WEDDING AND HONEYMOON RESORT

20 Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

2010-02-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

So you thought it'd be great to write your own vows, but now a healthy dose of writer's block (not to mention fear of embarrassing yourself) has hit you squarely on the head. Don't know how to transform your heavy, life-altering, feelings into a string of coherent words? You're not alone -- but don't worry, your goal is within reach: Just take it one word at a time. Here's the homework you need to do (and the questions you should ask) to make your wedding words letter-perfect.

Prep Step A: Get clearance

Make sure your officiant will accept personalized vows. Catholic and Episcopal congregations, for instance, may require you to recite all or part of the traditional vows, though in most cases that's left to the officiant's discretion. Remember: Even the most accommodating officiant will want to review your words in advance.

Prep Step B: Make a plan

You need to tackle the logistics to make sure you and your fiance are both on the same page: Are you each going to write your own, or will you write them together? Will you show them to each other before the ceremony?

Knot Note: If you're feeling shy, opt to write your vows together and even recite the exact same promises. If there's more you wish to say, privately, say it in the cards you exchange on the day of your wedding or on your honeymoon.

Prep Step C: Create your outline

An outline can help to establish a structure that you both stick to. For example, plan to first talk about how great your fiance is, then about how great you are as a couple, then about what you're vowing to each other.

Prep Step D: Find your voice

What overall tone do you want: Humorous and touching? Poetic and mushy? It's your call -- the most important thing is that your vows ring true and sound like they're from your heart.

Prep Step E: Cut it down

Finally, pick a length and stick to it by keeping the mantra pithy and to the point in mind -- anything longer than a minute or so, and no matter how gorgeous your prose, the audience will start to squirm.

Ready to Write!

What exactly do you say? To help you think of sentiments to include, take turns answering this list of questions. When you're done, look through your answers for the phrases that best capture your intended message and incorporate them into the structure of your vows.

What did you think when you first saw him/her? Start from the beginning -- you didn't want to go out and now you're grateful your friends dragged you out? How to use: When we met at __________, I knew __________.

When did you realize you were in love? The more specific you are able to be, the more touching the story. Was it when he helped you bring your sick puppy to the vet? How to use: I knew I was in love when ____________. Don't underestimate the power of humor. Throw in at least one more playful sentiment (When she recited Don Mattingly's RBI record...).

What do you have now that you didn't have before you met? Focus on the heart and head, not material possessions. Has she taught you to appreciate beauty differently? Has he helped you learn to savor creating a home-cooked meal? How to use: Before I met you, I ___________. Now I ___________.

How has your worldview changed? Life has likely gotten better since the two of you joined forces, so tell everyone about it. How to use: Because of you, I see the world __________. Having trouble? Think about the new things you've tried with your mate -- what have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?

What do you miss most when you're apart? This will probably be something mundane but powerful -- what about his smile first thing in the morning, or the way she puts out your lucky mug for your morning coffee? How to use: You are such a part of me that when you're gone, I __________.

Where do you see yourselves in 10 years? 20 years? 40 years? Go deeper than Happily married in a big house. What are your long-term hopes, dreams, and goals? How to use: I look forward to __________, laughing and __________ as we __________.

Is there a line from a movie, song, or poem that says it all? It's okay to borrow, as long as it's not too much of a cliche (we're sorry, but You complete me is suffering from overuse). Instead modify something familiar to personalize. How to use: Subtly. I watch you ________, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Do parts of the traditional vows resonate with you? Maybe you're not so sure about the obey part, but can you really go wrong with love, cherish, and...? How to use: Try I promise to cherish and honor you ____________, but add a time frame and funny reference for levity: ...all the days of my life, especially when curled up on the couch with takeout.

Can you think of a funny or touching experience that put your partner in a new light? The way he played with your little cousin or helped your grandmother up the stairs showed you that under his macho exterior is a wittle, bitty bunny wabbit and you love him for it. How to use: When you ____________, I saw you for the _____________ person you are. And that made me want to ____________.

Is there a harrowing experience that strengthened your bond? This one rides tandem with #9. How to use: See #9.

What goals and values do you both have? Stating your common bond may just expose your inner Wordsworth. These ties -- whether your shared faith or your mutual love of wine -- will also help demonstrate why you're a perfect pair. How to use: We share ___________, so together we can ___________.

What about him/her inspires you? What is it about your fiance that you'd like to improve in yourself? What do you most respect about your partner? How to use: Your ___________ has shown me how to be___________.

What promise can you make to codify your devotion? Here's an opportunity to personalize your vows -- many couples pledge their endless love, but how many promise to take the dog out in the morning, even in the snow? How to use: I promise to always ___________.

How will you change together? You know what your goals are -- think about the steps the two of you will need to take together to reach them. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we __________.

What metaphor (or simile) would capture your love? Think of something that describes or defines your love: Is it strong like a castle? Peaceful like a mountain stream? How to use: Our love is like a ___________ because it ___________.

Why are you entering the bond of marriage? Think about why marrying your fiance is so special. You may be surprised how the answer leads you to the perfect words. How to use: To me, marriage is ___________. With you, it's ___________.

What will keep your marriage strong? Find the bedrock of your relationship. What makes your relationship tick? Is it your resilience? Your shared sense of humor? How to use: Even when ___________, we will have ___________.

What are you most looking forward to about married life? The wedding is just the beginning. How to use: I look forward to ___________ as we embark on ___________.

What do you expect out of married life? Defining your expectations will help you make and keep promises. Think about your dreams, and what you'll have to vow to do to make them come true. How to use: I know our marriage will ___________ and I vow to ___________.

What words do you associate with love? Make a list of romantic terms so you can avoid overusing love -- too many repetitions dilute its power. How to use: My devotion/adoration/ passion is ___________.

See More: Ceremony + Vow Ideas

Shower Gifts On Wedding

2009-05-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, shower gifts are smaller and rather less expensive than wedding gifts. As a courtesy to family and friends, it is a good idea for the couple to register their preferences in the gift registry department of their favorite store. If you have ever tried to decide on just the perfect gift for someone, and didn't have a clue as to their likes and dislike, you will understand the thoughtfulness of a gift registry. Be sure to include small, inexpensive items, such as kitchen towels, wooden spoons, or hot pads, as well as larger items, such as blenders, toasters, bread makers, and coffee machines. Elderly guests may be on a fixed income, and a very limited budget, but also appreciate knowing the gift they buy is something truly desired and appreciated. Thus, the purpose of registering small, inexpensive items.

And last, but hardly least, a mention of sending thank you cards, (also see "How to Write a Thank You Card") must be included in our discussion of bridal showers. At one time, notes were not considered necessary when you thanked someone in person. Today, with showers being larger and guests busier, a personal note is the only way to make sure sincere appreciation is expressed. A unique idea for sending thank you cards begins as the guests arrive and register for a door prize by filling out her name and mailing address on "thank you" envelopes. The door prize winner is drawn at the end of the shower from the envelopes which are then given to the bride. This enables the bride to more quickly send out her thank you cards, and eliminates returns due to incorrect addresses.

Lingerie showers

2009-04-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

Lingerie showers are a favorite of the bride, especially when she is honored with more than one party. Long, frilly, sexy nighties, baby doll pajamas, lacy bra's and panties, one piece body huggers, are all terrific ideas for gift giving. Sewing accessories, closet or drawer organizers, certificates for special services, such as beauty treatments, hair care products or nail enhancement are also perfect gifts given at a lingerie shower.

It is the job of the hostess to plan a party that compliments both the theme and her guests. Be sure when several showers are planned, the guest list is different for each one so no one ends up feeling obligated to attend and buy several shower gifts, as well as a wedding gift. When the bride lives in a small town or community it is considerate to suggest people join together to host one shower, rather than several small ones.

Showers are almost always informal gatherings with a simple menu and often only include cake, mints and punch. The hostess issues invitations by telephone, mail, or in person. It is considered in poor taste to invite people who do not personally know the bride, although, they may be friends of her family or fiancé. However, etiquette for the 90's allows exceptions to every rule. A shower may be the time, chosen by the mother of the groom, for instance, to bring family and close friends to meet her prospective daughter-in-law. Showers are not times to call in social obligations.

During the shower, games are played for fun and entertainment. You can find notebook style, pads of games to play at your local card shop or dream up your own. Ideas include, a small basket of kitchen utensils with 15 to 20 items, shown to the guests for 30 seconds, then removing the basket and asking them to write down everything they remember seeing. Writing the full, soon to be married name of the bride, across the top of a page, and seeing how many words can be made from the name in four or five minutes is another popular choice. Of course, in both instances, the person with the highest number wins the prize. Be sure to have a couple extra gifts on hand for those times when two or more are the winners. It is also fun to give each guest a clothes pin, to clip on their lapel, with instructions they are not to cross their legs during the party. If caught crossing their legs, the person catching them, gets their clothes pin. The one left holding the most pins at the end of the party, wins a prize.

One further point needs to be made concerning the guest list for a shower invitation. The thoughtful bride, who has planned a formal wedding, also sees to it, if possible, that people not invited to the wedding, are not put in the position of being invited to a shower. Every guest will bring a gift. It would be in very poor taste to ask someone to bring a gift for a bride who has not chosen to invite that individual to her wedding.

Bridal Showers On Wedding

2009-04-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, bridal showers are given by the maid/matron of honor, or close friend of the bride. It is not proper for an immediate family member of the couple to host the shower . To do so, would appear they were asking for gifts and is not in good taste. The party itself may be scheduled at any time convenient for the bride and her hostess, although the last week before the wedding is considered poor planning. There are so many last minute details, that a shower would likely be more stressful than joyful.

Showers are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Showers today, often surround a particular party theme. Recipe showers, kitchen showers, bath showers, lingerie, linen and garden or camping showers...the possibilities are endless. As might well be expected, kitchen showers have long been the most popular shower theme, because of the endless range of paraphernalia every newlywed couple needs to set up housekeeping. Novice cooks, especially those who have never kept house before, need everything from pots and pans to mops and brooms. One variation of the kitchen theme has each guest including their favorite recipe, along with an item needed to prepare that recipe. As an example, a flour sifter or hand mixer with a cake recipe. Muffin tins alongside a recipe for pop overs. Rock salt, when giving an ice cream maker. Use your imagination. When requesting favorite recipes as part of the shower planning, it is a good idea for the hostess to send uniform, ready to use, recipe cards in the invitation. A recipe box is then given to the bride during the shower, to begin assembling her favorite recipes.

Second Marriage Wedding Dresses

2009-04-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

It's your second marriage, and you are looking for just the right dress, check out these tips!:

Today, second marriages amount to approximately thirty percent of all marriages. Needless to say, many of the "old" traditions are changing. There are a many options and choices that to fit your individual situation. Your decisions may be determined by the bride and groom's age, whether children are involved, and if this is a second marriage for both of you or just one of you. No matter what your situation, it is important that you have a wedding that makes both of you feel good.

Formality of the Wedding
Traditionally, when it is the bride's second marriage, a semiformal or informal wedding is chosen, rather than a large, very formal wedding. Only close friends and family members are present. The exception to this could be if the bride never had a large, formal first wedding, or has no children. Another exception could be when it is the bride's second, but the groom's first, marriage. In this case the groom's parents may want to host the wedding or the couple may choose to pay for it themselves. In any case, it is not typical to expect the bride's family to pay for a second large wedding.

When it is both the bride's and groom's second marriage, it is best to have a tasteful semiformal or informal wedding. It may be in a church, chapel, home, hotel or club. There should be a maid or matron of honor in the ceremony but no bridesmaids. Similarly, the groom should have a best man but should only have ushers if they are needed. Ushers that are needed do not stand at the altar. When there are children from previous marriages, the couple may want to involve them in some way, depending on their ages.

Wedding Dress Designs For the Second Marriage Bride
With the increase of second marriages, wedding dress designers have created a great number of elegant wedding gowns for second marriages. Second wedding dresses should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the bride. Consider selecting a cocktail length dress or a beautiful designer suit that you may wear again. What you choose to wear will depend on the formality of the ceremony, the time of day and, most important, what you feel good wearing.
Can You Wear White?
“Can an encore bride wear white?” The answer in our modern world is a resounding “YES”! White is a perfect color for an encore bride since white is regarded as a symbol of joy rather than purity or virginity. Pastels and ivory are also popular color choices for the second wedding dress. However, a veil, the symbol of virginity, should not be worn. Instead, wear a tiara or other hair embellishment. With all the options available, finding your second marriage wedding dress should be fun and pretty easy!

Bridal Showers On Wedding Party

2009-04-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Bachelor Party

2009-04-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

The bachelor dinner or party is another one of those optional customs and has long held a reputation as the last chance for the groom and his attendants to release their pre-wedding jitters.

The dinner may be hosted by the groom's friends or by the groom himself, in much the same way the bride hosts the bridesmaid luncheon. It is the perfect time for him to pass out gifts of appreciation to his best man, ushers and groomsmen. Unlike the custom of giving gifts which can be worn during the wedding, as in the case of the brides attendants, the gifts received by the grooms attendants are more likely not to be worn or used in the wedding. Gifts often include engraved money clips, steins, or knives, but the ideas are endless.

At some point during the festivities, usually immediately following dinner, the groom proposes a champagne toast to his bride, as she is not in attendance. Traditionally, each man then smashes his glass so it many never again be used for a less worthy purpose. If drinking follows, it is wise for the bachelor party be scheduled a few days before the actual ceremony, instead of following the rehearsal dinner on the night before the wedding.

For more information on this and other related topics see Link Below

The Wedding Breakfast

2009-04-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

The wedding breakfast is most often hosted by a friend or neighbor of the bride, in honor of all those who have come from out-of-town for the occasion. This breakfast is a wonderful way to occupy and entertain guests who may feel in need of a warm welcome.

Neither the bride, nor her groom and families are expected to attend the wedding breakfast, although it is certainly proper, if they chose to do so. The menu may be as simple as quiche, coffee and juice or as extravagant as a full scale breakfast buffet. Whatever is served is secondary to the feeling of being part of the festivities.

This is a good time to give a run down of scheduled events which surround the day. Proper arrival time at the church for photographs, transportation arrangements, childcare concerns and any number of other questions can be answered at this time, leaving no room for misunderstandings later.

For more information on this and other related topics see Link Below

Seven Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Sing

2009-03-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

Canon in D. The Wedding March. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. With the sheer number of songs to choose from, the task of selecting the right wedding music -- and the right musicians -- for your big day can be overwhelming. As you plan your wedding music, keep in mind these seven suggestions designed to help make the walk down the aisle a harmonious one:

Consult with your spouse-to-be

You might be surprised at his or her interests or preferences. Your husband-to-be might have his heart set on a particular song, or your wife-to-be might want to include a traditional family favorite.

Look at the big picture
Determine the best style of music to use based on the overall theme and feel of your wedding ceremony. Is it traditional? Contemporary? Religious? Romantic? Fun? Not all music is the right fit for all types of weddings.
Determine the parts of the ceremony that you'd like to set to music

You can select as little or as much music as you like for the ceremony, but keep in mind that your guests will be there to celebrate with you, not listen to a concert. Make sure that you select just enough so there are no "bare spots" during which your guests might become fidgety. Potential parts of the ceremony to be set to music may include the prelude, the processional (you can select separate pieces for the wedding party and the bridal entrance), congregational hymns and religious ceremony responses, the lighting of the unity candle, the recessional and the postlude. You could add a vocalist to any of these pieces. If you're having trouble narrowing your selections, you can always save some of the songs for the band or DJ to play at the reception rather than trying to cram them all into the ceremony. If you're marrying in a place of worship, remember to get your list of selections approved by the wedding coordinator or celebrant.

Not all musicians are created equal Select musicians
who are comfortable with your chosen style. If your ceremony is traditional, how about a string quartet? Contemporary? Maybe just a solo pianist, or perhaps a saxophone player. Religious? Check with the wedding coordinator at your venue to get the names of the most sought-after musicians on her list. Does someone in your family sing beautifully? Consider inviting them to sing for your wedding to make the experience even more special. But remember that if you ask someone who's not a professional, you'll have to cut them a little slack if they're not exactly perfect. You might want your uncle to play the accordion, but be sure to find a song that fits your style and his ability.

Ask for advice -- if you need it
If you're particular about your musical choices for the big event, you may want to wait to book instrumentalists or vocalists until you've made your music selections. If you're not fussy, and would welcome the help choosing music, hire professional musicians and trust their advice. They've likely played for many weddings before, and will have great song ideas. For several options to get you started, pop in CD of popular wedding music selections.

Provide the necessary tools
Once you have finalized the song list and booked your wedding musicians, don't forget to provide the sheet music for the pieces you've chosen. Work with the contact person at your venue to arrange for a rehearsal session in the space prior to the event.

Trust your instincts
Bottom line -- it's your wedding. Don't feel pressured to include a particular song just because Cousin Betty says you should.

Traditional Wedding Songs

2009-03-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Traditional wedding music lovers have been dreaming of their walk down the aisle to the joyous strains of Here Comes the Bride (also known as 'Bridal Chorus') since a very young age. That wedding music standard, along with Mendelssohn’s Wedding March (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream) are among the top traditional wedding song choices downloaded each week by our visitors. This page highlights the top traditional choices for each of the parts of a traditional wedding ceremony.

(Click on any song title to hear a sample)

Traditional Wedding Preludes
1.	Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
2.	How Beautiful – Twila Paris
3.	I Can Only Imagine – MercyMe
4.	Ave Maria – Franz Schubert
5.	Canon in F – The O’Neill Brothers
6.	Annie’s Song – John Denver
7.	Arioso – J.S. Bach
8.	Spring (from Four Seasons) – Antonio Vivaldi
9.	Edelweiss – Richard Rodgers
10.	Ave Maria – J.S. Bach
11.	Music Box Dancer – Frank Mills
12.	Wachet Auf – J.S. Bach
13.	Largo – G.F. Handel
14.	The Bride’s Return – The O’Neill Brothers

How To Contemporary Wedding Music Choices

2009-03-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Music Experts

There's no rule that says you need to walk down the aisle to the strains of Pachelbel's Canon. Many brides are setting aside the traditional tunes of their parents' or older siblings' ceremonies and looking for more contemporary tunes that are decidedly their own.

The trend these days is to choose music that speaks to you, no matter if it's not exactly what your guests are expecting. If you'd like to incorporate new or lesser-known older songs into your ceremony or reception, go right ahead. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to music that's as individual and unique as you are:

Don't be overly concerned about tradition or choosing "appropriate" music. Have fun representing yourselves and your love in a memorable way.
To give your wedding a one-of-a-kind feel, be on the lookout for original songs by musicians or songwriters many people might not have heard of.
Instead of using Top 40 hits, consider songs from Broadway musicals or movies.
Love a certain musician, but wince at the thought of having his or her most famous tune in your wedding? Choose one of their more obscure songs instead.

Here are a few nontraditional songs to consider:

The Feather Theme (Main Theme) - Forrest Gump Soundtrack Canon in F - The O'Neill Brothers You Are My Home - Scarlet Pimpernel Soundtrack Born to Give My Love to You - Martina McBride The Road That Never Ends - Jamie Lawrence

Choosing Music to Fit Your Style

2009-03-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Music Experts

Whether you're exchanging vows in a park with flowers in your hair or wearing the latest European fashions as you gather in a cavernous cathedral, the music you choose for your wedding ceremony should fit your style.

Mendelssohn's Wedding March is a phenomenal piece of music, but it's not for everyone. Don't be afraid to think outside of the box on your wedding day. You may just discover an idea that is much more meaningful and beautiful than going with the "standard" wedding marches and classical music.

How do you find the right music for your style? "The best advice I can give is to listen," says Aaron Mauldin of Aaron's DJ Services in Kern County, CA. "Write down an idea if something strikes you that you would like to incorporate into your wedding music. You might hear a song on the radio or at the end of a movie. You might hear the mellow notes of a harp, saxophone, or piano and know that this type of sound is what represents your feelings. Buy CDs and find music that means something to your soul," he says.

Wedding Ceremony Music

2009-02-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

The Wedding Music Experts

Music is such an important part of a ceremony, it makes sense to spend as much time and energy as it takes to get it just right. Before you walk down the aisle, keep in mind these eight dos and don'ts designed to make the music at your wedding really hum.

DO celebrate your culture
Consider including music or instruments that salute your individual heritages. Don't feel like a piano or violin are your only options. If it's important to you to have a 10-person gospel choir or an instrument that's unique to your culture as part of the ceremony, go for it.

DON'T hesitate to bend a friend's ea
Talk to a friend who's recently gotten married about their experiences. Ask for helpful tips about what they did that they liked or what they would've done differently. They may even be able to refer to you musicians.

DO hire the best musicians
you can afford It's critical to hire somebody with the right talent and experience - and who's going to be a good fit with your style and preferences. Your wedding isn't the time to let your nephew with a few months of violin lessons under his belt make his public debut.

DON'T call just anyone
The best place to start is with referrals. Ask friends or family members if they can recommend impressive candidates that they've hired or heard before. You might also want to check with the contact person at your church or ceremony venue. They'll be a great resource, and will likely be able to recommend musicians who have experience performing in your venue. The Web is also great place to look to find listings of all the professionals in your area. Check out MyWeddingMusic.com's musician finder.

DO your homework
Once you've narrowed your list of possible musicians, ask for a demo CD or a videotape from a previous performance from each candidate to help make your decision. A lot of musicians are putting audio or video clips on their Web sites, which really makes it easy for a couple to get a feel for their style. If someone doesn't have a recording available, perhaps there's a way that you can discreetly attend an upcoming ceremony at which they're performing (only if they have permission, of course).

DON'T include more than two vocal solos during the ceremony
Solos are beautiful additions to a ceremony, but too many can start to wear thin. The vocalist can participate in other ways, such as leading congregational hymns or responses, or singing before or after the ceremony.

DO consider space limitations
If you'd like to have a string quartet perform, make sure there's room to put them in your venue. Check out the venue ahead of time to make sure everything - and everybody - fits.

DON'T take your eye off the budget
Music-related expenses for your wedding can include: ceremony instrumentalists, ceremony vocalists, sheet music for the songs you've chosen (if the musicians don't already have it), live musicians for your dinner/reception, live musicians for your wedding dance or a DJ for both your dinner/reception and dance. It all adds up, and if you're not careful, you can easily bust the budget

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Etiquette Guide

2009-02-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

Etiquette fundamentally prescribes and restricts the ways in which people interact with each other, and show their respect for other people by conforming to the norms of society. In the world of Wedding Etiquette some things to consider are: Greet friends and acquaintances with warmth and respect, offer hospitality equally and generously to all guests, wear clothing suited to the occasion, contribute to conversations without dominating them, eat neatly and quietly, avoid disturbing others with loud music, follow the established rules of the location or venue, arrive promptly when expected, and respond to invitations promptly.

These are some commonly asked questions and answers regarding wedding reception etiquette (click here to see complete wedding etiquette guides):

1. Can the host/hostess of the reception ask the caterer to wrap up all the leftovers?
You better believe you can!!! After all, you paid for it - it's yours and it's a very common (and a proper occurrence). Be sure to let the caterer know ahead of time that you will want to take some leftovers so he/she can have the proper contains ready for you.

2. Is it proper etiquette to give a gift if a couple is renewing their wedding vows?
Absolutely! Usually, if the couple has not stated otherwise through the rumor mill, the guest would give life style gifts, such as certificates to spas, or a certificate to a favorite restaurant. Many times, guests will purchase a joint gift, such as a vacation package, or a night in a nice lodge. Often, though, many couples ask for no gifts and request donations to their favorite charity.

3. My brother is getting married in July. Both he and his bride live here. However, the bride is from another town, about 5 hours away. The wedding will take place in her home town. We (my parents & I) have some questions regarding the rehearsal dinner. 1) Is it proper to have the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parents' home? 2)Who is usually invited to the rehearsal dinner? 3)What part does the brides' family have in the planning of the dinner? 4) What are the responsibilities of the groom's family for the rehearsal dinner?
The rehearsal dinner is a part of turn-of-the-century proper wedding etiquette and the responsibility of the groom's family. In the past this was not an obligatory item - but - that was then and this is now. The rehearsal dinner is attended by the wedding party - those participating in the wedding - often including the officiant and spouse of the officiant - the spouses and/or live-ins of participating members of the wedding party - grandparents and a few other "favorite" relatives are generally welcomed.

click here to see complete wedding etiquette guides

The bride's family generally helps the groom's family (particularly when the groom's family is from out-of-town) in finding an appropriate location and with the names of special members of the wedding party to be invited. Is it proper to have the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parents' home? Well, it isn't improper - maybe a little unusual, but not improper - I think it would depend on how the groom's family felt about it - and, perhaps, financial considerations. If the bride's family was kind enough to offer (for the right reasons) then there's nothing wrong with it. If the groom's family elects to take the bride's family up on the offer then it wouldn't hurt for the groom's parents to offer to pay for the caterers

4 . My fiancé and his mother don't really get along. In fact, they are not close at all. He does not want to have to share a special dance with her at our wedding. I know she will be very hurt if he doesn't. Is there any way to get around this?
If your fiancé's mother is coming to the wedding and to the reception, do you think it may be to try and be a "party-pooper" - if the answer is YES then you have a bigger problem than just a dance - if the answer is NO then your fiancé should consider doing the dance - after all, regardless of what the rest of the family thinks, it IS polite, it IS etiquette and it IS something that will only be "once in a lifetime". Now, from another angle, why "hurt" anyone - regardless of how they may have hurt you in the past - when it's not necessary to do so??? This wedding isn't about "getting even" or "not sharing" a special moment ... this is about TWO OF YOU ... tell your fiancé to go ahead and be a hypocrite this once ... your marriage should be joyous and wonderful - not only for the two of you but for EVERYONE involved; and if they don't feel it is joyous and wonderful - well - at least you both made the effort and that's all that can be expected of you; and you both can start your lives together without ANY hard feelings. Look at this situation not as "the glass is half empty" and being a hypocrite - but - "the glass is half full" and the word to go with this view is magnanimous -- your fiancé can be magnanimous and not hypocritical -- and still do the dance. The alternative (etiquette-wise) is to opt for having just the bride and groom do the special dance (in this case it usually follows immediately after the toast). When the only special dance is the bride and groom the attendants join them after a minute or so and then (after another minute or so) the remainder of the guests are encouraged to join the dance. While this solves the problem, and is proper etiquette, it also eliminates the tradition dances of the bride with father-in-law, bride with father. So - if you want to do it right - one of the two of you will have to sacrifice: You sacrifice the dance tradition of being able to dance with your father and father-in-law (at the traditional time); or, he can find a way to be magnanimous enough to take on a short (but not too short) dance with mom.

5. The Top Three Wedding Etiquette Dilemmas:
#1 - Including the Partners of Wedding Guests
Partners of invited guests must be included in a wedding invitation, whether or not they are married, engaged, or living together and whether or not anyone in the wedding party knows them. Suggesting that single guests who aren't attached to a significant other bring a date is a thoughtful gesture, but one that is certainly not required and often not realistic. A single invitation addressed to both members of a married couple, or a couple who live together, is sent to their shared address, while invitations to an engaged or long-standing couple who don't live together are sent separately, to each address. Envelopes addressed to a single friend may include "And Guest," indicating that he or she may bring an escort or friend. If it is possible to obtain the name of the guest, the name would be included on the invitation to the friend, or a second invitation may even be sent directly to the date at his or her home address instead.

#2 - Guests Who Ask To Bring A Guest of Their Own
The answer is straightforward: It is impolite of a guest to ask if he can bring a date -- but it is not impolite of you to refuse. You may certainly answer no. However, if you do discover that they are engaged or living together, the thing to do is invite your friend's partner, whether verbally or by invitation.

click here to see complete wedding etiquette guides

#3 - Sending Invitations to Out-of-Town Guests Who Can't Possibly Attend
Apply careful thought. Many people prefer not to send invitations to those friends and acquaintances who they feel cannot possibly attend the celebrations. They believe that doing so makes it look as if they are merely inviting those friends in order to receive a gift. In most cases these friends should receive a wedding announcement instead, which carries no obligation whatsoever.

There is the flip side to this dilemma. Some good friends who live far away might actually be hurt if you do not send invitations, even if your intent was to spare them from feeling obliged to send a gift for a wedding so far away. These friends, upon hearing news of your engagement, may actually have been making plans to travel to your wedding. In general, always invite truly good friends -- even if they live far away.

wedding Flowers

2009-02-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

From hiring a wedding florist to hand-wrapping a bouquet, here are tips on choosing your wedding flowers, plus search stylish centerpiece photos.

Our Favorite Wedding Bouquets

Wedding Planning-2

2009-02-13T06:23:00.000-08:00

Set the Tone of Your Event
This is the time to decide if you're having a formal wedding, a casual affair, or a theme wedding. It's also the time to decide on having a religious or secular ceremony. In short, you need to decide what you want your wedding to feel like. A good way to begin is to sit down with your partner and do some free writing about your ideal wedding. Look at the adjectives that each of you write and use them as a starting point. You should also check out my wedding style pages and Should You Have a Religious Wedding? for some helpful hints.
Set the Budget
Start off by using a printable wedding budget worksheet. Look at your finances and figure out how much you already have in savings, and how much you can save each month. Talk to each of your parents and ask them if they'd like to contribute to your wedding, and either how much they'd like to give you, or what specific things they'd like to pay for. Lastly, decide how much you feel comfortable going into debt. I strongly advise couples to avoid debt as much as possible. Since married couples fight about money more than anything else, why start marriage with debt on your backs? At this time you may consider opening a new credit card just for the wedding that will earn you airline miles, cash back, or other incentives. It's a good way for you to keep track of wedding expenses, and can help you pay for your honeymoon. Just try to pay it off in full each month.
Choose Your Attendants
As your attendants do a lot more than just stand next to you on the day of the wedding, now is the time to get them involved. While some couples opt not to have any attendants at all, especially if they're having a casual event, most choose between 2 and 12 members of the bridal party. Look over these lists of responsibilities for bridesmaids and groomsmen before you make your final choices. If they live nearby, its nice to ask someone in person, but a phone call is fine for those who live far away. You may also want to read How many bridesmaids and groomsmen should you have? or How many bridesmaids and groomsmen is too many?
Start Looking for Venues for Ceremony and Reception
Many venues are booked a year in advance, so the further in advance you start looking, the more likely you are to get the time, date, and cost that you've planned for. Read more about finding your venue.
Get Support
The successful bride and groom do not plan their wedding alone - they get help! This may be from professionals, respected publications, or trusted friends who've planned their own weddings.
- Consider hiring a wedding planner or consultant. Especially if you are a busy person, or just feel a little lost, a professional can be invaluable in putting together your ideal day, and can often save you money.
- Visit our forum to chat with other engaged couples, the marriage forum to get advice from couples who've already walked down the aisle, and the honeymoons forum to plan that trip of a lifetime.
- Use online checklists - they're free, and especially helpful if you're planning with your mother or future spouse in another state. The most important of these forms is the overall wedding checklist which will help you stay on top of all of your important todos.
- If you're like most couples, you'll come home from the bookstore with a few thousand pounds of wedding magazines - why not throw in a wedding planning book as well? While the internet offers many useful tools, a book is portable when you visit vendors and can accommodate the many brochures, swatches and other items you'll be collecting. If you are budget conscious, purchase a three ring binder, and build your own planner with printouts from the internet.

Now that you've made all these decisions, you have a solid foundation for your wedding! It's now time for the fun stuff - dresses, tuxes, flowers, music, favors and more! Remember to use a checklist to help yourself stay organized and on top of it all.

Wedding Planning

2009-02-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! You're about to embark on two amazing adventures - the first, of course, being your life as a wedded couple and the second being the exciting, yet often overwhelming process of planning a wedding. A wedding will probably be the biggest and most involved party or ritual either of you have ever put together. Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath, then do these ten things.

Enjoy being engaged
Kiss each other a thousand times. Jump up and down saying "We're engaged!" Stare at the engagement ring. Take the time to write down in detail how you got engaged. Contemplate the wonderful things ahead of you. Take pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring. Kiss each other a thousand more times.
Tell your parents
You should tell your parents of your impending nuptials before anyone else. (Unless of course, you are estranged.) Both of you should be present and ideally you will tell them in person - they'll have a chance to see your happiness up close, look at the rock, and start talking about the wedding. Traditionally the bride's parents know before the groom's do, but any order is really fine. Then share the news with a few close friends - the ones who are likely candidates for maid/matron of honor and best man, or definite attendants in some capacity.
Purchase a journal if you don't already have one
This will be a time of ten thousand moments you won't want to forget, as well as some frustrating times that you'll need to vent about, and not necessarily to your partner. The journal you keep while planning your wedding will not only help you through this time, but it will be something you cherish for the rest of your life. If you're internet savvy kinds of folks, you may also consider doing this journaling online at a site such as Livejournal.
Announce Your Engagement
Tell everyone the good news! There are many ways of doing this, and no way is more correct or better than another. Click here to read about engagement announcement etiquette and see samples of engagement announcements. Consider:
- Announcing your engagement in print publications
- Mailing announcements to your family and friends
- Creating a wedding website
Set the Date
One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding. Not only will it be the first question everyone will ask you, but you'd be surprised how difficult it will be to make any progress on planning your wedding without knowing the date. Check out my page on setting your date for tips on how do to so.

Ideas For Your Christmas Wedding

2009-02-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

Planning a wedding near or on Christmas? Do you want to reflect the spirit of the Season with a Christmas Wedding Theme? Check out these great Christmas wedding ideas that won't blow your budget!
1. Christmas Lights ~ Christmas is such a festive time for ceremony and reception locations alike - you probably won't have to provide much more in decorations! Many churches will have decorated trees, wreaths or manger scenes in their sanctuaries. You can add a special touch with this Christmas wedding idea - decorate your church or ceremony location with white lights and organza - this will produce a snowy, romantic effect. great Christmas lighting option are these ceiling canopies - you can rent them! Learn more about Wedding Ceiling Decorations or how you can rent ceiling canopies.

2. Pew Wreaths ~ If it fits within your budget, hang wreaths (faux or real, available at Wal-Mart or your local floral supply store) on a couple of pews or at the end of a row of chairs. You can tie ribbon in your bridal colors to the tops of the wreaths to create elegant bows. Secure them to the pews or chair rows with wreath hooks or green wire ties. Draping tulle and white lights down the ends of the rows of chairs, AND having wreaths makes for GORGEOUS photos!

3. Fireplace Ambiance ~ Look for a ceremony or reception location with a fireplace that you can have an actual fire in! Most mountain wedding locations will have fireplaces, such as the San Moritz Lodge in the majestic San Bernardino Mountains of California. This elegant yet rustic mountain lodge offers roaring fires in the winter. You can even place stockings with your wedding party's names on them above the fireplace, put a special Christmas gift of thanks for each of them in their stockings.

4. Christmas Wedding Favors ~ Christmas ornaments are perfect! You can make these, buy them, or even have your guests make them right at your wedding as a fun activity (there is always some awkward down time between the ceremony and reception...give them something fun to do)! Parents will appreciate non-breakable ornaments for their children to decorate (and keep them occupied). Another great option is Christmas scented votive candles with ribbons tied around them, elegant, useful AND economical!

5. Christmas Wedding Centerpieces ~ After the ceremony, have a trusted friend or your wedding coordinator remove the wreaths from the pews and rows of chairs at the ceremony location, and place them in the center of each table with a lit candle in the middle at the reception location. Beautiful centerpieces and you save money! To further empasize the Christmas wedding theme, use real, aromatic wreaths, or Christmas scented candles.

6. Santa Claus and the Christmas Wedding ~ What better surprise for all the children at the event than a visit from Santa Claus! (And, a great way to keep them happy and entertained.) Have Santa give each child a candy cane or other Christmas candy and have a friend take polaroids of them on Santa's lap. A sweet treat for the kids and a keepsake for the parents!

7. Christmas Carols ~ At some time during the reception (before or right after dinner are usually good times) have the DJ or Band lead the wedding in singing 1-2 Christmas carols. Select carols most everyone is likely to know!

8. Cookies and Hot Eggnog ~ After dinner, offer Christmas cookies, or slices of your Christmas theme wedding cake and hot chocolate or eggnog for your guests to warm up to.

9. "The Getaway" ~ Surprise your new spouse by arranging for a horse-drawn sleigh or carriage to pick you up and whisk you away. This works for a mid-reception retreat for the 2 of you to have some time together - or for the final "farewell" at the end of the night.

Autumn Wedding Invitation Wording

2009-01-31T06:11:00.000-08:00

Wedding invitation wording can be a tricky process. Finding the proper etiquette for phrasing your invitations may be the most complicated part of creating them. There are, however, some simple tips that will take some of the intricacy out of writing your invitation text.

The first thing to remember for proper wedding invitation wording is simple courtesy. Always use full names, not nicknames. Never use abbreviations for times, dates or places in your wedding invitation wording. For instance, if your wedding is located on Church Street, make sure you spell out the word “Street” completely. The only exceptions to this rule are the words Saint (St.), Mount (Mt.) which can be used either way. It also common practice to use titles (like Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs.) whenever appropriate. When in doubt always use a title. Formal wedding invitation wording is always in third person, and lists the name of the hosts (whether they be the bride’s or the groom’s family) first. An example of this wedding invitation wording is as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Elders
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anna Marie
to
Mr. Geoffrey Gene Feldman

A less traditional wedding invitation wording could replace, “honor of your presence” with “pleasure of your company”. The latter wording is often used for smaller, more intimate weddings – such as those that take place at home. If you’re the kind of person who prefers an alternative style, wedding invitation wording can take on any aspect that you would like. Just remember to tell people where and when the wedding is, and let your heart do the writing. If you’re still unsure of just what you want to say, professionals are readily available to help you with your wedding invitation wording

Fall Wedding Theme Wedding Invitations

2009-01-29T05:59:00.000-08:00

Planning your wedding in the fall? Natural beauty is captured in fall wedding invitations. You will find everything from maple leaf embossed invitations, to copper foil leaves, as well as elegant pearl embossed leaves.

First Impressions
Your wedding invitations represent the very first impression of your wedding style. Whether your invitations are professionally made or created with your own hands, wedding invitations set the tone for your special day!
Wedding invitations have come a long way from the old days of simple gold and white cards. There are as many different types of wedding invitations as there are kinds of weddings. Whether you’re getting married on the beach, or in the heart of New York City, various manufacturers create wedding invitations that are exactly right for your perfect day.
Formal or informal, flirty or conservative – there are invitations specifically tailored to fit your needs.

Worried the cost of wedding invitations? Try blank wedding invitations. Filling these invitations out yourself adds a special personal touchWould you like something funky or unique? What about a specially cut and shaped card? Wedding invitations are currently available in almost infinite configurations – or you can design your own, and have it specially made.

Hand-made wedding invitations are currently extremely popular! Using everything from specialty papers to calligraphy, these wedding invitations are truly small works of original art.

Or, if you have an artistic bent, why not create your wedding invitations yourself? You can use materials from nature, things that are especially personal to you, small paintings or collages, or almost any medium you can imagine, to create an interesting and creative alternative to standard wedding invitations.

Whether traditional or unique, the key thing to remember about your invitations is that, fundamentally, they are yours. Choose wedding invitations that fit your personal style, and everyone who receives one will feel specially connected to you when they open their mailbox!

Personalized Fall Wedding Favor Drink Mixes!

2009-01-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

Blended or shaken cause a stir with these festive cocktail mixes!Bridal couples that want a really fun and festive wedding favor for their guests can now turn to the new Wedding Cocktail Collection? Personalized packages of cocktail drink mix make a wedding favor idea that's in step with the latest trends. The Wedding Cocktail Collection offers several flavor varieties for the discerning bride and groom to choose from.
The Margarita is the No. 1 selling cocktail in the world and evokes a sense of paradise, the laid-back lifestyle and a tropical retreat. What more could a happy couple want!
Perhaps your taste is more for the sophistication of the Cosmopolitan, the best-selling martini variety. Then try the cosmo, the smooth-sipping libation that is both a sexy and sweet treat!
Whether your bridal tastes sway to the beaches of the Caribbean or the nightclubs of New York City, we have both the cocktail mix and packaging to meet your wedding favor needs. A wide range of exciting package designs is available to suit every couple's personality and wedding theme.
Each single serving of drink mix comes sealed in a beautiful white gloss pouch (3.75"w x 5"h) that contains 11 grams of the powder drink mixture. Instructions are on the back on how to mix the pouch contents with other ingredients to form the perfect cocktail.
All designs can be personalized with the name of the bride and groom and the wedding date.

Fall Wedding Favors on Sale Now

Edible Autumn FavorsFood is only a part of it. A warm, soothing beverage is proof against a chilly autumn day. Consider handing out:* Cider packets* Coffee packets* Teas in aluminum tins, or with personalized labels* Herb mixes for mead* Loose tea leaves & attractive tea balls*Cookies: serve these in plain paper bags, stamped in gold with your beech leaf stamp. Adorn with a lacy skeletonized leaf. Tie off with gold ribbon.* Popcorn Balls: You can make popcorn balls in the most tantalizing flavors — and give them a more grown-up appearance than you remember from third grade.

When you're done caramelizing, drizzle each "ball" in chocolate for a sweet treat to please young and old * Cheese: Choose one or two tiny wax-covered cheeses: Edam, Gouda or a sharp cheddar by a local artiste. Or find a local bakery to supply fresh, buttery cheese straws* Nuts: Candied nuts are extraordinary, and the easiest of cooking projects.

The humble walnut, with its slight hint of bitterness, becomes sublime in a shiny carmel coating. Add extra syrup and you have homemade nut brittle. Consider pistachios, brazil nuts, cashews or macadamias for your brittle* Marzipan: This queen-of-all-favor-foods was meant for Fall. Buy blushing marzipan cherries or pears from your local food artist, or learn to make them yourselfMore Autumn FavorsCelebrate the fall season with these charming leaf soap petals. These uniquely designed leaf soap petals make great guest favors! There are a combination of burgundy, gold, orange, and green leaf petals presented in a clear gift box. Each gift box is complete with a sheer ivory organza ribbon and a Leaf design tag that reads "Fall in Love". Box measures 3" x 3"

Fall Wedding Favors on Sale Now

Scent is the defining sense of Autumn. Catch its essence with:
* evocative homemade sachets* scented candles in organza bags
Or bring a little part of yourself to your guests' decor by handing out:
* small brooms tied with your ribbons* Or small, hand-shaped leaf ornaments you make from a cookie cutter and salt dough or polymer clay (drape over dowels while drying for a natural, leaf-like curl).Fall Wedding Colors - The HuesOne of the best things about fall is the color palette. Warm hues and earth tones that reflect the changing leaves are found in everything from foods to fashion.

This season we're seeing brides opt for rich, bold colors, like reds, and oranges. Brown is the new black, and gold replaces silver for a touch of opulence. This season we're seeing brides opt for rich, bold colors, like reds, and oranges. Brown is the new black, and gold replaces silver for a touch of opulence.Adorable and unique is this mini pear candle nestled on a bed of natural wood grass in a clear bon bon box. The box is decorated with a delicate satin ribbon. Each pear measures 2 “ in diameter. Let your guest know you are the perfect pair. Personalize the card attached with your names and wedding date or a special phrase.The Perfect Candle Pear Favor

Fall Wedding Favor Ideas

2009-01-25T06:29:00.000-08:00

Fall Wedding Favor IdeasThere is something special about a fall wedding. The air is crisp and fresh in the fall. It's a great time to use the natural beauty of the out doors as a part of your wedding. Imagine the satisfied householder, tucking away the last of her currant jams. Picture the side of bacon curing in the cellar over barrels of mead. Anything homemade and bottled or canned connects you to her and to the very heart of autumn.

Start your "Fall Wedding Favor" brainstorming with a favorite salsa recipe. Or one for jam or jelly, or chutney. Remember that this oldest of urges can be given a fresh face: think pomegranate jelly, or pineapple-ginger jam

.Fall Wedding Favors on Sale Now

Your list of favor ideas might start like this:Your sister's incomparable salsa recipe.Maple syrup: small, individual bottles, or leaf-shaped candies that melt almost before they hit your tongue.Jams & Jellies: think outside the box. White apricot jelly. Cranberry-banana jam. Tomato-chili jam.Honey: don't stop with small honey jars, though guests are sure to appreciate them. Look into "honey spoons," which glow like little jewels. Or honey straws in memorable flavors like 'Orange Blossom' or 'Hawaiian Christmas Berry.' Bundle these with a cinnamon stick and tie off with raffia.Think about throwing in a honey dipper as a permanent grace note in your guests' kitchen drawers. Oh, and don't forget the flavored honey creams. Mmmm.

Fall Wedding Favors Popular decor options for Autumn Weddings are fall leaves and pumpkins! (Consider having a pumpkin carving station to keep any children (and childish adults!) busy for hours.) And, what better way to thank your guests for attending your fall celebration than with these Maple Leaf coaster sets that your guests can use for years to come. These coasters will bring fond memories of the fall season with the Maple Leaf design printed on the set of 4 cork coasters. Each cork coaster set includes four 4"x 4" high quality coasters. They are packaged for the perfect presentation in a clear gift box complete with sheer ivory organza ribbon and a Leaf design tag that reads "Fall in Love".

Fall Wedding Favors on Sale Now

Other Fall Wedding Favor Ideas:- Give a favor in keeping with the season such as a beautiful apple tied with a gold ribbon- A bottle of maple syrup- If you have a sweet tooth, give guests caramel apples wrapped in cellophane- Give a DIY kit of a caramel apple recipe with all the ingredients they’ll need - a perfect apple, some caramels, and a Popsicle stick- Help your guests decorate for the season by giving them mini pumpkins- An ear of ornamental corn tied with some wheat and a pretty fall ribbon- Marzipan fruit is also a wonderful fall wedding favor- If you’re crafty, give each guest a jar of homemade preserves as they leaveFall Wedding Favors on Sale Now

Wedding Organizers - Actually Enjoy Your Wedding - Be Organized!

2009-01-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Number One Bridal Regret Can you guess the #1 response from our brides when asked what they would have done differently to better plan their wedding. If you said use a Wedding Organizer, you are correct. The #1 regret from brides is that planning the wedding seemed like a chore because there were sooo many details to remember and sooo many things to do, our brides often did not know where to start. Click here to see a full list of recommended wedding organizers

Know What To Do and When To Do It Even if you buy an All Inclusive Wedding Package where practically all you need to do to plan the wedding day itself is to show up with the rings and the dress, there are many other details outside that have little to do with the actual wedding. For instance, you will need to know how to announce your engagement, determine a budget, who pays for what, how to find a good jeweler, where to go on your honeymoon, and many other things to which you probably haven't given much thought.

Be The Uncommon, Highly Organized Bride Imagine yourself going to meet with your package coordinators, florists, photographers, etc. with all of your questions and answers written in one organizer. Eliminate surprises, guessing about details, and wondering about details you have missed or questions left unanswered. A wedding organizer can help you plan your wedding the right way by keeping you organized and efficient.

Don't Delay, Buy a Wedding Organizer Today! If you do not already have a Wedding Organizer, trust us; in a few months you will wish you did. Do not spend another day working on your wedding without a plan. Get organized. Stay calm and clear-headed and enjoy planning your wedding. What should be a very pleasant experience for all brides and grooms tends to cause worry and frustration due to lack of planning and organization of details.

Click here to see complete wedding organizers

We Found A Few Wedding Organizer Planners We Like If you know that efficient planning and smooth sailing into the wedding is for you, then consider these organizers we've researched. The "Wedding Organizer", is great for the Do-It-Yourself type bride that is looking for an organizer with helpful checklists, business card pockets, and space for recording important details.

Click here to see wedding the Wedding Organizer

For brides looking for checklists, calendars, and worksheets for planning the wedding and everything else one could want in an organizer from tips on determining a budget to selecting family members to help with important details of the wedding, we recommend the "Everything Wedding Organizer". This book is utterly fantastic. The information is comprehensive and complete, but the information is not overwhelming and does not read like a stereo manual. The worksheets are flexible, yet contain enough information that it's sure to help remind you of the things that you've forgotten or hadn't even considered. This book is blessedly practical in size, easily fitting into a bag or modest-sized purse, making it so easy to carry around. Most planners are gigantic in size and girth, weighing more than a stack of Bibles and being larger than most coffee table books.

Click here to see wedding the Everything Wedding Organizer

All Inclusive Wedding Packages

2009-01-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

Article by: Michelle O'Connor

Are you interested in an all inclusive wedding plan? When you hear "all inclusive weddings" you just might think of the many options in the Caribbean, but there is a wedding company in California who offers many all inclusive plans. Michelle O'Connor offers her tips on planning the wedding of your dreams with a minimum amount of fuss.

The Difference - Truly Enjoy Your Wedding Day With No Worries

What makes an all inclusive wedding package different than a wedding package at a traditional hotel?
Truly all inclusive wedding packages include all vendors required for the wedding, coordinating, and handling the details of the event from the day the bride books, until the last guest has left the reception, and the reception location is cleaned up.

Many all inclusive wedding companies work with their brides for up to one-and-a-half years prior to their wedding. An all inclusive wedding package should include coordination of the entire event and all the vendors for a successful wedding (caterer, baker, photographer, videographer, minister, locations, florist, staff, setup crew, cleanup crew, coordination crew, bartenders, servers, live music, DJ, linen rentals, chair cover rentals, table and chair rentals, wedding invitations, etc).

Depending on the time of year, many all inclusive wedding companies will run promotions offering free services with the packages. Such promotions may include free invitations, a free wedding cake, a free bartender, and even off-season discounts. The beauty of all inclusive wedding packages is that the bride gets all the best vendors at steep discounts. It would cost more for the bride to go out and do the wedding herself than it would to buy a complete wedding package, plus she gets full coordination and a professional staff and crew.

The bride should beware of "extra hidden fees." Make sure your wedding company does not tack on an additional $2.50 per slice to cut the cake or an additional $3.50 per bottle to serve the champagne. Having to deal with surprise fees as the wedding day approaches can be a nightmare. Many complete wedding package prices even have the tax included.

Popular Wedding Packages

What is an example of a popular all inclusive wedding package?

An example of a complete wedding package is featured at a lake front resort hotel in Lake Arrowhead, California. This package offers outdoor or indoor ceremonies and receptions with lake views. With this all inclusive wedding package the couple gets everything for their wedding--all they need to bring is the dress and rings. There is even a hotel on site to accommodate all the wedding guests and almost every room has a lake view.

Couples may visit the Lake Arrowhead Weddings web site to view details of the package and photographs. With an all inclusive wedding package, "all inclusive" should mean all the hard work is taken care of and the bride makes all the fun decisions.

Personalization - You Get It All, And You Have Great Options!

What special touches can brides add to an all inclusive wedding package to personalize the ceremony?

The beauty of all inclusive wedding packages is that the bride customizes the package. The bride does not have specific selections they are required to choose from; they bring their ideas and the perfect wedding is created. The wedding company should be there to offer suggestions and help guide them through all that is involved in planning and running the full-scale event that is a wedding.

Simplification Of The Bride's Life

How do all inclusive wedding packages simplify a bride's work in setting up the event?

All inclusive wedding packages save brides over 100 hours of work! Planning and putting together the specifics of a full-scale event, which a wedding is, takes numerous hours and event expertise. The bride should meet with her all inclusive wedding company, tell them her wishes, and the company should make it happen.

With many complete wedding packages the bride gets the best professional vendors in the area at steep discounts. all inclusive wedding companies represent volume business for vendors. The bride and groom are one-time clients and do not have the bargaining power that a volume client does. Many all inclusive wedding companies use their bargaining power to save brides money and time.

Performing endless vendor interviews.
Mailing out several different deposits and contracts.
Orchestrating who arrives when.
Will the tables and linens be delivered and setup before the cake arrives?
Who will setup the tables?
Who will pick up the linens, set them up, and then return them?
Who will pick up and setup all the chairs, linens, favors, flowers, decorations, bar, beverage table, gift table, sign in table, buffet tables?
Who will run the buffet and keep it stocked?
Who will cleanup from the ceremony, reception and the kitchen at the end of the night?
Who will clean and package up the bridal keepsakes at the end of the night?
Who will cut and serve the cake and champagne?
What happens when the florist gets sick the morning of the wedding and can't deliver the flowers?
Who will run out to find someone, somewhere?
Triple confirming arrival times and services with vendors.

When the bride gets 15 more RSVP's trickling in 18 days before the wedding, the wedding company calls and arranges for 15 more plates, 15 more glasses, 15 more slices of cake, 2 more tables, 2 more table cloths, 15 more napkins, 15 more sets of silverware, more beverages, more food; the bride and her family can actually enjoy the days leading up to the big event.

Complete Wedding Package Trends
Are you seeing any trends in all inclusive weddings?More brides and grooms are choosing all inclusive wedding packages. With today's busy lifestyles, buying a complete wedding package you can customize to your own tastes and desires--while getting a better price than if you did it yourself can't be beat. Couples should shop around to see what it would cost them to piece together their own wedding (not to mention their time, usually over 100 hours), then compare it to the all inclusive wedding packages that are available through us or in their own area. Even if you are not getting married in Southern California, we welcome you to examine our complete wedding packages as a reference of what you might expect from a comparable company located in your area. Your complete wedding package company should offer you discounted pricing and a stress free event that is run based on your own wishes!

How To Make A Wedding Veil

2009-01-15T05:10:00.000-08:00

Making your own wedding veil really isn't that hard to do! Take a look at these simple tips:

Having a wedding veil that you made yourself (or that a friend or family member made for you) is precious. It becomes a precious wedding heirloom to pass down for your daugter to wear at her wedding...and it saves you money now! Even if you feel challenged by using a needle and thread - making a wedding veil really isn't that difficult!

The average veil in a bridal boutique can run you upwards of $50-$200! (Of course, designer veils and those with extra embellishments will cost even more). If you go to a craft store and buy the materials needed to make a wedding veil it will probably be around $30 or less!

There are so many different veil styles and decorations you can choose from! The first step really is selecting the style of veil you want. The way you make your veil will depend on the style and embellishments you select. (Make sure the style goes with your gown style). So, how to go about making your veil?:

1. Search around the Internet for wedding veil styles. Print out a photo of the style you have selected.

2. This is a common list of what you will need to make most veils. Most of these can be found at your local arts and crafts, fabric or floral supply stores.
* White floral wire
* Heavy button hole thread to gather top edge of tulle (tulle is the fabric used in most veils)
* Silk flowers/pearls/beads (depending on what you will be using)
* Velcro (if veil is to be detachable)
* Fabric from dress or similar fabric to cover head frame
* Wide ribbon to cover the inner portion of the headpiece
* Batting to add dimension if using a headband or barrette
* Plastic combs to keep headpiece/veil in place.

Once you have decided on the style and you have gathered the items necessary to make your veil, it is time once again to get creative. If you know how to sew, then you probably won't have a lot of problems. But, if you need some help, talk to some family members and see if there is anyone who can give you a hand. Your craft store can also be a great help. Sometimes they even offer classes - or may be willing to give you a class - on how to make a veil.

Jo-Ann Fabrics is a great resource and fabric/crafts store, they carry tulle, and other veil components at very reasonable prices.
Click the logo to visit their site, do a site search for "veil":

Another tip: If your wedding dress has beads or sequins on it, see if you can get some extra from the store you buy your dress. That way, you can use the exact beads or sequins used on your dress on your veil.

Remember - this is supposed to be fun and to save you some money! If you get too stressed out or just aren't enjoying it, find a good friend and ask for help! Or, go out and buy your wedding veil.

Fall Wedding Theme Decoration and Centerpiece Ideas

2009-01-11T04:52:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a warm and intimate wedding reception, consider a fall wedding. As people start thinking about coming home more, and spending more time with their families, it's a romantic time for a wedding. Here are some fall wedding ideas to get you started.

Where to Have a Fall Wedding
Think of storybook fall setting such as inns, 18th century churches and meeting houses, old mills and even barns. A fall wedding can be casual yet elegant set in a beautiful old barn. You might also look at an apple orchard, a vineyard, or any place that will have a view of fall foliage. If you live in a climate where the leaves don’t change, look for a venue with lots of rich dark wood and warmth such as a gentleman’s club or university club. A fireplace is an extra special touch.

The Décor for Your Fall Wedding
Set the tone for your fall wedding as soon as your guests enter with sheaths of wheat or corn at the entrance.
Choose either rich jewel tones to decorate the room, or a traditional fall color scheme such as reds, oranges, browns and yellows. A modern fall color scheme uses only chocolate brown with light-blue accents. Fill the room with the bounty of the season - pumpkins, cornucopias, acorns, and gourds. Make jack-o-lanterns with decorative patterns rather than scary faces, or use paper bag luminaria for a similar effect.

Fall wedding table decorations are a wonderful way to tie the season into your wedding. The key to fall decor is to use natural objects to create beautiful works of art. So take a look around you and begin planning! When you think of the fall season do you picture warm colored vegetables growing in a field? If so, then you probably live in a part of the country where changing leaves and late summer veggies mark the fall season. These beautiful vegetables are not only tasty, but also wonderful to use for table decor.

Pumpkins are an easy way to spice up a fall table. Arranging them in different sizes in the center of the table takes no time and offers a simple yet pretty look. Be careful not to use pumpkins that guests cannot see over however.

To make the table more attractive, you can also add a garland of fall leaves or even tulle under the pumpkins. Tiny pumpkins can be floated in bowls of water with floating candles for an interesting table decoration.

Squash is another vegetable that can be used for table decor. It can be arranged much like the pumpkins or can be added with pumpkins for a look of variety.

For a busy bride, sometimes the best decorative solutions are the easiest to accomplish. Potted mums are wonderful for table decor in the autumn season. Mums come in a variety of colors and are a trademark flower of fall. By buying pre-potted mums, brides can rest easy knowing the table decorations will not be a hassle. To dress up the pots, brides can wrap them in tulle and secure the fabric with a nice ribbon.

Fall Wedding Flowers
Generally you can find Mums, roses, daisies, yarrow, fall leaves, tallow berries and both natural and dried wheat for inexpensive prices during the fall.

A spray of wheat or a mum accented with a pheasant feather makes an elegant boutonnière. Consider hollowing out pumpkins for your centerpiece containers – if you don’t have the time, many craft and home stores now sell realistic fake pumpkins.

But if you go with the real thing, consider white or blue natural pumpkins for an elegant and unique touch.