Wedding Event Planning Resource Guide

Tipping Guidelines for Couples Planning a Wedding

2011-05-01T20:47:00.002-05:00

When planning a wedding, a lot of couples are curious about how much to tip the vendors used in their wedding. Are you one of them? If so, you'll find the following wedding planning article helpful in deciding how much to tip. We hope you find these guidelines useful.

Personalized thank you cards are a great way to say "Thanks" to vendors . Don't forget to include them in your wedding planning along with the tip!

Wedding Planning: How Much do I Tip?

Many vendors will already include tips or gratuities into their service fees, so it's best to ask ahead of time if gratuity is included in the cost of their services or if they add a gratuity in their service contract. Here is a basic rundown of how much you should tip for each wedding service:

Hairstylist, Makeup Artist, Nail Techs

Tip these beauty service providers as you would normally tip on a visit to the salon - 15 percent to 20 percent of your total bill.

Dress Fitter, Alterations or Seamstress

It is not customary to tip for fitting services, but if they have done an especially great job you can tip $15 to $30.

Delivery Staff

Staff responsible for delivering your flowers, wedding cake, etc. do not expect a tip and you will have already agreed to pay their set fee. If you feel they have really gone above and beyond as far as their service or products, a tip of $15-$20 is sufficient.

Wedding Officiant

Most wedding officiants will not charge a set fee for their services, but they do expect you to make a donation to their church or organization. They will most likely suggest an amount when you finalize the arrangements. This amount is usually around $100, but it can range anywhere from $50 to $500. If the officiant is traveling a long way to your wedding you should also compensate them for travel costs. Your designated tipper should not directly offer a tip to your officiant, just have them pass the agreed amount the officiant after the ceremony.

Church Musicians

Check your paperwork to see if this fee is included in the rental fee for the church. If not, the tip is generally from $25 to $40 per person.

Live Musicians

Musicians do not expect a tip, but if they really got people up and dancing, you should tip $20-$25 per musician.

DJ

If your DJ kept the wedding rolling in a timely fashion and played a great selection of music, 15 percent to 20 percent of their fee is a suitable tip.

Bartenders

The bar manager will usually add a service charge to your bar bill, in which case you do not need to tip bartenders. If there is no service charge, you might want to tip bartenders about 10 percent of the total liquor bill.

Catering/Venue Manager

Most caterers will build a gratuity into their service fee. Check your contract; if a service charge hasn't been included, tip 15 percent to 20 percent of the total bill or $1-$2 per guest.

Serving Staff

You don't need to tip waiters and waitress if you have already paid a gratuity in your contract. If there is no service charge in your caterer's contract and the service was good, you should tip 15 percent to 20 percent of the total food bill to be divvied up amongst the staff.

Transportation

Limo drivers, horse drawn carriages, chauffeurs, etc. will usually include a gratuity in their transportation fees. If not, the normal tip suggested is 15 percent to 20 percent of the bill.

Photographers

Most photographers will not expect tips, but for exceptionally good work on your wedding day you can tip between $20 and $30. Or just order a lot of prints after the wedding to show how much you appreciate their work.

Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner has already charged a set fee, and won't expect a tip. However, again, if their work was especially stellar, you can tip 10 percent of their total fee.

If all else fails, the customary amount to tip is generally 10 percent to 20 percent of the final service cost; however it's a good idea to ask around and see how much others in your area have tipped their wedding vendors.

PerfectWeddingGuide.com helps Brides and Grooms through the sometimes challenging, but always exciting process of planning a wedding and honeymoon. Any wedding planner or bride can benefit from the unique wedding guide tips, trends, and helpful wedding planning tools at PerfectWeddingGuide.com.

There are a lot of things to consider during your wedding planning, especially when it comes to deciding who to tip and how much. I hope this article helps shed some light on a sometimes delicate subject.

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3 Simple Steps to Planning an Outdoor Wedding

2010-08-17T09:44:00.001-05:00

Are you considering an outdoor setting for your wedding or reception? If you are, there are three critical questions you need to answer, no matter if you're planning an intimate backyard gathering, or an outdoor event the size of Chelsea Clinton's wedding.

Now, without further ado, here's wedding planner Stephanie Lopez with the three questions you will need to answer. Take it away, SL...

To Have and to Hold an Outdoor Wedding
Copyright (c) 2010 Stephanie Lopez

Outdoors weddings are a thought that crosses almost everyone's mind as they plan a wedding. There is nothing more beautiful than a well-planned wedding outdoors; yet on the other hand there are so many things that could go wrong that it makes it a hard choice to choose. Fortunately there are 3 steps that can lead you to your own decision in whether you want an outdoor wedding or not. Can it really be this easy?

Step 1: Think About the Time of Year

What time of year is your wedding planned for? Are the chances of precipitation high? What is the normal temperature for that time of year? Weather and temperature are the two things that need to be thought out and considered the most. Decide whether or not you want to take the chance of changing your plans. Be prepared to be flexible and roll with the flow. Also consider if it is extremely hot or cold. Neither sweating nor shivering is an ideal environment for you or your guest. Try to have accommodations such as water and fans available. If it's a cooler time of year consider outdoor heaters to keep your guests comfortable. One way of picking the day with the best odds is to look at an almanac. Even with all the accommodations and pre-planning sometimes Mother Nature just has a mind of its own, but prudent planning really does go a long way.

Step 2: What is Your Décor?

Depending on the outdoor location, you may have to spend little or nothing at all on decorations for the ceremony site. Whether it's an outdoor garden, a beach or a grove of trees, it may just be the exact décor that you wanted in the first place. All that you may need are chairs, maybe some flowers, and sound equipment if it's a larger wedding. In many cases the risk of an outdoor wedding may give a beautiful ambiance as well as save a little cash. Consider the price as including as least some of what you would budget for decorations for an indoor venue.

Step 3: Do You Have a Back-up Plan?

Even if everything seems to be fitting right into place it's a good idea to have a plan "B"; whether it means moving the ceremony indoors or having a tent rental on hand. No matter what you decide for your back-up to be make it a priority to have one. Try to make it something that you would be just as happy with as the original plan (or at least close.) Unfortunately weather is not controllable and there is no need to have it ruin your wedding day, so plan for the unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Yes it really is that easy! Depending on the personalities of you and your fiancé an outdoor wedding may just be a wonderful choice for you. Outdoor weddings can be full of surprises and risks, but with the proper planning you can have the magical day that you have always dreamt of.

Now that you know what questions you need to answer when planning an outdoor wedding, make sure to check out the related resources below to find the items you will need to put the finishing touches on your outdoor wedding.

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If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit
http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/ . Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

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Fall Wedding Flower Trends in 2010

2010-08-16T11:51:00.005-05:00

With the fall wedding season upon us, I though it might be a good time to review some of the top trends in fall wedding flowers this season. From white flowers to decorative accents, the folks at Get Married show you what's hot.

Fall Floral Trends Copyright (c) 2010 Get Married

Brides, if you are planning a fall wedding look no further for what's hot in fall floral trends!

Whites: The Little Black Dress of floral fashion, white flowers are a signature style for every season. Whether you choose to dip into winter whites or lightly accent your bouquet with the last of the summer brights, white arrangements are making a statement this fall for romantic, modern, classic and even sassy brides. Wrap your bouquet with jeweled toned purples and red fabrics to add rich fall flare. Don't be afraid to play around with your shades of white either. Creams, winter whites and even crisp whites can work together to pull off a stunning combination.

A Rustic Bunch: For an effortless and nature-chic floral combination, pull inspiration from the colors of the changing leaves. Canary yellows, burnt oranges and deep purples are a great color board for your fall wildflower bouquet. Use ethereal grey and silver ribbons to bundle your bouquet for that fresh from the earth look. This rustic style will compliment any shade of bridesmaid dress and look timeless in your wedding photos.

Varying Heights: Long stem orchids, calla lilies and roses have such a graceful look when carried on the arm of a bride. This fall, play into the look of varying lengths when crafting your bouquet. This cascading effect gives such personality and life to your arrangements, both in your bouquet and as centerpieces. If you are working on a budget, and who isn't these days, this may be the look for you as even the simplest coupling of long and short stem flowers turn heads.

Accessories: As with any great outfit, accessories add the final touch. Why should your bouquet be any different? No matter which color theme and floral combination you choose, you can find the perfect floral accessory to add character to your bouquet. The fall provides you with a plethora of different types of berries, grasses and leaves. These pieces add rich texture and vibrant color to your arrangement. Be daring and incorporate jewels into your fabrics when you wrap the stems or as accent pieces on your tabletops. Try using pearl pins to wrap your arrangements or decorate your centerpieces. You can't go wrong with this look.

Brides, no matter what your personal style may be you can incorporate these trends into your fall wedding. Take advantage of this beautiful time of year and flaunt these floral trends.

Now that you know what's hot this fall, make sure to check out the related resources below to find the fall wedding items you will need to create the perfect look for your wedding day.
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Get Married offers hundreds of wedding videos and articles on wedding planning, wedding food, wedding dresses, fashion, bridal trends and much more. Visit http://www.getmarried.com for more fantastic tips and advice.

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The Real Key to Planning Your Own Wedding

2010-07-18T09:55:00.000-05:00

In my experience, the main reason why couples choose to hire a wedding planner is that they lack the confidence to do it themselves. Having confidence in your own abilities is the key to successfully planning your own wedding. Here are a few quick tips that will boost your confidence right away.

As I was planning my little girls' birthday party recently it came to my mind that we all have some type of experience in party planning. However, when we think about wedding planning we just assume that we are in need of an experienced planner. What if it's you that is the experienced planner? Who says that your experience can't come from baby showers and birthday parties? You know you have the experience to plan your own wedding you just need the confidence.

Sure a wedding is a little more detailed and elaborate than your average birthday party, but all the same facets are involved. You generally have décor, food of some type, a cake of course and some type of entertainment. The only major difference is the theme and perhaps the scale. Now you are thinking that a wedding takes a lot more work to plan and I would say that yes while there is more involvement you have more time to plan generally speaking. With a birthday party or a shower you plan about a month or two in advance. Hopefully with your wedding you have at least a few months. If you don't there's no need to panic; it is still possible to do the planning yourself. Spread the decision making out as not to procrastinate to the very end. This eases the stress and worries of all the details.

Once you have your date chosen start on the guest list right away. Make sure that you and your fiancé agree on the size of the event. Once you have the list and figure how many guests you are to have start looking into venues. Decide whether to have the wedding and reception in the same or different places. Make sure that you also have a budget set and stick to it! Be thinking about the style of wedding that you want to have and this will help you in your choices. Picking the venue right away is very important as most places book months and years in advance. Be aware of the peak wedding season or be willing to be flexible on days or times of your event.

Interview florists and tell them your ideas and let them create your vision. Try a few and see which does it best and within your budget. Remember you are the customer. Getting your flower choices chosen in advance is a good idea. Don't forget to include bouquets and corsages. Next meet with bakers and look at their portfolios and check prices. Choosing your cake should be a fun part, because there's a taste test involved. Next you need to line up a DJ for your reception. Have a list of wanted songs ready to pass on. Whether you want a sit down meal or finger food, interview different caterers and see what your options are. Yes, this includes another taste test!

With all the interviewing and choices to be made the easier part is focusing on you. You need to pick a dress that fits the time of year and the venue. Make your choice in enough time in advance to allow for alterations. Choose your shoes and accessories based on the style of your gown. Have an idea for how you want your hair and makeup. Set up trial runs and the appointments for the day of the wedding.

So, while a wedding is not a birthday party it is a party, a celebration; and you know how to do that right? Just think about all that needs to be done and spread out the decisions, you don't need to make them all at one time. You have the skills and experience with the planning you're just changing what the event is!

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If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit
http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/ . Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

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Eight Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

2010-06-23T11:07:00.000-05:00

If you're still on the fence about whether or not your need to hire a wedding planner, this article I came across may help you decide. It explains the best reasons why hiring a wedding planner may be one of the decisions that you will make for you wedding day.

The article is from Elegala.com and contributed by Luxurious Wedding Etiquette & Protocol Expert, Claudia Lutman.

Eight Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

An etiquette and protocol expert explains why hiring a wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps…

Congratulations! You are engaged and you are elated. Your wedding day is going to be the most important day of your life and you envision everything is going to be perfect.

You want to be involved. You have planned parties that have wowed your friends. You want to take a hands-on approach to the planning of your wedding and the prospect excites you.

Yes, the thought of planning a wedding is very exhilarating. But in reality, it is like solving a Rubik’s Cube. Getting all the pieces to work together and fit together precisely to complete the design is the objective.

It may look like a seamless process but it is not easy. A wedding requires Synergy – the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Much like a movie, a wedding has to be produced, scripted, edited, and directed. As a visual feast for the eyes, a wedding has to have a flow and a tempo. It needs to be as pleasing for your guests as it is for you.

As the star of your movie, can you envision yourself being the central character, producer, editor, director, and run interference for all minor details on your wedding day?

If you are having more than 25 guests, the idea of working with a wedding planner should appeal to you. As the creative director for the most important day of your life, your wedding planner will help you avoid some dreadful mishaps that could ruin your day.

Reason # 1: A Theme Is More Than A Hodgepodge of Great Ideas

Your ideas are fabulous. But they are only the foundation of your theme. Remember: They are only ideas and pictures ripped out of magazines. Brides have ended up blowing their budget on one item to the detriment of the whole wedding. This is where your wedding planner becomes your magician. Knowing all the tricks and resources, your wedding planner can create a theme that runs through the whole event. They see the whole picture. If budget is a constraint, they will advise you how to economize and still achieve a similar look.

Reason #2: Is Your Budget A Guideline Or A Blueprint For Bankruptcy?

A budget is an essential part of your wedding planning. Even a million-dollar wedding has a budget. A budget will give you perspective and it will center you. It will be a great comfort to you when you want to know where you stand financially. Expenses tend to mount up quickly, and your budget will always give your a realistic assessment. I have witnessed brides being so out of control that they end up randomly buying items that have no rhyme or reason. That money could have been spent elsewhere to make the wedding a better experience for the guests. Being realistic about your budget is essential. Don’t fool yourself with a figure knowing you can go over it. You will only be hurting your chances of selecting the best possible vendors. Your wedding planner is your accountant and will believe the budget you give them. They honestly try to work within your parameters. Therefore, decide on a realistic figure so your wedding planner can recommend the vendors who will deliver the best work within your budget.

Reason #3: The Venue Event Manager

When the event manager from your venue tells you they can do your wedding planning, they are not lying. They will do everything under the sun to oversee everything they are responsible for; however, they are not responsible for 90 percent of the details that go into your wedding. Some brides are shocked when things go wrong. They thought their venue person would be on top of things. Not necessarily. If they have several events that day, they can’t be held responsible for letting you know your flowers haven’t arrived or your best man is held up in traffic. Imagine walking into a bald room instead of the floral intensive ballroom you paid for. Your wedding planner is your overseer. Their job is to make sure everything arrives on time and complete. If you have 15 tables, 13 centerpieces just won’t do. They will get the florist to fix it. If the videographer does not show up, they should be able to find a replacement for you. Things happen, but it is your wedding planner’s job to see that things are fixed and end up perfect. Your wedding planner is your fairy godmother.

Reason #4: Timelines And Other Annoying Details

Checklists. Do we know anyone who likes them? And timelines. “Who has time to think of these boring things? I’m getting married!” I recall one bride saying. Actually, you might not be getting married after all if the minister does not show up. Timelines are critical. Timelines are necessary. And timelines keep your wedding planner sane. They thrive on them. You, however, should never be subjected to them. These are the things a bubbling bride should be kept far away from. They will certainly kill the excitement.

Reason #5: Synergy Applies To Vendors Too

There are vendors who work so well together you almost get double your monies worth. Having a vendor with an attitude can affect everyone. Your wedding planner knows these things and will steer you in the right direction. By involving your wedding planner in the selection of vendors from the invitations on, you will be guided down the path of success. After all, synergy is what we are striving for!

Reason #6: What Are The Rules?

Brides need a go-to person for etiquette, wedding-related questions, and to keep the planning timeline moving forward. All brides need a liaison to help keep emotions and relationships from straining during planning. Your wedding planner is a combination of Martha Stewart and Emily Post. Do you really have the time and inclination to research, answer, and solve the problem yourself?

Reason #7:Overtime Charges Accrue Faster Than Champagne Pours

One hour of overtime with a location site or photographer can cost you plenty! Everyone is on the clock and so is your wedding planner. The difference is your wedding planner is on your clock. They keep everything in motion so extra costs are avoided. In the end, your wedding planner is the most cost effective choice you can make.

Wedding planning and the events that lead up to your day will be stressful. You should have one job only. Keeping yourself relaxed and living in the moment. You need time to take in and enjoy this special day. Be with your loved ones. Be happy. Be kind. And mostly, be assured that your wedding is going to be the most fabulous day of your life.

Yes, all weddings have glitches. And yours will, too. But your wedding planner will make sure you never have to deal with or see them. You may never even know anything out of the ordinary happened. And that is the sign that you are a genius at wedding planning. You started out with great ideas, hired a wedding planner to bring them to life, and sat back like a pampered princess on your wedding day accepting all the accolades that you deserve.

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Share your Wedding Plans on You Own Wedding Website

2010-05-10T07:25:00.003-05:00

Easily post and share your wedding day details with your family and friends. Wedding JoJo's custom wedding websites have smart features, great designs, and it's absolutely free to sign up and get started. Get your own wedding website up and running in just 5 minutes - so what are you waiting for!

Get started now

Serious about your wedding colors?

2010-04-30T08:25:00.001-05:00

It's 2010 and brides want the ability to customize, mix and match fun colors. With Dessy, you can choose from 27 of today's hottest wedding colors and have your wedding party strutting down the aisle in head-to-toe accessories that complement even the most complex wedding color schemes.

Pantone Wedding™ Color Fan Guide

If you are seriously about color, forget hardware store paint chips, this the essential wedding tool you need. The Pantone Wedding™ guide is chromatically arranged by color family, numerically referenced and named to assist quick color decisions. Ideal for shopping for dresses and decorations, and coordinating colors with your wedding vendors, such as florists, caterers and stationers. The guide is designed for portable use and includes 194 colors and is available exclusively from Dessy Group.

click here for more info

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Ways to Save Money Using Technology in Your Wedding

2010-04-28T08:01:00.001-05:00

A few years ago, the words "wedding" and "technology" are not words you would not have thought of using in the same sentence. But today, every phase of our lives is affected by technology.

So, you may be wondering how in the world technology and your wedding can be associated. Rest assured that you don't have to be a tech guru to use technology to your advantage while planning or having your wedding. Not to mention there are many different levels, depending on whether you want to go all out or not. With "being green" becoming more and more appealing it is no wonder that technology can be integrated into every facet of our lives; even your own wedding!

Texting

Almost everyone from teenager to baby boomer is moving their fingers texting on their phones. Use it to your advantage. Once you know what the date of your wedding is, send your save-the-date message via a text message. Texting is also a great way to stay in touch with your wedding party. You can send them all the updates all at once without having to make individual phone calls. Not everyone has a fancy phone so try to avoid pics and crazy clip-art. Just stick to the standard text and the fanciness can be saved for later.

E-Mail

Another option is to e-mail all your guests. You can e-mail the save-the-dates, invitations and thank you cards. Your options are endless. There are plenty of sites out there where you can upload your personal info and purchase their formatting for a reasonable price. You can save time, paper, and money. The only downfall to this may be that you need everyone's e-mail address. This is where it may be easier to text some things, considering most all have texting capabilities. It would however be worth the time to get your guest's e-mail addresses (for those that you don't already have). Consider that you would have to gather their physical addresses anyway. Less to take down and then you have it for the future. If there are some people still in the stone-age without e-mails encourage them to get one.

Website

If you really want to shine you can create your own wedding website. These are absolutely fascinating. This is a one-stop-shop for all of your correspondence with your guests. This is a place where they can see pics, read about your story on how you met, R.S.V.P. and more. You can personalize your site to fit you and your fiancé's liking. If you are unsure about this idea do a little searching and look at other couple's sites. There are plenty of web hosting services that already have formats that you can pick from.

Slideshow

Don't forget the infamous slide shows that we all enjoy at the receptions. Getting to see the bride and groom in diapers, then an awkward teenager and on to the early dating days. This is a way to make your reception special and where you can also include pics of you with your family and friends; the very people that will be in attendance. Your guest will feel more emotionally connected to your special day.

You can incorporate some or all of these ideas. Just think you could text your save-the-date. E-mail your invitations and your thank you cards and all could have a link to your beautifully created website. When you return from your honeymoon no need to travel around trying to show everyone your pics and videos just upload them right to your website. No matter how far you want to use technology to your advantage don't forget to incorporate it into your wedding. I think that you'll find that it can help keep you more organized and save time in the process. It has become acceptable to send in digital format and not a hard copy. You can make it just as beautiful and elegant, maybe even more so. Your options are endless.

Now that you understand some of the ways that today's technolgy can be used in your wedding, you can put it to work to help you save money on your wedding by visiting the wedding resources listed below.

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If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/ . Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

Tips on Finding the Best Wedding Catering

2010-04-25T18:46:00.003-05:00

Many couples plan their wedding reception in spaces that allow them to hire their own caterer, for example, historic buildings, museums, or outdoor venues such as parks and private homes. Couples who choose to work with an independent wedding caterer will have more options, but also more work to do. These tips will guide you through the steps of finding the perfect caterer for your wedding.

If you need wedding catering, there are many things that can go into the final decision of caterer. You will want to start this phase of planning well in advance of your wedding date. You will want to visit many caterers and give them a chance to show you what they have to offer. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you want to make sure that your caterer has this in mind as well.

You may want to start by determining how much food you are going to need. You will want a head count to make this official. When you have your head count, you will then want to give this number to a caterer and they should be able to determine how much food you will need and the cost associated with this number of people. If you can determine a fairly accurate head count before you schedule these meetings, you will have all of the information you need when you leave each caterer to compare and make a decision. Price can play a big part in your final decision and that is why numbers are so important.

When you visit wedding catering services, you will want to taste the food. A caterer can make many claims about wonderful food that you and your guests will love, but you may want to request a sample to ensure that you are fond of the food that will be served on your big day. Many grooms and brides are too nervous to eat before the ceremony and the reception will most likely be the first place you and your partner share your first meal as husband and wife and of the day. This meal should be very special and something to remember.

You may also want to ensure that the wedding catering service you choose is fully available for the day of your wedding. If you find that there are numerous weddings booked on the same day and you feel that they may not have the capacity to handle this, you may want to look for another catering service that can give you the undivided attention you deserve. If you have any doubts at all, you can also ask for references and even conducting an online search may provide you with this information.

There are many wedding catering services to choose from. If you want your wedding day to be memorable, catering is something that needs special attention and some planning.

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The wedding reception is what's remembered the most especially the food. Check out your friends wedding photos and you'll see what I mean. Let's talk about what you want your Long Island Wedding Catering [ http://anthonymatthewcaterers.com/weddings ] to be. Catering Long Island, 300 MILL ROAD MEDFORD, NEW YORK, NY 11764, (631) 320-0061. http://anthonymatthewcaterers.com

5 Tips on How to Deliver a Great Wedding Toast

2010-04-22T08:14:00.001-05:00

Being asked to deliver a wedding toast is an opportunity that not everyone gets to do in their life. And it's not something that everyone is comfortable doing, especially if they don't feel that they have great speaking skills. If you are in the same situation, the advice in this article will help you overcome your fears and help you to deliver a memorable wedding toast.

After weeks, months and sometimes years of preparation, your friend or loved one's wedding day is here. And a wedding just wouldn't be a wedding without a toast! If you've been asked to give a toast it's quite an honor (not just anyone gets to hold that microphone), but it can be a little nerve-wracking too. Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, father of the bride, or other honored wedding guest, here are a few tips on how to write and deliver the perfect wedding toast.

Procrastination is the First Step to Failure

The bride or groom holds you in high enough esteem to ask you to make a toast, and you need to approach this task with the same amount of seriousness. The last thing you want is to be writing your speech on a cocktail napkin five minutes before you're supposed to speak. Write your toast at least three weeks before the wedding to give yourself time to edit your work, have others give you their suggestions, and most importantly, memorize what you're going to say.

What Not to Say

First things first, what should you avoid saying in your toast? When writing your wedding toast it can be really tempting to bring up exes, embarrassing dating stories, or mention the fact that you never thought the bride or groom would settle down - but save that for the bachelor or bachelorette party. You may have been friends with the bride or groom since you were toddlers, but not everyone may appreciate the sense of humor the two of you share. Worse yet, the audience may laugh, but you could leave the happy couple feeling embarrassed, uncomfortable or even angry - big no-no!

Guests should never wonder if you are giving a toast or a roast. Don't tell inside jokes in order to make just a few wedding guests laugh, and don't say anything you wouldn't repeat to your mother-in-law or grandmother if she were the only one in the room. If you know something is a touchy subject between the bride or groom (or possibly the bride and groom's families) avoid these at all cost.

What to Say

Even if you think you've met every single person at the reception, start off by introducing yourself with a brief description of how long and in what capacity you've known the bride and groom. You want everyone to know why you were chosen for your role in the wedding and what gives you the authority to be toasting the couple. If you've been friends since grade school you might briefly explain how you met on monkey bars at the playground, but if you met in an unpleasant place or situation try to focus on your present friendship.

Next, you can share a funny story about the couple (remember to stick to humor that everyone will appreciate), what you thought when you found out they were engaged, or simply express how happy you are that they've tied the knot. Make sure you are toasting both the bride and groom. If you don't know one of them very well (which is often the case), mention how much you are looking forward to the second act of your friendship with the bride or groom, complete with their new spouse. If you know both of them well enough, throw in a few words about the perfect nature of their union. ("Their mutual love for Adam Sandler movies and Marcel Proust's late-19th century literature make them the perfect couple.")

Your speech doesn't need to be long or overly complicated (avoid using words you wouldn't use in your everyday life); whatever you say, say it simply and say it quickly. Two or three minutes are sufficient for a wedding toast, especially if a large number of people are planning to speak.

End on a High Note

Last but not least, use the authority that you established in the beginning of your speech to assure the new bride or groom that they have made the right choice in partnering with your friend, son or daughter. ("As Mike's mother I can say with certainty that Angela has chosen the handsomest, funniest, and kindest man to spend the rest of her life with.") You're basically giving their relationship two thumbs up.

Offer any advice you may have for a long, happy marriage and wish the couple a joyful future. Close your toast by thanking the couple for including you in one of the happiest days of their lives, congratulating them, and introducing the next person to speak (if you're the last person to give your wedding toast, hand off the microphone to the DJ).

What's My Line?

Practice, practice and more practice is the key to pulling off the perfect toast without sounding too rehearsed or letting your nerves get the best of you. Your wedding toast to the bride and groom should be sincere yet spontaneous at the same time, so leave the index cards at home. If you absolutely know you are going to forget your speech, write down the main points of your toast on a 3x5 card so you can look down every once in a while for a reminder. As long as you remember the gist of what you wanted to say, no one will know if you flub up a line or two.

Remember, your friend, family member or loved one picked you to speak at their wedding for a good reason - because they love and trust you! They don't expect your toast to be absolutely perfect. Just speak from your heart, and let the spirit of the occasion carry the rest of the wedding toast. Avoid drinking too much alcohol prior to speaking, follow these tips and be sincere, and you will be sure to deliver a fantastic wedding toast!

http://www.PerfectWeddingGuide.com/ helps Brides and Grooms through the sometimes challenging, but always exciting process of planning a wedding and honeymoon. Any wedding planner or bride can benefit from the unique wedding guide tips, trends, and helpful wedding planning tools at PerfectWeddingGuide.com.

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Find Out How to Get Free Save the Date Cards

2010-04-21T07:50:00.000-05:00

One of the wedding expenses that every couple has is for their printing. Wedding invitations, save the date cards, thank you cards, and menus. It can add up quickly, and many couples wind up paring it back quite a bit.

If you've been looking for ways to save money on your wedding invitations, without having to resort to doing-it-yourself, I thought I'd pass this along.

For a limited time, the folks at Wedding Paper Divas are offering couples who purchase their Save the Date cards from them a $75 credit towards their wedding invitations. That makes the Save the Date cards essentially free!

You can't do better than "Free" when it comes to saving money. Why not take a minute to check it out.

Click here to learn more.

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Wedding Invitations Etiquette and Wording

2010-04-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

Growing up, my mother always told me, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it". That advice is certainly true when it comes wedding invitations.

Whether the actual ceremony is a black-tie event or sandals on the beach, the wording used in the wedding invitations should follow certain formalities. By following the rules of this etiquette, you will be able to save yourself from feelings being hurt or misunderstandings. The rules and nuances of what is consider proper will help you to set the stage for strong relationships in the future.

- In addressing envelopes, write out all names.

- Include reply cards with self stamped and preaddressed envelopes so that you can be certain to plan for the proper number of guests

- If it is an adults only event, only address to the adults of the household. It is improper to say "no children" or "adults only" in invitation wording

- One invitation per household unless adult children over 18 also reside at the same address.

- Do not use abbreviations. Spell out words such as road, street, and avenue.

- For weddings that are more informal or not in a religious setting, use the wording "request the pleasure of your company." For ceremonies held in a house of worship, use "requests the honour of your presence."

- When hosted by the Bride and groom, "Bride's name and groom's name request the honour of your presence."

- If the ceremony is hosted by the bride's family, her parents names should listed first then the names of the couple. The parent's of the groom should be listed after the groom's name such as: "groom's name, son of Mr. and Mrs." The reverse for weddings hosted by the groom's family.

- When hosted by the bride and groom and their parents, "Bride's name and Groom's name, together with their parents" or if the parents are divorced and remarried, "...together with their parents and their spouses"

- If it is an informal event, state so. It is proper to state "informal attire" in wedding invitation wording in such cases.

- If you do not wish your guests to bring gifts, you may add "Your presence is the only gift we request."

Choosing the Right Invitation Style

The style of invitation should reflect the style of the event. Guests take cues from the style of the wedding invitation and try to dress appropriately for the event. The style of the invitation will help the guests to know what to expect during the ceremony. There are so many options available - traditional, elegant, sleek and contemporary. Your choice can reflect what to expect during the ceremony as well as the style of the company. A trend that is getting more popular each year is "diy" invitations which allows the creative side to come through. ------------------------

For Andi Beark, planning her niece's wedding is an honor. From flowers to music to wedding invitations, there are so many decisions to be made. The large selection at http://www.paperdirect.com/Wedding/Invitations made shopping for custom wedding invitations easy, leaving plenty of time to focus on finding the perfect location.

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Wedding Invitations: A How-To Guide for Wedding Postage

2010-04-09T08:59:00.002-05:00

Mailing your wedding invitations is the little details that very often can get overlooked. Since it's one of the first impressions that your family and friends will have about your wedding, it's important to get it right.

Whether you made them yourself or ordered them from a professional printer, you've most likely put a lot of time, effort and money into the design of your wedding invitations. It's time to mail them out, but do you know how? Mailing out your wedding invitations is a lot more than just slapping a stamp on them and dropping them in the closest mailbox. Read on for top tips and guidelines to ensure your wedding invitations get to their destination on time and in pristine condition.

Postage

First things first, when you receive your wedding invitations, put together one complete invitation (including all added inserts, tissue paper, invitation jackets, bows, etc.) and take it to your local post office. They will measure and weigh your invitation and let you know exactly how much your postage will be. Both size and weight can affect the amount of postage you need to pay, so if you are trying to save money on postage, consider the amount of embellishments you add to your wedding invitations.

Don't assume your invitation will be the same amount of postage as your gas and electric bill; going into the post office and having it weighed and measured by a postal worker will ensure your wedding invitations don't get returned to you for insufficient postage. If you have a uniquely sized RSVP card, you will want to have that looked at by the post office as well. Irregularly shaped envelopes generally require more postage too.

Wedding Stamps

The post office usually has a selection of wedding themed postage stamps that you can use on your wedding invitations, or you can customize your own. Personalized wedding stamps have become increasingly popular and can be designed and created at a large number of websites. You can personalize them with your wedding colors, your wedding theme, or you can even put a picture of the happy couple on the wedding stamp itself. A personally created wedding stamp is the ultimate final touch in accessorizing your wedding invitations.

Hand Canceling

When you mail a letter at the post office it is processed and filed through machines with all the other letters that get mailed on a daily basis. Most wedding invitations are thicker, larger or different shaped than regular mail however, and run a higher risk of getting stuck or damaged in these machines. You can avoid this risk by having your wedding invitations hand canceled, which means they will be processed by hand and not put through automated processing machines.

When you are set to mail your wedding invitations, hand deliver them to a postal worker at the post office and ask that they be hand cancelled with a rubber stamp. Not only will this ensure your beautiful invitations don't get caught in any machinery, it will minimize the amount of printing markings and bar codes that get put on the invitation.

Changes in Postage

From time to time the postal service raises the price of stamps. To avoid returned invitations or non-delivered RSVP cards, be sure to check for any changes in postage that will be occurring. You may even have to put a different amount of postage on the return envelope than on your wedding invitation.

If you are unsure of when your guests will be mailing back their RSVP cards, consider Forever stamps for the RSVP envelopes. Forever stamps were developed by the postal service to help consumers ease the transition during price changes. Forever stamps do not have a denomination and will be honored whenever they are used with no need for additional postage for a one-ounce letter mailing.

Follow these simple wedding postage tips, and you can make sure your save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, RSVP cards and thank you notes are all delivered on time and in the condition they were sent in.

About the Author:

http://www.PerfectWeddingGuide.com/ helps Brides and Grooms through the sometimes challenging, but always exciting process of planning a wedding and honeymoon. Any wedding planner or bride can benefit from the unique wedding guide tips, trends, and helpful wedding planning tools at PerfectWeddingGuide.com.

Things To Think About In A Wedding Reception Venue

2010-04-08T08:01:00.000-05:00

One of the key decisions you will make when planning a wedding is selecting a reception venue. Often it's one of the first decisions you will need to make, sometimes even before you announce your wedding date.

Selecting a wedding reception venue may be difficult but it's a wonderful learning experience to couples who are planning to get married. There are several factors that must be considered when picking a venue for wedding reception. Before making any decision, make sure that you have visited a few places to see the venue itself and what packages they have to offer. Be sure to read contracts as well as rules and regulations carefully. Don't be shy to ask questions to the coordinators if something does not seem clear or seems out of place to you. Remember it's your special day, you deserve the best.

Location

Selecting a location for your reception close to the wedding ceremony is a great help for all your guests. A traditional church, an old historical hall, a prolific mansion, a beautiful park, or even a country club may be an ideal venue for your wedding. Several hotels are offering package deals and discounts for big events like wedding, and they make rooms available for couples and guests who will be enjoying the night.

Size and Decorations

The size and the capacity of the venue is the next thing to be considered. Have an estimated number of people attending when you select a venue. Pick a venue which can contain all your guests. If the place seems too big, you can lease a few potted plants that fit with your wedding theme or perhaps a statue to make the hall feel more comfortable. You can also use candles and dim lights to make it more intimate. Ask if the head tables, linens and other decorations will be setup by them. If not, you can do this the night before.

Party Menu

Food plays a most important role when selecting a venue for wedding reception. If it is included in the package, make sure that you'll visit the cleanliness and orderliness of the kitchen and take a look at the silverware. Also, take a look at their complete menu plan and bring some friends and family along to help you with the food sampling that you would like for the reception. A few more taste buds will assist you when settling on the final dishes to be served. Tell them to monitor the management and style of service they will be providing.

Entertainment

Certainly, the party will be dull if there has no music so be sure to rent a DJ. It is wise to pick a DJ who has worked with this venue in the past so he'll know where to place his equipment and how the music will be sound.

Other Factors to Consider

Other things to be cautious when selecting a wedding reception venue are the bathroom amenities. Are there sufficient? Do they smell and look fresh? A bad appearance in a bathroom can disgust visitors and make an unpleasant event. Parking is another issue to watch out for. There must be enough spaces for your guests to park if no transportation is offered for them in going home. You may want to ask if there is another occasion and how the parking condition will be for that event.

Be sure to take these all into account before deciding for a venue so you can identify problems in early process. Enjoy your big day!

Wedding reception in Sydney has magnificent places where you can celebrate your wedding. Click this to find out more.

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Is It Time to Hire a Wedding Planner?

2010-04-06T17:48:00.000-05:00

You've just finished another day of calling and setting appointments with vendors you would like to meet with to discuss your wedding. Now you have to be sure that you have all your thoughts and ideas together before you meet with them. You're probably starting to wonder how other brides to it. The details are becoming overwhelming - but you keep telling yourself you have plenty of time to get things done. But do you?

It's time to go to sleep and you are lying in bed and all you think about is whether to hire a wedding planner or not. There are many factors that you may want to consider while trying to make this important decision. Whatever your choice you want to feel confident in the end that you made the right decision.

Are you stressed to the max where your eyes are about to pop out? Planning your wedding should not be a stressful time. It sounds cliché, but this should be one of the happiest moments of your lives. Your wedding is only one day, but your marriage is forever. Sure you want everything to look great and go smoothly, but this is also how you should feel. If you happen to be at a time in your life where it is unrealistic for you and your fiancé to plan your wedding and reception alone then don't hesitate to call in for help.

Perhaps you have no idea how you want your wedding and reception to look or where it should be held. All you know is that you want it to be beautiful and unforgettable. A wedding planner is paid for their expertise in figuring out what you want and bringing it to life. Let them do all the hard work. All you have to do is decide whether you like it or not. Even if you are completely sure that you know how you want everything to look you may like the idea of being able to tell someone your vision and have them bring it all together.

One of the main reasons that people often choose to hire wedding planners is due to their connections. This is their profession and something that they do on a daily basis. They have networks of relationships and connections with establishments and vendors. Be sure to ask what vendors they generally use so that you can do you own research. It's a good idea to interview wedding planners and to ask to see their portfolio. Think of it as hiring an interior decorator. You wouldn't just hire any interior decorator to decorate your home, thus interviewing your wedding planner will help you to get a good sense of their style. Often you find that many wedding planners have a signature item or style that they often include in their events.

If you only have a short time to plan your special day it may be helpful to bring someone else on board the planning ship. A few months may not sound like a short time, but in wedding planning time, it is. Remember that many items may need special ordered to help create your personal style. Sometimes destination weddings are a really great reason to hire a wedding planner. It can become very tricky to plan a wedding in one place while living in another. You may not be able to attend all or any of the meetings, but a wedding planner is there to be your advocate when you can't be.

If you are trying to pinch pennies and there is no way that you can hire a wedding planner, but you have decided that a little help would be nice, try enlisting a friend or family member. Try to pick someone that has the same taste; don't just pick someone to be nice. Pick someone that you feel open with and can honestly say, "I don't like that at all." So if you do choose your future mother-in-law be sure that your relationship is to that level. You don't want to resent any of the choices that are being made. Even if you aren't super detail-oriented planning a wedding can be accomplished all on your own. Just stay organized and keep the end in mind. My advice on whether to hire or not to hire is to determine whether or not it will help your day to be better for you and your fiancé. Not just the day of your wedding, but all the days in between.

If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/. Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

Copyright © 2010 Stephanie Lopez

If you heve decided to plan your wedding yourself, and are looking for concise, easy to follow advice about the various areas of wedding planning, check out the resources listed below.

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How Candles Can Be Used To Enhance Your Wedding

2010-04-03T11:13:00.002-05:00

No matter the season, using candles throughout your wedding ceremony and reception adds ambience and provides the perfect finishing touch to a truly romantic day.

Somehow candles and romance just seem to go together. When the two of you were dating there was probably a romantic candlelit dinner or two, not to mention all those times you snuggled together listening to music with only the soft glow of the candle in the room. It seems only natural that candles should be a part of the most romantic day of your life. Your wedding.

There are many ways candles can be used to bring romance to your wedding day. They can create just the right atmosphere that you want on that special day. Candles play an important part of most wedding services these days as the couple usually lights a unity candle to show that they are two entities joining to be one. Why not take the use of candles in your wedding service one step further and have a candlelit ceremony.

Placing candles in just the right places in the church will cast a warm romantic glow over the entire ceremony. Speak to your pastor. More often than not he will endorse the whole idea. While candlelit ceremonies in churches can be beautiful they add an extra touch to home weddings as well.

Using candles for your wedding service provides an extra feeling of warmth for those winter weddings casting a warm glow that just seems to warm up the entire church and reception as well. There is just something about stepping in out of the snow into a candlelit room that makes everyone feel a warm glow in their hearts.

The Reception

Unless there are fire regulations forbidding their use, candles can be used as an inexpensive and romantic way to decorate the reception hall. They make wonderful centerpieces by themselves, in lanterns, and combined with floral arrangements. Placing three or four pillar candles on mirrors and scattering flowers around the table gives the reception tables an especially romantic and festive air.

Candle lanterns can add an old fashioned air to your traditional wedding reception as well. There are many small candle lanterns in brass, copper, and even cast iron to choose from to give your wedding tables a unique look. There are even some great candles with seashells right in the candle that can enhance a beach wedding theme.

Be sure to carry your candle theme beyond the reception tables themselves. If your wedding feast is buffet style a couple of candle hurricane lanterns placed on the food table will add a nice touch as well as one with your guest book. Although they look and smell great do avoid candles in bathrooms as gauzy sleeves may make such placement a fire hazard.

Wedding Favors

Candles make ideal wedding favors as well. You can choose from tea candles in unique holders, to small pillar and jar candles that the guests can take home with them sharing a little of this most romantic evening. You can give a simple favor by stacking two or three tea candles inside an organza bag and tying it with a pretty ribbon, or a more elegant favor that features a candle and holder in an already boxed set.

Your wedding is the most romantic day of your life, and candles can help express all that romance inexpensively and beautifully.

Jane Martin is an expert in how to create the perfect wedding for you. To find more great inspiration and save time, join our FREE brides club by going to http://www.whywhite.com/why-white-brides-club/

The well-placed use of candles is one way you can add focus or highlight both the wedding ceremony or the reception at an affordable price. If you are looking for other cost-effective wedding planning ideas and money-saving offers, please check out the resources below.

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How to Make A Memorable Bride's Speech

2010-04-02T07:43:00.001-05:00

The heartfelt moments that occur on your wedding day are the ones that people cherish the most. And a sincere thank you to those that have helped to make your wedding day special should not be overlooked, and here's why.

Getting engaged is amazing. It is quite simply a dream come true. You have met the man of your dreams, he has asked you to spend forever with him, and your friends and family are ready to celebrate your union with you. There is a lot to plan with your upcoming wedding, but one thing that you do not want to forget about is your bridal speech.

More and more brides are taking the opportunity to create a bridal speech. "Why?" you ask? Well, the truth is that much of the wedding is about the bride. Many people help you to create this wonderful day in your life, and giving a bridal speech gives you the opportunity to thank them for their efforts. You have your bridesmaids to thank, any special people involved in your wedding, your family to thank, and of course your new husband to thank for making all of this a possibility.

When constructing your bride's speech you will first of all want to think about when you would like it to occur. There are generally a couple of different places. If what you have to say is primarily for the women in your life and you are hosting a bridal luncheon this may be the perfect place. However, if you would like to talk about some gentlemen (like your own prince charming) you may want to choose an event like the rehearsal dinner. Generally this is a much more informal event to speak at, but it is also typically more intimate. However, if you want to give your speech in the grandest event possible you may want to opt to speak at your reception.

As you start to put the speech together it is important to keep the length in mind. The key to most speech writing is to keep it within a reasonable amount of time. Often brides find themselves carried away with the emotion of the event which can lead to rambling so it is best to map out what you are going to say prior to the big day. Clarify who you want to talk about and what you want to express about each person.

Next, you want to write down those sentiments. You do not necessarily need to put it together in speech format, but instead you simply want to brainstorm your sentiments. From there you want start to assembling the order of your statements. As you do this you may want to read your speech out loud. Often things may look good on paper, but will sound awkward when they are read aloud. Instead, by reading your speech aloud you can be sure that one sentiment flows into the next one.

In the end what you need to do is to trust yourself. Allow yourself to speak freely from your heart, and trust that what you are saying will be interesting to those attending your wedding. If you are honest and heartfelt there will not be a dry eye in the house.

Jane Martin is an expert in how to create the perfect wedding for you. To find more great inspirational ideas like a Bride's Bootcamp to help you look your best, join our FREE brides club.

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Wedding Planning Budget and Your Wedding Planning Checklist

2010-04-01T09:16:00.001-05:00

With a seemingly endless number of details on your mind, keeping yourself on track when doing your wedding planning can be difficult. But with the right tools and little good advice, you will be able to focus on the details of your wedding that are important to you.

Previously, I discussed some of the preliminary steps when planning a wedding reception and thought I would now provide more detail in regards to the wedding planning budget and determining a wedding planning checklist since most often the two are intertwined.

It is always best when determining your wedding planning budget to start with an initial number and decide what elements you want to include at your wedding reception. For example, I am working with a bride right now who had a preliminary budget in mind and found her wedding reception venue. From there she was able to create her wedding planning checklist to include the elements most important to her.

Thus, with an $18,000 wedding planning budget that included the ceremony, luncheon, open bar, cake and wedding reception venue, this bride had an additional $12,000 to spend for her wedding reception. Her wedding planning checklist for the basic remaining elements for her wedding day include the following:

Wedding Reception Flowers - Her idea is a twist on the usual table flowers. The bride wishes to use the money normally reserved for table flowers and have a simple inexpensive table arrangement and then donate the balance of the flower budget to charity.

Invitations, Escort Cards and Thank You Cards - This is an area in which you can save on your wedding planning budget by creating these elements yourself on the computer or use a local stationary store or on-line service.

DJ - A DJ is less expensive than hiring a band as well as musicians for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Gown - Can always rent versus buying a gown and then not have to worry about cleaning or storage!

Make-up and Hair - So many choices since make-up and hair is so personal. Most often, the least expensive mode for hair and makeup is to go to the salon versus having someone come to the wedding reception venue that day.

Photographer - Always nice to have a professional, but if you are finding your budget running low and you know someone who can handle the job, then you can chance it. My recommendation is to interview different photographers at all different rate levels and select the one that best suits your purposes. Maybe if funds are low, the professional photographer can do the ceremony and family shots and then friends or family can take the wedding reception shots.

Officiate - Got to have one to make it legal. No way around this no matter what your budget is.

Of course there are additional items that can be added to your wedding planning budget such as party favors, specialty lighting, room décor, specialty rentals but the above listed items are the basics of a wedding planning checklist, and most often including the wedding reception venue comprise the majority of the wedding reception budget.

I hope you found these tips helpful and until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun and economical for all!

With over 15 years in the special event industry, Andrea has now taken her knowledge and experiences and incorporated this information into an easy-to-read book called Budget Bash - Simply Fabulous Events on a Budget. You can talk to Andrea via Twitter @awynningevent or learn more about wedding and special event management by visiting awynningevent.com.

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Unique Bridal Shower Invitations - Tips for Sensational Wedding Shower Invitations

2010-03-30T07:03:00.002-05:00

First impressions are remembered the most, and it's no different when it comes to planning a bridal shower.
It doesn't matter if this is your first time planning a wedding shower, or if you are the planning guru, you know that bridal shower invitations are an important way to give guests all the important information they need.

The Theme

Like wedding invitation ideas, there's no shortage of themes for unique bridal shower invites. For a one-of-a-kind look, consider an invite printed on die-cut paper. Guests will be delighted when they open the envelope to find an invitation shaped like a wedding gown, bridesmaid's dress, or, yes, even lingerie.

One of the simplest ideas for bridal shower invitations is to incorporate the party theme. For example, if you're planning an ice cream social, use an image of a cone or sundae. No matter what the theme, you don't need to settle on fuddy-duddy designs that look like overdone wedding invitation ideas. Find ultra-modern and super-cute designs for images that range from disco balls to designer-looking handbags.

Colors are also a way to create tone-setting party invites. If the future bride is well-known for her love of purple, invite stationery in lavender or text in a flirty bright purple will let guests know exactly who the shower is for.

Add sparkle to your party invitations by using embellishments. Charms, elastic ties and ribbons are common ways to jazz up an invite. For a celebratory touch, add confetti to the envelope. Imagine a shower guest opening a winter-themed invitation to find snowflake-shaped confetti.

You can also match the bridal shower invitations to the wedding invitation ideas. If the bride's planning a chic beach affair, use shower invites that sport a more casual beach theme, such as flip flops or a sun towel. Is a formal red-themed wedding in the works? A bold red paper or a white invite trimmed in a red shade will tie the two events together.

The Message

If traditional wording is your style, look for suggested text that fits your needs. Online wedding specialists frequently list wording suggestions for a range of events, from showers to wedding invitations.

For unique bridal shower invitations that guests are sure to chat about, make like Seuss (or Shakespeare) and pen a poem. If verse isn't your style, ask a literary-minded friend to help create an ultra-unique poem invite.

Of course, you already know to include the date, location and time on the bridal shower invitations, but there are other tidbits you may want to add. For example, remember to include any guidelines for themed shower. For example, if you're hosting a lingerie event, the bridal shower invitations might include the bride-to-be's size. Kitchen shower invitations might suggest a cooking-themed gift.

Wording for bridal shower invitations should also include whether guests should send regrets only or RSVP. RSVP means they should respond to you to advise whether they're attending or not. Regrets only means the guest should only respond if they cannot attend. The problem with regrets only is that some guests will invariably forget to notify you they can't show up. As a result, you might plan a party for 30 guests but only have 20 of them actually attend.

The bridal shower invitation is the first impression guests will have of the event--with a little planning it's super-easy to create a wedding shower invite that your guests will find memorable.

Rose Watson is a reviewer and commentator on wedding invitations sites. For more recommendations and reviews of providers of bridal shower invitations, go now to: http://www.allstyleweddinginvitations.com

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Four Things to Consider During the Wedding Planning Process

2010-03-29T10:41:00.001-05:00

If you are in the initial stages of your wedding planning, one of the decisions you may be faced with is how to choose the right wedding planner for you.
There are several things that a bride should consider when meeting with a wedding planner as well as during the wedding planning process. Below are just a few that will help you along the way.

1. Be Realistic About Your Budget. I know that more so know than ever, brides are very conscious about their budgets and are always looking for ways to cut. What is difficult for any planner is meeting with a bride that has no idea how much they or want to spend for their wedding. If the bride does have an idea, it is an unrealistic idea. If your budget for your wedding is $10,000, having two wedding venues is probably not the best use of your dollars, nor is having a 7-piece band and steak and shrimp for your meal. I always compare this to going grocery shopping. When you go to the grocery store, you have some idea of what you want and can spend. If you only had $150 to spend, why do you have $250 worth of groceries in your cart? Why are you deviating from the list that you should have prepared? Why is everything in your grocery cart name brand and nothing on sale? When you get to the checkout stand, the cashier is not going to just give you the extra $100 worth of groceries. You are going to have to prioritize and decide what is most important in your shopping cart and take it home with you. Your wedding budget is no different. We aren't miracle workers. Yes, we can help you save money, but you have given us a budget and our job is to help you stay within that budget. If you are able to find others to contribute, that is great. If not, then please be flexible and open to other options. We want you to have the wedding of your dreams; it just may have to be on a smaller scale.

2. This Is Your Wedding. One of the questions that brides ask me frequently is, "Am I going to have a say in what is planned and how things are?" I always smile and say, "Of course!" Please know that this is your wedding and not mine. We are simply here to assist you in your planning. I tell my brides that I can plan as much or as little of their wedding as they would like.

3. You Can Catch More With Honey Than Vinegar. I have never really understood the concept of "brideziilla." Yes, I do know what it is and what it means, but I really see no need for it. I understand that you want this to be the most wonderful day for you and your husband-to-be. I understand that all of the decision making and tasks that are involved in planning a wedding can become pretty overwhelming and stressful. If you don't like something or something is not quite done to your liking or how you had envisioned it, please let the vendor know, politely. I will say that again. Please let the vendor know politely. There is no need or excuse for rudeness, yelling, screaming, cursing or any other "bridezilla" like behavior. All vendors have a common goal which is to make this day as fabulous for you as possible. You would be amazed at how giving a vendor can be and is willing to be when treated with respect. Remember; treat others as you want to be treated.

4. It Has To Be A Good Fit For Both Of Us. I love what I do. Being a wedding and event planner truly makes me happy. I have been fortunate to have worked with wonderful clients. What I think that some brides don't think about is that not only does the partnership that we, may embark upon be a good fit for you, it has to be a good for me too. I at all costs avoid any client that I feel is critical, negative, or may have any "bridezilla" tendencies. If the personality of the bride and the planner do not mesh well, it is very difficult to plan a wonderful, magical dream wedding. A stressful, strained relationship between a bride and her planner is not a good foundation for a successful wedding at all.

Planning your wedding should be an enjoyable time. Part of your planner's job is to help make sure that this process is fun and that you have minimal stress.

Lynn White, MBA, is a Wedding & Event Planner in the Washington, DC Metro area. To learn more about Heels Above Weddings, go to http://www.heelsaboveweddings.com

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Unique Wedding Flower Customs and Traditions

2010-03-27T07:20:00.002-05:00

Weddings are often steeped in tradition, but there is one element of every wedding, flowers, that is at the top of the list. In this article, you will learn some of the unique ways that flowers have been used to symbolize different aspects of a marriage in different cultures. You will understand why flowers have a language all their own.

Floral and Décor: Wedding Flower Customs and Traditions

Flowers are one of the main elements of most weddings' décor. Adding flowers that match the color scheme of your wedding definitely brightens any room or venue, and can take a reception from ordinary to extraordinary, but do you know why flowers are such a prevalent part of weddings? Most wedding flowers can be traced back to ancient traditions all over the world. Read on to learn more about the wedding flower customs and traditions that have shaped our flower-full weddings of today.

- Wedding flowers are thought to be originated in the earliest days of primitive marriage, when fears of demons were most prevalent. Early brides would carry stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits.

- Brides in ancient Rome would carry bunches of herbs to symbolize fidelity and fertility, and to scare off evil spirits as well. This tradition is still reflected in Indian weddings in which the brother of the groom sprinkles flower petals over the couple at the end of the wedding ceremony to protect them from evil.

- In a similar vein, grooms in Sweden and Denmark sew small packets or sachets of pungent, strong-smelling herbs such as rosemary, garlic and chives into their clothing to symbolize good health and good luck.

- In the Middle East, the bitter herb Artemisia is used in the bridal bouquet to make sure that the marriage survives bitter times as well as good times.

- In Tudor England, brides ate marigolds dipped in rosewater after the wedding ceremony as the combination was thought to have aphrodisiac properties.

- Ancient Greek brides included ivy in their bridal bouquets as a symbol of their tenacious spirit and never ending love.

- In Greek Orthodox weddings, crowns of fragrant and delicate white orange blossoms were traditionally made for both the bride and the groom to symbolize virginity and purity. In traditional Indian weddings, the bride and the groom also both don a floral headpiece.

- Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that began in England, when women used to try to rip pieces off of the bride's dress and flowers in order to attain some of her good luck. To distract the crowd the bride would toss her wedding bouquet and run away.

- The Victorians were fascinated by the meanings of different flowers, and were one of the first groups to popularize the wedding rose, which represents true love.

- Unlike the Western hemisphere, the Chinese and Japanese view white as the color of death and funerals. Instead, the color red plays a vital role in wedding festivities as it is considered a bold and lucky color.

- Peonies and roses are very popular flowers in Chinese and Japanese weddings, and bouquets are always grouped in six or nine flowers as these numbers represent prosperity and wealth. Groups of three flowers are avoided because the word for three is very similar to the word used for death.

Some of these cultural wedding customs may seem obscure, odd, or just plain silly now, but they have led to the beautiful tradition of having flowers at your wedding. Consider adopting some of these ancient or cultural traditions into your own wedding for a unique spin on traditional wedding floral décor.

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Determining When to Have Your Wedding

2010-03-26T06:08:00.001-05:00

Of all the questions that surround your wedding, the one that everybody will want to know is "When is the wedding?" Often, couples can't answer that question right away, because there a lot of things to take into account before setting a date. In this article, you will find answers to some of the decisions that need to be made before setting your wedding date.

Determining When to Have Your Wedding

Copyright © 2010 Stephanie Lopez

Your boyfriend recently got down on one knee and popped the question! The day was romantic and went perfectly as you had always imagined; Romeo down on one knee pleading for your eternal love. Well, perhaps it didn't go quite like that. Though, none the less you are now engaged and excited to get planning. You probably have already discovered the very first question all people will ask as soon as you share your exciting news is, "So, when is the date?" That may be a question that the two of you aren't even sure of yet. If you are feeling unsure on when your big day should take place don't feel alarmed. There are a few questions that you need to go over and you will be down to the month and maybe even the day.

Are there time restraints? In some cases you may need to be married right away. There are many reasons that this may be the case. Some examples could include being in the military or a break from school or work. Whatever the case might be try to come up with the most realistic option possible. Try to avoid your wedding day from being around other life changing decisions.

When is your anniversary? Perhaps it might be really important to the two of you to have your wedding day on the day you met or your very first date. Whatever it may be that is a special day for the two of you. It could even be the first time that love was declared. Nothing seals the day that you remember with your wedding day. It's the icing on the cake.

Do you want an indoor or outdoor wedding? If you have always dreamed of a beach wedding you can eliminate some of the colder months. If an indoor wedding is to your liking then you have more options that don't exclude particular months.

What is your budget? It may seem early to set a budget, but this is a great way to help to determine when to have your wedding. The warmer months are high demand for the wedding season, so if your budget is tight try a beautiful winter wedding. You can still manage to do outdoor weddings in the spring and fall just be choosey on your day. Perhaps refer to an almanac to pick the perfect date.

What is the availability of the venues? If you already know where you want to be married get in contact with the venue right away. There is no sense in setting a date that is already taken. If you are sure of the venue, are already month specific and all the weekends are taken try choosing an off day, such as a weekday as an alternative. This is also an awesome way to pinch pennies if you are trying to wed in the high season.

What fashions and styles do you want? If you're sure that you want a long sleeve or a sleeveless dress then you can eliminate seasons right away. Perhaps you know the colors that you want, this can also help to choose the season. You don't want fall colors in a spring wedding.

With all of these questions answered you are sure to come up with a day that will be perfect for the both of you. I recommend going over all of these questions with your fiancé right away. That way when people ask you when the big day is you can at least have an estimate. This also gets the planning process started, so when you make the announcement you can get people enlisted to help.

If you are located in the Kansas City Metro area and are looking for the perfect setting to have an intimate wedding or reception visit
http://www.weddingreceptionhallandgarden.com/ . Not only is the setting readily decorated, but the family-owned Cotillion Room and Garden can alleviate the stress to assist you in your planning needs.

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How to Plan a Wedding

2010-03-25T06:15:00.001-05:00

Getting engaged is an exciting time for every couple, but it's also the time when the real work of planning a wedding begins. To get you started on the right foot, these tips from wedding coordinator Andrea Wyn will get you off and running on solid ground...

How to Plan a Wedding

There are so many steps involved when planning a wedding. In fact, it can be overwhelming and stressful for someone unfamiliar with special event planning. This article will help explain how to plan a wedding.

One of the first steps when planning a wedding is to determine your wedding planning budget. It is important to be realistic with this budget - don't expect caviar and champagne and yet only spend what you would for hamburgers and beer!

No matter what type of wedding you are planning you must decide in the beginning how much you want to spend and stick to that budget. This dollar amount will help you stay on track with your wedding and make your life a lot easier. If something doesn't fit in the budget, then you will need to take creative steps to find alternatives or eliminate it all together.

As a special event planning coordinator, I am often asked how to plan a wedding and when to start a wedding planning budget. My first response is to consider all aspects of the wedding itself from the dress and invitations, to the venue, the menu as well as the guest favors. In fact, here are some of the basic budget line items to consider when planning a wedding:

Dress
Invitations, escort cards and thank you cards
Food and Beverage Venue Fees - including parking and ceremony site
Officiate Fee
Music for ceremony and reception
Flowers
Event Rentals such as a special chair, linen or upgraded china to name a few
Room Décor and upgraded lighting
Photographer and Videographer
Cake
Special event planning or wedding coordinator fee
Party Favors
Hair and Makeup
Special Event Insurance

With each one of these line items, there are numerous options a bride should take into account when she starts to consider how to plan a wedding for herself and her fiancée. And don't forget, these days many fiancées want to be part of the wedding planning process as well.

In the upcoming articles on this topic, I will provide more details on the wedding planning budget in efforts to help ease your stress when planning a wedding. Wedding planning is a job within itself and it is important to consider all aspects of the special event planning budget so that your lasting wedding day memories are a joy to remember. Until next time, remember the Budget Bash mantra: make it simple, delicious, stylish, fun and economical for all!

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The 80/20 Wedding

2010-03-24T08:09:00.001-05:00

If you have ever heard the phrase "Don't sweat the small stuff", it's great advice to follow when it comes to wedding planning. Couples looking for a stress-free planning experience should focus on the big picture, and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the smallest details. Attending to the "little things" is the responsibility of the wedding vendors you choose to work with. In this article, organization professionals Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch give some excellent advice on getting and keeping your wedding planning priorities in order.

The 80/20 Wedding

Life is hectic.

But when you throw a major life event like a wedding in the mix, it can get downright nutty. The logical question for practical and busy people is: how can I plan for a memorable wedding without it becoming all consuming? At Buttoned Up, we are huge believers in applying the 80/20 rule to event planning. If you aren't familiar with the 80/20 rule - it basically states that, in anything, a relatively small handful of things really contribute to the desired outcome - so focus energy and attention on them and worry less about all the rest. Getting clarity on the "must-do's" versus the "nice-to-do's" is critical to keeping your sanity in the run up to the big day. In that spirit, we've put together some tips on how to use the 80/20 rule to plan for your upcoming nuptials.

1. Ask a Question. Looking for ways to make your actual wedding ceremony more special? One of the best-known ways to trigger your imagination is via free association. Find five married people whom you admire and ask them one, simple question: what was the most meaningful part of your wedding ceremony? Use their perspectives as a jumping off point for ideas on what's really important and how to make your own ceremony special.

2. Decide Where to Stand Firm. Weddings are one big up-sell opportunity for vendors (e.g. it is the most important day of your life...you wouldn't want to go without x,y,z). Simply knowing where you won't be up-sold and where you will allow a little of it can make a huge difference in your ability to stick to your budget. Given the input from others you gathered in step one, identify the things that you won't scrimp on and the things you will. Then head online and take advantage of some amazing budget tools. The website TheKnot.com has great budget worksheets, which you can find on their site under the tools tab.

3. Skip the Musical Chairs. Few things cause more pre-wedding angst than seating charts. Are Uncle John and cousin Becky still feuding? Will your conservative in-laws balk at sharing a table with your free-spirited family members? Will a college acquaintance be angry she isn't seated at the same table as other, closer friends from school? When you consider that the typical guest will only be seated for about 1 hour of a 4 hour event, is it really worth wringing your hands over? No. Open seating is a stress-free option for hosts that is often more enjoyable for guests, because they get to choose their own dinner companions. If you must structure the tables somewhat for catering purposes, simply assign table numbers, don't try to orchestrate who sits where at each table.

4. Don't Skimp on Photos. It may sound a little cliché, but the day itself goes by in a flash. Many brides say that they didn't really experience their wedding until they got the photos back. Get a good photographer to document the day. Be sure to look for someone who has the ability to capture unscripted feelings and moments. Those are the ones you will cherish.

5. Food Is Love. Food isn't the first thing that comes to mind when someone says "wedding." But, with a cost per guest of anywhere from $35 to well over $100, food is typically one of the biggest, if not the biggest, cost drivers for a wedding. If you are getting married at home or at a private residence, instead of opting for the same old chicken or steak routine, consider asking friends and family to give you the gift of food. Rather than buying a standard-issue gift from a registry, they can sign up to make a dish (with plenty of love, of course) for the big celebration. We know it might sound a little bit crazy - a pot luck wedding? But they can be just as classy as any catered affair. The key to pulling it off is planning. For example If you prefer to have a bit more control over the menu, enable guests to "register" to make a certain number of servings of a particular dish (e.g. Caesar Salad, Lemon Risotto) or of a particular kind of dish (e.g.appetizer, salad, main dish, dessert).

6. Divvy Up the Thank You's. Sending heartfelt thank you notes is the perfect and perfectly appropriate way to complete your wedding celebration. Unfortunately, many brides take responsibility for the entire list, which means two things: (1) grooms don't have any opportunity to express gratitude for gifts received, and (2) it takes twice as long to get through the list. Try this: the day after you return home from your honeymoon (or the wedding), make a master list of all the presents received and divvy up the thank you responsibilities with your spouse. You can divide the list logically by 'guest of the bride/guest of the groom,' by gift type (e.g. place settings for her, kitchen gadgets for him), or any way that makes sense for the two of you. To keep yourselves honest, set a deadline for thank you notes to be completed and establish a bounty, say of $5, for each uncompleted note.

Buttoned Up is dedicated to helping stretched & stressed women get organized. Co-founders Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch team up with a group of Gurus to give you tips & products for all your messy, stressed needs & introduce "imperfect organization." Visit http://www.getbuttonedup.com to see which Guru matches your style & get info on Everyday Life, Life Essentials & Life Events

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