Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Bridal Gown Bustles....What types are there?
Ah, the wedding gown.
One of the most expensive, beautiful, and criticized pieces of finery we'll every wear. At best, its life is short and worn in full for at most 6-8 hours; in that time it will be cried on, admired, danced in, hugged, and otherwise well loved. The train will drag on the floor for the pre-ceremony events and through to the time when the new husband and wife are introduced to the reception; and the bride will quickly realize the her precious gown is being stepped on, getting dirty, and making it hard for her to get around.
This is where the bustle comes in! The gown will spend more of its short life being bustled up, so it's important that the bustle is not only functional but appropriate for the style and fabric of the gown itself. The bustle is an opportunity for a bride to make another fashion statement, and can either enhance the look of the gown, completely change it, or just look like a pile of fabric getting the train off the floor.
When considering a bustle, start by deciding your alterations budget. Some bustles can be as inexpensive as $20.00, others may run $200 or more. The more intricate a bustle is, the more it will cost. Other cost factors include the length of the train, and the fabric being used. A cathedral train will prove more difficult to bustle securly, as will delicate fabrics such as lace or silk organza that can tear easily.
Create an inspiration board with several bustles that catch your eye, and make sure to show it to your seamstress at your first gown fitting. She will use pins to pull the train up for you as it would look with a particular bustle. Don't be afraid to ask for changes or to try something that you don't think you will like!
There are several types of bustles.
One-Point Overbustle
The most simple and inexpensive is the overbustle, usually secured by one point at the base of the bodice. This bustle is very full, and works well for brides on a budget with gowns created from lighter fabrics. The one-point overbustle is notorious for breaking during the reception, so it is not recommended for long trains or gowns made of heavy satin.
Three Point Over-Bustle
A three point overbustle is more secure than the one-point version, and also helps to spread the train so it stays open. This is a great option for gowns with heavier fabric, and also for the famous Alfred Angelo Dream in Color line.
The Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a statement for girls who don't like the look of traditional bustles; if they are done well they make the gown look like there was no train at all. They are a great option for ball gowns with longer trains, and tend to be very secure. A ballroom bustle is an overbustle created by several points across the bottom of the bodice which spread the train out and create the look of a normal skirt.
(leanna.com)
One-Point Under Bustle
Under bustles work by ribbon ties placed inside the dress. The ties are completely hidden and tend to be more secure than over bustles.
The French Bustle
Like the under-bustle, the french bustle is created by a series of ribbons inside the gown. The train is lifted up and bridesmaids tie together ribbons that are either numbered or color coded to create this elegant, secure look. This is a great bustle for full gowns and gowns made with heavy or delicate fabrics. They can be placed low or high and have anywhere from 2 - 25 points in them.
(PW bride Meadocroft)
The Double and Triple French Bustle
Also known as 'whipped cream bustles', the double or triple french bustle is achieved much like the single french by a series of ties under the skirt.
(PW Bride GoingtobeGoff)
The Austrian Bustle
The Austrian bustle is gaining in popularity. It is a secure bustle created by the use of a loop and pull system similiar to that of a window shade. A string is pulled and it bunches the train up.
The Sash Gown Bustle
& other bustles for gowns with unique trains.
Creating further problems for brides is a gown with a large sash or other embellishments. Some brides choose to remove the sash, others tie it up into a loopy bow.
(PW Bride MountainBride)
There are so many other fun and unique ways to bustle your gown. Ask your seamstress about combining bustle types such as a french and an overbustle, or doing a multi point overbustle with lots of points on it. Remember that your gown will be bustled for a longer period of time than un-bustled, so make sure that it is not only a great fashion statement, but secure and comfortable to move in!
Happy Planning!
Bustle Pics from TheKnot.com, Google Images, other.... Content from projectwedding.com
One of the most expensive, beautiful, and criticized pieces of finery we'll every wear. At best, its life is short and worn in full for at most 6-8 hours; in that time it will be cried on, admired, danced in, hugged, and otherwise well loved. The train will drag on the floor for the pre-ceremony events and through to the time when the new husband and wife are introduced to the reception; and the bride will quickly realize the her precious gown is being stepped on, getting dirty, and making it hard for her to get around.
This is where the bustle comes in! The gown will spend more of its short life being bustled up, so it's important that the bustle is not only functional but appropriate for the style and fabric of the gown itself. The bustle is an opportunity for a bride to make another fashion statement, and can either enhance the look of the gown, completely change it, or just look like a pile of fabric getting the train off the floor.
When considering a bustle, start by deciding your alterations budget. Some bustles can be as inexpensive as $20.00, others may run $200 or more. The more intricate a bustle is, the more it will cost. Other cost factors include the length of the train, and the fabric being used. A cathedral train will prove more difficult to bustle securly, as will delicate fabrics such as lace or silk organza that can tear easily.
Create an inspiration board with several bustles that catch your eye, and make sure to show it to your seamstress at your first gown fitting. She will use pins to pull the train up for you as it would look with a particular bustle. Don't be afraid to ask for changes or to try something that you don't think you will like!
There are several types of bustles.
One-Point Overbustle
The most simple and inexpensive is the overbustle, usually secured by one point at the base of the bodice. This bustle is very full, and works well for brides on a budget with gowns created from lighter fabrics. The one-point overbustle is notorious for breaking during the reception, so it is not recommended for long trains or gowns made of heavy satin.
Three Point Over-Bustle
A three point overbustle is more secure than the one-point version, and also helps to spread the train so it stays open. This is a great option for gowns with heavier fabric, and also for the famous Alfred Angelo Dream in Color line.
The Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a statement for girls who don't like the look of traditional bustles; if they are done well they make the gown look like there was no train at all. They are a great option for ball gowns with longer trains, and tend to be very secure. A ballroom bustle is an overbustle created by several points across the bottom of the bodice which spread the train out and create the look of a normal skirt.
(leanna.com)
One-Point Under Bustle
Under bustles work by ribbon ties placed inside the dress. The ties are completely hidden and tend to be more secure than over bustles.
The French Bustle
Like the under-bustle, the french bustle is created by a series of ribbons inside the gown. The train is lifted up and bridesmaids tie together ribbons that are either numbered or color coded to create this elegant, secure look. This is a great bustle for full gowns and gowns made with heavy or delicate fabrics. They can be placed low or high and have anywhere from 2 - 25 points in them.
(PW bride Meadocroft)
The Double and Triple French Bustle
Also known as 'whipped cream bustles', the double or triple french bustle is achieved much like the single french by a series of ties under the skirt.
(PW Bride GoingtobeGoff)
The Austrian Bustle
The Austrian bustle is gaining in popularity. It is a secure bustle created by the use of a loop and pull system similiar to that of a window shade. A string is pulled and it bunches the train up.
The Sash Gown Bustle
& other bustles for gowns with unique trains.
Creating further problems for brides is a gown with a large sash or other embellishments. Some brides choose to remove the sash, others tie it up into a loopy bow.
(PW Bride MountainBride)
There are so many other fun and unique ways to bustle your gown. Ask your seamstress about combining bustle types such as a french and an overbustle, or doing a multi point overbustle with lots of points on it. Remember that your gown will be bustled for a longer period of time than un-bustled, so make sure that it is not only a great fashion statement, but secure and comfortable to move in!
Happy Planning!
Bustle Pics from TheKnot.com, Google Images, other.... Content from projectwedding.com
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Choosing the right briddemaid dress.
Selecting your bridesmaids is a task that should be taken seriously, as you are going to choose your sisters or friends that are closest to you. As you are celebrating in this amazing day, you will want these ladies standing right beside you.
Who to ask? Of course, your sister(s) would be the first and obvious choice. From there you would look at your closest girlfriends that have been friends with you for a long time. Sometimes this can be a hard choice especially if your groom only has 4 ushers but you have 5 very close friends. Now adays, not all bridal parties are even on both sides due to this very reason. Don’t forget to look at your sister-in-law as well. If you have a friendship with her you may want to consider this option as well. The last thing you need is added family stress because you did not ask her.
One important thing to remember is not to feel any guilt. You can’t have everyone in your bridal party and people understand that. If there are a couple girls that you wanted to ask but did not have room for, give them other tasks that day to do for you. They will appreciate the fact that you trust them to help out.
The bridal party sets the tone for the night so you want to make sure everyone is on board and upbeat. They will spend from morning to night with you and your wedding album will be filled with their pictures. Enjoy this time with them as they become a part of your new life with a new husband.
Content from: Ijustsaidyes.com
Friday, August 5, 2011
Winter Weddings Can Save You Serious Money......
Maybe sunshine and warmth are overrated: When temperatures drop, so do prices. And when business is slow for vendors and venues, you may be able to cut a deal.
By SmartMoney
By SmartMoney
The promise of warm weather, blossoming flowers and robust attendance makes summer the peak season for weddings. But there are different perks for couples who marry in the winter -- namely huge savings.
Peak wedding season falls between May and October in most of the U.S., says Richard Markel, the president of the Association for Wedding Professionals International. During that time, most wedding vendors -- including caterers, photographers and limousine companies -- charge the most because their services are in demand. But in the winter, business comes to a standstill, especially in the northern regions hit with particularly harsh weather, and engaged couples have more room to negotiate for lower prices.
During the winter, the number of weddings throughout the country declines by 40% to 50% below that of peak season, Markel says. And of the roughly 2.2 million weddings that take place in the U.S. each year, only 5% occur in January, he says. That winter dip in demand means that couples marrying during the cooler months compete with fewer weddings for vendors.
Couples who are considering a January, February or March wedding still have time to book vendors, Markel says. "Couples have a major opportunity because the number of weddings that occurred in 2009 has been down by about 5%, and bookings for early 2010 are down as well," he says.
(December weddings aren't as cheap because banquet facilities give priority to recurring customers: conventions and companies planning holiday parties.)
Here are the four types of wedding vendors with whom you'll see some of the biggest winter savings.
Banquet facilities
The largest wedding-related expense is the banquet reception, which can cost more than $10,000, depending on the number of guests, location and menu, Markel says.Typically, banquet facilities charge a fixed price per person. But between January and March, the total cost often drops between 20% and 50%, Markel says. (The savings will be lower in states that have warm weather throughout the year, like parts of Florida and California.)
Couples who get married in the Meeting House Grand Ballroom, a banquet facility in Plymouth, Mich., will see big price differences. For weddings between January and March, couples will pay Friday prices for a Saturday wedding, says Randy Lorenz, the owner and general manager. For a party of 200 adults, that's a discount of $2,000; the banquet facility also waives its $300 ceremony fee.
However, not all wedding venues are cheaper during the winter than during the spring, summer or fall. Weddings at ski resorts are priciest in the winter, the venues' peak season, says Elise Enloe, the director of education for the Association of Bridal Consultants, a trade group.
Also, facilities that are popular with corporate holiday parties or conventions tend to be busiest during the winter, says LeLani Mandac, a senior catering manager at the Hilton Anaheim in California.
To save with a winter wedding at the Hilton Anaheim, couples will have to reserve the space no more than six months in advance, she says. Couples who choose an available weekend between conventions could receive an upgraded package at no extra cost, like a $70-per-person plated dinner (the facility's priciest package) at a cost of $65 per person, or an additional hour for their wedding celebration, which usually costs $250, for free.
In New York, winter is typically slow for caterers and other wedding vendors, says Andrea Correale, the president of Elegant Affairs, an off-premise catering and event-design company. As a result, couples marrying there have more room to negotiate meal prices during the cooler months. A caterer's price difference between a winter and summer wedding in New York is, on average, $50 per person, Correale says. Another option, of course, is to skip dinner. Lunch or brunch can save you 50%.
Flowers
Couples set on a particular color or type of flower should keep an open mind or prepare to drop a lot of cash.
The average cost of wedding flowers ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 in the U.S., says Baxter Phillip, the executive vice president at Phillip's Flowers & Gifts in Chicago. To save with a winter wedding, choose flowers that are in season, like irises, orchids, lilies and most roses, he says. Hydrangeas and peonies are the most expensive in January, and red and white roses are the priciest in the two weeks leading up to Valentine's Day and during the holiday season.
Also, find out where the flowers are coming from. Their starting point and shipping costs factor into the price. Seventy-five percent of wedding flowers (primarily roses) come from South America, whose summer season is our winter, Phillip says. Those flowers often are more affordable for winter weddings in the U.S. than, say, flowers imported from Holland, which shares our winter. Distance is also a factor.
Flowers that ship from South America to Florida will be cheaper than those shipped to California, says Angie Zimmerman, the owner of Heavenly Flowers & Events in El Dorado Hills, Calif.
Sticking to locally grown flowers that are in season is the least-expensive option.
For example, tulips are less expensive in California during the winter than they are in most of the rest of the U.S. because the state has many local tulip growers, Zimmerman says.
Photography and video
Fewer weddings mean fewer requests for photographers and videographers.
For weddings between December and March, Bill Louis, the owner of Stella View Studios in Union, N.J., says he discounts his custom photography packages, which start at $1,099, by 10% to 20%.
Jeff Sharpe, a co-owner of Sharpe Photographers in Roseville, Calif., where the starting price for photos is $2,200, says the company offers 10% to 25% discounts for weddings between January and March. During the same months, Eli Allen, the owner of Majestic Images in Philadelphia, who charges a starting price of $7,000 for photography and video combined, offers a 20% discount.
Transportation
Limos are at their most expensive during prom season and peak wedding season -- periods that winter weddings avoid. So expect to pay 10% to 20% less during the winter than you would in May or June, Markel says.
Santos Limousines in Avenel, N.J., lowers the price on its fleet of limos and luxury cars for most weekend weddings between the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and the end of March. For three and a half hours of use, a 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom rented during the winter will cost a couple $1,000, down from its peak price of $1,200; a Chrysler 300 stretch limo will go for $400, down from a high of $475; and a Cadillac Escalade ESV Series will cost $825, down from as much as $925.
From Sundays through Thursdays during the winter, Reston Limousine, based in Washington, D.C., offers a fourth hour free on any vehicle rental at least three hours.
This article was reported by AnnaMaria Andriotis for SmartMoney.com.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wedding Traditions & Superstitions: 50 Wedding Facts & Trivia
Wedding Traditions & Superstitions: 50 Wedding Facts & Trivia
Everyone's got a know-it-all in the family: the uncle who spits out World Series stats at the drop of a hat, the sister who can list all the James Bond flicks in reverse chronological order, the reptile-enthusiast cousin. We're proud to be your wedding equivalent -- here are 50 wedding facts to ponder as you plan your big day:
2. The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!
3. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the "best day" to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.
4. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.
5. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny -- it's the most popular day of the week to marry!
6. Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.
7. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!
8. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!
9. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye. Find out about Muslim wedding rituals.
10. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.
11. A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she'll never do without. Learn more about Swedish wedding traditions.
12. A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony. See more Moroccan wedding customs.
14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
16. About 70% of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand.
17. Priscilla Presley's engagement ring was a whopping 3 1/2-carat rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.
18. Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.
19. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.
20. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.
21. One of history's earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.
22. Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States!
23. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England -- the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity.
24. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.
26. In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes fidelity for the length of a marriage.
27. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.
28. On her wedding day, Grace Kelly wore a dress with a bodice made from beautiful 125-year-old lace.
29. Of course, Jackie Kennedy's bridesmaids were far from frumpy. She chose pink silk faille and red satin gowns created by African-American designer Ann Lowe (also the creator of Jackie's dress).
30. In Japan, white was always the color of choice for bridal ensembles -- long before Queen Victoria popularized it in the Western world.
31. Most expensive wedding ever? The marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum's son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May 1981. The price tag? $44 million.
32. In Korea, brides don bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows.
33. Brides carry or wear "something old" on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past.
34. In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits!
35. The "something blue" in a bridal ensemble symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love.
37. In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds' hearth.
38. The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride's head for fertility's sake.
39. The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over.
40. Queen Victoria's wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds.
41. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom's cake under their pillows.
42. An old wives' tale: If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband.
44. The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth, and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings.
45. Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" during her wedding processional in 1858.
46. The bride stands to the groom's left during a Christian ceremony, because in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.
47. On average, 7,000 couples marry each day in the United States.
48. Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve are the two busiest "marriage" days in Las Vegas -- elopement central!
49. The Catholic tradition of "posting the banns" to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.
50. Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.
Everyone's got a know-it-all in the family: the uncle who spits out World Series stats at the drop of a hat, the sister who can list all the James Bond flicks in reverse chronological order, the reptile-enthusiast cousin. We're proud to be your wedding equivalent -- here are 50 wedding facts to ponder as you plan your big day:
Good Luck and Bad Luck
1. Hey, brides, tuck a sugar cube into your glove -- according to Greek culture, the sugar will sweeten your union.2. The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck. Yikes!
3. In English tradition, Wednesday is considered the "best day" to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health.
4. The groom carries the bride across the threshold to bravely protect her from evil spirits lurking below.
5. Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day, according to English folklore. Funny -- it's the most popular day of the week to marry!
6. Ancient Romans studied pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to marry.
7. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition!
8. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. Ouch!
9. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye. Find out about Muslim wedding rituals.
10. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.
11. A Swedish bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she'll never do without. Learn more about Swedish wedding traditions.
12. A Finnish bride traditionally went door-to-door collecting gifts in a pillowcase, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.
13. Moroccan women take a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony. See more Moroccan wedding customs.
14. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility and luck.
It's Got a Ring To It
15. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.16. About 70% of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand.
17. Priscilla Presley's engagement ring was a whopping 3 1/2-carat rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.
18. Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.
19. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.
20. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.
21. One of history's earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.
22. Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States!
23. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England -- the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity.
24. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.
Fashionable Lore
25. Queen Victoria started the Western world's white wedding dress trend in 1840 -- before then, brides simply wore their best dress.26. In Asia, wearing robes with embroidered cranes symbolizes fidelity for the length of a marriage.
27. Ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. Brides have worn veils ever since.
28. On her wedding day, Grace Kelly wore a dress with a bodice made from beautiful 125-year-old lace.
29. Of course, Jackie Kennedy's bridesmaids were far from frumpy. She chose pink silk faille and red satin gowns created by African-American designer Ann Lowe (also the creator of Jackie's dress).
30. In Japan, white was always the color of choice for bridal ensembles -- long before Queen Victoria popularized it in the Western world.
31. Most expensive wedding ever? The marriage of Sheik Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum's son to Princess Salama in Dubai in May 1981. The price tag? $44 million.
32. In Korea, brides don bright hues of red and yellow to take their vows.
33. Brides carry or wear "something old" on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past.
34. In Denmark, brides and grooms traditionally cross-dressed to confuse evil spirits!
35. The "something blue" in a bridal ensemble symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love.
Food and Family
36. In Egypt, the bride's family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding, so the couple can…relax.37. In South Africa, the parents of both bride and groom traditionally carried fire from their hearths to light a new fire in the newlyweds' hearth.
38. The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome, where revelers broke a loaf of bread over a bride's head for fertility's sake.
39. The custom of tiered cakes emerged from a game where the bride and groom attempted to kiss over an ever-higher cake without knocking it over.
40. Queen Victoria's wedding cake weighed a whopping 300 pounds.
41. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom's cake under their pillows.
42. An old wives' tale: If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband.
Show Off at a Cocktail Party
43. In many cultures around the world -- including Celtic, Hindu and Egyptian weddings -- the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple's commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple (giving us the popular phrase "tying the knot").44. The Roman goddess Juno rules over marriage, the hearth, and childbirth, hence the popularity of June weddings.
45. Princess Victoria established the tradition of playing Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" during her wedding processional in 1858.
46. The bride stands to the groom's left during a Christian ceremony, because in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.
47. On average, 7,000 couples marry each day in the United States.
48. Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve are the two busiest "marriage" days in Las Vegas -- elopement central!
49. The Catholic tradition of "posting the banns" to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.
50. Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Affordable Wedding Ideas 10 Tips to Save You Some Money
Every bride wants a beautiful wedding, but weddings can be expensive. There are little ways that you can cut costs and still have the beautiful wedding of your dreams.
Fifty dollars here or a hundred dollars there may not seem like much at the time, but these little amounts can soon add up.
The following ten affordable wedding ideas can easily be incorporated into your wedding plans to help you cut costs with very little effort.
Traditional engraved wedding invitations can be costly. The good news is using your computer and printer to make your own invitations is easy to do and will save you a lot of money. You can find a variety of quality paper at both online and locally at craft stores or office supply stores. Web based and local stores that sells scrapbooking supplies will also have a nice selection of paper. In fact many discount department stores have craft sections that offer card stock and stationary paper. There are many websites where you will find fancy fonts(many that are free) that can be downloaded to your computer. You can look around at the different websites that sell wedding invitations to get ideas for wording and layout and then experiment with inexpensive paper until you get the look you want.
Wedding programs are another item that you can print yourself to save money. As with the wedding invitations look around for ideas and then create your programs yourself.
Don’t buy shoes that are marketed as “bridal shoes”, instead purchase a nice pair of pumps or sandals that you know you will wear in the future. There is little reason to spend a lot of money on something that almost no one will see. Your comfort should be the only real concern with shoes.
Live bands are often the choice for music for the reception, but unless band members are your friends or relatives and offer to play for a reduced price, hiring a band is expensive. A more affordable alternative is to hire a DJ to take care of the music. An even less costly idea is to create a play list on your ipod and hook it up to speakers.
Wedding cakes are another expensive part of the wedding reception. One way to make the cake more affordable is by choosing a small wedding cake to decorate the table and use in pictures and then ordering sheet cakes in a quantity that will feed your guests. If the sheet cakes are made to match the small cake on the table and placed on plates in the kitchen, most guests will never even notice. Another idea is to order layer cakes in three different sizes and specify that they be frosted in your choice of icing with a smooth finish. The cakes can be placed on the table on pretty cake stands in different heights and fresh flowers can be used to pretty them up.
An open bar at the wedding reception is one of the most costly choices you can make. A more affordable option would be to limit the alcohol served to only beer and wine. Skipping the alcohol altogether is the most budget friendly option. You can instead offer your guest iced tea, water or coffee with the meal and offer punch on the cake table.
Elaborate reception table centerpieces are another big expense. While you don’t want bare tables, you can keep the centerpieces simple and save a good bit of money. A single rose or pretty candle floating in a glass bowl makes a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece. Confetti in a color or colors that coordinate with the wedding decor can be sprinkled around it for additional color.
Affordable wedding photographers can sometimes be hard to find and might require thinking outside the box to accomplish. An idea that was recently shared with me was to inquire at a local camera store for a photographer. The person who did this found an outstanding photographer who was just beginning his business at a very good price. The wedding pictures were fabulous.
Many brides purchase disposable cameras for the guests to use to take pictures at the reception. One drawback of this is the cost of developing the pictures which may or may not be good pictures. A cost saving method is to encourage your friends and family to bring their own digital cameras to use instead. You will still get the benefit of the candid reception photos, but you will only need to spend the money to print those that you really like.
Napkins that are stamped with the wedding date and the names of the bride and groom are nice, but are also an unnecessary expense, after all they will only end up in the trash. To cut costs purchase napkins in a solid color that coordinate with the wedding colors.
I hope these affordable wedding ideas will help you to cut some costs for your wedding.
thanks to the following:
http://www.bestbudgetweddingideas.com/affordable-wedding-ideas-10-tips-to-save-you-some-money.html#more-233
Fifty dollars here or a hundred dollars there may not seem like much at the time, but these little amounts can soon add up.
The following ten affordable wedding ideas can easily be incorporated into your wedding plans to help you cut costs with very little effort.
Traditional engraved wedding invitations can be costly. The good news is using your computer and printer to make your own invitations is easy to do and will save you a lot of money. You can find a variety of quality paper at both online and locally at craft stores or office supply stores. Web based and local stores that sells scrapbooking supplies will also have a nice selection of paper. In fact many discount department stores have craft sections that offer card stock and stationary paper. There are many websites where you will find fancy fonts(many that are free) that can be downloaded to your computer. You can look around at the different websites that sell wedding invitations to get ideas for wording and layout and then experiment with inexpensive paper until you get the look you want.Wedding programs are another item that you can print yourself to save money. As with the wedding invitations look around for ideas and then create your programs yourself.Don’t buy shoes that are marketed as “bridal shoes”, instead purchase a nice pair of pumps or sandals that you know you will wear in the future. There is little reason to spend a lot of money on something that almost no one will see. Your comfort should be the only real concern with shoes. Live bands are often the choice for music for the reception, but unless band members are your friends or relatives and offer to play for a reduced price, hiring a band is expensive. A more affordable alternative is to hire a DJ to take care of the music. An even less costly idea is to create a play list on your ipod and hook it up to speakers.Wedding cakes are another expensive part of the wedding reception. One way to make the cake more affordable is by choosing a small wedding cake to decorate the table and use in pictures and then ordering sheet cakes in a quantity that will feed your guests. If the sheet cakes are made to match the small cake on the table and placed on plates in the kitchen, most guests will never even notice. Another idea is to order layer cakes in three different sizes and specify that they be frosted in your choice of icing with a smooth finish. The cakes can be placed on the table on pretty cake stands in different heights and fresh flowers can be used to pretty them up. An open bar at the wedding reception is one of the most costly choices you can make. A more affordable option would be to limit the alcohol served to only beer and wine. Skipping the alcohol altogether is the most budget friendly option. You can instead offer your guest iced tea, water or coffee with the meal and offer punch on the cake table. Elaborate reception table centerpieces are another big expense. While you don’t want bare tables, you can keep the centerpieces simple and save a good bit of money. A single rose or pretty candle floating in a glass bowl makes a simple, elegant and inexpensive centerpiece. Confetti in a color or colors that coordinate with the wedding decor can be sprinkled around it for additional color. Affordable wedding photographers can sometimes be hard to find and might require thinking outside the box to accomplish. An idea that was recently shared with me was to inquire at a local camera store for a photographer. The person who did this found an outstanding photographer who was just beginning his business at a very good price. The wedding pictures were fabulous.Many brides purchase disposable cameras for the guests to use to take pictures at the reception. One drawback of this is the cost of developing the pictures which may or may not be good pictures. A cost saving method is to encourage your friends and family to bring their own digital cameras to use instead. You will still get the benefit of the candid reception photos, but you will only need to spend the money to print those that you really like.Napkins that are stamped with the wedding date and the names of the bride and groom are nice, but are also an unnecessary expense, after all they will only end up in the trash. To cut costs purchase napkins in a solid color that coordinate with the wedding colors. I hope these affordable wedding ideas will help you to cut some costs for your wedding.
thanks to the following:
http://www.bestbudgetweddingideas.com/affordable-wedding-ideas-10-tips-to-save-you-some-money.html#more-233
Monday, April 25, 2011
Wedding Vows - Some examples to help you out
Looking for your wedding vows - those special words that will marry you? Here is an assortment of traditional and non-traditional, religious and secular wedding vows to get you started. If you are getting married in a religious setting, check with your officiant as she/he may have specific words that you cannot deviate from. Otherwise, feel free to add your own embellishments, loving words, funny promises (I promise to always make your favorite apple pie!) and inside jokes.
I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my husband/wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.
I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.
After both have said individual vows, they may wish to say something in unison such as:
Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me.
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I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
In the presence of God and these our friends I take thee to be my husband/wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband/wife so long as we both shall live.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my friend, my lover, the (mother/father) of my children and my (husband/wife). I will be yours in times of plenty and in times of want, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow, in times of failure and in times of triumph. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you, for all eternity.
I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life.
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.
After both have said individual vows, they may wish to say something in unison such as:
Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me.
Content provided by About.com
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