Perhaps one of the most popular and best loved wedding traditions is the pre-wedding celebrations like the wedding shower and bachelor parties.
Usually these parties are supplied by the mother of the bride or the best man etc. Some couples find that they would rather host their own either out of necessity or desire.
Really, it does not matter who throws the party because in the end, it should still be affordable. There are ways to make this happen.
1. Throw a jack and Jill party which combines the bachelor and bachelor party together. If it is hosted at a home, your guests can bring their own alcoholic beverages.
2. Have your bridal shower at your own home providing home cooked food.
3. At your bridal shower purchase decorations that can also be used as parting gifts such as personalized candles etc.
4. Celebrate your wedding at a local pub or tavern.
This will give you the benefits of having all of your friends with you and none of the financial responsibility. Basically this night is no different than spending an evening with friends to celebrate a promotion, only the focus is on your wedding instead. Many couples will do this together instead of a bachelor/bachelorette party.
5. If you or a family member have memberships at a local legion, you can often convince them to let you use their halls for you bridal shower.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
5 Tips for Affordable Pre-Wedding Celebrations
How To Have A Fairytale Wedding On A Sensible Budget
Congratulations! So now that you both have agreed to take the big step and get married – the excitement of a long and happy life together lays ahead for you both.
So now comes the fun of planning the wedding, the big day, the main event! The most important part of the planning is setting the budget.
Did you know the average wedding costs $19,000? So you need to set your budget carefully and stuck to it. If you overrun, even a little, it could cost you thousands of dollars.
Set your budget very carefully – nobody wants to spend every last nickel they have on their wedding yet every couple dreams of the perfect wedding.
Gone are the days of parents footing the bill for the wedding, in fact 4 out of 5 couples today pay for their own weddings. So that probably means you are
Fortunately there are many things you can do to have your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
But be prepared for the hard sell! Every vendor out there just loves it when a newly engaged girl walks into their store – they start seeing the dollar signs! Make sure you shop around and get at least 3 quotes for each service – you will be surprised how much they vary.
Also do not be afraid to negotiate with the vendors. If you find a florist you just love but they are $1000 more expensive - then talk them. Maybe tell them you just adore their work but they are a little too expensive – ask them what they could do to make the price fit within your budget.
Additionally be very careful when telling any vendor the budget you have for their service. Somehow all the photographers will quote you $1500 when you tell them your budget is $1500! Ask them their price first. If they try to tell you they have many packages ask them what their most popular price point is. It also doesn’t hurt to let it slip that you will be visiting some of their competitors as well!
Finally don’t forget this is supposed to be FUN! Your wedding day WILL be wonderful, sure there will be some hiccups, but trust me, in the end it will go off wonderfully if you just apply a little planning and commonsense.
Enjoy your life together!
About the author:
Wedding Budget Planner < http://www.wedding-budget-planner.com>
Maid of Honor Duties
Being chosen as a maid of honor is a great privilege, but it also requires a large number of responsibilities in the wedding planning process.
The maid of honor will likely be spending a great deal of time with the best man, since their duties are often the same and require them to work hand-in-hand in order for the wedding to be a success.
Once you have dealt with the excitement of being part of the wedding party and of wearing a great dress, it's time to start planning immediately.
Here is a list of common duties the maid of honor must fulfill:
1. It is the maid of honor's responsibility to shop with the bride and attend all dress fittings. The maid of honor may want to help the bridesmaids shop for their dresses as well.
2. The maid of honor will be required to help with wedding invitations, wedding favors, flower arrangements, centerpieces or anything else at the bride's request.
3. A large part of the maid of honor's duties requires her to throw the bridal shower and bachelorette parties. The maid of honor will be responsible for planning and hosting all of these parties. If the couple decides they want a stag and doe (as opposed to bachelor and bachelorette parties) the maid of honor and best man will work together to plan and host the event.
4. It's the maid of honor's duty to record the names of the guests at the bridal party as well as their gifts. It is also her job to send out thank you cards to all guests.
5. During the wedding ceremony, it's the maid of honor's responsibility to hold onto the groom's ring (the best man is required to hold onto the bride's ring).
6. It's the maid of honor's responsibility (as well as the best man's) to sign the wedding license as a witness.
7. Finally, it is tradition for the maid of honor and best man to dance together at the reception.
If you are a first-time maid of honor and need help planning there are many people who would be eager to help out starting with the bride's mom or the bridesmaids. There are also a number of Internet resources to assist you with bridal planning and ideas.
The maid of honor has many responsibilities, but it's important to remember that the bride would not have chosen you if she didn't think you were capable of fulfilling these obligations.
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
Capturing Your Wedding On Video
Today professional videographers have become as natural a part of the wedding as the photographer. Because your wedding day goes by so quickly, recording all of the activities on video will preserve the precious moments for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
Unlike photographs, a video camera records sounds, action and more of the overall atmosphere of the event. Rather than focusing on just a few people like photographs, video can easily record a little bit of all of your guests.
The typical wedding video package costs anywhere between $500 and $1500, depending on the quality of the equipment, the number of hours of coverage, the number of cameras, the amount of editing, and other factors. As always, remember what's most important to you, determine what you can afford, and go from there.
Recording Your Wedding on a Tight Budget
If you don't have money in the budget for a professional videographer, you have other options. You could ask a close friend or family member with a video camera to record your wedding. Of course don't expect the same quality and coverage that you would get from a professional videographer. Remember, is an awful lot to ask friend or family member to tape the bulk of the wedding day. So, the best way to ensure that your most precious moments get recorded is to make a list. Pick out only a handful of moments that you definitely want on tape, such as the bride walking down the aisle, exchanging vows and rings during the ceremony, the best man's toast, the bride and groom's first dance, etc. Then anything extra that gets on film is a bonus, but you have the important stuff covered.
Special Touches for the Video
A nice touch for your wedding video is to have your videographer or a friend wielding a video camera pull your guests aside throughout the night to record a personal message to the bride and groom.
This is something that a friend did for us at our wedding, and it was absolutely wonderful to watch. This is a lovely way to record all of your friends and family who attended your wedding and adds a personal touch to the video.
Another nice idea for the wedding video is to record a short message from the bride and groom to each other. Arrange for the videographer to meet with the bride and groom separately right before the wedding ceremony.
Each can talk to the camera as if they were talking to their soon-to-be other half.
These messages truly capture all of the love and emotion of the couple on their wedding day. And they are so much fun to watch after the wedding and many years down the road!
About the author:
Find more articles at www.media43.com
Undercover Las Vegas Wedding Invitations Operation Unveiled
VegasWedlock is an online magazine dedicated to Las Vegas brides that provides Las Vegas wedding tips and tricks, but recently, they have revealed a secret kept undercover for months.
VegasWedlock recently unveiled an additional Web site to sell massive amounts of Las Vegas themed wedding invitations designed exclusively by professional graphic designers for the Las Vegas bride.
The Web site will now be the largest retailer of Las Vegas themed wedding invitations in the world.
The invitations were secretly designed by professional graphic designers who were told not to leak the information about the new Las Vegas invitations to anyone.
The new site, www.VegasWedlockInvitations.com, is easy to navigate and a user can quickly see the wide variety that VegasWedlock has available.
With over 50 exclusive Las Vegas wedding invitations designed already, VegasWedlock’s designers are creating more each month and will continue until they reach well over a thousand.
Within the Las Vegas wedding invitations already designed, VegasWedlock has styles to satisfy any bride and groom’s taste.
They have informal, formal and contemporary invitations along with new collections that they call “holiday” and “location.”
The “location” collection includes places that couples often get married in Las Vegas like the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, and more. The “holiday” collection has holiday dressed invitations with a Las Vegas touch as well.
While VegasWedlock is the only organization in the world to sell these Las Vegas wedding invitations, they are willing to work with affiliates and help spread the Las Vegas themed wedding invitations to other sites as well.
“We have seen a high demand for Las Vegas themed wedding invitations and want the brides and grooms getting married in Las Vegas to find these invitations easily, without a lot of hassle,” the publisher of VegasWedlock said.
About the author:
Renae earned her journalism degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She is currently a wedding consultant for http://www.vegaswedlock.com
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Should You Send Save the Date Notices to Your Guests?
You’ve probably heard about Save the Dates since they have become quite popular with brides but you might not know exactly what purpose they serve.
People’s lives are getting increasingly busier and more tightly scheduled so that’s where Save the Date announcements come in handy. You want to make sure that your guests, especially family and close friends, keep the date of your wedding open when planning their schedules. To ensure this, you’ll want to consider sending out Save the Date notices shortly after you have set your wedding date, especially if it’s several months in the future or around a holiday.
Proper etiquette doesn’t dictate that these advance notices have to be sent but in today’s world it helps your guests in their planning so they can be sure to be with you sharing in the celebration of one of the most important days of your life. If you do decide to send them out, you are not required to send them to every one of your guests but you’ll probably want to at least include close family members and friends. Guests who will have to travel to be in attendance will find them especially helpful for giving them plenty of travel preparation time particularly if you are having a destination wedding.
It’s easy to be creative when sending out your Save the Dates since there are so many different varieties and designs available.
• Magnets have become a favorite selection and why not since your guests can easily stick them onto their refrigerator as their reminder. Some magnets have the option of including a photo and some actually show a calendar of your wedding date month with your date circled for easy reference.
• Scratch Off Cards are a fun, unique way of announcing your wedding date. Your date will only be visible to guests after they have scratched off the appropriate area on the card similar to lottery tickets. They come in great playful designs sure to make your guests smile.
• Announcement cards can be as creative or as simple as you like. They come in varying designs, colors and themes from whimsical to more traditional. Some of them even come in creative shapes.
All designs are printed with your wedding date and names and some even give the option of including the wedding location. Blank white mailing envelopes are usually included in the price no matter which design you choose. Be sure to list at the bottom of your Save the Date the added line, “invitation to follow”, so guests won’t assume that this is the actual wedding invitation. This is also why it’s imperative that everyone who receives your Save the Date will also receive your wedding invitation.
Wedding invitations play an important role in planning your wedding, and in today’s society, Save the Dates are becoming increasingly popular because of your guests’ busy schedules. You want to do everything you can to make sure family and friends will be able to share in the joy of your wedding day.
About the author:
Sara Haese is the owner of Printed Creations Wedding Store where you'll find a fantastic selection of wedding invitations
It's the Heart (and heat) of the Wedding Season - Sun Heat Protection during an Outdoor Wedding
So, you decided to opt for an outdoor wedding under the sun amidst the lake, ocean or beach. Are you sure you have considered all the aspects of an outdoor wedding? Did you consider the fact that you and your guests are going to be outside for many hours throughout the day in the beating hot sun? Some people worry so much that it's going to rain or be cold that they completely forget to prepare themselves for the sun and the heat. The last thing you want is for you or your guests to be burnt for pictures and leave the wedding early because they are sun-fried.
So here are some sun protection tips to keep in mind whether you're the bride, groom or guest at an outdoor wedding:
1. Do not tan in a salon or outdoor prior to the wedding. Tanning of any sort is bad for your skin and can cause peeling right before the wedding.
2. If you want to get the outdoor tanned look, opt for self-tanning products that will give you the same effect without harming your skin. There are many lotions and foams that work wonders on the skin.
3. Make sure you apply sunscreen numerous times throughout the day. Encourage your guests to do so as well. Indicate on the invitation that the wedding is outdoors and remind them to bring sunscreen. Here's an idea - hand out small decorative bottles of sunscreen as an early wedding favor for your guests.
4. Try and avoid the sun as much as possible between the hours of 10am and 4pm. The sun's rays are strongest at these times. Perhaps it's a good idea to get pictures closer to the morning or early afternoon, before anyone is too tired (or burnt) from the sun.
5. Pack (and tell your guests to pack) cover-ups, shawls, wraps and hats for protection against the heat of the sun. Shawls are perfect for covering up your shoulders since they are a prime area for burns.
6. The coordinator of the wedding should ensure there are tents and umbrellas for shade. This is very important because spending the entire day in the sun with no shade can cause heat exhaustion and be harmful to your health.
7. Finally, make sure there is plenty of water for you and your guests. There's nothing worse than being hot and thirsty. Lack of water can cause dehydration which can be very dangerous for you and your guests. Have water coolers setup in different areas so they are easily accessible for everyone.
Keep in mind the precautions listed above. It will ensure that your wedding goes smoothly for you and your guests. After all, it is the most important day of your life and you don't want to take any chances of something ruining your special day!
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
Wedding Hairstyles
How you wear your hair at your wedding is important. Above all else you Wedding Hairstyle has to be comfortable. It should compliment not only your face but your dress as well.
It does no harm to have your regular hairdresser practise on you a few times. By doing this you may decide that the particular Wedding Hairstyle you have dreamt about having since you were a small child actually does nothing for the shape of your face!
If you want a wedding updo and you have relatively short hair then although with many grips and much hairspray it is possible, do remember that your hairdresser can do the impossible but miracles are outwith their reach!
Try to get a rough idea of what sort of style you are looking at for your wedding hairstyle as far in advance as possible. This gives your hair a chance to grow to a length that is more manageable for your hairdresser. After all long hair can easily be cut but it is harder and more expensive to add to your hair.
Always remember it is you that is getting married and not some fairytale image of you that you have held in your imagination since you were six! You dont want to walk down the aisle to your beloved and have him not recognize you because you wedding hairstyle is so different!
Try not to go for something very different. Chances are you will get fed up with it. If an updo requires a lot of help to stay up then as a wedding hairstyle it probably isn't right. Your wedding hairstyle has to stay in place for up to 10 hours, a lot to ask of any hairstyle but particularly difficult when a veil is shoved in, you are being swung around the dance floor and everyone wants to hug you!!
If you decide to opt for flowers or a tiara amongst your wedding hairstyle then make sure that they are securely attached but not hurting.
I would suggest go for elegance and comfort. Something that suits you and brings out your best features. If you can mange a wedding hairstyle that looks just as good down as up then you grab it with both hands, a comb and some grips!!
About the author:
Lorna Mclaren has an information and resources website at
www.a1-ourwedding.com
Your Wedding Budget: Setting And Sticking To It
Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the chapel? Then set a realistic wedding budget -- and stick to it.
In the process of planning a wedding, budget concerns often is a source of disagreement for a couple. They may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford. To make the wedding a truly happy occasion, it is important that the couple discusses financial constraints early.
Set A Budget And Save For It
The first tip is -- discuss finances before the wedding plans begin. Everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available for the wedding.
To maximize that budget, you should start saving early for your wedding. Advance planning and saving will allow you to maintain or even exceed your budget, comfortably. And that will make wedding planning easier and more fun.
Get Everyone On-Board
Once your wedding budget has been established, set it aside for a few days and then review it again. This gives everyone a chance to let the information sink in. The budget review after this waiting period gives the participants a chance to verify that they understand and agree to the budget. This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in 1 area, leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy.
Budget Line Items
When you've decided exactly how much money is available for your wedding, the next step is to divide the total into budget categories, such as the venue, food and drink, bride's attire, groom's attire, transportation, entertainment, photography, favors, centerpieces, and gifts. It is also advisable to set aside money for unforeseen expenses.
Who Pays
Part of establishing a budget is to be clear on who will pay for what.
Shopping And Negotiating
You will need to negotiate contracts for services, and so you must know the budget for each area of the wedding. If you have allotted $250 for entertainment, look for a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, then negotiate to ensure that you remain under budget.
It's wise to shop around and compare prices for services. A company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range, let them know why you are going to have to choose another company. You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.
Substitute Creativity For Cash
Doing things on your own is another way to stay under budget. Homemade invitations or making your own favors or centerpieces can greatly reduce the wedding cost, freeing up funds for other areas of the wedding.
Do not fall into the trap of viewing your budget as restrictive. Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focus on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique. You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints.
Anticipate The Unforeseen
Realize that there are bound to be snags along the way. If you go over budget in 1 area, you will need to cut the budget in another area. As long as you stay aware of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you can roll with the punches and alter your plans to accommodate any needed changes.
Make It A Wonderful Memory
A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship. It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans. Doing this early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding. It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on a positive note.
After all, working together is what a marriage is all about.
About the author:
Visit www.gr8wedding.com
Wedding Video Tips
Some of the same considerations involved in selecting a photographer for your wedding photos also apply to choosing the right videographer. Wedding video, however, is a newer art than wedding photography, and the two forms of preserving your memories cannot really be lumped together when shopping for these professional services.
Nowadays, nearly everyone has a home video camera, and the quality of pictures they produce is quite good; better, in fact, than professional equipment could turn out just a few years ago. This has led many people to neglect the importance of using a professional videographer to record once-in-a-lifetime events.
Yes, your friend Bob's nifty new handy-dandy super camcorder can turn out some pretty good-looking stuff, but if you depend on friend Bob to provide your wedding video, you are setting yourself up to be sadly disappointed.
First of all, Bob's new camera, while quite snazzy, still will not be up to the level of equipment the serious professional videographer will bring to your wedding. When shopping for video, ask the videographer to explain to you what a 3-chip camera is, and why it makes better video than a home camcorder. Also ask him about the various tape formats used by the pros...SVHS, HI8, Betacam, and get him to explain the advantages of these over standard home formats. Oh, and wouldn't it be nice to have great sound quality on your video, so you can actually hear your wedding vows, and your music? Chances are pretty good that friend Bob won't own the sophisticated wireless microphones the professional uses to record even a whisper.
Ever sat and watched Bob's 6-hour production of Little Bobby's Birthday Party? This brings us to one of the areas where the pros really excel, editing. No, editing is NOT "cutting out" or throwing away any of your wedding video. Editing is an almost magical process whereby the professional videographer refines and assembles the pictures he carefully gathered at your wedding into a polished, pleasing record of your wedding day. Every videographer has his own style, and there are as many types of wedding video available as there are videographers. Look at lots of sample videos, find the videographer with a style that pleases you, and with a personality you can be comfortable with for six or eight hours on your wedding day.
After your wedding is over, all you will have to help you remember a very important day will be your wedding photos and your wedding video. Select these professionals with care and you'll never be sorry!
About the author:
Find more articles at www.media43.com
A Winter Wedding
A Wedding in winter what a thought! As I write this article its just turning to fall and the wind is howling and the rain is battering. Not weather you would even consider weddingy!
Dont think of howling winds though, imagine snow covered mountain peaks rising majestically from fir tree covered foot hills! Close your eyes and breathe in the crisp, pine scented air. That is what a winter wedding is all about!
With the ski lodge in the distance with its welcoming real log fire, the winter sun sparkling off the crisp white snow and the sky as blue as can be you can be assured of a day of fairytale proportions.
When it come to your color scheme think red and green. Not Santa suit and holly leaves but rich burgundy or plum and a forest green that the pine trees would be proud of. Think fur hats and mufflers with black boots and long coats. Think traditional and old fashioned.
If you decide that traditional you are not, there are still options for a winter wedding. For a winter wedding of cosmic proportions think silvery blue and brilliant white, think glam and glitz, think modern and funky.
Whatever your choice I have to admit the draw of a winter wedding is strong. Should a snow storm occur at a most in-opportune moment then a fire side wedding ceremony must be one of the most romantic.
If the evening weather suits why not set out a bonfire and take your wedding outside, at least for part of the time. There can develop a great sense of camaraderie around a campfire, a la any camping trip you have ever been on! A sing song may even be called for!
There are many choices to be made on the run up to your wedding day and the choice of time of year is just one of them. Each season has its own attractions to offer and winter is no different. If you decide on a winter wedding enjoy and have fun, bring out the seasons special qualities and it wont let you down.
About the author:
Lorna Mclaren has an information and resources website at www.a1-ourwedding.com
Wedding 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
Some Advice for Buying Cheap Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a must have for many brides. Ideas for wedding favors that are not too expensive can run a bit short at times.
Some people find that items like personalized magnets are a good bargain at $1-$2.50 each. That is a pretty good deal. When you shop for them online, sometimes you can find them for as cheap as 50 cents each. Personally decorated candles are a great idea. You can even carve your candles and then paint the carved area to match your theme.
Here are some more wedding favor ideas:
· Bookmarks are cheap to make and easy to print on your own home computer.
· Personalized shot glasses with Hershey’s kisses in them from Mr. and Mrs. are fun and can run as cheap as $2.15 each for 150 of them
· Wrapping white spruce trees are a great and unique idea that will cost approximately 50 cents each.
· Personalized mint tins are a great idea and cost about $1.50 per person.
· You can get heart shaped wine stoppers in various colors with personal engravings on them for about 75 cents each
The fact of the matter is that no matter what you hoping to use as a wedding favor, the choices that you have are really only as limited as your creativity.
It is really important that when you are looking into your wedding favors that you realize that they are not the same as centerpieces or bridal party gifts.
Wedding favors are generally given to the entire guest list at a wedding; whereas bridal party gifts are only given to those who are attendants in the ceremony.
Really fun wedding favors are those that are created from your favorite treats. For example, Hershey’s kissed bouquets or chocolate heart bouquets are great as well. The wedding favors are simply meant to say thanks to your guests.
They do not have to be expensive and can run you as little as 50 cents per person when you shop around. Buying your wedding favors online can help you find the best deals out there.
Friday, June 26, 2009
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
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
