Wedding ceremonies date back thousands of years and as such there is much tradition associated with them.  Customs such as the exchanging of wedding rings are so ingrained within society that many couples won’t even give a second thought to the practice.  These types of traditions run through almost every aspect of planning a wedding, from appropriate seating plans to the order of the ceremony.  Your wedding invitations are no different and there are many little details you need to be aware of when carrying out the design process.  A matter that has become somewhat more confused in recent years as technology has advanced.  So how should you deal with wedding invitations in the modern world?

Providing Direction

In the past it has become common for the couple to include a printed map enclosed with the wedding invitation to show the exact location/s of the wedding.  However, the emergence of GPS systems means that these are now pretty unnecessary.  Many also feel that these maps can detract from the beautiful invites that they accompany and would rather not include them.  By providing the full address you will give enough information for guests to locate the venue using their GPS system.  Those that don’t have GPS will be able to use an online route planner to print off directions.  There will of course be a few older guests who aren’t too tech savvy – you could include a map for those.  It is also a nice touch to include a map for guests that are travelling a long distance to attend, which could include suitable hotels, restaurants and any other points of interest.

Dress Code

In years gone by it would be the norm for all weddings to be quite proper and all men would wear their very best suits, with the women opting formal dresses.  However, in modern times this has changed and many contemporary weddings are more relaxed.  In some instances the couple even decide to incorporate a theme of some kind into their big day.  It is therefore now more important than ever to provide details of the dress code on your wedding invitations and certainly so if you planning on having a whacky theme, such as Star Wars or perhaps horror inspired.

The Problem of Gifts

Whether or not couples should include a list of desired presents with their wedding invitations is a topic that often arises.  In almost all cases, guests will appreciate the guidance and be happy in the knowledge that they have bought you a present that will be of use to you.  However, many couples feel that a list is perhaps a little crass, which leaves them uncertain as to whether they should include one.  A great way to get around this can be to set up a website for your big day.  On there you can include a link to one or more wedding wish lists that you have set up with online stores.  Simply write a carefully worded reference to your website, stating that anyone who wishes to give a present can find a list on there.

John Roberts recommends Paper Themes as a great provider of wedding invitations for UK based couples. 

Wedding Invitations – Etiquette For The Modern World is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Your wedding day is one of the most important in your life. Many people dream about their wedding day from the time they are a child. Magazines and television programs lead you to believe that you must spend a fortune to create a truly special day. However, it is possible to have the wedding you’ve imagined, without overextending yourself. The following tips help make your dreams a reality, while staying within your budget.

• Use your imagination when choosing a venue – One of the biggest expenses you face when planning a wedding is booking a facility to host it. Don’t feel obligated to choose a traditional wedding venue, sometimes thinking outside the box can save money and allow you to express your personality. A country club or reception hall is a nice place, of course, but you may find a wedding at an old farmhouse or a bed and breakfast is more suited to your personality. However, do consider the cost for renting chairs, tables, etc. Those may or may not be included in the rental cost from a traditional venue.
• Enlist friends and family – Do you have a friend that is a talented chef? Perhaps your uncle is a photography buff. Nearly everyone knows at least a few people with untapped talents. You can save a lot of money by working with people you know for nearly every aspect of the wedding. Plus, the money you do pay will be going to someone you know and trust, instead of a faceless corporation.
• Don’t put too much emphasis on the meal – A casual buffet or even serving hors d’oeuvres is cheaper than providing a sit-down dinner. When everything is said and done, most guest won’t remember much about the meal anyhow. Local restaurants may be a more affordable choice than a caterer too.
• Get married at an off-peak time – Choosing to get married in the morning, on a weekday or during winter can save you money when compared to getting married on a Saturday afternoon in June. Ask your planner or the venue if there are any times that can save you money.
• Make your own invitations – Engraved invitations are beautiful, but if you’re skilled with a graphics program and you purchase nice stationary, you can print invitations that are every bit as nice for a fraction of the cost.
• Explore unique flower sources – Fresh flowers from a florist are pricy. There are silk varieties that are practically identical, other than the price. Another option is holding an outdoor wedding, in an area where flowers are in bloom. If you must order from a florist, choose in-season flowers to save money.
• Consider your options for the officiant – Talk to the courthouse in your county to make certain that your choice is acceptable, but you may have the option of using a friend or relative to officiate your wedding. This can save a bundle and give your wedding that personal touch.
• Serve sheet cake – While you likely want at least a small wedding cake for photo opportunities, there is no reason that you have to serve this to your guests. Especially if you have a large guest list, you may want to serve a regular bakery cake to your guests.
• Shop online – Those fancy wedding shops are nice, and have everything in one place. However, you can often save a substantial amount by shopping online. Even the dress and other pieces of attire can be purchased online; just make certain you are able to return or exchange items if they are not what you expected.

Post provided by Tracy from BrokerReview.org – follow us on twitter or compare stock brokers online at Brokerreview.org.

Nine Top Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Choosing a wedding dress is probably one of the most exciting & most difficult decisions you will have to make on your wedding day. There are thousands of wedding dresses out there & with hundreds of different styles, how do you know which one will be perfect for you? Well that’s why I’m here, to help you decide which wedding dress is perfect for your figure & your style.

The Styles

A-Line – This style of wedding dress is simple but still beautiful. A-line means that the dress is fitted to the upper-body, gradually flowing out to the ground making it a perfect style for almost any figure as it is only fitted around the bodice. If you don’t want anything too fussy & you just want an elegant dress then an A-line dress will be perfect for you.

Empire – Empire wedding dresses have a very Greek look about them. Fitted at the bust & flowing down to the ground in a very light material, these dresses are beautiful on petite women or pregnant ladies as they very flattering to your figure. Empire dresses are often delicately detailed with crystals which add subtle sparkle & elegance to the dress. This style of dress is perfect for girly-girls & also make beautiful dresses for weddings that are being held in a hot country because of the light material.

Column/Sheath – Column dresses, also known as sheath dresses, are designed to be figure-hugging. The whole dress is fitted from top to bottom making it perfect for ladies with a lean figure as this will accentuate your curves. Column dresses aren’t ideal for everybody because of its tight style but on the right person will make for a truly stunning wedding dress.

Ball Gown – If you want to feel & look like a Princess on your wedding day then this is the perfect dress for you. Ball gown wedding dresses are fitted around the bodice and extend out on the lower half making them perfect for pear-shaped ladies or anyone that isn’t happy with their body as it will hide any flaws. Ball gown wedding dresses are always going to be a ‘wow’ factor at any wedding and can be as over the top as you like.

Mermaid – Mermaid wedding dresses have got to be the sexiest style to choose because of its elegant shape that will make a lean and curvy body shape look stunning.  Mermaid wedding dresses come in many different styles from the traditional mermaid shape to a flamenco style. Anyone who loves their body & wants to show off all of their assets will love this style of dress and feel truly beautiful on their wedding day.

Every bride needs to consider how the wedding dress they have chosen will make them feel on their wedding day. It needs to be comfortable yet memorable & compliment you and your body in every way. Choosing a wedding dress can be difficult, but once you’ve found the style that perfectly suits you, everything will start falling into place.

Gabriella Chilton works for DiamondGeezer.com designers & manufacturers of fine diamond jewellery & wedding rings.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Dress is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Wedding fashion changes slightly every year. Some years are about a celebrity dress, some seem to be about a new trend in wedding locations or the perennial return of vintage as the most beloved theme.  Some things stay the same – of course there’s always going to be a dress, flowers, and the search for a great venue. Let’s take a look at what’s on-trend for weddings in 2012.

Wedding Dresses – The McQueen Legacy

The illusion neckline is said to be big in dresses for 2012.  An illusion neckline means that the upper part of the bodice is sheer – the style is also usually worn with long, sheer sleeves also. The style is obviously inspired by Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen wedding dress. Two-tiers are also no longer just for cakes – they were spotted on architectural dresses at Christos. It’s predicted to be a more experimental season for wedding dresses, with designers beginning to show their customers more unconventional looks such as unusual hem lengths, large bow embellishments and new materials like horsehair (which is not actually the hair of a horse, don’t worry!)

Choose An Unusual Venue

You can choose from every kind of venue you can think of. What’s the most important aspect to you – is it getting a good deal? Is it fitting in a large number of people? Do you really want to get married outdoors? You could choose from having a garden party style wedding with a lavishly decorated yurt (yes, really) or book a hotel in the Scottish highlands. If you’re looking to get married in the Greater London area then check out Kempton Park race course for one of the most unique wedding packages UK wide.

Try Flowers From Further Afield

Not sure which flowers are appropriate for a wedding? There’s more to wedding flowers than frothy pinks, reds and whites. Try yellow blooms in your bouquet, or flowers from other parts of the world which will make unusual talking points. Wedding decorators are also incorporating fragrant herbs into wedding displays and centrepieces. Use online inspirationYou can use online scrapbooks like Tumblr and Pinterest to keep track of your wedding day inspirations. The sites have seen a boom in signups from brides who want to blog and pin their favourite fantasy wedding dresses, decorations and venues.

A traditional wedding in the UK costs about £11,000. If you go all out on items like catering, photography and videography, and flowers etc, it’s perfectly easy to cross the £20,000 mark. You can save money by opting for a budget hotel that offers £1,000 wedding deals that include the venue, meal, buffet and accommodation for the wedding party. It’s important to plan and stay within budget for a wedding day that’s a true celebration of a happy event, and not an emotional and financial meltdown of nuclear proportions! After all, it’s supposed to be the happiest day in a man or woman’s life, right?

Robert Jefferson is an English writer who enjoys writing about wedding planning and trends.

Wedding Trends 2012 – Plus Money Saving Tips is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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The Spring Romance

Herald in spring with vibrant colors and bridesmaids wearing dresses with different color motifs. Wedding favors can go with the spring theme by incorporating miniature floral perfumes. Decorate with flowers and try for a wedding out in the open under a floral bower. You can have the ground littered with red rose petals and flowers floating in water as a centerpiece on the table.

Falling Hearts

Hearts and red hues go well with this theme. Some prefer adding the fall leaf effect and have gift favor bags adorned with red maple leafs. To add more touché; make sure that there’s a balloon filled with small hearts or dried fragrant leaves and lavender petals. Wedding favors include heart shaped cupcakes and heart shaped tea light candles wrapped in a glossy orange plastic bag and tied with dark red ribbon.

Ring Centric

Your wedding ring is the centre of attention, so play on its motif. If it is flowery, try going floral and if antique, let’s date it back a century or two.

Tints and Hues

Go color conscious and pay attention to detail as well as pile on the hues. Try playing with blood reds, cream whites and satiny blacks for the dinner table while add a bit of blue and purple here and there. The bridesmaid’s dresses can be single colored but with variation hues of the same shade. Patchwork paper bags filled with multicolored chocolates and beaded trinkets or jewelry.

Fairytale

Be the princess in white with a bit of pale pink and have a fairytale appeal with cute trinkets as favors in adorable paper bags.

Elegant and Classy

Explore shades of white and silver and color tone everything including the dinner wear. Wedding favors can vary from glitter splattered candles to imitation jewelry.

Celebration

Create a close knit environment with fun and frolic as well as drinks and music. An informal theme means more for a circle of family and some close friends.

Some people prefer to invent their own unique themes. In case you intend to do so, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Concentrate on the color, spring does well with more bright shades though if it is an evening event, yellows can look harsh. Go for pastel shades when in doubt and not too many dark shades

• Wedding favors need not always go with the theme though most people prefer they have some connection to it. What matters more is that people like what they are given as not many will bother associating it to a theme

• The style, cut and colors of the bridesmaid’s dresses too mustn’t clash with your theme, otherwise it’ll look as if they are dressed for the wrong party.

Bernard is writer and designer who design bathrooms. He says that having a Corner Bath will save lot of space and will give opportunity to add any other fitting which you are longing for.

2012’s Wedding Themes and Trends to Make Your Special Day Memorable is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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If you want to look perfect on your big day, then perhaps the most important thing is getting your makeup right. Of course your hair and your dress are rather important as well, but ultimately if your face doesn’t look right then that’s going to ruin the overall impression (though there is always the veil…).

In short, if you want your big day to be special, and if you want to look back fondly on pictures (rather than looking back wincing) then you need to get this right (and your man will thank you as well).

To get your makeup to look its best then you will of course need to use a beautician and it’s much better that you use them rather than trying to do this yourself. However, while you will be employing their services, you still will have a say in the way this goes and the way you look so you should have a good idea of what you want first.

The Perfect Bride

The way that most brides want to look is fairly natural. While you want to look good this is after all a wholesome and sacred affair and you want your man to be looking at the woman he’s going to marry – not Katie Price. To that end you really don’t want to cake it on – rather you will use colors that are relatively close to your skin tone.

Meanwhile you will want to make sure though that you have color and that you look good in your photos and from a distance. With this in mind you should add a little color as long as it can pass for real – outline your eyes and use a little eye shadow and consider a little blusher even if you don’t normally wear it to bring your cheekbones out and give you a dash of color.

Making a Choice

Now you are going to add the ‘wow’ factor, and here you need to make a choice. As stated you want to look natural – not like a clown/hooker so you need to make sure that you don’t over do it while at the same time still making sure you look ‘special’ for your ‘special day’.

So now you want to choose one feature that you are going to make your standout facial feature for the day. This can be either your lips or your eyes, and you will want to pick the feature that is your best. If you choose lips then you will want to use a passionate red lipstick or a frosty pink gloss that will make your lips look fuller and more kissable. Alternatively if you go for eyes then you can use a darker eyeshadow that will make you look smoky an intense (but avoid using fake lashes which can look a bit too Barbie-ish). Choose on or the other, because otherwise your features will fight for attention and people won’t know where to look – sensory overload!

Keeping Up Appearances

Now you also need to think about makeup that is going to last. This is again a good reason to use a professional, but make sure they consider this too. For your mascara you definitely want to use a waterproof product. Chances are that at some point you are going to cry, and you don’t want to look like your eyes are leaking black ink (combined with the wedding dress that’s somewhat a horror film-esque look). Likewise you should try to use a good lipstick that won’t come off on your champagne glass – use a primer and bring it with you so you can top up from time to time.

Aiden Watson is a professional wedding photographer in Melbourne. He also likes to share his creative thoughts on wedding photography on his blog.

Doing Your Wedding Makeup is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Guest post by Michelle Smith

Weddings are a very memorable occasion in any one’s life. The most important aspect of the wedding is the bride’s dress. This is something that should be chosen very carefully. There are several choices for a bride to choose from. One of the criteria is to see that the dress suits your body type and flatters your body. Following are some of the tips to help you choose the right one based on your figure.

Hourglass

If you are blessed with the right curves in all the right places, then you do not have much to worry about. An A-line gown with a dropped waist will complement your figure. If you want you can also go for a fit-and-flare gown like a mermaid style. However, stay away from a ball gown or an Empire-waist silhouette which might make you look asymmetric.

Short Waist

If you have a naturally proportioned body, apart from the short waist, then you do not have to worry about your figure. Do not worry about your weight because your body shape won’t change with the change in your weight. A Princess-line silhouette will make your figure look beautiful. You can go for a halter or a portrait neckline if you want to show off your shoulder. You can also lengthen your torso with a slightly dropped-waist gown. Do not go for a sheath as it will only end up making your short waist more defined.

Thick Waist

If you have a thick waist, try an Empire-waist wedding dress which will shift the focus from your waist-line and make you look long and lean. A Princess-line on the other hand will only make your waist line more pronounced.

Full Figure

The most desired but sometimes a very awkward body shape if you are not able to handle it. Though more voluptuous than others, it might need a bit of a hiding on occasions. You can try a ball gown or an A-line silhouette. Do avoid a sheath and spaghetti straps if you do not want to look heavier than you are.

Wedding gowns can be quite heavy on the pocket. So, it is best to save for it as there are almost no chances of finding one among your wedding gifts!

About the Author
Michelle Smith is an avid blogger and writes about the various aspects of weddings such as wedding gifts, wedding planning etc. Here he writes about the kind of wedding dress that will suit the particular body types.

Stun Your Groom with the Perfect Wedding Dress is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Guest post by Tracy Raian

A few years ago, I attended a gorgeous outdoor wedding at a winery. The bride was beautiful in a trumpet satin gown with a long train. However, by the end of the evening the bottom of her dress was brown from the dirty, despite her bustle. I don’t think she ever noticed, or if she did, she acted like she didn’t.

While you shouldn’t sweat over small stains, here are five tips to keep your dress at peak condition so you have one less thing to worry about.

1. Prevention

Depending on the cut of your dress, you may put it on before or after your makeup is applied. Always cover yourself with a smock if your makeup artist or hairdresser is making you up. Never put foundation on your chest area since it may stain your dress.

2. Wipes and Pens

There are several brands that carry laundry wipes or pens that treat stains on the spot. Not only will they keep your wedding dress spick and span, but they are also extremely useful for spills that may happen to guests.

3. Chalk and Baby Powder

These two white substances absorb oil and grease. It can also cover discolorations and are a must have at any wedding.

4. Dab

For large spills, first press a clean cloth against the stain to absorb excess liquid. Then you should start dabbing. Always dab starting from the edges of the stain before moving inwards. This prevents the stain from spreading.

5. Cover Up

Use a flower corsage to cover a small stain on the chest area.

Many savvy brides have kits that they keep on hand to treat this and similar disasters. Must haves include all of the above as well as wax for greasing stuck zippers, Band-Aids, and a sewing kit for surprise tears.

Tracy Raian is a writer for SimplyBridal.com, a well known retailer of high quality online wedding dresses. She’s been planning her own wedding since she was a seven-year old flower girl and has written for various publications before deciding that her passion is in the bridal industry, especially wedding dresses.

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Being a bride can be pretty stressful with all the organisation that you have to do; making sure that suits are ordered, that the bridesmaids are happy and that there is enough food for all your guests! The approach to the wedding will fly past in a flash of ivory invitations and pastel posies, leaving you wondering where on earth the time went, with little time to spend on yourself.

But you should take some time out to make sure that it is a day you will remember for the rest of your life, and what better way than to treat yourself to some last minute goodies?

You may be having your make-up done professionally, but you will need to top up on the lippie during the day after kissing all your relatives, so opt for Tom Ford’s range of lipsticks in some stunning nude shades. They won’t add drama and detract from your outfit, but simply give you a blushed hue to perfect your pout. Add a touch of fragrance with Chloe’s signature scent, and ensure that the guests will think of you wherever you are in the room. A great tip for any bride to keep them looking fresh and awake is to keep a white kohl pencil available and put it in the inner eyelid. It will keep you from looking like you are flagging and ensure that you look your best in any photo.

The old saying says you should have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, so look to some fantastic underwear choices for your something new and feel like a million pounds. Underwear shouldn’t be scrimped on, and Harrod’s lingerie is the best of the best, offering lace, silk and delicate detail depending on your taste. Add a touch of blue into the lingerie that you choose and you will have killed two birds with one stone, leaving you with time to think about your something old and something borrowed.

Shop brands like Myla, Damaris, Mimi Holliday or La Perla to ensure that under that gorgeous dress is gorgeous underwear!

Whatever accessories you chose, ensure that you feel your best on your special day.

Goodies Every Bride Needs On Her Wedding Day is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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Guest post by Sarah Leeds

As summer is fast approaching it’s time for many mother’s to choose the perfect outfit for their daughter’s big day. It’s important to be comfortable and feel great on this incredibly busy, special occasion. Mother’s want to look fashionable, yet age appropriate at the same time and any outfit needs to stand the test of time. With so many ways to go wrong where should any mother of the bride start when choosing the perfect outfit? Here are the top trends for spring/summer and the best ways to wear them:

Something Blue

The colour blue isn’t just a good luck token for the bride this season. Mother of the bride outfits in any shade of blue, from navy to ice blue, will ensure you look stylish and on-trend. Choose a shade that suits your skin tone and eye colour, and look for classic styles. Pencil skirts with a short jacket are a practical choice, or for something a bit softer opt for a layered midi dress in classic navy. Mix and match paler and deeper blues to add depth to your look and avoid looking washed out.

Pretty Pastels

As an alternative to ice blues look for other pale hues such as lilac, lemon sorbet and rose. Pastels were huge on the spring/summer catwalks, and these soft, feminine colours are perfect for mother of the bride outfits. But be careful if you have a pale complexion. If pastel tones don’t suit you, try stronger more vivid colours and choose pastel accessories instead.

Floral Prints

Another huge hit for spring/summer, as always, and a perfect choice for any mother of the bride outfit is floral print. To stay on-trend look for graphic floral prints and pretty florals in this season’s colours. The most flattering shapes are bias cut midi dresses with cowl necks and angel sleeves. Pair your printed dress with a block coloured jacket and matching accessories for a stylish, feminine look.

These are the top three mother of the bride trends to follow this season. Pick any one of these spring/summer trends to ensure you look on-trend and stylish for your daughter’s special day.

Top Trends for Any Mother of the Bride is a post from: The Plus Size Bride

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