Wedding Planning
Monday, October 17, 2011
Personalized Beach Wedding Favors Given By The Couple With Great Personality
Today, people are embracing the reality that each one is unique. We are now able to show our creativity to the world without holding back. And this is even true for couples who are looking into tying the knot.
- First of all, you should consider the menu as a very important part of planning a wedding. As the bride or groom, you might be too nervous or too happy to even sample the menu, but either way, the food should reflect your likes and if possible, make the menu a fusion of you and your partner's preferences.
- Always wear a smile on your face when the going gets tough. And if you are into retail therapy, maybe you can stop for an hour or two when you might want to retreat from all the excitement and fuss. These moments might be your flashbulb-lighting-in-the-head moments wherein you'll have an unexpected idea that pops into your head.
- If you are into music or the arts, then why not add pizzazz to your wedding thru your passion. If you like dabbling in painting, then maybe you can recreate a mini art gallery or just simply hang your paintings on the walls of the reception area for that artsy vibe.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Simple Guide to Planning a Country Wedding

You think a country wedding is a nice alternative to the high-end and frenzied city-style wedding that most of the people you know have had before. Here is a simple guide on how to have a simple yet stunning country wedding.
Attire
Since the atmosphere of the countryside promotes ease and relaxation, the best kinds of attire are those that speak of comfort. Sundresses, khakis, cotton dresses, kaftans and anything casual and laidback can be the perfect way to dress up for a countryside wedding. However, if you still want to have a formal event with the tuxedos and the works, it is still all right to do so.
Venue and Decor
Ideal locations for a country wedding can be a barn, a farmhouse, a wheat field, plantation, rustic church, valley, or a country inn. For an outdoor wedding, you can use picnic tables covered with checkered tablecloths or quilts. You can also make use of candles and lanterns to light up the place if the event will be held at night. Flowers like daisies, gerberas, dahlias, and sunflowers can be a nice way to decorate the table centerpieces. Use one or two colors as the wedding motif to unify the look of the venue and the decoration.
Invitations
A country-style wedding invitation would be a nice preview for your lovely wedding event. An embroider invitation would be a good option. Another type of invitation that would be suitable for this type of event would be one that comes with a nice dramatic photo of country scenery.
Music
Contra or bluegrass bands as well as country singers are the perfect providers of music for the wedding. It would also be a wonderful idea to have a square dance. Guests would surely have a grand time dancing the night away.
Favors
Bake cookies and wrap them in country style floral gift wrapper. You can also gather local fruits or vegetables, put them in wicker baskets and tie the baskets with raffia ribbons. Also, you can make handmade soaps or handmade candles and then put them in beautiful mason jars. Do not forget to add a gift tag and scribble personal messages for the guests.
More Tips
These tips below are general wedding tips you can use even if you are not going to have a country wedding.
1. Plan your budget and stick to it.
2. Get everything in writing especially when transacting with wedding vendors and service providers.
3. Do not force yourself to do everything. Get as much help as you can. Do not forget to say thank you to all the people who help with the wedding preparations.
4. Be flexible. Remember, not everything you want can be done.
5. Do not be a bridezilla!
Planning a wedding, whether it is a country wedding or some other theme, can truly be time-consuming, exhausting and sometimes exasperating. But once you walk down the aisle and say "I do" to your beloved, all your exhaustion and emotional turmoil will be worth it.
About the Author:
Janet Plunkett is a wedding planner and a professional blogger in the Canadian wedding market. She writes on many topics, i.e., wedding favor ideas and in unique wedding favors.
Monday, January 11, 2010
What You Need To Know About Wedding Thank You Speech

Weddings just seem to be full of speeches; you've got the best man's speech that wreaks havoc on the nerves of that poor guy. Then there is oftentimes a speech given by a parent or two, although these tend to be impromptu. Here we will look at the all-important Thank You speech that the bride or groom, or both, will give at their beautiful reception.
There are enough things to think about when planning your wedding, so do all that you can to find time to sit back and relax every now and then. When you are relaxed and calm, coming up with a wedding thank you speech can be a much smoother process. The tips included here may help you to come up with the best possible things to say in your wedding thank you speech.
Above all, do not succumb to the stress of giving a speech in front of your friends and family. Your speech is your own; it doesn't have to compete with anyone else's wedding thank you speech. It is your message to those you feel closest to, and those who have participated in helping your wedding go off without a hitch. A wedding thank you speech does not have to be long and drawn out. It doesn't even matter if you make your mom and dad cry. Really. What matters is that you come prepared with the right things to say so you don't leave anyone out.
Wedding speeches can be given by both the bride and the groom, or by both together. It is helpful for you both to discuss what you feel most comfortable with and come up with a format that will be followed in order to alleviate any stress involved in this public speaking engagement. Keeping the following in mind when you prepare your wedding thank you speech can get you a well spoken work that will be remembered.
First, WHO do you want to thank? Is it your parents? Your siblings? Friends? Don't forget your new spouse! Think of those who have made an impact on either your wedding day specifically or your relationship in general. Perhaps you want to thank the friend that introduced you, or the father that gave solid advice.
This brings up the next point, which is to be specific about WHAT you are thanking people for. If your speech is general, it will not be interesting and special; it's that simple. Being specific about what you are thankful for can include what a persons input, advice, or help meant to you. A wedding pulled off without help from friends and family could be extremely stressful, so there is certainly a lot you can say thank you for!
If you are worried that you won't remember what you want to say come the big day, you can right important points on a small card that will jog your memory. Thank you quotes can be found online and placed into your wedding thank you speech in just the right spot to make it extra special. Whatever you do, just remember that it's your day and everyone of those eyes looking your way as you stand up and take the mic will be filled with love and joy for your special event.
Source: Janet Plunkett, a wedding consultant and writer, specializes in wedding planning.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Modern Bridesmaid Gifts for Women on the Go

Women on the go appreciate contemporary bridesmaid gifts . Pretty, practical gifts thank your bridal party and fit into the fast-paced lifestyle of everyday women.
Old-fashioned bridesmaid gifts won't get much use in today's modern world. Contemporary bridesmaid gifts are both attractive and useful, making them a perfect way to express your appreciation to the bridal party. As your friends and family use their keepsakes, they will lovingly remember the role they played on your wedding day.
Contemporary bridesmaid gifts are anything but boring. With many exciting, eclectic options, women of all ages appreciate tokens of appreciation. Compact mirrors are great for everyone because they are a handy way to check out makeup and hair on the run. Personalized engraved options can be a simple a silver plated heart shaped compact mirror or as glittering as a silver plated oval compact mirror embellished with crystals. If you prefer a general statement, silver compact mirrors etched with the word "love" work well for everyone in your bridal party.
Ladies on the move need to keep track of time and watches are fabulous gifts. A digital portable clock with the recipient's initials attached to purse, belt or anywhere else the time is needed right away. For bridesmaids who travel or have their own office, a travel/desk clock is a handy item to have. Every time they check the time on the travel clock, your bridesmaid will remember your wedding day.
Several gifts work well for executive women on the go. A diamond shaped paper weight adds bling to the stack of papers on the corner of their desk. A jewelry ball point pen and heart strap gift set ensures she has a pen to jot down notes everywhere she goes. Business-minded bridesmaids can carry their business card in an eye-catching, engraved flip top card case.Women on the move always need a tote bag to carry around their essential items. A two tone tote that reads "bridesmaid" is perfect for toting around necessities on your wedding day and beyond. A customizable black canvas tote is a classic option that works well at the office or beach. Include a monogram on these sleek, durable black canvas totes to personalize your gifts.
Photo frames complete with pictures of the happy couples make thoughtful contemporary bridesmaid gifts. Visit a photographer before your big day and display photos in a modern crystal cube photo frame or a contemporary acrylic photo frame as treasured keepsakes for your bridesmaids.
Choose Thoughtful, Personalized Groomsmen Gifts

Express appreciation your way with personalized groomsmen gifts. After all, your groomsmen spent plenty of time and money on your wedding and they deserve to be thanked. These gifts are lasting keepsakes of the special moments your groomsmen helped create on your wedding day.
Traditionally, the groom chooses the groomsmen gifts. With a few clicks of the mouse, online resources make it easier than ever to shop around.
Without even leaving the house, the groom can select and order the perfect personalized groomsmen gifts.
First, decide the type of presetns you want. Do you want to give practical gifts, funny gifts or precious treasures? Select gifts based on the preferences and overall mood of your groomsmen to ensure their satisfaction.
Choosing groomsmen gifts that reflect the theme of your wedding day is easy. For example, if you chose the popular theme of a Las Vegas wedding you would give gifts that show off that theme. Translucent playing card bottle stoppers are practical and show off the Vegas theme of your wedding day. Give your groomsman a photo of you and your new bride in Las Vegas themed glass photo coaster.
Do you remember slamming shots with your groomsmen at the bachelor party? Thanks them by giving them each a personalized shot glass votive holder. Engrave the glasses with special messages for each groomsman. Include a scented candle with a manly fragrance such as pine or vanilla. The groomsmen can use this gift as a shot glass or a candle holder when they return home.

Another way to say what you feel is on personalized champagne flutes. Even if your groomsmen don't drink wine or champagne, these flutes will become a decorative accent on a mantel or shelf. Choose designs that reflect the theme of your wedding, such as shells for a beach wedding.
If your groomsmen prefer coffee to alcohol, give them elegant personalized coffee kits with hard-shaped chrome coffee spoons. Express your feelings on the bag of coffee so your groomsmen know how much you appreciate them.
A classy gift for your groomsmen is a set of four leather coasters, each with a monogrammed brushed plate customized with the recipient's initials. Coupled with a money clip, this gift is a handsome way to say thanks to your groomsmen. Or have some fun and give a monogrammed silver plated yo-yo!
Give personalized groomsmen gifts as a lasting keepsake of your special day.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Secrets For Contracting The Best Wedding DJ

Once the wedding ceremony is over and everyone has bathed in the love you share with your new spouse, it is time to kick back and relax. The entire mood of your wedding reception lies on the shoulders of one person – your wedding DJ. This single person dictates the success of your wedding reception with their personality and tastes in music. Clearly, choosing the right DJ is one more important aspect of wedding planning.
While you may have ready access to a DJ through friends or acquaintances who have recently hosted an event of their own, it can still be fun to explore your options for wedding reception music and entertainment. If you have attended bridal fairs in preparation for your big day, or plan to, you will no doubt have access to more than enough wedding DJs to produce a winner.
One question that many couples ponder is whether to hire a DJ or a band. While hiring a band for your wedding reception is unique and can be especially entertaining, the cost is typically very high in comparison to that of a DJ. It is the cost aspect of a DJ that makes this option more accessible and more widely used.
Another source of referrals for wedding DJs is the pool of other vendors with whom you are working. As you go about shopping for a dress, a wedding cake and a venue, always ask for referrals to the best wedding DJ known. By doing so, you can create quite a list that you can draw from for interviews.
Hiring a wedding DJ is not something you want to rush. Interviewing several DJs is the best way to find someone that you know will interact well with your circle of friends and family. When meeting with individual DJs for your special day, make sure to ask about their song selection. If you and your family like country music, hiring a DJ who specializes in R&B may just lead to some problems. Additionally, weddings come with their own unique set of song requests, you all know them; a DJ should have enough of a good selection of songs to meet the requests of guests.
Any DJ should be able to do one of two things: show you video of work they have performed, or work you into a reception where they are performing. Watching a DJ in action is the absolute best way to see exactly how they will be at your wedding, and will also show you how wedding guests respond to their personality. Anyone can make themselves look good in video, as they can add or subtract things that don’t look ideal.
A few things you want to know about your DJ are:
- Are they familiar with your wedding venue? If they are, it’s a plus.
- How many years have they been a DJ?
- Will they play cds you provide if requested?
- Will he or she wear a tuxedo? This is proper attire even for the DJ as they will show up in pictures!
- Will the DJ you are interviewing be the DJ performing at your wedding?
Spend just a little time asking around and interviewing, and you will be rewarded with a great DJ and a great wedding reception!
Source: this article has been submitted by Articles4Brides.ca, Canada's leading source for wedding news and wedding favors.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Latest Trends in Colored Wedding Dresses

Here comes the bride all dressed in white—or ivory, pink, red, yellow, or even black! The wedding gown, one of the most important aspects of the wedding, now comes in a wide variety of colors. The bride is no longer limited to the traditional options of white or cream. Although, it not yet widely accepted, wearing colored wedding dresses is the latest trend that is dramatically growing in popularity these days.
Choosing a colored wedding dress is not easy as you think. For one, it may raise some eyebrows especially among those who are traditionalists. If you are a people pleaser, you may find this problematic. Another issue would be the color choice, with so many shades to choose from, you may find it overwhelming to come up with a decision.
To make it easier for you to make a choice here are some of the latest trends in colored wedding dresses as well as tips on how to choose this kind of wedding gown.
Latest Trends in Color Choices
- Deep red
A fashion expert once said that the red wedding gown is so beautiful; this trend would probably become a norm in wedding fashion in the future. That is not far from happening since a red wedding gown is truly stunning and eye-catching. Not to mention, many brides look good on this color.
- Pastel shades
Pastel shades such as lavender, mint green and baby blue are also in. This is because some brides, even though they want to break away from the norm of white or cream, do not want to look too bold and daring. By wearing pastel shades, they skip the traditional colors without overdoing it.
- Daring black
Another hot item in colored wedding dresses is black. Some brides will not even dare to consider this type of color due to superstitious beliefs. However, those who are bold enough are able to carry this elegant color with confidence and poise.
Tips on Choosing Colored Wedding Dress
- Choose a color that you love and will look good on you. It is not enough that you choose your favorite color. You should also choose something that will look flattering on you. For example if you have yellowish skin tone, it would not be advisable to wear a yellow wedding gown.
- Pick a shade that will blend well with the wedding. Another thing to keep in mind is that your color preference should not clash with the theme and overall look of the wedding.
- Go for something that would express your personality and style. Your color choice should be evocative of your own personal style and character. If you have gothic style, black would be a good choice for you. If you like princess fashion, pink is ideal.
- Avoid colors that have negative connotation or superstition. If you want to please people with your color choice, it would be best if you stay away from shades that are associated with anything negative or unlucky. For example, black is associated with grieving and should not be worn if you do not want to seem as if you are mournful during your wedding day.
- Select hues that blend well with the season. Also a good way to pick a shade is to choose the colors of the season. For example, if you are getting married on autumn, fall colors such as yellow, gold, red, and orange would be ideal. For winter, silver and other metallic shades would be a great option.
Color is an excellent way to stand out with your wedding gown. But just be careful when choosing a colored wedding gown. Remember, only a thin line separates classy from trashy.
Source: Andrea Winter is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings. This article was sponsored by MyDreamWedding.ca, a Canadian wedding blog specializing in stylish bridal accessories and elegant wedding favors.