Weddings

Life, the Universe and Everything in Your Wedding

Where do you get your wedding reception ideas? How do you decide between a formal dinner and a buffet? Do you really want to create a seating chart for 200 people? Do you want to embrace the pomp and the circumstance of the receiving line? Where do you look for your wedding reception ideas? The answer to that is a simple one. You look to your own life, the life of your soon to be spouse and you find the a happy middle ground that satisfies you both.

The wedding reception is the first major event hosted by you and your new spouse. It’s a function that celebrates your marriage and invites all of your family and friends to celebrate alongside you. The reception is as much for your guests as it is for you. In fact, in many cases your wedding reception will continue after you and your new spouse leave it to head out for the honeymoon.

Wedding reception ideas come from mixing both the drama and the fantasy in our lives. Think of a romantic setting that you’d like to share with your wedding guests and create it. If that means creating a beautiful outdoor setting with tents and paper lanterns that mix both natural and quiet illuminations as well as dramatic shadows; then that’s what you do.

Your wedding reception ideas might include a brightly lit room with colorful decorations, loud music and lots of group dances. Your wedding reception ideas have to come from who the two of you are individually and who you want to be together. It’s the first couple of paragraphs in the new chapter of your lives. So create the setting you want to be seen in and you want to enjoy in and that’s where your wedding reception ideas come from.
courtesy of wedding life tips

Ordering Wedding Invitations

When you’re planning a wedding, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Among those decisions will be the location, the date, and the type of service, who will be in the bridal party and who is to be invited to the wedding. Most couples struggle when it comes to deciding how many people to invite, but it is extremely typical to send an invitation to a guest you know will not be able to come to the wedding. If you order your wedding invitations to be printed, your printer will often require a minimum number of invitations to place the order to begin with. So you should always order more wedding invitations and envelopes than number of guests you are planning to invite. There are multiple reasons for doing this, but the best reason is that it’s always better to have a few extra invitations on hand than to come up short.

Wedding Invitations Reflect the Couple, Not the Wedding

The definition of unique is that it is not common nor like another. In and of themselves, wedding invitations are unique because they are individual to the couple issuing the invitations. But in general, when we’re thinking unique wedding invitations, we’re thinking about wedding invitations that are different and that stand out from what is the norm. So, what would make your wedding invitations unique with regard to your wedding?

Unique wedding invitations may or may not include your wedding theme whether it’s an under the sea wedding, a Disney wedding or other venue wedding
Unique wedding invitations may have altered wording, sending the invitation directly from the bride and groom rather than their parents.
Unique wedding invitations may be used for second marriages or senior weddings or even the blending of two families.

For a couple electing to marry in the later years of their life after their children have grown and perhaps their previous spouses have died, their wedding invitations may be the most unique of all. Are they inviting the guests, are their children inviting the guests or are they simply sending an invitation to guests to share with them the sunset cruise they are embarking on together. The definition of unique is that it is personalized to the couple that is choosing to issue the invitation. Don’t be bound by tradition if you don’t want to be.

Mailing wedding invitations

It’s always best to mail all of your wedding invitations at the same time. Because people talk, the last thing you want is for one guest to receive an invitation two weeks before another. The person who receives her invitation last might wonder if she was invited as an after thought or because someone else couldn’t make it.

Your post office is less likely to lose an invitation if they’re receive together in a group rather than bits and pieces.

Sending the Wedding Invitations

Timing is everything and nowhere is that truer than when you are planning a wedding. Wedding invitations are critical to wedding planning not just for the bride and groom but also for the wedding guests. The wedding invitation itself serves a dual purpose. It’s first purpose is to announce the wedding plans of the couple sending it out. The second purpose is to provide the guests with a wedding planning tool of their own.

Wedding invitations provide the date, time and location of the wedding. It will also alert the guest to the type of apparel that may expected from the formal to the informal. A wedding invitation to a beach wedding will indicate a different type of clothing than one might wear to a formal Catholic wedding ceremony in a grand old cathedral. Because the wedding invitation provides so much information and the couple needs the RSVPs returned from the guests to confirm how many are coming – you might say the wedding invitation is the lynch pin that makes the wedding possible.

With that in mind, you should send out the wedding invitations no later than 12 weeks prior to the wedding. If your wedding invitations are ready, you should send them out 16 weeks prior to the wedding. 8 weeks prior to the wedding contact the guests you have not received RSVPs from. Most vendors will require a final count 4 to 6 weeks prior to the wedding, so this gives you and your guests the perfect window to coordinate their schedules with your plans.

courtesy of Wedding Life Tips

Wedding Formalwear Styles

There are no hard and fast rules so far as wedding attire is concerned. The outfitting of your wedding should be determined by your personal preferences, taking into consideration your budget.

Formal

A formal wedding can be had at any time of the day, but is particularly appropriate if the ceremony and reception are planned for the evening. The bride is ordinarily attired in a full-length gown and the groom in black or white tuxedo. The bridesmaids’ dresses and the groomsmens’ suits should complement the attire worn by the bride and groom.

Semiformal

A semiformal wedding is, as the title implies, less traditional than a formal ceremony. The bride’s gown may be of any length desired. The groom and his groomsmen may wear suits or black tuxedos. The formality of the attire worn by the bridesmaids and groomsmen may be reduced accordingly.

Informal

An informal wedding offers maximum flexibility. The bride ordinarily will wear either a traditional gown or a tailored suit. A suit is appropriate for the groom. In the final analysis, the decision regarding attire is yours. Do not feel bound to follow the rules set down by others. It is, after all, your wedding day.

courtesy of Wedding Tips

Wedding Music

The music sets the tone for your wedding. Two sets of performers may be required, one for the ceremony and another for the reception. You may, for example, choose a live band, disk jockey, solo singer, piano/organ, harpist or combination of two or more. Wedding bands usually have audition nights at which you can hear them in person. If not, request an audio or videotape. Bridal shows often showcase bands. Your musician’s personality can add much to the marriage ceremony and can make or break your reception. So it’s important that you select your entertainment carefully.

Wedding Dresses

wedding dress

Wedding dresses can have a variety of styles and materials. Your wedding dress should be ordered at least four to six months before your wedding.
Different styles of wedding dresses can help create a perfect look for you.

* For short and heavy figure: In order to look taller and slimmer do not buy knit fabrics. Princess or A-line style is perfect. Chiffon is the best fabric because it produce a floating effect and comouflages your weight.

* For short and thin figure: A natural waist or shirtwaist style with bouffant skirt will make you taller and gives you rounded figure. The best fabric choices are chiffon, velvet, and lace.

* For tall and heavy figure: The best dress style to achieve a slimming figure are princesss or A-line style. Satin, Chiffon and lace fabrics are all good.

* For tall and think figure: Tiers or flounces will reduce the impression of height. Natural waist or shirtwaist with full skirt are ideal choices. The best fabric to use are satin and lace.

When choosing the wedding dress, it is a good idea to look at wedding magazines to compare the various styles and colors. When ordering it, make sure you order the correct size. You can have also your dress tailored down to fit you exactly. The dress should be ready at least six weeks before your wedding so you can select the appropriate accesories to complement it.

To save money you can always consider buying a secondhand wedding dress or renting it. This is a good option if you don't have plans of preserving the wedding dress. However, the options are more limited when renting and usually they do not fit as well as customized tailored dresses.

courtesy of All Wedding Ideas

Discover Beach Theme Weddings

Perhaps nothing is more romantic than beach theme weddings. It is natural, casual, and alarmingly beautiful. These ceremonies allow the bride and groom to be themselves and not let the “arena” take away from the actual ceremony.

The biggest thing to remember is to keep everything light and simple. The setting is beautiful and you won’t need to add a lot to it. Weddings by the water afford the wedding party and the guests to dress casually and be themselves.

Just because you want a beach wedding, doesn’t mean it has to be at a fancy and expensive locale. Check with the closest areas for bargains at local parks on the beach, small resorts and hotels and public beaches too. Even if you don’t live near an ocean, there are plenty of gorgeous lakeside areas to use as well. Don’t forget the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty to offer on the water.

As you check for a location for your wedding by the shore, remember to ask about any restrictions on bringing in food, music, decorations, seating etc. You would not want any surprises last minute.

Your beach theme wedding should include food and drinks that are as casual and simple as the setting as well decorations and flowers that portray the light and breezy feeling of the occasion.

It should be, most of all, fun. Have everyone wear white or cream linen or gauze, Hawaiian shirts and shorts and definitely Go Barefoot!

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Topic: Weddings

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We get lots of questions about how to find the perfect bridal gown style and coordinating accessories. David's Bridal in-store consultants are specially trained to assist customers in pulling together the total look that's best for each individual. Online, we offer a variety of newsletters, articles, and tools to help you create the wedding look of your dreams. These helpful guidelines are the result of our many years of experience, however keep in mind that there are no hard rules to follow. Your wedding is Your Day and the most important thing is that your gown reflects your personal style and makes you look and feel beautiful.

Q: Can I wear a sleeveless gown for a fall or winter wedding?

A: Of course! Year round, today's most popular styles include strapless and sleeveless gowns. If you are planning a cold weather wedding, it is likely that most of your day will be spent indoors. And with the help of the season's hottest accessories, you can also stay fashionably warm for your outdoor travels, events, or photo ops. Our designers suggest adding a satin or faux fur wrap, bolero jacket, or glamorous gloves. Then you have the option of removing the outerwear at your reception, creating a whole new look! View All Wraps & Outerwear

Q: I always envisioned that I would get married in a white wedding dress; however the color doesn't flatter my skin tone. What are my options?

A: Today there are many alternatives to the traditional white wedding gown. Elegant bridal gowns are available in a range of beautiful hues, from ivory to champagne to light gold. If you really have your heart set on white, choose a white gown that features a touch of color. You'll look great in your favorite color, while also looking fashionable in the hottest bridal trend. Get the look of the season with a gown featuring beautiful color embroidery or trim, or select your favorite white gown and add a colorful ribbon or sash. Complete your wedding look by coordinating your accent color with your accessories, bridal party, and groomsmen attire. View Bridal Gowns

Q: What are the best gown styles for full figured brides?

A: Your options are virtually endless. Show off your curves in a sexy corset bodice and flowing pick-up skirt, add a color sash to a sleek silhouette for a modern chic look, or go for sheer elegance with a gown that boasts brilliant beading and lace. The most important consideration is the fit and construction…and we've got you covered. David's Bridal Woman offers a collection of bridal gowns in sizes 14W-26W, specially designed with you in mind. Our exclusive fit will make you look and feel beautiful not matter which style you choose for your special day. If you select a strapless or sleeveless gown and would like additional coverage, add a wrap or bolero jacket. View David's Bridal Woman Collection View Wraps & Outerwear

Q: This is my second wedding, can I wear white?

A: As noted in the introduction, this is your day to wear whatever style and color gown you want. Rest assured that while white was once reserved for first-time brides, the modern interpretation is that white is a symbol of celebration. Furthermore, there are many color options available today. We offer a selection of beautiful gowns in a variety of shades from ivory to champagne to light gold. The latest bridal trend may be perfect for you: gowns featuring colorful embroidery or trim, or the addition of a color ribbon or sash. It will be easy to carry the look throughout your wedding with color-coordinating accessories and bridal party fashions. View Bridal Gowns

Q: When should I start shopping for a gown?

A: It is never too early to start looking for your bridal gown. Many brides start shopping right after they get engaged (some even earlier!). It is a good idea to plan ahead (six months to one year) in order to allow time for ordering (if necessary) and alterations. If you're ready, click here and we'll help you set up an appointment.

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His & Hers Rings

In American culture, married women often receive two rings in their wedding ring set. One is an engagement ring and the other is the wedding ring, they often match and complement each other and can be worn together on the ring finger after marriage. Traditionally wedding rings are worn closest to the hand with the engagement rings after it.

Wedding Rings & Commitments

Wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand in most Western countries, though it may be worn on the right hand’s ring finger in other Eastern European and Asian countries including Poland, India and Russia. Wedding rings symbolize the European marriage commitment to fidelity.

In many cultures, wedding rings are the last in a series of pre-wedding gifts given to the bride by the groom. These gifts begin with the engagement ring and end with the wedding rings. The variety of different wedding rings and anniversary rings are part of the modern jewelry trade’s efforts to expand their sales.

For example, when a man asks a woman to marry him, he may present her with an engagement ring or purchase one shortly thereafter. Wedding rings are purchased for both the bride and the groom. They can be bought individually or in matched sets. Other rings associated with wedding rings include promise rings that are given when a couple’s dating becomes serious and eternity rings that are usually offered to wives after the birth of their first child.

Stretching your wedding budget

Choose a weeknight to get married at your favorite wedding chapel, church or even destination. Rates are much lower for weekday weddings (and this includes not only the locatin, but also the vendors rates) and you get to enjoy the weekend for your honeymoon.

Plan for the Reception When Considering Your Wedding Budget

A typical wedding with fifty guests can cost about $15,000 and that when it has been budgeted. Fifty percent of your wedding costs will be invested in the reception. Receptions are where the couple cut their cake, take their first dance and generally celebrate their nuptials. The venue, food, drinks, music, flowers and photography are all just facets of the reception. So sit down with your lists and get ready to mark all the things you absolutely want to have at your wedding and then pay attention to these rules to trim back the cost.

budget helper

www.blissweddings.com

/library/weddingbdgt.asp

this is and interactive budget helper.... it will be very useful to brides and grooms planning on a budget

Where To Honeymoon?

Where to go for your honeymoon is often a tough decision. There are so many honeymoon destinations that narrowing it down to just one seems almost impossible. Should you go somewhere tropical, somewhere foreign, take a cruise, or stay closer to home and enjoy a bed & breakfast inn.

The choices are endless so let's talk about just a few.

First off, perfect honeymoons take a lot of planning. Be specific when booking your honeymoon. Don't leave anything to chance. Make a list of what's important in your travel plans. Do you want a king-sized bed, room with a view, first class air accommodations, convertible rental car? Think about all the details before you leave, not after. And any time you get the opportunity, tell the airline personnel, car rental agency, hotel front desk or restaurant hostess, that you are on your honeymoon. You never know what perks they might throw your way.

Deciding what you want in a honeymoon is the first step. Do you want to do a lot of sightseeing or learn something new that you can enjoy together? Do you want to be active? Do you want to save or splurge? Do you want to relax and relish quiet together time? Do you want to go somewhere warm or somewhere cold? Think about your ideal vacation and go for it. Great honeymoon ideas can be found in bridal magazines, at your local bookstore and even through your automobile club.

Many couples enjoy visiting honeymoon resorts such as those found on the Hawaiian islands and the Caribbean. These resorts often offer honeymoon packages to include your every wish. If not interested in a package, there is still so much to do right in the confines of your resort. There are tons of water activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, boating, fishing, surfing, windsailing and swimming. There are sights to be seen, pools to lounge by, waterfalls to observe, towns to explore and food to enjoy. You can set your own pace and relish in the company of your spouse however you want. It's a good idea to get information on what there is to see and do in your destination before you go. Call the local Tourist Board for brochures and information and ask hotel reservations to send you information on the hotel's daily activities and services.

Another popular honeymoon vacation is a cruise. You can cruise anywhere in the world and see places you've only dreamed about. Cruise ships themselves offer an abundance of activities including swimming, gambling, movies, live shows and more. If you want to visit several different locals, this may be the honeymoon destination for you because you visit several ports and can exit the ship to visit somewhere new almost every day. Cruises are also a package deal with most everything included in one price per person. There's no getting out your wallet every five minutes.

While it is tradition to stay in the honeymoon suite on the night of your wedding, you can continue to do so on your honeymoon. Many Bed & Breakfast inns offer honeymoon suites or honeymoon cabins that are very private and romantic. If the mountains or a small town are what appeals to your honeymoon desire, this is a great way to go. Many small beach towns also have bed & breakfast opportunities. These inns get their name because they offer the most delicious breakfasts every morning. If you're staying in a private room, as the honeymoon rooms usually are, breakfast can be served to your room for private dining. Many of these suites also have a private balcony or deck where you can sit and eat, relax or read. Afternoon wine and cheese is usually served daily in the main room of the inn. And the innkeepers often have suggestions and/or pamphlets on interesting places to go or restaurants to visit for dinner.

When making your honeymoon travel plans you can do it yourself or with the help of a travel agent. Either way, be sure to outline your needs and wants before making reservations. That will make the travel itinerary part of your honeymoon less stressful and give you more time to think about recreational activities. Another good source of information is friends and family. Ask them about romantic restaurants and special things to see and do.

If you think about your perfect honeymoon "day", the destination will make itself clear. Think about how you want to spend your morning (breakfast in bed perhaps), your afternoon (a picnic on the beach, tour of an ancient city), and your evening (dinner under the stars or under bright lights.) Close your eyes and envision yourself in the ultimate honeymoon setting. Don't be afraid to ask others for their honeymoon ideas. You may be surprised by what you can learn from other people's honeymoon excursions. The more questions you ask, the clearer your answer will be. A honeymoon vacation should be a once in a lifetime trip.

Wedding Cake

You can order the wedding cake from a caterer or a bakery. Some hotels and restuarants may also be able to provide a wedding cake. But ordering it from a bakery who specializes in wedding cakes will probably be better. When ordering the cake you have to choose the flavor, size, design and shape. Size is determined by the number of guests. Choose the flavor you want. The most common flavors are carrot, chocolate, rum, white and lemon. You can also add a filling to your cake like custard, strawberry and chocolate. You can always consider having tiers with different flavors.

If you're planning to use a cake top other than flowers, be sure to discuss it with your baker. Some porcelains and heavier cake tops need to be anchored down into the cake. Your cake knife and toasting glass should complement your overall setting; these items will bring happy memories of you wedding. The bride usually cuts the first two slices with the grooms hand placed over her. The groom feed the bride first and the bride feeds the groom. Toasting glasses are use to toast each other after you cut the cake. It'susually decorated with ribbons or flower and placed near the cake. This makes a beautiful wedding photographs.

To save money compare the taste, type and quality. Some bakers don't have set-up and delivery fees, others do. In order to save money for the fee, have a friend or a family member to get a quick lesson on how to set up your cake. You can also check for inviduals who bake from their home. It's less expensive that ordering it in the bakery. Some bakeries require a deposit for columns and plates but some use disposable ones. It saves you the rental fee and the hassle of returning the items. To save money for the cake top, cake knife and toasting glass, you can borrow from a friend or family members, as "something borrowed" is an age old wedding tradition.

courtesy of All Weddings Ideas

Top Bride / Groom First Dance Songs

True Companion - Marc Cohn
Endless Love - Lionel Richie/Dianna Ross
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
It's Your Love - Tim McGraw/Faith Hill
At Last - Etta James Amazed - Lonestar
I Could Not Ask For More - Edwin McCain
Beauty & The Beast - Celine Dion/Peabo Bryson
Forever's As Far As I'll Go - Alabama
Everything I Do - Bryan Adams
My Best Friend - Tim McGraw
Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
Truly - Lionel Richie
When I Fall In Love - Celine Dion/Clive Griffin
Your Song - Elton John
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson/Regina Bell
Love Of My Life - Jim Brickman/Michael W. Smith
Grow Old With Me - Mary Chapin Carpenter
You Had Me From Hello - Kenny Chesney
Forever And Ever, Amen - Randy Travis

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