If you have ever been a part of planning a wedding before, you know how expensive they can be. This is the biggest day of your life, so you obviously do not want to skimp on quality. However, there are a few things you can do to keep from breaking the bank while still having a memorable wedding reception.
Choose Early
First, when planning your wedding and reception, choose the location and date as quickly as you can. The later you wait to find a location, the harder it will be to find something in your price range. Choosing earlier also has the added benefit of allowing you to have a wider selection of locations that are still available.
Have It All In One Place
If you can find a way to do so, have your wedding and the reception in one location. This not only cuts down on transportation expenses, but it also can save money on the location’s rental costs, as many places will offer a discount for booking more than one room or have package deals that include more than one room.
Find Local College Musicians
If you are looking to have live music, instead of hiring an expensive wedding band, consider giving a local college band a try. A call to a college’s music department will probably reveal that there are several excellent aspiring musicians who are looking to build their portfolio and would play your wedding cheap. One warning here, however – make sure you hear an audition from them first to ensure they have the quality you need.
Make Your Own Decorations/Wedding Favors
Having someone do the decorating for you can save time, but it can definitely cost you. Instead, get an idea of what kind of decorations you want and do it yourself. Maybe ask a close friend who has an eye for that kind of thing to do it for you. You will still have to buy materials, but it will be much less than paying for materials and labor.
Also, instead of buying expensive wedding favors to have the table, do them yourself. You can find some decorative bags at a hobby store and put candies in them matching the colors of your wedding. You could also skip the favors entirely, as this tradition is beginning to go out of style, and it is no longer expected.
Do A Buffet
Catering can be one of the most expensive line items in a wedding reception budget, especially if you have it catered per plate. Instead, put together a buffet, done by a good local restaurant, and pay by the pound instead of by the plate. Or, if there is a good cook in the family, ask them to put it together for you. Just make sure you have a good estimate of how much food you will need.
You (or your family) do not have to go broke at your wedding reception. Follow these easy tips and make your big day memorable without stressing over finances!
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Saturday, 8 October 2011
Friday, 7 October 2011
Most Romantic First Couple Dance Songs for Your Reception
You want the first dance to be romantic – nothing less than perfect. If you don’t have a couple song you want to use, here are some of the most romantic first dance songs for you to choose from.
You may be looking for the most romantic first couple dance songs for a number of reasons. Maybe you don’t have a song. Maybe your song isn’t quite right for your wedding. Or maybe you want to pick a new song to represent your new life together.
Music and lyrics can represent so much, and what better way to share your love’s message than with the perfect first dance song? Whatever your reason for searching for song ideas, here are some classic first couple dance songs to spawn some inspiration.
Elvis Presley – I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
This Elvis Presley song has been on the most romantic first couple dance songs since it first came out. It is a timeless classic that is perfect for almost any wedding. It can especially complement a vintage wedding. Whether you are an Elvis fan or just like the classics, this may be the perfect song for your first dance.
Frank Sinatra – It Had to Be You
Talk about a classic. This is one of the all-time most romantic first couple dance songs in existence. From formal to traditional to fairy tale, it is also one of the most versatile, romantic first couple dance songs in history. You can never go wrong with a song from the one and only Mr. Sinatra.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Want a newer, more recent song for a modern wedding? Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” also happens to be one of the most romantic first couple dance songs. With the wonderful vocals and lyric references to abandoning the craziness of life, it’s no wonder why.
Dave Matthews Band – Steady as We Go
Have a love that you know is meant to last forever? One that will last through even the toughest of times? Then DMB’s “Steady as We Go” is definitely one you should consider when evaluating the most romantic first couple dance songs.
You may be looking for the most romantic first couple dance songs for a number of reasons. Maybe you don’t have a song. Maybe your song isn’t quite right for your wedding. Or maybe you want to pick a new song to represent your new life together.
Music and lyrics can represent so much, and what better way to share your love’s message than with the perfect first dance song? Whatever your reason for searching for song ideas, here are some classic first couple dance songs to spawn some inspiration.
Elvis Presley – I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
This Elvis Presley song has been on the most romantic first couple dance songs since it first came out. It is a timeless classic that is perfect for almost any wedding. It can especially complement a vintage wedding. Whether you are an Elvis fan or just like the classics, this may be the perfect song for your first dance.
Frank Sinatra – It Had to Be You
Talk about a classic. This is one of the all-time most romantic first couple dance songs in existence. From formal to traditional to fairy tale, it is also one of the most versatile, romantic first couple dance songs in history. You can never go wrong with a song from the one and only Mr. Sinatra.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
Want a newer, more recent song for a modern wedding? Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” also happens to be one of the most romantic first couple dance songs. With the wonderful vocals and lyric references to abandoning the craziness of life, it’s no wonder why.
Dave Matthews Band – Steady as We Go
Have a love that you know is meant to last forever? One that will last through even the toughest of times? Then DMB’s “Steady as We Go” is definitely one you should consider when evaluating the most romantic first couple dance songs.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Gift Ideas for Your Maid of Honor
Having a hard time finding the perfect gift for your maid of honor? Choosing a gift for such a special person in your life isn’t easy, but check out some of these thoughtful ideas for some fresh inspiration.
As a bride, finding gift ideas for your maid of honor is often last priority, considering the scope of the wedding planning process. Whether you’re getting married in a month or a year, you spend a majority of your time running around to different appointments, meetings with vendors, and of course, those all-too-important dress fittings. After all, much of the focus is on you, so giving gifts to your bridal party or your maid of honor isn’t usually at the top of your to-do list.
However, as the big day approaches, it’s time to put aside the hectic wedding planning process and find the perfect gift for your maid of honor. Although it’s customary to gift all of bridesmaids with something, the maid of honor is special. You chose her because she is a close friend or family member, and she’s someone who holds some significant value in your life. Whatever your relation to your maid of honor, here are some great gift ideas to consider:
Scrapbook—Consider a sentimental gift like a scrapbook and create an entire collage of all the best times you and your maid of honor spent together. If you grew up together, consider pictures of when you were little, trips you took together, and milestones like graduation or birthday parties.
Personalized CD—Another good sentimental gift idea for your maid of honor is a personalized CD. It’s a great gift because you can put together a collection of tunes that represent your friendship. Try making a playlist of songs that mean something to you both, whether they represent tunes you loved in high school, songs of bands that you saw in concert together, or songs with lyrics that talk about friendship and good times.
Engraved Jewelry—You can make someone feel really special with engraved jewelry gift ideas for your maid of honor. Pick out her favorite type of jewelry and have her name, the wedding date, an inside joke, or a special message engraved on it, this way she can have it as a nice keepsake. The sky’s the limit when it comes to gift ideas for your maid of honor, but these are some of the most personal gift ideas you can give.
As a bride, finding gift ideas for your maid of honor is often last priority, considering the scope of the wedding planning process. Whether you’re getting married in a month or a year, you spend a majority of your time running around to different appointments, meetings with vendors, and of course, those all-too-important dress fittings. After all, much of the focus is on you, so giving gifts to your bridal party or your maid of honor isn’t usually at the top of your to-do list.
However, as the big day approaches, it’s time to put aside the hectic wedding planning process and find the perfect gift for your maid of honor. Although it’s customary to gift all of bridesmaids with something, the maid of honor is special. You chose her because she is a close friend or family member, and she’s someone who holds some significant value in your life. Whatever your relation to your maid of honor, here are some great gift ideas to consider:
Scrapbook—Consider a sentimental gift like a scrapbook and create an entire collage of all the best times you and your maid of honor spent together. If you grew up together, consider pictures of when you were little, trips you took together, and milestones like graduation or birthday parties.
Personalized CD—Another good sentimental gift idea for your maid of honor is a personalized CD. It’s a great gift because you can put together a collection of tunes that represent your friendship. Try making a playlist of songs that mean something to you both, whether they represent tunes you loved in high school, songs of bands that you saw in concert together, or songs with lyrics that talk about friendship and good times.
Engraved Jewelry—You can make someone feel really special with engraved jewelry gift ideas for your maid of honor. Pick out her favorite type of jewelry and have her name, the wedding date, an inside joke, or a special message engraved on it, this way she can have it as a nice keepsake. The sky’s the limit when it comes to gift ideas for your maid of honor, but these are some of the most personal gift ideas you can give.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Decorating For Your Wedding – Budget Options
There are many types of wedding decorations that can be used depending on the theme of your wedding. The very basics of wedding decorations include invitations, flowers and balloons. But you can do so much more now with decorations to have a unique and memorable event. You should think outside the box and look for wedding decorations at stores that are not typical for weddings.
The best wedding consultants will go to any store to find the decorations for your wedding. They don’t stick strictly to the traditional wedding supply stores. Therefore, their weddings will end up being one of a kind and unique. This has an added advantage for your wallet because besides finding unique objects you can find decorations at fantastic prices, much better then when you shop at the wedding stores.
Since these more unlikely stores can save you a lot of money, you will have more to put towards other parts of your wedding or, perhaps, spend on your honeymoon. Many times wedding favors, decorations and stores will inflate the price simply because the items are for a very specific occasion. You should be on the look out for clearance sales and seasonal merchandise. If your wedding is in the fall or winter then you should stock up in the after Christmas sales.
You can create lovely centerpieces by having a votive candle in small lanterns. If you are concerned about the fire hazard of real candles, they make battery operated ones today that are just as beautiful and “flickery” as the real thing. Candlelight is the most flattering light and creates a great atmosphere; so they will add a lot to your reception. You can have one candle per table or group a few together. Using lanterns or votive holders in soft colors and metallic’s create beautiful centerpieces. Setting the candles on a table runner made of metallic fabric is quite striking and the candlelight reflects beautifully.
If you are having an outdoor wedding you can float wax boat lanterns in a pool, pond or fountain. They can also line walkways or on tables. These types of candles are very versatile. Additionally you can fill a large bowl with water and float candles in them for a table centerpiece. Candles can also be used creatively by having holders of a different height. You can incorporate many different types of candles and candleholders for an eye-catching display.
Besides buying all of your wedding decorations you can make many of them yourself. Centerpieces and reception decorations can be made with crafts, using fabric, candles and other decorations. It is even possible to create your own table tents for outdoor weddings. If you have a green thumb, then you can save a bundle by creating your own floral arrangements for the wedding and reception.
Every wedding has a budget and you can really stretch yours buy being a smart shopper and spending the time to make some of your own wedding favors, centerpieces and florals.
The best wedding consultants will go to any store to find the decorations for your wedding. They don’t stick strictly to the traditional wedding supply stores. Therefore, their weddings will end up being one of a kind and unique. This has an added advantage for your wallet because besides finding unique objects you can find decorations at fantastic prices, much better then when you shop at the wedding stores.
Since these more unlikely stores can save you a lot of money, you will have more to put towards other parts of your wedding or, perhaps, spend on your honeymoon. Many times wedding favors, decorations and stores will inflate the price simply because the items are for a very specific occasion. You should be on the look out for clearance sales and seasonal merchandise. If your wedding is in the fall or winter then you should stock up in the after Christmas sales.
You can create lovely centerpieces by having a votive candle in small lanterns. If you are concerned about the fire hazard of real candles, they make battery operated ones today that are just as beautiful and “flickery” as the real thing. Candlelight is the most flattering light and creates a great atmosphere; so they will add a lot to your reception. You can have one candle per table or group a few together. Using lanterns or votive holders in soft colors and metallic’s create beautiful centerpieces. Setting the candles on a table runner made of metallic fabric is quite striking and the candlelight reflects beautifully.
If you are having an outdoor wedding you can float wax boat lanterns in a pool, pond or fountain. They can also line walkways or on tables. These types of candles are very versatile. Additionally you can fill a large bowl with water and float candles in them for a table centerpiece. Candles can also be used creatively by having holders of a different height. You can incorporate many different types of candles and candleholders for an eye-catching display.
Besides buying all of your wedding decorations you can make many of them yourself. Centerpieces and reception decorations can be made with crafts, using fabric, candles and other decorations. It is even possible to create your own table tents for outdoor weddings. If you have a green thumb, then you can save a bundle by creating your own floral arrangements for the wedding and reception.
Every wedding has a budget and you can really stretch yours buy being a smart shopper and spending the time to make some of your own wedding favors, centerpieces and florals.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Celebrity Hairstyles You Can Use on Your Wedding Day
Every bride wants to be a shining star on her wedding day. With these great hairstyles, you can look like a star– just like in your dreams!
There are many different celebrity hairstyles you can borrow inspiration from for your wedding day. Choose from any of these style ideas to ensure that you look elegant and like a picture of beauty as you walk down the aisle.
For Long Hair
Short and Sassy
Classy Updos
Updos are also some great celebrity hairstyles you can use on your wedding day. Updos are classy and provide a great way to keep your hair out of your face. This can be especially beneficial if you are having a wedding outdoors or at the beach. Updos can be messy and classy or clean and sophisticated. Jennifer Garner did a wispy and slightly messy updo that created a wonderful romantic look. This particular look is especially nice if you use it with a shoulder-baring dress. Regardless of your wedding style or location, there are many options when it comes to great celebrity hairstyles that you can use on your wedding day.
There are many different celebrity hairstyles you can borrow inspiration from for your wedding day. Choose from any of these style ideas to ensure that you look elegant and like a picture of beauty as you walk down the aisle.
For Long Hair
If you have long hair, soft and flowing styles are all the rage this season. Stars are using their lengthy manes to their advantage by not overdoing it. Some stars create soft curls while others frame the face. Of course, do keep in mind that certain weddings may not keep your style under wraps. For example, destination beach weddings or outdoor weddings can leave you dealing with wind and other weather elements. Evangeline Lilly’s curls were created by stylist Patrick Gagaille, and Frank Galasso created the hairstyle for Molly Sims.
Short and Sassy
Having short hair doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style. A sexy chignon can give you a wonderful option for short hair and even keep your hair out of your face. This works for any wedding location and any wedding formality type. Best of all, this is a very low-maintenance hairstyle that can be embellished with flowers, clips, pins, or even brooches. Ellen Pompeo had hers created by Harry Josh and Kate Beckinsale’s chignon was tousled, giving it an edgy look with plenty of class.
Classy Updos
Updos are also some great celebrity hairstyles you can use on your wedding day. Updos are classy and provide a great way to keep your hair out of your face. This can be especially beneficial if you are having a wedding outdoors or at the beach. Updos can be messy and classy or clean and sophisticated. Jennifer Garner did a wispy and slightly messy updo that created a wonderful romantic look. This particular look is especially nice if you use it with a shoulder-baring dress. Regardless of your wedding style or location, there are many options when it comes to great celebrity hairstyles that you can use on your wedding day.
Monday, 3 October 2011
Do You Need a Bridal Consultant?
Every bride asks herself this question when she begins planning her wedding day. Here are some determining factors to help you decide whether or not you should hire a wedding consultant to help you plan your big day.
Does every bride need a bridal consultant? The answer is a resounding “no.” But do bridal consultants help make your wedding day run smoother? Absolutely. Brides who host weddings both large and small have benefited from hiring a wedding consultant (also called a wedding planner), and the benefits of hiring one usually far outweigh the expense that is required to invest in one. In fact, many brides make the choice to forego hiring a wedding consultant simply because they are concerned about the price.
While budget is certainly a valid concern, hiring a bridal consultant can be looked at as another essential “piece” to planning a wedding. They are an optional (although essential) vendor, just as the caterer and florist are vendors necessary to the creation of a wedding event. If you are on the fence about hiring a bridal consultant, keep the following factors in mind. They can help you decide once and for all if you should hire a wedding planner or not.
Are you hosting a destination wedding?—If you’re not being married locally, a bridal consultant can be a lifesaver. A planner who is familiar with the area you are getting married in or who is located nearby can arrange things that you cannot be there to arrange yourself.
Do you have time to manage all of your tasks and to attend your appointments?—Planning a wedding is extremely time-consuming, even if you’re having a small, intimate wedding. If you won’t have the time to meet and follow up with every single vendor, arrange and keep meetings, or give direction to everyone, a wedding planner can take care of everything for you. This way, you can make vendor, décor, and purchasing decisions directly through your planner, and then let them handle everything from there.
Do you know how to find the best deals?—Do you know which flowers are the most expensive, which caterer can give you the best deal, or where to shop for your designer gown? If you want to stay within your budget and find the very best vendors for your specific needs, a wedding planner already knows the ins and outs of the industry and where to find what you need.
Do you know where to find the best locations for your event?—You might already have an idea of the theme or style of wedding you want to have, but do you know where to find the perfect ceremony or reception location to create the mood you’re looking for? If you have a certain ambience in mind, a wedding planner knows the best sites to match your preferred style and décor preferences.
Ask yourself these questions before you answer the question, “Do I need a bridal consultant?”
While budget is certainly a valid concern, hiring a bridal consultant can be looked at as another essential “piece” to planning a wedding. They are an optional (although essential) vendor, just as the caterer and florist are vendors necessary to the creation of a wedding event. If you are on the fence about hiring a bridal consultant, keep the following factors in mind. They can help you decide once and for all if you should hire a wedding planner or not.
Are you hosting a destination wedding?—If you’re not being married locally, a bridal consultant can be a lifesaver. A planner who is familiar with the area you are getting married in or who is located nearby can arrange things that you cannot be there to arrange yourself.
Do you have time to manage all of your tasks and to attend your appointments?—Planning a wedding is extremely time-consuming, even if you’re having a small, intimate wedding. If you won’t have the time to meet and follow up with every single vendor, arrange and keep meetings, or give direction to everyone, a wedding planner can take care of everything for you. This way, you can make vendor, décor, and purchasing decisions directly through your planner, and then let them handle everything from there.
Do you know how to find the best deals?—Do you know which flowers are the most expensive, which caterer can give you the best deal, or where to shop for your designer gown? If you want to stay within your budget and find the very best vendors for your specific needs, a wedding planner already knows the ins and outs of the industry and where to find what you need.
Do you know where to find the best locations for your event?—You might already have an idea of the theme or style of wedding you want to have, but do you know where to find the perfect ceremony or reception location to create the mood you’re looking for? If you have a certain ambience in mind, a wedding planner knows the best sites to match your preferred style and décor preferences.
Ask yourself these questions before you answer the question, “Do I need a bridal consultant?”
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Common Wedding Myths that You Shouldn’t Worry About
Wedding myths can certainly rain on your parade– if you let them. Discover some of the most common wedding myths that are really nothing but fluff.
There are a few common wedding myths that you don’t have to worry about on your big day. Apparently, some of them can actually cause your wedding to be a flop, and others can just take away from what your wedding could be, at its very best. Not to worry, beautiful bride. Believing in these myths is pointless.
Wedding Dresses Don’t Have to be White
One of the most common wedding myths you don’t have to worry about is that you have to wear a white dress. This is especially true if you have your eye on a wedding dress full of color! Today, brides are wearing dresses that are bolder and brighter. In fact, today’s modern bride opens her whole wedding up to a full palate of colors.
Your Guest List
There are many myths centered around the guests on your list. Dismissing these common wedding myths can save you a tremendous amount of money on your overall wedding costs. First, you do not have to invite every family member from both sides of the family. Second, just because you attended someone’s wedding doesn’t mean that you have to invite them to yours. You only have to invite the guests that you want at the wedding.
Of course, there may be family members from both sides of the family that you may not really want to invite, but your parents insist. These guests should be invited, especially if the parents are footing the bill. However, you are not obliged to invite every family member, every friend since the second grade, or every person whose wedding you attended.
Wedding Planners Cost Too Much
Many brides avoid hiring a wedding planner because they are concerned about the overall cost as well as control over the direction of the big day. However, wedding planners are excellent at organizing and are usually more than happy to work within a specified budget. This is another common wedding myth you can easily dismiss.
Wedding Dresses Don’t Have to be White
One of the most common wedding myths you don’t have to worry about is that you have to wear a white dress. This is especially true if you have your eye on a wedding dress full of color! Today, brides are wearing dresses that are bolder and brighter. In fact, today’s modern bride opens her whole wedding up to a full palate of colors.
Your Guest List
There are many myths centered around the guests on your list. Dismissing these common wedding myths can save you a tremendous amount of money on your overall wedding costs. First, you do not have to invite every family member from both sides of the family. Second, just because you attended someone’s wedding doesn’t mean that you have to invite them to yours. You only have to invite the guests that you want at the wedding.
Of course, there may be family members from both sides of the family that you may not really want to invite, but your parents insist. These guests should be invited, especially if the parents are footing the bill. However, you are not obliged to invite every family member, every friend since the second grade, or every person whose wedding you attended.
Wedding Planners Cost Too Much
Many brides avoid hiring a wedding planner because they are concerned about the overall cost as well as control over the direction of the big day. However, wedding planners are excellent at organizing and are usually more than happy to work within a specified budget. This is another common wedding myth you can easily dismiss.
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