by: Amanda Baker
Winter is such a beautiful time of year, and is a perfect time for a wedding! Even if you live in a part of the world where there is no snow, a winder wedding can be filled with magic and electricity. The crisp chill in the air and a horse drawn carriage can seem like something off of a Christmas card, and you will be surprised at just how romantic the atmosphere can be.
Before you make a definite decision on a winter wedding, you should be sure that it is the right season for you and your groom. If you hate the snow, you might want to think about a wedding in the fall, or perhaps the spring when the weather is a bit more agreeable. In the same respect, if you're hoping for an outdoor wedding, winter is not the best choice.
It's possible to have an outdoor wedding in the winter, but the cost of heating your guests, flowers, food, even yourself is exorbitant. If a winter wedding is what you've got your heart set on, keep an indoor venue in mind.
A wedding around the time of a major holiday can be stressful, not only for the bride and groom, but for the family and guests. People already buy many gifts at Christmas. Having a wedding in the same week may seem like an added expense rather than a blessed occasion.
If you're still focusing on the winder wedding, there are some beautiful themes you can use to make your wedding one to remember. Obviously, a Christmas theme is on the minds of a lot of people. If you happen to celebrate the holiday, decorate your venue with evergreen garlands, twinkling lights, red bows, and large blooming poinsettias. A nighttime wedding typically requires more formal dress, so if you're planning to have it at night, note this on the invitation.
A winter wonderland wedding makes for a beautiful theme. Decorate with plenty of white lace, crystal accessories, and an ice sculpture or two and you have an exquisite land of ice and snow. During this snow-touched occasion, making your entrance via horse and carriage will definitely stand out.
Though most don't think of it in this way, Valentine's Day is also in winter. A wedding venue decorated with hearts, roses, and Victorian accents can speak love without saying a single word.
A winter wedding can be incredible, and with the right theme, you can have the winter wedding of your dreams.
About the author:
Amanda Baker writes for All Things
Pondered.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Winter Wedding
Wedding Planning
by: Elsie Gilbert
It can be tempting to avoid the whole wedding planning fiasco by hiring a professional, but these individuals do not come cheaply, so taking charge yourself can be an excellent way to save a great deal of cash. Wedding planning is an art and a lot harder than it looks, so don’t underestimate the time and effort that you will need to put into even the most basic of weddings.
Wedding Planning – The Basics
The basics of wedding planning is to be organized and thorough; it is well worth having at least one extra person to help you with the arrangements, two heads are most certainly better than one when it comes to wedding planning.
A great way to start is to make a list of the dates and items that simply cannot change, for example the venue or the key guests. This is fundamental, as all other aspects can be altered and planned around the key items.
Secondly, when it comes to wedding planning, it is important to decide on the ‘feel’ that you want for your wedding. For example, do you want your wedding to have a relaxed or informal theme? Is there a common hobby or activity that you can draw on as an underlying idea for your wedding? For instance, do the bride and groom both love dogs or do they both enjoy water sports? A very simple lead can be just enough to get you started!
Wedding Planning – Behaving Like a Professional
Wedding planning professionals are generally individuals who are full of ideas, are organized and can get the most out of providers. Whilst a professional may have many ideas at their fingertips you will have to look around and think carefully about what you are hoping to achieve. Why not get ideas by asking friends and relatives what they have seen in recent weddings that worked particularly well (or indeed did not work at all), so that you can take the best ideas and ditch the worst!
Stay organized. Keep accurate records of everything that you see and do. Go overboard with your records as, at some point, you are almost certainly going to be in the position of not being able to remember where you saw that special item!
When it comes to wedding planning, communication is key. Make sure that all providers are fully aware of what you expect, when you expect it and what you expect to pay. Get everything in writing and ensure that you tell everyone if there is any change (no matter how small it may appear).
Be professional, be realistic and keep the suppliers informed; believe you me it will really help to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
About the author:
Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingfinery.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Planning a Special Wedding Shower
by: Mike Yeager
The wedding shower is a traditional party of the marriage process. Often times the bridal party, or the people who have been asked to be in the wedding, will through the party for the couple. Or, other times, friends or family members will hold it for them. Making a wedding shower memorable starts with planning. First, you need to decide if the party will be formal or relaxed and laid back. Often times, large families will have a formal wedding shower for the bride and groom which may include a fancy dinner at a nice restaurant. Other times, some of the brides close friends will get together at a house and throw a small get together for them. Either way, once this choice is made, the planning begins.
Things to consider when planning a wedding shower are numerous. Start with taking a trip to an area craft or party supply store to get some wedding shower ideas. Look at what these places have to offer. The often have wedding shower decorations, brightly colored tablecloths, balloons, and streamers. They may have wedding shower invitations and wedding shower games. Some will have a selection of things to purchase to use as wedding shower favors. See if anything seems like a good idea or strikes you as something that bride and groom would like.
Many couples choose a wedding theme when they are planning their wedding. Themes are simply some sort of aspect that carries through the wedding linking the separate occasions. Some examples include a color pattern. The color pattern, or group of colors chosen will carry throughout the event. From the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen's ties all the way down to the color of the napkins on the tables at the reception will often match. This theme, if one has been chosen should also be incorporated within the wedding shower. Or, the wedding shower theme can be something similar. Finding a theme that the couple would appreciate will be a great added touch to the wedding shower.
Whether you are looking for free wedding shower games or wedding shower favor ideas, the Internet can be a great resource. For fresh ideas, things your friends haven't done yet, browse through the hundreds of online retailers who specialize in the area. To find one, try using a search engine. Many companies will be available. Also, there are many message boards dedicated to wedding planning in general. You can find answers to your questions there as well.
By connecting all the pieces of the puzzle, and taking the time to plan, any wedding shower can be a great hit. Consider what has been done in the past and what you would like to try new. Adding games and decorations will add a relaxed feel and make the couple and their guests feel welcome and happy. These things combined will create a great memory for everyone involved.
About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-party-supplies-4u.com/
Wedding Favors
by: Elsie Gilbert
Few modern weddings manage to avoid the ritual of wedding favors. Traditionally, wedding favors are usually placed on the table, in front of every guest, although this idea seems to have diminished, in recent years.
Choices of Wedding Favors
Trying to select a small gift that is going to appeal to the entire wedding party is tricky, to say the least. Arguably it is impossible! However, there are ways to avoid giving inappropriate wedding favors, while also keeping the budget in check.
Why not simply create a selection of sweets and chocolates that can be placed in the center of the table for all to pick at. This is a great way of allowing people to choose their own gifts, without having to worry about issues of taste.
With a small, intimate party, it is actually possible to select gifts, individually. This is only really possible when the party is very small; normally a maximum of thirty is appropriate for these types of wedding favors. If you take this approach, be certain that position the wedding favors correctly and inline with the table settings or you might just find that your carefully selected wedding favors end up in the wrong hands!
Edibles are always a good choice when it comes to wedding favors as many people are getting quite hungry after the ceremony and photographs. Sugared almonds are considered to be the traditional wedding favors. However, the fact of the matter is that not many people actually enjoy sugared almonds, so it may be better to consider an alternative. Why not use chocolates or sweets instead? If you are in a warm climate chocolates will need to be stored in a refrigerator until the last minute, so make sure that you have this facility.
Alternatives to Wedding Favors
Moving away from the more traditional types of wedding favors, you may wish to consider a more modern and innovative approach. By daring to be different, not only can you save yourself some money, but you are also more likely to make a lasting impression on your guests.
Some different ideas for wedding favors include a lottery card each, but think about how you would react if someone wins big-time on the ticket that you have bought! If this thought does not appeal, then consider having a raffle where everyone is given a ticket and there is a range of prizes available.
Another great idea could be to place a bowl of goodies such as chocolates sweets and alcohol miniatures, in the center of the table, allowing a bit of potluck for the guests. If you have a bit more time on your hands, you could wrap the wedding favors up and allow guests to select their own and take a chance on the outcome.
One of the key things to remember with wedding favors is that you want to generate discussion. When guests arrive at a wedding reception, they are often slightly shy or timid and having a game involving wedding favors will do wonders to break the ice!
About the author:
Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingceremonyhelp.com
Wedding Flowers
by: Elsie Gilbert
No wedding is complete without a selection of wedding flowers! However, bear in mind that the price of wedding flowers can escalate and most of these flowers will simply be thrown out, at the end of the day.
Choosing your Wedding Flowers
Your choice of wedding flowers can make such a difference to both the look of your wedding and of course your budget. Wedding flowers are largely seasonal; if you choose a flower that is not in season, it may not be as good as you would hope and it will certainly cost more!
Obtain professional advice from someone who regularly provides wedding flowers; they will almost certainly be better placed to advise you on the easiest way to achieve your desired look.
Wedding Flowers for the Bride
A bride will normally, as part of her outfit, hold some wedding flowers. Traditionally, these bouquets were large and flamboyant, however trends are changing. Many brides now prefer simple wedding flowers, such as a single rose or lily. This can be incredibly effective, not to mention a lot cheaper and easier to handle.
The bridal wedding flowers must complement your dress; so choose the wedding flowers with your dress in mind. As a very simple dress may be swamped by a large bouquet, pay careful attention to the combination, not just the actual wedding flowers themselves.
Wedding Flowers for the Bridal Party
It’s not just the bride who has to be considered when it comes to wedding flowers. Bridesmaids, the groom and best man will also be wearing flowers so their outfits must also be considered.
Male buttonholes are generally very small and inconspicuous, in fact it isn’t even necessary to use flowers, a small fabric attachment can be just as nice and can also double up as a keepsake as it will not wilt, in time.
When it comes to wedding flowers for your bridesmaids, it is vital that you consider their ages. A 3-year old is unlikely to be able to handle a large bouquet and similarly it may be a disaster with a thorny rose collection.
With wedding flowers, simple is often best. All of the wedding party will have many other things to consider, not just the wedding flowers; keep them simple and easy to handle.
Your choice of wedding flowers is extremely important so do give it the time it deserves. Plan in advance and take professional advice, it will be worth it, in the end.
About the author:
Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingfinery.com
Wedding Dresses – The Latest Trends
by: Elsie Gilbert
Wedding dresses are such an opportunity for any bride to show their unique sense of style and to really make a fashion statement. Gone are the days of the plain ‘meringue’ style wedding dresses with a little cute well-placed bow; now we are daring to be different!
In fact, one of the latest trends is to offer wedding dresses that can be used again. Not only is this a great idea from a budget point of view, but it is also reflective of the simple lines that are part of the modern trend in wedding dresses. Arguably, this fashion is due to the ever increasing age of first time brides as well as the large number of second weddings.
Wedding Dresses for the Winter Wedding
Whenever we think about wedding dresses, we automatically think of a warm, summer’s day, with a crisp, wafting white dress to match. However, there is a growing trend towards winter weddings. Winter wedding dresses may not be pure white and are often the preferred choice for second time brides.
Trends in winter wedding dresses include deep red colored dresses or dresses that include a large amount of black. Another great idea is to include a fur collar, or long fake fur coat. If you love a touch of luxury and you want something a little different, then winter wedding dresses may just be the thing for you!
Wedding Dresses for the Summer Wedding
The key to summer wedding dresses, this year, is color. Many wedding dresses are now using substantial amounts of colored fabric to add a classic touch to an otherwise traditional white or cream dress.
Weddings are becoming much more sophisticated; generally, brides will select a theme that they will maintain throughout all aspects of their wedding. Wedding dresses must, of course, fit into this theme and as such colors and accessories are vital. Popular, seasonal colors for wedding dresses include lilac, pink, blue and yellow. Often, brides will choose a half-color theme where the bodice is colored or the skirt is colored, but the other half of the dress is kept in a plain cream or white.
Subtle is the name of the game with modern wedding dresses.
Wedding Dresses – Standing Out From the Crowd
Today, wedding dresses are all different; no-one wants to look the same as the next bride and, naturally, brides go to extreme lengths to make sure that they stand out from the crowd. Of course everyone wants to do so in a classy and not trashy way! It seems that individually designed wedding dresses are the way of the future. By commissioning a made to measure dress you can make sure that it fits perfectly, is exactly what you want and above all, is unique.
Wedding dresses are an expression of your personality, so don’t hold back; let your imagination run wild!
About the author:
Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingfinery.com
Wedding Planning
by: Samantha Taylor
Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your husband or wife-to-be, a wedding can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 2 years to plan. If one step in the planning process is missed, the whole wedding could be ruined. To prevent this from happening, we have created a wedding checklist in order to ensure everything goes according to plan on your big day.
7-12 Months Prior
• Announce Engagement and have your engagement party
• Decide on the wedding style and create a guest list
• Choose who you both want in the wedding party
• Set the date and time of the wedding
• Book your wedding officiant
• Choose your wedding song
• Decide on "extras" (cake, flowers, dj, photographers etc)
• Purchase your wedding dress and bridal accessories
• Purchase bridesmaids dresses and accessories (maid of honor as well)
• Start planning your honeymoon
• Buy (or make) your wedding favors
• Purchase your wedding invitations
• Plan your rehearsal ceremony and dinner
2-6 Months Prior
• Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Finalize the dinner menu
• Book your limo (or other form of transportation)
• Book the rehearsal dinner site
• Book your honeymoon
• Purchase your wedding rings
• Purchase your gifts for the wedding party
• Rent the tuxedos for groom and groomsmen (including bestman)
• Schedule a dress fitting (bride)
• Book hair and makeup appointment (bride)
• Have your bridal shower
• Send out the invitations to your guests
• Plan the wedding program
1 Month Prior
• Get your marriage license (and blood tests if needed)
• Final dress fitting (bride)
• Arrange seating for your guests
• Have your stag and doe party
1-2 Weeks Prior
• Pick up the wedding dress
• Have your bachelor and bachelorette parties
The Day Before
• Give the wedding party their gifts
• Pick up the tuxedo(s)
• Decorate the wedding site
• Have your rehearsal dinner and greet out-of-town guests
Follow these steps in the first step towards a lifetime of marital bliss!
About the author:
Samantha Taylor spent several years working in the weddings industry as a wedding planner. When she isn't being a mom of two wonderful children, she works as a freelance writer for http://www.yourwedding101.com - a site that offers information about everything wedding related - from wedding planning to wedding invitations and more.
