Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding - Planning Your Own

Delicious Tropical Cocktails For Your Beach Wedding

2009-01-22T06:40:00-08:00

Beach weddings aren't complete without an array of cool, refreshing and delectable tropical cocktails but the list of what you can serve at your beach wedding reception is miles long! At our wedding, I didn't even know the hotel was going to serve cocktails, thought it was only canapes and cold drinks. I had PIÑA COLADA before we had our photo shoots!

Considering that my family doesn't drink alcohol, they didn't realize there was an alcohol on any choice of drinks, they enjoyed it though! Without knowing that it would give them a kick after having a glass or two, by 10pm I saw my mother and sister were dancing already with the singers, oh dear. While they didn't manage to stay until midnight with us - "MIDNIGHT BY THE BEACH", staring at the moon and the stars while finishing all the cocktails.

How do you know what would be good and what would make guests cringe? Not to worry - here's a simple and easy list of delicious cocktails that your guests will love sipping next to the shoreline as they celebrate your special day with you.

BLUE HAWAIIAN COCKTAIL
This delicious cocktail is a bright blue and puts even the brightest Caribbean waters to shame.

1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce white rum
1 ounce cream of coconut
1 tsp sugar (or more if you like it sweet)
1/2 ounce blue Curaco

Shake ingredients together and pour over crushed ice. Garnish as desired with pineapple slices, cherries or umbrellas.

PIÑA COLADAThis classic beach style cocktail is a must at any beach wedding reception.

6 ounces white rum
8 ounces coconut cream
8 ounces pineapple juice
3 cups of ice
Pineapple slices

Blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Garnish with pineapple slices and anything else you like!

GREEN DRAGONThis unique drink is simple to make but absolutely delicious - and puts an untraditional spin on classic champagne!

1 ounce Midori melon liquor
4-5 ounces champagne of your choice
Serve in a champagne glass or martini glass and garnish with orchids or other types of tropical flowers.

"SEX ON THE BEACH" COCKTAILThis enormously fun tropical cocktail is perfect for beach weddings - it will give your guests an idea of what you and your new husband will be doing afterwards!

2 ounces orange juice
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
2 ounces cranberry juice
1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 cup crushed ice
Mix ingredients slowly over a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with cherries, pineapple slices, orange wedges or any other garnish of your choice.

TROPICAL ITCH COCKTAILMix it up with this hilarious and delicious cocktail.

1 ounce white rum
1 ounce vodka
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier (Orange curaco will also do)
4 ounces passion fruit juice

Serve this cocktail with a backscratcher in the glass!

There are a great number of delicious tropical cocktails that you can serve at your beach wedding reception - a great way to find out new and exciting cocktail recipes is to ask your bartender. Even better, ask your bartender if he or she can whip up a fun, new cocktail with you and your husband in mind. Name it after your new marriage and let your guests have this drink on the house! Incorporate your personalities into it by choosing fun, whimsical liquors and garnishes that blend well together.

No matter what types of cocktails you choose to serve at your beach wedding reception, your guests will enjoy each and every one of them.

Unique Beach Wedding Cakes

2009-01-17T15:20:00-08:00

First thing that comes to our mind when talking about BEACH WEDDING CAKES - should be unique, interesting, different from the normal cake, and putting something that shows anything you could find on the beach, is the main thing here. Mostly, SHELLS in addition to this traditional ribbons to accentuate your motif. When it comes to wedding cakes, long gone are the days of following tradition. Since you are considering a beach wedding cake, you are obviously not a slave to those traditions. so... let's stray from the 'norm' and be adventurous then! One thing to remember....there are no rules! If there are, well, rules are made to be broken.

Photo below was my wedding cake. We didn't ask for a big one though, since we were only a total of at least 30 people! I'm sure next you would have in mind is, are they real shells Madz? NO! They were all hardened icing, molded and shaped with different shell types. Clever huh!

Beach wedding cakes can be anything you want them to be! At the end of the day, it's your day. You can have whatever you want to have, make the most of every resources you've got in terms of ideas. Be creative and adventurous, make yours as distinctive than the rest.
What Size?

How many guests are you planning to have? If you have your beach wedding cakes made professionally it can range in price anywhere from $2.00 to $15.00 per slice. A "slice" is normally considered to be 2 ounces or, approximately 4" x 2". The range in price will depend on how much intricate detail you want on it. If the cake you choose is very labor intensive, you can expect higher prices. If you are on a tight budget, keep it simple!

What Shape?

Beach wedding cakes can be any size, shape or description. Be creative. If you have an idea for your cake, sketch it out on paper and take it to that talented friend, relative or your chosen bakery. If you can imagine it, someone can make it!Do not limit your thinking to a two or three tier cake. It can be round, square, a sheet cake, a sculpted cake, individual mini cakes, cupcakes or even cookies! Some brides even choose a one or two layer, individual wedding cake on each guest table rather than the traditional large cake at the head table. This is a nice idea because it also serves as the table centerpiece. This eliminates the added expense associated with having a wedding centerpiece at each table! A couple of things to keep in mind though...

Beach Wedding Makeup Tips

2009-01-17T06:16:00-08:00

One of the worries "brides-to-be" can sometimes have is "the looks" she may have on her big day! While every bride wants to look beautiful on her wedding day and fears the wrong choice will spoil the look of the whole wedding attire. This is why MAKEUP and HAIR DRY RUN is becoming an A-list the brides-to-be must do. Like myself, I had my make-up and hair dry run in the Philippines when I took a two weeks interruption from work to get everything done, my gown measurement, buy all the accessories needed, etc.

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and the makeup you choose for that special day will be reflected for years to come in your precious wedding photographs, so naturally, you want it to be nothing less than perfect. Beach brides face a little bit more of a challenge when choosing their wedding day makeup look than brides with other wedding venues, because essentially you're competing against the elements. You don't want makeup foundation and concealer to melt or smear in the sun and you don't want your skin to appear thick and cakey. Here's some tips to help you create the perfect beach wedding look.

Get A Sexy, Natural Glow

Whether it's a gradual tan from a lotion that provides a subtle glow, a glamorous spray tan or even a traditional UV tan, a natural looking glow will be your best asset on your wedding day. Having skin that looks sun kissed before you step into the sun will make you look and feel even more like a beach bride. Having a great tan not only looks spectacular but will help hide flaws that would be seen on paler skin.

Tip: Go for something subtle and natural looking and be careful not to get too dark. If you plan on using self tanners or getting a spray tan, test it out well before the big day so you won't be surprised by the results.

Use Tinted Moisturizer

For beach brides, tinted moisturizer is an absolute must have. Traditional foundation can look heavy and inappropriate when you're on the beach and you'll feel like you have a mask on. Tinted moisturizer will even out your skin tone and hide flaws without going on too thick.

Bronzer, Bronzer, Bronzer

Bronzer will give you great highlights, catching the sun and drawing the eye to all the right places. Use bronzer on your cheeks, nose, forehead and collarbones for a gorgeous sheen.

Tip: Use a light bronzer. A dark one will look patchy and uneven.

Lip Gloss, Not Lipstick

Many brides opt for a nice, subtle lip color that matches or accents their blush for their wedding look. Even light lip color tends to be too heavy for beach brides. Go with a gorgeous, wet looking gloss with very minimal tint - if any - for a subtly sexy pout. Great lip glosses are thick instead of thin and have a very slight metallic sheen to them

Black Is Out, Brown Is In

Black eyeliner and mascara also tend to be very heavy on the face if you're planning a ceremony on the beach. Instead of going with black, try using an espresso or latte colored pencil and mascara for a more natural look. If you plan on using false eyelashes, try using the individual lashes instead of a full set. They can be put on in small sections to help add depth and mystery to your eyes without going overboard.

When you're planning out your beach wedding makeup look, less truly is more. Go with neutral tones instead of bold colors and don't overdo it. The end result will be subtly sexy and beautiful - perfect for the big day.

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Helpful Articles for your Beach Wedding Planning:
10 Unique Ideas For Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Beach Wedding Brides
Flower Guide For Your Beach Wedding
Part III: My Wedding Day Photo Shoots

Beach Wedding Bouquets

2009-01-12T05:30:00-08:00

This was my BEACH WEDDING BOUQUET. This is one of the weddings "must have" that you don't stress about, most flower shops or all bouquet experts know much on what sort of style, flowers, or colors that would match your theme! It doesn't have to be complicated, just know what's available on the spot and work from there. As for myself, it was our very first to visit Mauritius (our wedding venue), apparently, we didn't know exactly what sort of flowers I was going to have for my wedding! Since we've got to be there at least 3 days before our big day (minimum days arrival requirements for destination weddings), we had time to see the flower shop and chose ourselves, showed us their photographs of samples and to choose from there.

A beach theme wedding is, by nature - SIMPLE... There aren't a lot of decorations or sparkling lights - in essence, you're using the beautiful beach and the magnificence and simplicity of the ocean as your wedding backdrop. There are a few things that stand out at a beach wedding though, the bride's bouquet being one of them. It is one of the largest floral arrangements at a beach theme wedding ceremony and during your walk down the sandy aisle, everyone's going to be eyeing it. Here's how to select excellent flowers for your beach bridal bouquet that will "wow."

Tropical Colors

Many beach brides simply use white as their overall color, incorporating that into the bridal dress, the groom's tuxedo and even into the flowers. This usually gives a light, sophisticated aura to a beach theme wedding. Some brides, however, crave a little bit more than what white alone can give them. A perfect place to incorporate colors into your beach theme wedding ceremony is in the bridal bouquet itself. Select tropical flowers such as birds of paradise, or simply use flowers that are brightly colored. Orange and pink tiger lilies are excellent in beach bridal bouquets, while vibrantly tipped roses can really be eye catching. Talk to your florist or use your imagination to come up with a colorful, tropical bridal bouquet that brings out the best of the beach.

"Beachy" Additions

There's nothing that says that a beach bouquet has to consist only of flowers - don't limit yourself! Incorporate large, tropical leaves, pearls or even seashells. Pearls are a great addition to a white bouquet, but tropical leaves edging brightly colored flowers are a great touch. You can use a combination of leaves, pearls, seashells or other types of beach items in your bouquet, just remember to let them be accents and not let them take over the entire bouquet. Alternatively, a bouquet made entirely out of seashells and pearls can be an extremely unique and one of a kind beach wedding bouquet.

Shape and Size

The shape and size of your beach bouquet can vary, depending on how bold you want to be. A smaller, simple wedding calls for a smaller bouquet, but if you want your bouquet to be the focal point of the ceremony, feel free to make it larger and more noticeable. A cascading bouquet is a beautiful addition to any beach wedding ceremony, mimicking the cascade of the ocean waves themselves, but a handheld beach bridal bouquet is just as classy.

Talk to your florist and use your creativity to come up with different styles of beach bride bouquets that you like! Thumb through a few bridal magazines and pick out a few different bouquet elements that you like and discuss with your florist how to bring those elements together for a truly unique and one of a kind bouquet. A silk bouquet is a good option if you want a keepsake, but fresh flowers truly embrace the spirit of beauty and simplicity of the beach!

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Helpful Articles for your Beach Wedding Planning:
Choosing Your Bridal Buoquet
Wedding Theme Color Collections
Peach-Orange-Cream Theme of My Beach Wedding
7 Ways of Using Flowers At Your Beach Wedding
10 Unique Ideas For Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Beach Wedding Brides
Flower Guide For Your Beach Wedding
The Wedding Flower Guide For Every Bride

7 Ways Of Using Flowers At Your Beach Wedding

2009-01-08T06:18:00-08:00

Based on my own experience of my own wedding by the beach, FLOWERS rather play a huge part of my beach theme wedding, and for normal beach weddings anywhere. I didn't concentrate much on working on the flowers to put on the aisle or at the venue, my only worry was my BOUQUET and for BRIDESMAIDS too.

During my early 20's, I used to see beach weddings which were very simple. Not many brides opt to have a beach theme wedding so they can save money, but because they wanted to have a very unique wedding to treasure for a lifetime, or because they’d rather not have a huge chapel ceremony. Fortunately, with beach theme weddings, the ocean serves as a backdrop, minimizing the need for decorations. With a few simple arrangements, you can make your beach wedding ceremony and reception stand out from the crowd.

Photo below was an example of how we decorated our beach wedding, we exchanged our vows surrounded with fresh flowers....

1. Living Plants
So many brides use cut flowers for beach wedding reception centerpieces that it has become the tradition. You can actually use living plants, however, as your reception centerpieces and even allow the guests to take them home after the festivities. This is a greener and cheaper way to create the look you want for your beach theme wedding!

2. Table Arrangements

Centerpieces on the beach wedding reception tables are very traditional, but depending on your table set up, you might be able to attach table arrangements to the edge of your table. This is a great way to display floral sprays! If you can’t use them for every table, you can really make an impression by using floral sprays on the edge of the cake table and the bride and groom’s table.

3. Incorporate Flower Balls

Flower balls are a unique way to use flowers at your wedding, whether you choose to use silk flowers or fresh ones. They’re easy to make – you can even make them yourself – and they look great at your wedding. You can use them as bridesmaid bouquets or hanging arrangements and they’re versatile enough to go anywhere.

4. Hanging Arrangements

Hanging arrangements add vertical depth to your wedding ceremony and reception, drawing the eye upwards and making your décor appear fuller, even if the décor is quite simple. This is a great way to fill out a simple beach wedding. Use plant hanging stands or other types of hanging stands to line the aisles with floral arrangements that sway above the guests, or do something similar at the altar for a more unique look.

5. Flank Arrangements

You can use pedestals or other types of stands to create floral flank arrangements that normally stand where bridesmaids and groomsmen stand. This is a great way to add depth to your ceremony if you don’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen or if your wedding is small.

6. Aisle Flowers

Consider using more than just rose petals to sprinkle down the sandy aisle. You can create your aisle with rows of small bouquets, or you can simply use a lush carpet of flower petals. This will draw attention to you as you walk down the aisle.

7. Pedestal Flowers

Skip the traditional wedding arch and instead use a pedestal with a lovely flower arrangement on top. The height of a pedestal should come up to your knees or thighs, but no higher than your waist. This puts the focus on you and your groom rather than your ceremony flowers, yet still gives you that special touch that ties everything together.

Make yours as distinctive as possible. This may be one of the major expenses you have to consider, but it is worth paying much money after looking at your photographs.

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Helpful Articles for your Beach Wedding Planning:
10 Unique Ideas For Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas
Beach Wedding Brides
Flower Guide For Your Beach Wedding
The Wedding Flower Guide For Every Bride
My Wedding Day - Part IV: Reception By The Beach
My Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
My Wedding Day - Part II: Ceremony By the Beach
My Wedding Day - Part I: Procession Going To The Beach

10 Unique Ideas For Beach Wedding Reception

2009-01-07T05:16:00-08:00

When I was still planning my own wedding, after we have had decided to have a beach wedding, I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED EVERY MOMENT IN MY PLANNING PERIOD! I remember I used to imagine what was gonna be like when we get to Mauritius. In fact, I even fantasized and envisioned for tens of sleeping nights, it was like my eyes were closed but my mind and spirit were flying. Thanks God it was finally over, this was my very first feelings the moment everybody had flown back to their respective countries!

My BEACH WEDDING RECEPTION was the finale of all of my hard work and the celebration of the union between my husband and myself. Of course, we wanted or you want it to be perfect in every way possible! Here are 10 unique ways to decorate your beach theme wedding, without overstretching your wedding budget. These are all based on my own experience, though our reception area was all organized by the resort personnel, which really turned out to be ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

Please click here to read the story of my Wedding Reception by the Beach of Le Canonnier in Mauritius....Enjoy reading...

1. Remember to have fun at your beach theme wedding reception! Your wedding is about you - plan ahead so there are people around to take care of the details and you can relax and enjoy your new husband and your celebration.

2. Consider having your beach wedding reception much later in the evening, when the sun is well on its way to setting. It's important to keep your guests cool and comfortable and outdoor temperatures are at their highest in the afternoon and early evening.

3. Serve a variety of fresh fruits and light fare, such as salads. Beach wedding receptions tend to be warmer and most guests won't want to dine on heavy foods like steaks and chicken.

4. You should also skip the confetti. Like balloons, confetti is dangerous to the local environment and wildlife and is more difficult to clean up. Unless you're having an indoor beach wedding reception, you're better off without confetti altogether.

5. Unless you're going with a whimsical theme, for a beach theme wedding reception you're better off going without balloons. Not only are these dangerous for the environment and wildlife should they get loose and pop, they don't do an elegant beach wedding justice.

6. For an elegant look, keep your beach wedding reception décor to a minimum. Overwhelming the area with dozens of trinkets and lots of colors will only serve to make your décor look to busy or thrown together.

7. Use real, natural sea finds for your beach wedding reception table decoration instead of purchasing bags of seashells, dried starfish or even sand dollars. Go out on the beach in the early morning and see what you can find - spend some time cleaning them and letting them dry. They'll make incredibly inexpensive yet beautiful decorations!

8. Try incorporating lanterns instead of candles. Candles can be blown out easily, even by just a simple gust of wind. Lanterns offer protection for the flame and many of them even last longer than candles, so your reception will be elegantly lit well into the night.

9. Consider a pool side beach reception. Bear in mind that a reception right on the sand can be quite messy - sand is going to go everywhere. Many resorts and destinations offer pools and areas that are right next to the beach - offering you incredible beach views while keeping your reception perfect.

10. Use white! White is the most traditional and popular wedding colors, and it works beautifully for beach theme wedding receptions. Use white table linens, napkins, china and even flowers. To jazz up an all white beach theme reception, try employing a number of different textures, such as lace and satin.

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Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas

2008-12-31T02:00:00-08:00

Your BEACH WEDDING is going to be one of the most important days of your life, not only that - to have a BEACH WEDDING IS ONE OF A KIND, so make the most of your time. You want it to be perfect and completely, uniquely you. That's part of what having a beach wedding is all about - you're trying to break out of that cookie cutter wedding mold. Here are a few great ideas to help make your beach wedding ceremony extra special.

Canopies
Many beach brides have canopies over their altar. If the canopy is swathed in light, shimmering fabric, it can add just the right effect to a beach ceremony. Imagine walking down the aisle, covered entirely by delicate canopies gently fluttering in the wind! A canopy over the entire aisle, accented with gorgeous tropical flowers, can create a perfectly romantic feel.

Late Afternoon Ceremonies

While getting married underneath the beautiful, bright sunlight that only a beach has to offer in the middle of the day, the beach can be just as romantic at dusk. Consider having a sunset wedding on the beach - if your location is right, you might be able to have your ceremony right in front of the sun setting over the ocean! Decorate your beach theme ceremony with lots of torches and lanterns to create a super sensual effect.

Flower Petal Aisle

Instead of simply sprinkling your beach wedding aisle with rose or flower petals, why not create a thick, lush carpet of petals that will make you feel like you're walking on air? While the expense is a little extra, the effect it has on your beach theme wedding is truly worth it. It will add both dimension and depth to your ceremony, truly setting you apart from the crowd.

Here are some collections, with matching color motifs! It may be difficult to choose a color combination, but in these collections, would help you to decide easier.Use your wedding to express you and your groom's personalities and you can definitely guarantee that your wedding will be like no other! Incorporating even the smallest details - no matter how small - is what will help make your wedding extra special for both you and your guests. Above all, relax and have fun with your planning!

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Related articles:
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach
Wedding Theme Collections
Determining Your Wedding Theme
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Brides
Wedding Planning Tips (1-8 Weeks)
Wedding Planning Tips (2-4 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (4-6 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (6-9 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips For The Brides
Wedding Preparations - Questions to Ask
My Own Wedding Preparations

"The Pride of Hingotanan Bohol" - My Life's Journey to Success: My Sister's WEDDING at CHRISTMAS in BOHOL

2008-12-30T16:05:00-08:00

"The Pride of Hingotanan Bohol" - My Life's Journey to Success: My Sister's WEDDING at CHRISTMAS in BOHOL

Basic Preparation Every Bride/Groom Should Do

2008-12-20T01:45:00-08:00

That's myself, my girls and may parents walking down going to the beach to finally meet the man of my dream. I felt as though I was the most beautiful and sexiest woman during that day...:) This is our very own day, no other than...
Every bride/groom wants to look beautiful when they walk down the aisle. When you are paying thousands of dollars for photographs, you may as well do your best! Chances are, he/she loves you just the way you are, but there are some considerations you can make to ensure you are on top of your game.

EXERCISE

Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But what happens when you look in the mirror and notice trouble spots like saggy arms or unsightly folds in your back? When this happens it’s not uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape. Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that not only prevent them from reaching their goals but also cause unnecessary stress and sometimes even illness. Those are two things no bride needs! Here are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help you avoid them.

Too much, too late.

One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, don’t try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you’re dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a “to-do” on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning.

No matter how far or close your wedding day may be, it is always beneficial to stick to an exercise regime to ensure that your body and mind are in top working order. Brides/grooms who need to shed some kilos fast could try cutting carbohydrates and starchy foods from their diet, while remembering to drink lots of fresh water and keeping up their recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Those with a bit longer to plan may opt to take up a personal training regime with a qualified trainer. Most local gyms can recommend a personal trainer in your area, and diet is often included in the training regime.

Setting unachievable goals.

Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If you’ve never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fiancé) hardly recognize you?

Radical diets or fitness programs.

Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don’t be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking “diet” pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, don’t be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.

Not exercising.

It’s very easy for brides to say “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I’m too tired to exercise”. But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body can’t burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.

Skipping Meals

It’s not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven’t eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!

SKINCARE

Doing all you can to achieve a healthy glow before your wedding day is a worthwhile pursuit. Daily exfoliation is recommended in the lead up to your wedding, and some brides/grooms also opt for a facial in the fortnight before the big day.

Be careful not to have your eyebrows waxed on the day of the wedding, as large red marks can look unsightly in photographs! A gentle exfoliation, cleanse, and moisturizing regime should be best to keep your skin supple for the big day.

CLOTHING

If you are a bride, have your dress and underwear fitted by a professional! Ill-fitted dresses or incorrect undergarments can turn the perfect wedding day into a nightmare, and you may not even realise it until you get your photos back!

Ensure you attend regular dress fittings in the lead up to your wedding day, even if your dress was bought off-the-rack. It could still pay to have it altered to fit your individual body shape. Ask your dressmaker for tips on the right underwear and perhaps even order the garments from the dressmaker - as they have the best idea of bridal underwear necessities!

Shoes also need to be comfortable. Not only will you be exchanging your vows in them, but you will be traipsing around town to get photos taken and kicking up your heels on the dance floor at the reception. Your shoes need to do more than match your dress, they must be comfortable and the correct size!

For grooms, suit fitting is just as important as getting the bride’s dress right. Ensure you have a tailor fit your suit and undershirt to your individual size. There is nothing worse than coat tails that drag on the ground or trouser legs that finish halfway between the knee and the ankle! Grooms should also give their shoes a good shine before the big day - look your best!

SOUL

Preparing for a wedding can be an exhausting task. Ensure that you keep communicating with each other and make joint decisions about what your perfect wedding day will hold. It is also great to put aside some time for non-wedding related pursuits, such as sports, or spending time with friends and family.

Meditation and massage can also be helpful in the lead up to your big day and ensure that both the bride and groom are happy, glowing and feeling their absolute best!
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How to Look Great On Your Wedding Day

2008-12-19T01:42:00-08:00

Brides have always diverse opinion on various ways how to look great on their big day!! But I know one thing, that every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. This is a once in a lifetime experience, even if it is your third or fourth go, you still want to look your absolute best on the day! Looking good for the biggest day of your life is something which requires careful preparation by both the bride and the groom.

For me looking great on your wedding day means being radiant, relaxed, and ready to start a brand new existence with the person whom you've chosen to spend the rest of your entire life. Your hair, nail, makep, dress - and how you'd look in that dress - are all part of becoming the bride you wanted to be on that on that special day. Since photographs are taken on that day remain part of your life forever, it's just important to feel and look your best!

Your wedding dress if one of the most important items in your wedding plan. Make sure to take enough time to choose one that suits you best - not your best friend, not your bridesmaid, your maid of honor, and not your mother. For sure, you'll want a dress in which you can stand, walk and dance without worrying about the "wardrobe malfunctions" or causing your discomfort. Allow necessary time if you decide on having the dress made, but even if bought "off the rack", you still need time for tailoring or any adjustments to be made if any.

Like mine, I had to file for a two-week interruption from work (to fly to Philippines all the way from Africa), had my gown finalized in terms of style and my measurements!

Do not empower your dress and your headpiece with a flamboyant hair style or color that overwhelms everything else. Keep it simple and classic, and remember to practice the look you want at home or with your stylist before the wedding day! I remember when I was still on the process of choosing the gown I ever wanted to wear, I used to look at every gown style I see on the net and by way of imagining myself wearing that particular dress!

Have your nails professionally manicured the day before your big day. This is one thing you do not want to do far in advance right? Reduce the chances of a broken nail, chipped polish, of if using applied nails one coming off, by having your manicure as late as possible. Your hands will be one of the focus of attentions when showing off your new wedding ring, and for the photos!

Make up is the last thing you'll make to worry over, and that comes on the big day itself. Don't try to transform yourself into a different person with dramatic eye makeup or dazzling lipstick. Do it light, more natural is better! Use a slightly heavier hand than with your usual daytime makeup so your photos won't have you appearing washed-out looking, but don't overdo it! Avoid deep red lipstick, as well as too pale-pink. Frosted eye shadows or lipsticks are a definite NO!Make sure to buy a new mascara to avoid clumping, hand it over to your hairdresser or you do it yourself. ALSO, if you ever have a very sensitive skin, this is NOT the time to try a new brand, and the last thing you want to do is head for the altar with blotches or zits thanks to an allergic reaction! :)

The night before your wedding is not the time for partying, so get eight hours of restful sleep. If you're having a rehearsal dinner, or a bachelorette bash, make sure that it ends early, and drink slightly, or better yet, not at all!

Don't gorge yourself the night before. We all know that there might be any strange forces at work which will try to make your wedding gown just a wee bit snug in the morning. To overcome excitement and nerves, try taking a long walk - it can help with prenuptial jitters. A relaxing bath with soothing background music, a cup of herbal tea, and you should be ready to doze off with images of a happy future marriage in your dreams.

DON'T GET TOO EXCITED, TRY TO RELAX AND DO EVERYTHING IN PROPER ORDER. AVOID PANICKING...With these simple tips, I'm sure you will have a perfect wedding of your dream and may this day be the beginning of a lifetime joy and happiness!
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Related articles:
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach
Wedding Theme Collections
Determining Your Wedding Theme
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Brides
Wedding Planning Tips (1-8 Weeks)
Wedding Planning Tips (2-4 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (4-6 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (6-9 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips For The Brides
Wedding Preparations - Questions to Ask
My Own Wedding Preparations

Guide In Buying A Diamond "Engagement Ring"

2008-12-10T07:33:00-08:00

Attention ladies who are getting engaged or on your way to finally put your dream ring on your finger, I have collected some tips and ideas what to look for your ring, so as to the guys who are the ones whose pockets are at stake!

We are not talking about hundreds of dollars here, thousands to loose or to gain (if we know all the basics) in exchange of this wonderful stone in just one piece of ring. So we deserve to know all these important information about diamonds.

For the guys: It doesn't matter if its going to be a surprise proposal and have the ring ready with you, or you could opt as "ring to follow" and take your fiance with you to the stores with loads of potentials that she might like. Paying attention to her jewelry likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring.

Buying a diamond is one of the most expensive purchases you are going to make. Experts say, acquiring knowledge of the 4C's is crucial before purchasing any diamond: carat weight, diamond clarity, diamond color and diamond cut (not shape). Other advanced characteristics of diamonds include diamond fluorescence and diamond enhancements. By understanding each diamond characteristic and knowing which questions to ask when purchasing a diamond, you are much more empowered when it comes time to make your diamond investment.

4C's of Diamond Quality

Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.

Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.
If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate.
Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be substantially less expensive.
Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart:
Color: Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated.
Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones? Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.

In addition to this, Ebay has also compiled a "Guide in Buying Diamonds", to know more...

Know Diamond Cut and Shape
Determine Diamond Carat Weight
Study Diamond Clarity
Considering Diamond Color
Spot Certified Diamonds
Maintaining Your Diamond

Consider my own experience: My husband, as a Geologist, no doubt he knew what to buy for me, however, all he wanted was for me to choose the one I would have liked, also to get the perfect size of my finger! Do I make sense to you? What does mine looks like?

1) Cut - Round Brilliant Cut
2) Carat - 0.45 Carats, as I have tried bigger ones but unfortunately, they didn't look nice on my tiny finger!
3) Clarity - VVS1 (yes its close to flawless)
4) Color - G

In a TWO-TONE 18 carat Gold (white and yellow)!

Would you be able to figure out what do mine looks like?...:)

My Personalized Anniversary Gift

2008-12-06T04:54:00-08:00

If you google "Anniversary Gifts", you'd be given a hell loads of sites where you can read usefull ideas and tips, or if you want to order online, or even some romantic ideas to make yours a memorable one! Its you choice, depending on your taste and how you gonna celebrate it. As for myself, I always wanted to give some special touch, unique as possible as I could (if I can find any or can be able to do it myself), which is only limited to paper works, computer works by using my expertise in Powerpoint.

Even before I decided to have this one, I always thought of something that I can be able to put our wedding photo with matching love dedication on it, but I wasn't sure if will be made of paper or glass or wood, until I imagined a plaque-award like thing. So my sister managed to find a shop who makes personalized gifts (in Philippines), this is made of an Acrylic glass.

Madelyn & Stuart

Our Anniversary is the perfect time to
tell you what you mean to me.
How I depend on you to love me
for who I am
and believe in me for what
I hope to be.
How I feel loved each time you smile
or touch my hand and,
when I need someone to listen,
I know you'll understand.

So I celebrate this special year
of loving you,
grateful that we have the happiness
life gives to just a few.

I love you now & forever,
Madelyn

30th November

You don't have to spend a lot of money to be able to give an extraordinary present, "value doesn't count at all, its the thought that counts".

Photo above is a paper and a pen holder, which is made of the same material as the plaque style (1st photo)!

Madelyn

On our wedding day when we said "I do"
I knew I had found a true partner in you.
Someone to come home to when the day is through
Someone at the heart of everything I do.

So, not just on our anniversary
But each day all year through
I am so very grateful for
Your love - Your heart - For you!

Love always & forever,
Stuart

30th November

We Celebrated Our 1st Wedding Anniversary

2008-12-03T06:36:00-08:00

Every couple would do some effort to have a memorable celebration, not necessarily a big one, but at least a romantic one, with matching "candle lighting" or with "bunch of roses", special foods on a romantic dinner together! We didn't have all I have just mentioned! Huhuhuhu, please read our story here, on how we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary...

Peach-Orange-Cream Wedding Theme Of My Beach Wedding

2008-10-28T01:03:00-07:00

These are the color combination I decided for my own wedding, PEACH-ORANGE-CREAM Wedding Theme for my beach wedding. From my unique beach wedding invitation, to my personalized wedding program that I personally made myself, my bridesmaids' dresses, my wedding bouquet and the personalized beach towels and beach bags were given away to my guests, plus my personalized luggage tags with all our guests' names and home address.
As what I have previously posted regarding the collection of wedding themes to choose from, as your guide, you can also think of any color combination you may like. What made me decide to have chosen these colors in the end was, the thought of having a bright sunny afternoon wedding, to accentuate the beauty of having a beach wedding.
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Related articles:
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach
Wedding Theme Collections
Determining Your Wedding Theme
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Placecard Holders
My Unique Wedding Invitation
My Personalized Wedding Program
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Brides
Getting Married in Mauritius
Our Wedding Website

Wedding Theme Color Collections

2008-10-24T07:35:00-07:00

Confused what theme your wedding will it be? Or rather, you don't know what sort of color combination you would going to have?

When I was planning my own wedding, and was still unsure the theme color I was going to have that would match my beach wedding, I used to collect all different sort of colors and I chose from among these wedding inspiration boards/collections I have had. Indeed, picking your entire theme is one of the greatest things about planning your wedding, and for most people, a theme may begin from your favorite color, or your wedding dress. Sometimes brides want to stay with the pastel color paletter for their weddings, meaning soft pinks, yellows, purples and blues. However, in this new day and age, we can add those same colors, just in bolder hues!

These are some of my favorites, if only to have more than one wedding, I would have liked to experienced them all! LOL...

Green, Yellow & Orange Wedding Ideas

Post Pink Wedding Inspiration

Peach-Orange Wedding Ideas

Peach, Apricot & Orange Wedding Ideas

Red, Peach & Orange Wedding Theme

Red, Orange & Hot Pink Wedding Theme

Wheat Field Wedding Inspiration

Pink & Orange Wedding Ideas

Green, White & Purple Wedding Inspitation

Green Wedding Ideas

Red, Gold & Green Wedding Theme

Tangelo, Cameo & Gold Wedding Inspiration

Fashionable Purple & Pink Wedding Details

Pink & Brown with a Touch of Cream Wedding Ideas

Chocolate Brown & Pink Wedding Theme

Pink & Green Wedding Theme

Mint Green Wedding Ideas

Lemon & Gray Wedding Inspiration

Deep Red & Burgundy Wedding Theme

Glorious Gold Wedding Theme

Beach Wedding Dresses

2008-10-20T08:06:00-07:00

Indeed, beach weddings are becoming so popular these days, and why not?,, with the beautiful backdrop of mother nature as your nuptials, it's easy to see why. Beach weddings are not only naturally romantic, but beaches provide a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for that important day without costing an arm and a leg. The rising cost of formal settings, coupled with the natural beauty and romance of sand and surf, makes the beach a perfect place to exchange vows. But finding the perfect beach wedding dress can pose some challenges. Most "informal wedding dresses" are still way too formal and poofy and do not match the casual, natural, laid-back setting of the beach.
You will probably have to give up the notion of a Cinderella dress. A beach wedding calls for a more casual look. Natural elements, while providing atmosphere, can wreak havoc with your appearance.

Sweet and Simple at the Beach
The classic beach wedding dress is cool, casual, and relaxed, yet sexy and beautiful. A heavy, elaborate gown with a long train may appear out of place on the beach, so consider a simpler design. For example: a short or tea-length white satin strapless dress; an elegant rayon sarong; or a long sundress. Consider airy, lightweight fabrics, such as georgette, chiffon, crepe, organza, charmeuse, or even cotton (avoid silk, which can make you perspire). If you do want a train, consider a shorter one with a finger hold so you're not dragging it through the sand.

Check for Bridesmaids' Dresses
Since many wedding dresses are too formal for the beach, you might want to consider looking at bridesmaid dresses in ivory, cream, light pink, etc. These are generally more casual. So are prom dresses, and it won't be difficult to find a white prom dress. Another option is to have something made exactly how you want it.
Watch the Wind
Keep in mind that the beach, whether you are on the sand or in a waterfront gazebo, is likely to be windy. Consider the cut of your dress. A slip dress or other straight-line design will behave a lot better than an A-line or fuller skirt. If you really want a full, flowing dress, then go with a long one. A simple white strapless dress with a flared skirt is one possibility. Add a blue sash to match the ocean and give you something blue for luck.

If you're wearing a veil, make sure it's weighted at the bottom so it doesn't flap continuously or catch the wind and go airborne. Think of the wedding pictures! Since part of the reason for getting married on the beach might be to keep your wedding casual, you might want to drop the veil entirely.

A Flower in Your Hair
For the complete beach look, consider a flower in your hair or a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure they're pinned down good though or you may lose them to the ocean wind. Also, keep your comfort in mind so you can enjoy this special day. Remember, nylons and the beach don't mix. Same with high heels. Go barefoot, or wear dressy or barefoot sandals.

Beach Wedding Brides

2008-10-19T01:08:00-07:00

Congratulations and good luck of having decided on a wonderful destination wedding or a wedding at your local beach. So, I'm sure you may have started of looking for different wedding dresses for the beach, for your dream wedding. I did exactly what I just said, the moment we have decided to have ours on a beach, first thing that tickled my mind was to search for my gown. There is one thing in common with most wedding gowns for a beach wedding, and that is that they usually are a shorter dress so that there is not a train dragging in the sand the whole time. However, as soon as I have seen all those beach wedding websites, which doesn't necessarily mean to have a short dress, at the end of the day it is your big day and you can have whatever you like. The entire decision is yours, so take the most of it.

Finding beach wedding dresses can be quite challenging, and if it is not common for weddings in your home area to occur on a beach, chances are the local wedding gown shop will have a very limited selection when you are looking for a beach wedding dress. You may have to consider purchasing a white dress that is designed for a graduation or other event in order to find a dress that will work as beach bridal gowns. Many beach style wedding dresses can be found by looking on the internet. One of the biggest selling beach dresses are the fall beach wedding dresses.

Informal beach wedding dresses can be found online quite easily, and is often your best bet for ideas as the wedding shops in your city will most likely showcase the more formal wedding dresses. There are, however some beach wedding gowns that can be very formal and elaborate. This will often consist of a wedding gown that has been tailored to make it shorter, which will prevent you from tripping over a wedding dress train in the sand that is hard enough to walk in as it is. If you are wearing a beach wedding gown, it is also more important to wear some sort of sandal or other footwear to go with it. You do not want to take away from the elegance of a formal wedding dress by going bare footed.
Casual beach wedding dresses can consist of any type of dress you want. It can be as simple as a sundress found at a casual clothing store, and will not look out of place as long as the rest of the wedding party and groom dress to match. In fact, many beach wedding dresses are casual styled. Some of the casual wedding gowns for the beach are partially a bikini. Many people also have 2 different wedding gowns for their beach wedding. One of them, are a fancy bridal dress for the beach wedding and the other for the reception. Just remember, you are going to want it to be comfortable and cool. After all, if you are having a beach wedding, chances are it is at a hot destination. It is also going to be much easier to bring a simple dress on an airplane than a long formal wedding gown. In addition, when choosing wedding dresses for the beach, you should go with what is comfortable to you.

For the complete guide of choosing your beach wedding gown, please click here.
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Related articles:
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Brides: How Do You Want To Look Like On Your Big Day
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
Choosing Beach Wedding Favors For A Fairy Tale Wedding
Determining Your Theme
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Beach Wedding Favors by HansonEllis
My Beach Wedding Favors by My Favors
Message In A Bottle Beach Wedding Favor
My Unique Wedding Invitation
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Placecard Holders
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach

Planning Flowers For Your Wedding

2008-10-18T08:41:00-07:00

Choosing what sort of flowers you gonna be using on your wedding is quite easy if you only know what sort of flowers your location has to offer. It doesn't have to be very complicated. We all know that flowers seem to be a significant part of every wedding, and the decision to have flowers usually isn't the hard part, as is deciding which kind to have. There are many different options. Having real flowers or silk flowers and deciding on type, color and arrangements can be a daunting task. The flowers to be used for decorating your wedding are very important and many people wait until the last minute to begin planning. Don't make this mistake; preparation is one of the most crucial aspects of the entire process. Decide on a florist ahead of time as they can get booked up especially in the busy Spring and early Summer wedding seasons. When it comes to the day of your wedding be sure to allow plenty of time to set up the arrangements.

Although you want to plan ahead of time you do not want to have the flower arrangements set up too far ahead of the wedding ceremony. Even if you have friends and relatives who are taking care of the flowers for you do not set them up too early.

It is best to have the arrangements done at most a few hours prior to the ceremony. Even setting them up the night before can result in wilting flowers and can ruin the look of your wedding.

If you have chosen to use lilies like the popular Stargazers be aware that their pollen can stain badly. Don't be afraid of using them because they are very beautiful and have a pleasant fragrance, just snip off the pollen bearing parts of the plant before having them set up.

If you are using a florist to set up your wedding flower arrangements be sure that they aren't rushed and overbooked. Unless they have a huge staff they should not have more than one or two weddings booked for a particular day. I prefer getting friends and family involved, personally. Again, if you are using a florist make sure that you have a detailed contract that outlines the details of what you have agreed to and discussed including pricing, timing, types of flowers and anything else that you deem to be important. You must be specific about colors, sizes, numbers, etc. Do not just leave it up to the florist, they will do the least they can get by with if you don't spell it out ahead of time and get it in writing.

If you plan ahead and shop around you can be sure that your special day will be enhanced by the flower arrangements and the people you use to set them up for you, if you don't it could make your special day turn into a big headache. It is smart to have someone help you; don't try to take on all the planning by yourself.

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Related Articles You May Interested:
Wedding Flower Guide for Every Bride
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning a Destination Wedding
My Unique Wedding Invitation
Tips To Have a Unique Beach Wedding
Planning a Destination Wedding
Choosing a Beach Wedding Favors for a Fairy Tale Wedding
Beach Wedding Favors by MyFavors
Beach Wedding Favors by HansonEllis
Message In A Bottle Wedding Invitation
My Personalized Wedding Favors

The Wedding Flower Guide for Every Bride

2008-09-09T14:39:00-07:00

When I was choosing flowers for my beach wedding, I wasn't really aware the meaning of various flowers are, which I'm sure every bride would go for whatever suits their like which compliments their style. It's about time for every bride to know these various meaning of every flowers for your wedding, and they may be simple to look at before making into a gorgeous bouquet, but every flower shop will do everything they can to make them as unique as possible.
Roses:
No other flowers symbolize love better than roses. Roses are available all year round and come in a great variety of colors to match any wedding theme. Among the most popular colors are white, red, yellow, pink, orange, lavender, and hot pink.Alstroemeria:
These beautiful "south of the border" flowers are native to South America, specifically to Chile and Brazil. They primarily bloom in the spring and summer and can be found in sunny yellow, milky white and rich red colors.Asters:
These gorgeous flowers, whose heads are shaped like stars, are perfect for late summer and fall weddings as they bloom abundantly during these months. Asters are similar in appearance to daisies and are available in white, purple, lavender, pink and red.Bells of Ireland:
These unusual green flowers are a favorite for summer weddings. Mix bells of Ireland together with hypericum berries for a one of a kind festive centerpiece.Birds of Paradise:
True to their name, birds of paradise give an impression of exotic birds. Known as an ornamental flower, this exquisite combination of a tall green stalk, bright orange sepals and purplish-blue petals stands beautifully on its own. It is a perfect flower to use for weddings with tropical themes.Calla Lilies:
Calla Lilies come in classic, pure white as well as occasionally in two-toned shades such as white with pink, butter with cream, or yellow with gold. They are time-honored wedding flowers and are available for enjoyment all year round.

Chrysanthemum (aka Pompons):
As their name suggests, these festive flowers look like a flowering pompon. A fun and cheerful flower, pompons are celebrated annually at the Japanese "Festival of Happiness." Pompons are available in a variety of colors and are perfect for contributing to the happiness of weddings all year round.

Hypericum Berries:
These unique, full flowers, similar to berries, are available in wonderful earthy tones such as green, brownish red, yellow, pink, and red. Hypericum berries are most widely available in the summer.

Hydrangeas:
These blooming flowers look beautiful on their own or mixed with other flowers. They come in white, blue, natural pink and purple tinted. Hydrangeas are great for spring and summer weddings.

Larkspur:
These tall white, blue, and pink flowers burst into bloom in the springtime which makes them ideal for an April or May wedding (though they can be used throughout the spring and summer as well).

Liatris:
Tall and ornamental, these flowers are a popular choice for summer wedding centerpieces and bouquets. As an added effect to a romantic event, their rich purple color attracts beautiful butterflies.

Lilies:
Lilies are large flowers with three petals that come with three petal-like sepals. They are most commonly available in the summer. Lilies come in a range of color such as white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, bronze and even nearly black. Their petals are often marked with spots, brush strokes and picotees. Not only are lilies a lovely flower to use at your important affair, but they give off a fragrant aroma and create a rich and sweet ambiance.Mini Callas:
Mini callas are elegant flowers, perfect for bouquets and centerpieces. They are available throughout the year and come in a variety of colors such as white/cream, yellow, orange, pink and mauve. Weather conditions also play a part in their pigmentation and you can often find slight variations in colors of mini callas.Statice:
While most commonly found in shades of pinks and violet or purple, statice is also available in blue, yellow, white, red, orange and apricot. It is most frequently used to enhance summer and early fall weddings.Snapdragons:
With their beautiful petals, these tall Mediterranean flowers are reminiscent of an exotic paradise. Snapdragons are widely available in the summer in a crisp white color. They are also available in other colors, including shades of pink or yellow.
Let this wedding flower guide be just that - a guide to get you started on selecting the best, freshest flowers possible for your wedding. Please click here to shop wholesale wedding flowers.

Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding

2008-09-09T13:40:00-07:00

Every couple who is planning for a perfect beach wedding always wish to have a perfect sunny day, for obvious reason that, you wouldn't want to have a wedding on a beach in a cold freezy and windy weather. But it doesn't necessarily mean to have a hot summer one if you opt for a destination wedding, can be in the middle of winter season depending on every couples preference.

The summer season is a wonderful time for a wedding. The best thing about it is that you can bet it won’t rain on your wedding day. No wonder, outdoor weddings are popular during summer. Why not! Getting married amidst a green, lush garden or a peaceful, white-sand beach is indeed, a very romantic setting.

Please read the complete details here, I really found this website very helpful. Enjoy planning....

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Related Articles You May Interested:
Tips for a Perfect Beach Wedding
Tips To Have a Unique Beach Wedding
Planning a Destination Wedding
Choosing a Beach Wedding Favors for a Fairy Tale Wedding
Beach Wedding Favors by MyFavors
Beach Wedding Favors by HansonEllis

Beach Wedding Favors by "HansonEllis"

2008-08-29T10:05:00-07:00

HansonEllis.com offers unique wedding favors, bridal shower favors, especially beach wedding favors. Please see their collection below.

"What better favor is there for a beach wedding than this elegant starfish of love? It is perfect as a unique keepsake or as a new way to display your place cards. They can also be used to add a little charm to any centerpiece. These real finger starfish favors are great for exotic destination weddings, or just to dress up your own reception so it feels like you’re right by the sea during sunset."

"Add a touch from the sea to your wedding reception or island theme event with these unique, pearlized seashells. Each gold mouth turban sea shell is polished to reveal a iridescent shine."

"Add a touch from the sea to your beach or island themed wedding with these exotic toothpicks. Each comes adorned with a variety of mini seashells and are displayed in a polished shell toothpick holder. Use them for your hors d'oeuvres during your cocktail hour."

Beach wedding favors really bring a sense of a free summer day to any wedding celebration. Some of the joys of a beautiful beach wedding include, the warm sun on your face, the feel of wet sand squishing between your toes, picking up and collecting summer shells, and building sand castles.

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Part IV: My Beach Wedding Reception
Message in a Bottle as your Beach Wedding Invitation
My Wedding Favors - Shop for your Beach Wedding
Choosing Beach Wedding Favors for a Fairy Tale Wedding
Tips To Have a Unique Beach Wedding
Planning A Destination Wedding
My Personalized Wedding Favors
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
My Unique Wedding Invitation for My Beach Wedding

Message in a Bottle as your Beach Wedding Invitation

2008-08-29T09:02:00-07:00

HansonEllis was one of the websites where I found some useful ideas in choosing my beach wedding favors, and also for my unique wedding invitations. Useful banners to be clicked at the left side of my site, to see all interesting items in this website especially for Beach Weddings.

Originally, I wanted to send an "Invitation in a bottle" but we thought that we were gonna have problems of sending them to our guests. I found this fabulous and unique way of inviting our guests. However, I had to find other ideas and I came up with this one, still very unique though. If you are planning your beach wedding, why not sending your invitation in a bottle as you can see below.

Casually invite guests to your destination wedding or tropical theme event with our starfish bottle invitations. Each clear glass bottle is filled with fine coral sand, assorted miniature seashells, and is adorned with a real starfish. Create your own message inside the glass bottle or let them do it for you. Their custom invitation is printed on an ivory linen paper and is attached to a oil paper with earthy cedar leaves. For a personal touch, have the bride and groom's names and event date laser engraved on the bottle. If you are mailing these glass bottles out, add our white corrugated box along with our seashell RSVP card (optional). All bottles come corked.

• bottle size: 7"H x 1-3/4" in diameter

A clever way was discovered to send a special message to the other side of the world by means of “A message in a bottle”. They have recreated this unique piece that will send forth your special message to your guest. Use it as a beach wedding invitation or setting for the guest at your special event. These glass bottles are filled with fine sand and real mini seashells. Add a message made of natural oil paper with cedar leaves to these glass bottles as an invitation or a thank you note to your guest (optional). If you are mailing these bottles as an invitation, get our white corrugated mailing box (optional) and our elegant RSVP card. Each beach invitation bottle is firmly corked and is adorned with a raffia ribbon.

• glass bottle: 7"H x 1-3/4" in diameterMessage Bottles have long been associated as a romantic gesture, a concept dating far back through the centuries to days gone by. Nowadays with increasing popularity of beach theme weddings and exotic locations, Message Bottle invitations make great way of inviting your guests using a traditional concept with a modern but contemporary flair.

My Wedding Favors - Shop here for your Dream Beach Wedding

2008-08-28T00:59:00-07:00

Having a beach wedding and hoping to find the perfect favors? Please see this wide collection of "Beach Wedding Favors" for you to choose from. This large collection of beach wedding favors is truly unique. It doesn’t matter if you are having your wedding on a tropical island like Hawaii or a cruise ship, you are sure to find the perfect beach wedding favor below. When I was choosing for a unique favors for my own wedding, I used to come and visit this website more often to because you can be able to see varieties to get your ideas from and eventually to come up with personalized ones.

Few things in life are more romantic than a beach wedding. With beautiful brilliant sunshine, the slow rythmic lapping of waves on a sandy beach, the sound of distant birds chirping away and you and the man you love standing before a minister proclaiming your vows of everlasting love. This is the day. The day you have dreamed of your whole life. Beach wedding favors really bring a sense of a free summer day to any wedding celebration. Some of the joys of a beautiful beach wedding include, the warm sun on your face, the feel of wet sand squishing between your toes, picking up and collecting summer shells, and building sand castles. It's become very popular these days to have a laid back, summery beach wedding. Just about anything you can imagine about having a beach wedding is possible with a little help from My Wedding Favors.

Choosing Beach Wedding Favors for a Fairy Tale Wedding

2008-08-27T06:09:00-07:00

Every couple wishes to have a one of kind favors that would provide their guests with a feeling of awe, a lasting impression of its uniqueness, so you must give some personal touches unto them (please see my personalized wedding favors I've had decided myself for my beach wedding). Wedding favors should be charming and unique as possibly as you can do, not necessarily complicated ones which you end up spending a lot of money in choosing the right one for you. Should be simple, yet elegant, leaving your guests feeling as special as you and your betrothed feel on this very special day. This can create an experience for your guest long after your wedding is over. Unique favors are more than just a souvenir, it is their memory about your wedding. So, it is needed to choose the unique and special wedding favor for you guest.

When selecting favors for your wedding, the only true criterion is the taste and budget of the bride and groom or the wedding planner. Gifts are today an expression of the bride’s taste and sensibilities, and should be considered as such when making the item selection. History and tradition have their place, but ultimately the bride should decide on what’s best for her, and come to the most unique expression of her creativity based on her own preferences.

Every person is different, a unique individual, with unique tastes and opinion and of course with different budget. Every couple will want to have the best wedding because the memories will last forever. However, it is not quiet simple to having the perfect wedding. If you were to ask any couple who have gone through the experience, most of them will testify that preparation for a wedding is both exciting and nerve-wrecking. However, with a little planning, getting all those preparation, from the theme, location the perfect date to the personality wedding favors ready to go can be a pleasant and satisfying experience.

FAVORS TO BE GIVEN AWAY
Unique, ocean scented candles with an array of pretty sea shells "floating" within them, are bound to create a conversation piece amongst your guests. This candle's scent will transport everyone to a romantic beach somewhere along the Greek coastline, where music plays and the breeze dances playfully to the rhythm. You can include with this beautifully aromatic gift fine heart confetti almonds with delicious chocolate centers for your guests' enjoyment.

GUESTS PLACING CARDS
Should you desire to present unique and unusual placing cards for your guest tables, an assortment of real jewels from the sea with potpourri in a jewel beaded organza bag may be the perfect complement to your ceremony. You can simply attach your guest's name and table number to the organza ribbon. It makes an elegant piece that will be an eye-catching addition to any wedding table decor.

TABLE CENTERPIECE
Of course, no formal event is complete without the perfect table centerpiece. Every great centerpiece deserves a solid supporting act. Imagine a Heart-Shaped Gold Wire Basket adorning the tables of your guests. Imagine further this elegant piece accompanied with silver or gold burlap bags filled with heavenly, aromatic potpourri and matching color organza bows. Each guest could select a bag of their choosing for a pretty scented keepsake as an aromatic reminder of your perfect wedding.

You have the power to create the most perfect and elegant wedding celebration --- a romantic, fairytale wedding.

Tips To Have A Unique Beach Wedding Reception

2008-08-21T01:12:00-07:00

What a wonderful feeling to have had experienced, a very different from the traditional reception at a catering establishments or hotels, and what an undeniable appeal to have had a soft and breezy feel of a beach wedding reception. Here are some tips to help you capture that magical wedding ambiance in the atmosphere, so it doesn't feel like just a get-together or a family reunion at the beach. I generally compiled all the tips for a beach wedding reception, not just concentrating in one place.

Creating the Beach Wedding Setting

Probably one of the most important investments you will make is to rent an open canopy under which all of your tables will fit comfortably. It defines the location of your reception as guests approach, it is a necessity for your elderly guests, and it will be your refuge when you need to get out of the sun for awhile. Unless it's going to rain, an open-sided canopy is your best bet. The gentle ocean breeze will be enjoyed by all, and your guests will have full visibility of their beautiful surroundings while, of course, they'll be provided with shade. You can turn this canopy into a bridal oasis simply by wrapping generous amounts of white tulle around the posts and draping it around the top frame. Adorn the tulle with string pearls or with flowers and ribbons of your coordinated wedding colors. If you're wedding will continue into the night, wrap white Christmas lights around it for a romantic glow. Use lantern style candles on the tables, so they'll stay lit in spite of the ocean breeze.

Beach Theme Color Selection and Seating

Think of the beach, and you think light and airy. Soft pastel colors and bright white that naturally blend with the surroundings are best. Lighter colors will not retain heat like darker colors do and are easier on the eye in the bright sunlight. Round tables are nice for the beach. No sharp corners to worry about. Here's a clever tip if you want assigned seating for your guests. Make a "message in the bottle". Take a small clear glass bottle (a lot of dollar stores carry them), fill them almost full with beach sand and write the table number your guests will be seated at on a square piece of white paper. Roll it into a scroll, write the guests name on the outside of the scroll, and stick it in the bottle. Display them on a small table with beach sand spread on top. Another idea is to write their name and table number on a white clam shell. Attach a little bow to it, and you're done! Please be sure to use a special pen with a glittery sheen and a coordinating color of your wedding. Attention to details is what separates your event from an average one into an extraordinary one that people will remember.

Beach Reception Centerpieces and Favors

Centerpieces can be creative too. Apart from a traditional floral arrangement, you can adorn each table with a "wedding style" beach pail. Fill it up with a rolled up beach towel in your coordinating color. Add a bottle of spring water and make a personalized label for it on your computer. Drop in a bottle of sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Guests will love to take this home, and it will be a great conversation piece. Looking for something easier, how about an Aloe Vera plant? It's the best sunburn remedy around. Top off the soil with some beach sand, wrap the pot from the bottom up with material or decorative paper, tie a ribbon around it, and you're done. If you want a traditional floral piece, add a touch of blue food coloring to the water. Wedding favors? Try a sand dollar or shell ornament. Use a glitter glue pen to decorate your shell by accenting its natural characteristics. Add pearls or beads, and glue a looped piece of ribbon to the back of the shell so it can be hung on a doorknob or Christmas tree. Another idea is to buy candles - the ones that are about three inches high by three inches wide. Roll them in glue, then roll them in the sand. These are so easy to make, and they are beautiful. Glue on some shells if you want.

Entertainment

Add a little pizzazz to your wedding party by adorning the groomsmen with "cool" sunglasses and the bridesmaid with beautiful sun hats and sarongs. Set up a Tiki Bar. Have a volleyball game set up and have beach balls for the kids. If you can, arrange to have a lifeguard stand nearby and stand a couple of surf boards up in the sand. These will serve as props for great pictures.

Seaside Wedding Food and Drinks

Your menu can be whatever you want it to be, but do add some touches from the sea to keep your theme flowing. Include shrimp, stuffed clams, and fried calamari with your hors d'ourves. If serving a pasta dish, use the shell shaped pasta or have stuffed shells. Your main course should include at least one seafood choice; lobster tails, sea bass, etc.All drinks can be served with a little paper umbrella in them. Order a "Tequila Sunrise". Want a unique cake? Locate a bakery that specializes in special order cakes and have them make you a sand castle.

Seaside Theme Music Ideas

Whether you have a band, a DJ, or a boom box, make sure to include at least some beach style music. Anything by the Beach Boys, "Summer Wind" by Frank Sinatra, "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters, "Summer Nights" from Grease. And sure to be a favorite, "Beach Baby" by First Class.!!! That song will surely stir up a lot of nostalgia. Add some diversity with some steel drum selections or a little bit of reggae.

Safety Tips

An important investment that's well worth the money … hire your own lifeguard. Attach a color-coordinated bracelet around the wrists of your younger guests and relax knowing that they are being supervised at all times when down in the surf. It will provide your guests with extra peace of mind as well, and they will really appreciate it.

Remember that when you choose a theme wedding, accentuate the theme! Your effort will be noticed and will be remembered long after your wedding day. Your guests will leave with something to talk about. And you, the bride and groom will have created a beach wedding that you will treasure for the rest of your lives. Memories so unique and special; memories which reflect the celebration of your beautiful shared love.

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Articles You May Interested:

Part IV: My Beach Wedding Reception
Part III: My Wedding Day Photo Shoots
Part II: My Wedding Ceremony (By the Beach)
Part I: Procession (Marching Going to the Beach)
Brides: How Do You Want To Look Like On Your Big Day
Before I Say "I Do"
The Bride's Survival Guide Book
Tips In Transporting Your Wedding Apparels
My 4 Handy Tips On How To Survive Your Wedding Photo Shoot
The Day I Got Married
Girls' Night Out - "Hen Party"
My Tips To Have a Perfect Beach Wedding
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Place Card Holders
My Unique Wedding Invitation
Planning A Destination Wedding?
Getting Married In Mauritius
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Determining Your Wedding Theme
How To Set a Budget For Your Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Our Wedding Website
My Personalized Wedding Favors and Place Card Holders
My Unique Wedding Invitation
My Personalized Wedding Programs & Menu
My Wedding Tips - 6 to 9 Months
My Wedding Tips - 4 to 6 Months
My Wedding Tips - 4 to 4 Months
My Wedding Tips - 1 to 8 Weeks