Wedding Planning Makes Perfect

Wedding Decoration Tips: Creating Ambience

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:01:00 +0000

So you're getting married. Congratulations!

You want to create a memorable and beautiful wedding experience for you, your fiance and your guests...something they'll remember for all time and look back on fondly.

You've done all the work necessary to look gorgeous in your dress, from sitting on an exercise ball chair at work every day to eating a healthy diet full of fresh veggies and plenty of fresh water. Your skin is glowing, your hair and nails are ready to go, and now all you need is a little ambience (and maybe a tiny heart tattoo to commemorate the occasion).

Some wedding decoration tips to help make your special occasion extra special include:

Sweet touches: From a harpist gently playing as your guests arrive to providing the little ones with bubbles to blow, you can create sweet little moments to make the day and evening feel magical. Spray sparkles on the greenery, rig gauzy materials to softly blow in the breeze, add fishbowls in beautiful Japanese urns...it's just a matter of getting creative. Think back to what gave you that feeling of magic when you were a kid, and try to recreate a little of that feeling for your guests, without, of course, getting said guests dirty or inconveniencing them. Have tutu skirts or tiaras for the little girls, for instance, and place thoughtful things like extra wipes, hand lotion, scented creams, brush and hairspray, etc. in the ladies' room. Everyone loves little sample-sized things, so include tiny mouthwashes and even little sparkly glosses as bathroom niceties. A little basket of goodies will go a long way toward making your lady guests gush! Another nice touch is to have a spot for kids to fall asleep safely later in the evening, so your adult guests can have some time to themselves. A little corner with sleeping pads and blankets should do the trick, and we all know that sometimes, all it takes to feel magic is to be able to dance and enjoy a little while the kids are safely sleeping!

Lighting: beautiful things can be done with the right lighting. the difference between soft, subtle, hidden or twinkling lighting and a glaring ceiling flourescent light at a wedding is enormous. Since most banquet halls and other such places have the latter, you might have to get a little creative. Of course, if they have a chandelier or two on a dimmer, by all means start with that. Then, your creative touch comes into play: scatter a few tiny sidetables around the edges of the room with lamps on them to add some warm, unfocused light; add hurricane lamps or hurricane lamp candle holders to your centerpieces or on side tables (candle light is a stunningand simple way to create ambience...if you're worried about safety you can always use flameless candles); string tiny fairy lights around plants, through greenery, from gauze draped from corner to corner on the ceiling; string little lanterns above the crowd or have Moroccan or Mexican lanterns in groupings...the light which plays out of these cut-metal lanterns is absolutely stunning. This is especially effective if you have an exotic wedding theme. For an adults-only wedding reception (for safety reasons), place an elegant firepit table with a few chairs at the entrance or out on a patio (see photo), so people can lounge outside and still enjoy the magical feeling.

No matter how you do it, your wedding is sure to be beautiful, if for the only reason that it is a celebration of love and joy. Enjoy your special day, and Happy Wedding Planning!

Four Ways to Make Your Wedding Extra-Special

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:04:00 +0000

If you think your guests may be tired of run-of-the-mill weddings, eg. many of your friends have gotten married in the past couple of years and all the weddings seem to be blending into one...then mix things up a little and make your wedding a unique affair to remember. Whether you do this by having especially memorable decor or a unique venue, or by making an impact on the future as in point 4, the possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Location: Instead of a banquet hall or other dressed-up meeting room, try something out of the ordinary. We've seen wedding receptions at some gorgeous places: for a local wedding, try an art gallery, a heritage building, an airplane hangar, an indoor amusement park, or any other unusual but large indoor space that suits your style. For a destination wedding look for something both exotic and affordable; from North America this typically means the Caribbean, but can also can include Hawaii and Europe, for instance. TIP: Check out the Honeymoon in Hawaii section at our Travel site!

Decoration: One special way to create memorable ambience is to have a theme running through your decor. From cultural wedding themes - eg. Asian, Mexican - to seasons or anything the two of you love, this can be a personalized way to celebrate. Choose extra lighting to add a sense of style, (eg. light outdoor pathways with hurricane lanterns), think about what you love and wedding theme ideas can be as creative as you want them to be!

Eco-Friendly: Make a statement that you hope will be followed by your guests and have an eco-friendly wedding! Buy a dress spun from soft renewable bamboo fibers, arrive in a hybrid vehicle, give plants as wedding guest gifts, serve sustainable seafood with a story about it in the guest menu, offer vegetarian options, etc..

Wedding Gifts: Instead of registering for the standard good china and flatware, create a whole new style of wish list that will have a positive impact on the future of yourselves (and your children some day)! You could ask for exercise & fitness equipment to help you both get and stay in great shape, such as matching bicycles or gym memberships; you could ask for the money to enroll in finance or real estate investing courses to help you both get off on a good financial footing...there are many ideas here which your guests would likely be more than happy to spring for. You can even send thank you notes several years from now to the guests who contributed in this way, with a picture of your fit selves or your new rental home investment, letting them know that their gift had a positive long-term impact. Now that's memorable!

How to Find Designer Wedding Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:48:00 +0000

The ‘icing on the cake’ for your perfect wedding ensemble is the perfect pair of wedding shoes. If you have your heart set on designer wedding shoes but don’t know where to find them, this list has been put together to help you get started.

To start your search for designer wedding shoes, the following suggestions might help:

The first obvious choice for designer wedding shoes would be wedding magazines, although they do not always mention the upper-end designers. Wedding magazines will, however, be a good source for ideas about what you like, and also for local boutique contact information so that you can try and source the higher-end shoes in your area. A good place to start would be to ask the boutiques if they either carry or can source the designer wedding shoes of your choice. Even if they do not regularly carry the line, they may be willing to order a pair for you in order to secure your business at their salon. Try high-end department shoe stores and boutiques as well, not just wedding stores.
Another place to look for designer wedding shoes is online. Search engines such as google will be helpful in your quest to find designer wedding shoes you love. Try celebrity wedding sites, and look through the various designer’s own websites to get a feel for their wedding shoe collections. Many designers will list contact information you can use to help you locate stores which carry their lines.
Ebay and other auction or sale sites may prove useful as well. Whether you know exactly what you want, or are willing to browse a little, try searching sites like ebay for designer wedding shoes. TIP: You may even find some great designer shoes that were not meant specifically for a wedding but would work for you.
Big cities are a great source for designer wedding shoes. If you live somewhere rural, your local access to designer shoes – or designer anything! – may be severely limited. Try making a trip, or at least a few calls, to a large metropolis such as New York or Paris, where you are sure to find what you are looking for. If you are just making calls, the shoes can always be shipped to you in time for your wedding.

Make sure you cover all your bases in your planning by checking out our Wedding Planning Guides listed in the sidebar. You will find many tips by industry insiders and brides who have successfully pulled off fabulous designer weddings. Enjoy!

Wedding Hair Styles: Your Choices

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 20:46:00 +0000

Partial Updo

When getting married, your choices for wedding hair styles are many and varied. From super-formal to ultra casual, wedding hairstyles can be created by you and your stylist to suit any mood and level of formality.

Wedding Hair with Accessories

Your choices for bridal hairstyle will depend on the setting, the temperature expected, and the style of your dress, among other things. For instance, a sleek updo may be suitable for a very formal wedding, or perhaps for a wedding in a hot locale, where you will need to keep cool.

Wedding Formal Updo

Long, flowing locks can suit a more casual or outdoor wedding. Some women even opt for hair extensions for their wedding day, adding body and/or length and allowing for styles that would not be possible with their normal hair.

Long Wedding Hair

The use of accessories is another way to personalize your wedding hairstyle for a special look. Many beautiful things can be woven or clipped into hair for just a day, and can add a touch of sparkle or color to your wedding ensemble. Try fresh or silk flowers, sprigs of berries or greenery, crystals or pearls, or a sparkling tiara, barettes or clips.

Wedding Updo with Pearls

You may also consider shaking things up a little bit for your special day. For example, if you normally have straight hair, you might splurge on decadent curls or ringlets. Normally curly hair could be straightened for a sleek, polished look that adds a touch of specialness.

Straight Wedding Hairdo

Your wedding hairstyle choices are limited only to to the imaginations of you and your stylist. There are countless sources of inspiration, and this is just a start. Magazines can be a great source of ideas as well, and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.**

Wedding Hair with Flowers

TIP: Be sure to visit your stylist well before the planned event. Discuss your ideas, the location and style of your wedding, and bring a picture of your wedding dress and **ideal hairstyle if possible. Be clear about what you want, but also be willing to listen to suggestions; your stylist may have wonderful ideas you've not thought of.

Wedding Updo with Tiara

Enjoy your special day!

How to Find a Cheap Wedding Dress

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Let’s face it - getting married can be an expensive proposition! But it doesn’t have to be, for the savvy bride who knows where to shop. There are lots of tricks you can use to find items of choice at below retail value, and your inexpensive wedding dress can be the best find of your whole planning experience.

Consider the following ideas to locate a cheap wedding dress:

 Heirloom: Your mother or grandmother may have a dress tucked away in an attic and would absolutely love for you to wear it. Perhaps they don’t mention it because they don’t want to offend you…ask around and you may find an aunt or someone who knows of an heirloom dress you can make your own for no cost whatsoever. You can even spend a little money and have a seamstress update the dress’s look to suit you by removing the sleeves, for example, or adjusting the length.

 Auctions: Online auctions such as ebay, and local auctions you find by searching online or in the papers, can be a great source for cheap wedding dresses. Often women will want to recover a little of their investment after their special day, and you can get deep discounts on beautiful dresses. Once it’s been dry cleaned it will be as good as new, and you save lots of money for your other wedding expenses.

 Second hand or never-used: Local second-hand shops can be a great source. Set aside some time for sleuthing in your local shops, and put the word out to the salespeople about what you’re looking for. Often they will have something come in that you can work with and which will cost you very little. If you are in North America, your local craigslist online can be a super source for a cheap and perfectly good wedding dress.

 Sample sales: Keep your eyes and ears peeled – many designers and wedding shops hold sample sales at the end of each season or once a year. These sales are a fantastic opportunity to acquire a new dress at a deep discount. Be prepared to go early and to shop until you drop, and be prepared for many other eager and possibly aggressive brides-to-be!

 Discontinued, damaged or returned dresses: Ask around at your local bridal shops. Let them know what you are looking for and that you are on a budget. They may have something that has been damaged but can be corrected by a seamstress, or perhaps something that is discontinued or has been returned and already altered (thus considered by them to be no longer saleable at retail).

 Friends or relatives: Put the word out among your friends and relatives. Maybe your best friend’s cousin’s best friend had her wedding last year and would LOVE to sell you or give you her dress. In this day of email and instant messaging, your request could go far and you may stand a good chance of finding something that will work for you, especially with a little tailoring.

 Non-traditional: ‘Fancy’ dress stores such as those which carry evening and cocktail dresses often carry dresses that would be suitable for a wedding. Cream, white or pale pastel gowns can be perfect for a wedding if paired with the right accessories, and can often be hundreds or even thousands less than what you would pay for a ‘true’ wedding dress in a bridal shop. Some of these stores and boutiques even carry traditional wedding dress styles that are very affordable.

This should get you started on your hunt for an inexpensive or cheap wedding dress. There is nothing wrong with wanting to save money on planning what can be a very expensive day. No one will know any different, but you can enjoy a smile to yourself knowing you have been smart about your money!

The Knot Wedding Planner

Custom Wedding Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:19:00 +0000

The invitation you choose for your nuptuals can say a lot about you; it can introduce you as a couple, or act as a prelude to the theme of your wedding.

A very memorable way to invite people to share your wedding day (or even a bridal shower) is to have the invitations custom-made.

Custom wedding invitations are unique to you, and as such they allow you to express your personal style in a way that you simply cannot convey with standard issue invitations. Additionally, because this is a growing trend, the wedding invitation industry is enjoying more and more choice in custom options every year, and this means better selection and often better prices (due to increased competition).

On the receiving end, a custom-made or handcrafted invitation says volumes about the happy couple, expressing so much more of your personal styles and personalities.

Just to get your imagination rolling, some ideas include:

Themed Invitations: Whether it's woven grass paper in soft green for a golf club wedding, or custom 'queen of hearts'-themed pieces for a wedding at a casino hotel, the theme or location of your wedding reception can play a big part in the look of your invitations. Get creative - the sky's the limit!

Reflect Your Personalities: We have seen custom invitations in the style of a passport for couples who love to travel, and airplane-shaped invites for couples in the airline industry. In the second case, most of the guests were also in the aviation industry, and really appreciated the themed invitations.

Art as Invitations: A beautiful painted portrait of the couple, a lush landscape or any subject matter that is meaningful to the couple can make for a stunning invitation. For instance, we have seen invitations featuring a beautiful watercolor done by the mother of the bride-to-be, with a dedication to the mother/artist inside, explaining the significance of the picture. On quality cream rough-edged paper, this made for an unforgettable and touching way to invite friends and family.

Location Theme: For a tropical beach wedding, consider a beach-themed invitation. Some gorgeous creations are available at companies such as My Personal Artist. Of course, the possibilities are numerous here, as well. Consider using a landmark of the city where the wedding will be held, for example, or something that speaks of the promise of a unique location.

P.S. For budget-minded brides who want to enjoy the most luxurious wedding possible, squeeze all you can out of every dollar by learning 'tricks of the trade.' Save hundreds - possibly thousands - by picking up the Amazing Wedding Planning guide.

8 Ideas for a Candle Wedding Favor

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:16:00 +0000

Candle Wedding Favors

Scented or not, colored to co-ordinate with your bridal theme or classic white or cream, with a candleholder or just by themselves, candles make the perfect gift for a wedding favor.

The many styles, colors, shapes and price points available offer the bride-to-be an array of choices for candle wedding favors, to match any wedding style and budget.

The following are ideas that can be used for a candle wedding favor:

1. Purchase and place individual candles at each place setting. These can be used to co-ordinate with the colors of the wedding. For an evening wedding, little tealight holders can be placed at each seat and the candles lit for the evening festivities, adding to the romantic atmosphere and then being taken home by guests as favors at the end of the night.

2. Wrap candle wedding favors in tulle, raffia or cello with ribbon (think gift basket-style) and pile them prettily on a little table where guests can retrieve their favor at the end of the evening. You may wish to include a little wedding tag with your names and wedding date engraved.

3. Candles in a candleholder make lovely gifts. Whether a glass vase or hurricane lamp, classic silver or ceramic, keep it classic and elegant and your guests will be sure to appreciate and use the holder in the future as well. You might even consider holders engraved with hearts for a romantic and sweet reminder of your special day.

4. For a garden wedding, buy hanging glass lanterns and string them all around or on one tree with many branches, and give one to each guest as they leave. Or, buy little wrought-iron tealight holders for each place setting for adorable atmosphere-builders that double as favors.

5. Package it: A poured, scented candle in a box or glass container, or a candle of your choice in a gift bag with tulle or tissue can be a nice and unique favor.

6. Pairs: wrap with tulle or ribbon and your wedding tag, and possibly include a set of in candlesticks. As always, the more classic the style the more likely your guests will find the favour useful in their own homes.

7. Sets: Try 3 candles of different heights or colors on a little tray. Add river rocks, confetti or colored marbles to personalize your gift.

8. Match the candles to the wedding theme: For a garden wedding, try candles in many shades of green. For a tropical wedding, perhaps candles in many tropical colors will add flair and style.

A trip to your local home décor store will help you with more ideas and may even help you by locating bulk discounts on candles and holders.

Good luck, and enjoy your planning!

Tips for the Perfect Wedding Shower Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:21:00 +0000

Are you planning a wedding shower for a friend or relative? There's lots to do, as you are no doubt discovering, and part of the process will involve sending out invitations. Read on for tips on where to get them, how to address them, and fresh ideas for styles and themes.

Where to Get the Wedding Invitations

Traditional wedding invitation companies usually carry an array of printable shower invite templates. You can also try:

Stationery stores: Not only are these stores goldmines for both creative ideas as well as different colors and styles of paper and envelopes, many also carry actual shower and party invitations. You might find just the perfect invitation for a wedding shower brunch.
Printing companies: Drop by your local printing and copying store. They carry lots of paper and many will have ideas to help. Quite a few also carry invitation books – like wallpaper books – from which you can order à la carte.
Internet: Try ebay or other online auctions, and try google, which will often bring up craigslist ads or other online classifieds from people who have blank, un-used or bulk invitations to sell.

Styles and Themes

You can take your cues from any number of sources, such as:

Use the planned theme or color scheme of the upcoming wedding to inspire the shower invitations. For example, if the wedding will be held on a beach, you can get some fun casual invitations with a beach reference or picture.
Since the shower is named after rain, many wedding shower planners find that an umbrella motif or invitations and décor that speaks of ‘showers of happiness’ is an appropriate and catchy theme.
If the shower is to be held during a specific season known for certain visuals, you may take your cue and have invitations to invoke the season, for example brightly colored fall leaves for an autumn shower.

Addressing the Invitations

The level of formality of the planned shower will dictate how you address the invitations. For instance, you may want to mention a fromal dress code if the shower will warrant it. Of course you will want to include the date, time, and location as the basics. Also be sure and mention important details such as whether or not the shower is a surprise, bridal registry information and RSVP information.

Don't forget to relax and enjoy the bride's special day, and check out our other articles for more wedding and shower planning tips. Enjoy!

TIP: Try the best-selling Bridal Shower Games instantly downloadable e-book for loads of ideas for the party!

Planning the Perfect Wedding - at a Discount!

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:29:00 +0000

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Rarely in your life will times be so exciting, so chaotic, and so full of promise. Let's face it, though, weddings can be expensive. Even for those whose parents are willing and able to help, the expenses and stress can add up, and eat into any money the two of you may have otherwise used to begin your new lives together.

This list has been put together to help you save money on various aspects of your wedding planning.

Learn from the Experts: When you embark on your wedding planning and shopping, take advantage of the knowledge that is all around you. Speak with your friends who have gotten married; speak with the store owners and salespeople you meet. Don't let an opportunity to gain a tip or connection escape you. Always be on the lookout for people who may be able to help you...don't be afraid to ask a salesperson, for example, about tips for saving money on other things you may need. They are in the business and know lots of people - it's their job. Plus, after your wedding you will likely never see them again, and your smart thinking will keep your money in YOUR pockets - you'll thank yourself later!

Buy in Bulk: Many items you will need for your wedding, such as reception decorations, candles, wedding favors, etc., will be required in quantity. There is no need to pay retail prices on these things if you know where to look. Many places offer wholesale pricing to the public, or bulk discounts for amounts over a certain minimum. A little legwork in this case will save you a lot of money. Try online research, local classifieds and the yellow pages. Also, ASK. Your friends and connections may very well know a supplier that will be willing to help you out.

ASK: Further to the last comment, you cannot receive a discount if you don't ask for one. ALWAYS ask if there is anything better someone can do for you; when you are buying your wedding dress, shoes, flowers, etc., there are many potential providers. Each will want your business and will likely offer you a discount to get it, IF YOU ASK. Always be polite about it, and just explain you have a certain budget and you'll have to keep looking if they cannot help you. Smile, and be firm. You will be amazed when you see prices that are 'written in stone' suddenly become flexible.

Do Your Homework: Further to the above comment, there are many places where you can purchase almost all of the things you want and need for your wedding. Sometimes you will find differences of hundreds - even thousands of dollars - on the same items, just by shopping around. Just like shopping for appliances, the same item can be priced very differently at different stores, depending on a number of variables. A little research can save you a LOT of money.

Another way to learn from the experts is by checking out the guides available here (see sidebar). There are many wedding planning guides out there, and we've found that these ones are special: come with a rock-solid guarantee, they are instantly downloadable, and they contain tips and ideas not found in a bride's 'normal' reading material such as Wedding Magazines.

Enjoy, and have a fantastic wedding!

Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:27:00 +0000

Wedding receptions can be as varied and unique as the couples who plan them. For ideas on how to decorate for an upcoming wedding reception, you can take your cues from a huge number of sources.

A good way to start is to decide on an overall theme for the wedding reception, and make individual choices accordingly. You can get your wedding reception decoration ideas from myriad places, and the following tips may help get your imagination started.

The latest trends in fashion can be a great source for inspiration. Try picking up a few fashion magazines and see if you can spot a color, pattern or style trend that would mesh nicely with the upcoming wedding. For example, if you are planning a Spring wedding and the magazines all say metallics are hot, then consider working some metallics into your décor. You may incorporate metallic tulle around the centerpieces or head table, or metallic ribbons in the bridal party flower bouquets, for instance.

Take a hint from the season in which the wedding will be held. It can be fun to include seasonal references in your wedding reception decoration ideas, because it helps make for a unique and memorable celebration. For example, consider all white and silver with snowflake confetti for a winter wedding, or all greens and flowers for Spring. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

Decide on a color scheme and stick with it. Too many colors can look really busy instead of festive. Try using several shades of a color such as pale through to deep pinks for pizzaz and impact.

Consider taking cues from the background of the bride and/or groom, or the families. For example, if the groom's family loves golf, put a roll of turf leading into the hall instead of red carpet, and have little golf-themed favors for guests.

Take the locale into account. If the city hosting the wedding reception is famous for a certain landmark, or perhaps a style of cooking, this can be integrated into the décor for a special and innovative theme. Imagine a wedding in New Orleans with little Cajun- or jazz-themed touches.

These ideas should help you get started for wedding reception decoration ideas.

Above all, remember to relax and appreciate this very special time in your life. Enjoy the moment and the delicious anticipation!

P.S. For even more tips on wedding reception decor, try The Wedding Planning Guidebook, which is well-priced, packed full of ideas and comes with a guarantee. Enjoy!

Ideas for the Perfect Summer Wedding Dress

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 18:40:00 +0000

Getting married in the summer can make for a fabulous and carefree day for a couple and their guests. If you are planning a summer wedding, you may be trying to decide on the perfect summer wedding dress. Remember that as with any season, summer weddings have their own special considerations to be taken into account; from the potential for hot, sweltering weather to possibly cool or rainy conditions.

Consider the following when deciding on your dress:

A dress with halter or spaghetti-strap styling can be perfect for a summer wedding. Especially for women with full figures, this style offers a good amount of support for appropriate undergarments, while still allowing for you to show off some gorgeous skin in the glorious summer weather.

Strapless sheaths and mermaid styles are a lovely option for summer.

Lighter and flowing fabrics can be extremely romantic options for a summer wedding. Your wedding is a day for indulging in special fabrics such as chiffon, satin and silk, that you may not wear at other times in your 'normal' life. It also provides you with a chance to be a little more 'girlie', even if that is not your normal style.

By the same token, you may wish to avoid choosing heavy brocade or beaded fabrics for your summer wedding dress. With all the excitement and dressed in finery, most brides feel hotter than usual on their wedding days. With the potential for a very hot day, it is smart to choose a cool, lightweight style.

Consider adding a wrap or shoulder cape to your wedding attire, as although it may be hot during the day, summer nights can sometimes be cool. A nice added touch would be have a few extra pretty shoulder wraps available for guests who may feel a chill in the evening.

No matter the weather on the big day, sunscreen is a must. No matter your skintone, sun can be dangerous and your mind is sure to be on other things on your special day. Wear a discreet, scentless and sweatproof sunscreen with a high SPF to be sure you are protected.

Best of luck finding your perfect summer wedding dress. As with any consideration for the big day, the best advice is always to be as prepared as possible - and then to relax and enjoy!

Your First Dance Wedding Song

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 01:35:00 +0000

So - you're getting married - congratulations!

You have been waiting your whole life for this moment, and you have so much planning to do!

One special part of that planning includes picking the wedding song for your romantic first dance. For this choice, there can be as many sources of inspiration as there are couples, but if you're looking for ideas, here are a few tips to help get the ball rolling...and the music playing!

First Dance Romance: Is there a song that is special to you and your spouse-to-be, perhaps because it reminds you of when you first met, or was playing on your first date? The song need only be special to the two of you; for your first dance, no one else in the Universe matters.

Ask your parents: Is there a song that has special meaning for either set of parents? For example, many couples choose to pay tribute and thanks to their parents by choosing to dance to the same wedding first dance song that their parents chose so many years before...this can also be very touching for members of the guestlist who actually remember your parents getting married! Even if a song is difficult to find, a good DJ should be able to get it for you.

Culture: If there is a culture one or both of you come from and would like to honor, ask some relatives for their choice in romantic songs which come from this unique background. Again, a choice like this can be very touching for people included in the ceremony and to whom this music would be very special.

DJ: Of course if you have no special ideas, your DJ can be the perfect source for choosing your first dance song. He or she is an expert and will be able to tell you what is popular currently.

Hopefully this will help you get started. Have a wonderful time planning your special day, and if money is an issue, don't forget to check out the Amazing Wedding Planning guide and learn how to save hundreds - possibly thousands - of dollars - they guarantee it. Enjoy!

Wedding Centerpiece Idea: 5 Point Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:38:00 +0000

When planning a wedding, there are many little details that need to be considered.

As with any event planning, it is always advisable to think ahead of time about what may be needed than to discover at the wedding that something is just not working or was a poor idea.

When choosing or making wedding centerpieces, here are some things to consider:

Height: Centerpieces can vary from almost flat to quite towering, as in large flower arrangements or tall candles. Consider that guests will need to converse while sitting during the reception, and try to choose centrepieces accordingly. An arrangement that entirely blocks peoples' view of each other could make for a long and awkward evening.

Allergies: When choosing flowers, ask the florist about those that commonly cause allergic reactions, and perhaps avoid those. Some very beautiful flowers may be OK for the bridal bouquet, but not for a guest who must spend several hours seated two feet from them.

Flames: More than one tablecloth, child's hand or guest's scarf has caught fire unexpectedly at a wedding, when inexpensive or ill-placed centerpiece candles were part of the scene. If using candles, ensure they are carefully placed within a centerpiece to avoid any complications.

Size: When planning the size and shape of centerpieces, be sure to account for room on the table not just for place settings, but for extra food such as butter, breadbaskets, water glasses and wine bottles, as well as wedding favors that guests may place on the table while they eat.

Season and theme: Centerpieces can be used to tie together the theme of the wedding reception. They can be the final element that marries the bridal party bouquets, napkin colors and any other decorative elements throughout the reception location. They can also be used to help play out the theme or the season, for example a fall wedding may have autumn leaves incorporated for the table centerpieces.

Price-point: If budget is an issue, get creative. Even though this is an extremely special day, it is also only 24 hours, and many flower shops can charge extravagant prices for centerpieces when they know it is for a wedding. However, there should always be options that will allow for the color and theme requirements to be met. For example, candles and holders come at all price-points from low- to high-end, and flowers to adhere to any budget can be chosen in your color scheme. Can't afford red roses? How about red carnations, gerberas or daylilies?

Portability: If the centerpieces are to be 'won' by people during the festivities, consider choosing something that is clean and fairly easily portable.

These are just a few wedding centerpiece ideas to assist in your wedding planning. Please browse our articles for more ideas and tips. Above all, relax and enjoy this special time!

P.S. You can save yourself time and potentially thousands of dollars on your wedding planning by employing the ideas found in the Amazing Wedding Planning guide.

Ideas for a Unique Wedding Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:23:00 +0000

When planning a wedding, there are certainly lots of details to consider, and sometimes it may seem as if it's difficult to plan a celebration that will be memorable and unique when you are dealing with so many 'cookie-cutter' options. From stock invitations to dresses and banquet halls, the challenge can be to make a unique and special statement which reflects you - the couple getting married.

Luckily, there are myriad opportunities to add a little of your unique personality to your wedding details, not the least of which is your wedding invitation style.

Of course the truth is that every wedding is special and memorable, but for some ideas on how to create unique wedding invitations, the following list has been gathered to inspire you.

Consider ordering the invitations on custom-colored paper for a striking effect. For example, black or navy invitation stock with gold or silver lettering looks very classy.
Try a unique them that is meaningful to either the bride and groom or the families. For example, if one family raises horses or dogs, an animal motif could be incorporated into the invitations by means of embossing the paper, or by incorporating pictures or text that include the horses or dogs.
Perhaps cues could be taken with from the setting of the celebration or the season. For instance, an invitation to an autumn wedding could include a fall motif; a beach wedding invitation could have a picture or hints of the beach or ocean; a little golf tee could be included for an invitation to a country/golf club reception.
Incorporate a memento that speaks of the couple - for example a little book-shaped confetti for a librarian and a teacher getting married - or that will mean something only to invited guests, such as a puzzle or question to be answered at the wedding.

There are many more ideas to put your own unique stamp on your wedding invitations that you will no doubt come up with, once your imagination gets rolling. Above all, remember to enjoy this special time, and have fun!

P.S. If budget is an issue, don't miss the money-saving tips in the Wedding Planning Secrets guide.

Make the Most of Your Wedding Gift Registry

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:59:00 +0000

Just got engaged? Congratulations!

Of the many tasks you will now undertake in the planning of your wedding, one that can affect your future more than most of the others is your wedding gift registry, also known as a bridal registry.

While your wedding day - exciting as it is - will come and go, the items you choose for your registry will be yours to live with. It is not often we have the opportunity to receive beautiful gifts we would not necessarily buy for ourselves, and to co-ordinate household items all at once. With this in mind, you can make the most of this wonderful opportunity by considering the following:

Choose a store or stores with items that cover the whole range of household and luxury gifts. From the small, inexpensive kitchen pieces to decadent gifts such as crystal and china, this allows your guests to choose from a range of items, and also allows you to get a good start on filling your new home with things you love.

Further to the above point, be sure and pick items in a range of price points and sizes, as friends and family may wish to purchase both wedding shower and wedding gifts for you, and will need a variety to choose from. Also, different guests have different budgets and having smaller items allows these guests to buy you something they know you will love and not go over their budget.

Take this chance to really investigate what your tastes are. You and your new spouse have an opportunity to express yourselves with your new things, and this may be your first time doing this together. Do some research in magazines and décor stores and discover looks, color schemes and pieces that express your combined personal sense of style.

For the most versatility and longevity, go with neutrals for your major choices. For example, by choosing dishes, linens and towels in cream, white, chocolate or black, you can enjoy continuity throughout your home, and your decorating, both seasonally and changing it through the coming years, will be a snap. Just add and change individual pieces such as placemats, throw pillows and vases to inexpensively create a new, fresh look.

Speaking of accessories, don't forget to include lots of 'extras' in your bridal registry list. This is a great chance to enjoy decorative extras, and also possibly receive some towels, baskets, candle holders, vases, or whatever strikes your fancy. The more variety available at the store/s where you register, the more your choices.

In conclusion, never worry about putting too many things on your wedding gift registry list. People wanting to buy you a special something will really appreciate the variety of choice, and knowing that they are buying you something you will love.

The worst that can happen is you don't get it all, but in the meantime you have the added benefit of deciding and refining your tastes by creating the list with thought and care.

Enjoy your planning, and enjoy your special day!

TIP: For more planning ideas, try:

The Master Wedding Planning Guide

A Well Planned Wedding

Elegant Wedding Favor Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:31:00 +0000

Wedding favors, also known as bonbonnieres, are little gifts you give to your wedding guests at the end of the day/night, as an expression of thanks for sharing your special day with you. Many brides also hope that the guests will enjoy the little gift and if it is non-perishable, that the guests will keep it for years to come as a reminder of the wedding.

For this reason, the trend these days is either toward immediately consumable goods such as chocolates or candies, or something that is likely to be popular and not just sit on a shelf or in a cupboard collecting dust. Gone are the days of little engraved statues with the couple's name on them - we all know no one keeps these, or if they do they bring it out only when we come over!

If you or someone you know is looking for ideas for an elegant wedding favor, here are some to get you started. Your imagination is the limit, and this will just help get it running.

Candles and/or candleholders: A universally popular choice, candles and holders are great because they come in all shapes, sizes and budgets. They can be found in all colors and thus coordinate with your wedding colors, and have anywhere from one wick to five. This can be an imaginative way to decorate your tables and also offer your guests a lovely gift to take home at the end of your wedding.
Picture Frames: A very classy frame in silver or crystal can be a nice gift that your guests will enjoy in their own homes. They can put whatever photo or picture they want in the frame, and if the design is simple and classic it will mesh well with anyone's décor.
Vase: An elegant vase, whether clay, crystal or glass, makes for a nice favour. You could include a single-stem flower, or some river rocks for an added touch.
Plant: A small plant such as sweetheart roses is a lovely and unexpected gift.
Paper: Elegant stationery such as a set of cream textured paper and envelopes is a very classy way to say thank you.

These are just some ideas to get you started. Once you begin thinking creatively, you will come up with many more.

If budget is a concern, don't forget to check highly recommended Amazing Wedding Planning system and guide - CLICK HERE.