which is guaranteed to be fun; end up gifting them, something of their choice. For the evening, a decent pub will be the right choice to enjoy best wine, light music and quality time. Other options are like go skating; opera; visit some water park; go for relaxing spa treatments, etc. In this day out, you can also invite your relatives as the modes of entertainments are all family friendly.

A Perfect Sleepover: Invite your best buddies, relatives and family friends for a sleep over. The idea of sleepover is just like a pajama party, where the priorities are not to look good or to have good food, wine, music etc but to have unlimited fun only. All friends in pajamas can hop up to the bed and talk late night about the bygone years, gossip about the un-invited friends or do what so ever is entertaining. Here, a few hours can be dedicated to a supper comedy movie or some real hot scary one. Midnight feasts of instant noodles, pizzas, burgers will be great to complete the party. Your sleepover has to be matured and different from the teen age sleepovers, so you can try out giving individual testimonials to each of you friends and hope to get the same in return as well.

Fun with Sports: For a family friendly Bachelorette Party, having fun with different types of sports is a good option. Scavenger Hunt can be the most preferred idea. Here, even your young flower girls can participate. Scavenger hunt can be prepared based on different themes associated with marriage or honeymoon. Other sports can be water sports in some water park around or music chair, rain dance, etc.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Family-Friendly-Bachelorette-Party-Ideas

Friday, September 2, 2011

The History Of Your Wedding Dress

When planning your wedding, although there is an incredibly long list of things to do both big and small, but luckily the big things are actually quite few in number. You need a venue, a caterer, a wedding photographer, a cake, wedding outfits and some flowers. Those are the big spends, so you know once you have got those sorted out, you're almost done. Interestingly, many of the decisions you are making for your wedding have years of history and tradition behind them. In particular, most of us know that brides haven't always worn a white wedding dress, but do you know when it started and why?


Before Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, women usually got married in their best dress, whatever colour it was. After the Queen's wedding to Albert of Saxe-Coburg when she chose a white dress rather than the traditionally royal colour silver, the wedding dress colour of choice gradually became white. In fact by 1849 a popular book on etiquette was already saying that "Custom has decided, from the earliest ages, that white is the most fitting hue," so it was already attaining the status of a tradition despite being a relatively new trend! It was already being described as symbolising the purity and innocence of the bride.

Despite this new tradition many brides simply could not afford to buy a new dress, or even the fabric to make one, just for their wedding day. Particularly not in such an impractical colour as white! The majority continued to celebrate their marriage in their best Sunday frock. When the Industrial Revolution hit, and department stores started arriving in towns, it began to be possible for the average woman to buy a new dress for her wedding, and knowing it was traditional, they often chose white.

Nowadays, while women still feel that white is traditional, you can get married in anything you want! Traditionally styled wedding dresses come in a range of colours from the subtley off white shades of ivory or cream, through a variety of pastel shades, to more daring bold colours, even red and black. My wedding dress was gold and I certainly felt like a princess wearing it. It is important to wear something that makes you feel special, whatever colour it is, but you should also consider the theme of your wedding and the venue (you don't want your dress to clash with the carpet!), as well as how photographic your wedding dress is. If possible, discuss your ideas with your wedding photographer. White dresses look stunning in black and white photographs, but dramatically coloured dresses obviously look better in colour. The colour of your dress may also affect the type of lighting your photographer chooses.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-Of-Your-Wedding-Dress

Monday, August 15, 2011

Bling Wedding Ideas

You Ain't got a Thing if you Ain't got some Bling.

Flowers, lace, music, glitz and glam; these are the things a fairy-tale wedding are made of. Oh, and don't forget the bling!

Bling-the word for anything shiny and eye-catching; the perfect compliments to a day already filled with beauty. And the best part? It doesn't cost much to get the bling-effect many brides want.


For the ceremony, consider filling the stage or area where the bride and groom will say their vows with 'oceans' of tulle that has been a) sprayed with gold or silver glitter b) sprinkled with sequins of silver or gold or c) embedded with twinkling lights.

Other stunning effects:

    Having the flower girl sprinkle synthetic white feathers with sequins on them

    Placing an archway at the front of the church for the couple to stand under that has been wrapped in twinkling lights and shimmery fabric

    Use gossamer sprayed with glitter to form a canopy over the bride and groom accented by large gold silk flower arrangements in clear glass or white milk glass vases.

    Fill the church with gold and silver candles which have been placed on mirrors to reflect the light.

    Gold, silver, bronze or jeweled colored dresses for the bridal party are stunning against a background of twinkly lights and/or sequins.

Moving on to the reception...

    Gold or silver table clothes and table service. Why not use both; silver table cloths with gold table service or vice versa.
    Place gold or silver candles on mirrors in the center of each table and sprinkle large 'crystals' or 'gems' around them.
    Fill the reception hall with twinkling lights, gold and silver balloons and clear glass bowls filled with gold and silver balls.
    Table cloths of shimmery fabric sporting centerpieces of gold or silver flower picks or bowls filled with glittery balls and 'gems' swathed in feather boas

Finding the shiny, shimmery décor for your wedding isn't difficult, either. If possible, shop for these items during the Christmas season when there is an abundance of such items. You can also find unique items on wholesale floral supply websites as well as the popular party supply sites such as orientaltrading.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Bling-Wedding-Ideas

Friday, August 12, 2011

What to Consider When Trying to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer

A wedding is a special event that marks the union between two individuals, who have been lucky enough to find each other. It is an event that most couples want to have memories of, which they can cherish forever. It is important to have photographs that capture each and every magical moment. That is why it is advisable for a client to be careful before choosing a wedding photographer for the event. Many people usually find it hard to pick the right person to do the job.


There are some basic guidelines that are assured of helping the client to get the right wedding photographer. Research is extremely important before beginning this process. You should turn to sources like the internet, to search through a list of potential experts. The client can access the websites and look at pictures that they have taken. The comments and feedback from the previous clients should also be considered before deciding to settle on a specific photographer.

You can decide to use a photographer who took photos at a friend or family members wedding. The professional skills that the person has and the artistic style, should still be at the top of the list before picking the candidate.

The photographers' style is extremely important. It will determine the final look of the photographs. There are different professionals who have specialized in producing quality photographs that have been shot in a specific way.

The next step should be to contact the photographer and schedule the interview. You should focus on how the photographer is and if he or she has a good personality. This will make it easier to interact and bond hence improving the working relationship. The photographer should share the vision of how you want the final wedding to be, and find someone that is in line with that vision. If the person does not get what the client wants then the photographs will not be perfect.

The price is an important aspect that should be thoroughly analyzed. A person should be able to get professional services at cost efficient prices. The client should compare the different price packages available, and then choose the best one that is assured to deliver his or her expectations. One should keep in mind that the price is determined by many factors. These include the duration the event is expected to take, what the client wants, and the number of albums to be produced.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-to-Consider-When-Trying-to-Find-the-Perfect-Wedding-Photographer

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wedding Songs - Love Songs, Epic!

I love to research. Nothing makes me happier than to research for love. I am a bride to be myself. No, I haven't saved the date yet, life sometimes gets in the way. Sometimes I think I may become an eternal fiancee! But during this time, I have talked with wedding planners, seen different wedding themes, spoken with many receptions halls, tasted numerous genres of food. Through all that, one wedding reception hall stood out above the rest, called Cortlandt Colonial Manor (featured in a episode of the bridal the show The Four Weddings!), located in Winchester, NY. They have exquisite food and a beautiful atmosphere at a very affordable cost! I'm by no means rich and the words affordable and deal sparkle like diamonds to me! Well, geez I veered off track a little, didn't I? Back to the point of my article. I have a lot of information about how to prepare for your big day, including wedding songs.


Wedding songs for your reception and even the actual ceremony should be lively, and express the feelings between you and your fiance to your guests. The bride and groom should have a strong emotional attachment to the chosen first dance song. It should bring back memories that you share only with one another. I've listened through hours of songs and I came up with twenty songs that I think are worthy of a wedding. Recently, I've decided to add one more, because I couldn't believe I forgot it, shame on me! =) So the list is Top 21 Wedding Songs, and with no further a do...

Top 21 Wedding Songs

Epic Love Songs!

My Top 21

1. I Will Always Love You-Whitney Houston
2. Cupid- 112
3. You- Jessie Powell
4. Always- Atlantic Starr
5. This Woman's Work- Maxwell
6. Back At One- Brian Mcknight
7. Differences- Genuwine
8. Love- Musiq
9. All I Am- Joe
10. Power of Love- Celine Dion
11. Breathe- Faith Hill
12. I Swear- All4One
13. Halo- Beyonce
14. Truly Madly Deeply- Savage Garden
15. Saving Forever For You- Shanice
16. Because You Loved Me- Celine Dion
17. Kissing You- Des'ree
18. He Proposed to Me- Kelly Price
19. Never Let You Go- Faith Evans
20. Everything I Do I Do It For You- Bryan Adams
21. At the Beginning- Richard Marx and Donna Lewis

There you have it! Now don't get me wrong I passed up some really epic love songs, like Endless Love- Lioniel Richie and Diana Ross. I know they will live on forever and never die. But I was going for modern love songs that still can be considered epic. Even though finding epic modern love songs was very trying and time consuming! And I just couldn't find a full twenty that was worthy. Our modern music has forgotten what love is about, so there is a mixture of a few older songs in my list. Love songs capture our feelings for that moment, freezing that moment in time. When it replays, it brings that moment back so vividly, really giving couples eternal love.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Wedding-Songs---Love-Songs,-Epic!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Tips on Surviving a Bridal Show/Wedding Expo

Bridal Shows or Wedding Expos can be a ton of fun and also provide you with a little insight into your wedding planning as well as give you a one stop shop to all vendors in the surrounding area. The one thing I find is couples go there and become overwhelmed with the amount of people and vendors there. The one thing that you need to keep in mind when you arrive is to go with the right attitude, and take advantage of all the benefits, compare prices and services between vendors and remember to have fun! Here are some tips that will help you get through the long day.



    Register Online- By registering online you not only save time at the door but you also save money on the entry fee as well. Registering early allows you to receive savings on the actual ticket price.

    Create a temporary e-mail- You will be handing out your e-mail to almost every vendor so instead of having so much spam mail sent to you even after your big day, create a temporary one designated for your wedding planning and after your big day delete it.

    Bring name and address labels- print them out from your computer, or hand write them yourself. This will save you a lot of time at each booth as you will be asked for your contact information over and over again. Don't forget to add your wedding date to your label as vendors will want to know that important detail.

    Walk down every aisle- Take everything in. Visit every aisle and do it slowly, you want to experience the whole show and every booth, you want to be able to compare prices and services between all vendors and also have some time to talk to each professional as well.

    Bring a notepad with you- this is very important, you want to take notes from what you learn from speaking with each vendor, this will help you when you look over all the pamphlets you received another day, as you will be reminded of what each vendor had to say.

    Bring your credit card, debit card, or cheque book- Just incase you want to book some services right there on the spot this is the best idea. Remember, sometimes vendors offer one day deals to the show attendees. It'll be your only chance to save even more money on their service, so why not take advantage of it.

    Wear comfortable shoes- Sometimes you will be at the bridal show or wedding expo for more than four hours make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes to walk and stand for a long period of time.

    Bring your groom- Let him come with you, after all he is getting married too. Let him have a say in the planning as well and take in his feeling and opinions on what he sees.

    Ask a lot of questions- Make sure you are asking a lot of questions to each vendor you want to make sure you are finding out everything you need to know, don't worry if you forget to ask an important question you can always contact them later.

    Bring a Camera- or use your smartphone to take pictures of things you want to remember, booths, designs, vendors, and even the bridal fashion show that most shows do have.

This is one of the most beneficial events for a bride and groom, so please go take advantage of them.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-on-Surviving-a-Bridal-Show/Wedding-Expo

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies

The great outdoors - what is there not to love about it? If you adore the sand, sea and all that goes on around the beach, the peace and tranquility of a forest or simply your own beautiful back garden, why not think about getting married at your favourite outdoor location - what an idyllic backdrop for your big day! From exchanging your vows to having the moments captured on camera there will be many happy memories to share.


You might not be aware that although at present you are not able to get married legally outdoors in the open hour, there are no rules that require you to sign your legal documentation at the same time as your wedding. This leaves you with virtually endless possibilities and flexibility as to where to marry the one you love. The legalities of the paperwork can be conducted with two of your witnesses a day or two afterwards at which time you will make a declaration of standard set statements and sign the register.

With many couples wishing to marry outdoors in one complete ceremony there are many licensed civil venues where you can marry in the glorious fresh air. There is a legal requirement for it to be within a permanent structure so the legal paperwork can be conducted at the same time and must be large enough to accommodate both the Bride and Groom, two witnesses and the registrars whilst your guests watch on with happiness and joy.

If you do choose to have a wedding outside then read on for some helpful advice to ensure your day goes smoothly as possible.

Do take into consideration all weather possibilities. If it's expected to be a scorchingly hot day then have iced bottles of water available for your guests and have fans as a wedding favour. Erect gazebos and canopies for those wishing to escape into the shade. Alternatively if it is forecast to be wet and damp ensure that your guests are advised to bring waterproofs and if you can have a plan B back up if the weather foresees the location as a no go venue. Often a bride and groom will hold the reception indoors somewhere so check there is the space and availability for the ceremony to be conducted indoors if need be.

The weather is the one thing on your big day that cannot unfortunately be booked so be sure to cover all possibilities. Think about your wedding dress and how it would withstand windy conditions. Inform your guests so they can be prepared and choose suitable attire.

If you are having a large wedding party or there is background noise at your outdoor location you may need to think about hiring a sound system. With the natural beauty of outdoors it is unlikely that you will require many if any decorations. Do visit the location around a week before just to check it is how you wish it to be for your big day. You may choose to use an arch of the flowers featured in your bouquet to marry under.

If you are eating outdoors ensure that your caterers are fully aware of this and choose food that will survive the heat. Talking of food do keep your guests topped up with plenty of fluids to avoid them becoming dehydrated. Alcohol is very dehydrating so have refreshing alternatives on offer to quench everyone's thirsts. The joy of the outdoors also brings bugs. To avoid any annoying flying things upsetting your day simply put out some citronella candles or invest in a bug zapper to keep them away.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Outdoor-Wedding-Ceremonies