The Wedding Bouquet

One of the most important things you shouldn’t miss in planning your wedding are the flowers. What kind of wedding does not involve flowers? Flowers are symbols of femininity and beauty; hence the person bearing the most beautiful and admiring bouquet should be no other than the bride.

The bride’s bouquet is one thing that people put their attention on during a wedding second to the bride’s wedding gown. So how do you make sure that you, as the bride, have the most eye-catching bouquet?

First, don’t be too conservative by sticking to single toned flowers that just match your gown. How then would it be noticed? Try to be bold and use flowers whose colors are the exact opposite of your dress if you check the color wheel.

Flowers are like accessories, they make you prettier and blooming. Therefore, choose flowers that have bright, contrasting colors. After all, it is your wedding, so you ought to be basking in other people’s attention, especially your future husband’s.

There are various bouquet styles to choose from:

· Dripping bouquet;

· Hand-tied bouquet;

· Cascades;

· Round bouquet

You can also use a combination of these bouquets to make it more elegant. Dripping hand-tied and pseudo-cascades are popular nowadays. You can also add accents to your bouquet, such as jewels, pearls, feathers, berries and others.

It is okay to stick to one type of flower, especially if it is tulip. For others, combination of classic and modern flowers can also be done.

A bouquet is not just a group of flowers; it reflects a little part your personality. Therefore, be careful in selecting the flower or flowers that you want to use. Choose the color combination that you love the best and stay with the trendy styles that people will envy you for.

Read about Remarkable Wedding Trends…

Remarkable Wedding Trends

There are a lot of traditions involved in weddings. But of the many customs, more are still added today.

Unity

One tradition is the lighting of the unity candle. It symbolizes two people gaining wisdom and being blessed as one entity. A new twist has recently been added to this custom: the wine unity ritual. It is an act where the bride and the groom each have a wine bottle and then pour some of it in one wine glass, simultaneously. Other similar instances include gathering some sand from different jars and then putting it in one jar. This is done during weddings held in the beach. Such traditions are ways of showing that the bride and the groom are being united.

Motif

The usual pure white color of weddings is but a classic style today. This new generation embodies the use of colors, whether they are vibrant or toned. Some employ their motif color as their favorite color. Others want it to match the theme of their weddings. The gowns, the corsage and flowers adhere to this motif. During the reception, you can see table cloths and chair covers that stick to the motif too. It is a way of making the wedding livelier. However, classic white motif is still preferred by some.

Themes

A wedding theme is also a fad nowadays. Some choose a fairytale kind of wedding, having the bride arrive in a horse-carriage to make her look more regal. Others like the wine theme, having the wedding amidst grapevines and scents of wine.

Reception

The typical reception has also been altered a bit. Some put up lemonade stands in the reception area for the guests once they get there. Some couples who like Japanese food add sushi in their menu.

These things make weddings unique. Having a wonderful wedding in your own special way is your right. As long as you enjoy the moment, doing what you like is best.

The Role of the Wedding Planner

To be assured of having a hassle free wedding, many couples opt to hiring a wedding planner. Having a professional around makes the bride and the groom feel more relaxed, yet confident that their wedding would turn out to be just fine. Wedding planning is a booming profession nowadays, with the fast-paced lifestyle of the current generation.

But what are the roles of your wedding planner, and what are your roles, as the couple about to be wed? First, the wedding couple dictates the budget. The wedding planner’s decisions arWe based on the financial limit that she has been given. Second, the couple is the one to decide when the wedding should be.

What other things does your wedding planner cover?

1. The wedding planner is the facilitator and mediator. She contacts people and businesses that are related to the wedding. These include the catering, flowers, designers (for the gowns), videographer, photographer and others. She provides a list of choices and options to the couple. Some couples would like the wedding planner to decide on everything, which she willingly does.

2. Your planner is also your money manager. Initially, she asks for your budget and work on this amount. She tries to get the best services for you while managing your budget at the same time.

3. The wedding planner is also the dream maker. She wants to make sure that you get the happy ending that you deserve by making sure that there are no troubles or hassles along the way and during the wedding itself. She makes sure that this once in a lifetime event is not only exciting, but memorable.

Hiring a wedding planner is best especially for working couples who only have a limited spare time. Furthermore, hiring a professional makes sure that your wedding is a stress-free one.

Want to read about some Useful tips in Wedding Planning?

5 Useful Tips in Planning a Wedding

If you are feeling in the dark and have absolutely no idea on where to start in making wedding preparations, having a guide can help. What are the things that you should remember? First, gather information, and second, do not forget your limitations. You must adhere to your budget to prevent yourself from being burdened with money crisis.

Plan your wedding appropriately and simply. Here are some points to guide you.

First, how do you envision your wedding? Do want it to be huge and grand? Or do you want it to be intimate and simple? You are not the only person to make this decision, involve your partner. After all, it is a marriage of two people and not of you alone. Remember to give and take.

Second, think of your wedding theme. Other couples want a romantic wine wedding in the wine country, others want a fairytale style. What would want it to be? Having a theme also helps in choosing the color for the motif.

Third, assess your budget. You don’t want to go and plan everything and find caterers, flower services and others only to find out that your money is short to satisfy the expenses. Carefully calculating your finances reduce the likelihood of over budgeting.

Fourth, are you going to be the person to supervise the overall event, or do you want to hire a wedding planner? An advantage of employing a wedding planner is that you are sure to have a smooth sailing wedding free of hassles on your end. Also, expect that they are professional and know the twist and turns of such occasions.

And lastly, planning shouldn’t take you too long. Sure, you have ample time before the wedding. But time passes by quickly. You don’t want to just wake up and find out you only have a few weeks or days left. Then you start hurrying and packing. Everything will turn out to be a mess. Furthermore, you don’t want your set date to be moved just because you weren’t able to fix things properly.

Bridal Decorum: Doing things the Right Way

Being naive about bridal etiquette is not uncommon. After all, every married man and woman has experienced how it is to be in the stage of uncanny ignorance. However, you don’t have to stay that way. That is not because you will know how it feels after you get married, but because a sea of information is now available to you. You don’t want to be estranged by family and friends, right? So here are some things you need to remember about bridal decorum.

For the bride, you should not forget that the ring that you shall give your husband-to-be is your responsibility. You don’t expect your groom to buy it for you, right? Also, your bridesmaids should be in your list of people to attend to. Don’t forget to give them some gifts. A wedding gift for your groom is also necessary.

For the groom, you are expected to foot the bill for your honeymoon. The bride’s family pays for the wedding itself, so it is essential that you take responsibility for other things. The marriage license is one of the things you should never ever forget to pay for. Other essential things that you must remember are gifts for your groomsmen, wedding gift for your bride and of course, the wedding ring of your wife to be.

The things you should keep from doing are the following:

· Footing the bill alone;

· Worrying about the reception while you are still at your wedding – its better if you find someone to take care of it; and

· Take sole responsibility for everything.

Furthermore, appreciate those who come to your wedding. It is not their responsibility to attend; they simply chose to witness one of the most important days in your life. Whatever they give you, be glad about it. It is your wedding, have fun!

Getting your Husband-to-be to Participate in the Planning the Wedding

The Groom is the other half of the grand celebration which is the wedding, his presence is very, very, very important, not only on the wedding day itself, but even during the preparation stage. However, there are a lot of men who leave the planning to the women, thinking that planning a wedding is a “girl thing”. That is not true. A wedding is an event that needs the participation of both parties.

So how do you urge your husband to lend a hand? First, try not to overwhelm him with tasks. If you do, he might end up saying he really doesn’t know anything about this stuff and leave all the planning and decision making to you. Initially, since you know him well, give him tasks that can be enjoyable for him. Think about his interests. Does he like music? Ask him to look for musicians for your wedding.

Second, ask him nicely. Don’t be too condescending. Tell him that you respect his decisions and would like to know about his opinion, since wedding is a venture of two people, and not an individual. Let him decide about small matters first. Other things such as where the reception should be is one the things that you should not entirely rest on his shoulders.

Another thing that you can ask him to do is check the web. There is a lot of information that you need, and the internet is one of the best sources. You can just give him a list and he can surf away. Also, don’t give him a deadline, or else he will think of this a task that he is required to do, and not something he would really want to spend time on.

Finally, if he is freely offering his opinion, try not to be close minded just because you have already decided on the matter. Listen to what he wants to say and weigh them.

Planning the wedding together is just one step away from more plans, once you are married. This is like a practice ground, where you can assess each others willingness and concern.

You might as well consider some advice on Bridal Decorum.

Guidelines for Wedding Planning

If you have never planned a wedding before, the tasks may be overwhelming. It is never easy especially since it is your first time. However, a vital feature of wedding planning is to enjoy it. Try not to stress yourself. Planning your wedding should be considered as another adventure.

Getting married is a prime decision. It is made with love and care for each other, so the preparation should also be done with the same. So just relax and have fun planning your wedding! Your mind may be filled with a lot of questions right now. How should you begin? Who should you consult? What should you do?

Calm down. The first thing that you need to consider is the date of your wedding. Make sure that is not just a few weeks from today, or else you will be hassled with so many things at such a short time. The whole concept of wedding planning revolves around the date of the event. Once you and your husband-to-be have decided on this, planning the rest will be smoother.

Next, how much are you both willing to pay? You may be planning about something else once you are married, such as putting up a business. Talk to your partner. How much does he plan on sharing? Then, analyze your personal budget as well. Add them up. Your other plans depend on your budget.

Since this day is for both of you, you should both contribute to the planning. Although most of the planning fall on women’s shoulders, having your man to participate is important also. Ask him about his opinion. Who should you include in your entourage? How many guests should you invite? Make sure you give and take. One person cannot always have everything, or else risk having the other not as happy as he ought to be on your wedding day.

Remember, the important thing is that you are getting married, and that your feelings of love and care are mutual. The important thing is that you are getting married, so just enjoy the prospect.

Wedding Speeches and their Significance

Giving wedding speeches during the reception of a wedding seems to be a must. There is no hard and fast rule on what a wedding speech should be, or what it should contain. Some gives emotionally heavy advice, while others try to lighten up the mood by making their speech humorous. Wedding speeches are not something you will remember per word, yet the meaning of the speech is etched in the hearts of people, especially the wedding couple.

Are there any guidelines on what you should say? Of course, you don’t want to be preparing a speech and then when it’s your turn you realize that most of what you’re going to say has been said! Here are some tips:

If you are the father of the bride, you are expected to give some words of wisdom. They need not be too deep or too emotional; they just have to be something you have learned throughout your marriage. Also, welcoming the groom into your family is your task. Do not forget to recognize the presence of the groom’s family.

If you are the best man, your task is to lead the toast. Your speech should be something light, even something that the wedding couple and the guests would laugh about. However, take care that you do not embarrass the couple. Most likely you are close to the groom, so don’t forget to congratulate him. Add some praises for the bride to make her feel more beautiful; after all, it is her wedding day.

If you are the father of the groom, your task would be similar to that of the father of the bride. Of course, welcoming the bride into your family is in order.

Lastly, if you are the maid of honor, you are the closest person to the bride. Hence, you can mention something amusing that you remember about your friend. Reflect on wonderful moments as her friend. Express how happy you are for her.

Dividing Wedding Expenses

One of the usual questions of couples getting married is who pays for what. This is true especially for those who have agreed to divide the wedding expenses. Our present generation is embodied by independence and individuality, and dividing the expenses is no longer something new. However, there are still some couples who respect family tradition, where the groom pays for most, if not all of the wedding costs. This is the “consequence” of asking for the hand of the bride.

But since we belong in the new generation and you most likely wanted to know how the expenses should be divided among you and your partner, here is a suggested expenses breakdown guide.

For the bride, it is necessary that you be the one to buy the wedding ring that you’ll give the groom. Remember to give him a gift too. You are also responsible for the luncheon and gifts for your bridesmaids.

The family of the bride is the sole responsible for the expenses incurred during the wedding ceremony. This includes the flowers, decorations, church fees, wedding favors, and the photographer and videographer. They shall also take care of all expenses for the reception. The bride’s wedding gown plus their own attire are part of their duty.

The groom needs to take care of the wedding ring and gift that he shall give his wife. Aside from his own formal wear, he will also shell out for the corsages. He shouldn’t forget about the luncheon and gifts for his groomsmen. The groom should also be the one paying for the marriage license and the honeymoon.

The groom’s family will have to take care of the rehearsal dinner plus their own attire.

The groomsmen and the bridesmaids are responsible for their formal attire and gown, respectively. Even the wear of the children included in the entourage should be accounted for by their parents. As for guests, they are totally in charge of the costs of what they wear, their travel or transportation, their accommodation and their gifts.

Creating a Bridal Registry

First of all, what is a bridal registry? A bridal registry, or wedding list, is a list of items that the wedding couple would like to receive as wedding gifts. The bride and the groom can go to a specific merchant and choose among the stock items which ones they like. They would then give the list to the merchant. Once a guest buys one of the items in the list, it is automatically revised to remove the purchased item. This way, no guest would buy a duplicate of what has already been bought.

If there is something that you really want to receive as a gift, having a bridal registry is helpful not only for you, but most especially, to your guests. Bridal registry is very useful for the guests, especially if they hardly know you or have no idea what you may want.

If you are confused on which shop or merchant to choose, here is a list:

· Target

· JC Penney

· Bed, Bath & Beyond

· Bloomingdale’s

· Macy’s

· Williams Sonoma

You don’t have to limit yourself with just one store. However, don’t get too many merchants because a long list of bridal registry will not help your guests, but would even confuse them. You can also access online bridal registry in the following sites:

· www.regaloservice.com

· www.myregistry.com

· www.findgift.com

· www.weddingchannel.com

It is necessary that you choose the ones you really want so that you won’t be disappointed. The items should just be within $30 - $100 on the average. You don’t want to cripple your guests with expensive gifts, right? And you don’t want them buying something out of your bridal registry because they couldn’t afford what you have listed. Including the bridal registry in wedding invitations is a big no-no. You can just give them out through friends and family. Or you can inform them that you have a bridal registry in specific stores that you chose.

Arrive and Depart with Flourish on your Wedding Day

Being the most important people during the wedding day, it is important for both groom and bride arrive with a flourish on their wedding. Guests, family and friends will most likely be just waiting for the arrival of the couple. But through all the wedding preparations, the mode of transportation will most likely be the last thing in mind. Remember, though, that having a great transport vehicle to bring you to your wedding and take you away should be in style.

Some people consider arriving in a horse-carriage. No doubt, the medieval style can add grandeur for the bride and the groom on their arrival. However, it is not advised for you to use this type if you are coming from a long way. It will probably take you a long time to get to the wedding venue, plus think about what you would look like once you arrive.

One thing ought to be considered is that the vehicle should be big enough to accommodate the bride’s dress, without ruining it. Some gowns need a lot of space to occupy so that the style would not be altered if cramped. And of course, the bride should be comfortable inside it.

Hiring a limousine service is also a famous option. Some transport services offer limousine packages, especially if the occasion is a wedding. Make sure you survey several services and compare prices, as limo service don’t come cheap.

If you are thinking about bringing the bridal entourage in the same car as the bride, it is necessary to have a bigger vehicle that everybody could fit in comfortably without ruining the dress or the hair-do. An SUV-limo is available for such circumstances.

You don’t have to be limited with these options. Use your imagination. If you want a classic look, why not use a classic vintage car? The important thing is that you don’t come and leave in foot. Also, the budget should also be considered when choosing a transport method that is right for the wedding couple.

A Dream-Come-True Wedding

Every woman in the world wants her real-life wedding to be the same as the one she has been dreaming of for so long. Since ideally, you only get married once in your lifetime, you have to make sure it is an unforgettable experience for the guests, the family, and most importantly, for the marrying couple. If you want your wedding to be a romantic one, getting married in the wine country in California is the best.

Of course, weddings are needed to be planned and prepared months ahead. It is a very vital endeavor in one’s lifetime. The couple must both exert efforts to make their wedding a most memorable one. The wine country offers a lot of options.

You can get married amidst grapevines heavy with grapes. You can smell the fresh and aromatic scent of the ripe fruit and wines. Wineries also offer their wide patios for such ceremonies. These wide areas can accommodate you and your guests and still be comfortable. You can check the internet for these places. You may even see what the place looks like without going there through the pictures posted in their website.

If you are required to get married inside a church, there are many churches in the wine country for Christian, Catholic and other religions. You can just hold your reception in the wineries.

It is essential that you book the place you want to use. There are many people who want to get married in the wine country of California. If you are specific with the date, reserve the place in advance. It is a private ceremony and you don’t want other people barging in just to say that they are the ones scheduled to use the venue.

Lastly, you have to check for proper accommodations for your guests and relatives. You have to be certain that they too enjoy the event and their stay in wine country.

Finding the Perfect Engagement Ring

If you have decided to ask the hand of your girlfriend for marriage, what better else to give her than an engagement ring? But what should you give her? Of course, since asking your girl to marry you is not an easy feat, you tend to have cold feet. You want to make sure everything’s perfect. You want to be certain the ring she receives will delight her.

Jewelry stores will give you a lot of rings to choose from. These can be made from gold or silver or bronze. Some are adorned with precious stones such as diamond, ruby or sapphire. The level of material purity, the rarity of the stone and the more complex the design all adds to the price of the ring.

There are advantages and disadvantages in keeping this a total secret from her, or asking her what she wants. If you surprise her with the ring and the question, she may think you are really sweet to be able to plan everything for this special moment. On the other hand, if the type of ring you give her is not what she is dreaming of, she can get a little disappointed. However, if you ask her what she wants, you may lose the element of surprise and the event of proposal will no longer be any thrilling for her. The good side is that she will have the ring that she wants.

After the proposal, and once your girl have agreed to marry you, the next important ring to think about is of course the wedding rings! This time, you don’t need to make the decision on your own; your fiancé is there to help you. But it doesn’t make it any easier. You both have to think about what you want to wear. Wedding rings last for a lifetime. It symbolizes the bond that you will have, uniting you as one. You have to make sure it is something that will last. It has to be something you will both be proud that you are wearing. Typically, wedding rings are identical rings for both husband and wife.

Engraved Wedding Rings

One of the most thrilling aspects of preparing a wedding is looking for the perfect pair of wedding rings. This is the part where both man and woman need to contribute their opinions. After all, the wedding rings are something that they would wear all their lives. Furthermore, it is something that they should be both proud of, being an object that symbolizes their union.

Long ago, it was believed that the giving of wedding rings is the last in the sequence of gifts given. The first ring is the promise ring which symbolizes courting. The second is the engagement ring, which is as we well know, symbolizes commitment for betrothal. And there are lots to choose from according to Makeityourring Diamond Engagement Rings. Finally, we have the wedding ring.

The tradition of having rings engraved began in Europe, where the name of the partner and the scheduled day of the wedding are written. Since then, wedding couples practice putting etching in their rings; some towards humor; some towards religious beliefs.

Being a couple, you both have sentiments directed towards your partner. Having your wedding rings engraved is a way to express the deepest feelings, written in just a few letters or numbers. Having an engraved wedding band is something so personal for each individual. The engraved symbols make your ring unique and something only one person should wear.

What should you put in the rings? Some couples have a preference for simple etchings such as initials of their names. Some favor putting their first names or pet names for each other. There are also other who opt for short memorable phrases. You can also have your wedding rings engraved with the date or place of the wedding.

Having a wedding ring is something that both of you will treasure the rest of your lives; more so if more sentiments and dedication are added to it.

Making your Bridesmaids look Fabulous even with a Tight Budget

Just because they are not the bride doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look beautiful on your wedding day. You have to make sure that the bridesmaids are happy with themselves so that they can be fully happy for you on that special day. Make sure that they look good when they walk that aisle until the time they give their wedding speeches. There dresses don’t need to be costly. Here are some tips for having a great dress that wouldn’t cost as much.

First of all, choose a plain dress with only one color. This way, you can add the designs yourselves. Look for shops or tailors that can sew silk designs on just one side of the dress. For example, you can put cream colored flowers on a chocolate colored dress.

· If your wedding will be held in the evening, a black evening dress can be adorned with some ostrich feathers on the neckline.

If you are looking for something to add on a V-neck dress, a simple large flower or a large brooch can work wonders.

If you want to make your bridesmaid look slim, buy a 1 and a half inch silk ribbon that will be tied around the waist. If you like an empire –style waist dress, you can use an embroidered floral silk trim around the waist.

· If you are looking to design a pastel colored dress, you can use pearl trims to line the edge of the dress and sleeves. This is much better if the material of the dress is satin.

· For backless dresses, long pearl necklaces can enhance the dress wonderfully. You just have to make your bridesmaid wear it backwards so they would fall elegantly on her bare back. If she feels uncomfortable, wraps and shawls are some of your other options. Faux furs are great too!

Lastly, you can utilize long silk gloves. This can add an elegant look to your bridesmaid’s dress.

Tips on Giving Wedding Speeches

What if you are chosen to give a speech for the bride and groom during their wedding reception? Whether you are the father, the best man or a very close friend, giving a speech is never easy. What do they expect you to say? And what if you are not used to speaking in front a lot of people? Of course you don’t want the bride and the groom to be disappointed with what you are going to say. Especially since this is a crucial day which they will remember all their lives.

The web is a sea of information for you. However, the suggestions are too broad and vague. Here are some techniques that might help you.

First, never assume that you can just give an impromptu speech. It is harder to think of what to say especially if you are due within the next few minutes. If you couldn’t think of a topic during the time you are relaxed, how much more when you are pressured?

Second, ask the bride and the groom if there is something that they want you to talk about or mention. Knowing what they expect reduces the risk of them being disappointed. It is alright to ask, if they are close to you, they will understand that giving speeches is not your thing. You can also ask other people who have been in the same situation as you; they may have some tips and topics to suggest.

Your speech is dedicated to the couple, so don’t say something that might embarrass them or your guests. Think of happy memories that they won’t be ashamed of letting other people know. It is alright to give some jokes; it helps lighten up the mood. However, don’t overdo it.

If you already have a topic, sequence them accordingly. Write down the speech you have thought of and read it. Does it make sense? Does it seem as if you are jumping from one topic to another? Better yet, allow other people to read it and see if it sounds good.

Giving a speech is not a competition. You shouldn’t think that your speech is better than others’. Just try to practice your speech in front of somebody else and ask them to give some suggestions.

Lastly, relax. What is important is that you say what you mean and mean what you say. The wedding couple gave you the task of giving a speech because you are dear to their heart and that they trust you. Don’t be so hard on yourself and just enjoy.