Wedding Blog

The Color Codes for Wedding Themes

Lesley-Ann — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 16:11:09 +0000

A lot of people may not notice it, but couples would usually follow a certain wedding theme through colors. A lot of the color schemes would normally be patterned to colors like lavender, pink, peach, yellow, blue or green. The theme to be picked out depends largely on what the couple would believe in like tradition and culture. While many would not find this necessary, it is really something important for couples who want to make their wedding rituals colorful and memorable as well.

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

The Moment to Exchange Vows

Lesley-Ann — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:34:48 +0000

Marriage is something that people would usually consider after they feel that they have done it all while being together. Marriage is a big step since it is a union that would drive two people onwards to another stage of their lives, living apart of their families that they have been with for so long. Venturing out in the world on a different type of an approach is something that holds quests and journeys where couples are driven to the test on how they would be able to survive and cope up with the growing demands of being able to live on their own.

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

Wedding Trivia

Lesley-Ann — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 16:06:22 +0000

Wedding are fun, happy times. You’ve found the person with whom you can spend the rest of your life. Your family and friends are all going to be present at your nuptials and you know that everything is going to be great.

It can also be quite tiring and stressful. You are trying so hard to achieve your dream wedding and sometimes you can’t find the item you need to make everything perfect. You sometimes wonder why in the world you didn’t just elope!

Take a breather and read these wedding trivia. Take a load off and just kick back, relax and have a laugh or two and just maybe we’ll manage to give you some ideas to help you achieve that dream wedding indeed.

Did you know that only 20 percent of all women getting married are doing so with the man they first fell in love with? The rest of the 80 percent go through the process a couple of times before actually saying I do. There is also the fact that woman are no longer considered on the shelf once they hit 20 and have learned to gain more life experiences before settling down.
Many men say that they are quite creative and will go to great lengths to make their proposal unique and unforgettable. Still, the old fashioned get down on one knee routine never goes out of style. This tried and true method is still used by 20 percent of the proposing males. Looks like the rest prefer to think outside the box.
The members of the entourage have various responsibilities. Did you know that one of the responsibilities of the best man in a Greek wedding was to provide the liquor? That’s a very important task indeed, don’t you agree?
Speaking of responsibilities, did you know that in ancient Scotland the honor of being best man went to the best swordsman? It was his job to protect the bride and groom and prevent the bride’s kidnapping.
The June brides are the most plentiful in a year. None of the months are as booked. Many think it is simply bacause of the weather and season - summer time is always a great time to get hitched. Did you know that the reason that June was the most popular month was because it followed the May baths in medieval history? Yes, since they all take a bath in May, June was felt to be the best month to get married. Hmmm…wonder if there was a race to get the 1st of June?
Some couples want to have lots of flower girls. They find it cute to have the kids involved and strewing flowers or flower petals. Did you know though that the flower girls are supposed to represent fertility? So, if you are praying to have lots of kids, go ahead and have lots of flower girls.
Did you feel like your fiance took forever to get around to setting a date? Were you annoyed that it took 5 years to see that you were truly perfect for each other? Don’t be annoyed anymore. The longest engagement on record is 67 years. Now that’s what you call waiting!

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding trivia, best man, Medieval, flower girls, children, kids, fertility, engagement, summer, hygiene, liquor, responsibilities

Going Gold

Lesley-Ann — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 05:02:25 +0000

In this day and age where getting married and getting divorced is as quick and easy to do as changing your clothes, 50 years of marriage is an attainment indeed. It is indeed something to celebrate and is a very special occasion.

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

Crazy Things At Weddings

Lesley-Ann — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:04:04 +0000

Many couples (or best men) do crazy things for their weddings just because they think it is the in thing. Sometimes they do it because they want to be original. In some cases they get to pull it off. At other times it is a disaster waiting to happen and the whole room breathes a sigh of relief if they make it through the entire wedding celebration without mishap.

For example, some brides are absolutely determined that they will have the most shapely figure for their wedding. They want to have the tinest possible weight so aside from starving themselves and exercising all the time (this is one step away from anorexia, ladies), some brides decide to get a corset. Yes, you read right - a whale bone corset just like they used in the olden days. On the wedding day, some brides look just like Kiera Knightley, gasping and fainting from being unable to breath properly.

Thank goodness the surprise cakes aren’t so popular anymore. The surprise cakes were the fake cakes with a person hidden inside. These are usually used for birthdays, bachelor parties and the like. Some prankster best men get the grooms in trouble when they deliberately mix up the order dates and the bride and groom get a surprise. It can mean a cold wedding night for the groom.

Whenever anyone objects at a wedding, drama is instantly added. Can you believe that some best men actually hire someone to pretend to object to the wedding - if not pretend to object themselves. They think it’s funny but the joke can backfire in a very big way. It’s a lot funnier if the couple gives threatening glares at their guests like Kathy Griffin and her husband did at their wedding to make sure that none of them try and stop the wedding instead.

A few couples have chosen a balloon as their getaway vehicle. It can be great floating “under a twilight canopy” as the song “Up, Up and Away” goes. But it can be a hassle and potentially embarrassing for the bride to clamber into the basket in her wedding gown. Either prepare a getaway outfit or choose an easier vehicle to get in and out of.

Some couples opt to have all sorts of games at their weddings where the guests have to do some funny looking stuff just to entertain the happy couple and their guests. It sometimes feels like the court jesters never really went out of fashion watching some of the antics they go through like having to eat a banana as fast as they can or showing the newlyweds how a proper kiss should be done - some couples go way overboard here.

The long and short of it is, crazy antics can seem cute and sometimes they are funny but they aren’t always right for your wedding. Try to think whether it is worth it and something you’ll be glad you did when you look back at your wedding. If you say it is, just make sure that you have all bases covered and have your recovery plans in place just in case the joke goes wrong.

Technorati Tags: weddings, practical jokes, crazy antics, funny, humor, best man, stag party, bachelor party, surprise cake

Sprinkle Them With…

Lesley-Ann — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 17:53:48 +0000

It has become a wedding tradition for newlyweds to be showered with something as they exit the church or wedding ceremony venue. What is used differs based on country, religion or tradition. Common choices are confetti, rice or wheat. Usually these are placed in little sacks, pouches or packets which are distributed to all the guests.

Why do people do this anyway? The beliefs vary. The throwing of confetti or its equivalent is said to be symbolic of the hope for increased fertility; the hope that the union will be blessed with children. Another belief says that it represents the showering of blessings in all its forms including the monetary one. It expresses the hope that the couple will have a good future together.

While this has become a wedding tradition, it is one that is frequently overlooked, forgotten or often left to the last minute. Many a bride and groom forget to have these prepared since they usually already have their hands full with the other wedding preparations. So it is often a regret for the newlyweds - though it isn’t a big deal really.

If you are one of the couples that believe that the showering is an important tradition that must be done for your wedding, here are some things that you should do to make sure that it happens:

Decide if you really want to have this tradition. While it has become popular, this tradition is by no means carved in stone. It is optional. Your personal beliefs should dictate whether or not you will make this tradition a part of your nuptials.
Decide if you your budget can accommodate it. Keep in mind that the packets or pouches have an equivalent cost. While it may not seem like much if you’re thinking of just a few, multiply it by the total number of guests who have confirmed that they are attending your wedding and you get its real cost. You might find that you would rather spend the money on your reception or honeymoon, rather than having your guests just throw your money in the air.
Decide what materials you want to use. Gone are the days when you had to use confetti, rice or wheat only. You can still have a showering using other items which are really great for those who want to be creative. For example, you might be someone who is environmentally conscious and want to save more trees. Instead of confetti, how about some bubbles instead? Bubbles are just soap and water. They’re pretty and they won’t harm the surroundings. They are also unique. The limit is really how much you are willing to spend and where your imagination takes you.
Assign someone to handle this task. It goes without saying that you’ll be pretty busy getting married and won’t have time to distribute the packets yourself. Usually this task will go to someone in your entourage or to your wedding coordinator.
Make sure that everyone knows what the packets or pouches are for. Sometimes people mistake this for the wedding favors, especially since they are usually attractively packaged. It helps to tell them what it is for so they’ll know what to do with it when the time is right.
Make sure your guests know when to open and use the pouches or packets. This is the job of the person who distributed the pouches or packets. They need to make sure that everyone is standing in place before you step out of the ceremony venue and shower you as you step out and pass them.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, confetti, rice, wheat, shower, showering

Making The Most Out Of What You Have

Lesley-Ann — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 17:17:09 +0000

Weddings can be really expensive. In fact many couples say that it ranks on the list of things that they’ve spent on. The amount we spend on an event that will barely last three hours is staggering.

It really isn’t necessary to spend such large amounts on weddings. It is only society, tradition and one’s desire to impress or celebrate that dictates how lavish your wedding will be. It is quite possible though to have a beautiful wedding and not end up in debt.

Keep in mind that popular wedding saying:

Something Old,
Something New,
Something Borrowed
Something Blue

It can apply to the whole wedding, not just for what the bride will wear on the day.

The main requirement for any couple who wants to achieve a beautiful but inexpensive wedding is resourcefulness. Rather than going out and buying everything brand new, you may want to check if you already have the things you need on hand. For example, your entourage may already have dresses that suit your wedding theme. Using their existing dresses rather than paying a seamstress to make brand new ones can save you a pretty penny indeed.

If you are just having your wedding at home, you may need additional tables and chairs so that everyone is comfortably seated. Rather than renting, why not ask your family and friends if you can borrow their picnic tables and chairs. There are quite a number of people who have these on hand. You can have them picked up way ahead of time and just cover them all with matching cloth. Just make sure that everything you use is sturdy. You wouldn’t want an accident to befall a guest from a broken seat.

Rather than buying a bridal gown, use your most beautiful dress. Be true to history and wear your Sunday best. You can add a veil to achieve that wedding look. It’s a simple and very comfortable solution.

Instead of hiring some famous celebrity chef to cater the food for your wedding, check among your family and friends if there is someone up to the job. That can mean a lot of savings for you and good business for your friends.

You don’t even have to use a fancy restaurant or hotel for your reception. Instead of spending money on a place to hold your party you can simply use your lawn or the village club house. You’ll be amazed how a little cloth and decorations can transform the most boring seeming places. A basketball court may not seem like the best place for a party but that is one place that is sure to be big enough to hold a lot of guests; and the hoops can be used to hold strings of lights, or the dove container.

The bottom line is there are a hundred and one ways to bring down the cost of your wedding simply by making the most of the materials you already have on hand. This includes utilizing the skills of your family and friends. This is the time to be both resourceful and creative. You may even find it more fun than just buying everything brand new.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, budget, savings, cutting costs, inexpensive wedding ideas, wedding at home, catering

Additional Titles In The Entourage

Lesley-Ann — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 04:24:55 +0000

In some countries, marriages mean getting the whole family involved. This means including those who are closest to the couple in the ceremony. Not including them in the proceedings can sometimes be a source of strained relations, due to unmet expectations. What couples often end up doing is adding to the list of members of the entourage, just to placate these sensitive souls.

For example, having a maid of honor is automatic for most. This is the title that goes to your best friend. If she is married, her title becomes matron of honor. In some cases though, not only is there a maid of honor, there is also a matron of honor. This is often the case when more than one person feels that they are the closest friend of the bride and neither will back down. It is helpful to have them both anyway; especially when there is much to accomplish.

Often, brides will have many bridesmaids. Most of the time these are the brides sisters or close cousins. At others these are the brides gang. Once in a while though a neice will ask to be part of the entourage and she’s too young to be a bridesmaid and too old to be a flowergirl. Do you tell her she can’t take part? Hold it! There’s a solution. Make her a junior bridesmaid and put her in charge of the flower girls. The junior bridesmaid role is actually useful for making sure that each flower girl walks down the aisle (if you have more than one. They are especially handy when your flower girl is the kind that gets stage fright or totally refuses to walk alone. Your junior bridesmaid can walk with your reluctant flowergirl and things will go smoothly.

Then there are the little boys who also want to take part. Most weddings will have one role for them to fill - that would be ring bearer. In Catholic weddings what some couples do to accommodate the kids would be to have a coin bearer and a bible bearer as well. This is a great way to keep boys of the same age together and their parents will be so proud to see their boys all dressed up.

In Catholic weddings they have what are known as secondary sponsors. These are the gentlemen and ladies who will light the individual candles of the bride and groom, carry their cord and attach the veil that will cloak the couple. This is a great way to get more family and friends involved. The nice part is that these members of the entourage normally provide their own dresses and suits. Just give them the theme.

In reality, the bridesmaids walk alone. They do not have any counterpart. Then someone noticed that the numbers were uneven and decided that it would be nicer if there were groomsmen to match the bridesmaids. They can then serve as ushers at the wedding and reception. So if you want to give your male relatives and friends a role, make them a groomsman.

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding planning, wedding entourage, wedding roles, family, expectations, duties

2007 Wedding Trends

Lesley-Ann — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 21:27:33 +0000

If you’ve just begun planning your wedding and want to know what are the trends for this year check out the list below. These are so far the most popular looks for weddings this year according to our various wedding professionals:

Hot colors for the year. Chocolate brown is coming out as the favorite color for the wedding theme. This rich color is often partnered with bright colors such as blue or pink, in some cases even lime green. The colors are both young, colorful and yet mature and elegant.
Orange is the other popular choice among the brides. It can be paired with any number of colors, depending on your taste. It can be paired with chocolate brown for a really cool theme. Mixing it with another bright color makes for a very vivid and lively look at your nuptials. More of a romantic? Mix it wth gold or red instead.
Detailed Backs are definitely a hot trend. Since most of the wedding ceremony is spent looking at the couple’s back, doesn’t it make perfect sense to make sure that your back looks absolutely gorgeous? The dressmakers definitely think so. That’s why embroidery, lace and jewels decorate not just your bodice, but your back as well. It will be a mark of how creative and talented a dress maker you have.
Italy is the current favorite honeymoon destination. Thanks in no small part to the attention that the media gave the place during the Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes ceremony. Italy is a beautiful country and is a great choice for celebrating the first few days of your union.
Bridal dresses still have that long, slim look but there’s more variety with sleeves coming up this year. Strapless will still be in fashion but this year’s brides are opting for some cap sleeves for that more subtly feminine effect. The off the shoulder style is back in vogue as well.
Geometric shapes are in as well this year. Rather than the round tables, square ones are the rage. If you are a romantic who wants everyone to come in pairs or who wants the opportunity to match make, this set up can be appealing.
Entertainment during cocktails. Rather than the staid, boring cocktails where your guests are just standing around, waiting for you to join them, the new wedding receptions begin with a more festive cocktail party. Guests get the clubbing atmosphere as they sip their martinis to some really great music. The party gets warmed up well even though you have yet to make your grand entrance.
Earth Friendly Weddings are in season. More and more couples are becoming environmentally concerned. They want to make sure that they are more in touch with nature. This means flowers that are pesticide free and organic food for the reception. It means recycled paper will be chosen for the invitations and thank you cards - if they send any out. In fact more will opt to use the web and other electronic means instead and save a few more trees.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, wedding trends, fashion

Not Quite Identical

Lesley-Ann — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 08:54:58 +0000

Why is it that people think that everything must be identical at weddings? For some things this would be correct. For example, you definitely want the same table arrangements and the centerpieces should defintely be the same but some elements can be a little different.

First off, let’s talk about the dresses of your bridesmaids. If you want them all to wear the same color, why not make the styles a little different? Match the style to the personality of your attendant. Allow them to add a little personal touch of their own to their gown, just as you are adding personal touches to your wedding.

You might actually opt to have the same design but in different colors instead. This is usually done if your theme has more than one color. It again allows for a little individuality yet still stays in keeping with your theme; plus they still have that matched look that many brides like to have at their weddings.

In some weddings the flower girls carry baskets of petals to sprinkle on the aisle for the bride to walk on. If this is what you plan to do, why not have your flower girls carry baskets containing petals of a different color from that of the other flower girls (assuming you have more than one)? It will make for a pretty two toned path for you to walk on.

The groom and his entourage normally have buttonierres. Whoever said that they all had to look exactly the same? Some choose to have different colored flowers to differentiate the groom from the best man and ushers. The fathers of both the bride and groom are also assigned a color uniquely theirs. It looks great in pictures too. So everyone may have a rose on thier lapel but it would be white for the groom, red for the dads and maybe yellow for the groomsmen. They would still match but again they won’t be identical.

Please don’t dress your mothers in identical outfits. Your mother and mother-in-law to be are not twins and deserve to be allowed to dress in their unique styles. Maybe you can simply ask them to have their chosen style made in the colors of your chosen theme.

Even your wedding favors don’t have to be identical for everybody. You might choose to give out cookies but they don’t all have to be wedding bells, for example. Some might be heart shaped instead. Maybe the colors of the boxes could be different - but of course, within your theme.

The long and short of it is, keep in mind that things don’t have to look identical to match your wedding theme. Even twins don’t like to dress exactly alike so why should anybody else at your wedding? Allow for a little diversity to make your wedding colorful and interesting. Nobody really wants a Stepford wife (or husband).

You’ll be amazed at how little adjustments can create perfect matches to your wedding theme. Sometimes the differences actually make for a more harmonious whole that is a great look for your wedding scene.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding theme, colors, dresses, entourage, flowers, wedding favors, ideas