In the past grooms took a backseat when it came to planning a wedding, preferring to let their bride-to-be do the majority of the work. However, times are now changing and more men want to be involved in the planning process. The problem is that most men really don't know how to plan a wedding so they need your guidance.
Here are some responsibilities for the groom:
1. Gather Paperwork
Make it his responsibility to apply for the wedding license, research blood-test requirements, and coordinate passport applications if needed for travel. In addition, add the bride's name to financial accounts, wills, insurance policies, if you have mutually decided this will be in your best interest.
2. Arrange Transportation
Interview Limousine companies or arrange for other transportation to the wedding, and reception hall. Make sure to provide the transportation company with accurate directions and with a time schedule of the days events.
3. Plan the Honeymoon
Once you both decide upon your locale, he should go about booking the trip and securing transportation to and from the airport, which could be provided by the best man.
4. Coordinate Groomsmen Attire
In addition to the grooms attire, set up fittings for tuxedo rentals for the wedding. He should make sure everyone has the necessary accessories (i.e. vest, tie, cumberbund, and matching shoes & socks). He should also arrange to have the tuxedos returned to the store the next business day after the wedding.
5. Help the bride set up a budget, write the guest list, and pick out the invitations.
If the groom's parents want to contribute financially to the wedding, he should speak to them privately (without the bride). That way they will not feel any pressure. (Remember, his parents are going to be a very important part of your life so you do not want to alienate them!)
The groom should ask his parents who they would like to invite to the wedding. Again, the groom may want to do this without his bride. Before speaking to the parents, make sure you know exactly how many people they are allowed to invite.
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com http://fun.createswebsites.com
7/28/06
Best Man's Wedding Duties
Traditionally the groom chooses his best man. This important role is usually filled by a best friend or a family member such as a brother, cousin, or even a father. It is also acceptable for the groom to choose a close female friend or family member to stand up with him - she is referred to as an attendant.
The best man's duties are many and varied. Here is a list of some of his (her) duties:
1. Checks on last minute details such as transportation and accommodations for out-of-town ushers.
2. Makes sure the groom is properly dressed and at the wedding site on time.
3. Pays the ceremony officiant his fee immediately after the ceremony. The groom is responsible for this fee and gives the money to the best man before the ceremony.
4. Carries the bride's wedding ring down the aisle.
5. Makes sure the ushers are all properly dressed and at the ceremony on time. Also makes sure the ushers understand how to seat the guests.
6. May sign the marriage license as a witness.
7. Proposes the first toast at the reception to the happy couple.
8. May stand in the receiving line or circulate with guests.
9. Sits to the right of the bride.
10. Tries to make sure the guests feel welcome by introducing people around.
11. Along with the Maid/Matron of honor, collects any gifts and cards at the reception and delivers them to the couple's home.
12. Holds and protects the couples luggage and travel documents during the reception. It is a good idea to place items in the trunk of a car.
13. After the reception he escorts the bride and groom to the "get-away-car" or drives them to the airport.
14. Makes sure that all the tuxedoes are returned to the store the first business day after the wedding. The longer you keep the tuxes the more money it will cost you.
Fun Sites:
http://fun.createswebsites.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com,
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
7/27/06
Great Ideas for Wedding Programs
Wedding programs are an integral part of your wedding ceremony. Through wedding programs, your guests are able to feel more involved with your wedding. In addition, the knowledge of what is to come often helps guests have a better time at your reception and provides you with a way for keeping your guests informed about the meaning behind certain aspects of you ceremony. Programs are also excellent keepsakes for your guests.
What to Include in Your Wedding Program
Wedding programs are a fairly flexible addition to your wedding ceremony and reception. A basic program should include information regarding rituals, customs, or traditions being included in your wedding ceremony and in your reception. With the program, you can explain any aspect that may be unfamiliar to your guests. Of course, it should also include the times for certain events, particularly if your program will cover your reception events as well.
Wedding programs can also include many extras to help make them more personal. For example, you might include a brief biography of the members of your bridal party. Favorite poems, quotes, and photographs are also an excellent addition to your program. You might even honor a deceased relative or friend by including meaningful photos, quotes, or poems on the back of your program.
Program Designs
When it comes to wedding programs, anything that can be written on can be used. You might print your program on paper fans or in booklets. You can even be creative and place your program on scrolls of parchment or create a Playbill containing the names of the “actors” in your ceremony in order to help set the tone for your ceremony.
Winter Ideas for Wedding Programs
The time of year during which you get married can play a large part in determining the design and layout of your wedding programs. If you will be having a wedding program, you might create a program booklet that is bound in white faux fur. Or, use the traditional single-sheet program and attach a silver-studded snowflake to the top. Another idea is to create an ice-blue program and cover the top sheet with an piece of velum that is opaque and reads “Welcome to our Warm Winter Wedding.”
Spring Ideas for Wedding Programs
Spring is a fun and colorful time filled with blooming flowers. Therefore, spring wedding programs should reflect that same spirit. You might consider creating a two-fold program with a cover the same color as your wedding colors. Then engrave or emboss a bouquet of white blooms on the cover. Or, create a booklet and wrap it in chiffon ribbon and place a snap on it to keep it secure. If you want to keep it simple yet romantic, create a vertical program and place it on each of your guests’ chairs. Place a stone engraved with Love, Forever, or Joy on top of the program to keep it in place.
Summer Ideas for Wedding Programs
Summer brings with it thoughts of sunshine and splashing at the beach. To play upon this natural theme, you might create wedding programs that are bound with a string of seashells. Or, make fan-shaped programs that include all the colors of a sunset when they are opened. If you are going to lay your programs on your guests’ chairs, hold them down with a package of sparklers. This can be gorgeous if you are having an outdoor wedding and all of your guests light the sprinklers at the end of the ceremony.Fall
Ideas for Wedding Programs
In the fall, your wedding programs could include a leaf design. Or, create a small booklet with a mocha or cocoa colored cover and bind it with twine. Finish the look off with an attached acorn covered in gold glitter. Agold or yellow program with a velum overlay topped with a velvet chocolate-brown ribbon is another beautiful option.
Until next time!
Jasmine
Fun Sites:
www.fun.createswebsites.com
Aragia.com
Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Visit Aragia.com for tips on best man speeches and bridesmaid gift giving. http://windsor.weddingwindow.com, www.fun.createswebsites.com
What to Include in Your Wedding Program
Wedding programs are a fairly flexible addition to your wedding ceremony and reception. A basic program should include information regarding rituals, customs, or traditions being included in your wedding ceremony and in your reception. With the program, you can explain any aspect that may be unfamiliar to your guests. Of course, it should also include the times for certain events, particularly if your program will cover your reception events as well.
Wedding programs can also include many extras to help make them more personal. For example, you might include a brief biography of the members of your bridal party. Favorite poems, quotes, and photographs are also an excellent addition to your program. You might even honor a deceased relative or friend by including meaningful photos, quotes, or poems on the back of your program.
Program Designs
When it comes to wedding programs, anything that can be written on can be used. You might print your program on paper fans or in booklets. You can even be creative and place your program on scrolls of parchment or create a Playbill containing the names of the “actors” in your ceremony in order to help set the tone for your ceremony.
Winter Ideas for Wedding Programs
The time of year during which you get married can play a large part in determining the design and layout of your wedding programs. If you will be having a wedding program, you might create a program booklet that is bound in white faux fur. Or, use the traditional single-sheet program and attach a silver-studded snowflake to the top. Another idea is to create an ice-blue program and cover the top sheet with an piece of velum that is opaque and reads “Welcome to our Warm Winter Wedding.”
Spring Ideas for Wedding Programs
Spring is a fun and colorful time filled with blooming flowers. Therefore, spring wedding programs should reflect that same spirit. You might consider creating a two-fold program with a cover the same color as your wedding colors. Then engrave or emboss a bouquet of white blooms on the cover. Or, create a booklet and wrap it in chiffon ribbon and place a snap on it to keep it secure. If you want to keep it simple yet romantic, create a vertical program and place it on each of your guests’ chairs. Place a stone engraved with Love, Forever, or Joy on top of the program to keep it in place.
Summer Ideas for Wedding Programs
Summer brings with it thoughts of sunshine and splashing at the beach. To play upon this natural theme, you might create wedding programs that are bound with a string of seashells. Or, make fan-shaped programs that include all the colors of a sunset when they are opened. If you are going to lay your programs on your guests’ chairs, hold them down with a package of sparklers. This can be gorgeous if you are having an outdoor wedding and all of your guests light the sprinklers at the end of the ceremony.Fall
Ideas for Wedding Programs
In the fall, your wedding programs could include a leaf design. Or, create a small booklet with a mocha or cocoa colored cover and bind it with twine. Finish the look off with an attached acorn covered in gold glitter. Agold or yellow program with a velum overlay topped with a velvet chocolate-brown ribbon is another beautiful option.
Until next time!
Jasmine
Fun Sites:
www.fun.createswebsites.com
Aragia.com
Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Visit Aragia.com for tips on best man speeches and bridesmaid gift giving. http://windsor.weddingwindow.com, www.fun.createswebsites.com
7/26/06
How To Make A Hand Tied Wedding Bouquet
A natural hand tied bouquet is very popular.
This type of bouquet is made by holding the flower and foliage stems in one hand and adding the other stems around in a spiral fashion.
The stems are criss crossed at the one point and bound in position with string.
A ribbon bow with long tails completes the bouquet.
One of the advantages is this type of bouquet can be made the day before hand and the flower stems placed in a container of water.
The same type of flowers can be used together such as roses or a variety of different flowers.
If desired, leaves or pieces of foliage such can be placed around the edges.
MATERIALS
Choose suitable materials - you will need flowers with fairly long stems such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, freesias, Singapore orchids and lisianthus.
Suitable foliage such as camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina and leather fern.
If using different coloured flowers make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.
A mixed bouquet looks best using three to four varieties of flowers plus foliage.
METHOD
Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give flowers a long drink.
Remove thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the stems.
It is important to remove thorns as they may prick someone or tear a dress. They can be removed with a rose stripper which can be found at florist suppliers or by running a pair of scissors with the blade open along the stem.
Lay the flowers out on the table.
Start off with the largest flower to form the centre and hold the stem between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20cm (6-8") from the base of the flower head.
With the right hand add about 4- 6 clusters of foliage evenly around just below the flower heads to help fill in, criss crossing the stems on an angle and turning the bouquet around as you work.
Secure the stems in position by placing the end of a piece of string and winding it around a couple of times. Do not cut the string.
Holding the bouquet in the same way as before with the thumb facing towards you place 5-6 of the same type of flowers evenly around turning the bouquet around clockwise.
Secure all the stems in place with a couple of twists of string in the same place as before. Continue adding flowers in the next round extending these flowers out slightly further.
Check the finished bouquet side on as this is how it will often be seen, specially in the church.
Keep the bouquet a gentle rounded shape across the top like an upside down saucer.
Criss cross all the stems and give the bouquet a quarter turn clockwise after adding a few stems.
Secure stems in position with string in the same place as before when necessary.
Continue adding flowers and foliage stems turning the bouquet around clockwise until the bouquet is the desired size.
Place wired leaves such as camellia or ivy or pieces of foliage such as leather fern around the edges having the tips extend out about 5-7.5cm (2-3") past the edges of the flowers.
Secure all the stems together with string winding it firmly around several times in the same place as before, cut the string and tuck the end in.
Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems so they are about 6-8"(15-20cm) long and all the same level. Spray the bouquet lightly with water.
Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string and tie the ribbon in a shoe lace bow with long tails. Cut the ribbon ends on a slant.
Place the stems in a container of water until just before the wedding.
FOR THE BRIDE ON A BUDGET
Instead of centrepieces the bridesmaids' bouquets can be placed along the front of the bridal table which can look most effective and will cut down on expenses.
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
Fun Sites
www.fun.createswebsites.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
www.floral-art-school.com.au
Fay Chamoun is the principal of Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School offers Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design and floristry for a career or hobby. www.floral-art-school.com.au www.articledashboard.com www.fun.createswebsites.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
This type of bouquet is made by holding the flower and foliage stems in one hand and adding the other stems around in a spiral fashion.
The stems are criss crossed at the one point and bound in position with string.
A ribbon bow with long tails completes the bouquet.
One of the advantages is this type of bouquet can be made the day before hand and the flower stems placed in a container of water.
The same type of flowers can be used together such as roses or a variety of different flowers.
If desired, leaves or pieces of foliage such can be placed around the edges.
MATERIALS
Choose suitable materials - you will need flowers with fairly long stems such as roses, irises, carnations, alstroemeria, freesias, Singapore orchids and lisianthus.
Suitable foliage such as camellia leaves, eucalyptus gum, box, ivy, nandina and leather fern.
If using different coloured flowers make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.
A mixed bouquet looks best using three to four varieties of flowers plus foliage.
METHOD
Cut the ends of the stems on a slant and give flowers a long drink.
Remove thorns and strip off the lower foliage from the bottom half of the stems.
It is important to remove thorns as they may prick someone or tear a dress. They can be removed with a rose stripper which can be found at florist suppliers or by running a pair of scissors with the blade open along the stem.
Lay the flowers out on the table.
Start off with the largest flower to form the centre and hold the stem between the thumb and first finger on the left hand about 15-20cm (6-8") from the base of the flower head.
With the right hand add about 4- 6 clusters of foliage evenly around just below the flower heads to help fill in, criss crossing the stems on an angle and turning the bouquet around as you work.
Secure the stems in position by placing the end of a piece of string and winding it around a couple of times. Do not cut the string.
Holding the bouquet in the same way as before with the thumb facing towards you place 5-6 of the same type of flowers evenly around turning the bouquet around clockwise.
Secure all the stems in place with a couple of twists of string in the same place as before. Continue adding flowers in the next round extending these flowers out slightly further.
Check the finished bouquet side on as this is how it will often be seen, specially in the church.
Keep the bouquet a gentle rounded shape across the top like an upside down saucer.
Criss cross all the stems and give the bouquet a quarter turn clockwise after adding a few stems.
Secure stems in position with string in the same place as before when necessary.
Continue adding flowers and foliage stems turning the bouquet around clockwise until the bouquet is the desired size.
Place wired leaves such as camellia or ivy or pieces of foliage such as leather fern around the edges having the tips extend out about 5-7.5cm (2-3") past the edges of the flowers.
Secure all the stems together with string winding it firmly around several times in the same place as before, cut the string and tuck the end in.
Cut the ends off the flower and foliage stems so they are about 6-8"(15-20cm) long and all the same level. Spray the bouquet lightly with water.
Finish off the bouquet by tying a piece of wide ribbon around the bouquet to cover the string and tie the ribbon in a shoe lace bow with long tails. Cut the ribbon ends on a slant.
Place the stems in a container of water until just before the wedding.
FOR THE BRIDE ON A BUDGET
Instead of centrepieces the bridesmaids' bouquets can be placed along the front of the bridal table which can look most effective and will cut down on expenses.
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
Fun Sites
www.fun.createswebsites.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
www.floral-art-school.com.au
Fay Chamoun is the principal of Floral art School of Australia and International Floral Design School offers Floral Design Home Study Courses. Learn floral design and floristry for a career or hobby. www.floral-art-school.com.au www.articledashboard.com www.fun.createswebsites.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
7/21/06
Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
The great thing about a Rehearsal Dinner is that there are no set rules. Depending on your personality and budget you can create any type of dinner party you want.
Traditionally the Rehearsal Dinner is hosted by the groom's parents. But it is now becoming more common for the bride and groom to host their own dinner.
If you are throwing your own party, here are some ideas you might want to consider.
Formal Party
A formal Dinner is nice if you are having a small party for twenty people or less. You can host the party at your favorite resturant. Usually you allow your guests to order off the menu.
Pizza Party
This is a fun idea for groups who want a very casual party. The party can be hosted at a friends home or at your favorite pizza parlor. A pizza party is a great way to relax your guests before the formal wedding.
Pot Luck Dinner
If you are low on cash, a potluck dinner is a great idea. Ask your in-town guests to bring their favorite food and host a party at your home (or friends house). Be sure to organize in advance what your guests will bring. You would not want to end up with five plates of ham sandwiches and no desserts. A potluck dinner is a great way for friends and family to spend time together without going into debt.
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
Click here To Create Your Own Wedding Website!
Traditionally the Rehearsal Dinner is hosted by the groom's parents. But it is now becoming more common for the bride and groom to host their own dinner.
If you are throwing your own party, here are some ideas you might want to consider.
Formal Party
A formal Dinner is nice if you are having a small party for twenty people or less. You can host the party at your favorite resturant. Usually you allow your guests to order off the menu.
Pizza Party
This is a fun idea for groups who want a very casual party. The party can be hosted at a friends home or at your favorite pizza parlor. A pizza party is a great way to relax your guests before the formal wedding.
Pot Luck Dinner
If you are low on cash, a potluck dinner is a great idea. Ask your in-town guests to bring their favorite food and host a party at your home (or friends house). Be sure to organize in advance what your guests will bring. You would not want to end up with five plates of ham sandwiches and no desserts. A potluck dinner is a great way for friends and family to spend time together without going into debt.
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
Click here To Create Your Own Wedding Website!
7/17/06
DJ or Live Band? How to Decide
You've got all the pros and cons to consider when you're wavering between the horn section and the bubble machine.
Pros of Hiring a DJ
DJs are cheaper.
DJs will play your favorite songs the way you've always heard them, with no surprises.
You can get a much broader range of music from the massive CD collection of a DJ - he/she can switch from a waltz to rockabilly to two-step with no hitches.
Many DJs are adept at "feeling out the crowd" - noticing how your guests respond to certain music, and going with the flow of the party.
DJs have the equipment to fill any size room, filled with any number of guests, with the proper amount of sound.
Cons of Hiring a DJ
When you are hiring a disc jockey, you are at the mercy of a one-man music powerhouse. Be sure you meet with your DJ before you sign anything to make sure his/her performing personality is in line with the vibe of your reception.DJs are notorious for bringing along enough sound equipment to support Aerosmith at the Garden. If you don't want disco balls and the bubble machine, say so before you write the check.
Pros of Hiring a Band
There is nothing more romantic, contagious, or fun than live music at a wedding.
You can hire a band that specializes in almost any kind of music under the sun and expresses your personalities perfectly. If you and your fiance are swing fans, you can get a band that does nothing but. The same with country, rock, or jazz.
Live music generates an element of elegance and old-world charm that is truly emotional and human.
Cons of Hiring a Band
On the average, bands are more expensive than disc jockeys.
Bands that play a broad range of music that will please every guest are harder to find. Not impossible, but more difficult.
If the band has to travel a lengthy distance to get to your wedding, there will be travel fees to pay for each and every band member.
It's hard to judge what that band will sound like in the site you've chosen - if there will be enough sound, or too much. Be sure the size of the band fits the number of guests attending.
Bands are harder to book than disc jockeys, since most of them perform in two or three different areas. If you find a band that you want, book them now.
Remember to do your homework. With a little effort you should be able to find the perfect music arrangement for your reception.
Need Help? Click Here for "How To Set Your Wedding To Music"
Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)
Source:Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, gifts for your groomsmen, and much more. http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
7/15/06
Creating a Wedding Scrapbook
A scrapbook of a wedding is different than a photo album of a wedding. I think a photo album is to showcase the photos taken at the wedding. I think a
The following suggestions are just that, suggestions. There is no right or wrong in creating a scrapbook. It is my goal to provide some thought starters to creating a wedding scrapbook.
Consider starting with a few photos of both the bride and the groom as children. Add a few photos of them as teens and then some photos of the couple during the dating process.
During the planning stages, often banquet rooms are looked at, dresses and tuxedos are looked at, and invitations are looked at. Taking a few photos of the various planning days are great additions to the scrapbook. If the bridal shop will allow it, it can be fun to take photos of the bride in each dress she tries on.
When you decide on a banquet room, take a few photos of the room empty. Take a few photos of the building housing the banquet room.
Once a menu is decided on, save a copy of the menu provided by the banquet room. One event I helped with, we actually made the menu ourselves. We wanted guests to know what was being served that night and so we included our self made menu in the scrapbook.
You’ll also want to save one copy of all of the following:
• An invitation
• An R.S.V.P. card
• A place card
• A thank you note
• A copy of the guest list
If you order candy bar wrappers, or any other wedding favor, save one for your scrapbook. If you use a D.J. or a band, save one of their business cards, or one of their brochures, to include in your scrapbook. If you hire any other type of entertainer, again, save a business card or brochure.
As you plan your wedding, it can be fun to journal the days. There will always be mishaps along the way and as you are celebrating your first anniversary, you will laugh over the mishaps and the other notes you took as you planned.
When the R.S.V.P. cards come in, often times folks will write personal messages. Save those. Just like a high school yearbook, it’s fun to go back and read what others wrote, several years later.
And now, the day of the wedding has arrived. It’s time to take those photos that you’ll want for both your wedding photo album and also your wedding scrapbook.
If you need help getting started with ideas, why not check out your local library or book store. To save a little money you can also check out Amazon.com to buy used books. One of my favorite books is called Our Memories. Several other great books are called The Big Idea Book of Wedding Memories and Memory Makers.
Also, search the internet as it is a gold mine for ideas.
Have Fun!
Until Next Time
Jasmine :)Audrey Okaneko has been scrapbooking for several years. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or visited at http://www.scrapping-made-simple.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com/
7/8/06
Reduce Stress With A Wedding Website!
Personal Wedding Websites are becoming a necessity for every wedding for many reasons. Including important information eliminates questions that accompanied weddings in the pre - internet era. The stress reducing effect is as beneficial for the guests as it is for the couple.
Take for example, the gift registry. It is considered inappropriate to tell guests where one is registered in the invitation. This results in many phone calls by guests attempting to discover where the couple's gift registry is located. If the guest is not close to the immediate family, they will not know who to call to find out what stores the couple has selected to receive their gifts. This results in another bowl or serving piece that the couple will have to return the day after the wedding.
To avoid this stressful situation for the couple and the guests, couples can include their wedding website address in the invitation (which is completely acceptable according to all wedding etiquette experts). When guests visit the website to see their story, pictures, details, and other important information, they can easily find direct links to their online registries. Another example of making life easier on the couple and their guests is having the details and maps posted directly on the wedding website where guests can access them anytime worldwide. Without a website, the couple will receive many phone calls about where and when each event is, as well as, "what's the best way to get there". The couple can also avoid including extra notes in the invitation to tell out of town guests where hotel arrangements have been made, if they have a wedding website.
Some guests seem to take their time returning the RSVP card that usually accompanies the invitation. Not many weddings go by without the need to call some guests directly to see whether they are planning to attend or not. Having a wedding website can reduce this pursuit. When guests visit the website to see all kinds of information and pictures they can RSVP at the click of a button.
The benefits of a personal wedding website are plentiful, including sharing pictures and stories with friends and family. Thanks to the advancements in technology, one can create a beautiful website without any knowledge of programming whatsoever.
Wedding Web makes it as easy as filling in forms. Your information is fed into a beautiful design template of your choice. There is a 7 day Free Trial with no credit card required. Creating a website will make life easier for you and your guests and as a bonus you will have a lot of Fun doing it.
To learn more, visit weddings.myevent.com
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
Take for example, the gift registry. It is considered inappropriate to tell guests where one is registered in the invitation. This results in many phone calls by guests attempting to discover where the couple's gift registry is located. If the guest is not close to the immediate family, they will not know who to call to find out what stores the couple has selected to receive their gifts. This results in another bowl or serving piece that the couple will have to return the day after the wedding.
To avoid this stressful situation for the couple and the guests, couples can include their wedding website address in the invitation (which is completely acceptable according to all wedding etiquette experts). When guests visit the website to see their story, pictures, details, and other important information, they can easily find direct links to their online registries. Another example of making life easier on the couple and their guests is having the details and maps posted directly on the wedding website where guests can access them anytime worldwide. Without a website, the couple will receive many phone calls about where and when each event is, as well as, "what's the best way to get there". The couple can also avoid including extra notes in the invitation to tell out of town guests where hotel arrangements have been made, if they have a wedding website.
Some guests seem to take their time returning the RSVP card that usually accompanies the invitation. Not many weddings go by without the need to call some guests directly to see whether they are planning to attend or not. Having a wedding website can reduce this pursuit. When guests visit the website to see all kinds of information and pictures they can RSVP at the click of a button.
The benefits of a personal wedding website are plentiful, including sharing pictures and stories with friends and family. Thanks to the advancements in technology, one can create a beautiful website without any knowledge of programming whatsoever.
Wedding Web makes it as easy as filling in forms. Your information is fed into a beautiful design template of your choice. There is a 7 day Free Trial with no credit card required. Creating a website will make life easier for you and your guests and as a bonus you will have a lot of Fun doing it.
To learn more, visit weddings.myevent.com
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
7/4/06
Dressing Your Bridesmaids
For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one of the most difficult aspects of wedding planning. How can the bride find a gown for her maids that will display her own taste, look great on every girl and will fit into the financial picture?
There are so many colors and styles of dresses to choose from. The bridesmaids themselves may vary greatly in size and they want a flatteringly gown that makes them feel good. The bride and her bridesmaids may be in their mid-20’s or older and want a more sophisticated look in the bridesmaids gown. The bride also has the task of choosing a dress that will look good with each girl’s skin tone, hair color and figure.
Choosing the right gown can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The bride should start the decision process early. It’s ideal to actually place the order for the gowns about four months before the wedding. This will allow time for alterations, shopping for shoes and other accessories and leave time to dye the shoes to match the gown. The bride will find it most helpful to shop with the one bridesmaid whose fashion sense she shares. The ultimate decision about the perfect bridesmaid gown will be the bride’s.
The first step to choosing a bridesmaid gown is to determine the formality, style and fabric of the wedding gown. The bridesmaid dresses shouldn’t overpower or clash with the wedding gown.
For today’s more simple bridal styles, nice detailing in the maids gowns creates a good look for the group. Back accents like straps, halter tops and simple beading are important for ceremony photography. A quality gown of good fabric and construction is necessary for the active bridesmaids who will be walking, dancing or running errands. Who needs to worry about seams splitting apart or buttons falling off during the wedding?
The next step for most brides is choosing the gown color. This can be done by looking at bridesmaid swatches in the bridal shop. Most manufacturers make bridesmaids dresses in anywhere from a few colors to as many as fifty. Choosing the actual color will narrow the choice of gowns to a more manageable number.
The bride must then consider the size ranges and figure types of her maids. Most bridal parties have an average of two full-figured members. If this is the case, many times it’s best to begin choosing a gown style with the larger maids in mind. Some larger girls feel comfortable in spaghetti straps or even strapless gowns, but many would rather have at least a short sleeve or perhaps a shawl. The smaller girls can usually wear any style.
A-line styles look good on most everyone. A two-piece style with a longer top covering the hip bone is another good style. Almost 50% of wedding parties will include a pregnant bridesmaid. Extra fabric can be ordered to create a maternity side panel. A few designers are now creating maternity bridesmaids.
A new marketing trend for bridesmaids is the idea of separates. Most manufactures now feature at least some of their styles in separate tops and skirts. Separates offer some flexibility for the maids as they are able to choose different sizes for the top and skirt and can accommodate many different figures types. The bride can also choose the color and manufacturer of the separates while letting the maids have the freedom to create a style they will be comfortable in.
In these sensitive economic times, many gown manufacturers are adjusting their prices to meet everyone’s financial needs. Many designers have lowered their prices with no reduction in the quality of the garments. This year’s selection of gowns should meet the approval of everyone in the wedding party.
The bride may save time by doing her preliminary shopping online. She can narrow her choices and email styles she likes to her maids. Shopping on the internet may be the most logical choice for some brides when her maids live in different parts of the country.
Online ordering entails the maids obtaining their own measurements and alterations which must be done correctly for the best fit. Be sure to order very early to allow extra time for shipping the gowns.
The bridesmaid look is not complete without shoes and accessories. Shoes are available in many styles in fabrics which can be custom dyed to match the gown. Also popular are the clear vinyl shoes in strappy sandals some with changeable colored ribbon straps. One shoe company is now producing 100% silk shoes with leather soles in colorfast fabrics available in 9 styles in 15 colors that can be special ordered for delivery in about one week.
Matching wrist or elbow gloves offers a sophisticated look. A simple rhinestone or pearl necklace and earring set will enhance the look of your maids.
With all the choices in bridesmaid gowns available today, every member of the wedding party should be happy with the final results and will spend the wedding day celebrating with the bride and her groom.
I found the cutest book online called 101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress which I thought might be a cute gift to give to your bridesmaids. (Simply click on the red link above to check it out).
Happy Shopping
Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)
bio = Roanna Rose has owned a full service bridal shop for more than 20 years. : www.tjformal.com/tips.htm, www.funweddings.blogspot.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
7/2/06
Keeping Your Wedding Guests Happy
We've all been to "one of those weddings". The kind where you need to amuse yourself between the ceremony and the reception because they're hours apart or you find yourself stuck in a receiving line that never ends. To keep friends and family happy rather than gritting their teeth in frustration, here are some tips for brides and grooms to consider during the wedding planning stages.
Have Your Wedding Pictures Taken Before The Ceremony.
Many couples want to hold to the old-fashioned "the groom shouldn't see the bride before the ceremony" tradition. However, it's also important to consider just how long picture taking can actually be. Guests can be left waiting anywhere from one to three hours between the ceremony and reception. Not only will your guests find it frustrating, you will also have many guests showing up late to the reception... or not at all!
Be considerate of friends and family concerning their time. Remember, some of them may have to pay for babysitters and can't afford to spend an entire day attending a wedding and reception. Plan on having your wedding photos done before the ceremony when everyone in the wedding party is looking fresh. This will allow you to move smoothly from the ceremony to the reception with only a short travel time in between (assuming the reception is being held in a different location). Your wedding guests will be very appreciative.
Forget The Receiving Line
Traditionally, the bride, groom and wedding party stand in a receiving line so that guests can wish them well. Consider dropping this custom if you have invited a lot of guests to your ceremony. It is very time consuming and most people don't even know a good portion of the wedding party. As well, you'll always have "chatters" that will hold the line up, causing the guests behind them to become impatient. Most people really only want to congratulate the bride and groom and move on. If you insist on a receiving line, keep it minimal. Have only the bride, groom and parents receive the guests, rather than the entire wedding party.
Consider The Day Of The Week And The Times Of Your Ceremony And Reception
If your wedding is being held on a Friday or Saturday, then this usually doesn’t cause much of a problem. However, if your wedding is being held on a Sunday evening or a weekday, keep in mind that people have to get up to go to work the next day. Tight timing is important here if you are including a dinner and dance reception. It would be best if the ceremony and the reception are being held in one location to cut out travel time. Have your photos done before the wedding as well. The ceremony should be as short as possible and then move smoothly into the reception area for dinner. Rather than starting your dance at 9pm as is usually the custom, plan it for an earlier time, such as 7:30 or 8pm.
Cash Bar Or Not?
Cash bars have become more common place lately.
There are usually two reasons for this...
a) the cost can be tremendous and
b) wedding guests can easily drink too much if it's free liquor.
This is a touchy area for most bridal couples and their guests. Family and friends expect drinks to be free as part of the reception. As a couple, including the cost of liquor should be a part of your wedding budget.
On the other hand, if guests have to pay for their drinks, they tend to drink a lot less and it may help curb someone from trying to drive home drunk. Free flowing drinks can also cause other problems such as disorderly drunkenness where guests are dancing on the tables or possible fights breaking out.
So whether to have a cash bar or a free bar is something the bride and groom will have to carefully consider. A possible solution to this is to include one or two bottles of wine per dinner table and have a cash bar during the dance.
Do All The Speeches Early
As the evening progresses, people tend to drink more. It would be best to ask anyone who is to give a speech or toast to keep their drinking to a minimum (or not to drink at all) until they have presented their speech and to do so early into the reception. Once people get drinking, their tongues tend to get looser and they may say things that are not appropriate during their speech if they have consumed too much liquor.
Try Not to Split Up Your Wedding Attendants And Their Spouses/Dates At The Reception
It can be very awkward not only for your attendants, but especially for their spouse and/or date to be seated separately. It's really not necessary to have a head table for the wedding party. Consider having two or three tables at the front of the room to hold the wedding party and their respective partners. If you do want to include a head table, consider placing another table close to the front and seating your attendant's partners at that table together.
Click Here for some great Wedding planning resources to help you create your dream wedding!
Until Next Time!
Jasmine
About the Author:Rose Smith owns Wedding Themes and More where you can find a wealth of ideas and articles covering wedding theme planning. For more tips on planning and budgeting for a wedding, visit us at: Wedding Resources Read more articles by: Rose Smith http://funweddings.blogspot.com
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