Some Great Options for Cheap Wedding Favors

By: Linda Ellison

The latest statistics show that many couples in the U.S. spend on average around $20,000 for their wedding, including the dress, the tuxedos, the catering, transportation, and so many other things. For many, $20,000 is about half a year’s salary, and all of that for just one day! Yes, it may be the most special day of your life, but still, many couples wonder just how they can perhaps trim a few things in order to bring down that bill – without compromising the beauty of their special day.

Finding some cheap wedding favors wedding favors that don’t seem all that cheap can be one such way. Wedding favors are meant to be a great way for your guests – and for you – to have a keepsake of your special day, and while you want them to be beautiful and expressive, they don’t need to be expensive either.

The First Step to Choosing Cheap Wedding Favors

The first step in picking out some cheap wedding favors is to think about the theme or design of your wedding. If it’s something more traditional, you want favors that reflect this; if your wedding is more casual, then you may have more options.

Cheap wedding favors for a traditional wedding may include small candy dishes, picture frames, or candlesticks. For more casual wedding, you could tie the favors in with the theme – a beach wedding may be a bag of seashells, an outdoor wedding may be seed packets.

The Next Step – Assembling Them Yourself

The next step is to consider what types of wedding favors you can make or at least assemble yourself. Tulle bags full of Hershey’s Kisses or Jordan Almonds are always a favorite. Do you bake? Homemade sugar cookies in the shape of hearts wrapped in pink wax paper is a special treat.

There are also many items you can purchase if you don’t want edible favors, for example, small soaps, key chains in the shape of a heart, and coasters are good ideas.

Another suggestion for cheap wedding favors is personalized candy bar wrappers. Many companies that offer these products will allow you to just purchase the wrappers and foil by themselves, and you can buy your own candy bars and wrap them yourself, saving you quite a bit of money.

Most companies that offer candy bar wrappers have a variety of designs available that will match your wedding’s theme. You can check leading wedding websites such as The Knot, Wed Alert, and Favors and Wraps; these have personalized wrappers available, and of course their inventory is always being updated with new items.

So if you’re looking to trim a few dollars from your wedding bill but don’t want to look as if you’ve compromised anything, cheap wedding favors may be an option, if you’re willing to take some time to shop and compare.

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Additional Wedding Advice

http://merrybrides.blog.com
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com

Article by:
Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit http://www.favorsandwraps.com/ to read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.

All About Bridesmaids’ Luncheons

By Cori Locklin

Gather with the girls one last time before the main event.

Let’s face it – weddings go by in such a blur that after the dishes have cleared and the flowers begin to wilt, many brides realize they never really had a chance to spend some quality time with their nearest and dearest. That’s what makes bridesmaids luncheons so great – they afford the perfect opportunity to get together and enjoy some quality female bonding with your closest girlfriends one last time before the main event. They’re entirely optional, but this fun and typically hassle free soiree is definitely worth your while. So what does it entail?

Read on to find out…

What Is It

Bridesmaids luncheons are an opportunity for you to gather with your bridesmaids before the wedding and thank them for being a part of your wedding party. Think of the bridesmaids’ luncheon or tea like a reverse bridal shower – in which you’re now the hostess instead of the maids. The etiquette surrounding the bridesmaids’ luncheon is pretty flexible, so feel free to adapt to suit your needs. The “luncheon” can be dinner, brunch, an afternoon of pampering at the nearby spa, or a group activity of some kind. The event can be formal and elegant or casual and fun.

When Is It

The bridesmaids luncheon usually takes place a day or two before the wedding. This allows any out-of-town bridesmaids traveling to the wedding to make it in one trip. However, if you fear the days leading up to the wedding will be too action packed and stressful, you may choose to have it earlier – especially if all your maids live in-town.

Who Hosts

Usually, you (the bride), your mom, or another close friend or family member hosts in honor of your bridesmaids. Sometimes the bridesmaids may host in honor of the bride, but this isn’t as common.

Who’s Invited

Obviously all of the bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids will be in attendance, along with your mom and your fiancé’s mom. Other attendees may include your close female relatives – sisters, cousins, aunts - as well as any flower girls. Regardless, it’s usually best to try to keep it intimate. This may be one of the few times during the whirlwind wedding weekend when you can relax and enjoy some close, quiet time with the special women in your life. Think of it as a bittersweet, fond farewell.

Where is It

Bridesmaids’ luncheons can take place anywhere – although the venue should be close to the wedding and accommodations for any bridesmaids who may be traveling. If your maids are all staying at the same hotel, the hotel dining room or other function room makes a great and convenient location. Restaurants, tearooms and country clubs also make good locations, or it can take place at the hostess’s home.

What Happens

Unlike showers, bridesmaids’ luncheons aren’t typically centered around planned games and activities. The one constant is that you thank your bridesmaids - either formally in a prepared speech or toast, or one-on-one throughout the event. The luncheon is also a great time to present your bridesmaids’ gifts – along with any gifts to the moms and grandmothers in attendance.

The girls may also present you with your something old, new, borrowed and blue, or if the maids went in on a group gift, they may present it at the luncheon. Other activity ideas? The married guests can come prepared with an anecdote about marriage or advice.

Ideas & Trends

So sipping tea and nibbling finger sandwiches isn’t your thing? Don’t worry, you’re not required to plan a formal luncheon. Use your imagination to craft an event your circle will enjoy. Here are some fun “tea and crumpets” alternatives.

a picnic
a hike
a wine tasting
a slumber party
a visit to an art exhibit, museum, aquarium, zoo – or any other cultural activity

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Additional Wedding Planning Reading

http://merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://funweddings.blog.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com






























Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com/ and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles.

Advice On Preparing For A Great Home Wedding

By Amanda Jane

Why spend a fortune for a commercial wedding venue when you have your very own backyard or garden to host it? If you have enough space in your yard, then your home would be a good option.

Home weddings used to be the rule and commercial venues the exception since the event itself is truly a family affair. As people's lives became more complicated, and their schedules more hectic, couples began to consider commercial wedding venues.

There is no place like home and holding the event here may not only be more comfortable for the couple but it will also be less expensive. However, you need to have your home all spruced up and you have to prepare for your home wedding.

Assign people

Don't be a control freak. Well, if you must, at least assign a trusted family member or friend to take are of each arrangement. Consider your home wedding as an organization activity where you have to establish a committee that will take care of things. Set up a committee for cleanliness, decoration, safety, catering, tables and chairs and even food test.

Measure your space

Make sure you the total number of people who will be present in your wedding will fit in your yard. This includes the caterers, waiters, guests and even your videographer and photographer. You may have to adjust your guest list to the actual space available in your yard. A buffet party will be ideal if you want to accommodate as many guests because you need not set up formal tables for all of them. This also means you will have an informal set up.

Availability of parking area

Does your neighborhood have enough parking space for your guests? Ask your neighborhood officials if you need to get a permit for the party considering that you may have to reserve a lot of space for parking. This will give the officials a heads up so they can organize the traffic to your area. But if you live in a ranch and you own acres of land then you definitely wouldn't' have any problem with parking space.

Landscape ahead

You want a picturesque view during your wedding so it would be good to plan ahead. Landscape your lawn several months from the event. You should also decide on your theme and color so the landscape artist can figure this in his design.

Check with the officiant

There are denominations that do not allow the holding of wedding ceremonies outside a chapel or a church. If such is the case, you may want to consider another officiant who would agree to the planned venue.

Book a nearby hotel

Some of your guests may come from different places and they would want to check in at the nearest hotel. It is always practical to have your guests billeted at a hotel, either at your own expense or theirs, unless you have a large estate. Make sure you mention this in your invitation so they can also plan ahead.

There are thousand and one things to attend to when you are planning a home wedding. It can get pretty crazy especially when the big day draws near but the satisfaction of being married in a place you call home will always be a cherished memory.

Additional Wedding Advice
http://funweddings.blog.com/ http://merrybrides.livejournal.com /http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Couture Bridal Look On A Budget

By Shanell Bledsoe


The rumors are true...you don't have to spend a fortune on a wedding gown to look like you did!

The details that make couture style so expensive can be recreated on a simple, inexpensive gown. For instance, some of the trends right now are draped fabric, ruching, sashes, broaches, and unique accessories.

You can start with a simple, strapless satin dress with little or no embellishment. (Search online for "simple wedding gown" or "informal wedding dress.") Add a wide satin sash in a fabulous color, tied either in a bow or square knot, and place a broach in the middle of it. Why not dye your favorite heels to match the sash color? Top it off with a matching satin bolero jacket for a little coverage in case the air is chilly at your reception.

If your wedding is going to be held in an informal location such as a beach or garden, consider a dress in a lightweight, flowy fabric such as chiffon. Complete your look with a satin ribbon around the waist in a beachy color like turquoise or coral, and adorn your feet with footless sandals (or foot jewelry) made with pearls or crystal beads. A long veil is always beautiful blowing in the sea breeze. Imagine those gorgeous pictures!

Another idea for an unembellished dress is to keep the focus on your accessories. A sassy birdcage veil (think Reece Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama!) and vintage chandelier earrings give a sophisticated, elegant look to any simple gown.

Remember, your wedding is all about your individual style. So get creative, look for accessories that show off who you are, and make it your own!


Recommended Link:

Couture Bridal Gowns - Everything you need to create the dress of your dreams!

Additional Wedding Planning Advice
http://merrybrides.blogspot.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com


Written by: Shanell Bledsoe, owner of Destinations Bridal http://www.destinationsbridal.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shanell_Bledsoe

7 Tips For A Great First Dance

By Mike Staff



You don't have to be on "Dancing with the Stars" to enjoy your first dance together as husband and wife. Use these tips...

1. Choose a meaningful song. Select a song you both love and one that keeps an easy beat, especially if you're beginning dancers. When your song lasts longer than the usual three minutes, ask your DJ to fade the ending. Remember: frazzled dancers don't dazzle.

2. Take a couple of dance lessons. Group lessons can be intimidating, but private lessons remove the pressure of dancing for an audience. Your instructor will teach you according to your ability level. With private instruction, beginners can quickly master the basics with confidence. Dancing, like music, lifts the spirit and is so much more enjoyable when shared with your significant other.

3. Decide who leads and who follows. Gender no longer has anything to do with your decision. Choose the pattern that makes you comfortable. There's nothing wrong with following a simple lead. The object of dancing is to enjoy the dance! Being able to follow the leader creates confidence in the follower and makes a more pleasurable dance for the leader, too. If you're feeling brave and brassy, create a dance that switches leads once or twice during the routine.

4. Learn a couple of exciting steps. A pre-planned (choreographed) dip or a twirl makes a splashy statement without the tricky toe work of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. These moves are not only easy, but they offer impressive photo opportunities for still shots and videographers. When you look at them in the future, your photos will take you back to these moments with pride and a satisfied chuckle.

5. Plan your entrance and your exit. Will you clasp hands and kiss before you begin your dance? Will you sashay in from the left and leave to the right? Whatever you decide, be sure to tell your camera operators where and in what direction you will start and finish your dance, as well as any choreographed moves you plan to make. That way, they can prepare to capture the moment in its best light and with the correct angle.

6. Familiarize yourselves with the dance floor. Check out the floor you will dance on. Make sure you know its dimensions. Some styles of dancing (like Foxtrot) require a bigger space. Other styles like nightclub two step don't require much space. Have a good idea of the size and shape your wedding reception dance floor will be so that you can practice and get used to dancing in that amount of space.

7. Practice, practice, practice. Practice on a busy dance floor in a public place. You can also practice at home, of course, (preferably in front of a large, floor-length mirror), but you also need the experience of dancing in front of an audience. Practice your routine at least a couple of times per week, for several weeks, until your feet seem to move without much help from your mind. Concentrate on having fun during your first dance, and your guests will jump to join you on the dance floor.


Recommened Fun Links

Share the details of your wedding through a Wedding Website.


Additional Wedding Planning Advice:
http://funweddings.blog.com, http://merrybrides.livejournal.com, http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Mike Staff is the owner of Mike Staff Productions http://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.

© Copyright 2007. Mike Staff Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Staff

What You Never Knew About Traditional Irish Weddings

By Gregg Hall


The distinctive traditions like Claddagh Rings, superstitions, a special toast, as well as kilts and bagpipes make it really easy to distinguish an Irish wedding from the wedding celebrations of other countries. Let's take a close look at some of these unique components in the Irish wedding.

One of the most unique of all is the Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring made to resemble a pair of hands holding a heart with a crown. According to tradition, these rings must be passed down from mother to daughter and since they are intended to be passed down through many generations it is considered improper to purchase one of these rings on your own. There is also a tradition that states how the ring is supposed to be worn. If someone is engaged, the ring is to be worn with the tips of the crown facing outward towards the fingertips. Someone who is not romantically involved would wear the ring in the outward position, meaning that the tips of the crown are pointing to the wrist.

Some of the other unique aspects of traditional Irish weddings are the strange superstitions that surround them. Although a rainy or overcast day is really unwanted at any wedding, it is even less desirable at an Irish celebration because according to tradition the sun must shine down on the bride so that the couple will be blessed with good luck. The Irish are very superstitious people; another sign of good luck for a new couple is the sound of a cuckoo or the sight of three magpies. When it comes to wishing the couple well and congratulating them it is bad luck for a female to be the first one to offer congratulations to the bride. This is why a relative or close friend of the Groom will always be sure that he is first.

No celebration in Ireland would be the same without the sound of Bagpipes and the presence of kilts. By tradition it is customary for the pipes to be played by family and friends of the couple as they walk into the church and also to the reception. In addition, these people who have brought their own bagpipes may also continue to play the pipes for dancing. It is a great opportunity for these individuals to dress in traditional kilts creating a truly distinctive occasion.

Superstitions a play a large role in a traditional Irish wedding and many of the traditional superstitions relate to objects or occurrences that are thought to bring the couple good luck. These events are festive celebrations that involve family, friends, lots of food and great music.

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Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about Ireland and Irish Gifts Online at http://www.uniqueirishgifts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall


Additional Wedding Planning Advice

http://merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.com
http://funweddings.blog.com

Wedding Day Meal Options

Wedding Day Meal Options

(MS) - One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make when planning a wedding concerns how to feed the guests. This boils down to two choices: a sit down meal or a buffet style serving. Each has their ups and downs, and which route to take typically depends on a number of factors.

· Degree of formality: Formal weddings often call for a sit-down meal, as it's generally viewed as more elegant. But this doesn't exclude the buffet- style option from formal weddings. At more laid back, but still formal, weddings a buffet-style meal is perfectly acceptable. For weddings that aren't as formal, it's generally best (and less expensive) to offer a buffet style meal.

· The guest list: The global nature of the world today means friends and family are spread out more than ever. The guest lists at many weddings are increasingly looking like a United Nations summit, with attendees coming from all over the map. If a wedding guest list features many guests who have flown or traveled from afar, it might be more appropriate to offer a more relaxed, sit down meal.

The age of guests should be considered as well before deciding on a meal option. If there will be lots of elderly people or even guests with young children, it's probably easier on them to offer a sit down meal. For weddings that boast a particularly young guest list, a buffet style might encourage more mingling and allow those guests to meet one another a lot easier than a sit down meal would.

· Budget: Buffet-style meals are generally less expensive, but this isn't always the case. Some think a sit-down meal will cost more because a wait staff is required to serve the food and drinks. While this is true to an extent, buffet-style meals still require a staff on hand to replace food that has run out. In addition, the time of day of the reception plays a role as well. For example, a buffet-style lunch will not be nearly as expensive as a buffet-style dinner. In general, though, a buffet at a wedding is almost always more budget-friendly than a sit down, typically costing far less per plate.

· Flexibility: Guest lists are often unique, with each guest having particular preferences when it comes to food. This makes buffets an especially attractive option. Sit down meals can be very limiting, which won't bode well for picky eaters. A buffet, however, offers many selections, and chances are even the pickiest of eaters will find something they can devour.

Recommended Reading

Wedding Menus

Addition Wedding Planning Advice
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com
http://funweddings.blog.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com

The 5 Most Common Diet and Exercise Mistakes

By Rosie Peters

Can't lose weight? Tried absolutely everything, but still frustrated by fat that won't shift or worse, more weight packing onto your tummy, hips and butt despite your best efforts? Frustrated, fragile and reaching stealthily into the larder for a bit of comforting chocolate? Stop right there. Have the strength to put that calming little treat back where you found it and read this - with an open mind.

With a willingness to accept your mistakes. Because you can lose weight and keep it off for life. What's more you can be fit and healthy while you are doing it. You have the key; you just haven't worked out how to use it. Stop bashing your head against the wall and find the door!

If you can admit that the buck stops with you, accept responsibility for your diet and exercise mistakes and move on, then you are on the road to success. These are 5 of the most common diet and exercise mistakes. At the moment you are probably making more than one of them, but don't realize it, or don't have the guts to admit it or don't have the tenacity to get over it. Time to change your attitude. If you want to lose weight and be fit for your lifetime you have to admit your mistakes and move forward.

Diet and exercise mistake #1

Expect weight loss and fitness results immediately. This afternoon, straight after you've skipped your hamburger and large fries lunch and replaced it with an apple and low fat yogurt that you walked all the way to the deli to pick up yourself. If you don't lose a kilogram or so in the first 3 days, give up. No one can say you didn't try.

Reality: It took a long time to pile on your excess weight. It's going to take a long time and a lot of committed discipline to reverse this. Don't struggle - accept this cold hard fact and get on with losing that unwanted weight. The time will pass and the weight will drop off.

Diet and exercise mistake #2

Embrace a fad diet out of the latest popular magazine. Something endorsed by someone very famous; they wouldn't lie to you. Look, it works for Posh Spice - a diet of lettuce and fresh air will work for you too. And it's so severe you won't have to keep at it for too long.

Reality:
Posh Spice, on fairly close inspection, seems to have some surgical aid and personal trainer type involvement to embellish the lettuce and air combination. Her body is part of her business enterprise and she has the money to spend on it. Chances are you are going to have to use your tenacity and dedication rather than your gold plated credit card and impeccable connections in "the industry" to lose weight and keep it off. Stop dreaming; commit yourself to a proven diet and exercise program that you can stick to for life and your erstwhile dream will come true.

Diet and exercise mistake #3

Develop diet and exercise amnesia. When you record your calorie intake and output for the day, underestimate the food you have eaten - both in what you actually ate and in the portion sizes. Skip your exercise today cause you went hard at it yesterday, or was it last Sunday? Never mind you can always exercise more and eat less tomorrow (or eat less and skip the dreaded exercise again).

Reality:
Unless you keep a food and exercise diary and record accurate portions and calories, you are lying to yourself about your diet. If you don't make exercise a daily habit, you have sabotaged your weight loss and fitness program before you even really start. Any diet that tells you not to worry about calories, fat and exercise doesn't really seem to be a diet by definition when you take a minute to think about it.

Diet and exercise mistake #4

Lose some weight, feel good about it, maybe even buy some new slimline clothes, then go back to eating what made you fat in the first place. Get your exercise locating the TV remote and shuffling off to the kitchen for sustenance.

Reality:
If you don't change what you eat and the way you eat it and your exercise regime or lack of it for the term of your natural life, you will be doomed, doomed I tell you (insert manic laughter here). Look, you don't like being fat and unhealthy. In order to turn this around, you have to be willing and able to make permanent changes to your habits that will be disturbing and difficult at first. Over time, your faithful, long suffering body will reward you for your excellent decisions by performing at a much-improved level, with a much better physical and mental outlook. Your cunning brain will begin to crave good food if you give it the time to get used to the idea. It's up to you to take responsibility for permanent change in your life and wait patiently for the rewards.

Diet and exercise mistake #5

Pay no heed to reality. Try to convince yourself that you are OK at this weight, at this level of (non) fitness. Unflattering photos have been taken from a bad angle. Boutiques are stocking only ungenerous brand sizes, not meant for real people. You medical adviser is over-reacting to your cuddly shape with creepy conversations about type 2 diabetes.

Reality:
You can't be Cleopatra (Queen of Denial) forever. Telling yourself you are OK at this weight and that you don't really need a change of diet or exercise is just plain lazy and dodging the issue. You want to lose weight or you would not be reading this. You have to want it enough to be honest with yourself about your current weight and fitness levels and what your goals are.

You have to make a plan for weight loss and exercise and have the determination to stay with it - it is simple. Don't make the mistake of thinking it should be easy. It cannot be easy. Nothing worth doing is easy. But it is very much worth the effort.

Recommended Reading


http://merrybrides.livejournal.com/
http://funweddings.blogspot,com/

Planning An Interfaith Marriage

(MS) - While a person's wedding day is a time for celebration, as any bride and groom know, the day itself and the months leading up to the big event can be stressful.

Such stress is often heightened for couples in which each person is from a different religious background. Whereas such couples used to be rare, studies continue to show that interfaith marriages are on the rise. In the 2001 American Religious Identification Survery, nearly 25 percent of all couples responding were in Interfaith marriages.

Interfaith couples need to do extra work with respect to their wedding day, taking care of certain matters that, for couples of the same faith, needn't be discussed. For interfaith couples, the following tips should help ease the stress of the big day.

· Determine what's most important: Despite being raised in a particular faith, many adults either don't regularly attend religious ceremonies or consider themselves as practicing a particular religion. In fact, a 2005 survey titled "Atheism: Contemporary Rates and Patterns," found that 39 percent of Americans considered themselves either agnostics (claiming no belief or disbelief in God) or atheists (claiming disbelief in God). For interfaith couples about to get married, it's important to truly consider one's beliefs. Bride and groom should examine how meaningul their faith is to them, and what they can live with or without in a wedding ceremony.

· Attend a service, be it a wedding or weekly service, from each faith: Knowledge is a great mediator when deciding how to conduct an interfaith ceremony. Learn as much as possible about each other's faith and traditions. Attending a service or ceremony might even open your eyes to an element of your partner's faith that you find appealing and might want to include in the ceremony. In addition, knowing about a partner's faith will help you better understand their thought process when planning the ceremony.

· Consider two ceremonies: Sometimes one or both persons decide their faith is very important so that they insist on a traditional ceremony being performed. This isn't all that uncommon, and can appease the families of both people getting married, as couples won't run the risk of leaving something important out of the ceremony.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Celebrating Interfaith Marriages: Creating Your Jewish/Christian Ceremony

Joining Hands and Hearts: Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations--A Practical Guide for Couples

Finding the Best Caterer

Author: Kathleen


Finding the best caterer is one of the most important parts of wedding planning. Recommendations from family, friends and co-workers are a good place to start. Then select a minimum of 5 to 6 caterers that you would like to interview.

A good place to start is to find their cuisine specialties. A caterer who specializes in Italian cooking may not be the best with an all Asian cuisine menu. Is he/she flexible enough to adapt to your needs? If the bride and groom, for example, are health conscious, can a large variety of pasta and vegetarian entrees be served? These interviews will help determine which caterer is the most professional, enthusiastic and experienced in their field.

Asking for pictures of past wedding receptions and a list of satisfied customers will also help your determination. Call the names on the list, making sure to ask if there were any problems, or food and service that was less than satisfactory. Look for attractive and creative buffet designs and table arrangements in the photos of recent events.

The ideal caterer will be able to offer you the following:

· Information about licenses, health permits, and insurance

· Written contract and guarantee

· A fixed price not subject to change

· Deposit and final payment dates

· Terms for refunds/postponement/cancellation

· Food tastings

· Cost of bartender, corkage fees, and liquor

· Cost-per-person of a buffet compared to a sit-down dinner

· Information about the number of staff, gratuities, and overtime charges

· Providing for the wedding cake

· Recommending other wedding related professionals

You can find more information about catering online. At http://www.findcatering.com/, you will find a directory of major cities in the United States. Click on the appropriate city and you will find information on local catering companies. Posting a request on a bridal forum may also give you advice about reputable caterers in your area.

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Fun Links Spotlight:

Wedding Window

Don't order Wedding Invitations before checking InvitationConsultants.com.


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Additional Wedding Advice:

http://merrybrides.livejournal.com

http://merrybrides.blogspot.com

http://funweddings.blog.com

http://weddingsbyashlee.blogspot.com

Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils and bridal jewelry. This article is free for republishing Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_114651_41.html

Wedding Dresses - How to Shop for your Wedding Dress

Author: Cori Locklin

You have done the research. You're an expert on ballgown silhouettes and sweetheart necklines. Now the time has finally arrived wedding dress shopping day! But like the rest of the wedding planning process, shopping for a wedding dress is slightly more complex than shopping for your basic pair of slacks. Know what to expect before you hit the stores! First, you must decide where you are going to shop; here are the most common options:

Independently Owned Full Service Bridal Shops

These stores offer a full range of services for the bride and the wedding party, with designers and prices ranging from moderate to high-end. While off-the-rack is possible, these stores typically special-order wedding gowns for brides and attendants, so you should be prepared to wait a few months for your gown to arrive. You will mostly likely be able to purchase all of your bridal accessories, such as shoes, veils, undergarments and jewelry, and an in-store seamstress will consult with you on custom alterations.

Couture Bridal Shops

Couture bridal shops represent a subsection of independently owned full service bridal shops. Offering the same range of services, they carry exclusive designer labels at higher-end prices. These bridal boutiques are usually found in major cities.

Department Stores

Department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and JC Penny offer wedding gowns, while others such as Lord & Taylor and Hecht's only offer bridesmaid dresses. These gowns are usually bought off-the-rack; however, your wedding dress may be specially ordered from another store if your size is not in stock. Most of these stores offer in-house alterations.

Discount Bridal Outlets

Discount bridal outlets offer a mix of discontinued national brands and privately labeled merchandise at reduced prices. While you will not find the same level of service found at privately owned bridal shops, you may be able to find the designer wedding dress of your dreams at an affordable price. Dresses are bought off-the-rack, so you may take the gown home the day your purchase it. Since these stores typically do not offer on-site alterations, make sure you can find a trusted seamstress.

Nationwide Bridal Chain Stores

Bridal chain stores manufacture, import, and sell their own private label wedding gowns. While the style selection is more limited than in other types of stores, the prices are usually lower. Be prepared for a lower level of service and little sales assistance, but the ability to buy off the rack at a reasonable price can be a good option for short engagements.

Custom Gown Designers

For a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, you can collaborate with a custom gown designer to specially create a wedding dress just for you. You can find such gown designers in most major cities. Be sure to select a designer whose vision you appreciate and trust.

What to expect once you're in the shop:

� Make an appointment, and, if possible, try to shop during a weekday. You will receive more attentive service if your sales associate can dedicate his/her time especially for you.

� Consider bringing the lingerie that you will wear at the wedding. This will help you determine exactly how the wedding dress will look and feel on the big day.

� Bring someone with you whose opinion you respect and trust, but avoid bringing an entire brigade of "experts." Too many opinions will distract you.

� Many bridal boutiques will not simply allow you to browse through the selection of wedding dresses; rather they will bring gowns to you one at a time. At these boutiques, a sales associate will sit down with you to discuss your style and will bring you dresses that reflect your vision.

� That said, allow them to bring you many styles. While you may have an idea of what you want, you never know what looks best on your body style until you try it.

� Most likely, you will not try on dresses in your actual size. Stores typically carry sample sizes (8-10), and the sales associate will pin it to your body.

� Remember that you will have to be fitted - up to 3 times - before your wedding dress fits perfectly. If the store has an in-house seamstress, ask for an alterations estimate.

� Wedding dresses tend to run small, so be prepared to order a size that is larger than you normally wear.

� Go with your gut! If you need to be convinced that a wedding dress looks good on you, it's probably not "the one."

� If there is a specific feature you want changed, you can usually request it. Keep in mind that any design changes will increase the cost of the wedding gown.

� When determining the cost of your wedding dress, remember to factor in the cost for the veil, which can run up to $500 and beyond, and other accessories such as shoes, headpiece etc.

� Sleep on it. Most stores have a no return policy, so you need to be sure before making your final decision.

� Once you have found "the dress" and made your final decision, you will usually pay a 50% deposit on the dress.

� Afterwards - the store will take your measurements to order size - don't be tempted to order one too small in hopes of losing weight.

� Remember that the dress usually takes a few months to be made, so make sure you leave enough time for alterations.

My Favorite Wedding Resouces:

Create your own Wedding Website!

Buy Bridal Lingerie at HerRoom.com

Wedding Dress Discount- Learn how you can get 75% off your wedding dress.

More Great Wedding Advice articles
Merry Brides
Ultimate Brides
Fun Weddings
Weddings by Ashlee


For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com/, your ultimate wedding planning resource.


This article is free for republishing Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_63129_41.html
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering a comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and their recommended vendors, along with planning articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries. http://www.elegala.com

Window to your Wedding

With destination weddings on the rise, it is becoming more and more important for couples to have a means for informing their guests of their upcoming wedding plans as well as provide recommendations for out-of-town guests.

Wedding websites allow your guests one-stop shopping when it comes time for them to arrange their travel plans as well as other details. You can be as specific as you wish and link your website directly to the hotel reservation pages that you would like to recommend to your guests. You will find that having a website is not only a time-saver but a budget-saver as well. The multiple mailings that can sometimes become necessary to communicate with your guests can easily eat up a good portion of any wedding budget. Allowing your guests to RSVP online will also cut down on your wedding expenses. No need for RSVP cards! However, you can always order just enough for those guests who may not be web savvy.

Destination weddings have definitely become a way for couples to express their style in a less traditional way. If you choose to have your wedding in a destination location, try to make it a fun experience for you and your fiancé as well as for your guests. Destination Wedding Tips 1. Location, Location, Location. When selecting a location, choose one that appeals to your tastes and wedding style. Keep in mind, however, that because it won't be as easy as going down the street to the local church to attend your wedding, you'll have to assume that your guest list may be smaller. You'll need to get a good sense about the number of attendees you wish to have before selecting your event facility so you can be confident that it will be appropriate for the crowd.

2. Less is More. Destination weddings can be expensive not only for those getting married, but also for those attending. Try to be mindful of that when selecting your wedding site so those who are closest to you can afford to attend. Consider having your wedding during the off-season so costs will be lower. Traditionally, accommodation expenses are covered for the bridesmaids by the bride's family and for the groomsmen by the groom's family. All other guests should be responsible for their own expenses. Most hotels will work with you to offer group discounts.

3. Assist your Guests. You may know the location that you will be flying off to for your dream wedding like the back of your hand, but most of your guests will not. Your wedding website can be a tool to help you educate your guests about the area, local attractions, accommodation ideas, the weather and directions. Making their job easier will only amount in a larger turnout at your wedding. Use your website to remind them of the things they may not consider such as a passport if required for your chosen location.

Recommended Wedding Website Link:

Wedding Window - Design your wedding site in minutes.


Additional Wedding Articles
http://merrybrides.blog.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com

© 2007 Wedding Window. All rights reserved.

Wedding Cake Toppers - Crown Your Wedding Cake In Style

By Elizabeth Reuth

When it comes to wedding cake decor, most couples choose to adorn their wedding cake with a cake topper of some kind. Wedding cake toppers come in many forms and can be as different as the couples who choose them. From elegant monograms to fun and humorous cake toppers, you’ll find something unique to crown your wedding cake in style and put a personal touch on your wedding cake.

Here are the main types of wedding cake toppers:

Floral Wedding Cake Toppers

As flowers are such a big part of weddings, it’s only natural that flowers would make their way atop wedding cakes too. Flowers as wedding cake toppers add natural beauty to wedding cakes and are perfect for any type of wedding that features flowers in other areas like the bride’s bouquet or table centerpieces. Floral cake toppers can be created by a small tight bunch of blooms on the top of the cake or a group of flowers cascading down the wedding cake.

You can use silk or real flowers as a wedding cake topper. If you use natural blooms, be sure to use varieties that will remain fresh without water for a few hours. You don’t want faded and wilting flowers on top of your wedding cake.

Humorous Wedding Cake Toppers

If you and your fiancé joke around a lot or want to lighten up the seriousness of your wedding, there are wedding cake toppers that will give a sense of whimsical comedy to your wedding reception. You can find lots of wedding cake toppers that will make you giggle. Humorous cake toppers are available that feature the bride and groom climbing up the wedding cake, the bride fishing for the groom and even a cake topper where the bride drags the groom by the pant leg. Though they’re certainly not for every couple, if you and your fiancé have a fun sense of humor and want to lighten up your wedding reception, a funny wedding cake topper will do the trick.

Monogram Wedding Cake Toppers

Monograms are popping up everywhere in weddings these days and the top of the wedding cake is no exception. Monogram Cake Toppers are a very elegant way to show pride in the names of the bride and groom. Wedding cake toppers featuring monograms are also a great way to put a personal mark on your wedding reception. Monogram cake toppers generally feature the initial of the groom’s last name (which is the bride’s new last name), but they can also be a combination of the bride and groom’s names.

You can use a monogram as your wedding cake topper in several different ways. The monogram can be created using spun sugar, flowers or you can purchase a monogram cake topper made from plastic or lightweight metal.

Traditional Wedding Cake Toppers


There’s something very charming about a wedding cake topped with the traditional bride and groom standing side by side. Traditional cake toppers give your wedding cake a very cute and retro look. If you’re thinking that you and your fiancé aren’t exactly the traditional bride and groom, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use a traditional wedding cake topper. These days, retailers offer different choices of brides and grooms in every color, shape and size. For couples who want to give their wedding cake a touch of classic appeal, a traditional wedding cake topper is just right.

With so many choices to top your wedding cake, you’ll surely find a wedding cake topper that will go perfectly with your cake. Think about your personal wedding style and determine which topper, floral, humorous, monogram or traditional, is best to crown your wedding cake.

Recommended Companies offering a wide assortment of Cake Toppers

Specialty Wedding Cake Toppers

Whimsical Cake Toppers

Personalized Cake Toppers

Figurine Cake Toppers

Additional Wedding Planning Reading
www.merrybrides.livejournal.com
www.funweddings.blogspot.com
www.merrybrides.blog.com

A wedding expert, Elizabeth Reuth offers a wedding planning guide online for brides and grooms and is the author of the popular wedding vow book Perfect Wedding Vows in Minutes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Reuth

Six Tips for a Great Coffee Wedding Favor

By: Lisa Carter

A lot of people love coffee. For some individuals, mornings are simply not complete without a great steaming cup of aromatic and flavorful coffee. This is probably why coffee has now also invaded the wedding scene. If you’re also thinking of handing out coffee favors then take a look at these great tips for coming up with the perfect coffee wedding favor.

Study the Basics of Coffee

Coffee brands and blends were not created equal. Coffee fanatics among your guests would notice if your coffee wedding favor is not the best kind. Take time then to get to know basic details about coffee.

Your coffee wedding favor research should start with the beans. The two major beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is more popular and reputedly more flavorful. Robusta however generally has more caffeine content and is cheaper. You can have ground coffee or coffee beans in your coffee wedding favor. From your coffee wedding favor bean inquiry you can move on to choosing among the many bean variations like Kona, Columbian, decaf, organic and many more. The most common choice is to have a coffee bean blend. There are also a great variety of flavors to choose from such as vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, butter rum, cinnamon and Irish cream.

Sample the Merchandise

The best way to choose the right kind of coffee for your coffee wedding favor is to sample the different kinds of coffee yourself. Your coffee wedding favor should be able to speak well about your own personal taste and personality. If you are not confident about your choice, you can ask a group of friends to help you choose a good blend or flavor.

Be Creative with the Package

Most coffee favors are simple packs of coffee bean blends with the details of the event up front. You can however be more creative with your coffee wedding favor. You have the choice among mugs, tin cans and baskets to hold your coffee wedding favor. The advantage with these containers is that your guests can still have a useful reminder of your special day long after they have consumed their coffee giveaway.

Be Generously Sweet

A lot of coffee drinkers prefer to pair their cups of coffee with little sweet edibles. Generously add a few things in your wedding favor like homemade cookies or chocolate candies.

Add Some Great Accessories
You may include a personalized coffee favor accessory with your coffee pack instead of having a personalized container for your coffee wedding favor. Wrap a silver spoon or stirrer or a heart shaped coffee scoop in tulle and ribbons to add to your coffee pack.

Be Considerate of Others

It’s true that a lot of people really drink coffee but there are also some who prefer tea or do not drink coffee at all. Add a few items in your giveaway for your non coffee drinking guests. The most common options include tea and chocolate drinks. You should be careful though with how you pack your wedding favor. Include too many items and it may start to look like a grocery store goods giveaway.

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Fun Links

• Wedding Wonderland Personalized Coffee Favors
  
• "Scoop of Love" Heart Coffee Scoop in Elegant Gift Box
  
• Rose Theme "Perfect Blend" Coffee Favors
  
• "The Perfect Blend" Elegant & Personalized Coffee Kit with Free Personalized Tag

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Wedding Advice:

Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Wedding Planning Guide
Fun Weddings Weddings on a Budget Ashlee Wedding Window - Create your own Wedding Website
Article Directory: http://www.articlecube.com
Lisa Carter is an expert in wedding planning. Get her Coffee Wedding Favors here or visit her site at www.Your-Wedding-Plans.com for money-saving tips and other wedding favor ideas and other useful advise for your dream wedding

Checklist Of Flowers For Your Wedding Day

By Dawn Dingus

Weddings and beautiful flowers go hand in hand. Fresh flowers, silk flowers, dried flowers and preserved flower arrangements alike require special preparations and planning. Whether you intend to hire a professional florist or make your own wedding floral arrangements, it is a good idea to create a checklist of flowers that you will need for your special day.

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The following list includes flower arrangements for the wedding ceremony, wedding reception, bridal party members, family members and other individuals providing special services or assistance throughout your wedding day. Use the checklist below as a general guide to assist you in creating your own personalized checklist of flowers. Add or remove items from the list based on your wedding day needs. Creating wedding checklists well in advance will not only give you and/or your family time to plan and save money for expenses, but it will assist you in keeping your wedding plans organized and detailed. Once you have determined the number and different types of flower arrangements you will need, you can set your wedding flowers budget and begin researching different floral designs to coordinate with your wedding day theme.

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Flowers for the Wedding Ceremony

Guest Book Table or Stand

Candelabras

Unity Candle Table or Stand

Church Pews (with or without pew bows)

Alter

Wedding Arch

Piano and/or Organ

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Flowers for the Bridal Party, Family and Other Individuals

Bride's Bouquet

Bouquets for Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids

Flower Girl Basket and Flower Girl Crown/Hair Accessory

Corsages for Mothers and Grandmothers

Boutonniere for Groom

Boutonnieres for Best Man, Groomsmen, Ushers and Ring Bearer

Boutonnieres for Fathers and Grandfathers

Boutonniere for Minister/Officiant

Corsages or Boutonnieres for Pianist/Organist

Corsages or Boutonnieres for Wedding Coordinator

Corsages or Boutonnieres for those providing special services or assistance.

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Flowers for the Wedding Reception

Candelabras

Chandeliers

Wedding Party Head Table

Guest Tables

Cake Table

Cake Knife and Cake Server

Buffet Table(s)

Other Food Tables

Gift Table

Lattice Partitions

Columns/Poles

Free-Standing Arrangements

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Fun Links:

• Luxury Travel


• Keep your family and friends up-to-date with your very own Wedding Website!

• Discount Wedding Gowns

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About the author: Dawn Dingus is an experienced wedding planner and content writer for SouthernCraftworks.com and PersonalizeYourGift.net. Shop at http://www.SouthernCraftworks.com for wedding accessories, bridal jewelry, personalized candles, keepsakes, favors and engraved gifts for all occasions.

Wedding Advice: Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Wedding Planning Guide Fun Weddings Weddings on a Budget Ashlee Weddings
Wedding Window - Create your own Wedding Website

How to Choose your Wedding Videographer

Author: Shawn Hickman

Your dream wedding takes months of planning and lots of hard work. You’ve painstakingly researched every detail to make your wedding day perfect. When the day is over you want to see and hear the joy and excitement all over again. A quality wedding video will allow you to re-live those emotional moments again and again. Magical moments for generations to come!

Therefore you want someone you can trust to do a professional job, but need some help finding the right video production company. Lets outline some of the most important tips in finding the perfect wedding videographer for your needs.

THE BUDGET

Costs for wedding videography vary greatly. Many new add-on items like “Love Stories,” Childhood Photo Montages,” rehearsal dinner coverage, dvd creation, and large screen presentations all add to the overall costs. Narrowing down the things that mean most to you will help before you get started.

VIDEO COVERAGE

Some videographers give unlimited time while others have packages with a certain number of hours built in.

One hour minimum of pre-ceremony coverage is needed to capture the best pre-ceremony shots. This can be some of the best video coverage of the whole day.

Three full hours of reception time should be sufficient to capture most of the major events during the reception. This should give you a good idea of the total time your videographer will need to cover the important events of the day.

VIDEO & AUDIO EQUIPMENT

Most perspective brides have no idea what type of professional equipment a videographer will use, so all you can go by is your own eyes and ears. See at least two or three samples of their work. Many web sites have streaming samples that will give you an idea of that company’s style and artistic flow. Video quality can be harder to see due to the inherent compromises compression puts on a streaming video via the web. Closer examination of their work can only be seen in person. This gives the added benefit of meeting your videographer and seeing how attentive they are to your needs. Remember they will be representing you at the wedding!

VIDEO AND AUDIO QUALITY

I believe that video quality starts with acquisition. The camera and audio gear used by wedding professionals varies greatly as well. Therein lies some major cost differences between video companies. Some lenses cost as much as some professional cameras. “High-end” videographers use the best gear money can buy. Great sound quality can only be achieved through expensive audio support gear and proper preparation. Trust your own ears when viewing demo samples and compare to any great movie or television show. This is an often over-looked feature, even by professionals. Great audio is crucial to the overall production. While listening to sample clips, pay attention to how clear the vows, music, readers, and minister’s voices sound. A good videographer may even run a remote feed back to his camera directly out of the DJ or band's sound board. Ambient audio can then be mixed in during editing for an even better sound mix. After all, with home theatres becoming more common, your wedding movie could rival anything seen on TV today!

FLOW, CONTENT, AND EMOTION

Editing is not just deciding what stays in and what goes out of your wedding video. Editing can emphasize all the emotions and create a visual and audio experience that will captivate. Great movies are edited for film and editors win academy awards. The same is true of your videographer. Did you cry watching someone elses wedding video during the demo appointment? Video is an emotional experience that is enhanced by subtle editing techniques. Many hours of time will go into your wedding video. For those who just want raw footage, with no audio “sweetening”, slow motion, music, and opening or closing/recap montages, maybe your videographer will adjust his price for you. However, this can take out a lot of the “magic” editing can bring to your wedding movie!

INTERVIEWS

Even though your videographer should be as unobtrusive as possible, please point out it may be your wish not to put any of your guests on the spot for interviews. Discuss who is important, and who should be interviewed. Ask the videographer how he approaches people for an interview.

PERSONALITY

Personality is important so you get along well with your videographer. How well does the videographer listen to you? Your videographer should be flexible on what you would like. Ask as many questions that pop into your head and observe the way they answer your questions. I often watch bridal chat forums to hear how sweet their photographer or videographer was. This is important and shows they care about you.

STYLE

Styles also vary, but a really good videographer can deliver many different styles. Just like photographers using the “photojournalistic” approach as opposed to the traditional and formal posed shots, videographers can offer their own style of documentary as well. Many videographers offer the “short edit”, which is either on add-on or part of their package. Please ask how long the typical edited video might be for your wedding. An eight hour wedding day could be condensed to a 35 – 45 minute total program with the “short edit” concept.

REPUTATION

Reputations for professionals are built and earned. The good ones usually have a long track record in their field of work. Quality control over many years will make or break most companies. Again, this is where the cost factor definitely comes to play as an expensive wedding video production company can targetr their talents towards a more discriminating audience, albeit smaller. These companies may demand a premium, but will more than likely provide more than what you expected. These higher-end videographers do far less wedding videos per year, but demand a higher price. If they were not in demand they would go out of business.

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Fun Sites:

• Bridesmaid Gifts They Will Love!


• Wondering What's Best Your Skin? Take GreatSkin.com's Free SkinCare Analysis


• Wedding Registries at lnt.com


• SmartBargains: Luxury Bedding & Bath Up to 75% Off!

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About the Author: Need a wedding venue... Holy Trinity Reception Center
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