1. Do a little research or canvassing to get a reality check BEFORE setting your budget. Around this time you will realize just how fancy or simply your wedding can be because it is also when you will realize just how much you can afford. You don’t have to do an exhaustive itemized research but simply go to wedding sites and find quotations there.

2. Set you maximum overall budget.

3. According to what you have researched and which aspects of the wedding is important to you create a pie chart dividing it into categories. The usual categories you need to budget for are the reception, attire, flowers, photo/video, music, invites, souvenirs, venue, cake, hair and make-up, and gifts. The reception is almost always the most expensive part and can take up to more than 50% of the entire budget. The next most expensive categories are usually the attire and flowers. However, this all depends on your choices. If you want to get married in a really popular place you might need to set aside more for the venue. On the other hand if you will be getting married in your mom’s dress then the attire will need a very little percentage since you’ll only need to spend money on re-fitting and dry cleaning.

4. Make a timeline. Yes when budgeting you shouldn’t just think about the figures but think about the dates as well. Try to figure out when you will be having an influx of money to pay for required reservation deposits so that you will be able to plan when you’ll be dishing out money. It makes sense to spread out your spending instead of paying for everything all at once. Besides paying early might get you discounts so plan these as well.

5. Get to the nitty gritty. Once you’ve made a general budget then it’s choosing time. Choose the dress, venue, caterer, invites, and everything else according to what you can accommodate with your budget. If your budget is a bit tight you’ll usually have to choose between sacrificing some details and making your guest list a bit smaller. Once you get to this portion you can adjust and ease up on a category’s budget if you realize you will actually need to spend less on something else.

First of all, make sure that the wedding coordinator that you are considering is backed up with credentials and experience. How do you make sure of this? If you start looking online, check out their supposed credentials on their web site. Then do not hesitate to check them out. You can do this by visiting their offices if they have one. You also have to check whether they have a license to operate as such.

In addition to the “official” credentials, you can also check out their work by actually talking to their previous customers. You can ask the wedding coordinators themselves for references. If they do not have anything to hide, they will be more than happy to share with you their previous work. In fact, they would bank on satisfied customers to help sell their services to you.

Once you can rest assured that your potential wedding coordinator is legit, reliable, and comes up with good results, you then have to look into compatibility. Good wedding coordinators need to have a great personality that jives perfectly with yours and your partner’s. If there is a personality problem, this might pose some complications during the planning process. As such, try to look out for these tiny details during your interviews.

One last thing, you should also check the cost of hiring the wedding coordinator. I am sure that you have a budget for your wedding. Do not hesitate to ask outright what the prices for their services would be. If it is too much, see if there is any way that you can compromise. If not, then try looking for someone else. Remember that there is more than one wedding coordinator vying for your custom. It would actually be to your advantage to talk with several coordinators and then compare their prices.

Again, the bottom line is that you should get what you want for the price that you want. In the end, it is your satisfaction and peace of mind that you should take into consideration.

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding planning, wedding planners, wedding coordinators

To answer this question, let’s look at a scenario, which, though hypothetical at this point, is probably true for many couples planning their wedding. The moment a couple gets engaged, they start to become inundated with all sorts of details needed to come up with the perfect wedding. From the bridal shower to the invitations to the venue to the gown to the reception, a couple about to get married needs to deal with all these things.

If you are the average couple, with both partners working and having to deal with a whole host of other responsibilities, you just might find yourself overwhelmed with all the planning. Take for example the simple matter of choosing a company to take care of the photos and videos during the wedding day. There is definitely no shortage of companies that can take care of this for you. The problem actually lies in the fact that you have too many choices. So how do you choose? The same thing goes for the entertainment for the reception, the caterer, the florist, and a lot of other things.

This is where the wedding coordinator can actually contribute most. A wedding coordinator only needs to know your preferences and needs and budget. He or she can then do all the legwork and negotiate with various caterers and providers. Of course, he or she would need to coordinate closely with you and your partner in order to ensure that what you will be getting is what you want.

More than this, experienced wedding coordinators would have lots of contacts already. They would have established relationships with florists, caterers, photographers and the like. This would mean that they can probably get better rates than if you were to do the negotiating yourself. This translates into savings for you and your partner.

Of course you would have to be careful in choosing your wedding coordinator. Not all wedding coordinators will get along with you. This is simply a matter of personality and the way one works. So you would have to take this into consideration. In the next post, we will talk about how to choose the perfect wedding coordinator to match your needs.

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding planning, wedding planner, wedding coordinator

For most people, however, the luxury of having all that cash to pay someone else to do all the work and to pay for different venues is not present. With the not-so-easy economic situation these days, one has to look for more practical solutions which do not compromise one’s dream wedding. So what does one have to do?

You just might have the solution right in front of your very eyes! Have you ever thought of hosting various pre-wedding activities in your home? Yes, in your home! Though maybe you have not thought about that, why not consider it now?

The wedding shower is perhaps the most commonly hosted pre-wedding event at home – and why not? It is usually attended by close friends and family members who you would not think twice about inviting to your home. Another event that you may want to hold at home would be the rehearsal dinner. Holding the rehearsal dinner at home would provide a relaxed setting and would not require everyone to hurry because of time limitations.

Now bear in mind that when I say home, it does not necessarily mean YOUR home. You may not have enough space in your own place to do that. Still, you have a wide variety of options. Maybe your parents will let you use their property. How about your friends? If all else fails, there are homes which are rented out for such events – at very reasonable prices. All you have to do is look at your options.

When planning a home pre-wedding event, consider the space – is there enough room for all your guests? Also consider the location. Are there neighbors who might be affected by the noise during the event? If you want an outdoor event, then check out the landscaping. Are there potential problems such as bugs, mosquitoes, and even sprinkler heads and other obstructions in the lawn?

With enough planning, you can set up the perfect bridal shower or rehearsal dinner in a home without costing you an arm and a leg.

Technorati Tags: weddings, pre-wedding activities, wedding shower, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, outdoor events

Well let me give you a reality check. Dream weddings are ideal, that is true. Yet we live in a less than ideal world. Things may go wrong and indeed, sometimes they do go wrong! You would not believe this, but my wedding, simple as it was, had one of the biggest disasters that could happen to anyone. My best friend was late for the wedding and in her rush, she got hit by a car as she was crossing the street to the restaurant! Sure it is probably not a thing that would be covered by wedding insurance but the point is, the craziest things can happen – and do happen – on wedding days, despite all the hard work that goes into the preparations.

So if you have not considered taking out wedding insurance, here are some ideas on why you should. I am sure that you have allotted a lot of cash on your wedding day. From the wedding gown to the groom’s tux to the decorations and food – all these and more cost a large amount of money. More often than not, preparations for the wedding will leave you a bit short on cash – that is, unless you are filthy rich or have just saved up a lot for a rainy day. So when something does go wrong on your wedding day, you just might find yourself in a frenzy looking for cash to deal with the problem!

With wedding insurance, you do not have to worry about such a thing happening. If indeed something goes wrong, you can rest easy knowing that your wedding insurance policy will take care of it. What are some things that may go wrong? A ruined wedding dress for example. Or let’s say for one reason or another, you have to move the date at a late point in time. In this case, you would have to forfeit on your deposits for the venue and such. Instead of worrying about costs that this would entail, your wedding insurance can pay for it.

However, you would have to be careful when taking out wedding insurance. Just like other insurance policies, you have to read the fine print and know exactly what kind of instances the policy would cover. Wedding insurance usually includes protection for cancellation costs, suppliers, Illness & Injury, Wedding presents, Wedding Rings and General liability. For other specific items, you should check with your insurance company first before signing on the dotted line – and I do not mean the marriage contract!

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding insurance, insurance, insurance policy, wedding ceremony, wedding gowns

Wedding themes would usually be picked out by the bride with the consent of the groom in the end. It is customary and only normal that women are more passionate and particular about their wedding themes since they are usually exposed and do the research on how to make such an event in their lives a treasured moment. The color schematics cover the flower arrangements, entourage designs and of course the wedding giveaways that are passed on during the reception proceedings.

It has been a common sight that color themes would usually create the proper ambiance and complement that weddings would usually project. The selection of colors would usually have meanings. These would stem from ancestral and superstitious beliefs that include good luck charms and happy marriages. It would all depend on the level of belief that sides, bride and groom, and their families would normally advice.

Ill-prepared weddings may not have time to go over the necessary preparations, making it something secondary since the main purpose is simply to tie the knot. While implementing colored themes in weddings is not really a requirement, it is a sign of unity and for some who believe in superstitions, a sign of well-preparedness in journeying towards a new life as husband and wife.

But the standard practice in weddings, whether it is big or a small gathering, really follow a certain them to make the occasion unique and different from the standard wedding events that people would get to experience through friends and colleagues. Couples would normally resort to trying to improve or outdo the weddings that they see, mixing ideas and trying to conceptualize something unique for their own wedding to be different and extravagant.

Besides, weddings are usually held once in a lifetime for couples who want to be officially married. Preparations and the like are tedious but after some years, they will always go back to memory lane and look at how exotic and memorable their exchange of vows truly was.

Technorati Tags: wedding themes, color themes, wedding events, wedding concepts, wedding ideas

Resorting to marriage is not immediate for some. It should be something that would be considered after careful deliberation and thinking. For one, moving their foot forward towards marriage is a rather large step considering that changes in lifestyle and manner of living will truly be something that people would have to be open to. Convenience and luxury will surely be different from the usual routine of being single since needing to look out for your partner as well is the added responsibility that comes with holy matrimony.

Planning a wedding is something that would need extensive preparation. It is not purely a case where a man and a woman would change “I Do’s”. If only marriage was that simple then anyone of legal age can easily get married. Outside the usual planning of ceremonies, wedding guests and necessities to make the occasion a memorable one, the bride and groom to be should consider life after giving up their single status.

One two people would tie the knot, there is no turning back. It is assumed that both people are aware of the predicament that they have placed themselves into and unlike ordinary relationships; it is not easy to break off. Starting a family of their own, deciding on how many off springs to have, where to be situated and computing the finances are only some of the issues that will surely be among the normal marital problems to be faced.

Hence, this is why relationships are considered a test of compatibility. The complement of the partnership and planned union should have a strong foundation and resorting to marriage is done by mutual agreement by both parties. Exchanging vows is something sacred and memorable hence man and woman should carefully consider why marriage is serious that what most people think.

Technorati Tags: wedding planning, wedding dates, wedding guests, wedding vows

On this special day, set aside your other concerns. Let the day be filled with only happy thoughts. This is not the time for petty quarreling over trivial matters. Rather it is s time to celebrate unity, family and a whole lot of love.

What should you do? For one thing, make sure that you choose carefully and wisely. This is one day where you want to hear nothing but praise. It is impossible to please everyone but if you choose the best of everything, it is possible to please most.

Once in a lifetime is a phrase often used to describe weddings. With that thought in mind, why not go ahead and spend a little more than you normally would to have something that isn’t just good, but great for your wedding. You don’t need to go in debt but just uncurl those tight fists a little bit.

For example, you may have to work with a tight budget but that is no reason not to serve the best possible food at your reception within that budget. No one will expect you to put on a lavish unlimited buffet. You can amaze them with great tasting food that doesn’t break your bank.

Yes you can get married in a t-shirt and jeans. No one will gainsay you if you insist. Just think for a moment though; this is a rare occasion. It is one of those moments were you get to dress up. Your future mate may want to get all dressed up - well at least in designer jeans and a great top at least. You may not want to spend a ton on an outfit that you will only wear once but at least pick out something that really brings out your best features and really makes you look great.

One of the nicest things about weddings is the fact that it gives you a chance to say thank you to everyone. Getting to this moment in time took the help of a lot of people. Your wedding is a chance to let them know how much you value their friendship, love and support. Don’t think gratitude ever goes out of fashion. It is one of the most uplifting things you can do on this day for your guests.

The simple truth is, the divorce rate is higher than ever. Yet with every marriage that takes place, hope is born anew in us that there is a chance to indeed attain happiness and a lifetime relationship. Sometimes you find it in the least expected places and it can come when you aren’t looking for it. That is what makes it even more special. All the more reason that you should celebrate and let others share in your joy. Everyone can stand to have more good news and happiness in their lives; and if it isn’t their turn to walk down the aisle, at least they can share in your good fortune and celebrate with you.

Technorati Tags: designer jeans, weddings, tight budget, unity, family, celebrate, amaze, gratitude

While most brides don’t make their previous wedding the basis of comparison for this second nuptials, it does play a part in their decision making. Consciously or unconsciously, many brides opt to have a wedding that is almost the complete opposite of their first. Brides who had a small, intimate wedding will usually opt for a grander affair this time around. If they had a lot of fluff or add ons during their first wedding, they usually have a more streamlined and simpler look for these nuptials.

Often this is the result of hind sight, learning from the first experience. It could also simply be that they’ve realized that their dream wedding wasn’t the way the first wedding went and this is their chance to make their ideal nuptials and reception take place.

There is also the fact that the bride is a little older than at her first marriage. her tastes have changed. She is probably more sophisticated now. That often means no more frilly pink and more bronze. Forget the wedding dress that makes you look like a debutant and put on a gown to truly accent your beauty in a shade that isn’t white.

Don’t forget the possibility that the bride may be a mom now. Most brides who are also mothers choose to include the children in the planning and decision making. After all, the groom isn’t just getting a wife. He’s actually getting an instant family. In fact many say that it isn’t just the bride who says I do; that the children must accept him as well for the marriage to truly succeed. The children are usually included in the entourage. The clothes of the entourage are chosen with the ages of the kids in mind as well since they will usually be dressed in a style as similar to that of the happy couple as possible. No low necklines, bare back and the like for your nine year old daughter even if she is a junior bridesmaid.

The best part about getting married again is in the fact that you are literally getting a chance to do it over - create the dream wedding that you may not have had the first time around because you couldn’t afford it then or because there were so many other people and factors to consider. There are fewer barricades and you are more sure of yourself which usually translates to a more defined personal style to stamp onto this very special event. As we all know, no matter if it’s your first, your fifth or your tenth, you will always want your wedding to be uniquely you.

Technorati Tags: weddings, second marriage, marriage, wedding planning, wedding gowns, family, children, self confidence, dream weddings

The 50th anniversary is called the golden anniversary since gold is the associated element. This sets the theme for the anniversary - almost everything is done with touches of gold, from the dress of the bride to the place settings and decor.

How do you celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary? Some couples choose to get married again. They have a renewal ceremony where they affirm their commitment to each other once more. In fact some couples re-enact their wedding day all over again. They use the same church for their renewal of vows and the same venue for their reception - yes they might even serve the same dishes.

There are a few differences. For example, at a golden anniversary, the children usually take on the various parts of the entourage rather than having the former bridesmaids, maid of honor and best man re-enact their parts. It would be great to have all the people that stood up with them present but rarely is it possible to have everyone there. Besides it is an honor that the children are happy to be given.

The bride rarely wears the original bridal gown she wore 50 years ago. In fact some brides choose to wear a dress in shades of gold with matching accessories.

The bride rarely wears a veil for this ceremony. Remember the veil was used to hide the brides face from her groom. The lifting of the veil was seen as permission granted to the groom to see all of who she was and after 50 years, they have definitely done that part so no need for veils.

Some couples choose to enter the ceremony the same way they did at their original wedding. The bride walks down the aisle and the groom marvels anew at her beauty and realizes how blessed he is that she chose him. For some couples though, they feel that it is time to walk in together, just as they have walked beside each other for fifty years.

When they first got married, they either paid for everything themselves or their parents shouldered some if not all of the cost of their nuptials. For the 50th anniversary it is sometimes shouldered by the couple but more often than not, the children are the ones paying for it since usually, it is their idea to have a big celebration anyway.

While the wedding theme normally includes it, it doesn’t mean that it should only be gold, but it is the dominant color. It is usually partnered with cream, white, silver, green or any other color, - usually in the metallic shades. Red is rarely used with the gold since the red tends to overpower the gold.

The 50th anniversary is an achievement rarely seen in this generation which is why every couple who makes it to this milestone truly have something to celebrate. We hope everyone gets to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Technorati Tags: golden anniversary, 50 years, wedding, renewal of vows, entourage