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Wedding invitations are one of the few pieces of mail that people enjoy receiving. It’s fun to open up that envelope knowing there’s a custom invitation inside. But amidst all of today’s junk mail, how can you make your envelope stand out to get your guests’ attention?
There are actually several ways you can make your mailing envelope as unique as your wedding invitation.
You want to be sure your wedding invitation gets the attention of your guests as soon as it arrives in their mail and that it doesn’t get lost in their sea of junk mail and bills. Using any of the above suggestions will surely accomplish this and will start building their excitement even before they see your actual invitation. Sara Haese http://www.PrintedCreationsWeddingStore.com Visitors can also sign up to receive her FREE Wedding Invitation Guide. Congratulations!!!
Clarissa Knight of Talbott Tennesee - You and your Fiancé are the lucky winners of our Honeymoon Giveaway to either St. lucia or the Domincan Republic, drawn on April 1, 2008. We are now offering our Honeymoon Giveaway 4 times a year!! That gives you and your Fiancé twice as many opportunites to win. WedAlert's next drawing for a Honeymoon Giveaway is on July 1, 2008. So Register now. The Twin Cities Metro Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a wedding in the St. Paul - Minneapolis Metro area or the surrounding counties, visit http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/minnesota/St.Paul-Minneapolis_Twin_Cities.asp.
We all know the saying "You can't please everyone"! While that may be true, these types of guest criticisms are easily avoided by careful planning -- and addressing them now will make everyone's memories of your wedding day so much nicer.
1. The DJ was obnoxious or played lousy music. Find the best wedding DJ available using recommendations from other brides and the advice of wedding industry professionals. 2. The music was TOO LOUD. Again, hire a great DJ who is experienced and focused on creating a fantastic overall experience for you and your guests. Other suggestions to avoid this common complaint: Move tables and chairs away from speakers and seat older guests further from the sound equipment. 3. Speeches were TOO LONG and we couldn't decipher the words. Keep speeches under five minutes. Ideally, they should last between two and five minutes. A good DJ will spend a few moments with each person making a toast or speech, teaching him or her how to correctly operate and speak into the microphone. He will also use a quality microphone! 4. We didn't know anyone at our table. Take the time to carefully plan your seating arrangement, placing guests at tables with others they know. They don’t have to be fast friends, just acquaintances or people with some kind of connection. Try to seat out-of-town guests, who aren't likely to know anyone, with others having similar interests. 5. I resented paying a dollar to dance with the bride. Unless it’s a long-standing family tradition, and you will offend someone if you break the ritual, the dollar dance is best forgotten. 6. We stood forever in the receiving line. The bride & groom, and their parents are the only required greeters. Better yet, couples should instead consider visiting individual tables during or immediately following dinner. (See #10 below) 7. We had too much time to "kill" between the ceremony and reception. Out-of-town guests are often at a loss for ways to fill the time between a two o'clock wedding and a six o'clock reception. Try to keep the down time to a minimum. When it isn't possible to hold the events within an hour or so of each other, ask the hall if it will open its doors early for your visiting guests (and ask them if there’s a charge). Other options include asking relatives or close friends to invite them to their home for a light snack, or arranging a hospitality suite for them at their hotel. 8. The centerpiece was so large that I couldn't see or talk to guests seated across the table. Smaller, shorter arrangements are best. Your centerpiece shouldn't be the center of attention (or main topic of conversation) at the table. 9. I was offended that I had to pay for drinks. Open bars are the accepted norm. If your budget is tight, offer wine and beer only -- or limit drink choices to “call” brands. You can also close the bar during the dinner hour to save on costs. 10. The bride and groom didn't stop by to say hello. Make the rounds of guest tables at your reception, but don’t spend too much time at each. A quick greeting, thank you or compliment will suffice. 11. I was never thanked for my gift! Share this task with your husband. Divide your list, write your notes at the same time, and make a pact to finish a certain number every night until they are finished. Dangle a carrot in front of your noses. When the last note is FINALLY written, reward yourselves with a special bottle of wine or dinner out. It is customary to mail thank-you notes within three months. You don’t want to wait that long for your carrot anyway, do you? By Mike Staff Mike Staff Productions © Copyright 2007. Your wedding day is a time of celebration with light-hearted, good times that create happy memories. Above all, the day is supposed to be fun.
The less stress you feel on your big day, the more fun you'll have. Great planning helps you avoid forgetting important details. Avoid these stumbling blocks that threaten to ruin your happy day: 1. Not prioritizing your budget on the important things. The banquet is over, and now the party begins. If the majority of your reception time will be spent listening to music and dancing, it makes sense to allocate a proportionate amount of your budget to the vendor responsible for your entertainment. Whether it’s a band or a DJ, the key idea here is quality. 2. Not communicating with your vendors. Have a thorough conversation with all of your vendors, and let them know EXACTLY what you expect. Don’t assume that, because they are professionals with years of experience, they automatically know what you want. Each bride’s vision is different. Vendors want to avoid disappointing you, so share the details of your dream with them from the beginning. 3. Not communicating your needs and expectations with your bridal party. Let each person in your bridal party know, prior to your wedding day, where they are supposed to be and when. Important moments at your reception can’t be rehearsed, so prepare a timetable for your bridal party that includes the Grand Entrance, speeches and toasts, bridal dances and any planned photo opportunities. They will be grateful for your organization. 4. Waiting until the last minute. Finish everything on your checklist at least two days before your wedding. You don’t want to be scribbling place cards at 2 a.m. on your wedding day. Give yourself and your groom a task-free day or two before the wedding to relax and rejuvenate. 5. Having too much to drink early in the day or the night before. Not only is it a good idea to avoid alcohol until the final party hours, it’s best to stay hydrated by drinking water or other non-alcoholic beverages. If you can’t resist a good nip, be sure to eat something. 6. Spending too much time taking pictures. There are the photographs of special moments you MUST have, pictures of spontaneous moments that are FUN to have, and staged photos that become a nuisance. Don’t be afraid to say NO to your photographer when you’ve had enough. 7. Losing your perspective. Keep your mind on what the day is about, and on the things and people that are really important to you. Don't get bogged down in so many details that you forget to have FUN! If something goes wrong, try your best to take deep breaths and think about the big picture. Don’t let the little things that might go wrong ruin your night. Above all, keep your sense of humor! 8. Getting stressed or overwhelmed. Eat! Talk! Dance! Have Fun! Keep things simple. After you’ve greeted your guests, let them find you if they wish to visit. 9. Not planning an exit strategy. Assign end-of-the-night tasks to others you trust, so you can leave unburdened. Final duties might include gathering gifts and transporting them “home,” paying the hall, and removing decorations -- including flowers, centerpieces and other wedding notions. 10. Immediately leaving on your honeymoon. Try not to plan a 6 a.m. departure the day after your wedding. Give yourselves a day to recuperate and get your things together. Better yet, go back to work for a week before leaving on your honeymoon. By Mike Staff Mike Staff Productions Copyright: 2007 Freya Stark once said, "To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world." Even more pleasant? Waking up next to the person you love, your new spouse, in a strange town. You'll awake with the sun (or sleep in for hours), and everyday you'll embark on a new adventure. Maneuvering your way around an unfamiliar destination together will bring you even closer, while the sheer romance of the unknown will bring you back to that giddy time when you first met.
There's a reason that feeling is called the "honeymoon phase." Your honeymoon is a time to get away from it all and to feel closer to your partner than you ever have before. But what if that feeling didn't have to end? When you return to the locale of your honeymoon, you'll remember the giddy way you felt and return to that newlywed phase. With timeshares, you can secure annual or biennial vacations in this beloved destination so you and your sweetie can return again and again, for a fraction of the cost of other long or short term lodging methods. That's because timeshares allow you to share the cost of owning a vacation property with other individuals. Resorts generally sell timeshare in blocks of time. The most common share is seven days. You can purchase as many or as few of these shares as you'd like. Other owners also purchase time at the resort, and you each pay for only what you use. The cost is divided among all of you. And because there are so many owners pitching in, timeshare units tend to be larger and better outfitted than do hotels or motels of similar pricing. And if you're unable to use your week one year for whatever reason, you can rent timeshare to interested parties. Travelers look for timeshares for rent because they know that they can reap many of the benefits of ownership (like reduced rates and expanded space) even if they're not yet ready to purchase a timeshare of their own. Finally, to save thousands on your purchase, consider buying timeshare resale. Resale simply means that you'll be purchasing from a previous owner, through a timeshare reseller, rather than directly from the resort. With resale you won't have to deal with any aggressive sales pitches, and you can often save more than 50% off the resort price. Relive your honeymoon every year timeshares. After the wedding, many brides struggle with what to do with their precious wedding gown that so fondly represents that special day. Since most brides prefer to treasure the memories of their wedding day by keeping their wedding dress (possibly handing it down to a daughter, special niece, god child or grand daughter, or even re-wearing it to renew their vows), it is important to understand the proper methods of cleaning and storing your gown so it can last for centuries to come.
Should I have my gown cleaned? Whether you decide to keep your gown, donate it or sell it, it is important to consider having it cleaned and preserved as soon as possible to maintain its beauty and value. Caramelized sugar stains from cake icing, white wine, champagne or soft drinks will leave unsightly brown spots/stains if they are not thoroughly removed from the fabric in a timely manner. Perspiration, deodorant, hairspray, perfumes, body lotions and cosmetics can cause discoloration as well. Most of these are not readily visible to the naked eye can also cause damage to the fabric of the gown. Left untreated they can be difficult to impossible to remove over time. As a result, it is highly recommended that you have your gown cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional as soon as possible after your wedding. What is the difference between dry cleaning and preservation? Dry cleaning provides a basic cleaning of obvious dirt and stains. However, it does not protect against the long term yellowing, fabric deterioration, or invisible stains that can surface over time and ruin your precious gown. It is important to find a highly reputable and experienced preservation service that will carefully examine each gown individually under special lighting and hand treat all stains with gentle yet effective chemicals. They should also treat the fabric with against yellowing and other discolorations with an anti-sugar treatment. Proper cleaning and preservation will permanently remove both visible and invisible stains, as well as protect the fabric from deterioration, so your gown will look just as beautiful as the day you first tried it on. How much will it cost? Top quality preservation by a highly reputable company does not have to be expensive. Although some companies will charge upwards of $800 for museum quality preservation, you can get the same high quality for around $150 - $250 if you do your homework. Most dry cleaners will charge as much, if not more, for just basic dry cleaning alone. How long can I wait to have my dress cleaned and preserved? Since stains can cause damage to a fabric over time, it is recommended that you have your dress professionally cleaned and preserved as soon after the wedding as is practical. Generally, you can safely wait up to six months after the ceremony. Some brides have waited longer, but it is not recommended as it may start to yellow, the fabric may begin to deteriorate and some stains may not come out at all as they settle into the fabric. Until you send in your gown to be cleaned and preserved, it is best to keep it in a dark (unexposed to sunlight), dry place, folded or rolled in a clean white sheet. Hanging your dress on a hanger is not recommended as it can cause stress to the fabric and create distortion. Do not store your gown in plastic such as a garment bag. Plastic can emit gases that will tend to yellow the fabric. Will my dress be vacuum sealed if I have it preserved? Vacuum sealing is never recommended for preserving fabrics of any kind. Professional textile curators always recommend that a fabric be allowed to "breathe". Vacuum sealing traps moisture in the box, promoting mold and mildew growth, which will stain and weaken the fibers of your dress. If stored in plastic that is not acid free, as time passes it can accumulate gasses that will harm the fabric, causing it to yellow and deteriorate. A reputable preservation service will use special acid-free or PH balanced breathable cardboard and tissue, or museum quality muslin, to package your gown, as well as an acid free window (to see your gown) for these reasons. How should I store my gown after I have it preserved? Once your gown has been cleaned and preserved by a reputable professional it is also important that you continue to store your gown properly. Your gown should be stored in a room where the temperature and humidity levels are constant, such as a guest room or spare closet. Never store your dress in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity. The storage box should also lay flat if possible. If you decide to remove your gown from the preservation box, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly when handling the gown to protect the fabric from natural oils on your hands. Check on your gown once a year to make sure it is still in good condition. Most companies will provide a guarantee against yellowing and will restore your gown for free if you have stored it properly. Other Options Although most brides keep and treasure their wedding gowns for a lifetime, if should you decide to part with your precious gown, below are some resources for selling or donating your wedding dress that may help contribute to making someone else’s dream wedding come true. Donations: Making Memories – Brides Against Breast Cancer I Do Foundation Heavenly Angels Sale of Used Gowns: Sell Your Wedding Dress.com Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses.com Consignment Shops Craig’s List Author: Madelaine Melberg, Affordable Preservation Company, www.affordablepreservation.com  Like many traditions, the bouquet and garter toss, are slowly being replaced by more all-inclusive wedding reception activities. In the last five years, wedding professionals have noted a decline in these long-standing traditions and estimate the frequency of bouquet and garter tosses during wedding receptions today to be approximately 50 percent.
Whether you choose to include these traditions or “toss” them is completely up to you. Singling out the singles with bouquet and garter rituals isn’t as relevant today, when many wait longer to marry and some choose to remain single. A Bride and Groom may prefer to spend their party moments visiting with beloved guests and dancing to the music, instead. Whatever you decide, the a professional DJ can share their experiences and help you plan your party time activities. If you’re still undecided after reading these lists of Pros and Cons, your DJ can suggest updated versions of bouquet and garter toss traditions that will satisfy guests of all generations. Where did the bouquet and garter toss originate? In the 14th century, it was customary for the Groom to remove the Bride’s garter and throw it toward the single men in attendance. Legend said that whoever caught the garter would be the next to marry. At the often-rowdy party following the wedding, a few drunk and impatient men would occasionally try to remove the Bride’s garter before the Groom had his opportunity. At those times, we can only hope the Groom intervened and rescued his Bride from the boisterous crowd. In light of this, perhaps seeing who would marry next by having the Bride toss her bridal bouquet toward the single women was less troublesome! Pros of hosting a bouquet and garter toss 1) It’s Tradition. Some in attendance are waiting for this moment during your reception. The bouquet toss and, to a lesser extent, the garter toss are benchmarks for the older generations. When a tradition is observed, their expectation is fulfilled and a certain comfort level borne of familiarity is reached. 2) Guests get involved. If plenty of singles are at your party, the event generates suspense for your wedding guests. If some of the singles are well-mannered but rowdy friends, you can expect great enjoyment and fun. Hosting the toss in the midst of your dance party is a great way to get singles to meet on the dance floor. All guests want to feel the thrill of the moment, and a great Master of Ceremonies will include married couples in the event, too. Professional DJs draw on their experience and follow simple techniques that engage your guests and elevate the excitement of your reception’s most memorable moments. 3) Great photo and video opportunities are made. You can expect great shots of your friends wearing spontaneous smiles and their Sunday best. The camera will capture their laughter and looks of surprise, embarrassment and goofiness, as they carry out the traditions of the bouquet and garter toss. 4) Bouquet and garter tosses can be fun. If the singles at your reception are in the spirit of the moment, then these rituals that bring people together will be fun and exciting for you and your guests. Cons of hosting a bouquet and garter toss 1) Many guests may not want to participate. It’s customary for the Bride to help gather the singles in attendance and invite them to get involved in the bouquet and garter toss. If singles are reluctant to participate, but go along to be polite to the Bride, the events won’t be fun for them and may make them uncomfortable, a feeling which is sure to spread among the guests watching them. 2) There’s less party time. If your dance floor is rockin’, why screech the party to a halt? Even small traditions, like the garter and bouquet toss, take a little time to organize. You can expect to spend 10 to 12 minutes gathering the participants, and watching rowdier singles prolong their moments in the spotlight. While others are distracted, guests who aren’t caught up in the moment may take this opportunity to leave. 3) Do you really want a picture of this, anyway? Since the bouquet and garter toss are mostly staged events, we all know what to expect, with certain variations on the old theme. 4) Some guests may act inappropriately. Why take the chance of subjecting your guests to potentially ill-advised and outlandish actions? Putting a new spin on the bouquet and garter toss Enjoy an Anniversary Dance. This fun variation on the usual theme is a suspenseful event that invites married couples of all ages to be part of an “elimination” dance that ends with a nice surprise. All married couples are invited to the dance floor for the first song. Those married less than 6 months are asked to step down for the next dance. Those married less than a year are asked to bow out, followed by those married 3 years, 5 years, and so on, until the last couple on the dance floor is the one that has been married the longest – which is sometimes 50 or 60 years! The Master of Ceremonies steps onto the floor to congratulate them and to ask for their sage advice on behalf of the new Bride and Groom. In return for their words of wisdom, the Bride and Groom offer the older couple the Bride’s bouquet. It’s Your Party. Do What You Want. Depending on your guests, the bouquet and garter toss can be a fun event. However, you will find that hardly anyone will miss it if you choose to skip them. It’s totally up to you, it is YOUR wedding reception! © Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. About the Author Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions (www.mikestaff.com), an award winning Wedding DJ, Entertainment and Videography Company located in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Mike is also a well known Detroit radio personality, having spent over 14 years on-the-air at one of Detroit's most popular music stations, 101-FM WRIF. Bouquet Jewelry is a hot new bridal accessory that is being used to accentuate and personalize bridal bouquets. They are also turning up in bridesmaid’s flowers, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and even customizing the wedding cake. The jewelry is usually inserted into the bouquet by a six inch post, but may also be attached to stems and hand-tied ribbons.
A popular choice is Swarovski crystal monograms using the bride and groom’s initials. They may choose to use the initial for each of their first names as well as the initial for the groom’s last name. Six mm faux diamonds can also be inserted into the center of each flower to give the bouquet a dazzling new look. Besides monograms, most online companies have the same selection of jewels: pearl clusters, bows, snowflake, bee, frog, dragonfly, starfish, flip flop sandal, palm tree, butterfly and crucifix. The bee only comes in clear crystal and the frog and palm tree come only in peridot crystals. The flip flop sandal comes in blue or pink. Pearls come in pink, yellow, white, blue, green, lavendar, peach, champagne and platinum. The bows come in a wide range of colors with gold or silver plating. The prices range from $12.00 (snowflake) to $20.00 (dragonfly) each. Some are sold individually while others have a discount if you purchase in groups of ten. The crystal bee sells for $18.00 each and $153.00 for ten. That would be a savings of $27.00. The starfish sells for $13.00 each and $110.00 for ten. That would be a $20.00 discount. The bouquet jewelry should be chosen to reflect the bride’s personal taste or reflect the theme of the wedding. Starfish, flip flop sandals and palm trees would be perfect for a beach theme wedding. The crystal crucifix would reflect a more solemn and spiritual wedding and could also be used around the holidays. The bride and groom can continue to use the jewelry long after the wedding for holiday centerpieces and floral arrangements. They should choose the colors carefully, because many online companies advise they are non returnable and non refundable. Submitted by Kathleen Terrana, the owner of Beautiful Bridal at www.beautiful-bridal.com Typically horse drawn carriages are used to bring the bride and groom to the ceremony, and then away to the reception. In order to keep travel time reasonable, most companies suggest a destination no more than four miles. The carriages travel at a relaxed pace of four miles per hour.
Most Vis a Vis (face to face) carriages hold four passengers comfortably. But a Surrey with the Fringe on Top is pulled by 2 horses and is perfect for the whole wedding party. There is a wide variety of carriage types and designs: white majestic, old fashioned black, open-air or glass enclosed. In winter and ski resort areas, horse drawn sleighs are very popular for weddings. The couple may want to find a reputable horse and carriage rental company by asking friends, checking WedAlert, other online sites, or in the Yellow Pages. If the bride and groom have their wedding on a Saturday between May and September, they will need to call early for reservations. Other high demand times for carriage companies are Fridays in the fall months, on Valentine’s Day, holiday weekends, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s and Mother’s Day. Some companies allow you to rent the horse and carriage for wedding pictures only. There may be a fee (one online company charges $250.00), which includes the carriage, a coachman and a l5 minute ride. Other fees cover preparation, set up (decorations) and travel time. Date, time, location and the number of horses and carriages that are needed determine prices. The coachman and footman will be formally attired, some with Olde English or romantic Victorian costumes. What better or more romantic way to arrive at the wedding ceremony, than in a resplendent coach with loving family and friends waiting in anticipation. Submitted by Kathleen Terrana, the owner of Beautiful Bridal at www.beautiful-bridal.com The Memphis Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a Memphis Tennessee Wedding, visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/tennessee/memphis.asp.
Whether you are local to the area, or planning a destination wedding, Memphis is a great setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. We at WedAlert wish all our brides, grooms, and wedding professionals a very healthy and Happy New Year. May 2008 bring you joy, success, and may all your wishes come true.
Blushing fiancés like nothing better than to be blushing brides. It is every little girl’s dream to fall in love with that seemingly perfect man, have the ala-Princess Diana wedding of the century, and settle into a happy and fulfilled married life. But before you get comfortable, you need to prepare for one of the biggest and most memorable events in your life – your wedding. Yes ladies, this is your big chance to be in control and show everyone how much you and your partner love each other – from the ceremony to the reception. And in both opportunities, you naturally want only the finest wedding paraphernalia you can get. Wedding accessories are a fun opportunity to further satisfy an engaged woman’s shopping fantasies. One might even turn into such a perfectionist in her quest for the best wedding accessories. But to help keep that lady from stressing out over the details, here are some wonderful ideas that are easy to find and will surely wow your guests with no effort at all.
To start off, your wedding cake server set can be functional and cute at the same time. At your wedding reception, impress everyone with your eye for detail by wrapping lovely ribbons and lace on your server. Have not got the time for this little art project? Go out and look for a pretty heart shaped or heart detailed server that your guests will all be agog for. Next on your list is the perfect adornment for your wedding cake. While the cake itself should taste decadent, you also want to have a beautiful cake topper as well. You can personalize your cake topper by having it engraved with you and your groom’s initials, in addition to a symbol of your love. It does not have to be the standard ceramic bride and groom figurines, no! Be different and choose something else – double hearts, or something else that symbolizes your love that guests will recognize and appreciate. The wedding guestbook also needs some jazzing up, especially since it will contain a lot of beautiful messages from all your guests. If you’ve been bitten by the artistic bug, you can create a collage of you and your husband’s pictures on the front and back of the book. Tech-savvy brides can also use a software which will allow you to design a beautiful cover and have it printed out. There are websites that allow you to do this, and all you have to do is wait for them to ship your customized wedding book! Submitted by Engraved Gift Creations Your wedding is one of the greatest milestones which you could every experience in your life. It is an event which has a lot of meaning and you want to share it with your friends and loved ones. In short, your wedding is holder of many symbols of the love between you and your future husband, as well as your love as a couple for every single person who is in attendance on that memorable day. Because it is a holder of symbols, many different things that are ever-present in your wedding also stand for things that ultimately point towards the direction of love, togetherness and eternity. One such symbol is the unity candle. The lighting of the unity candle is a beautiful wedding tradition that has been carried on for centuries. One can only hold his or her breath in awe as the unity candles are lit, as a sign of your love and willingness to go through life as a couple.
These unity candles are used during the wedding ceremony, specifically in the part where the vows are read and the corresponding rituals and traditions follow. Unity candles are a lot more special than the other decorative illuminants in your wedding, as they hold a special meaning and stand out from the rest by being lit during the time when you declare wholeheartedly your desire and determination to spend forever with a single person until death do you part. However, the purpose and beauty of unity candles do not end with “You many now kiss the bride” or when everyone leaves for the much-awaited reception festivities. Some couples specifically instruct their aides to bring the unity candles with them to the reception hall and be placed in front of the couple’s dining table as a way to romantically illuminate and further enhance and solidify the evidence of their togetherness. Unity candles are a wonderful part of any couple’s wedding mementos. Apart from the obligatory keeping of the wedding dress, ring cushion and other whatnots, the unity candles are also carefully placed in storage as part of the remembrance of that special day. Some couples even make it a point to continue to celebrate their relationship year in and year out with their unity candle, bringing it out and lighting it for a moment as they reminisce of that beautiful day that they were proclaimed man and wife. Some, in their old age, keep it out as a symbol of the love that has carried them through the decades and now look forward to a quiet togetherness in their twilight years, with plenty of beautiful memories to share together. Indeed, unity candles are more than just some pretty store-bought item that must be purchased to complete the entire wedding procedure. Unity candles are meant to be cherished not just for their beauty and intricacy, but for the symbol it carries – the love of a man and woman and their desire to create a beautiful life of their very own. Submitted by Engraved Gift Creations Are you planning on getting married this winter? Here are some tips on how to decorate and plan your winter wedding.
Décor that appeals to the senses is important when trying to pulling off a romantic winter wedding. "Choose colors of rich jewel tones such as purple, forest green, and navy. Sapphire blue, ice blue or powder blue, silver and white can be used if you want to steer clear of the traditional Christmas colors", suggests Lynette Gamble, senior coordinator of Affairs of Grandeur. The glow of candlelight will add warmth and ambiance to your ceremony and reception site. Lynette also suggests to keep floral costs to a minimum, use flowers that are already available during the winter months. Some flower choices are: poinsettias, roses, amaryllis, and lilies. Evergreens are popular choices for decorations while holly branches and other plants with red berries are ideal for use in floral arrangements. The season that you are getting married can spark some great, creative ideas for wedding centerpieces, says Stephen Badali of the Wedding Ideas Guide, who suggests adding pine cones or holiday items. Mikki Viereck, WedAlert's resident wedding expert from Ask Mikki advises choosing white flowers (with touches of silver twigs and/or silver netting. Additionally, silver ribbon on the cake, tables, bouquets or chairs would work. Many reception facilities have cozy fireplaces to add ambiance and warmth for your winter wedding. Adding an ice sculpture to display during your cocktail hour and/or reception is always a great idea for a winter themed wedding. Also, you can consider winter foods for your menu. Include hot chocolate with the coffee service, and start with a hot soup appetizer. As for favors, Lynette Gamble recommends candles of course. "Cinnamon Apple, Pumpkin Pie, and Vanilla are all pleasant scents that remind you of being a kid in your grandmothers' kitchen and they're nice this time of year", says Gamble. "Spiced teas, coffee mugs, snow globes and Christmas ornaments imprinted with the couples name and wedding date will also make great favors." Good luck with your upcoming wedding. May it truly be a Winter Wonderland. WedAlert Resources: How to Create a Romantic Winter Wedding Ask Mikki Wedding Centerpieces - Four Tips For Stunning Centerpieces PhotoStamps are a perfect way to make your special day even more special. Use these personalized stamps for wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, thank-you notes, and gifts! So before you mail out anything to your wedding guests get PhotoStamps first. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bridezillas is looking for WedAlert Brides HACKENSACK, NJ (November 6, 2007)-WedAlert.com, one of the most popular and fastest growing interactive online wedding planning directories on the Internet, today announced that Bridezillas is looking for WedAlert Brides. Bridezillas, WE TV’s most successful series is back for a 5th Season and is currently seeking brides that are getting married from November 2007 to April 2008. Bridezillas is looking to WedAlert to find these brides. Therefore, if you are planning a wedding in the next six months, and your wedding plans are getting out of control, and you are doing everything in your power to make sure your wedding is perfect, and you think you have what it takes to be on America's top rated wedding show, then visit http://www.wedalert.com/showcase/Bridezillas to submit your information. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About WedAlert.com Established in 1995, with headquarters in Hackensack, NJ, WedAlert.com is one of the most popular and fastest growing interactive online wedding planning directories on the Internet whose mission is to match the local bride and groom with wedding professionals in their geographic area, taking them from the engagement all the way through to the “I do” straight through to the honeymoon. By offering free access to the largest wedding song library on the Internet and other multimedia tools, such as virtual tours and streaming video, WedAlert.com saves couples both valuable time and money involved in planning their wedding. For more information, please visit www.WedAlert.com. About Bridezillas Bridezillas has been featured on The View, E Entertainment, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, as well as many other notable news outlets. The show has become a cultural phenomenon and the word itself “Bridezilla” has become part of our urban dictionary. We at WedAlert want to wish all our brides, grooms, and wedding professionals a Happy Halloween.
As you search for just the right wedding shoes, there are other attributes to consider besides their style. Here are some tips to help you create a perfect wedding-day experience in no small part because of your choice of shoes:
Comfort counts. The phrase "to die for" takes on new meaning after standing in excruciatingly uncomfortable shoes for several hours. Comfortable wedding shoes don't have to be dowdy or boring. You can find a wonderful selection of low heels, slippers, and sandals online. You may also consider buying two pairs of wedding shoes -- a fashion-conscious pair for the ceremony and slippers or tennis shoes for the reception. Heel height affects the length of your gown. If your gown is floor-length, shoe height determines whether the hem falls above, at, or on the floor. As you shop for gowns, try on different heel heights with each dress. When you go for the final fitting, be sure to bring your wedding shoes so your wedding dress can be altered to perfection. A balanced look matters. Consider how elaborate or simple your gown is when choosing shoes. The key is a balanced look, which you can achieve by wearing understated shoes if your dress is heavily embellished (or vice versa). Choosing the same accents for your shoes, gown, and/or jewelry (pearls, beads, crystals, rhinestones, etc.) can also create a beautiful, balanced look. Outdoor sites can trip you up. Outdoor or beach weddings call for more stability in your shoes. Consider satin bridal flat shoes, ballerina shoes, sandal bridal shoes, wedding tennis shoes, or going barefoot. Bobette Kyle-Wagner http://www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com 8 Wedding Hairstyles Ideas
by Bobette Kyle-Wagner If ever there was time to make the most of your hair, it is for your wedding. Your bridal hairstyle can look like a million with imagination and the skills of a good hairdresser. Wedding hairstyles range from a more coiffed version of your everyday hair to an elaborate and dramatic style. Perfect wedding hairstyles flatter your face, your wedding gown, and your veil. They suit your personality while accentuating your best features and minimizing your weak ones. Here are some suggestions for different kinds of hair. - Hair swept back or up shows more of your face and profile. This style can be especially nice for formal or evening weddings. - A wedding up-do will accentuate your neck. This look can range from a simple French twist to a stylish mass of ringlets. - Hair worn down or loose has a more casual look, perfect for daytime, outdoor, and informal weddings. - Long hair can be worn back, loose, braided, or entwined with beading or fabric that matches your gown. - Medium-length hair is nearly as versatile as long. It can be curled, straightened, tucked behind your ears, or brushed loosely down. - Even brides with short hair can have a long, thick wedding day hairstyle. Clip on hairpieces and extensions are available in a variety of colors and styles. - Short hair can be versatile, from sleek styles to curly. Tiaras, decorative bobby pins, combs, and hair clips all look stunning worn in short hair. - Bangs can be worn several ways: soft, fringy, angled, or textured. If you've never had bangs, experiment with them well in advance. If you've always had them, this is not the time to sweep them aside and bare your forehead. Current styles are important, but should be secondary to what is right for you. Something may be "in" but all wrong for you or your dress. Whatever style you choose, have practice sessions in the week before your ceremony. Do this and your wedding day will most certainly be a fabulous hair day. Bobette Kyle-Wagner http://www.MyOnlineWeddingHelp.com Congratulations! You and your beloved have decided to get married. Romance and excitement fills the air as you think about what you will wear, what your bouquet will look like, who will be invited, and where the wedding reception will take place. But don’t forget the wedding ceremony. These days there’s so much emphasis on planning the "fun" parts of a wedding (reception, music, food, gown, etc.) the ceremony itself can easily become nothing but an afterthought.
So what is a wedding ceremony? It is a rite of passage in the form of a public exchange of vows. Note the keyword here - "public." Two people state their vows in the presence of their guests, who are active witnesses, and an officiant. It is interesting to note that the officiant (minister, pastor, judge) doesn’t actually marry the couple, instead they marry each other, by means of stating their intent, reciting their vows, and the other formalities customary to the wedding ceremony. The officiant is merely the formal representative of your witnesses. Your officiant can also lead you through the customs and rituals associated with the ceremony. Does this mean that you have to have hundreds of "witnesses?" Of course not. You may have your heart set on inviting hundreds of friends and family members to celebrates, and have a maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, jr. bridesmaids and groomsmen, ring bearers and flower girls. Then again, you may prefer to have a simple ceremony in front of your immediate families with only have a maid of honor and best man. Some areas only require your officiant to be the official witness. Be sure to inquire at your marriage license bureau to see what local rules apply. Sit down with your fiancé and decide what style of ceremony will be the most appropriate for both of you. Do the two of you prefer a religious, non-denominational, or perhaps civil ceremony? Do you want readings, and if so, would you prefer them to be from scripture, literature or from another source? Are there any cultural or ethnic customs you want incorporated into your ceremony? How many guests do you want? Don’t forget to think about your parents, and the expectations, if any, they may have for your wedding day. Adding personalized touches to your ceremony is fun, and can make for a much more meaningful event, not only for your friends and family, but for you and your fiancé. Personalization can make the difference between a cookie cutter wedding and one that is charming and expressive. The variety of ways to add personalization is easy and abundant. You can include a special reading or prayer. A special hymn or song can be played. You may choose to compose all of your vows, or just a portion. The observance of ethnic or family customs is a nice touch. Perhaps you can carry a handkerchief or pin that was carried by your grandmother or mother when she got married or incorporate a flower that was in your sister’s bouquet into your own. Be sure to inform your guests as to the meaning behind any unusual or particularly special personalization, or cultural rituals. Keeping your guests informed during your wedding ceremony, and allowing them to understand and appreciate the events happening before them will make your event more meaningful and memorable for everyone. One of the easiest, and inexpensive, ways to provide this information is by using a program, which also makes a lovely keepsake of your special day. With the use of a home computer, a color printer, and some pretty paper from your local craft store, you can easily design and create a unique program for your wedding. But regardless of how simple or how elaborate your wedding ceremony will be, please give it some serious thought while planning your wedding. After all, your ceremony is the reason for the day, and the celebration that follows, isn’t it? Jean Neuhart Weddings From The Heart The Sedona Wedding page has been added to WedAlert. So if you are planning a Sedona Arizona wedding, visit it at http://www.wedalert.com/local_wedding_services/arizona/sedona.asp.
Whether you are local to the area, or planning a destination wedding, Sedona couldn't be a more romantic setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. There are many details that go into planning a wedding reception. After you find a location for your reception, book the caterer, and hire the entertainment, your focus can turn towards other topics like wedding centerpieces.
As with all wedding details, wedding centerpieces come in a wide range of choices. From expensive and over the top to cheap and modest, you will have to search for the option that is right for you and your wedding celebration. Set your budget and start thinking of wedding centerpiece ideas. As the saying goes, sometimes less is more, and centerpieces are no exception. If you are having a simple, elegant wedding you would not want to have lavish, obnoxious centerpieces that excessively stand out. On the other hand if you are having an elaborate wedding affair an extremely simple centerpiece may look out of place. Here are four tips for finding the perfect wedding centerpiece: Look For Unique Vases or Items For Flowers Flowers are the most popular choice for centerpieces, but that doesn't mean you can't be creative. Try finding unique vases instead of ordinary clear glass vases. There are many options including different color glass vases and unique shapes. Instead of vases you can also choose other items to hold your flowers like birdcages or fishbowls. Try adding items to the containers like stones, pearls or other objects that match your theme. Think Seasonal For Centerpiece Ideas The season that you are getting married can spark some great, creative ideas for wedding centerpieces. For a Fall wedding consider incorporating pumpkins into your centerpieces. Options include small carved pumpkins that can double as wedding favors and pumpkins filled with flowers or candles. Summer weddings have many items that can be used for centerpieces. These include seashells, lighthouses and other nautical items. For a Winter wedding, add pine cones or holiday items. Get Creative Think outside of the box and come up with something unique. If you have an overall theme to your wedding, try incorporating something from that theme into your centerpieces. For example, if you are getting married in a city like New York or Chicago, try tying in something unique from that city. New York is called The Big Apple, so you could somehow incorporate apples into your centerpieces. Ask a Professional Having trouble coming up with unique ideas for your centerpieces? Ask your vendors for help. Florists, caterers and wedding planners are great resources for centerpiece ideas. They have a lot of experience and have seen a lot of things, so bounce your ideas off of them. This article was submitted by Stephen Badiali hthttp://www.wedding-ideas-guide.com Your guest opens up her mailbox, and sees a lovely envelope addressed to her. Inside is her invitation to your wedding! What a lovely way to tell her how much you want her to share in the joy and celebrate you and your fiancé’s exchange of wedding vows.
But wait! There’s more! What are all the other things that’s in the envelope? One of the two most common types of enclosures is the Response card, also known as an RSVP card, (French for Respondez, s’il vous plait, or please respond). This card (with its pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope), allows your guests to easily let you know if they will be coming. The other most common enclosure is the Reception card. It gives them information on the time and location of the reception. If the ceremony and reception will be held at the same location, the Reception card can be omitted as long as reception information is also included on the invitation itself. Something along the lines of "Reception immediately following ceremony" will usually suffice – and save you money. Maps and directions are also popular enclosures. The easier you can make it for your guest to attend your wedding the better. Even if your guests live locally, a map with good directions is thoughtful and much appreciated. One other common enclosure is hotel information If you have several out-of-town guests, an easy and inexpensive (doesn’t cost you a dime!) courtesy is to book a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. Include the name of the event (ex. Smith-Jones Wedding), the hotel’s reservation phone number and room rates (hotels will often give a discount) on coordinating cardstock. Whether your guests choose to stay at this location is up to them, but you’ve conveniently and thoughtfully put the information right at their fingertips. A less common enclosure is the Within the Ribbon card. This card, which is about the size of a business card, is not sent to every guest, but only to those particularly special friends and family members. This card is brought to the ceremony and shows the ushers that you and your fiancé want to ensure that these special guests are seated up front. These cards are not necessary for grandparents or siblings, as they are traditionally seated up front, or for parents as they traditionally have the honor of sitting in the first row. Within the Ribbon cards are usually used for very large and very formal weddings where many guests are expected and reserving enough room for seating special friends and family members is a must. The purpose of the invitation and its various enclosures is to provide all necessary information a guest will need to easily and comfortably attend your wedding and share in your celebration. By Jean Neuhart, the owner of Weddings From The Heart. |
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