Think about all that you have put into the planning of your whole wedding. Think about the time and effort you put into the determination of the location of the ceremony. How about how you decided on the reception hall? Also think on what it took you to finalize the theme and decorations. The same effort should be put into the determination of your wedding invitation.

In the past, wedding invitations took on a traditional note. It was easier, perhaps, to choose as you would have limited options. White paper, curly fonts, and the like were the norms for wedding invitations. Today, you have a wide range of options to choose from. In the last post, we talked about the different things you could do to make your invitation unique. To help you further in choosing your wedding invitation, here are some questions that you should ask yourself.

What kind of wedding are you having? This question pertains to the setting. For example, are you getting married in a church? Or maybe since it is spring you are opting for a garden wedding? Or maybe a beach wedding?

Next ask yourself, what is your color theme for the wedding? It would be a good idea to follow the color scheme when it comes to your invites. At the very least, you can choose a color that goes well with your theme.

Are you considering incorporating an ethnic or religious theme into your invitation? If so, then you could go into the specifics. What ethnic or religious elements do you want to incorporate?

Do you have a favorite quote or poem? Or maybe a religious verse? Talk about it with your partner and decide if you want to have a line or two printed on your invitations.

Last, but not the least, decide on your wedding invitation budget. It is very easy to overlook this and find out later that you have spent too much on your invites. So before you start, determine an acceptable amount and stick to it.

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding invitation, theme, color scheme, budget

It doesn’t have to be paper! Traditional wedding invitations have always been printed on paper. This year, why not opt for something different? Ask yourself, do you really want to have your invitation on paper or are you willing to try out other materials that will give your invites more character? Some unique and creative things you can do: use fabric as a scroll, how about an acrylic block, or why not a think wooden slab? The more creative you get the better results you will have!

Okay, so you still want to use paper. Why not consider a different look and shape? Traditional wedding invitations come in the form of greeting cards, with inserts between the covers. Try to be a little more adventurous and change the size and shape of your invite. These days, you can come up with any size and shape wedding invitation. Try round, tri-fold, scroll, tea length, regal square – it is all up to your imagination!

For the fashion conscious, why not extend your style to your wedding invitations? Of course, your gown would probably take up a lot of your fashion sense but there is nothing stopping your from dressing up your invitation as well. Bows, ribbons, bands, and other decors can be used to liven up your invites. You may even use a certain wrap, called a pouchette, to encase your invitation. Another option would be to use jackets or purses to hold your invitation. This is especially suitable for those who are having a formal wedding. Jackets and purses come in all sizes and material. You can pick out whichever material will match your theme.

Do not forget the color! Gone are the days when invitations had to be in white or beige or ecru. Now, you can pick out whatever color you wish to use for your invitations. You can even decide to have a splash of different colors on them! Again, design your wedding invitations to make a statement and match your wedding theme at the same time.

Wedding invitations basically give your guests a glimpse of what is in store for them during your wedding day. When deciding on how to present your wedding invitation, bear in mind how you want your guests to look as well. The chances are that they will put some import on the invitation when it comes to deciding their attire for your wedding. So make a statement and do not hold back your creativity!

Technorati Tags: weddings, wedding invitations, wedding theme, wedding planning, wedding guests

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.

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Many couples get so involved in the wedding preparations that they lose sight of what is really important. It isn’t about the trappings, it’s about the couple getting married.

Lets set aside the discussion of dresses, jewelry, food and favors today and talk about what really matters most. You, your future spouse and your relationship. This is the heart of the marriage and what should still be cared for long after the ceremony is done.

Obviously you must feel that you’ve found the right person for you. That’s why you popped the question or that’s why you accepter, right? Or did you just decide to get married simply because you’ve begun to feel that you’re getting a bit long in the tooth and the kind of love that they talk about in pocketbooks will never happen to you? Think hard before answering. This is very important. If there is one thing that you shouldn’t do is get married for the wrong reasons. It leads to you planning the other process - the one that begins with a d (divorce).

If you are sure that you’ve found the person who is indeed your mate, you are indeed blessed. Keep that feeling alive. Be thankful that you have found each other.

Relationships are what matters in a marriage - or in anything else actually. As long as you’ve got a great relationship, one where communication is very open, where you respect each other and truly work together to make things happen, you’re off to a good start. You can have a big wedding, small wedding or even just a quick trip to city hall and it would be fantastic.

Relationships are what matters not how many relatives and neighbors you can squeeze into one venue. It can be surprising how guests seem to come out of the woodwork once they learn that there will be a wedding.

Want an easy way to trim down a guest list? Don’t announce your wedding. Personally call your loved ones and chosen guests. Just tell them that you and your future spouse are planning a party on the specific date and time and ask them if they can come. Tell them that you need to confirm because it is your first party and you need to make sure that there’s enough food for everyone. Don’t mention the words wedding or marriage at all! Many will tell you that’s great but they can’t make it which will not only trim down the numbers but you can bet that most of those who will go are those who either have a strong relationship with you or do want to build stronger ties. You bet they won’t forget even without invitations.

Now, what are the two of you really like? If you have never thrown a party in your entire life and aren’t comfortable in groups bigger than twenty, why in the world would you now choose to have a grand wedding? You bet that you’ll feel overwhelmed and out of your element. You’ve never done this before and you are trying to plan something that goes against your very nature.

Forget about what the handbook on wedding says for a minute and focus on what would make you both happy. If what you want is a party where anyone can get up on stage and sing, make sure you have a great mic, band or karaoke collection and maybe a great mixer or earplugs. Don’t forget the video camera. Want a party that fits at one table, then go ahead and just invite the select few. The rest will understand - or they don’t really know you well.

What matters most about weddings is how you as a couple are and how you feel. Work on making your relationship even stronger and crafting a wedding that suits you to a T. That is a perfect wedding.

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Weddings should reflect your values. Some people perceive weddings as nothing more than food after a religious bonding ritual while others see it as a holy union. No matter how else you define it, a wedding celebration is a party, and you are the host. It is all about you and what marriage - not the ceremony- means to you.

One of the best things you can do is to use the things you love as a guide to what your wedding will look like. For example, if you love winter, then hold your wedding at this time of year. You’ll be indoors anyway so the ice and snow aren’t really an issue. It may mean that you’ll hold your ceremony and reception in the same place but that is a good thing (only one expense for the venue).

If both of you are a private people, not really into parties, why change suddenly and throw a grand ball? Have the kind of event that suits your personality. You and your groom will be happier for it.

Your guest list should be made up of the people you love. Invite only those who are special to you. It is not about having big names or celebrities present for your party. Better to have just a few visitors, all of whom are important for you.

If you are a vegetarian why not have a vegetarian menu? It may not be everyone’s favorite meal but it will be true to what you value. There are many dishes that taste great without meat. Just find some really delicious ones that will please even the non-vegetarians attending your nuptials.

Don’t limit yourself to just having the vegetables in the food. Have them on the table as decoration as well. Bowls of fruit are excellent for both decoration and they are edible as well. The kids will love those.

If you love crafting, go ahead and make your own invites and wedding favors. They are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Who knows? It may just earn you a profit someday.

The entertainment should definitely be something you love. If you love ballroom dancing, go ahead and have that kind of entertainment. You’ll want to hire bands that can perform the music well and get everyones feet moving.

Aside from the music for dancing, choose what songs you want to hear sung and who will perform them. If opera is what you love, then go ahead and be like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and ask Andrea Bocelli to perform at your wedding. If you have a favorite choir, you may want to ask them to perform your favorite songs for your wedding. Hard for some to imagine, but if hip hop is your thing, who’s to say you can’t have some at your party.

Go ahead and be yourself. You’ll be happier and your wedding will be more memorable; just the way you like it.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, unique weddings, invitations, food, centerpieces, Andrea Bocelli, music, dancing

Invitations reflect the theme of your wedding and the kind of wedding you will have. A formal looking, very elegant invitation tells your guests that this is indeed a formal affair. The colors you use will give them an idea.

Now all couples have budget constraints. You have to decide which items you will spend on and which ones you can save on. The invitation ranks high on the expense scale if the couple doesn’t watch it since like the food, the cost goes up exponentially with each additional frill.

So here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your invitations:

First, trim down your guest list! You’ll hear this over and over. Keep the numbers down. The more guests you invite and have over, the bigger the expense. Control the numbers and you’ll be able to keep your expenses down.

Second, keep it simple. The fancier your invitations, the higher the cost will be. The price goes up the fancier your font, the more colors you use and the more expensive the paper you choose. Remember that less is more. Save the fancy stuff for your wedding dress and food for your reception. Your guests will not judge you based on the invitation.

Third, take the time to learn the lingo of printers. It helps to speak their language so that you know what exactly they mean when they talk with you. They are likely to offer you the most expensive options first, such as engraving, and not mention other options (assuming they are out to make money and not really to help you). Communicate with them using their terms and you may get a better deal.

Fourth, keep it light. We mean this literally. Choose paper that isn’t heavy or bulky. The thinner it is, the less expensive it is. It will also mean that the whole invitation will be lighter (no matter if you have an insert and a reply envelope inside) so it will cost you less to mail.

While we’re on the topic of mailing your invitations, instead of having a separate reply note with a self addressed envelope, why not just have a reply postcard? That will be less expensive for you.

Fifth, consider doing away with the extras. Many couples include lists such as the names of the entourage, a piece of poetry, save the date cards or directional maps. These may seem really nice, some may even be useful. Keep in mind however that every additional sheet is an additional charge to you. You might want to just include a phone number and URL for your website for any additional information that they need.

Sixth, shop around. There are bargains to be found everywhere. Your wedding planner/coordinator may sometimes be able to get you a better deal than going direct to a printer. Take the time to ask around and find out who can give you the best deal. You might even find that the best deals are online.

Lastly, feel free to make your invites yourself. Not everyone has the gift for crafts. If you are one of them feel free to dazzle your guests with your talent. It can save you quite a chunk and truly personalize your invitations at the same time.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, wedding invitations, wedding budget, crafts, printers, wedding saving

Most brides bring an air of softness to the wedding. Their femininity and grace is the perfect contrast to their fiance’s masculinity and firmness. This is usually emphasized by the bride’s flowing, filmy white gown and veil. The illusion is further enhanced by the soft hairstyles (with or without ringlets) and by the natural looking make-up used by the bride. Dewy lips and softly shaded eyes without harsh black lines create the look of a fresh and simply beautiful bride. The groom usually looks dapper in his pristine suit with a buttonierre adding a touch of color to relieve the starkness of the suit. The groom’s smile and happiness is a perfect match for the bride’s just as his suit is the perfect foil for her dress.

This sense of contrast is often what is played upon for wedding themes. The invitations may look simple, an elegant cream perhaps but the paper used may have a delicate texture that adds a touch of masculinity to the invite.

There are often two colors used for the wedding theme. While it is often a case of the bride choosing a favorite color and going from there, some brides do decide on a theme that has one color for herself and another for the groom, the two together hopefully showing a perfect blend. A typical favorite choice for the groom is blue (in all its shades) while the brides have a much wider range to choose from. Their choice of colors will then dictate the look of the rest of the room, everything from the color of the cake, the drapes, the seats, the table cloths and even the flowers. let’s not forget the color of the dresses of the attendants.

You can also use contrasts for the textures of your food. The textures can enhance the taste of food. You will need to work with a truly good chef or cook in order to have the best contrasts. A wedding meal that has a variety of tastes can make for great conversation pieces as well and are easy to achieve. Just work with your chosen caterer to discover what different foods you love that will go well together. You’ll be amazed at how much you’ll love it. Just don’t forget to give your palate a chance to adjust to each flavor and to have something wonderful to end your meal on a beautiful and sweet note.

One other contrast: the grooms will be quick to say their goodbyes while the bride will probably end up hugging kissing everyone before they can get to the door. He’ll be tugging on her hand. She’ll probably be calling out last minute instructions. It’s perfectly normal. Grooms go ahead and sweep her up into your arms and get her out to the car to start you on your honeymoon. She won’t really mind.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, wedding themes, wedding meal, reception

One advantage of getting married on a birthday is that you get two parties in one. That means less expenses since you won’t need to have two parties. One will do just fine.

An advantage to having your wedding on either of your birthdays is that you can easily keep your wedding a secret without anyone wondering why you’re about to throw a party. No need to elope, you just need to pretend that it is just a really significant birthday. It would be helpful if the birthday celebrant is celebrating a landmark natal day. You would still be sending out invites, but you can be perfectly casual if you prefer and simply surprise family and friends when they arrive at your wedding.

You could even surprise your entourage. You can have dresses made for them still but you may want to just tell them that you had clothes prepared for them since you have a party theme; assuming that you really don’t want to trust your secret to anyone.

It being a birthday party as well, there is double the reason to celebrate. Get your party jumping. Have the kind of party that will truly match your special occasion as both a wedding and a birthday. There is no rule that says your reception has to be deadly dull just because weddings are normally a formal affair.

Usually couples who have this kind of reception have great food prepared. None of the little food on saucers that barely fills you up for this major an event. You can have steaks, pasta and a birthday cake added to your menu.

Depending on how you want to play it, you may not want the cake set up right away since that would give away the fact that a wedding is about to take place. You’ll need to make arrangements with your caterer on when to bring it out for the best effect.

In fact, you may want to have a birthday cake aside from the wedding cake. It would be the one on display as your guests arrive to keep up the appearance of this just being a birthday party. On the other hand, you could simply work with a talented wedding cake maker to combine elements of the two kinds of cake. You don’t have to have a multi-layered cake. Some actually have the layers split so that multiple cakes are displayed. That way it is less of a giveaway. You’ll have to think of a different cake topper since you may not want to have a couple in bridal outfits sitting on your cake to divulge your secret right away.

Don’t forget the music! Whether you go big band, great local band, hire a DJ or simply prepare your playlist, you’re going to need music that gets everybody in the mood to celebrate! This is truly a major occasion and needs to have music that matches the mood of your party.

Technorati Tags: weddings, birthdays, secret, elope, party, planning

Does it make you think of Noah’s ark? Many couple tend to feel that way. As you make your guest list you are checking that your cousins, Mr and Mrs. Lyon, will be attending. Dr and Mrs. Beaver will be seated at the table number six and a whole party full of pairs from your family trees will be present to add color to your very special occasion.

The great thing about your guests arriving in pairs is that it makes for even numbers at your wedding. It makes it easier to seat everyone since there are no guests that are unpartnered. Most guests who aren’t married would arrive with a guest or date anyway, usually to avoid being picked on or asked why they haven’t tied the knot themselves.

Even your attendants are pairs though it is not necessary that your entourage is attached to each other romantically outside of your wedding. You would have a maid of honor and a bridegroom. For every bridesmaid, you would have a matching groomsman. Want 1 flower girl? Then you’ll probably have 1 ring bearer as well.

Pairing also makes for less expense on invitations. You can send one invite for each couple instead of having to have one invitation for each guest. Now that is really cutting your expenses in half, at least in that area of the budget.

Since weddings are a time of romance, the entertainment would be incomplete if it didn’t have a love song or two in the repertoire of your band for the night. Give your friends the chance to get struck by cupid’s arrow. Who knows, your wedding may be the pivotal moment in another couple’s relationship for the better. There is, after all, nothing like dancing cheek to cheek with the one you love. As the song says, “I seem to find the happiness I seek when we’re out together dancing cheek to cheek”.

Even when you think of the food, you’ll be thinking in pairs. For example, you need to think about which wines would be the perfect accompaniments for the different parts of the wedding meal. A different wine would suit fish and fowl than that for your meats; and of course you don’t make your toast with the table wine but with effervescent champagne.

Admit it. A part of you turned into a matchmaker the moment you decided to get married. You want to give your loved ones a chance to either find romance for themselves at your wedding or give them a moment to re-experience their special moment at your nuptials with you. Every bride wants everybody to be in love too.

A pair of rings, a pair of doves, a pair of hearts….each a symbol for the union of two special people and their hope of sharing their love with everyone special to them. Indulge them and be part of those who get on board the ark.

Technorati Tags: wedding, wedding planning, guests, seating, invitations

You had an absolute blast! The weather was lovely and your friends were great company. The only wrinkle was that one of the kids of your friends had the measles and after a week, it seems like you have caught it.

So what now? You feel crummy, you have spots and you’re contagious. It looks like you will need to move the wedding.

If you hired a wedding planner, contact them as soon as you know the situation. Well established wedding planners usually have good relations with the various vendors and suppliers. They will be able to assist you to get your wedding reset to a later date.

If you didn’t hire a wedding planner, the first people you need to contact are those in charge of the venues for your wedding and reception. Find out what are the next available dates for your nuptials. The sooner you do this the better, especially if it is the marrying months of the year. You and your future spouse need to decide to which date you will reschedule your nuptials. Hopefully there is a date that matches for both places and your desires as well.

The next step should then be to contact all the professionals involved in your wedding affected by the change of date. This includes the following: your make up artist, hairstylist, caterer, florist, baker (for the wedding cake), photographer, videographer and car rental. Hopefully all of them will be available for your new wedding date.

Here now is the headache: what if any of your wedding merchants are unavailable for the new date? You will need to find a replacement, if one can be found at short notice. If you wish to have completely the same team, you’ll need to move your date to one where all of them are available.

You’ll want to check your contracts with each of your wedding suppliers. You will want a refund from those who cannot serve on the new date. Hopefully there is a refund clause on the contracts.

For those who will be available for your chosen date, you need to see if there is an additional charge for the change of date. Some may charge a penalty, some may not. This is where good relations come in as well as good negotiation.

If you move your wedding more than 2 months away, you may also need to get in touch with your dress designer as well. Unless you manage to maintain your weight and size, your dress will need to be adjusted before your new wedding date.

Don’t forget to update all your guests about the change in date. It would be considerate to let them know with sufficient time so that they can make new arrangements, especially if they are coming from out of town.

Last but not least, don’t forget to adjust the arrangements for your honeymoon. The last thing you want is to be all dressed up and have nowhere to go after your wedding. Hopefully, everything will be just perfect in spite of the postponement.