By Bridget Mora
The receiving line might seem like an antiquated or outdated tradition, but the truth is that they still have an important role to play in a wedding. For a celebration of any size, a simple receiving line is by far the easiest way to ensure that the host greets all of his or guests, which is a must. Conversely, it is also the simplest way for every guest to have a chance to extend best wishes and congratulations to the newlyweds, which is a must for guests. With the reasons to have a receiving line at your wedding clear, this is what you need to know about how to arrange one.
First of all, a receiving line should never be held inside a house of worship. That is because you cannot act as host inside God's house. There are two very good options for the receiving line location. One is to have it at the reception venue as guests arrive. The other possibility is to receive your guests outside of the church immediately following the ceremony. This is often the easiest thing to do logistically, as so many couples will have photo sessions during the cocktail hour of the reception, making it hard to find a good time to arrange a receiving line at the reception site.
There is much uncertainty about who should participate in a receiving line. The people who absolutely must be there are the bride, the groom, and their mothers. The fathers of the happy couple will often stand in the line as well, but they may duck in and out to mingle if the line is long, especially if it is being done during the cocktail hour. If any of the parents of the newlyweds have remarried, their new spouses should absolutely be invited to participate in the receiving line. Deal with any animosity between the exes and the new spouses by separating them in the receiving line.
It is traditional for bridesmaids to be in the receiving line as well, although groomsmen don't tend to make an appearance. Although customary, it is not absolutely necessary for the entire group of bridesmaids to participate; if you are trying to keep the line moving, it would be okay to ask only the maid of honor to stand in the line and set the other ladies free. Be sure that your wedding party knows in advance whether or not they will need to gather up at a certain time and place to be in the receiving line.
People often wonder what on earth to say in a receiving line, whether they are one of the participants or a guest moving through the line. It is not actually as intimidating as it may seem, because the idea is to be very brief with your remarks to keep the line moving briskly. The reception is the time to have more in-depth conversations and catch up with family and friends. The receiving line is just a quick meet and greet, and guests should avoid holding up the line by speaking too long with any one person.
There are some standard things to say in a receiving line, and of course, you may personalize them if you wish (if you are meeting someone you do not know, just stick with the standard pleasantries). Always offer best wishes to the bride and congratulations to the groom. Tell the bride's mother how beautiful the ceremony was and tell the groom's father what a lucky man his son is to have found such a wonderful bride. It is always appropriate to tell any of the wedding party how pretty they look or to admire their wedding jewelry. When introducing yourself to a stranger, a few words about how you know the bride and groom would be nice. As for the people in the wedding party, they should thank all of the guests for joining them and express appreciation for their kind words. Other safe comments include telling a guest how pretty her dress and jewelry are or saying how perfect the weather is for a wedding. Don't worry too much about being original, as long as you are pleasant and brief, the receiving line will be a success.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, etiquette, and society. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/ we offer a stunning collection of wedding jewelry for the bride, bridesmaids, mothers, and guests. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=558711&ca=Marriage
Friday, July 9, 2010
Wedding After-Party Ideas
By Bridget Mora
If you can't stand the thought of your wedding ending, why not keep the fun going into the wee hours of the morning? After the formal reception concludes, more and more couples are inviting their friends to keep celebrating with them in an after-party. Take a look at these great ideas for wedding after-parties.
The after-party should reflect your taste and also the tastes of your friends. For instance, if you and your friends love nature and being outside, this could be the inspiration for your post-reception celebration. After the reception officially ends, invite your friends to join you around a bonfire for singing, dancing, and even homemade s'mores. It is a fun way to kick back and relax with your close friends, especially if a lot of them will be coming in from out of town. Just be sure to note on the invitations that a bonfire will follow the reception and let guests know to bring a casual change of clothes so they can fully enjoy the experience.
Another really fun idea for a wedding after-party is a karaoke party. Hire a d.j. and bring in the microphones and other equipment to encourage everyone to get up on stage and belt out their favorite tunes. The conclusion of a wedding is a great time for a karaoke party, because most people will already have a few shots of “liquid courage” in them to help them release their inner diva. The bride should be sure to have a sassy party dress to change into, along with big sparkly Swarovski crystal earrings to really get into the party spirit. Is is cheating to practice your karaoke songs ahead of time? Probably, but as the bride, it is your perogative!
A swanky cocktail lounge is another excellent wedding after-party. If space permits, you can set up the lounge in a separate part of your reception venue. At the conclusion of the formal reception, invite your guests to join you in the lounge for specialty cocktails. Set up lots of comfy seating areas to encourage conversation. Low sofas and cushy chairs grouped around coffee tables are perfect. It would be great to hire a smoky lounge singer to perform at your after-party, or simply use recorded music to create the perfect ambiance. How about a white paillete cocktail dress for the bride, with a sparkling pair of Swarovski crystal earrings to match the lounge theme?
If most of your out of town guests will be staying in the same hotel, that could be a convenient location for a party after the reception. It could be as informal as an announcement that the newlyweds will be heading to the bar at such and such hotel, and they would love to see their friends there. If you want to be a little more organized about it, see if the hotel has a private room in their lounge or restaurant. Another option is to rent a suite in the hotel and stock it with drinks and snacks for a fun after-party. Any of these options are very appealing when the wedding is done by the early evening and guests will be looking for something to do for the rest of the night. Keeping the party going sure beats staring at the walls in your hotel room!
Almost anything can work for a wedding after-party, as long as it is fun and not too stuffy. After the formalities of the wedding, it is great to let your hair down, so to speak. Everyone could head out to a nightclub for dancing, they could go the diner that was the favorite hangout during your college years, or it could even be a party in your living room. Wherever you decide to host your wedding after-party, spread the word in advance by email or by word of mouth, or just make an announcement at the end of the reception. There is nothing like keeping a great time going on all night!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and etiquette. Visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ for the most fabulous collection of Swarovski crystal earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549458&ca=Marriage
If you can't stand the thought of your wedding ending, why not keep the fun going into the wee hours of the morning? After the formal reception concludes, more and more couples are inviting their friends to keep celebrating with them in an after-party. Take a look at these great ideas for wedding after-parties.
The after-party should reflect your taste and also the tastes of your friends. For instance, if you and your friends love nature and being outside, this could be the inspiration for your post-reception celebration. After the reception officially ends, invite your friends to join you around a bonfire for singing, dancing, and even homemade s'mores. It is a fun way to kick back and relax with your close friends, especially if a lot of them will be coming in from out of town. Just be sure to note on the invitations that a bonfire will follow the reception and let guests know to bring a casual change of clothes so they can fully enjoy the experience.
Another really fun idea for a wedding after-party is a karaoke party. Hire a d.j. and bring in the microphones and other equipment to encourage everyone to get up on stage and belt out their favorite tunes. The conclusion of a wedding is a great time for a karaoke party, because most people will already have a few shots of “liquid courage” in them to help them release their inner diva. The bride should be sure to have a sassy party dress to change into, along with big sparkly Swarovski crystal earrings to really get into the party spirit. Is is cheating to practice your karaoke songs ahead of time? Probably, but as the bride, it is your perogative!
A swanky cocktail lounge is another excellent wedding after-party. If space permits, you can set up the lounge in a separate part of your reception venue. At the conclusion of the formal reception, invite your guests to join you in the lounge for specialty cocktails. Set up lots of comfy seating areas to encourage conversation. Low sofas and cushy chairs grouped around coffee tables are perfect. It would be great to hire a smoky lounge singer to perform at your after-party, or simply use recorded music to create the perfect ambiance. How about a white paillete cocktail dress for the bride, with a sparkling pair of Swarovski crystal earrings to match the lounge theme?
If most of your out of town guests will be staying in the same hotel, that could be a convenient location for a party after the reception. It could be as informal as an announcement that the newlyweds will be heading to the bar at such and such hotel, and they would love to see their friends there. If you want to be a little more organized about it, see if the hotel has a private room in their lounge or restaurant. Another option is to rent a suite in the hotel and stock it with drinks and snacks for a fun after-party. Any of these options are very appealing when the wedding is done by the early evening and guests will be looking for something to do for the rest of the night. Keeping the party going sure beats staring at the walls in your hotel room!
Almost anything can work for a wedding after-party, as long as it is fun and not too stuffy. After the formalities of the wedding, it is great to let your hair down, so to speak. Everyone could head out to a nightclub for dancing, they could go the diner that was the favorite hangout during your college years, or it could even be a party in your living room. Wherever you decide to host your wedding after-party, spread the word in advance by email or by word of mouth, or just make an announcement at the end of the reception. There is nothing like keeping a great time going on all night!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and etiquette. Visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ for the most fabulous collection of Swarovski crystal earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549458&ca=Marriage
Polka Dots and Stripes in Wedding Design
By Bridget Mora
Weddings are a festive occasion, so why not create a cheerful design that really says “celebration”? The traditional white and ivory weddings are lovely, of course, but it can be really fun to mix it up with bright colors and lively patterns. One of the most delightful combinations is polka dots and stripes; take a look at these ways to use them to create a fantastic wedding design.
Polka dots and stripes would be particularly great for a spring or summer wedding, as they are often created in color palettes which suit the season. The key to successfully combining the two patterns is to pick one color scheme to use for both. It could be pink and green, yellow and blue, or even orange, pink, and red. As long as you are consistent, it will look great! Dashes of a neutral like white or brown can help to keep your design from spinning out of control.
The bridesmaid dresses are a good place to begin using your polka dot and stripe theme. A very easy way to do it is to use one of the patterns for the bridesmaid dresses and the other as an accent ribbon on their bouquets. When the dresses have a busy print, keep the other details more simple. Single color bouquets will look very nice, and pearl bridesmaid jewelry will complement the colorful dresses. A very charming idea is to add white pearl accents in the bridesmaid bouquets to coordinate with their jewelry; the pops of white on a solid color bouquet will actually look much like polka dots, thus tying in beautifully with the overall wedding theme.
All of your wedding stationery can carry through the stripe and polka dot pairing. Create stylish invitations by choosing an invitation with a polka dot border to use with envelopes lined in a stripe. Remember that as long as all of the colors match, it will look great together. For the table numbers, pick a coordinating paper with an overall polka dot pattern and print the numbers in a bold font right over the printed background. As long as the ink is dark, the numbers should be very easy to read, and it will be a cute detail.
Speaking of details, your centerpieces should always coordinate with your wedding design theme. There are so many ways to achieve this with stripes and polka dots. One trend right now is to cover boxes with a fabric instead of using standard glass vases. How about a striped fabric for your centerpiece vessels? Then fill with a cheerful arrangement of flowers. If you like, you can even play up the polka dot idea by creating “dots” of flowers. Use blossoms which can be packed together into a very tight ball, such as roses or carnations, and then add small flowers in a contrasting color at regular intervals. For instance, you could create a round arrangement of pink carnations and insert small lime green Kermit mums for the cutest and preppiest pink and green wedding centerpiece ever. It is so cute and original - your guests are sure to love it!
Be careful not to overwhelm your reception space with pattern. If you opt for a bright and busy centerpiece, balance it out with a solid tablecloth in a coordinating hue. You can always bring in more of the signature patterns in the napkins and placecards to keep the tables looking lively and fun, without going totally over the line into visual overload. Of course, the wedding cake is a natural for using your stripes and polka dots, and it would be almost impossible to overdo it. Have fun mixing the two patterns on alternating tiers or doing a cake with fondant polka dots trimmed out in striped ribbon around the base of the layers. It would be the perfect way to show off your wedding theme and add spice to the reception.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, design, and jewelry. Your bridesmaids will love the pearl bridesmaid jewelry created by http://silverlandjewelry.com/. You will love getting free shipping on your jewelry order over $99, so treat your bridesmaids to something beautiful for your wedding.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=558709&ca=Marriage
Weddings are a festive occasion, so why not create a cheerful design that really says “celebration”? The traditional white and ivory weddings are lovely, of course, but it can be really fun to mix it up with bright colors and lively patterns. One of the most delightful combinations is polka dots and stripes; take a look at these ways to use them to create a fantastic wedding design.
Polka dots and stripes would be particularly great for a spring or summer wedding, as they are often created in color palettes which suit the season. The key to successfully combining the two patterns is to pick one color scheme to use for both. It could be pink and green, yellow and blue, or even orange, pink, and red. As long as you are consistent, it will look great! Dashes of a neutral like white or brown can help to keep your design from spinning out of control.
The bridesmaid dresses are a good place to begin using your polka dot and stripe theme. A very easy way to do it is to use one of the patterns for the bridesmaid dresses and the other as an accent ribbon on their bouquets. When the dresses have a busy print, keep the other details more simple. Single color bouquets will look very nice, and pearl bridesmaid jewelry will complement the colorful dresses. A very charming idea is to add white pearl accents in the bridesmaid bouquets to coordinate with their jewelry; the pops of white on a solid color bouquet will actually look much like polka dots, thus tying in beautifully with the overall wedding theme.
All of your wedding stationery can carry through the stripe and polka dot pairing. Create stylish invitations by choosing an invitation with a polka dot border to use with envelopes lined in a stripe. Remember that as long as all of the colors match, it will look great together. For the table numbers, pick a coordinating paper with an overall polka dot pattern and print the numbers in a bold font right over the printed background. As long as the ink is dark, the numbers should be very easy to read, and it will be a cute detail.
Speaking of details, your centerpieces should always coordinate with your wedding design theme. There are so many ways to achieve this with stripes and polka dots. One trend right now is to cover boxes with a fabric instead of using standard glass vases. How about a striped fabric for your centerpiece vessels? Then fill with a cheerful arrangement of flowers. If you like, you can even play up the polka dot idea by creating “dots” of flowers. Use blossoms which can be packed together into a very tight ball, such as roses or carnations, and then add small flowers in a contrasting color at regular intervals. For instance, you could create a round arrangement of pink carnations and insert small lime green Kermit mums for the cutest and preppiest pink and green wedding centerpiece ever. It is so cute and original - your guests are sure to love it!
Be careful not to overwhelm your reception space with pattern. If you opt for a bright and busy centerpiece, balance it out with a solid tablecloth in a coordinating hue. You can always bring in more of the signature patterns in the napkins and placecards to keep the tables looking lively and fun, without going totally over the line into visual overload. Of course, the wedding cake is a natural for using your stripes and polka dots, and it would be almost impossible to overdo it. Have fun mixing the two patterns on alternating tiers or doing a cake with fondant polka dots trimmed out in striped ribbon around the base of the layers. It would be the perfect way to show off your wedding theme and add spice to the reception.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, design, and jewelry. Your bridesmaids will love the pearl bridesmaid jewelry created by http://silverlandjewelry.com/. You will love getting free shipping on your jewelry order over $99, so treat your bridesmaids to something beautiful for your wedding.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=558709&ca=Marriage
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tips For Great Wedding Photographs
By Bridget Mora
You only get one chance to get the best photographs from your wedding, so it is important to plan ahead to get the most beautiful images possible. There is much more to planning for your wedding pictures than merely making up a list of your “must have” shots. Take a look at these tips for getting great wedding photographs.
Pre-wedding photography has become quite popular. Rather than having the wedding album start with images of the ceremony, brides often have their photographer start by capturing the moments leading up to the start of the event. These are often pictures of the bride and her attendants getting ready for the wedding, and they can be some of the loveliest images in any wedding album. Consider your background carefully if you plan to have pre-wedding pictures taken. If your bedroom or living room is cluttered, the background will distract from the beauty of the moment as captured by the photographer. Brides who live in cramped apartments may even wish to consider getting dressed before the ceremony at a more spacious location, such as the home of a friend or a hotel room. This will allow the photographer room to step back and get full length pictures of your gown, veil, and bridal jewelry.
Of course every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, but many do not realize how valuable the services of a professional makeup artist and hair stylist can be. No matter how low key your wedding may be, to get that flawless bridal look in your pictures, it is best to turn to the experts for your beauty care. Many brides think that they can do their own makeup, or that they do not need to wear makeup at all, but it is important to have good makeup when you are being photographed. The pros know how to apply cosmetics with staying power so that you look just as beautiful in the cake cutting photos late in the wedding as you did in the beginning of the ceremony. It is also important to know how boldly to apply your makeup for your wedding day. The usual natural look will tend to look washed out in pictures, so most makeup artists will use colors which are just a hint brighter than your everyday style (don't worry, you won't look like a clown!).
You know how unflattering some lighting can be? Good lighting will have the opposite effect, making everyone look more attractive. Nix the harsh overhead lights which will cast strong shadows in your wedding pictures. Softer light will make for more beautiful photos...as long as the room does not end up too dim. Since a lot of the action at a wedding reception takes place on the dance floor, do not overlook that pivotal area when designing your wedding lighting scheme. Photographers also recommend that the newlyweds dance their entire first dance alone before inviting guests to join them on the dance floor. This allows your photographer more opportunities to capture a few stunning images of that memorable moment.
Finally, be sure to let your photographer know that what you really want is for him to capture the excitement of the wedding day and the personalities of everyone there. Although most couples will still want some of the traditional posed group shots, candids are much better in telling the story of your wedding day in pictures. All those images of laughing, dancing, and smiling people will make your wedding album a pleasure to look through year after year.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and etiquette. Treat yourself to beautiful bridal jewelry from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ and receive free shipping on your jewelry order over $99.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=553869&ca=Marriage
You only get one chance to get the best photographs from your wedding, so it is important to plan ahead to get the most beautiful images possible. There is much more to planning for your wedding pictures than merely making up a list of your “must have” shots. Take a look at these tips for getting great wedding photographs.
Pre-wedding photography has become quite popular. Rather than having the wedding album start with images of the ceremony, brides often have their photographer start by capturing the moments leading up to the start of the event. These are often pictures of the bride and her attendants getting ready for the wedding, and they can be some of the loveliest images in any wedding album. Consider your background carefully if you plan to have pre-wedding pictures taken. If your bedroom or living room is cluttered, the background will distract from the beauty of the moment as captured by the photographer. Brides who live in cramped apartments may even wish to consider getting dressed before the ceremony at a more spacious location, such as the home of a friend or a hotel room. This will allow the photographer room to step back and get full length pictures of your gown, veil, and bridal jewelry.
Of course every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, but many do not realize how valuable the services of a professional makeup artist and hair stylist can be. No matter how low key your wedding may be, to get that flawless bridal look in your pictures, it is best to turn to the experts for your beauty care. Many brides think that they can do their own makeup, or that they do not need to wear makeup at all, but it is important to have good makeup when you are being photographed. The pros know how to apply cosmetics with staying power so that you look just as beautiful in the cake cutting photos late in the wedding as you did in the beginning of the ceremony. It is also important to know how boldly to apply your makeup for your wedding day. The usual natural look will tend to look washed out in pictures, so most makeup artists will use colors which are just a hint brighter than your everyday style (don't worry, you won't look like a clown!).
You know how unflattering some lighting can be? Good lighting will have the opposite effect, making everyone look more attractive. Nix the harsh overhead lights which will cast strong shadows in your wedding pictures. Softer light will make for more beautiful photos...as long as the room does not end up too dim. Since a lot of the action at a wedding reception takes place on the dance floor, do not overlook that pivotal area when designing your wedding lighting scheme. Photographers also recommend that the newlyweds dance their entire first dance alone before inviting guests to join them on the dance floor. This allows your photographer more opportunities to capture a few stunning images of that memorable moment.
Finally, be sure to let your photographer know that what you really want is for him to capture the excitement of the wedding day and the personalities of everyone there. Although most couples will still want some of the traditional posed group shots, candids are much better in telling the story of your wedding day in pictures. All those images of laughing, dancing, and smiling people will make your wedding album a pleasure to look through year after year.
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and etiquette. Treat yourself to beautiful bridal jewelry from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ and receive free shipping on your jewelry order over $99.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=553869&ca=Marriage
The Post-Wedding Brunch
By Bridget Mora
As the wedding day has morphed into the wedding weekend, one event that has become quite popular is the post-wedding brunch. Although some brides may cringe at the idea of another event to organize and some guests feel like enough is enough already, personally I love the brunch the day after the wedding. It gives everyone a chance to visit a little more before heading out of town, and besides, who doesn't love brunch? This is what you need to know about planning a post-wedding brunch.
First of all, the bride does not have to be the one to plan a day-after brunch. Her parents could host it, the groom's parents could host, or even a grandparent could organize the brunch in honor of the newlyweds. Second of all, the post-wedding brunch does not need to be a fancy event at all. By far the easiest way to do it is to book a private dining room in the hotel where most of the guests are staying. Don't worry about fancy flowers or custom linens; this is not the wedding, after all, just brunch. As long as it is a nice hotel (or restaurant, if you prefer), whatever they provide in the way of decorations will be absolutely fine.
The purpose of having another get-together the day after the wedding is to give everyone one more chance to see each other, which can be wonderful for families who are far-flung. One or two days just isn't enough time if you only get the whole group together for weddings and holidays. The brunch serves one very other important role: it is always fun to gossip about a great party the next day! This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to rehash the excitement of the day before while it is still fresh in their minds. (“What was Heidi thinking wearing that low cut dress to someone else's wedding?” or “Wasn't the band great last night? You should see the blisters I have from dancing all night in three inch heels!”) For the bride and groom, this is the time to get the real scoop on all the interesting things that happened at their wedding – so fun!
Unless your family is filled with teetotalers, the post-wedding brunch should be scheduled to start no earlier than about 10 am. After a fun-filled day, people need to sleep in the next morning! Most brunches are buffet style, and should run for several hours, not be served at a fixed time. 10 am to noon or possibly even 1pm is a good schedule. This gives guests the flexibility to roll into brunch whenever they are ready, rather than having to rush out of bed to be at another event. Also, some people may wish to pack and check out of the hotel before stopping by the brunch, so this gives them the chance to do what they need without being rushed. Of course, the newlyweds should plan to stay for the entire length of the brunch, because everyone will want to see them and wish them well.
While the post-wedding brunch need not be formal, the newlyweds should still make an effort to look good. (So should the guests, for that matter!) Match your attire to the setting. For a country inn, a cashmere sweater, tweed skirt, and pearl earrings is a polished brunch outfit. In the summer, a pretty sundress with a tin cup necklace and pearl earrings would be just right. Around the holidays, even daytime parties like brunches tend to be dressier, so step it up a notch with a beaded sweater set and a knee length velvet skirt or a silk wrap dress. After all, your post-wedding brunch is your first chance to make a great impression as newlyweds!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding planning, style, and etiquette. You will love the beautiful collection of pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets at http://silverlandjewelry.com/. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping, so visit today!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549460&ca=Marriage
As the wedding day has morphed into the wedding weekend, one event that has become quite popular is the post-wedding brunch. Although some brides may cringe at the idea of another event to organize and some guests feel like enough is enough already, personally I love the brunch the day after the wedding. It gives everyone a chance to visit a little more before heading out of town, and besides, who doesn't love brunch? This is what you need to know about planning a post-wedding brunch.
First of all, the bride does not have to be the one to plan a day-after brunch. Her parents could host it, the groom's parents could host, or even a grandparent could organize the brunch in honor of the newlyweds. Second of all, the post-wedding brunch does not need to be a fancy event at all. By far the easiest way to do it is to book a private dining room in the hotel where most of the guests are staying. Don't worry about fancy flowers or custom linens; this is not the wedding, after all, just brunch. As long as it is a nice hotel (or restaurant, if you prefer), whatever they provide in the way of decorations will be absolutely fine.
The purpose of having another get-together the day after the wedding is to give everyone one more chance to see each other, which can be wonderful for families who are far-flung. One or two days just isn't enough time if you only get the whole group together for weddings and holidays. The brunch serves one very other important role: it is always fun to gossip about a great party the next day! This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to rehash the excitement of the day before while it is still fresh in their minds. (“What was Heidi thinking wearing that low cut dress to someone else's wedding?” or “Wasn't the band great last night? You should see the blisters I have from dancing all night in three inch heels!”) For the bride and groom, this is the time to get the real scoop on all the interesting things that happened at their wedding – so fun!
Unless your family is filled with teetotalers, the post-wedding brunch should be scheduled to start no earlier than about 10 am. After a fun-filled day, people need to sleep in the next morning! Most brunches are buffet style, and should run for several hours, not be served at a fixed time. 10 am to noon or possibly even 1pm is a good schedule. This gives guests the flexibility to roll into brunch whenever they are ready, rather than having to rush out of bed to be at another event. Also, some people may wish to pack and check out of the hotel before stopping by the brunch, so this gives them the chance to do what they need without being rushed. Of course, the newlyweds should plan to stay for the entire length of the brunch, because everyone will want to see them and wish them well.
While the post-wedding brunch need not be formal, the newlyweds should still make an effort to look good. (So should the guests, for that matter!) Match your attire to the setting. For a country inn, a cashmere sweater, tweed skirt, and pearl earrings is a polished brunch outfit. In the summer, a pretty sundress with a tin cup necklace and pearl earrings would be just right. Around the holidays, even daytime parties like brunches tend to be dressier, so step it up a notch with a beaded sweater set and a knee length velvet skirt or a silk wrap dress. After all, your post-wedding brunch is your first chance to make a great impression as newlyweds!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding planning, style, and etiquette. You will love the beautiful collection of pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets at http://silverlandjewelry.com/. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping, so visit today!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549460&ca=Marriage
Spring Centerpieces For Your Wedding
By Lindsay Crawford
With so many expenses in a wedding, one might find themselves a little low on the budget for things such as centerpieces. However, there are many different ways to have beautiful and elegant centerpieces on a low budget. Spring is the perfect time to take full advantage of nature’s most beautiful flowers in bloom. Here are some ideas to create your own beautiful centerpieces for a spring wedding.
Flowers- Flowers are the most popular centerpieces for weddings today. And when it’s the season of flowers, how can one not take the chance and incorporate them into your centerpieces? Some popular flowers that are in bloom in the spring include: cherry blossoms, tulips, roses, camellia, freesia, honeysuckle, bluebell, lilac, sunflower, orchid, daisy, etc. A really good idea is to use two different flowers. One fragrant flower, and one colorful flower. You don’t have to go over the top and spend crazy money on big flower arrangements. You can choose a couple of different flowers and put them in a nice white clay pot then sprinkle rose petals around the arrangement.
Lantern Centerpieces- Lantern centerpieces are so beautiful because you can do so much with them. It is also something that is both unique and different. You can add both candles and flowers to the lanterns. There are so many different designs of lanterns, and most of them are fairly cheap. There are glass lantern, gazebo lanterns, ghost leaf lanterns, vintage tea lanterns, Japanese lanterns, etc. A really cute idea is to place tealight candles around the lantern and then add a couple of different spring fruits next to the candles.
Water Centerpieces- Another popular yet inexpensive idea is water centerpieces. This sounds rather simple, but it really looks romantic. All you need is a shallow bowl filled with water. You can place marbles, rocks, crystals, etc at the bottom of the bowl. You can also place a handful of rose petals in the marbles (whatever you choose) at the bottom of the bowl. The rose petals at the bottom add color to the centerpiece. If you would like more color to the centerpiece another option is to add dye to the water. Don’t forget to add the floating candles on top!
Miscellaneous Ideas- Another inexpensive idea for centerpieces is candles that are different shapes and sizes. Wine and champagne glass candles look very elegant when lit. Also having an arrangement of pillar candles on the table surrounded by rose petals is a simple and beautiful idea. Another cute idea is an arrangement of frames of poems, bible verses, or even pictures of the couple can make a great centerpiece. You can also get 2-3 glass tier glass stands and fill them with fruits, sand, chocolates, confetti, etc.
Just because you might have a small budget for centerpieces, doesn’t mean you can’t have something fabulous and memorable. No matter what centerpiece you choose for your special day, make sure it reflects your personality. Make your wedding something special that everyone will remember.
About the Author: Lindsay Crawford is a writer for Wholesale Event Solutions, a company offering discount wedding and event planning supplies including tower vases, cloth tablecloths, wedding columns and arches, and much more!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=554420&ca=Marriage
With so many expenses in a wedding, one might find themselves a little low on the budget for things such as centerpieces. However, there are many different ways to have beautiful and elegant centerpieces on a low budget. Spring is the perfect time to take full advantage of nature’s most beautiful flowers in bloom. Here are some ideas to create your own beautiful centerpieces for a spring wedding.
Flowers- Flowers are the most popular centerpieces for weddings today. And when it’s the season of flowers, how can one not take the chance and incorporate them into your centerpieces? Some popular flowers that are in bloom in the spring include: cherry blossoms, tulips, roses, camellia, freesia, honeysuckle, bluebell, lilac, sunflower, orchid, daisy, etc. A really good idea is to use two different flowers. One fragrant flower, and one colorful flower. You don’t have to go over the top and spend crazy money on big flower arrangements. You can choose a couple of different flowers and put them in a nice white clay pot then sprinkle rose petals around the arrangement.
Lantern Centerpieces- Lantern centerpieces are so beautiful because you can do so much with them. It is also something that is both unique and different. You can add both candles and flowers to the lanterns. There are so many different designs of lanterns, and most of them are fairly cheap. There are glass lantern, gazebo lanterns, ghost leaf lanterns, vintage tea lanterns, Japanese lanterns, etc. A really cute idea is to place tealight candles around the lantern and then add a couple of different spring fruits next to the candles.
Water Centerpieces- Another popular yet inexpensive idea is water centerpieces. This sounds rather simple, but it really looks romantic. All you need is a shallow bowl filled with water. You can place marbles, rocks, crystals, etc at the bottom of the bowl. You can also place a handful of rose petals in the marbles (whatever you choose) at the bottom of the bowl. The rose petals at the bottom add color to the centerpiece. If you would like more color to the centerpiece another option is to add dye to the water. Don’t forget to add the floating candles on top!
Miscellaneous Ideas- Another inexpensive idea for centerpieces is candles that are different shapes and sizes. Wine and champagne glass candles look very elegant when lit. Also having an arrangement of pillar candles on the table surrounded by rose petals is a simple and beautiful idea. Another cute idea is an arrangement of frames of poems, bible verses, or even pictures of the couple can make a great centerpiece. You can also get 2-3 glass tier glass stands and fill them with fruits, sand, chocolates, confetti, etc.
Just because you might have a small budget for centerpieces, doesn’t mean you can’t have something fabulous and memorable. No matter what centerpiece you choose for your special day, make sure it reflects your personality. Make your wedding something special that everyone will remember.
About the Author: Lindsay Crawford is a writer for Wholesale Event Solutions, a company offering discount wedding and event planning supplies including tower vases, cloth tablecloths, wedding columns and arches, and much more!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=554420&ca=Marriage
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sticky Wedding Attire Situations
By Bridget Mora
In a perfect world, you would breeze through planning your wedding without a hitch. In the real world, however, problems tend to crop up, some of which are caused entirely by other people! The wedding attire can be a particularly sore spot in some weddings, from the bridesmaids who refuse to wear anything but black to the mother-in-law who wants to upstage the bride with her outfit. These are some of the most common sticky wedding attire situations, along with suggestions about how to resolve them.
Problem No. One: Your wedding colors are pale pink and lilac and your bridesmaids are demanding black cocktail dresses. While it is always lovely when the bride is considerate of what her attendants would like to wear, the reality is that they need to fit with her vision of the wedding. If you are having a romantic garden wedding, black cocktail dresses will look completely out of place! The best you can do is choose a color that your bridesmaids can stand (perhaps a neutral like champagne if they are not pink and lilac kind of girls). Perhaps the bride could also mollify her bridesmaids by giving them a lot of say in the style of the dress, if not the color. Ultimately, though, being a bridesmaid means wearing the dress of the bride's choosing, so the bridesmaids need to grit their teeth and politely wear what the bride wants!
Problem No. Two: Your flamboyant mother-in-law always has to be the center of attention, even on your wedding day. She never got the memo that the mothers of the bride and groom should look pretty without upstaging the bride, and has decided to wear a fire engine red dress with a neckline cut down to her navel and about fifty pounds of wedding jewelry. This is a really tough situation for a bride, because she really cannot tell her mother-in-law what to wear (although if it were her own mother dressing inappropriately, it would be acceptable for the bride to speak up). The groom needs to be involved in this. He has to convince his mom to tone it down. If the groom cannot or will not get his mom to wear something less flashy, there is nothing much to be done about it. Yes, it will drive you crazy that she sticks out like a sore thumb in the group wedding photos, but in the end, it will do nothing to detract from the joy of your wedding or marriage.
Problem No. Three: The bride and her mother cannot agree on a wedding gown...and mom is paying for it. This problem is incredibly common, and also incredibly frustrating. There is something so sad about watching a bride fall in love with a wedding gown, only to have her mom shoot it down. Sometimes another person, like a sister or aunt, can help to convince mom that the bridal gown which she thinks is all wrong is really perfect (especially if her concerns are that it is not traditional enough). The bride can also show a willingness to compromise by offering to let her mom pick out her veil and wedding jewelry. If none of that works, you either have to go back to the drawing board and look for a new gown or buy the one you really want with your own money.
Problem No. Four: You are having a formal wedding and your dad “doesn't do formal”. Really, the bride should have a reasonable expectation that her father will dress appropriately for her wedding, but some men are really stubborn about dressing up. If your dad will wear a suit but not a tuxedo, have a black tie optional wedding instead of black tie. If he balks at even a suit, maybe you can talk him into wearing at least a dress shirt with nice pants and a tie. You could even buy the tie if he refuses! If all that fails, you will have point out to him how much more awkward he will feel as the only man in shorts and a t-shirt at a formal wedding than he would if he would just wear the appropriate outfit. You might even mention that some venues have dress codes requiring that men wear jackets. Hopefully, with a little coaxing, you can at least get your dad to wear something respectable, if not exactly what you had in mind!
People tend to feel very strongly about their clothing, even more so when it comes to formal attire. This is why so many sticky situations can crop up when planning a wedding. Hopefully, you now have the tools to manage any wedding attire dilemmas that come your way!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding planning, style, and etiquette. For a beautiful selection of wedding jewelry for the entire bridal party, visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/. Receive free shipping on any jewelry order over $99.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549462&ca=Marriage
In a perfect world, you would breeze through planning your wedding without a hitch. In the real world, however, problems tend to crop up, some of which are caused entirely by other people! The wedding attire can be a particularly sore spot in some weddings, from the bridesmaids who refuse to wear anything but black to the mother-in-law who wants to upstage the bride with her outfit. These are some of the most common sticky wedding attire situations, along with suggestions about how to resolve them.
Problem No. One: Your wedding colors are pale pink and lilac and your bridesmaids are demanding black cocktail dresses. While it is always lovely when the bride is considerate of what her attendants would like to wear, the reality is that they need to fit with her vision of the wedding. If you are having a romantic garden wedding, black cocktail dresses will look completely out of place! The best you can do is choose a color that your bridesmaids can stand (perhaps a neutral like champagne if they are not pink and lilac kind of girls). Perhaps the bride could also mollify her bridesmaids by giving them a lot of say in the style of the dress, if not the color. Ultimately, though, being a bridesmaid means wearing the dress of the bride's choosing, so the bridesmaids need to grit their teeth and politely wear what the bride wants!
Problem No. Two: Your flamboyant mother-in-law always has to be the center of attention, even on your wedding day. She never got the memo that the mothers of the bride and groom should look pretty without upstaging the bride, and has decided to wear a fire engine red dress with a neckline cut down to her navel and about fifty pounds of wedding jewelry. This is a really tough situation for a bride, because she really cannot tell her mother-in-law what to wear (although if it were her own mother dressing inappropriately, it would be acceptable for the bride to speak up). The groom needs to be involved in this. He has to convince his mom to tone it down. If the groom cannot or will not get his mom to wear something less flashy, there is nothing much to be done about it. Yes, it will drive you crazy that she sticks out like a sore thumb in the group wedding photos, but in the end, it will do nothing to detract from the joy of your wedding or marriage.
Problem No. Three: The bride and her mother cannot agree on a wedding gown...and mom is paying for it. This problem is incredibly common, and also incredibly frustrating. There is something so sad about watching a bride fall in love with a wedding gown, only to have her mom shoot it down. Sometimes another person, like a sister or aunt, can help to convince mom that the bridal gown which she thinks is all wrong is really perfect (especially if her concerns are that it is not traditional enough). The bride can also show a willingness to compromise by offering to let her mom pick out her veil and wedding jewelry. If none of that works, you either have to go back to the drawing board and look for a new gown or buy the one you really want with your own money.
Problem No. Four: You are having a formal wedding and your dad “doesn't do formal”. Really, the bride should have a reasonable expectation that her father will dress appropriately for her wedding, but some men are really stubborn about dressing up. If your dad will wear a suit but not a tuxedo, have a black tie optional wedding instead of black tie. If he balks at even a suit, maybe you can talk him into wearing at least a dress shirt with nice pants and a tie. You could even buy the tie if he refuses! If all that fails, you will have point out to him how much more awkward he will feel as the only man in shorts and a t-shirt at a formal wedding than he would if he would just wear the appropriate outfit. You might even mention that some venues have dress codes requiring that men wear jackets. Hopefully, with a little coaxing, you can at least get your dad to wear something respectable, if not exactly what you had in mind!
People tend to feel very strongly about their clothing, even more so when it comes to formal attire. This is why so many sticky situations can crop up when planning a wedding. Hopefully, you now have the tools to manage any wedding attire dilemmas that come your way!
About the Author: Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding planning, style, and etiquette. For a beautiful selection of wedding jewelry for the entire bridal party, visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/. Receive free shipping on any jewelry order over $99.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=549462&ca=Marriage
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