11 Fun Wedding Themes That Can Save Your Thousands

Looking to save money on your wedding reception? Instead of relentlessly paring down your guest list or compromising in other areas, why not think about using a low-cost theme for your special day? A wedding that fits into a particular theme is often more relaxed than your typical reception. And, since there's less pressure to spend exorbitant sums on extras you simply don't need, they can often save you a bundle.

Reception themes allow people to get creative with their celebration and express themselves. People often choose to base their themes on hobbies, personal interests, and dreams. Choosing to go with something like a beach theme, a Mexican fiesta, or a toga party (for a really wild example) is simple -- and the food is cheap and easy. Take a look at some more themes to lessen the cost of your reception.

* Roman theme: The choices with the Roman theme vary. Togas are almost always a part of the festivities. Serving fresh fruits like grapes and apples not only provides a healthy alternative to more traditional fare, it's also in keeping with the typical Roman diet. Serving fresh rotisseries meats or cold cuts are great with this theme as well. You can generally serve beer and wine for this theme, and you can decorate with wreathes, garland, candles and anything else in the Roman fashion.

* Fairy Wonderland: To go with this theme, you could use fairies wings, have sheer fabrics draped around you, decorate with baby's breath, moss, and serve fine breads and appetizers. This theme really lets the bride bring her childhood dreams to life.

* Ethnic traditions: This theme requires that you choose specialty foods and decorations from the ethnicity of your choice. For example, should you choose a Scottish theme, you would listen to bagpipes, dress in the Scottish fashion and do all things Scottish.

* Mexican fiesta: This fun theme can have you hitting a pinata, serving popular Mexican dishes, utilizing things like Santa Fe decorative blankets for the walls, and many other things. You can play mariachi music or Spanish guitars for this theme.

* Arabian Nights: For this theme you can fill your reception hall with beautiful linens and let your bridal party have costumes should they wish to. You can also serve Middle-Eastern foods or appetizers, pita bread, etc. This theme is very versatile and fun.

* Greek Mythology: This theme can be geared toward a particular Greek saga or, more popularly, guests can each come dressed as a particular Greek hero of their choice. Greek foods like fresh fruits, wine, and other edibles of ancient Greece can be offered.

* Hawaiian: You can use your imagination to create any Hawaiian fantasy that you wish. You can give out fresh leis or artificial ones as wedding favors. You can serve fresh tropical island fruits such as pineapples, and serve those cute tropical drinks with decorative umbrellas - basically, wherever your mind takes you.

* Disney: There are so many popular Disney characters that we all remember from our childhood that this theme opens up a world of possibilities. You can choose to focus on a particular character, or simply take the entire world of Disney and use it as your theme.

* The Wild West: This theme can be as fun as you want. You can set up your reception area to look like an old saloon and have dancers give a tame burlesque show. This theme also allows you to serve easy-to-create entrees like meatloaf, all the way up to more expensive fare, such as steaks. As long as you stick with your theme (i.e. leave out the shrimp cocktail) you can have a great time.

* NASCAR: This theme has a world of possibilities. You can decorate with checkered flags and checkered flag streamers, toy cars, or painted numbers of the different cars and drivers. If you would like, you can decorate with a particular driver motif. The best part about this theme is that it is very casual and you can serve regular foods like pizza, large submarine sandwiches, hamburgers and even chips and nachos; pretty much any food that you want. In general this relaxed type of theme applies to all sports-related themes. This theme is great for receptions where lots of sports fans will be attending. You can also opt to watch a race on a large TV during the party.

* Movies: Popular movie themes like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings can be a lot of fun for receptions when the bride and groom are movie buffs. Decorations will be based on what the general movie symbolizes. For example, if you chose the Matrix, you would use computer data charts and sheets, computers, dress in all black, etc. You could serve appetizers rather than entrees for this type of theme as well. Playing the movie during your reception is a cool idea for background scenery.

When it comes to themes, the possibilities are endless. Coming up with them can be much of the fun. After you have chosen your theme, you can brainstorm ideas to expand upon it for the decorations, food, activities and more.

I found a couple of great sites on the web you might want to check out (Simply Click on the highlighted links below:

Unique Wedding Invitations (Certainly not your standard wedding invitations!)

Everything for your wedding at WeddingSolutions.com

Don't be afraid to use your imagination. It's your wedding anything goes. The more outrageous your wedding is, the more memorable it will be.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)



About the author: Chris Simeral is the creator of The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit, the wedding-coordinator-approved home-study course for couples personalizing or renewing their wedding vows. Sign up for the free wedding vow mini-course at http://www.weddingvowtoolkit.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Essential planning tips and ideas for a beach wedding.

Planning the finite details of your beach wedding includes, strategic placing of lighting if necessary, arranging the food and tables, decorations that compliment a beach setting, and music selections as well as where to place the speakers.

Lighting for a beach wedding and reception can be tricky.
Think about what type of lighting will be needed, and where you will be placing your lights.
If you need a power source for your lighting, consider how and where the cords will be placed.

Candles, torches and battery powered twinkle lights are all beach friendly. Depending on the time of day and weather extra lighting may not be necessary. Candles are a practical choice provided they are in a glass container to block the wind.

Food and table arrangements for a beach wedding
If you don't have proper refrigeration-plan a menu that can be transported in coolers and prepared on site. BBQs work well - they are usually OK on public beaches and a variety of foods can easily be prepared. Avoid mayonnaise based dressings and try to prepare food close to when it will be consumed. A Hawaiian style pig roast or a clam bake are great ways to get your guests mingling and enjoying a day at the beach.

In keeping with a beach theme - serve easy to eat foods - try to avoid foods that will need a knife and fork. Why not cook meat and vegetables on individual skewers and a offer side dishes that are easy to pick up and go - stuffed mushrooms, raw vegetables, and salads.

If your wedding cake will be on display, wrap it up in clear cellophane - looks beautiful and keeps the sand and bugs off.

If you are planning to have your guests sit down at tables and chairs for dinner, rent a portable floor -it can also do double duty as a dance floor.

Decoration ideas for a beach wedding
Extend the beach theme to your menu and table arrangements. Serving food inside seashells is a nice beachy touch and very practical too - they won't break! Use place cards that won't blow away - names printed on shells with a marker, keep the theme going.

Centerpieces made from drift wood, local flowers, even bowls with plastic goldfish are inexpensive and easy to transport. Sand castles are a natural choice for a seaside wedding, To build your own sand castles use white glue and sand, a variety of molds and lots of drying time.

Use buckets filled with pebbles or sand to weigh down vases and candles.

Music for a beach wedding.
If you are planning music for the ceremony and reception of your beach wedding - consider music that compliments the setting and be aware of noise violations on public beaches. Heavy metal may not sound the same when competing with the seagulls and the ocean.

Steel drums are a welcome sound conjuring up warm, tropical memories. Finding a local steel drum band will be a real coup and a sure way to get everyone up dancing.

Plan on having a microphone for the ceremony and announcements. Beaches can be very noisy places and you may not be overheard above the sound of the waves, airplanes or nosy spectators.

Last but not least....Remember to have fun no matter what happens. Any little annoyances on your wedding day will be great memories in the years to come.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)

Resources: http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Planning a Beach Wedding

The Pros & Cons of Beach Weddings

Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues". Failing to consider these ahead of time could leave you unpleasantly surprised on your wedding day!

There is certainly nothing that should dissuade you from your vision of a beautiful seaside ceremony. As a matter of fact, there are many benefits.

Just know the issues and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event! The "Pros"

* A beach wedding can be much cheaper than a traditional wedding. Who in this day and age can't afford to save money? It is said that the average budget for a wedding these days is between $20,000 to $30,000! That is an enormous and unnecessary financial burden to be faced with!

Don't start off married life enslaved by your wedding day debts. If you have that kind of money to spend, fine, but if not, don't go there! Be practical and remember, the day is what you, your loved ones and your friends make of it...not how much you spent on it!

* A beach wedding can be a casual affair. It allows everyone to relax. Your guests can dress comfortably and affordably. Often brides-to-be are unaware of the financial strain they place on their wedding attendants and guests. Not everyone can afford to buy that wedding outfit.

* The wedding ceremony and reception can all be held right there on the beach. No need to travel to different locations. This is very convenient for everyone. Hey, even the kids can have fun at a beach wedding!

* A beach wedding allows you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

* Beach weddings don't always require a permit. If you are having a small ceremony and do not require a section of the beach to be blocked off...just do it! Simple yet lovely!

* A beach wedding is a modern and refreshing change from the "stodgy" traditional wedding. It allows your creativity and personality to shine through.

* There is no "right" or "wrong way" to plan a beach front wedding. It can be large, small, romantic, whimsical or even downright goofy! You can pay big bucks and hire everything out, or, you can be cheap and make everything yourself. The choice is completely yours!

The "Cons"

* The most important thing to remember when planning a beach wedding is that "Mother Nature" rules! Depending on her mood, she can brighten your day or rain on your parade! When planning your celebration, be sure to plan an "alternate location" should the old girl be cranky that day!

* The beach is usually a bit breezy so take that into consideration when picking your location. Try to choose a "cove" on the beach that is protected from direct winds.

* Be sure to check with local authorities regarding any permits needed to use the beach. This should only be necessary if you are having a large gathering and you want to block off a portion of the beach exclusively for you and your guests. Ask to be sure though.

* Check on the "Beach Rules". Ask questions. Can you have candles on the beach? Can you play music into the night? How late can you stay? Is there an area nearby for open fires should you choose to barbeque?

* Speaking of food...don't forget about the seagulls! They are notorious beggars and thieves. You can expect them to attend your beach wedding, uninvited! As long as you keep food covered and don't feed them, they will stay on the sidelines.

* Remember the tides. You definitely do not want to be surprised by the quick and unanticipated arrival of high tide!

* On the beach, there will be bugs and sunshine! Make sure you consider the comfort of your guests. Bring sunscreen and insect repellant for those who did not remember to bring their own.

* Chairs may sink in the sand if you do not rent flooring to place under them. However, if you are planning a "beach blanket" reception, you will not need chairs. Remember your elderly guests though. Plan for their safety and comfort. You will need to provide them with chairs and beach umbrellas to protect them from the elements. Beach weddings are absolutely beautiful but nature does provide an element of uncertainty. Careful planning on your part will eliminate most of them.

Just remember... If every hair is not in place due to the ocean breezes or a seagull drops off his "wedding gift" a little to close to the punch bowl... These are not flaws or imperfections in your day. They are "memories"! Cherish them and have fun!

If you need to make travel plans, there are some great online resources you might wnat to check out. One company called Party Pop will actually help you plan your entire wedding including travel plans. If you want to check them out simply Click Here

Another idea you might want to check out is to create your very own Wedding Website. That way you can keep your friends and family updated on your wedding plans.

Don't worry you do not need to be a computer geek. There is a great site called Windsor Weddings which will make you a website with only a few clicks. Simply answer a few questions and your wedding site will be online within 15 minutes. It will cost you only $49 dollars for a 17 page site. You can easily update your site and add your pictures. Best of all they offer a Free Seven Day Trail so you have notheing to lose. If you want to check it out Click Here

Another great online wedding resouce you might want to check out is:
Destination Weddings - A Bride's guide for planning a destination beach wedding. Suggestions and ideas for Hawaiian & Beach Wedding Dresses, Favors, Invitations, Destinations & more.

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)


About the Author: Cindy English is the publisher of Beach-Wedding-Themes.com where you will find ideas for beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance. Discover new places to shop and things to make at: http://www.beach-wedding-themes.com/
email: beachwed@beach-wedding-themes.com
Source: ArticleTrader.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Keep Your Sanity While Planning Your Wedding!

Six Paths to Bridal Sanity

If your brain is buzzing in a thousand different directions, take a moment, breathe, and try some of these quick ways to chill out.

Breathe
Sit on the floor in a warm room, cross-legged, and place your hands, palm-side up, on your knees. Imagine a string connected to your spinal cord that goes out the top of your head, and lifts your upper body toward the ceiling. Close your eyes.

Soak
Line the bathroom counter with your favorite smelly candles. Run a hot bath, and put some soothing soft music.

Click here to discover the power of aromatherapy

Click Here for FragranceNet.com's Candle Collection

Laugh
Do something small with your fiancee that has nothing to do with the wedding. Rent a movie, or give each other a foot massage. Talk.

Daydream
Engage your hands in a mindless activity. Chop food you're preparing to cook, stuff invitations in envelopes, wash the dishes.

Exercise
Billy Crystal says he always does 20 pushups the minute before he goes on stage, because it dispells his anxiety. Sweat out your stress with a favorite physical activity.

Meditate and Give Thanks
Begin each day with gratitude. Problems and worries disintegrate when you take a few minutes to be thankful for what you have.

When it comes to harnessing your mind's energy in preparation for your wedding, use it, don't lose it!

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)

http://windsor.weddingwindow.com/

Planning Your Out-Of-Town 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.

A great online resource for your starting your very own wedding website is Windsor Weddings. They have a great free trial offer you might want to check out. Don't worry about being an internet wizard. They will provide you with everything you need to make your very own professional looking site.

When planning your wedding, don't forget to have HAVE FUN!!!!

Until Next Time!
Jasmine :)


This article may be copied. If you use this article, you must use it in its entirety and there must be a link back to http://windsor.weddingwindow.com/

WEDDING RECEPTION TOASTS ~ FREE SAMPLES

Wedding toasts are a great way to wish the new couple well, but it can be hard to get it just right if you’ve never done it before. If you feel a lot of emotion about the union, it may be even more difficult to get the toast just right. Keeping it simple really helps, as well as keeping it short. Remember that a toast is simply a way to let the new couple know that you are excited for them, and that you were happy that they made you a part of their day. The more you try to put into a toast the more complicated it can be, so don’t try to pack too much into the toast.

SAMPLES

Below is a very simple toast that you can use regardless of how well you know both of the bride and the groom. This is also a great way to make a toast when you really want to wish the couple well but you aren’t too sure what to say!

“First, I wanted to say congratulations to Bill and Nancy! I am so happy for the both of you and I know that today is the first day of what will be a very long marriage. I also want to thank the two of you for inviting me and making me a part of your big day. I know that there will be many more celebrations of your love and your marriage in the future!”

Below is a more intimate toast that you will find works well for close friends and family and will help you convey a bit more personal emotion.

“Congratulations, you two! I know that everyone is saying great things to you, but I had to get up and really express how happy I am for you. I know that both of you have been looking forward to this day for quite awhile, and I have to say that it couldn’t have been more beautiful. I know that you have a lot of great plans for the future and I can’t wait to sit back and watch them unfold for you. Congratulations, Bill and Nancy!”

As you can see, you can keep it really simple or you can add a bit more personalization to a toast. Usually a toast is just a few minutes long, so you don’t need to get into long stories or convoluted hopes for the new couple. Instead, keep things short and sweet but be sure to convey your happiness for the new couple. If you don’t know the personalities of both the bride and the groom well, keep humor limited and clean, just so that you are sure you don’t offend anyone.

________________________________________

***Fun Sites***

Before I end this blog I want to tell you about a great site you might want to check out. They offer beautiful designer quality gowns for 75% off the regular price. Simply click on the highlighted link below to check them out!

Wedding Dress Discount

Another cool site you might want to check out will allow you to make your own wedding website. Simply click on the link below
Create your very own wedding website!

_____________________________________________

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
Written by James Nardel, expert author at www.EasyWeddingToasts.com. For more information on wedding toasts and wedding speeches and toasting tips visit www.easyweddingtoasts.com

Wedding Invitation Tips and Advice

You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided on the design of your wedding invitation. The wording has been chosen and the guest list is well on its way to completion. Here are some additional wedding invitation tips and advice that you should also be aware of.

* If children will also be included as guests, you can choose to write out their individual names on the addressed envelopes or put “and family”. For example:

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson, Cathy and John
or
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Simpson and Family

* If the children are older teenagers (say 16 years of age or older), you may wish to send them an individual invitation, just like you would an adult.

* If you don’t wish to include children at the ceremony, do not include their names or “and family” on the outside of the envelope. It’s suggested you add “Sorry, but children are not invited”, “adults only” or something similar somewhere on the invitation to make it clear. If you wish to include them at the reception, but not at the ceremony, you could note this information on the response card…or on the invitation itself at the bottom in some fashion.

* When issuing invitations to a guest who is single, it is polite to put “and Guest” on the outside of the envelope so that they have the option to bring along a companion. For example:

Mr. Ralph Jones and Guest
or
Miss Sarah Campbell and Guest

* Be forewarned. Usually 7% to 10% of the guests who respond with a yes will not actually attend the wedding. In addition, 20% to 30% won’t make it to the reception. This can wreak havoc when budgeting for a sit down dinner. You may want to consider a buffet style dinner instead.

* In some cases, you’ll want to invite people to the ceremony, but not the reception or vice versa. If so, then you will need two sets of invitations printed. One that includes reception information and one that doesn’t.

* If you don’t receive a reply from some guests by your reply date, do not hesitate to call them. It is important that you know how many are attending so you budget accordingly.

* If you decide to order invitations, be sure to do so at least 4 to 6 weeks before they are scheduled to be mailed.

* Double, even triple check everything before it gets printed. This includes invitations, response cards, envelopes, wedding programs, etc. whether you’re doing them yourself or your having them professionally printed. Check for spelling errors especially.

* Always order extra invitation envelopes and response card envelopes. There will inevitably be a few mistakes when addressing these and you’ll want to have a few extras on hand.

* You should mail your invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding date and indicate that you would like a response at least 3 weeks before the wedding date. So for example, if your wedding date is July 1st, mail your invitations by May 15th and ask that they respond by June 7th. This will give guests time to receive their invitations and reply by mail, which in turn, gives you time to firm up catering plans, seating arrangements, etc.

* If your wedding is going to actually be held on a beach or other outdoor area, be sure that you let your guests know this, so they can dress appropriately.

Below is a list of some of my favorite wedding websites you might want to check out. Please click on any of the links below for some great ideas.

Create your own Wedding Website!

Discount Wedding Gowns At Stylish Bridal

Everything for your wedding at WeddingSolutions.com

Source: Rose Smith has been providing helpful information on wedding planning for many years. For wedding theme ideas, articles and resources, visit her website Wedding Themes and More at http://www.wedthemes.com. Article Source:

Writing Your Wedding Vows

William Shakespeare you're not. The only thing you've ever written is a grocery list, but now you're getting married and you'd really like to write your own wedding vows. You could use some pointers.

If you are thinking about writing your own vows, be sure that your religion, church, or officiate will allow you to do so. Once you have approval, give yourself plenty of time to write your vows. Jot down movie lines, song lyrics or poetry that you like. Think about what made you fall in love with the person and what your dreams are for the future together. Recount a special story or memory about the time you have spent together. Take all of your notes and sit down and compose a draft.

Try to keep your vows simple. That way, you can remember them easily when the time comes. Be positive and avoid cliches. Consult a book of wedding vows, if needed. After you have composed an initial draft, read it to several friends or family members and get their feedback. Give a copy of your vows to your future spouse and make sure that what you have written is in accord with what they have written. Make changes as needed and double-check with the officiate that what you have written is appropriate.

Once you have polished your vows, practice reciting them. Can you say them without crying? A few tears are appropriate, but a teary outburst will make reciting them difficult and could prove to be embarrassing. Invite some friends over and recite your vows to them. Speak slowly and clearly and make sure that they can understand you. Practice your delivery again and again, but don't rely solely on your memory. Carry a copy of your vows with you and don't be afraid to refer to it at the ceremony if needed. There is no shame in being nervous and forgetting your vows.

Writing vows can be difficult. fortunately, there are numerous wedding books out there to help you. Don't be afraid to use them. So, you aren't William Shakespeare, but then again, the person you're marrying isn't Shakespeare either, are they?

If you need help writing your vows, Click here to check out some great books!

Until Next Time!
Jasmine

http://funweddings.blogspot.com http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
Source Bridal Guide~Turley Publications

CREATING YOUR OWN WEDDING WEBSITE

I came across a great idea which I think might be of some interest to you. Why not create your own Wedding website?

Having a personal wedding website can be a true time-saver for both engaged couples and invited guests. Planning even the simplest wedding can involve a great deal of correspondence. With that in mind, having a custom wedding website can be the key to a stress-free experience.

Keep your friends, family and bridal party informed by posting all of your wedding details from accommodation ideas and directions to online RSVP and gift registry information. Not only are you able to upload an unlimited number of personal photos, but you can also customize your website even more by naming your web pages anything you wish. You can allow your wedding party to correspond with you through web pages specifically designated for that purpose.

Don't worry you do not have to be a computer pro to set up your site. There is a great online company called Wedding Windows
that will set up a complete website for you. This is the same company Star Jones used to set up her wedding website. (You can see her site by clicking the link below!)

Right now this company is offering a great Free Trial Website. If you would like to check it out, simply click the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR A 7 DAY FREE TRIAL WEDDING WEBSITE!

Until Next Time!
Arianna




Free article reprint Rights: If you use this article, you must provide a link back to http://windsor.weddingwindow.com

Sponsor: http://www.foxsatellite.com

CHOOSING A WEDDING DRESS TO FLATTER YOUR FIGURE

Choosing a wedding gown is one of the most fun tasks for the bride-to-be. Ooohing and Ahhing over gorgeous dresses is possibly the most exciting part of getting prepared for your wedding day. But deciding just which dress you want to be remembered in (for the rest of your life!) is the hard part.

The following tips will help you make the process of selecting a dress a pleasant experience.

Picking a wedding Dress Style to Flatter your figure

There are six basic wedding dress silhouette categories:

A-Line
An A-Line or Princess Shape dress has fitted vertical seams running from the shoulders down to the flared shirt, creating an “A” shape.The A-Line shape can be created from a variety of fabrics including lace, satin and chiffon

• Best for: brides with small waists and those wanting to hide broad hips and large thighs.
  

Empire
A high waistline and seam just underneath the bust.

• Best for: small busted brides and creating height for petite brides.
  

Ball Gown
Traditional wedding dress with a fitted bodice and a floor-length skirt. Usually worn in a more formal setting such as a church.

• Best for: brides with slim waistlines, and great for hiding full hips.
  

Sheath
Straight –line, fitted dress from the shoulders to the ankles.

• Best for: tall slim brides.
  

Mermaid
A narrow fitted dress designed to show off a brides curves, with the bottom flaring out like that of a mermaid.

• Best for: tall slim brides, and creating height for petite brides.
  

Strapless
Wedding dress without any straps.

• Best for: curvaceous brides wanting to draw particular attention to their face and arms.
  

You look beautiful just the way you are! Don’t plan on purchasing a wedding gown two sizes smaller because you intend to be ten pounds thinner by your wedding day. It’s a really good idea to order the gown in your size. If you do shed a few pounds, great! Just remember: It’s a lot cheaper to take a gown in than to have it let out an inch here and an inch there.

I found a great online store which I thought might be of some interest to you. They offer beautiful designer quality gowns for 75% off the regular price. Simply click on the red highlighted link below to check them out!

Wedding Dress Discount

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

source: www.foxsatellite.com, windsor.weddingwindow.com

How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

There’s no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 – $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don’t worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn’t mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else’s.

You just need a bit of guidance and a few tips to help you achieve the dream of your big day. Here are a few suggestions with tips on how to save on some of the more expensive aspects of a wedding.

Wedding Gowns

Do you really need a hand-made wedding dress with beads and diamantes? This is where the big cost is and there are several options in cutting the cost. Why not opt for a second-hand wedding dress? It’s probably only been worn once anyway and you can get a once expensive dress for half the price. Consider buying an evening gown/cocktail dress from a department store or look into renting your wedding dress for the day.

The Reception

This is where the cost of a wedding can get out of hand. The wedding reception is normally the biggest expense, but one of the easiest to cut down on costs. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding, this is a lot. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum, do you really need to invite family members who you have never seen for years? Instead of a three-course meal why not opt for a hot and cold buffet (even cater for yourself)? Instead of holding the reception in an expensive hotel suite or wedding reception, why not consider having it at someone’s home or a club, or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimal and only serve beer, wine and soft drinks.

Photography

The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony only and ask a family member or friend to take snap photos of the reception. Or you could go one step further and ask them to take the photographs for the whole day and not bother with the expense of a photographer at all.

Invitations / Stationery

If you’re on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home. There are many online stationer’s that will offer this service free of charge. You pay for the paper and envelopes, then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print so as not to make any costly mistakes. Alternatively, you can buy software and do-it-yourself from your PC.

Miscellaneous

Flowers can be another great expense, but also an unnecessary one. Why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden (or a friends or relatives). Buy plain gold or white gold wedding bands as these are the cheapest. Get a friend to make your wedding cake for you and opt for a smaller tier cake and it doesn’t have to be a fruit cake – try a sponge, chocolate or carrot cake! Make your favors and center-peices yourself. Accessories for these can be found at little outlet stores or online. Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative?

Summary

Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.

Below, I have included several books I thought you might want to read. These books will provide you with some great tips on planning a wedding on a budget. The books are probably available at your local bookstore or you can simply purchase them on Amazon by clicking on any of the links below.

Until Next Time!

Jasmine :)

Claire Bowes is a freelance write and owner of http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/ where you will find further tips and advice on invitation cards ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html ) and personalized stationery ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/personalized-stationery.html ). http://www.foxsatellite.com