Sweetest Wedding

Plus Size Wedding Gown Guide - Shop by Shape

2005-11-09T04:21:00.000-08:00

by: Jane Clark
Plus size wedding gown, shopping doesn’t have to be traumatic.

Shopping for your plus size wedding gown can be so much easier if you know in advance which styles will flatter you.

Dress Slimmer on your Wedding Day with Body Fit and Style.

The following is an excerpt from Plus Size Bridal Guide.

Hourglass Figure - Also called X shape, Curvy Shape:

You have the easiest shape to dress.

You can call attention to your waist. Soft fabrics are very flattering to you.

If you are tall, your defined waist creates balance.

If you are short, you may want to de-emphasize your waist a little so you don’t look chopped in half.

You would accomplish this by wearing a plus size wedding gown with vertical lines that curve in at the waist instead of a dress that has an actual, horizontal waistline.

You are curvaceous. Celebrate it!!!!!

The hourglass figure can easily wear ball gown, sheath or a-line style wedding gowns.

Rectangular Figure - Also called H Shape, I Shape, and Straight Shape:

Because your silhouette is straight up and down, you would want to create waist definition with vertical lines that curve in.

Princess seams work well for you.

Fitted bodices with a slightly dropped waist, Basque waist or v-waist work well for you, as well.

Anything that gives the illusion of a waist without a horizontal line at your waist will work well for you. Empire waistline is your friend.

You can wear sheaths, empire style, raised waist, a-line, Basque waistline, dropped waist.

Avoid gathered or heavily pleated fabric at the waist. If you are in the upper plus sizes, you might look in evening wear and look for a white beaded gown in the tunic and skirt style.

Apple Figure - Also called O Shape, Circle Shape or Round Shape:

This is the most difficult shape to dress.

Your figure is visually larger or wider above the waist and narrower around your hips and thighs.

Think vertical lines.

Avoid anything that creates an actual horizontal line at the waist. Some a-line in the skirt is ok if it falls in a nice, soft drape.

No crinolines. Avoid gathered or heavily pleated fabric at the waist.

Empire style and soft drape a-line styles are your best choices.

If you could find a two piece gown with a straight skirt and a tunic style top, this would work very well for you.

You might look in evening wear and look for a white beaded, lace or crepe gown in this style, especially if you wear the upper plus sizes and just not feeling comfortable in any other style.

Pear Figure - Also called A Shape, Triangle Shape:

Wonderful pear shaped women have a waist – sometimes a tiny waist.

You can wear bodices that are fitted and defined. You can even have a gown with a horizontal line at the waist.

You can wear a-line or anything that flares out. A fitted bodice that comes to a V in the front elongates your slim upper body and makes the skirt just flow over your hips and makes them disappear.

Sometimes, however, a pear shaped woman can have very small or sloping shoulders. You may need to add some small shoulder pads (fabric store) to hold the shoulders up.

Avoid straight skirted gowns. They will pull across the hip area. And you may read somewhere that empire style works for pear shape, but I disagree.

Empire style hides your greatest asset – your little waist. A-line, defined waist ballgown, or Basque styles will look great on you.

Plus size bridal shopping can be a wonderful and exciting experience.

By knowing your body type, you can easily shop at online bridal shops.

By choosing the right design for your body type, your perfect plus size wedding gown will arrive at your door ready to make you the beautiful bride you always dreamed of being.

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About The Author
Jane Clark is an expert on dressing by body type. She is the author of Plus Size Bridal Guide, the only bridal guide written for plus size brides. Visit Jane at http://www.MyPlusGal.com. Jane has also been an ebay power seller - specializing in plus sizes. For more information on shopping by body type visit http://myplusgal.com/bridal_guide.htm.

Your Wedding Budget: Setting And Sticking To It

2005-11-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

by: Ron King

Want to make sure your marriage doesn't end up on the rocks before you get to the chapel? Then set a realistic wedding budget -- and stick to it.

In the process of planning a wedding, budget concerns often is a source of disagreement for a couple.

They may have different ideas about what kind of wedding they want, and about what they can afford.

To make the wedding a truly happy occasion, it is important that the couple discusses financial constraints early.

Set A Budget And Save For It

The first tip is -- discuss finances before the wedding plans begin.

Everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to understand exactly how much money is available for the wedding.

To maximize that budget, you should start saving early for your wedding.

Advance planning and saving will allow you to maintain or even exceed your budget, comfortably. And that will make wedding planning easier and more fun.

Get Everyone On-Board

Once your wedding budget has been established, set it aside for a few days and then review it again. This gives everyone a chance to let the information sink in.

The budget review after this waiting period gives the participants a chance to verify that they understand and agree to the budget.

This is vitally important, because someone who does not agree with the budget may overspend in 1 area, leaving the rest of the budget in jeopardy.

Budget Line Items

When you've decided exactly how much money is available for your wedding, the next step is to divide the total into budget categories, such as the venue, food and drink, bride's attire, groom's attire, transportation, entertainment, photography, favors, centerpieces, and gifts.

It is also advisable to set aside money for unforeseen expenses.

Who Pays

Part of establishing a budget is to be clear on who will pay for what.

Shopping And Negotiating

You will need to negotiate contracts for services, and so you must know the budget for each area of the wedding.

If you have allotted $250 for entertainment, look for a DJ whose rate is approximately that amount, then negotiate to ensure that you remain under budget.

It's wise to shop around and compare prices for services.

A company may come highly recommended, but if they are outside your price range, let them know why you are going to have to choose another company.

You may be surprised at how willing they will be to give you a better offer.

Substitute Creativity For Cash

Doing things on your own is another way to stay under budget.

Homemade invitations or making your own favors or centerpieces can greatly reduce the wedding cost, freeing up funds for other areas of the wedding.

Do not fall into the trap of viewing your budget as restrictive.

Instead of thinking about what you can't afford, focus on how you can make your wedding and reception truly unique.

You will be inspired to create a wonderful, memorable wedding regardless of your budget constraints.

Anticipate The Unforeseen

Realize that there are bound to be snags along the way.

If you go over budget in 1 area, you will need to cut the budget in another area.

As long as you stay aware of your spending and realize the ramifications of all your actions, you can roll with the punches and alter your plans to accommodate any needed changes.

Make It A Wonderful Memory

A wedding budget can cause emotional strain on a couple and their relationship.

It is important for them to discuss their finances and establish a clear budget for their wedding plans.

Doing this very early in the wedding planning process can help the couple to avoid conflict during the planning phase of the wedding.

It can also make the wedding more fun for everyone, and start out the marriage on a positive note.

After all, working together is what a marriage is all about.

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About The Author
Ron King. Visit http://www.gr8wedding.com to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Wedding Loans: Perfect Finance Option for a Perfect Wedding

2005-10-02T04:09:00.000-07:00

by: Aditya Thakur
After seeing each other for years and being tagged as ‘in love’ since eternity, you desire to bring this to a logical end.

You are wrong if you think I am suggesting a divorce even before you are actually married. The end to every love is wedding -the wedding of two bodies and two souls.

Have you been planning wedding since a long time but have been hindered because of the huge cost weddings entail nowadays.

Worry not. Spend as much as you can, because wedding loans are there to pay every penny of the expenses.

Average wedding costs anywhere between $19,000 – $27,000. This may go much higher if one is planning to have a gala wedding with all the pomp and show included.

And why shan’t one. Wedding is a once in a lifetime event. People would take all efforts to make the wedding truly memorable.

But the society and the customs have changed much.

Just as the parents or guardians lost their say over the choice of bride or groom, they have little to do in the planning and financing of the wedding.

So it is the couple who does all the spending on the wedding.

So how do the couples bear the expenses of wedding, in spite of being new to their professions and low on the income graph?

Wedding loans are an effective tool in their hands which they use to pay the entire wedding expenses.

Wedding loans can finance practically every wedding expense right from the elegant wedding dress to the exquisitely beautiful engagement ring, from the lavish reception to the impeccable church decoration.

There are a number of other expenses which seem insignificant if seen individually, but become difficult to repay when taken in totality. These can be very easily paid through wedding loans.

Besides, wedding loans can be a much cheaper option to use for the payment rather than credit cards or past savings.

Using a credit card can be simple if one goes by the immediate outcomes.

But when the credit card debts are due for payment you find them to be much more than what you really spent.

No, the credit card company is not indulging in any kind of overcharging or cheating. This is only because of the accumulation of interest.

Payment through credit cards is just like drawing a loan, but at a much higher rate.

Utilizing past savings for a one day affair like a wedding would be a waste. It could have been a lot better had the past savings been used for some productive purposes.

A wedding loan allows the customer to enjoy two benefits.

The first benefit of wedding loan is that the customer will not have to pay an exorbitantly high amount. Most of the lenders offer loans at reasonable rates of interest.

The second benefit is regarding the timing of payment. Even though a customer has to pay more than what he would have spent, he accepts this because he does not have to pay the whole amount at one go.

Monthly payments require to be made towards the payment of loan.

A certain amount of planning is necessary when taking a wedding loan.

If parents are ready to be a part of the finances then they must be included in discussions.

How much can they spend on the wedding needs to be decided well in advance. This will determine the amount of wedding loan that needs to be applied for.

Secured wedding loans taken against ones home will be much cheaper.

A valuation of the home or property will be done. One can draw loan depending upon the worth of his home.

However there are options for those who do not have a home or who do not want to put their home under any kind of obligation.

Next comes the choice of lenders.

It is no longer necessary to depend on lenders in one particular locality or region.

Almost every big and small lender is available online. An internet connection is what is needed.

One does not even have to leave his home or office, and loan can be applied for instantly.

Such a relief from the previous times when a customer had to go to each and every lender to just get the quotes. Few customers were ready to go through this grind, and hence accepted whatever offer was given.

These loans are very easy to approve.

With the valuation of property and credibility check over, it is very easy to get loans approved.

Filling up each and every detail with caution and accuracy can save enough of time in the approval process.

Did you promise your wife an impeccable wedding ring? You can keep on the promise since wedding loans are there to meet the expense.

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About The Author Aditya Thakur is a financial consultant and is currently pursuing masters in journalism from JMI University. To find a secured loan that suits your need visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk.aditya@ukfinanceworld.co.uk

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes

2005-09-03T03:53:00.000-07:00

by: Matt Campbell
Every bride wants a fairytale wedding.

Therefore, this article is to try and minimize problems that may occur during a wedding reception.

Listed below are the more common mistakes made by brides and grooms during your wedding reception. We will tell you what to do!

Don’t leave early.

Your guests came from near and far to see you on your wedding day.

Not staying the whole time of the reception would be a slap in the face. This will be the only time most of your family and friends will be able to see you as you will be very busy with last minute preparations the days leading up to the wedding.

Setup all the tables.

Your wedding vendors will need to know where to set-up.

Be sure there is a table for the wedding cake, music entertainment, catered food, sign-in near the entrance, gift table, tables and chairs for all your guests to eat and any other tables you may have planned for specialty items.

Preplan with your vendors a day or two before the wedding.

Be sure all your wedding vendors know exactly what you want. Clarify times and location so you don’t need to worry about them.

Don’t arrive late to the reception.

It is customary that guests do not start eating until the bride and groom start the food line.

Be sure to get as many of your pictures taken BEFORE the wedding. There are many ways to accomplish this.

One is to have the entire bride’s family pictures taken. Then, have the bride return to the dressing room.

Next, take pictures of the groom and his family as guests can see the groom before the wedding. This way you will not compromise the groom seeing the bride before the wedding.

Therefore, all that is left after the ceremony are pictures of the happy couple.

Don’t seat the young at heart directly in front of the music entertainment.

Older generations are at a wedding typically to socialize with their family and friends. If they cannot hear each other talk, an unhappy situation may occur.

So, if by choice, seat the young at heart near the wedding party but away from the entertainer’s speakers.

Don’t have one particular type of music.

There are many different types of people in the world. And yes, they include your family and friends.

For example, the bride and groom may love country music. It doesn’t mean you have to play country music the whole night.

There is a lot of celebration music besides what you like.

Start the food line or meal as soon as possible.

Guests plan their meal times the day of your wedding around your reception.

Guest will not eat a big meal before your wedding because they know they will be eating at your reception. Don’t starve them.

Know what it will cost you if the reception goes into overtime.

Ask the reception facility exactly how long you have the hall to rent and what time you must be out.

Please allow time for cleanup if you are the ones doing it. What is the overtime charge for the facility, music entertainment, photography, etc?

Greet and say hello to all your guests.

Finally and most importantly, greet all your guests.

Make an effort to have a conversation with each and every person. They are there to celebrate your marriage.

Give them the common courtesy of thanking them for coming to your wedding.

Don’t get drunk and obnoxious.

Keep in mind the only time brides and grooms eat during the wedding day rituals are at the wedding reception.

There’s not much food in your stomach and alcohol will affect you much faster. Try and eat throughout the day and watch how much you drink.

You want your guests to remember how beautiful the bride looked, not how you acted.

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About The Author Matt Campbell is the owner and webmaster for Weddingmuseum.com. Weddingmuseum.com is a place to plan, book and rate your wedding day. You can email him at matt@weddingmuseum.com or visit http://www.WeddingMuseum.com

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

2005-08-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

by: Cindy English
Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

The "Pros"

A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements.

Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them. Just remember...

If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl...

These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

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About The Author
Cindy English is the publisher of Beach-Wedding-Themes.com where you will find ideas for beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance. Discover new places to shop and things to make at: http://www.beach-wedding-themes.com

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

2005-07-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

by: Cindy English
The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by imagination not tradition.

Never mind etiquette, tradition and timelines. That information is outdated and stuffy.

Do what will make you and your guests happy. It is a time for fun and celebration, not pomp and ceremony!

Long gone are the days of "assigned" seating arrangements and cookie cutter reception programs. Everyone waiting to be told what to do next.

Yawn!

Today, you can "have it your way". No, I am not suggesting that "Burger King" host your reception. But, you could, IF you wanted to! That's the message.

To plan for your reception, you need first to know:

What is your theme?
What time of day you will be having your wedding ceremony?
What type of atmosphere do you wish to create?

Answer those three questions and great beach wedding reception ideas will follow.

Perhaps you will marry in a romantic sunrise ceremony followed by a breakfast reception.

How about an early afternoon wedding followed by a beach barbeque?

Plan fun activities such as a sand castle building contest or a volleyball game. Marry at sunset. Follow the ceremony with a wine and cheese reception and dancing.

The size of your guest list and your budget will also help to determine which path you take.

Buffet or food station receptions lend themselves very well to informal beach weddings and are the most fun. They are also cheaper!

You can easily coordinate this type of reception yourself and eliminate the added expense of a caterer.

Those special women in your family who love to cook would be honored to assist with this project I'll bet.

Heck, knowing "Aunt Jo" and "Grandma", they will probably take over and you won't have to worry about a thing!

Formal afternoon weddings will of course lead to the usual "sit down" planned menus. Caterers will be necessary.

The advantage being that the whole affair will be tended to without you lifting a finger...for a price. In order to cut costs here, you will have to limit the menu and the guests.

So, if you have a large guest list and a limited budget, avoid marrying late in the afternoon. Guests will be hungry and expect the dinner reception.

Instead, stick with a breakfast, brunch or cocktail reception.

The wedding industry dictates that a reception should be from three to five hours in length.

Rubbish!

A reception should be as long as it takes for you and your guests to enjoy each others company and have fun. It can last a couple of hours or all day if you like.

Don't feel obligated to stretch the event out.

Often, your older guests tire easily and would like to leave before the designated departure time anyway.

If you are having a beach side bash, consider a "come and go" atmosphere.

Let people know what time your departure will be so they can be there to send you off.

As far as beach wedding reception ideas go, the rule of thumb is - there is no rule of thumb! Break the mold.

Do something different, something fun, something memorable.

Whatever you and your guests will enjoy most, IS the perfect beach wedding reception!

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9 Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography

2005-06-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

by: Dulce Azogue

Weddings are memorable events couples and their families want to remember forever, and what better way to capture these moments than by a camera.

Weddings may be gone, but the feeling of joy will always stay because of the wonderful moments captured on film. And photography expenses shouldn’t be too high if you want to have the nicest photos on your wedding day.

Here are some ideas to help you get started in producing great photos on a budget.

1. Hiring a professional photographer is the best option because he has the equipment, the experience, and the knowledge in this field.

So look around in your area for professional photographers that suit your needs, and don’t charge too high.

2. If you choose the above option, do a lot of research on the price, the portfolio, and the over all behavior of the photographers you selected. Don’t just compare them on the price alone.

Take note of his portfolio. Are the photos professional and outstanding?

Observe his professionalism by asking his past clients (if you know one) on his punctuality and behavior.

Did he come on time for their wedding? Were the arrangements made smoothly? Did they have any disagreements later on the price? Was he polite or bossy during the picture-taking?

Asking questions not only about the quality of his work but also on his professionalism and personality will greatly determine your over-all satisfaction, and will ensure every dollar you pay him is worth it.

You don’t want someone you hired to act grumpy and ruin your important day, do you?

3. Book as early as possible, say 6 months from your day. This way you won’t have to worry about the other clients who might also need him on the same day as your wedding.

4. Hire a photography student in a nearby university.

He/she is more than willing to take on your assignment and unleash his/her creativity. As much as possible have a look at his/her works first, and observe his/her personality as well.

5. Gather your friends on your pre-wedding party and have him take photos of you.

6. Make an arrangement to keep the negatives to yourself afterwards so you can reprint them and edit them if you like.

You can even use the pictures to make personalized thank you cards later that show the guests on the wedding.

7. Have your guests take photos as many as they want by placing disposable cameras on the tables during your reception.

8. Have a talented family member take your photos. Nowadays because of digital cameras and photo editors, it is more possible than ever for an average person to take great pictures.

9. Ask for help from your friends who recently married.

Advices from them will surely help you a lot because they’ve gone through what you are going through now. Ask for references, if they know of some photographers who fit your qualifications.

The first most important point to remember when setting a budget for your wedding photographer is to talk to your partner first, and determine your requirements early on and how many prints you want to make. Then seek for cost-effective alternatives.

Do a lot of research, and compare your choices reasonably.

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About The Author
Dulce Azogue is the owner of http://www.weddingofherdreams.com, where frugal brides learn to cut wedding costs while having a nice wedding. Visit the site now to join her newsletter that teaches you more cost-effective ideas like these at http://www.weddingofherdreams.com/gift.html, and download a free ebook. dulce@weddingofherdreams.com

Let Them Eat Cake -- Just Not at Your Wedding

2005-05-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

by: Blake Kritzberg
It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides don't like cake -- and don't want one at their wedding reception.

Others like cake just fine, but prefer to serve something a little more distinctive for dessert.

On the whole, brides pass up cake at their wedding because they:

don't like it
want something nontraditional and edgy and are bored by "the norm"
want something that more personally represents them or their geographical area
attended too many catered weddings where no one touches the cake because they'd already had a full meal plus dessert
have a venue that tacks on high cake serving fees

I must admit I'm tempted to stare when someone tells me "they just don't like cake." Because, as everyone knows, wedding cake is no longer just cake.

Wedding cake has morphed into something that, in the right hands, borders on a religious experience.

Today's chefs know that a good cake -- one light years away from the "packing material" type cake of old -- is full of delicious, creamy fat. And not that horrifying vegetable shortening, either.

The modern wedding cake is loaded with real butter, moist base material (poppy seed cake, pound cake, carrot cake, banana, chocolate, red velvet and more) and tempting fillings (amaretto, chocolate mousse, tiramisu, raspberry, white chocolate).

The exterior, too, has gotten sleeker and lovelier in response to today's streamlined bridal fashions.

All the former hallmarks of questionable taste -- fountains, pillars, mugging couples on a cake topper -- are gone. So how can any bride resist?

Many don't, but a few persevere in wanting something else.

Fortunately, weddings these days are about personal choice and individuality -- they don't have to have one. And the alternatives to cake are many.

The secret to a satisfying wedding cake alternative is simple -- presentation.

Whatever you're serving, stack it in tiers. Follow this simple tip and you can turn almost anything into food fit for the most special occasion.

Tiered puddings and mousses

Pre-chill wine or champagne glasses, and fill with:

Chocolate, chocolate orange, lemon mousse
Rice, coconut rice or wild rice pudding
Raspberry, hazelnut or regular tiramisu
White chocolate, key lime, blackberry or biscotti parfaits
Heavy whipped cream, topped with sweet in-season berries

If your budget's ample, you can also stack up individual-sized

Caramel, anise, pumpkin flan
Crème brulee -- regular, eggnog, blueberry, espresso, coconut

Tiered Pastries

Cream puffs are the staple -- and for good reason.

Remember that cream puffs don't have to be round; you can use cookie cutters to fashion them into lots of creative shapes. You can also go beyond them and stack up:

Gooey cinnamon rolls
Funnel cakes
Baklava
Soufflés served in individual custard cups
Cream horns, éclairs, St. Joseph's pastries, sfogliatelle, cannoli, napoleons, baba rum

Straight from the Shelf

You won't be the first bride to try this. Stack those tiers high and proud or create an entire freestanding "cake" with:

Sno Balls, Suzy Qs, HoHos, Ding Dongs, Twinkies
Krispy Kreme donuts, Moon Pies

Other Options

Chocolate-dipped fruit
Chocolate truffles
A chocolate fountain
Sugar cookies or brownies with your initials in cellophane wrappers
Fancy pies: key lime, lemon, chocolate pecan, coconut custard, cranberry apple, macadamia nut, peanut butter and white chocolate cream.

Whatever you choose, try to retain the cake-cutting part of your ceremony.

The cutting of the cake is an ancient ritual and a powerful symbol of unity between the couple and their guests.

It doesn't matter if you're really digging into a lemon meringue pie -- your guests will still want to ooh and ahh as you cut it together and feed each other.

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About The Author
Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date ecards, screensaver, wallpaper and wedding web site templates. http://www.favorideas.com

Helping The Control Freak Plan The Wedding

2005-05-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

by: Sher Matsen

My daughter and fiancé have finally set the “big day” but now comes the fun part of helping the control freak plan the wedding. The control freak being my daughter.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m really looking forward to helping my daughter and I’m accustomed to her control freak nature.

This could be a really fun experience if you look at the right way. I’ll just sit back and do what I’m told when I’m told.

If you’ve ever known a control freak you’ll know what I’m talking about.

These people simply can’t give up control of any aspect of their lives. They must always be in control, so the title “control freak” is rightfully earned.

Now helping a control freak plan a wedding, can you imagine, after all everything is going to have to be perfectly controlled. Anything gone wrong is liable to land in quite a burst of verbal displeasure.

Now as the helper you have some choices.

You can either step back and find the situation quite amusing and thus keep your sanity. Or you can get drug into the chaos and panic and loose your sanity.

I’m opting for the amusing approach.

Watching a control freak plan their wedding is rather like watching a juggler with about 12 extra balls. Your just waiting for one to drop! And eventually one will and all you can do is be their to pick up the pieces.

It all began with choosing the “perfect date.”

Now a sane person would wonder what does a perfect date look like, but a control freak spends hours going through each month and each date listing the pros and cons until they are satisfied they have found the perfect date.

God help us all if the weather decides to not co-operate. But that’s okay after a few stressful day my control freak daughter has decided that August 16th 2006 will be a perfect day.

To the sane person it will be a perfect day no matter what goes wrong, but to my control freak daughter all I can hope is that the day is truly perfect in every way!

Well our next mission was the gown and if you have never shopped with a control freak you will not understand how amusing this can be. At least from the view point I’ve chosen to take.

Grant it some moments are enough to make your hair stand up and shout “Stop you’re driving me crazy.” A couple of deep breaths and the amusement returns.

A normal soul will know that there is no such thing as the perfect wedding dress or the perfectly fitted wedding dress right off the rack. Yes a wedding dress can become perfect but it may take some alterations.

Shopping for that wedding gown with a control freak leads to comments such as the sleeves are too puffy, the train slides just a little to the right, the v neck is ½” from perfect, the …..Well you get the picture. They are looking for perfect by definition in their brain.

Many of the gowns my daughter tried on were perfect as far as I could tell. She looked beautiful, breathtaking, and sexy all the things a bride should be. But to her it was not “perfect.”

As luck would have it one bridal show as she shifted through the gowns this beautiful dress jumped out at her. When she tried it on it fit her perfectly and not only by my definition but by her own.

Not an alteration needed, not a tuck, not a hem. It was infact perfect. So you see even the control freak can find a perfect gown.

Our last adventure was in locating the perfect place for a reception. My control freak daughter has yet to find the place that makes her feel safe and in control.

Thankfully she still has time and as luck goes I’m certain we will find that perfect place. I’m sure they’ll be plenty more highlights before she has her wedding planned.

The message here is not to make fun or chastise the control freak, after all we all have our faults, but rather to point out that no matter how stressed you become while planning your wedding it will all come together.

Besides I believe every future bride turns into a control freak to some degree when planning their wedding.

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About The Author
Sher Matsen from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/.admin@estatejewelryinternational.com

There’s More to Wedding Invitations Than You Might Think

2005-05-20T01:43:00.000-07:00

by: Sara Haese
Everybody talks about wedding invitations, but what about all the other terms and items that are associated with them.

Below are explanations of some of the more common terms and items that you’ll probably encounter while shopping for your invitations.

Seal n Send Invitations: This type of invitation is mailed to guests as a single-folded piece (without an envelope) having the respond postcard attached to the invitation by a perforation for easy removal.

Since the respond piece is a postcard, you will save on postage for the return mailing.

Prices for this product normally include seals along with a printed return address on both the back flap when initially mailing the invitation and on the perforated respond postcard.

Announcements: For those who won’t be invited to your wedding but you would still like them to know about your marriage, you can mail them an announcement card.

They can be printed on the same paper as your invitation but mailed on your wedding day or immediately after with the wording stating that your wedding has already taken place.

Reception Cards: If there isn’t enough room on your invitation for listing the details of your reception or if not all guests will be invited to attend the reception, reception cards can be ordered to match your invitations and then be included as a separate insert.

Please keep in mind that this card could possibly add to your mailing cost since postage is based on weight.

Respond Cards: These cards are essential to planning for your dinner/reception since an accurate guest attendance count will be needed for food and seating preparations.

The respond card along with its mailing envelope will be inserted with your invitation.

Remember to include a postage stamp on this small envelope which will also have a mailing address already printed on it so all your guests have to do is fill out the card and mail it back by the date you have printed on it.

Map Cards: These direction cards would be included as a convenience for any guests who might not be familiar with the location of the church and/or reception.

Printed Invitation Envelope Flaps: This option of having your return address printed on the outside envelope can save you valuable time and ensure that undeliverable invitations are returned to you.

There is a small cost involved but it also gives an address to those who might not be able to attend but still want to send you a card or gift.

Lined Inner Envelopes: For a small charge, you can request your inner envelopes have a colored lining to add a special touch to your invitation ensemble.

Color choices will vary depending on the invitation style you choose.

Envelope Seals: These self-adhesive labels add just the right finishing touch.

They are available in many styles and are used on your outer envelope making it look like they are holding the flap down even though it has already been sealed.

Informal Notes: These are used separately from your invitations but should be included with your original order since they are usually printed on matching paper and this will save you on shipping costs.

They are personalized with either your names or monogram on the front with the inside being blank for writing your thank you notes. Any leftovers can be used long after the wedding for other purposes.

Blank mailing envelopes are included with them.

Not all of the above items are necessary to make your wedding invitations complete. Remember, this is your special day, so it’s your decision as to which ones you would like to include as part of your invitation ensemble.

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About The Author
Sara Haese is the owner of http://www.PrintedCreationsWeddingStore.com where you'll find a fantastic selection of wedding invitations as well as save the dates and wedding accessories. Sign up to receive the FREE Wedding Invitation Guide.

Choosing Your Wedding Colors

2005-05-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

by: Shaan Randow

Wedding dress, flowers, church, reception, cake topper, decorations, music AND wedding colors.

Although it sounds daunting, choosing wedding colors is really quite simple.

When choosing your wedding colors think about the different colors that you like most. You may want to choose a main color and one or two accent colors for visual beauty.

If you really don’t have a favorite color, think about the season that you’re getting married in.

If you’re planning a spring or summer wedding go with pastels and brighter colors.

For winter ceremonies try darker purples and burgundies.

You can also use red and silver for a more Christmas themed wedding.

For a fall wedding, oranges, yellows and even reds can give a warm harvest feel.

One thing to remember when choosing your wedding colors is not to overdue black. Although it is perfectly acceptable and popular to incorporate black into the wedding, over using it can give the feel of a funeral rather than a union of two hearts.

Once you have chosen a main wedding color, you can always use a color wheel, which artists use to accent colors in paintings.

Using a wheel will help you choose another color or two that will compliment your main scheme.

Another way to simplify choosing wedding colors is to visit a wedding boutique store with your bridesmaids.

Choose a dress that looks good and everyone is comfortable in. Then ask the clerk what colors the dress comes in.

By doing this, you will be narrowing down the colors to choose from. Once you decide on a color for their dresses, use this as a main color for your wedding.

No matter what you choose for your wedding colors, this is a detail that will stick out the most with your guests.

It will be the center and focal point of flowers, dresses and decorations. So, be sure when you choose a color, you choose carefully and be sure it is something that compliments your wedding party and the atmosphere that you want to set for your wedding.

Other possibilities to help you choose wedding colors are team colors, if you are a sports fan, colors that you saw used in your favorite movie or book, or maybe a time period that gives you that “loving feeling”.

You don’t have to have a ‘wedding theme’ to have a ‘color scheme’. Be comfortable in the colors that you choose.

Another idea to help in choosing wedding colors is thinking about what the colors represent.

For instance, blue is cool, relaxing and offers a calming vibe.

Red reads vibrant and energizing.

Green is comforting, refreshing and tranquil, and yellow offers happiness and brightness, giving off an uplifted spirit.

Choose colors for your wedding that will relate back to who you are and what mood you are trying to set. Be happy with what you choose because after all, this is your wedding.

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About The Author
Shaan Randow. This article provided courtesy of http://www.wedding-favor-shopper.com. support@arundel.net

For Second Weddings Only - Eight Useful Tips

2005-05-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

by: Tom Downward
Wedding Planning?

Prevent favorite guests comparing your second wedding, to the first.

It isn't tricky but it may take some thought. Whether guests will or will not compare weddings is likely to be determined by the bride’s status.

Yes, it may be hypocritical, but for wedding planning; if it is the bride’s first wedding, she often can have as elaborate a wedding as she pleases.

She can use all the traditional clothes and customs because it just doesn’t matter that it is the groom’s second wedding.

But if it is the bride’s second wedding you are planning, there are limitations in the minds of many guests. These things should be known and they can be dealt with in a constructive, reliable way.

Here are eight useful tips..

To start let’s make a guest list.

Go get your essentials first. You know, pencil, paper and a "cuppa tea". Put your head together and give this some focused thought.

Prepare to visualize the ceremony.

Hang out the "Do Not Disturb …unless you have cash" sign. Now you're ready..

1. Pare down the guest list to the ceremony itself. This list must include members of the families and very close friends of the couple. That pretty much means parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, godparents and just your closest friends.

2. The bride should avoid the full length gown and veil. Wear a bridal gown that is quite formal, of course, and three quarters length or even street length but no veil. The Bridal Bouquet is always appropriate.

3. Everyone has a wedding cake. That is always proper for second weddings. However, throwing the bouquet, wearing the garter and throwing rice aren’t.

4. The reception can be as elaborate, exuberant and even wild as you wish. It makes no difference who is getting married for the second time.

5. Do not invite socially sensitive guests such as former in-laws and former spouses. If the children are at the wedding you can invite the grandparents. But that leads us to another point.

6. Get the former spouse’s approval before you invite the children and let the children decide how they feel about attending the wedding.

7. They can participate too. It makes them feel wanted and needed. Children age 7 or 8 can be in charge of the guestbook or pass the cake, while older children, say 13 or 14 can be an attendant if they are fully aware of the significance of the occasion.

8. Realize, some guests being invited to a second wedding gave generous gifts at the time of the first wedding. Some of these people may or may not be attending this time, for whatever the reason. But they may still send a small gift and a note. This serves mainly as a symbol that they approve, for which you can be grateful. It certainly deserves a thank you note.

In summary: You will think of more ways to address this potential wedding planning problem.

But these tips can be relied upon to work and to point you in the direction you most want. So, don’t discard them too quickly.

To close: May you have a very happy Wedding Day. You know, the memory will last your lifetime.

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About The Author
Copyrights Tom Downward of http://www.weddingsrfun.com. Please feel free to post this Article in your newsletter, on your website, and forward it to your friends and / or business associates. If you post or otherwise publish this article, please ensure that the copyright as well as the author's entire bylines box remain intact. We would appreciate a courtesy copy of your publication and / or a website link. Please E-mail to: info@weddingsrfun.com

Wedding Bouquets for Life

2005-05-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

by: David Chandler

One of the most beautiful of the bride's adornments at a wedding is the bouquet.

Normally constructed of fresh flowers, the wedding bouquet would last for a week or two, and then have to be dried or tossed.

Today that is not the case; today's modern bride has options that are more permanent.

There are various bridal books, magazines and shops to help you choose the perfect style and color.

The arrangement you select should be a reflection of your personality and/or the color scheme of your wedding.

A growing popularity in wedding flowers is silk flowers. Silk flowers are non-allergenic, will never wilt and can be kept as a remembrance of your special day for years to come.

Another advantage over silk flowers is their cost and durability.

Another option for the wedding bouquets is stunning handmade porcelain flowers.

Porcelain and silk flowers are available in traditional styles.

With a seemingly unlimited array of colors, these amazing creations last a lifetime.

Many come with a display stand included in the purchase price, so your wedding bouquet now has become an exquisite family heirloom.

As you plan your special day, consider the option of a porcelain handmade bouquet.

The cost is a bit higher, yet the memories of your ceremony will be with you forever.

In addition, your wedding bouquet will be with you as well, a permanent reminder of your love for each other.

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About The Author David Chandler For more information, visit these sites: http://www.WeddingFlowersInfo.com http://www.WeddingPlanningInfoCenter.com http://www.WeddingReceptionInfo.com

Wedding Rings

2005-04-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

by: Elsie Gilbert
Wedding rings don’t tend to get the public airing that they deserve, in your average wedding celebration.

However, wedding rings are likely to be worn for the rest of the bride and grooms’ living days, so they are, arguably, the most important element of the wedding accessories.

Wedding Rings – The Basics

Wedding rings are exchanged as part of the ceremony, normally as vows are said by both parties.

The guests do not normally see the wedding rings until after the ceremony is well and truly over, so it can be tempting to skimp on this element and save money.

Bear in mind that the bride will almost certainly wear her wedding ring alongside her engagement ring.

It is essential, therefore, that they both rings work together well.

This is particularly important if the engagement ring is of an atypical shape or with a particularly large stone.

Always consider your everyday jewelry.

Although it is possible to accessorize on your wedding day to complement you choice of wedding rings, this ring will be worn every day, for many years, so it must fit in well with your general style.

This is equally important for the groom, as he too will have to wear the ring for some time, so he should also consider what would go well with his usual attire.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not essential to choose golden rings.

If you prefer silver colored rings but want to retain the quality, why not consider white gold?

It is also possible for the bride and groom to have different styles of ring, so do not feel pressured into selecting matching styled rings.

Wedding Rings – Ideas for Slashing the Budget

Whilst you want the best wedding rings possible, you do not need to spend a small fortune!

Often, wedding rings are passed through the generations, particularly on the male side, so find out whether this is the case so that you can avoid the time and energy of searching for the perfect wedding rings!

When you are selecting an engagement ring, it may be possible to negotiate a discount on wedding rings, if they are purchased at the same time.

Another possible option is to consider using cheaper wedding rings for the ceremony itself and to purchase the more permanent wedding rings, at a later day.

The real point of this is to spread the major expenses – weddings do not come cheaply!

A great way to make cheaper wedding rings look unique is to have them engraved with your wedding date and your initials.

With a little imagination, wedding rings can truly look magical, without costing the earth!

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About The Author
Elsie Gilbert offers great insights to all different types of wedding ceremonies, wedding styles, wedding accessories. From traditional to the exotic she makes it easy for the bride and groom to review and choose. For more details on all types of wedding ideas visit this site now www.weddingceremonyhelp.com. elsieg@nycap.rr.com

Wedding Ceremonies – It’s All Down To Detail!

2005-04-22T02:11:00.000-07:00

by: Elsie Gilbert

Wedding ceremonies are simply not what they used to be.

Set patterns and traditional format ceremonies are making way for unique, well thought out wedding ceremonies that are tailored to the individual needs of the bride and groom.

However, whatever type of wedding ceremony you chose, there are still some important considerations when planning picture-perfect wedding ceremonies.

Wedding Ceremonies – The Timing

Time of year is fundamental.

Not everyone wants a summer wedding, although most brides and grooms tend to favor summertime wedding ceremonies, which means that popular venues are likely to be booked up, well in advance.

If you are prepared to take a less traditional approach, in terms of dates and times, you may find that you have a much wider choice of venues.

These days, many wedding ceremonies take place in non-traditional locations such as beaches or even underwater!

Whilst it may be easier to find availability for a more unusual venue, these specialist ceremonies are likely to be more expensive.

Another great way of securing the venue that you really want, at a cheap price, is to be flexible.

Many locations now offer evening or mid-week wedding ceremonies, at a reduced price.

Getting married at a non-traditional time is also likely to mean that other costs such as transport, accommodation and photography are cheaper.

Overall, you can make substantial savings.

Wedding Vows

No two wedding ceremonies are the same and one of the best ways to add an individual touch, without going overboard, is to create your own vows.

These need not be religious, and can often be more meaningful and a truer expression of love than a traditional, formulaic vow.

Always check with the person conducting the ceremony, as there are still basic requirements in terms of what must be said and carried out to make the wedding legal.

Flowers and Music

It is the little touches that make wedding ceremonies special to the individuals involved.

Never underestimate the effect that a few well chosen songs or unusual flower arrangements can have on your guests.

Try not to have a rigid idea about the type of flowers that you want.

Remember, flowers are very seasonal, so it is always best to ask your florist for professional advice.

Also bear in mind that the flowers you chose should complement whatever theme you are following.

So, for example, if you are going for simplicity, stick to simple flowers that are classic and understated.

Always check with venues for wedding ceremonies what sorts of floral arrangements they can accommodate.

Some venues will have limited space and may need to re-use the area very quickly, so will be unable to cope with large amounts of flowers.

If flowers are important to you, remember to check with the wedding ceremonies’ venues BEFORE you book or, failing that, request that you are the last wedding of the day.

Thinking about the small things early on will make the big things happen, on the day!

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Wedding Decorations – Less is More

2005-04-17T01:54:00.000-07:00

by: Elsie Gilbert
Often overlooked, wedding decorations can make a real difference to your wedding.

The correct wedding decorations can really help to add that extra touch of sparkle to your wedding day.

Having said this, no one wants to spend a fortune on wedding decorations that will more than likely end up in the trash can at the end of the day!

Wedding Decorations – Modern Trends

Modern trends in wedding decorations suggest that less is most certainly more.

A few simple touches are normally enough to change an ordinary room into a venue fit for your special day.

Ideally, wedding decorations should follow the same theme that runs throughout the wedding day.

Don’t forget the smallest of details and make sure that the wedding decorations are placed in the ceremony venue, in the reception venue and even as part of the transport.

Wedding Decorations – Budget Conscious Ideas

The cost of wedding decorations can really spiral out of control, so make sure that you budget correctly and that you shop around for the best deals.

You may be surprised by how many artistic people you have as friends and family; ask around to see if some of these people would be prepared to help you create that special look.

If you cannot find a friend or relative to help you out, then why not try the local college or art school as this will offer a dedicated, skilled yet cheap option.

It is vital that you plan ahead, because the cost of wedding decorations will normally be a lot less if you buy them all together and not bit by bit.

Wedding Decorations – Dare to be Different

Traditional wedding decorations, such as flowers, are generally very expensive so take a different approach by creating your own decorations.

Give your wedding an individual feel and save some money, into the bargain, by daring to be different!

Material of various types can be a really useful way of creating effective wedding decorations.

Large bows, for example, make superb decorations for chairs in both the ceremony and the reception venue.

As a centerpiece, why not have a glass bowl with some small stones and a floating candle.

Not only will these decorations be cheaper than large flower displays, but they are also more permanent and can be given as gifts or retained as a memento of your wedding day.

Wedding decorations are a matter of personal choice, but remember, be different, be organized and be consistent and you won’t go far wrong!

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How To Choose The Right Wedding Bouquet Style

2005-04-13T01:45:00.000-07:00

by: Liztiany Zakaria

Basically, there are three wedding bouquet styles.The cascade, round or posy and hand-tied.

The cascade, as the name suggests, is shaped like a waterfall, more flowers on the top with some flowers flowing downwards.

It is mixed with some greeneries to get the natural look.

The round bouquet, of course is round in shape and have less greeneries but more flowers.

The flowers can be of one kind or multiple kinds as long as the colour balance is there.

The hand-tied wedding bouquet, which is gaining popularity these days, is more casual.

It is made from a bunch of flowers tied together with a ribbon and the stems are revealed.

How do you know which one is suitable for you?

Your selection will depend on three things :

a. your body size

b. your wedding gown style

c. the look that you want to carry

If you are self-conscious about your appearance on your wedding day, choosing the right wedding bouquet style can enhance the way you look and probably hide some imperfections around your body.

Let's say you want to look slimmer on the big day, you would probably choose a cascade bouquet because of the bouquet shape itself. A cascade bouquet is roundish at the top and the pointy at the bottom.

This slimming effect is best when you want to look slimmer.

If you are a tall person in nature, consider a cascade bouquet or a hand-tied bouquet.

Never choose a round bouquet.A round bouquet will make you look taller.

Added with the height of your heels, you will look extra tall.

A bride-to-be with big hips should go for other bouquets, except a round hand bouquet.A round bouquet will enhance your hips.

To hide it, you should choose a cascade or hand-tied bouquet instead.

If you like a garden look or a casual look, the only wedding bouquet that can give you that is the hand-tied wedding bouquet.

The flowers on the hand-tied bouquet will look like they have been hand picked by you from the garden.

You will look natural carrying a hand-tied wedding bouquet.

If you have a petite body, choose a round bouquet.

The size of the round bouquet and your body is balanced and you will look your best on your wedding day.

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About The Author
Liztiany Zakaria is a flower arrangement hobbyist who does flower arrangements for friends and family members.For more information on flower arrangement, visit her website at http://www.flower-arrangement-advisor.com. liztiany@time.net.my

How To Cut Your Wedding Catering Bill Cost

2005-04-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

by: Michael Ferrell
Maybe you’ve got the details of the actual wedding ceremony worked out, but what about the reception?

One of the major costs of the wedding reception will definitely be the food, so you’ll want to make sure you’ll have enough food for everyone without spending too much money.

Here are some top ways to cut on your catering bill that will ensure that your guests enjoy your reception—and you save money.

Don’t order more food than you need.

Most couples want to order an extra tray or two of hors d’oeuvres in case extra guests show up.

This is fine (and usually a smart idea), but you should still make sure that you’re not order more appetizers than you actually need; use your discretion based on the guest list.

For instance, if you know a number of your guests are vegetarian, you may not need to order as many appetizers with meat.

Also, ordering two or three types of hors d’oeuvres will help to reduce your catering bill.

If you buy more of the same dish, you can usually save money with most catering companies—different kinds of foods will increase the bill, so it’s important to keep it classy but simple at the wedding—even when it comes to food.

Caterers will also try to encourage you to spend more than you may need to on the actual meal as well.

You may not need a five course meal if you’ve already purchased three types of appetizers and a salad, or three extra desserts if you already have a pretty large wedding cake.

The time of day that you hold your wedding will give you a good indication of how much food to serve; if you’re having the ceremony in the afternoon or early evening, you may want to serve more food.

Pay attention to the types of foods you order.

There are some foods that are always going to be expensive, even if you only order small amounts.

So, since you have to order a considerable amount of food, ordering dishes that aren’t so costly will help you to keep your catering bill reasonable.

Certain seafood, like shrimp, lobster and salmon will definitely make your catering bill higher, so if you have to have them, try to use them as only one of the course choices for dinner, or purchase these foods as appetizers to save on costs.

Have food stations.

Food stations are a unique way to serve a variety of foods at your wedding reception, and you can be sure that everyone will find something they like to eat.

This way, you won’t have to worry about people changing their minds about their meal choices once they arrive at the reception.

A food station with different types of pasta is usually a hit with most guests, and can be very economical.

You can also include food stations with other types of the ethnic foods, such as Mexican or Indian fare, to celebrate the cultures of the people who will be attending your wedding, or to acknowledge your backgrounds.

You may also be able to cut your catering bill by not requesting an elaborate setup for your food stations and tables.

Using a single color for tablecloths, usually white, will cut down on labor costs.

To add more color to your reception decorations, you may want to add elaborate centerpieces, so that you can spend as much as you need to on the meals for the reception.

To get menu ideas and more pricing information, log on to sites like www.weddingsutra.com and www.foreverwed.com.

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About The Author
Michelle Ferrell is the author of "How To Plan Your Dream Wedding On A Limited Budget" - Discover other creative ways you can save thousands on your wedding at www.bridebargains.com.

Changes in the Wedding Industry

2005-04-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

by: Patrick Ryan

Along with technology comes change and the wedding industry is feeling these changes more than most.

Traditionally when arranging a wedding ceremony or function people send out personalized letters with self addressed envelopes inside so their family or friends could reply.

Still one has to admit it is VERY nice to get these personalized invitations in the mail.

It does however involve quite a lot of time and expense to do this though.

Imagine if you have 100 guests.

That’s 100 personalized letters! Time wise too one has to follow up all these letters. Time consuming and expensive to say the least,but tradition none the less.

Well, now there is an easier way to make your wedding arrangements run smoothly.

Personal or Custom Wedding Websites seem to be all the craze.

On many of these sites such as www.ewedding.com you can create your online wedding site just by entering in the required info in the easy to use admin panel.

It also has a RSVP form which can let you know instantly who is coming and who is not.

Other features include security – You can password protect your site should you not wish just anyone to view.

Blogging lets the well wishes leave their message for all guests to see and more.

The nightmare of arranging many people to attend a wedding ceremony or function has been relieved by this new found technology.

A lot of people like myself prefer the old traditional method of personalized letters of invitation.

But at the same time I have to admit I’m so strapped for time it’s even hard for me to sign the invitation, wack it in the envelope and throw it in the postbox.

I’m afraid the time has come for speed and convenience for both the wedding planner and guests alike.

Like it or not Wedding Websites are here to stay and growing day by day.

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About The Author
Patrick Ryan has been in the wedding industry business for years now but has noticed quite a few dramatic changes in recent times. Check out his wedding business ebooks at www.videographybusiness.com and www.startaweddingbusiness.com

6 Ways to Decorate Your Wedding Arch

2005-03-30T00:51:00.000-08:00

by: Blake Kritzberg
Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to spruce up your ceremony site.

No-brainer, at least, until you actually have one in your hands and ready to decorate. Then it gets a little more complicated.

Thinking back to prom, you might recall something vaguely gauzy, but that doesn't give you much to go on when you have that bare-looking eight foot metal structure in your living room.

Plus, maybe you want an arch that doesn't look like prom at all -- and personalization is what's going to make your wedding tick.

Here are some ways to give that arch a touch of your wedding's unique flavor.

The Balloon Arch

Don't forget this dramatic, pearly alternative to the wood or metal arch.

A determined bride (or family member) can definitely do this herself; helium isn't even required if you use PVC or can suspend microfilament from the ceiling.

Just keep in mind it's best to build the arch the day of the wedding, and essential to build it within hours of the ceremony if you use helium-filled balloons.

The Classic Arch

Soften the hard bones of your arch by draping it in gauzy base material (tulle, organza) and silk garlands of ivy (or real grape vines).

Now accent with a large silk bow, a pomander ball or "kissing ball" -- which you can make yourself if you're willing to use silk roses -- or a traditional grouping of flowers at the top.

Or for a little more oomph, use the rule of three: one flower arrangement for the top, and at least one at each base.

DIY-ers are probably best off sticking to silk, or at least using potted flowers at the base.

The Gothic Arch

Use a simple black arch that rises to a dramatic point and leave the lines clean and unadorned -- or attach dried curly willow for a downright spooky touch.

Hang an enormous floral kissing ball from the apex.

The All-Floral Arch

Dripping from top to toe in greenery and roses, the all-floral arch is the kind of formal living sculpture seen in cavernous churches.

The greens and blooms in this arch seem to float on air, with the flowers appearing immensely heavy (they are) and the arch insubstantial.

The all-floral arch is definitely a job for the pro -- grand and expensive.

The Woodsy Arch

Add some unexpected texture by strapping young apple or willow branches to the sides of your arch.

Or instead of a fabric or ivy base, attach garlands of ferns.

The Tropical Palm Arch

Dressed entirely in palm tree fronds, the tropical arch creates a sharp, dramatic and slightly masculine silhouette. This simple but striking approach is perfect for the handy DIYer.

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About The Author
Blake Kritzberg is editor at "FavorIdeas.com." Stop by for a huge selection of wedding favors, Bridezilla's weekly adventures, and free resources for brides: save-the-date eCards, screensaver, wallpaper and web site templates. http://www.favorideas.com/. For more ways to decorate your wedding arch, please see: http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-arches.htm.

Selecting Your Wedding Invitations

2005-03-28T00:39:00.000-08:00

by: Christi Vega

Invitations are the first thing your guests will see to represent your wedding, and although it’s not an area where you want to spend too much, it is a place to make a statement.

Here’s what you need to know about wedding invitations.

The actual invitation should set the tone of your wedding and match the color and theme.

Whether it’s an ultra formal affair or a backyard barbecue, your invitation should reflect that.

Many couples include monograms or logos that are repeated other places in the wedding and reception as well.

A stationer can print more than just wedding invitations.

You can get reply cards, reception cards, thank you cards, wedding programs, menus, and place cards.

If you order them all at once, you can not only get a discount, but can make sure they coordinate well together.

This takes planning, but is a good way to save time and money.

You should order all of your cards three or four months before the wedding to allow time for corrections if necessary.

This also leaves you extra time to address all the invitations.

Order extras of everything, especially invitations and envelopes. You’ll need extra for mistakes or last minute guest list additions.

When you get the proof version of your invitation and enclosure cards, read them carefully, and then read it again!

Have someone else read it to make sure you aren’t overlooking an error.

Check all spelling, dates, times, and locations. Making corrections after invitations have been printed is very costly.

Traditionally invitations should be hand addressed rather than printed from a computer.

You can hire a calligrapher to address envelopes if you have the budget for it, or have fun by scheduling a party to assemble and address invitations.

Take a complete invitation to the post office ahead of time to have it weighed to attach the right amount of postage.

Invitations should be mailed about six weeks before the wedding.

Selecting invitations you love and mailing them to your guests will begin to create a sense of anticipation, so they will be eager to see what other beautiful things you have in store.

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About The Author
Christi Vega is the founder of http://www.corpuschristiweddings.com, the most complete online resource for planning a wedding in Corpus Christi, Texas. Includes information on local wedding professionals, articles & checklists, planning calendars, links to wedding music, books, and more.

How to Find Unique Wedding Favors for Your Wedding

2005-03-23T00:26:00.000-08:00

by: Brigitte Smith
Wedding favors have become an integral part of a wedding.

And many brides, and couples, search for unique wedding favors which will make a statement and from which the guests will remember this wedding with fond memories.

So when you’re planning your wedding, one of the decisions you’ll undoubtedly need to make is in the selection of wedding favors for your guests - and what better wedding favors than heirloom wedding favors.

These small gifts are a wonderful way to show your guests that you appreciate them coming to celebrate your special day and to say a small, personal “thank you” to your guests for their attendance, their friendship, and their wedding gifts to you.

No longer limited to weddings for the wealthy or well-to-do, unique wedding favors can now be ordered from a number of sources, including online companies, for a fraction of what they once cost.

Even a modest or small wedding can be made much more special by providing thoughtful and even unique wedding favors for the guests.

Wedding favors are typically small but thoughtful items that serve as a memento of your beautiful day.

Traditional items include things like ornate bottle-stoppers, cake servers, and serving spoons.

Such items are intended to be a keepsake for the wedding guests rather than something they will actually use in everyday life.

Some couples, however, will choose wedding favors that serve double duty as a reminder of the event as well as a useful item.

Small picture frames, decorated place card holders, lovely candy dishes, pen and pencil sets, and other such favors fall into this category.

Edible wedding favors such as mints or candies in an attractive tin are also available.

The choices are truly limited only by your imagination.

Typical wedding favors come with traditional wedding theme designs including bells, doves, hearts, flowers, and flowing ribbons, but can also include more modern motifs like dolphins.

With the more costly but far more personalized option of custom ordering, virtually anything is possible.

The most important consideration is selecting wedding favors is to remember that these are items meant simply to say “thank you.”

You’re not going to find the perfect item that will please each and every guest at your wedding, but a little thoughtfulness will result in favors that will at least let your guests know that you’re thinking of them.

The guests at your wedding are primarily your family and your friends, and they will invariably appreciate a small souvenir of the event.

Wedding favors should not be confused with the traditional gifts provided by the bride and groom to members of their wedding party.

It is proper to provide the bridesmaids and groomsmen with a more personal and separate gift.

Anything that says you appreciate their friendship and participation in your special day is appropriate for these close friends or family members.

Your wedding is undoubtedly one of the most important days in your life and all of the planning that goes into this momentous event reflects that importance, helping to make your special day a beautiful experience for all involved.

Selecting the perfect wedding favors - unique wedding favors - can help make that dream of beauty and perfection into a reality!

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About The Author
Brigitte Smith. For unique wedding favors that you can make yourself (of have made for you), go to http://www.learnhowguides.com/WeddingFavors/index.html and take a look at the Wonderful Crocheted Wedding Favors that you can make and give to your wedding guests.

3 Ways to Cut Cost on Wedding Flowers

2005-03-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

by: Michael Ferrell

With all the things you’ll have to worry about paying for when it comes to your wedding, you won’t want to have to spend a lot of cash for slightly smaller things, like accents, decorations, and flower arrangements.

Since most brides do want to have flowers at their weddings, and would prefer to purchase them at a reasonable price, here are some ways to save on wedding flowers that you may want to try:

Buy synthetic flowers.

Synthetic flowers may cost a little more when you buy them in bulk because of the material, but they could save you money because they last as long as you need them to.

Many people have fresh flower bouquets for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girls, and these tend to whither rather quickly, especially if the ceremony is indoors.

So, you may end up buying more flowers than you actually need in order to keep the flowers looking good for pictures after the ceremony.

You can also find colors or types of flowers that may not be in bloom at the time you are having the wedding if you buy synthetic flowers.

This way, you’ll have more freedom to create the look you want for your ceremony.

If you want to decorate the reception with flowers as well, synthetic flowers may be a good idea, so that you can maintain the look of the room for as long as you need to.

And, since most brides want to keep their bouquets, buying synthetic flowers is definitely a good idea.

Plan your bouquet size.

Many brides end up spending more than they wanted to on a bouquet because they didn’t count the amount of flowers that would be in the arrangement, or select flowers that will look good with not-so-expensive accents.

Make sure you know just how big you want your bouquet to be, as well as what type of flowers you want to include.

And, carrying a single flower down the aisle is wonderful look for a bride as well.

You can use a lily, daisy, or even a rose with lace or pearl accents as your bouquet, and add a unique touch to the ceremony.

Small bunches of flowers can also be beautiful, proving that, as with most other things, less can definitely be more.

If you want to get fresh flowers for your bouquet, selecting flowers that are in season will also help you to save money, since a florist may have to specially order out-of-season flowers, which can increase the bouquet price significantly.

Plan ahead.

Even though flowers for the wedding may seem like a small thing, don’t wait until the last minute to make sure that you have the flowers you want for your wedding.

You may have to spend more money to find flowers you want the closer you get to the ceremony, so make sure that you have decided whether or not you’ll purchase flowers from a local florist or order synthetic flowers.

Order Wholesale From The Internet

To find more ideas for how to save on wedding flowers, as well as wedding floral shops that may have what you’re looking for, visit sites like freshroses.com and fiftyflowers.com.

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About The Author
Michelle Ferrell is the author of "How To Plan Your Dream Wedding On A Limited Budget" - Discover other creative ways you can save thousands on your wedding at http://www.bridebargains.com.

7 Money Saving Tips for Your Wedding

2005-03-16T23:09:00.000-08:00

by: Roanna Rose
1. Trim the guest list.

This is difficult but sometimes necessary if the cost per guest is going to break your budget.

Cross off names on the list of guests who might feel obligated to come to the wedding if they are invited but would not have their feelings hurt if they are not asked to attend.

Think of inviting only relatives with whom you have a close relationship instead of everyone related to you.

Invite only the people who are important to you and your parents rather than everyone you know.

2. If your wedding ceremony and/or reception will be held at a hotel, ask for discounts when your family and friends are staying at same hotel.

Reserve a block of rooms for your guests several months before the wedding for the best rates.

Speak with the appropriate manager when asking for discounts and reserving rooms.

3. When planning your ceremony and reception at a hotel, ask to speak to a manager who is in charge of these services.

A manager should be in a position to offer the best rates for the hotel’s services.

Ask the manager to throw in extras.

Use hotel house linens instead of renting others.

Hotels and catering halls have their own “props” and centerpieces that they are happy to loan.

Always ask for at least 10% off stated rates.

4. On your wedding day stick to your schedule for your ceremony and reception.

Musicians will charge more if asked to perform beyond the time stated in their contract.

You will also incur additional limo charges if your event runs longer than planned.

5. To simplify things and save you money, have your ceremony and reception in the same location.

There will be no need for limos to take you to the second location.

Many houses of worship have halls that are equipped to handle wedding receptions at reasonable fees-especially if you are a member.

6. Ask friend to lend their talents in lieu of a gift such as invitations or flowers.

Ask a friend will pretty penmanship to address your invitations instead of hiring a calligrapher.

If you simplify your flowers and arrangements, perhaps a friend can assemble fresh or silk flowers which will save you hundreds of dollars.

7. Consider having your wedding any day but Saturday.

Fridays are also popular wedding days but may cost a lot less than a Saturday event.

For even greater savings, choose a weekday evening for your wedding.

Schedule the wedding to allow guests time to arrive at the ceremony after the work day has ended.

Many guests enjoy weekday weddings as this frees up their weekends for other activities.

Choose a date between November and April to avoid higher peak season rates in many areas.

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About The Author
Roanna Rose has owned a full service bridal shop for more than 20 years. In 1997, the business was extended to the internet when the web site http://www.tjformal.com was created showcasing prom dresses, wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses & more.

Choosing a Wedding Videographer

2005-03-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

by: Shawn Hickman
Where do I start?

I receive numerous inquiries requesting information.

First, I understand that the average person is gathering information to try and make an educated decision that is right for them.

I'm sure many people only know what they've read in numerous wedding magazine articles about wedding videography and photography.

I've read most of these articles and they range from generic to sheer nonsense- especially those articles with the checklist of important questions to ask a videographer.

What one has to understand is that the person writing the article is not an expert on wedding videography.

Until they were hired to write an article about wedding videography or photography to fill the spaces between advertisers looking for business, they probably knew little more than anyone else on the subject. So, in short, take what you read as a starting point and go from there.

The first question many people ask - What is the cost for a wedding video?

The short answer is, most good videographers will start at around $2,000.00.

Unfortunately the wedding industry is full of people with the "get rich quick" attitude that brides are a captive audience.

This ranges from the person who went out and bought some video equipment along with some videos and books on how to make money shooting wedding videos to those "wedding companies" who make a lot of money booking scores of budget conscious brides with great prices, "one stop shopping" with photos, video, and a DJ!

A significant portion of the wedding industry is marketing to a predictable consumer mentality.

They realize a significant number of people will shop only by price, regardless of value, esthetic quality, and long term enjoyment they would have gotten by choosing someone who's life depends on the quality of their work.

For those who tend to be more discriminate and place a little more value on quality, you will have some decisions to make an you'll be glad you did. The reality is, if you've looked carefully at finding the right photographer, you probably won't be impressed with the plethora of people offering the cheap wedding videos.

Cost and Value

Unfortunately, objectivity and art are not as easy as choosing between Wal-Mart and Kmart to buy a DVD player or some other exact same item.

In many cases, your investment to hire a really good videographer is almost intangible when comparing the talent, expertise, and investment in time required to produce a video that's worth watching and in some cases, the costs will be very comparable.

One can't begin to compare the end result of the stereotypical wedding video and photo companies cashing in on the "Wedding Industry" and those a truly talented videographers and photographers who love their work and work hard to provide couples with something beyond the ordinary.

A full time videographer, who's life depends on the quality of their work will be able to provide much more value in the finished video.

The budget videographers who book scores of brides at "great prices" absolutely can't afford to invest anywhere near the required amount of editing time and detail to create a video that compares with what I, and other talented videographers will provide.

Doing anything above the all-too-common, mediocre wedding and event videography requires a real skill, a creative eye, excellent editing capabilities, and talent.

You don't study and watch videos to be a talented videographer or photographer. It's like the musician playing a concert in front of a couple hundred people - either you have it or you don't!

Shooting the video is only the beginning of the process

Creating a finished product that is cinemagraphic, emotional, romantic, and yet relaxed is an art and consideration should be placed on its long term value. You wouldn't hire a band that can't play.

Style - the most important question

As you investigate the more talented videographers it will become evident the the individual personality of the videographer, the quality of their work, and their editing style will be a major part in your decision process.

The more talented videographers will have a wider range of style.

When I create a video for a client, I consider the person, the venue, and their event as a whole as part of my editing style.

Each person is different. By working with a more limited number of weddings per year, I can afford to be objective in setting the mode for the video

Generally, my work is more of a detailed cinematic documentary. Most of the events are "in real time".

To produce a video that tells a story in real life requires a full time job just in editing. The video must have life and it must provide a full overview of the event.

I like to shoot in a relaxed photojournalistic style.

This allows me ample footage to create a dramatic video with precise detail, and still keep the storyline moving.

I also offer "short form" contemporary style videos, that are focused on a more romantic style.

Many clients like to have both the documentary style along with the 15 minute romantic highlight video to share with friends. Unfortunately, I see just about everyone now uses "documentary" and "photojournalism" buzz words in their advertising.

Hopefully, they aren't just throwing out words people want to hear and really understand the concept!

Spectacular audio quality

Audio quality is the most overlooked and often the most noticeable shortcoming in wedding video.

Your videographer should be able to provide at least four wireless microphones for any event.

Concentrate on listening for more than the vows.

Demand to hear examples of readers, instrumentalists, vocalists, and string quartets.

Your wedding will be a beautiful experience.

Don’t allow on-camera microphones to record your event. Make sure your videographer understands the principles of acquiring good audio for your video.

Natural, Comfortable, Relaxed

I like to refer to myself as a photojournalist with a video camera.

When you think about it, this is the key to how I get great footage.

When we think of the "Life Magazine Photos", we think of drama, good composition, and telling the story as seen through the lens.

Molesting the Guests

This also means that I do not "molest guests" at weddings... Frankly, my clients certainly don't want me sticking a bright light and a microphone in their guests' faces and asking them to "say something to the bride and groom", having them to do interviews, or having the bride and groom pretend they are doing "this or that" for the video.

Too many people including myself and my wife have "been there, done that" with this type of videographer at a wedding.

Frankly there are much better things to do with a video camera and my talent would be wasted chasing people around doing interviews.

People look their best when they are acting naturally.

By staying in the background, yet always there, I tend to go relatively unnoticed, but still get great footage.

I am a minimalist when it comes to lighting and attracting attention. Most of my work relies only on ambient room lighting.

Many photographers I work with have even commented on my ability to get great candid shots. These are the shots that really make a great video, people in real life, being who they really are.

Most people are not actors, everyone looks best when you let them be themselves.

Good Camera Skills

This is the key to being a good videographer.

To have a good video, you really have to display excellent camera skills and composition.

This is the primary key to having a video that is dynamic, exciting, and realistic. My professional background consists of music, photojournalism, industrial photography, and television production.

Now well into my second decade specializing in wedding, event, and corporate videography , you can be assured that I come with both the necessary experience and the appropriate background.

The internet and Bridal Magazines are literally full of new faces doing wedding video every year.

However, their ads would make it look like they've been doing wedding videography for years. In case you're wondering, there are numerous images taken directly from tape on this site that are over ten years old!

Anyone who buys a camera and takes out an ad in a wedding magazine instantly considers themselves a wedding videographer.

The same holds true for some photographers and other companies in the wedding industry that buy video equipment and hire weekend people to shoot video.

Anyone can pick up a camera and point it and take a video.

Unfortunately, the end results often look like it too!

Don’t be fooled by dazzling special effects and computer animation.

Many people tout these capabilities in their advertising, but all of the effects usually seen in wedding video are usually just a substitute for good editing and the ability to build a story line.

State of the art equipment

I come to a job prepared for just about anything.

This includes multiple cameras, an extra broadcast lens and 8 professional wireless microphone systems for capturing audio from all sources at both the ceremony and reception.

I have the availability to record at least 6 channels of independent audio simultaneously.

I use the Sony DSR-390L, a completely digital camera shooting on the larger DVCAM digital format.

It features three newly designed 1/2 in., 410,000-element Power HAD CCD imaging devices that provide an unbelievable picture quality with an unprecedented lowlight sensitivity of 0.4 lux minimum illumination - in other words, the camera will see in the dark.

The major advantages I offer with this latest camera is that in many situations, absolutely no additional lighting other than normal room light is required. The camera sees what we see!

This is a significant advantage when trying to maintain a low sense of visibility around guests.

By processing video signal data at three levels — brightness, hue, and saturation — the TruEye process assists in the reproduction of natural skin tones and basically sees what the human eye sees at any given light level.

Several fellow videographers in the area are using the Sony DSR-300, a fantastic camera also.

It has the larger imaging devices, same audio capabilities and uses the larger DVCAM tape. Basically the only differences are minor and the new cameras will have a slight edge in low light performance.

Some videographers will use the Sony DSR 250 which is one in a class of stripped down cameras offered by most of the manufacturers geared specifically for the "wedding event market".

This camera still offers a significant improvement over the older SVHS video cameras, but it only has small 1/3" imaging devices resulting in much less resolution and poor low light performance when compared to cameras with larger imaging devices.

The highest majority of typical wedding videographers use the smaller, much less expensive "handycam" style of video cameras.

While these cameras do a nice job for their size and relatively low cost, they have very small 1/4" CCD imaging devices, offering relatively poor low light performance and less image quality.

Other serious limitations are the lack of a professional lens, the ability to adjust exposures, and limited audio functions.

These cameras do have their place. For situations where there is plenty of light, like a garden wedding or daylight situations, the picture is pretty good and their smaller size makes them easier to use over longer periods of time.

I keep one in my collection to use when ever I feel that the lighting conditions and shooting situation is just right.

All editing is done on professional Media-100 systems and over 500 gigabytes of disk storage.

This system allows editing at very high data rates for optimum picture quality. Don't let computer editing be confused with the idea of special effects and animations.

I do not do the stereotypical wedding video with pictures popping out of hearts and tacky special effects. My work is clean and dramatic.

Video is mastered to DVD and backups are kept for a limited time on full sized DVCAM digital tape.

We can still provide VHS to those clients who require it, but the cost of DVD players today can be well under $100.00 so it makes no sense to use tape.

Unless you choose wisely, your wedding video could be a haunting disappointment.

Remember, your videographer will be with you throughout your wedding day!

Choose someone you feel confident will interact well with both you and your guests.

You will find that your photo album and video will compliment each other. You should arrange to reserve your photographer and videographer as soon as you secure your reception site.

Some dates can be in reservation over a year in advance. Seek out the highest quality and hire the best photographer and videographer that you can afford.

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About The Author
Shawn Hickman. Find more articles at www.media43.com