Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of your life and you've probably been dreaming about it since you were about 12 years old. The dress you choose is ultimately going to be what people look at and remember about your wedding. That being said, you want to find the perfect dress that will make your guest's and husband's jaws hit the floor when you walk down the aisle. Are you thinking that may be unrealistic with your wedding budget? Think again! We have some of the best shopping tips in order to help you save money on your wedding dress. This way you can enjoy your wedding while maintaining a reasonable wedding budget.
1. Shop Around – Don't assume the first dress you try on is going to be the best deal or look the best on you. There are many dresses to try.
2. Discount Bridal Salons – Discount bridal salons often have sales of up to 75% off (especially on last year's merchandise) which can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you hear of a discount sale, make sure you know what you are looking for since many women go crazy at these events and dresses are often gone in a matter of minutes.
3. Have Someone Make Your Dress – If you have a talented friend or family member who you trust to make your wedding dress for you, you can save an enormous amount of money and still have a great dress for your big day.
4. Look on the Internet – the Internet is a great place to search and explore the many options of styles for your dress and you are guaranteed to find dresses which do not cost a fortune.
5. Bridal Salons – normal bridal salons (as opposed to discount) sometimes have sales which offer around 30% off last years merchandise. The salons near where you live are definitely worth looking into.
6. Borrow or Rent – Some women cringe at the thought of borrowing or renting a wedding gown, but others may not take it as seriously. Wedding dresses are really only worn for one day and renting or borrowing can really save you a lot of money.
7. Seamstresses – Contact a seamstress and ask for a quote. It's unlikely that a seamstress is going to charge you as much as a bridal salon. If you do this, make sure to ask about their experience in this area or past brides who you can contact. This will ensure they are reputable and there won't be any "mishaps" with your dress.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is important, but paying a ridiculous amount for one dress can be a waste of your money. Finding the perfect wedding dress for the perfect price, now that's a wedding dream come true!
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
Friday, June 26, 2009
Save Money on Your Wedding Dress
Cheap Wedding Party Gift Ideas
Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored tradition. Depending on the size of your wedding party it can be an expensive one as well. With so much money spent on the wedding ceremony and the reception, this can often be an aspect of the ceremony that you can have a hard time in deciding upon because it can be difficult to find inexpensive, original and thoughtful items that will be good enough to express your appreciation to your wedding party.
Here are some great and unique gift ideas that are not expensive:
· Personalized shot glasses
· Personalized candles
· Personally engraved items such as ornaments, plaques etc.
· Personalized musical CD recordings commemorating the ceremony and reception music such as bride and groom’s songs etc.
· Specially labeled wine bottles commemorating your special day
· A personalized picture frame of the wedding of the wedding party
· Make your own wine and give a bottle to each guest
· Make beaded bracelets with you and your couples initials on them and the date of your wedding
These are just some ideas, but you get the general thoughts on this matter. Of course, there are literally millions of gift ideas that you could choose from or create with your own hands.
All you have to do is think about how you would like to say thanks, and what you can afford to do. Here are some other suggestions to help your with your creative ideas.
Personalized bottle stopper
Personalized magnets
Personalized mini chocolates
Destination Weddings
Every bride wants her wedding to be
one-of-a-kind. Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.
A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out across the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone?
Location, Location, Location...
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your "to do" list. This day should be perfect from start to finish - that is why finding the right place should be first on your 'to do' list. The place where you and your fiancee will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.
One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.
Helpful Tip - send invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans
Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk (1-800-545-8193) and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.
Helpful Tip - Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.
According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20% of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combining your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.
If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location (check references) and visit if possible beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test-drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and "try them out." If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.
Before you go be sure to check on local marriage license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring - visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back-up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season.
Most brides choose an informal style wedding dress for destination weddings because they are easier to pack and wear. Many designers are offering bridal gowns made from light, easy to wear fabric like chiffon and silk crepe that are perfect for an island wedding. Ask your local bridal salon for additional ideas and on how to pack your gown for travel. Many of the resorts may have ironing services or they may be able to recommend a pressing service. If traveling to Europe, ask for a local tailor shop.
The Groom's Attire
For the groom, a popular option is the all-ivory or all-white tuxedo. Some of today's hottest tuxedo styles are designed in non-traditional styles and shades.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding, remember to take time to enjoy the day!
About the author:
Find more articles at www.media43.com
Destination Weddings
Every bride wants her wedding to be
one-of-a-kind. Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.
A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out across the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone?
Location, Location, Location...
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your "to do" list. This day should be perfect from start to finish - that is why finding the right place should be first on your 'to do' list. The place where you and your fiancee will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.
One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.
Helpful Tip - send invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans
Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk (1-800-545-8193) and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.
Helpful Tip - Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.
According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20% of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combining your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.
If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location (check references) and visit if possible beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test-drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and "try them out." If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.
Before you go be sure to check on local marriage license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring - visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back-up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season.
Most brides choose an informal style wedding dress for destination weddings because they are easier to pack and wear. Many designers are offering bridal gowns made from light, easy to wear fabric like chiffon and silk crepe that are perfect for an island wedding. Ask your local bridal salon for additional ideas and on how to pack your gown for travel. Many of the resorts may have ironing services or they may be able to recommend a pressing service. If traveling to Europe, ask for a local tailor shop.
The Groom's Attire
For the groom, a popular option is the all-ivory or all-white tuxedo. Some of today's hottest tuxedo styles are designed in non-traditional styles and shades.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding, remember to take time to enjoy the day!
About the author:
Find more articles at www.media43.com
Top 5 Wedding Favors and Why
WHAT ARE THE TOP FIVE WEDDING FAVORS AND WHY?
At most weddings, the bride and groom will offer some type of
small memento as a note of appreciation to family and friends,
more commonly known as wedding favors. As you will discover in
this article, the type of favors are widely varied but there are
some that are considered better choices than others. Remember,
wedding favors do not have to be expensive. In fact, this type
of gift can be something homemade. If you want to go all out,
that is certainly fine, but it is also not necessary. The focus
of the wedding favor is to let people know you are grateful for
their assistance with your wedding and/or reception or that you
are just honored they showed up. To help you get started, we
have provided you with the top five wedding favors.
Food
One of the most popular types of wedding favor is food, simply
because most people love to eat. A wonderful option that is
easy and inexpensive to make would be to purchase small black
favor boxes and then line them with white tissue paper. Place
Oreo cookies or dark chocolate covered peanuts inside and then
tie the box off with white and red ribbon. Watch everyone enjoy
the beautiful box but even more, the delicious goodies inside.
This is a very nice choice for both informal and formal weddings.
Flower Plant
The second of the top five wedding favors is a fresh plant or
flower seeds. With this, you can get as creative as you want.
A couple of ideas that work very nice is placing a miniature
plant or cacti in a small terra cotta planter. To make this
more personalized, the women (and men) in the wedding party
could get together for lunch to embellish the pots with ribbon,
craft paint, lace, and so on. You could also choose a simple
glass container, add three different seed packages, and punch a
hole through the upper corner of all three to tie together with
ribbon. These are appreciated because once planted, they are a
constant reminder of your cherished event.
Fragrant Soap
For the third of the top five wedding favors, you might also
consider fragrant soap or votive candles. For soap, this is a
lovely wedding favor to place in hotel rooms of out-of-town
guests. You can purchase all of the supplies at local hobby or
craft stores and then purchase your fragrant of choice such as
lemon grass, watermelon, sandalwood, white ginger, etc. If you
prefer, you can purchase pre-made soap or buy glycerin and molds
to make your own. As an extra romantic touch, look at mold
designs such as wedding bells, hearts, bubble designs.
Candles
Now for the fourth of the top five wedding favors, you can never
go wrong with votive candles, enjoyed by both men and women.
This type of wedding favor can again be purchased through a
hobby or craft store or on the Internet. If you prefer, you can
create your own candles, which involves melting wax, adding
color and fragrance, and then pouring into approved glass jars.
Choose several coordinating colors if you like and for the
simple yet elegant glass jars, add decorative touches such as
flowers, ribbon, or trinkets attached with hot glue.
Pewter
Finally, the last of the five top wedding favors would be pewter
or silver. You will find many wonderful choices such as picture
frames, paperweights, and bottle openers. With this type of
gift, you will probably pay a little more but this is a nice
gift for a more formal wedding, affluent group list, or members
of the bridal party. Remember, you can choose from hundreds of
wedding favors to include miniature bottles of wine, stationary
with last name and wedding date, golf balls and tees for the
sports enthusiasts, and the list goes on and on. Whether you go
with bubbles to be blown as you and your new spouse leave the
church to creative miniature baskets filled with candles, candy
or Jordon’s almonds and everything in between, the key is to
choose wedding favors that coordinate with your wedding but that
are also special for your type of guest list.
About the author:
Dion Semeniuk has been married for over 5 years now and has been providing ideas with his wife's help for other peoples weddings. To learn more about other wedding favor ideas, visit http://www.wedding-favor-directory.com
Your Winter Wedding
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.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wedding Ceremonies – Ideas for Non-Religious Ceremonies
Gone are the days when all wedding ceremonies were conducted in religious surroundings and required the blessing of God. Whilst the majority of people still opt for a traditional ceremony, more and more people are looking at new and innovative ways to get married.
When planning wedding ceremonies, it is important to think carefully about what you hope to achieve, what sort of atmosphere are you going to create and, indeed, what your guests would enjoy. The wedding day, itself, should be planned with the bride and groom in mind; however, it is always wise to consider your guests. Just think about it, getting married whilst descending white water rapids may not be such a good idea if few of your guests can swim!
Although wedding ceremonies can take place in almost any type of environment, you should ensure that the individual conducting your ceremony is licensed, so that you can be certain that your wedding is legally valid.
People are becoming more and more imaginative when it comes to wedding ceremonies, in an attempt to be different from the rest. Of course, if both bride and groom enjoy a similar hobby, a theme may be very obvious. For example, if you are both divers, getting married under water or maybe bungee jumping if you both enjoy throwing yourselves off bridges!
Not all wedding ceremonies are as dramatic as these, non-religious options; but simple ceremonies, in general, are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are people opting for simplicity, because it tends to work out cheaper, but also because of the increase in the number of second weddings taking place. Couples, especially second time round, are generally keen to ensure that they opt for smaller, elite gatherings of close friends and family, with a stronger emphasis on quality rather than quantity.
Many venues now offer the complete service and it is well worth looking at your favorite hotels to see if they have a license to perform wedding ceremonies. By keeping everything in one venue it will be easier to control the flow of the day and to ensure that guests are not concerned with transport, throughout the day.
Even the vows taken during wedding ceremonies are becoming more modern and tailored to an individual’s desire. Those getting married can now write their own vows so that they really mean something special for their individual circumstances.
Arguably, the trend towards creating your own wedding ceremonies allows individuals to really put their own stamp on their special day. After all, it is your day so why shouldn’t you have it all your own way?
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
Save Money on Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding is quite possibly the most important day of your life and you've probably been dreaming about it since you were about 12 years old. The dress you choose is ultimately going to be what people look at and remember about your wedding. That being said, you want to find the perfect dress that will make your guest's and husband's jaws hit the floor when you walk down the aisle. Are you thinking that may be unrealistic with your wedding budget? Think again! We have some of the best shopping tips in order to help you save money on your wedding dress. This way you can enjoy your wedding while maintaining a reasonable wedding budget.
1. Shop Around – Don't assume the first dress you try on is going to be the best deal or look the best on you. There are many dresses to try.
2. Discount Bridal Salons – Discount bridal salons often have sales of up to 75% off (especially on last year's merchandise) which can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you hear of a discount sale, make sure you know what you are looking for since many women go crazy at these events and dresses are often gone in a matter of minutes.
3. Have Someone Make Your Dress – If you have a talented friend or family member who you trust to make your wedding dress for you, you can save an enormous amount of money and still have a great dress for your big day.
4. Look on the Internet – the Internet is a great place to search and explore the many options of styles for your dress and you are guaranteed to find dresses which do not cost a fortune.
5. Bridal Salons – normal bridal salons (as opposed to discount) sometimes have sales which offer around 30% off last years merchandise. The salons near where you live are definitely worth looking into.
6. Borrow or Rent – Some women cringe at the thought of borrowing or renting a wedding gown, but others may not take it as seriously. Wedding dresses are really only worn for one day and renting or borrowing can really save you a lot of money.
7. Seamstresses – Contact a seamstress and ask for a quote. It's unlikely that a seamstress is going to charge you as much as a bridal salon. If you do this, make sure to ask about their experience in this area or past brides who you can contact. This will ensure they are reputable and there won't be any "mishaps" with your dress.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is important, but paying a ridiculous amount for one dress can be a waste of your money. Finding the perfect wedding dress for the perfect price, now that's a wedding dream come true!
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 dress and attire to wedding cakes and more.
Cheap Wedding Party Gift Ideas
Thanking your wedding party with special gifts is a favored tradition. Depending on the size of your wedding party it can be an expensive one as well. With so much money spent on the wedding ceremony and the reception, this can often be an aspect of the ceremony that you can have a hard time in deciding upon because it can be difficult to find inexpensive, original and thoughtful items that will be good enough to express your appreciation to your wedding party.
Here are some great and unique gift ideas that are not expensive:
· Personalized shot glasses
· Personalized candles
· Personally engraved items such as ornaments, plaques etc.
· Personalized musical CD recordings commemorating the ceremony and reception music such as bride and groom’s songs etc.
· Specially labeled wine bottles commemorating your special day
· A personalized picture frame of the wedding of the wedding party
· Make your own wine and give a bottle to each guest
· Make beaded bracelets with you and your couples initials on them and the date of your wedding
These are just some ideas, but you get the general thoughts on this matter. Of course, there are literally millions of gift ideas that you could choose from or create with your own hands.
All you have to do is think about how you would like to say thanks, and what you can afford to do. Here are some other suggestions to help your with your creative ideas.
Personalized bottle stopper
Personalized magnets
Personalized mini chocolates
Weddings - Wedding Plan - Wedding Planner Tools - Ten Essential Tips
Getting Married? Congratulations! You just set the date for the most important day
in your life. Your wedding day. Imagine...It is your wedding day. Your very own wedding day! It will be fun.
Here are ten essential steps that will make the preparation fun too.
1. Keep within your financial limits. Budget your wedding. You do not want to start your married life in debt. If you are organized have a plan and are creative, whatever your budget, a "wedding to remember" will be yours.
2. Now Visualize. That's right, visualize. Close your eyes and look at the tasks at hand. The list may SEEM overwhelming but it isn't.
3.Don't try to do everything all at once. Start by gathering information. Use the Net to gather ideas from around the world. Make an extensive list of "things you LIKE", "things you WANT" and "things you MUST HAVE" (see the difference?)
4. Now you are ready to make a Top Ten (or top eleven or twelve) list.
5. Break your list it into small manageable portions that you can successfully
accomplish. Use categories like... Before the wedding - During the wedding - After the wedding.
6. Now use sub categories. Include ideas for related events such as, showers, receptions, and honeymoon.
7. It is YOUR wedding. It reflects YOU. No one should dictate to you what to do and
how to do it. You may seek advice, ideas and wisdom but in the end each final decision is yours.
8. What this means is don't be shy! Accept assistance when offered and solicit involvement, help and ideas from those you believe will be an asset.
9.Add your personal touches. For example; if you have children you may consider making them an important part of your wedding.
10. Pick a few aspects of your wedding and make them personalized. A personal touch makes a wedding meaningful to the bridal couple, their attendants, family and all invited guests.
In summary, your wedding is a serious moment for declaring your love and commitment to each other. Make your wedding truly a one-of-a-kind event. Fill it with cherished moments and keepsakes. Whether you choose a favorite theme, a special setting or an intimate gathering of friends and loved ones, enjoy the journey. Perhaps, the memories and keepsakes may stay with you forever. Treasure them! And may you have a Happy, Happy day!
About the author:
Copyrights Tom Downward of http://www.weddingsrfun.comPlease feel free to post this Article in your newsletter, on your website, and forward it to your friends and / or business associates. If you post or otherwise publish this article, please ensure that the copyright as well as the author's entire bylines box remain intact. We would appreciate a courtesy copy of your publication and / or a website link. Please E-mail to: tom@weddingsrfun.com
Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
Your wedding vows are the words that will forever remain in your partner's heart and memory. So you want to ensure that you express exactly what you are feeling and how much you love them. Most people have never written wedding vows before and they aren't quite sure how to communicate what they feel into words. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure that the feelings in your heart are encompassed in your wedding vows:
1. Sit down with your fiancée and put some general expectations in place for your wedding vows - such as how long and how in-depth they should be.
2. Begin brainstorming. Think about your relationship and everything you've gone through together. Focus, perhaps, on a specific situation such as the moment when you realized that this was the person you were meant to be with.
3. If you use nicknames or lovable expressions with your fiancée (honey or sweetheart) you may want to incorporate these into your wedding vows.
4. If tradition is important to you, review some examples of conventional wedding vows. Most begin with "in the name of God, I (your name) take you (your fiancée's name) to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband." You may consider reciting your vows in a similar manner.
5. Avoid sad memories or stories about you and your partner fighting. Wedding vows are meant to express the joys of being together. Therefore you should focus on the positive.
6. Once you've jotted down your ideas, you'll want to express them in a smooth and flowing manner. You may want to start with past memories and work your way to the present instead of jumping randomly from topic to topic, as this will give the impression that you took little time to prepare your vows.
7. Incorporate common expressions of love such as "I love you" or "I can't live with out you".
8. Once you have completed your vows be sure to read them over 2 or 3 times to ensure that they convey exactly what you want your partner to know. You might want to have a friend, family member or your wedding officiant to read them to ensure that they are appropriate and meaningful.
It's important to personalize your wedding vows and make them unique to you and your fiancée. Wedding vows are meant to convey your feelings of love. They explain why you're choosing to spend the rest of your life with your partner. Regardless of what you write, your partner loves you and is going to cherish your wedding vows as long as they come from the heart.
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 ceremonies to wedding traditions and more.
