05 Nov 09 4 Excellent Pointers for Planning a Wedding Reception

The reception is the real celebration of the wedding. So a good portion of your planning will be around it. The process might seem tricky but as long as you keep the process as simple as possible you should be able to be just fine. You just need to make sure that you keep to the main points of planning. That is your decorations, your entertainment, seating, the menu, and wedding favors. Here are some suggestions to help you with each one and make your wedding reception a memorable.

The first thing to focus on is your decorations. You will need to make sure that they match the general theme of your wedding. In many ways you can say that the reception is the place where your wedding theme will be most prominently displayed. You should try to go for elegance and simplicity. It should be obvious what design idea you are creating without it looking garish. For the tables make sure that everything matches that means making sure the dinnerware, tablecloth, and centerpiece match.

Entertainment varies with each bride but normally it’s going to be music. Some brides go with a DJ and others go with live entertainment. For your DJ make sure he can play a diverse collection of music from classics to top 40 hits. Live entertainment can also be a great choice. Try to find great local bands in your area. If you like certain type of music like Michael Jackson, tribute bands are a great idea. Basically shop around so you find the best value for your money. If you have a unique theme such as a fall carnival you can include special activities such as games as well. The point of entertainment for your reception is to have something for everyone.

Seating can be a prickly issue especially if you have guests with special needs for seating or you have to do some indirect family diplomacy. A good idea is to look at your guest list. Try to call everyone and ask if there are any special needs they might want to have addressed concerning their seating. Also keep abreast of who is not on good terms with each other. This way you will know to put them at different tables.

The menu is important simply for the fact you want your guests to enjoy a decent meal. The meal can make a positive or negative impression concerning your wedding depending on the circumstances. First you want to make the meal memorable and delicious. A great source for ideas is the theme of your wedding. If you have a fall or winter theme, a great idea would be to serve seasonal dishes. For example a fall wedding reception meal would have an interesting start with pumpkin soup served in hollowed out pumpkin shells. To avoid trouble such as food allergies ask ahead of time if guests have any and just in case have viable alternatives.

Wedding favors are a great finishing touch for your wedding. They are gifts you give to thank guests for coming to your nuptials. You want to get something that once again matches your wedding theme and is at least something they will like or find interesting. A good rule of thumb is to go with something interesting or useful. You chances of giving a good gift increase that way.

Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for Centerpieces, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Personalized Wedding Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

10 Sep 09 Ideas For Gifts To Present Your Bridesmaids And Maid Of Honor

Sometimes weddings seem like a gift-a-paloza. You have gifts for the engagement party. More gifts for the bride at the bridal shower. Then there are the gifts for the couple at the reception. Then there are gifts to all the guests at the end of the reception. It is an outpouring of generosity. Perhaps the most important gifts are from the bride to her bridesmaids and the maid of honor. Not only is it one of the most important but it also requires some of the most delicate etiquette. But what makes the bridesmaid gifts and the maid of honor gifts so important?

To understand why those gifts are so important you must understand what the bridesmaids and maid of honor are responsible for. For one thing, they must buy a dress that they might have had no say so in choosing and the matching shoes. This is expected to be done without complaint or criticism. They are still responsible for the same types of gifts everyone else is as well so you can see that the monetary cost is already running high. On top of that they are expected to be a liaison between the bride and guests, to answer question that they might have. They are or might be ask for input on anything from the decorations to the catering to the bride’s married name. The last one is a new thing as more and more women opt to keep their maiden name for professional reasons. They are expected to help decorate if asked. After the wedding it doesn’t end. They are expected to dance with the groom’s men to the assigned song and work the receiving line. Finally, they are to act as hostesses for the event. That is a lot for work for something they just paid a lot to do. They have earned a token of gratitude.

Well, they have earned a gift but what should you get them? What is the etiquette? Really, there are no hard and fast rules, only suggestions, guidelines and common sense. Some brides decide to get each of them something different, something that reflects them. That is not a bad idea but you do end up with more shopping and more thought at a time when your mind is racing plus the additional problem of trying to keep them all in the same price range. Many people find that getting everybody the same thing to be a much better idea. If that sounds like something you might want to do you might consider a piece of jewellery that they will wear during the ceremony. A pretty necklace that they can wear again and again has the added advantage of looking nice with all your bridesmaids wearing one.

Now your maid of honor has even greater responsibility during the planning of the wedding and the ceremony. Now if you went with the jewellery you have two options for her gift. You can get her one that is just like the bridesmaids and then an additional gift or a nice one that matches the bridesmaids’ jewellery. As with everything about your wedding the choice is up to you. It is “Your day.”

Gifts are a token of affection and gratitude and your choices should reflect that. You should pass them out when you are all together and as this is such a personal occasion, it is considered good form to add a hand written personal note to each one. It is the sweet thing to do for these women that have been there for you during all this.

Andrea McClure has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for Bridesmaid Gifts, Mrsweddingfavors has the biggest selection available. You will also find Bridal Shower Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

04 Sep 09 The In’s And Out’s of Bridal Shower Favors

When you find yourself planning a wedding or bridal shower, the whole aspect of favors for the party can often be confusing. Why do I need them anyways? Bridal shower favors are unnecessary in the opinion of some people since the guests are there to give gifts to the bride, not to receive. However, small wedding shower favors can be a thoughtful touch to help the shower guests enjoy the affair. Wedding shower favors are considered by some to be mandatory while others disagree. When the “rubber meets the road”, it’s a personal choice, though when you find yourself uncomfortable as to what is expected, choosing to at give at least some small token favors is the safe bet to avoid disappointing guests.

Bridal or wedding showers usually are arranged by the maid-of-honor and revolve around the bride with her good friends and family members meeting to give her gifts and celebrate her impending wedding. However, some couples choose to buck tradition and arrange wedding showers without the traditional gender roles. These wedding showers are a joint celebration for both bride & groom, which require a different strategy when it comes to planning the wedding shower favors and other details. Still, most showers are a female activity focused on the bride, with a theme to match.

Choosing favors for your shower can be a fun task. In part this is because the affair is more intimate allowing favors of a more intimate nature than the favors one would choose for the more formal wedding reception. Bridal showers are more intimate events on the whole, as they involve a small group of friends of the bride. The bridal shower favors should be theme oriented, but should also take into account the personality of the bride. As most of the guests are very closely acquainted with the bride, they are likely to understand any sly references or inside jokes. Whether the bridal shower favors are sentimental or light-hearted, they should reflect the bride’s personality, as it is the bride that the party is all about.

Your party theme will often determine a lot of the details, and the same goes for the bridal shower favors. The theme is often centered on some particular interest or trait of the bride. For example, if the bride is outgoing and fun loving, bringing this theme to the gifts will add that needed personal touch. For the skiing fanatic, a wintery theme for the party may be good (perhaps even if it’s held in the middle of summer!), with snowflakes and hot chocolate and images of ice-coated evergreens. Bridal shower favors for a bride that is interested in nature might be constructed entirely of eco-friendly supplies and have a nature related theme, such as trees or birds or rivers. The theme can really steer the selection of bridal shower favors, that’s why it’s so important that theme be carefully chosen before anything else is decided.

The best party favors are either edible or practical. Many of the cuter wedding shower favors are immediately appealing, but commonly end up hidden away unused in some storage space, never to be seen again. Bridal shower favors are best when they are both useful and fun together. Bath salts, coasters and trinket boxes make popular gifts, and most can be personalized plus come available in a wide range of designs and colors.

If you are excited about the different options for wedding shower favors, but you know price is a major consideration, be reasonable about the situation. Determining the total number of expected party guests and figuring out your maximum affordable price per favor can be helpful in selecting the right bridal shower favors without exceeding your budget. The smaller the size of the party, generally the more options that are available to you, but even for larger parties there may be plenty of creative options available. When wedding shower favors are personally selected by the bride it adds a fabulous touch to any party, and make the maximum amount of fun for both yourself and for your guests.

Aaron Hu is a leading author on a wide range of well published wedding articles. If you are looking for Bachelorette Party Favors, E-weddingfavors has the biggest selection available. You will also find Wedding Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

31 Aug 09 Know Your Bath and Soap Wedding Favors

Wedding favors have become a traditional way to thank guests for attending the ceremony and helping to make the day as perfect as possible. There are many different types of favors that can be ordered to fit into any theme the couple chooses. One popular item is decorative soaps and bath supplies. That is why some couples clean up with bath and soap wedding favors.

Anything that a person would ordinarily use in the bathroom can become a bath favor. Most are decorative in nature to enhance the appearance of the room they are located in. These can include bath oils and beads, soaps, and items people use to groom themselves, such as pedicure and manicure kits.

Soap favors are normally decoratively shaped pieces of soap in a wide variety of shapes and with different scents. Some make good bubble baths. Many have different scents, others are merely pretty to look at. Different soaps can be shaped differently and dyed to be matched to any theme or dcor chosen by the couple.

Bath and soap wedding favors are normally small, inexpensive items that can be placed at each person’s place setting at the reception as “Thank you” gifts for the guests. Many can have personalization added to them in the form of the names of the couple and the date of the ceremony or their initials to make them more unique and personal gifts.

Couples usually find a far larger selection of bath and soap wedding favors shopping online than in local bridal shops or boutiques. The reason is that online stores are not limited to the space on hand for display purposes. One thing that online stores do have is global competition that forces them to have lower prices than can be found in most local stores. Due to the fact that online stores have much more competition than local shops they generally have to have lower prices.

It can also provide the couple with a much needed break to shop for bath and soap wedding favors. And it is common knowledge that making such plans is very stressful and couples can use a break from time to time to collect themselves.

It is now traditional to give wedding favors as “Thank you” gifts to the guests to communicate the sincere gratitude felt by the couple in a far better manner than sending out cards after the fact. They are normally keepsakes for the guests to keep to help them remember the happiness shared with the couple on their special day. Bath and soap wedding favors are a way for couples to really clean up as they give them to their guests to thank them for coming.

Andrea McClure has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for Bath and Soap Wedding Favors, Mrsweddingfavors has the biggest selection available. You will also find Wedding Favors, Wedding Gifts and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

26 Aug 09 Magical Suggestion For You Fairytale Ceremony

The fairytale wedding is one that every bride dreams of in one form or another. It is essentially their ideal wedding. In some cases it is chosen as a literal theme. This choice has many advantages as it gives a bride a wide selection of choices and opportunities to use their own imagination and choices to create a ceremony that is both unique and spectacular. For the same reason it also presents challenges to the first time bride. Since there are so many options and ways to go achieve the fairytale theme it can seem daunting. Fortunately the solution is just to get started. Here are some great tips and suggestions to help you plan and put together a fairytale wedding ceremony that is not only spectacular but original and special.

First it’s location, location, location. You need to pick a venue that matches the theme. Many fairytales can be associated with a certain time or place historically. So take this into account where choosing a place where to hold the ceremony. For example, if you choose an Arthurian fairytale for your theme, then you would chose a Norman style church or chapel for your ceremony. This also goes for decorations. There is the danger of making the hall or sanctuary look like something ripped out of a Disney movie. While it looks great in the movie, many times in real life, it just looks tacky. So to avoid this decorate to match as close as possible the time period of fairytale. If you are not sure when it was written do some research to help you pin down the specifics. For example many famous fairytales like Sleeping Beauty were French in origin and were told in the middle ages through the 1700s. Using the styles of these time periods would give you a period look that best matches the atmosphere you want for your ceremony.

The next thing to think about is your bridesmaids. If you want to go all the way with the fairytale theme then modern bridesmaids’ dresses may not help you achieve the goal. If possible try to get dresses that match the period look you use for the hall. Most importantly, keep it simple. I mean really can you really afford to recreate a medieval fabric like samite which was and is so expensive only royalty could use it? If you have the budget more power to you, but otherwise stick with what is achievable. A good place to start looking is a made to order costume store. Try shopping around so you can find great deals and period looks that will also look great on your bridesmaids.

The same thing goes for groomsmen. If your groom and his friends are willing to go along with it try for period clothing for the guys too. Normally it’s very simple and can be found at good costume stores. Another good place to look is online. You would be surprised by the resources you will be able to find in this department.

In the case of the flower girl and the ring bearer the same principal applies, but you should go for cute and adorable. Try dressing the flower girl like a pixie or fairy for whimsical fairytale look. For the ring bearer you can dress him like a page or little prince. The effect will melt the hearts of your guests.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

26 Aug 09 Floral Ideas For Your Spring Ceremony

The spring season is one where beginnings are born whether it is the growth of new plants, the reawakening of old one, or the birth of new animals. This season is also the beginning of the busiest months for marriage ceremonies. Harness the full benefits of the season with its dewy promise and extensive supply of spring plants and motifs as you plan your spring ceremony. If you are a newbie and have no wedding planning experience as either a bride or bridesmaid, this article is especially for you. Here are some great tips and ideas to help you plan your spring ceremony.

The first thing you need to think about when planning your ceremony is the location and the venue. Will you have the event outside or inside? This is very important as it will dictate everything from seating and timing to what type of decorations you can use. If you choose an outdoor location there are several considerations that come into play. First, you need to check the weather forecast. Is it feasible to do it outdoors? If it rains do you have a back up locations or adequate sheltered seating for the guests in case of a spring shower? There is also where outside that you choose. A popular location is a public garden or you can have it at an estate rented for the occasion. For decoration you will normally use floral decorations and arrangement to mark where the altar will be. In doors you will still use floral arrangements but you can also use other decorations like birds and other spring animals.

The next consideration is the bridesmaids’ dresses. The season gives you a wide color selection to choose from; however the custom is to normally choose pale or pastel colors. It is important to take into account your bridesmaids’ natural coloring. While you don’t want them to overshadow your dress, you don’t want them to look bad. Again the wide color selection also gives you the opportunity to vary the color selection between dresses but only do so if using one color is detrimental to the coloring your bridesmaids.

The grooms are the next focus of your planning for the ceremony. Make sure they like their female counterparts choose appropriate colors. For them this will be their ties, vest, and boutonnires. It would probably be a good idea to use the same type of flower for the boutonnires. You can also have the groom himself dress according to seasonal theme.

Last of all, there are the design ideas for the flower girl and the ring bearer. For the flower girl the same idea generally applies that you used for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Pick something that is a pastel or spring color. Some great touches are to have her wear a wreath of spring blossoms and use flower petals in a basket or a small bouquet. For a more adorable book try dressing as a flower fairy with wings. For the ring bearer keep it simple. A tuxedo with a pastel colored vest or a suit completely in a pastel shade of your choosing. As for the ring pillow there are many options to choose from. You can go with a plain pillow in spring colors or go for one with embroidered floral designs. The choice is yours.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

23 Aug 09 Ideas To Help You Plan A Fairytale Wedding

The fairytale wedding has come to mean the ideal wedding. It is the dream ceremony that every bride even if she doesn’t admit it dreams of having. It is perfect in every way and there are no flubs or mistakes. It means different things to different brides but in the end the planning is all the same daunting. In this case we are going to talk about the fairytale as a wedding theme. This is one of the most daunting design schemes as the dream of the ideal can in reality quickly become the achievement of the impossible. But with a solid theme you can start out with mundane a make something that is literally magical. Here are some pointers of how to begin achieving this.

First, decide the story you want to tell. The dream of happy ever after is different for each person that is why there are so many stories. The obstacles you and your future husband are different than those of other couples and each of you have found your own way to your happiness. So try to pick a story that matches your own. That way it adds a deeper significance to your special day. One of my favorites is about a girl who was given a choice by fate whether she wanted to have a sorrowful youth and a joyful old age or joyful old age and a sorrowful old age. She was wise and chose a joyful old age. Fate then persecuted her for seven years and after the end of the set time came she was given the tools to seize her happiness and find true love. As you see the story conveys a message and if you can do that for your guests your wedding is well on its way to being unforgettable

Next, think of the decorations. There are numerous ways to do it. You might want to do the medieval decorations and use decorations from the high middle age. You might want to go with something from the renaissance or simply rely on the images of fairytales you saw from your childhood. This is often the first obstacle as you now have to translate an idea into reality. First start small look for the things you can find on your prepared list. The internet has made it possible to find just about anything. Just focus on finding it at a reasonable cost. If you can’t find any items as you progress through the list, don’t be daunted use your imagination and look for items that combined can achieve a similar affect.

Choose a location that fits your vision. Look for the place that will best match the theme. It is important to not be wed to the perfect. If you can’t find the exact thing find something close or see if you can transform a normal venue into an extraordinary one with the right decorations. Also consider the challenge to be an opportunity for new inspiration. For example if you were going for an Arthurian them a church would become not just a church but a mysterious chapel a knight must reach while on his quest. Then you would be inspired to decorate the chapel in medieval style.

Plan your reception for fun not perfection. The reception is the time for you and your guests to celebrate your tying the knot. Just focus outside the decoration on making the event enjoyable with good food, music, and activities everyone can enjoy. Also think of interesting ways to combine the fairytale theme with the wedding favors you give. If you want to have themed dishes research and see what caterers can do the job. In the end enjoy the fruit of your labors.

In the end you will be surprised by the result. The simple, humble, parts and pieces you pulled together to make your wedding will mysteriously come together to make something glorious and magical that no one will forget.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings

16 Aug 09 Your Spring Wedding Can Be Amazing

A nicely done spring wedding is truly a beautiful thing. Flowers are just beginning to bud, fresh grass is starting to grow, and the last vestiges of winter have disappeared. Mother Nature has gone from drab to fabulous and you want these positive aspects of the season reflected in your wedding. But how do take your celebration from ordinary to extraordinary?

The first thing to keep in mind is the weather. Spring is indeed after winter, but it’s also before summer. In other words it will probably still be rather chilly outdoors, especially at night. In addition, remember that with springtime comes the likelihood of rain. To be on the safe side, pick a facility that will allow you to have your wedding indoors, and plan ahead for cold weather as well. You’ll want to be prepared in the event of a surprise thundershower. As far as clothing is concerned, now is not the time to pick that strapless wedding gown, unless you plan on wearing a short jacket with it. A full length gown with sleeves is a much better idea, or a dress with fur trim. Open toe shoes, of course, are out.

Think about yourself and your guests’ needs as well. Spring is when plants are flowering, which means the pollen count may go through the roof. You certainly don’t want to suffer from allergies, nor do you want your loved ones sneezing their way through the ceremony. If you know that this is a potential issue, avoid locations that have a lot of trees and plants. The local rose garden may be stunning in spring, but you could find yourself in the middle of a disaster if you have your wedding there. In addition, avoid the use of potted plants and fresh flowers in your indoor wedding. If you insist upon greenery, ask a local florist which plants are least likely to cause reactions. They can direct you to the best choices for your ceremony.

Decorations in the colors of spring would be an excellent idea. Use kelly greens, sunshiny yellows, and sky blues to reinforce your chosen spring theme. This can be done by using tablecloths, napkins, and even plates and cups. Add faux or real spring flowers to each table; tulips, daisies and irises are an excellent choice. Spring wedding favors can reflect these colors. To continue the theme, garden wedding favors emphasize the planting and growth that takes place during this time. For garden wedding favors, try using seed packets and toy rakes. Spring wedding favors can include coffee and tea packets (to ward off the cold), or even little poems about spring itself.

The spring color idea doesn’t have to end with decorations. Have your wedding party continue the concept in the following ways. Bridesmaids can wear complimentary colors, like blue and green, in different styles. Groomsmen can wear handkerchiefs and ties to match their bridesmaid partner. If you really want to go out on a limb, have the groomsmen in spring colors as well. This is not for the faint hearted, so beware.

Remember that a spring wedding can be a sight to see. A well planned one is an even more impressive sight. Since springtime can be a temperamental season you will want to think ahead to keep it’s potential pitfalls from ruining your wedding. Doing so will help you make your wedding the best it can be.

Tags: bridal accessories, favors, marriage, relationships, retail, Shopping, wedding accessories, wedding cakes, wedding favors, wedding gifts, wedding ideas, wedding reception, wedding-planning, weddings