You can remember when you were a little girl and you would see weddings at a church or on television, and you thought to yourself, "One day that is going to be me." You loved the pure white gown with the veil and the groom so handsome in his tuxedo, it was all a dream to you at that time. Now it is coming true for you!
The day is arriving and you are so excited. You have planned for this day for close to a year now and the countdown has begun. Your wedding day is going to be the most wonderful and memorable day of your life.
Getting to that day can be stressful. There is so much to plan for. How many guests? Where you will have the wedding itself? Where to have the rehearsal dinner, the reception, the food, the drinks, the cake, the guests, where will the guests stay when they come from out of state, and so much more?
Relatives are getting excited, your friends are calling, bridesmaids and the matron of honor are getting dresses fitted, mothers and fathers are pulling at their hair, which nephew or niece is going to be flower girl and carry the ring. (Oh, Lord, please help the ring get to the altar!) It will all work out and whatever does not, you will deal with it at the time.
One thing you can make very easy on yourself, early on, (and you should), are the wedding accommodations. On the day of and the day before your wedding you will have to note if there are other weddings or events which will fill hotel rooms. The more popular the location of your wedding is the less available rooms you will find if another event is going on. Imagine your guests dismay if they came to your wedding and rooms are unavailable.
Here is what you do when making the wedding accommodations. You reserve a block of rooms in two hotels if you can. Reserving them will cut down the expenses for your guests and they will appreciate it. When you enclose your map card inside the invitations, put the address and phone number of the hotel on the back of them and let those invited see where they can obtain a room. You are not paying for the rooms, just reserving them ahead of time so they know the address and phone. If you have bridesmaids coming who are challenged with what they can afford, you can quietly and tactfully offer to assist. One thing that would be great is if you could pair them up with each other. Or if another bridesmaid has a home close by with some extra rooms that would be a great help for any guest coming in from out of town. Your wedding will go off without a hitch.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wedding Entertainment Ideas - Something Different
If you want to make your wedding a bit different and offer your guests something other than just a slap up meal or a disco in the evening, then you'll be looking for wedding entertainment ideas.
Here are a few wedding reception entertainment ideas to help you along the way:
Music: Live music is very atmospheric and you could have just about anything, only restricted by cost. Try to suit the size of the band to the size of the venue though or your guests could be deafened by that seven piece jazz band in a small reception room. If you're a Scot, why not have a piper or for gentle mood music a harpist. A ceilidh band can really make things go with a swing, particularly if your guests are Scottish or Irish. A country band with a caller for square dancing is also a fun idea.
Singer or live band: A wedding singer can lend atmosphere at the ceremony and while pre-reception drinks are in progress. However, there's usually too much chatting during the actual reception to warrant a wedding singer, unless you want a special song to be sung before or after the speeches. A live band will get the dancing going at your evening reception; get each couple to choose their favourite in advance and have the band play it with a dedication to your friends or family.
Themed: A murder mystery is an ideal theme for an informal wedding reception entertainment. A team of actors enacts a murder mystery and each table tries to guess who did it. Make sure that there are prizes.
Speciality acts: There are a number of these wedding reception entertainment acts that you can choose who go strolling amongst the tables; how about magicians, card sharps, sketch artists, mind readers, temporary tattooists, jugglers or comedy waiters, to name but a few.
Activities: If the weather's good and your reception will be in the afternoon, outdoor activities are always good for a laugh. Try out a bouncy castle or assault course - the kids will certainly enjoy it.
Casino: For your evening reception, why not have a casino set up with black jack tables and roulette wheels. These professional outfits provide croupiers and chips and teach everyone how to enjoy casino games. To add to the fun, provide a prize or two for those with the most chips at the end of the evening.
If you choose an entertainment that's a bit out of the ordinary, your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.
There's really no limit to wedding reception entertainment which only depends on the style of wedding you're going to have.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard
Here are a few wedding reception entertainment ideas to help you along the way:
Music: Live music is very atmospheric and you could have just about anything, only restricted by cost. Try to suit the size of the band to the size of the venue though or your guests could be deafened by that seven piece jazz band in a small reception room. If you're a Scot, why not have a piper or for gentle mood music a harpist. A ceilidh band can really make things go with a swing, particularly if your guests are Scottish or Irish. A country band with a caller for square dancing is also a fun idea.
Singer or live band: A wedding singer can lend atmosphere at the ceremony and while pre-reception drinks are in progress. However, there's usually too much chatting during the actual reception to warrant a wedding singer, unless you want a special song to be sung before or after the speeches. A live band will get the dancing going at your evening reception; get each couple to choose their favourite in advance and have the band play it with a dedication to your friends or family.
Themed: A murder mystery is an ideal theme for an informal wedding reception entertainment. A team of actors enacts a murder mystery and each table tries to guess who did it. Make sure that there are prizes.
Speciality acts: There are a number of these wedding reception entertainment acts that you can choose who go strolling amongst the tables; how about magicians, card sharps, sketch artists, mind readers, temporary tattooists, jugglers or comedy waiters, to name but a few.
Activities: If the weather's good and your reception will be in the afternoon, outdoor activities are always good for a laugh. Try out a bouncy castle or assault course - the kids will certainly enjoy it.
Casino: For your evening reception, why not have a casino set up with black jack tables and roulette wheels. These professional outfits provide croupiers and chips and teach everyone how to enjoy casino games. To add to the fun, provide a prize or two for those with the most chips at the end of the evening.
If you choose an entertainment that's a bit out of the ordinary, your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.
There's really no limit to wedding reception entertainment which only depends on the style of wedding you're going to have.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tips For Choosing the Right Wedding Gown
The bride's wedding gown is always the main attraction at any wedding. Beautiful white bridal dresses make everyone envision their wedding fantasies. What young girl hasn't spent years dreaming about their bridal dress, possibly even wearing a designer wedding gown?
When choosing the right bridal gown you want to take a few things into consideration.
· The location of your special event
· The time of the your special event
· Your budget
· The style of the wedding
You want the dress to compliment the location of your special day. If you are getting married on the beach you would choose a different bridal gown than if you were getting married in a formal church. As well you want it to be easy for the bridesmaid's dresses to compliment yours. This is especially true if the bridesmaids are purchasing their own dresses.
If your wedding is more in the casual style, you can choose the right bridal gown, by finding a dress which you can use for another occasion. This is very useful if your budget is tight.
Of course you want to choose the right bridal dress and it is helpful to take along a close friend or family member. This way you can be sure you can trust their opinion about how you look in the various wedding gowns, dresses and other outfits you try on. Choosing the right wedding gown is a big decision and you want to buy the best wedding gown which you can afford.
Keep in mind how far you will be travelling to your wedding destination. If you are travelling by plane you want to have lots of time to unpack and hang your wedding gown before the big day arrives. You want to have time to ensure your dress is wrinkle free.
As much as you will wish to have that fairy tale wedding, you must take your budget into account. Set aside a certain dollar amount for choosing the right wedding gown and don't go over budget. Add in extra money for alterations and a wedding veil.
Many brides choose to wear an antique wedding dress, maybe one handed down by a great grandmother. You can also find wonderful discount bridal gowns in an antique shop. This type of dress can look spectacular when spruced up with a new ribbon or accentuated with pearls or flowers.
Choosing the right wedding gown will take time and it is advisable to take someone you trust shopping with you. After all, you will only be getting married once, and you want your dress to be the centre of attention on your wedding day.
When choosing the right bridal gown you want to take a few things into consideration.
· The location of your special event
· The time of the your special event
· Your budget
· The style of the wedding
You want the dress to compliment the location of your special day. If you are getting married on the beach you would choose a different bridal gown than if you were getting married in a formal church. As well you want it to be easy for the bridesmaid's dresses to compliment yours. This is especially true if the bridesmaids are purchasing their own dresses.
If your wedding is more in the casual style, you can choose the right bridal gown, by finding a dress which you can use for another occasion. This is very useful if your budget is tight.
Of course you want to choose the right bridal dress and it is helpful to take along a close friend or family member. This way you can be sure you can trust their opinion about how you look in the various wedding gowns, dresses and other outfits you try on. Choosing the right wedding gown is a big decision and you want to buy the best wedding gown which you can afford.
Keep in mind how far you will be travelling to your wedding destination. If you are travelling by plane you want to have lots of time to unpack and hang your wedding gown before the big day arrives. You want to have time to ensure your dress is wrinkle free.
As much as you will wish to have that fairy tale wedding, you must take your budget into account. Set aside a certain dollar amount for choosing the right wedding gown and don't go over budget. Add in extra money for alterations and a wedding veil.
Many brides choose to wear an antique wedding dress, maybe one handed down by a great grandmother. You can also find wonderful discount bridal gowns in an antique shop. This type of dress can look spectacular when spruced up with a new ribbon or accentuated with pearls or flowers.
Choosing the right wedding gown will take time and it is advisable to take someone you trust shopping with you. After all, you will only be getting married once, and you want your dress to be the centre of attention on your wedding day.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard |
Wedding Stationery and Invitations - Choosing the Right Style
Of course you can buy your wedding stationery and invitations from your local stationer but they won't be special to you; anyone can buy them. If you want your wedding stationery and invitations to be unique, you need to choose the right style.
When it comes to stylish wedding invitations, the choice is enormous.
Firstly, colour; cream and white predominate but there are all sorts of combinations available using brown, mauve, pink, blue or just about anything you want.
Secondly you need to choose what type of invitation you want. There's the traditional folded card, double folded card or a scroll but I think that the most stylish wedding invitations are those which come individually boxed.
Really stylish wedding invitations come decorated in all sorts of ways from silk flowers and chiffon or satin ribbon to decorative pearls or diamonds. Elegantly embossed flowers, leaves or hearts complete the picture.
If your wedding has a specific theme or colour scheme then you may want your wedding stationery and invitations to match up with that.
If you want to inject humour or romance into your wedding then there are invitations to match. How about a Disney theme or animals and birds or a fairy tale?
Are you holding your wedding on a beach? You can get beautiful wedding stationery and invitations with beach scenes or palm trees.
Don't forget to think about the stationery that you'll need other than the invitations. You may want menu cards, table number cards, place cards and thank you notes.
Other accessories available are table napkins, individual boxed chocolates, ribbons, candles and place card holders.
Basically, choosing the right style for your wedding stationery and invitations is a personal thing and they should suit the type of wedding and your personality.
After all, if you don't go for frills and flowers, your friends will think you've gone mad if you choose that style for your wedding and if you're usually a serious person then Disney invitations aren't going to be suitable either.
When it comes to stylish wedding invitations, the choice is enormous.
Firstly, colour; cream and white predominate but there are all sorts of combinations available using brown, mauve, pink, blue or just about anything you want.
Secondly you need to choose what type of invitation you want. There's the traditional folded card, double folded card or a scroll but I think that the most stylish wedding invitations are those which come individually boxed.
Really stylish wedding invitations come decorated in all sorts of ways from silk flowers and chiffon or satin ribbon to decorative pearls or diamonds. Elegantly embossed flowers, leaves or hearts complete the picture.
If your wedding has a specific theme or colour scheme then you may want your wedding stationery and invitations to match up with that.
If you want to inject humour or romance into your wedding then there are invitations to match. How about a Disney theme or animals and birds or a fairy tale?
Are you holding your wedding on a beach? You can get beautiful wedding stationery and invitations with beach scenes or palm trees.
Don't forget to think about the stationery that you'll need other than the invitations. You may want menu cards, table number cards, place cards and thank you notes.
Other accessories available are table napkins, individual boxed chocolates, ribbons, candles and place card holders.
Basically, choosing the right style for your wedding stationery and invitations is a personal thing and they should suit the type of wedding and your personality.
After all, if you don't go for frills and flowers, your friends will think you've gone mad if you choose that style for your wedding and if you're usually a serious person then Disney invitations aren't going to be suitable either.
For more ideas on choosing the right style of wedding stationery and invitations, visit Australian Wedding Professionals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard
Beautiful and Delicious Wedding Cakes
Besides the wedding dress, one of the next most looked at items is the beautiful and delicious wedding cakes. These beautiful works of art sit forefront at the reception and are viewed by all the guests. Of course you want to make sure you have one of the most beautiful cake around.
If you are on a budget you have to wonder about the wedding cake cost. An easy way to keep the cost down is to have a friend bake and decorate your cake. Making a wedding cake takes time so be sure to plan this well in advance. Don't drop a last minute request and expect a fabulous cake in return.
If you don't have a friend who bakes cakes, go to a local community college. See if they have an up and coming cake decorator in their midst's. They are sure to want to take the opportunity and bake a dream wedding cake for you. Tell them you will recommend them to all your friends and guests, this would be a great form of advertising for them. Plus it would be a wonderful way to start up a cake decorating business.
When making plans for your cake you want to make sure that the theme and style of your cake matches the wedding dress and location. If you are having a traditional church wedding and dress, then make sure your cakes style is that of traditional wedding cakes.
The Wedding cakes have changed over the years. At one time traditional wedding cakes were fruit cakes, covered in fondant, marzipan and icing. Today many cakes are sponge cakes filled with cream and decorated lavishly.
They be adorned with flowers, ribbons and even mini photos depicting how the happy couple met, photos of their engagement and more. Many bride and grooms still like the traditional figurine on top. Others prefer to replace this with a vase of fresh flowers or some other memorable item.
The cost is an important part of your wedding plans, so don't forget to set aside enough money for it. As well be sure to order it well in advance. If you are planning on using a popular bakery, plan and order ahead as you might find they are booked months in advance.
If you are on a budget you have to wonder about the wedding cake cost. An easy way to keep the cost down is to have a friend bake and decorate your cake. Making a wedding cake takes time so be sure to plan this well in advance. Don't drop a last minute request and expect a fabulous cake in return.
If you don't have a friend who bakes cakes, go to a local community college. See if they have an up and coming cake decorator in their midst's. They are sure to want to take the opportunity and bake a dream wedding cake for you. Tell them you will recommend them to all your friends and guests, this would be a great form of advertising for them. Plus it would be a wonderful way to start up a cake decorating business.
When making plans for your cake you want to make sure that the theme and style of your cake matches the wedding dress and location. If you are having a traditional church wedding and dress, then make sure your cakes style is that of traditional wedding cakes.
The Wedding cakes have changed over the years. At one time traditional wedding cakes were fruit cakes, covered in fondant, marzipan and icing. Today many cakes are sponge cakes filled with cream and decorated lavishly.
They be adorned with flowers, ribbons and even mini photos depicting how the happy couple met, photos of their engagement and more. Many bride and grooms still like the traditional figurine on top. Others prefer to replace this with a vase of fresh flowers or some other memorable item.
The cost is an important part of your wedding plans, so don't forget to set aside enough money for it. As well be sure to order it well in advance. If you are planning on using a popular bakery, plan and order ahead as you might find they are booked months in advance.
As you can see you do have choices. From having it made at a professional bakery to having a close friend or student cake decorator bake it for you. No matter which you choose you can be assured of having a beautiful wedding cakes as your reception centerpiece.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard
Hair Beauty and Makeup Artists - Why Hiring a Good Professional Is Key
There are certain special events in our lives that warrant using hair, beauty and make-up artists. One popular reason is using them on your wedding day. Knowing which artist to hire can be tricky and hiring a professional is important. Continue reading to find out why.
Normally women have a trusted hairstylist which they use regularly. But when it comes to makeup and beauty care very few women have personal professional hair, beauty and makeup artists available. When the need for one arises they don't have any idea about how to hire one.
Many women will start asking their friends for referrals or look on the internet for any local hair, beauty and makeup artists. The beauty industry is a big business with new makeup artists constantly coming onto the scene. Some makeup artists work at cosmetic counters while others sell cosmetics or work in the fashion and entertainment industry.
There is a difference in hiring someone to do your makeup versus booking a professional. Professional hair, beauty and makeup artists would have gone to school to learn their trade and have become a licensed esthetician or facial specialist. Other's learn their skills from the ground up, training hands on. They would be very familiar with working with brides and other private functions.
Many hair, beauty and make-up artists make a living working in the film, television or magazine and catalogue industries. They will also work closely with all types of models and therefore have lots of experience.
A professional hair, beauty and make-up artist will understand skin types and bone structure. They will know how to use and sanitize their tools correctly. They will also have a good understanding of contouring and shading to compliment or even hide eye, nose and cheek bones flaws.
Good hair, beauty and makeup artists have a goal to make you happy with their service. They might recommend products to you, but their main objective is not to sell you a line of beauty products.
When looking for hair, beauty and makeup artists don't always go with the lowest price. A picture can last many, many years and looking your best on that special is really important to you. It just might be worth spending that extra money to get a top makeup artist.
When hiring a make-up artist check out their credentials and see if they have a professional license or not, hiring a licensed professional makes you feel more comfortable. You know that they have had the proper training to do your hair and makeup correctly. They should also carry a portfolio with photos of their work. This way you know you are getting a good hair, beauty & makeup artists and will receive exactly what you are paying for.
Normally women have a trusted hairstylist which they use regularly. But when it comes to makeup and beauty care very few women have personal professional hair, beauty and makeup artists available. When the need for one arises they don't have any idea about how to hire one.
Many women will start asking their friends for referrals or look on the internet for any local hair, beauty and makeup artists. The beauty industry is a big business with new makeup artists constantly coming onto the scene. Some makeup artists work at cosmetic counters while others sell cosmetics or work in the fashion and entertainment industry.
There is a difference in hiring someone to do your makeup versus booking a professional. Professional hair, beauty and makeup artists would have gone to school to learn their trade and have become a licensed esthetician or facial specialist. Other's learn their skills from the ground up, training hands on. They would be very familiar with working with brides and other private functions.
Many hair, beauty and make-up artists make a living working in the film, television or magazine and catalogue industries. They will also work closely with all types of models and therefore have lots of experience.
A professional hair, beauty and make-up artist will understand skin types and bone structure. They will know how to use and sanitize their tools correctly. They will also have a good understanding of contouring and shading to compliment or even hide eye, nose and cheek bones flaws.
Good hair, beauty and makeup artists have a goal to make you happy with their service. They might recommend products to you, but their main objective is not to sell you a line of beauty products.
When looking for hair, beauty and makeup artists don't always go with the lowest price. A picture can last many, many years and looking your best on that special is really important to you. It just might be worth spending that extra money to get a top makeup artist.
When hiring a make-up artist check out their credentials and see if they have a professional license or not, hiring a licensed professional makes you feel more comfortable. You know that they have had the proper training to do your hair and makeup correctly. They should also carry a portfolio with photos of their work. This way you know you are getting a good hair, beauty & makeup artists and will receive exactly what you are paying for.
| Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard |
What Are Marriage Celebrants and What Ceremonies Do They Perform?
A marriage celebrant is known as someone who conducts wedding ceremonies in Australia. Marriage celebrants will also conduct other ceremonies including renewing wedding vows, naming babies and funeral services.
The celebrants may or may not be part of a religious organization. This allows many couples to be married through a civil marriage ceremony. At one time becoming a celebrant depended up the geographic location and the need for celebrants in that particular area.
Becoming a marriage celebrant today consists of undergoing a government accredited training program in marriage celebrancy. Each person must meet certain criteria and then be put on a waiting list until wedding celebrants are required in their area. Becoming registered as an official civil marriage celebrant allows the person to marry couples in almost any location. As well they have the authorization to process the required paper work.
Many couples today prefer to get married in many different locations and settings. Outside at home or at a scenic location, beach and boat weddings are extremely popular too. It is great to know that you may get married with all the wedding traditions you want at a location unique to each couple.
As couples reach their 25th wedding anniversary they often look to getting their wedding vows renewed. This time the ceremony might be in a place which will often hold a happy memory from their years together. The marriage celebrants are able to perform non traditional wedding vows or even personalized wedding vows to accommodate the couple's choices.
Today a bride and groom have many places to get married, and no one takes offensive if the civil marriage ceremony does not take place in a church. Mindsets have changed and nontraditional weddings and wedding vows are becoming commonplace.
Knowing too that you can get a civil marriage celebrant to perform your wedding ceremony almost anywhere, makes arranging your wedding that much easier. This means that you could get married at home, at your favorite golf club or even at an historic building or landmark in your town. More choices allow weddings to take on a new theme of their own.
Today's weddings are definitely more open minded and relaxed than in earlier years. Traditional outfits do not have to be worn and the wedding itself can be a much more relaxed affair. This makes planning and holding a wedding a lot more stress free, and who wouldn't love that!
The celebrants may or may not be part of a religious organization. This allows many couples to be married through a civil marriage ceremony. At one time becoming a celebrant depended up the geographic location and the need for celebrants in that particular area.
Becoming a marriage celebrant today consists of undergoing a government accredited training program in marriage celebrancy. Each person must meet certain criteria and then be put on a waiting list until wedding celebrants are required in their area. Becoming registered as an official civil marriage celebrant allows the person to marry couples in almost any location. As well they have the authorization to process the required paper work.
Many couples today prefer to get married in many different locations and settings. Outside at home or at a scenic location, beach and boat weddings are extremely popular too. It is great to know that you may get married with all the wedding traditions you want at a location unique to each couple.
As couples reach their 25th wedding anniversary they often look to getting their wedding vows renewed. This time the ceremony might be in a place which will often hold a happy memory from their years together. The marriage celebrants are able to perform non traditional wedding vows or even personalized wedding vows to accommodate the couple's choices.
Today a bride and groom have many places to get married, and no one takes offensive if the civil marriage ceremony does not take place in a church. Mindsets have changed and nontraditional weddings and wedding vows are becoming commonplace.
Knowing too that you can get a civil marriage celebrant to perform your wedding ceremony almost anywhere, makes arranging your wedding that much easier. This means that you could get married at home, at your favorite golf club or even at an historic building or landmark in your town. More choices allow weddings to take on a new theme of their own.
Today's weddings are definitely more open minded and relaxed than in earlier years. Traditional outfits do not have to be worn and the wedding itself can be a much more relaxed affair. This makes planning and holding a wedding a lot more stress free, and who wouldn't love that!
Come and visit our comprehensive wedding directory providing many listings of Professional Wedding Celebrants.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Howard
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