Behind every good wedding is a great soundtrack, one that can move guests to dance, to dine and sometimes, even to cry.
Choose the right melody for every moment with help from his article.
There is a definite trend toward employing "Save the Date” announcements to be sure that the people closest to you are able to attend your wedding celebration. We think it's a great trend in our busy world.
There is something so special about a winter wedding. Icy, sparkling, cozy, and often glamorous, a cold weather celebration is always in style. Make your wedding unforgettable with one of these winter wedding color palettes.
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Since we have selected your question to answer on our site, we are sending you a gift certificate for $250.00 to VIP Designs!!! This should be a big help toward getting ideas for your day! Contact us on how to get your certificate!!!
You don't mention anything in particular about your location, likes or dislikes, so I will give you lots of general tips - feel free to email us again with more questions. I also will send your question to some of our wedding professionals who may be able to help - but helping will be easier if we know more.
Okay - here are many ways to cut costs while still maintaining a "nice" feeling. Some will probably work for you and some will be less of a possibility. I tried to include info on who can help!
1. The obvious - reduce your guest list.
2. Cut back the budget on most things, but add one or two "scene stealers" that take time (not money) and that catch everyone's eye and attention - they will talk about them all night - (read: "What a nice wedding!")
Ideas for this are:
A gorgeous, nicely covered and displayed guest book table with photos and meaningful memorabilia all displayed at different levels (put boxes under the tablecloths) - Add a lamp or candles -or even favorite decor items from your home that build and enhance the theme of your wedding. Visit Tassels in Fig Garden for inspiration on how to display a table - these ladies are the queens of display! Also, feel free to contact one of our amazing wedding coordinators that offer help in many forms from hourly consultation to full wedding coordination. Our favs are Pebbles from Happily Ever After and Victoria from VIP Designs.
A beautiful program - made far in advance, by you - printed in grey (doesn't use much of your ink cartridge) on your PC, on pretty paper glued or tied with ribbon to backing stock - find great "do it yourself" papers at Scribbles.
Handwritten (by the bride and groom) - "thank you for coming - it means so much to us" or other personal style notes and put them on each table.
If children will be attending, set up a special table for them with coloring books and activities. Make it a part of your decor by using a big market umbrella overhead or even a cabana if outdoors or a circle of balloons all around it if indoors. Be creative and have fun with it - but keep it tuned to the theme of the wedding. Parents love anyone who does something special for their children.
3. Instead of a full meal opt for some really unusual and delicious hors de oeuvres - looks like you spent more money - not less! Talk to Mike at Fugazzis for unique passed and plated hors de oeuvres (passing them adds elegance and portion control at the same time), and to Patty at Patty Ochinero catering for beautiful fruit, veggie and meat trays which can be displayed on multiple tables like food stations - this also reduces consumption, yet enhances mingling by your guests. .
4. Set your wedding for an "off day" - sometimes it's better for everyone - especially if the family has children who participate in sports and are busy or out of town on weekends. Tornino's offers specials for weddings on Sundays - and they take care of pretty much everything else - saving you time - (you can work a few more hours at what you do to make money, while they handle the organization!)
5. Have a beautiful, but small scale cake designed by Barb's Cakery, Creme de la cake, or Kakes by Design - then have them make up several plain sheet cakes (same flavor) to "feed the masses" that will be cut and distributed to your guests. (Who knows after its cut??)
6. Do an "off prime time" wedding. Set your wedding up outdoors at breakfast time - or seriously early and watch the sun come up! This changes the "meal" to fruits and muffins and scrambled eggs which could be beautifully presented and cuts down on the DJ's hours, as well as bringing him in at a time he is less likely to be booked and perhaps could offer a better rate. (Good Times Entertainment, Mancini Emcee, Party DJ Party) Use his services to do the emcee work, to help people follow along with this "novel" wedding style. This could even be set up like a "picnic" where a few tables are reserved for the older guests and everyone else sits on "picnic blankets" that they select from big baskets where they are rolled up and tied with pretty ribbons.
7. In contrast - the "cocktail hour" or late night wedding is perfect for "adults only" weddings. Make it a very dressy affair at a time that is definitely after dinner. This is a walking around and visiting - and possibly dancing event, but not a sit down or buffet dinner. Make the centerpiece of your event a beautiful chocolate fountain from California Chocolate Fountains. Add some simple but delicious cookies from Goodies Cookies You might also offer extra "not so sweet" snacks like nuts and pretzels, that may or may not be dipped, so that your guests will have options if they are not chocolate lovers - (who isn't?!?) . Chill the champagne in silver buckets or a champagne fountain from Walker Lewis or Discount Party Rental. Let the guests take their champagne glass from a stacked display that adds to the elegant decor. Be sure you really set an elegant tone.
Well, that's a few ideas - be sure to e-mail us with any other questions you might have! All the best to you! Cynthia
Thank you for your question – we love hearing from our brides about things that matter to them and that can help other brides as well.
We don’t know if you are planning a beach theme wedding in the San Joaquin Valley or at a coastal location, but after some research and polling our favorite wedding professionals we have some ideas that I’m sure will get you off to a great start, no matter where you celebrate your day! To help you we've added a fun beach theme wedding collage to our Weddings by Color Page.
Cyndy Spangler from All About Weddings has done several beach theme weddings “All the way from a true wedding on beach in Hawaii, to a wedding in Cayucos with invitations in a bottle, to a luau in a tent in [the] back yard”.
Personally, when working on a theme project, I always like to get some photographic inspiration. This is a great way to get a feel for what colors work with your theme and what interpretation of your theme best matches your personalities. Natasha at Human Nature Photography sent me an e-mail with a personal idea as well as a link to photos from a wedding she shot a few years ago:
“Hi Cynthia, I photographed a great beach theme wedding a few years ago and they had some of the cutest centerpieces. It was not Hawaiian style but very tastefully beachy. To see their photos the bride can go to my website, this link will take her directly to the photos.
http://www.hnphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/174815_HzJrY#6580406_irfDc( page 20 of the photos – image number 2045)
Another cute idea is to make an arch out of driftwood. It would be fairly simple. She would have to go to a beach known for having a lot of driftwood and collect a bunch of it. Then you just tie it all together with rope and then let it sit outside so the rope can weather a little so it looks more authentic. Hope that helps a little, [Natasha]”
Another place to start is our website. Click the "THE ONE Favor Shoppe" link on this page, then when our “The One Favor Shoppe” comes up type “beach” into the search box. There you will see a plethora of beach theme favors, any of which can be the inspiration for your wedding décor. You will find everything from seashell place card holders at just pennies apiece to chrome shell bottle stoppers in beach themed boxes for under three dollars each. Also included are items featuring other beach theme elements such as beach chairs, starfish, palm trees, sailboats, cruise ships, tiki huts, flip flops, dolphins, treasure chests, orchids, sea glass and more, all very tastefully presented. Whether or not you use these as your favors, they will be a great jumping point for ideas.
The very talented, Victoria Murray of VIP Designs suggests: “Party favors of shell chocolates. Use seafoam green or soft teal to ad to the "Ocean" feel. Use tall vases and put fish & flowers inside.”
In addition, we checked our bridal magazine library and found some other great ideas; Modern Bride from March of 2008 shows a place setting of coral patterned china which caught my eye. I think the idea of using a coral color for gowns and fabrics and the shape of coral as a pattern on printed goods would be incredibly unique take on the beach theme. Our friend, John Smaglik of Erin’s Fine Letterpress Announcements sent me these other thoughts that could work with this theme or inspire another:
“Cynthia, [I suggest] a very “cool” wedding invitation that includes a pocket in the shape of a curling wave. Or a diecut seashell. Each card can have a roll like the ocean cut into the top of each card that goes into the pocket.
Papers that are soft. I am doing an invitation now for a Hawaii wedding [using] light papers letterpressed in orange and yellow inks. John”
John does beautiful embossing and I can visualize a classic shell shape embossed (in turquoise?) on heavy white stock. Gorgeous!... (Janice at Town and Country Party Rentals had an entire window display set up some months ago all done in turquoise with a seashell motif, so I’m sure that she has all of the elements still in stock.)
Also in March’s Modern Bride there was a lilac tone wedding featured. We dismissed it as commonplace until we discovered that the table decorations were pure white anemones and sea flowers. Used with white dishes and lilac flowers the result was a very fresh take on “beach”. This particular wedding also featured some sea glass, and favor boxes with a tissue liner and charm influenced by a treasure map.
Marisela Saavedra at Timeless Treasures, has done videography for tons of weddings and here are her personal takes on the theme:
“Hello Cynthia, I have looked at beach weddings myself and have some ideas for her; For centerpieces she could do a vase with water, some type of clear or colorful shiny rocks and fish, I have seen some colorful fish put in there. Another idea could be a sand theme with a bowl or vase with sand, regular or even colored and seashells surrounding a candle in the middle or mulitple sized candles.
The ceremony could also have umbrellas of various colors set out for the guests, if it is an outside wedding, that would be beautiful for pictures as well as keep your guests cool in the sun.
I have also seen some great sand castle cakes that are imprinted on to look like sand or the classic white cake with some colorful flowers or starfish imprints or seashells. (My note – I’ll bet Liz and Crème de la Cake would love an opportunity to do something fun like this!!)
She can also do a sand ceremony instead of candles and the colored sand and seashells. Hopefully this helps. Marisela”
As for the wedding meal, my friend Chef Andrew from Karsh’s Catering offered some mouthwatering ideas that are to die for!
“Hi Cynthia, I would offer a couple of suggestions depending on which coast she wants to go with.
# 1 New England Seafood beach party; clams, lobster, muscles cooked over coals on location corn on the cob potatoes, and more
#2 Luau; Whole roasted pig, teriyaki chicken, pineapple fried rice, stir fried vegetables all cooked on location. If the sight of a whole pig is too much we can always do BBQ Pork loin or shoulder!
#3 All American; Gourmet sandwiches, cheeses, tasty finger foods to meet the beach theme with great wines and beers in ice chests or buckets to mach the theme.
[We have other great ideas] to really make your wedding feel like you are at the beach. Andrew J. Karsh, Karsh’s Catering & Karsh’s Grill
P.S. Cynthia, The restaurant is open once again wed-sat dinner only. You must come in and enjoy the cuisine!”
Last but not least my final thoughts (for now!- but once I get going it’s hard to stop) on the theme:
Play off all of the neutral colors of seashells, adding textures for interest. For example, greys, taupes, tans, champagnes and whites. Use textured and non-shiny fabrics like linen and crinkled cotton gauze. Then juxtapose the simplicity yet profound beauty of mounds of seashells with the elegance of large silver candelabras and soft white candles.
Or – go pink! Use blush colored raw silk or shantung fabrics with tulips and peonies, interspersed with exotic tropical flowers, all in shades of pink. Accent with pink shells and strings of flower leis and shell strands cut and all tied together so they will be long garlands instead of rounds. (Ask your florist to order these for you.)
We are in the process of adding “Real Wedding” pages to our site, so there should be lots more ideas there very soon for you to see. I will keep your theme in mind and get back to you when I hear from my other friends in the industry or when I come across other inspirations.
Since we've selected your question to post online, my assistant will soon be contacting you, so that you can select a gift certificate to help you with your planning!
Best of luck to you! Cynthia
Find the great favors above and more ideas at THE ONE Favor shoppe!
www.TheOneWedding.com
1- 877-TheOneW
www.TheOneWedding.com
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With all the focus on wedding planning, the bride and groom have plenty on their minds. As the wedding nears, they both look forward to the respite of their honeymoon as a time to relax and catch up with one another. Unfortunately, (as we always preachat The One) overlooking seemingly unimportant lists and tasks has ruined many a honeymoon getaway. How could this be?
How to Be Sure That Your Honeymoon Gets Off the Ground (or On the Sea!)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of the Department of Homeland Security is solidly in force as of January 2009, and bottom line, it’s important to have a passport for honeymoon travel. The rules are very detailed and there are exceptions to the rule allowing the use of other documents in combination, but ultimately it’s just easier to have a passport. Our quick link this month is for “Rush My Passport”. “Rush My Passport is a licensed passport hand courier with the U.S. Passport Agency. This license allows them to have your U.S. passport processed by the U.S. Passport Agency in as quickly as 24 hours. They are frequently used by government and business officials and have been praised by Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. If the nation’s top business and government travelers rely on them, you should be able to, as well.
Here is the link to their site:
IMPORTANT:
Please note that there are also regulations regarding that the name on your airline tickets matches the name on your “Government issued ID”. We recommend that for a trip as important as your honeymoon you should rely on the experience and advice of a reliable travel agency and save the “do it yourself” travel planning for a less stressful and less important trip.
The following is the link to the website of the Department of Homeland Security “travel Page”.
Check this page for information specific to your situation.
Meanwhile – get your passport, and if you need it in a hurry you can count on Rush My Passport to get it to you on time!!
ARTICLE - The Importance of Passports
help with Honeymoon Plans from "Rush My Passport"
THE ONE STAFF - CYNTHIA
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Wedding colors tend to move in trends as do colors for sportswear, home decor and even vehicles. (I know this because I've stopped counting the times I have tried to unlock the door of someone else’s White Tahoe in an overcrowded parking lot!)
I so enjoy a wedding where the bride finds a way to pay homage to the color du jour, and yet attire her maids in a tone that is classic and timeless. I recently attended such a wedding, it was truly breathtaking, comfortable, yet quite elegant, au currant, yet timeless. Bravo MVR!!! What a beautiful bride you were, as well! And bravo to the young ladies who fashioned the beautiful dipped strawberries – delicious!
Now – back to color. This is what I am seeing now. Yellow - which can be so fresh and uplifting. It’s a natural for a casual wedding – Id like to see someone take it for a spin for a more formal occasion. Blue - The robin’s egg variety, mostly. Very pretty. Aqua - Not quite Tiffany, but close. For coming up – I am feeling some lilac, like hydrangeas. For fall, all the same but richer and deeper in tone.
All that said. Please, oh please, don’t let the fashion of the day unduly influence your choice of wedding colors. This is your day – not some editor’s, (or writer’s!) so please be sure that you and your fiancé are comfortable with the colors you choose. Remember, through the magic of the new digital image technology you will be looking at them, (just as crisp as the day they were filmed), for a long, long time!
Enjoy our site, and congratulations on your impending nuptuals,
but most of all, have fun planning your wedding with THE ONE!
Wishing you all of the best in life and in love!
Cynthia Cardoza Carreiro
Author, Publisher, THE ONE Wedding Planner
ARTICLE - QUICK TAKES ON COLOR
THE ONE STAFF - CYNTHIA
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Can you even imagine a wedding without music? I have tried, but somehow this imaginary wedding looses nearly all of its warmth and emotion. As humans, our feelings are deeply tied to our senses, so our subliminal evaluations of any experience are based on how many of these senses are triggered, to what degree they are activated, and finally if the connotation - or association, if you will - of our brain's reference to that particular combination of triggers is a positive one. Sound is one of the most powerful sense triggers. Waking to happy sounds such as gently chirping birds can cause our entire day to begin on a brighter note and falling asleep to relaxing sounds such as ocean waves can lull us to a peaceful sleep.
The music you select for your wedding is pivotal in setting the tone for your wedding as well as how you and your guests will feel when they attend and when they recall the event. It can also tell your guests so very much about who you, as a couple are, what inspires you and how you feel about your celebration.
The possibilities for your music selections are nearly limitless. First, I must mention the beauty of pure, clear vocals, either solo or with mild accompaniment. In terms of common instrumentation, there are of course the strings (violin, harp, piano and the like), and winds (flute, organ). These are timeless, classic choices, but that does not mean that they are mandatory by any means. Why not classical or flaminco guitar - or electric guitar for that matter. And if you really want to step out from the mold, consider trumpet, saxophone or even percussion. Share your choices with your guests either live or via recording.
A caution; whether your selections are country, classical, pop or any other style or combination of styles, try to think of how you will feel about them into the future, when you will look back on them as your "first dance" or even more likely, listen to them on your wedding videotape.
There are several good websites with links to wedding music you can hear so that you can "try it on" for size. One is the "Wedding Music Library". They offer an extensive selection of tunes for everything from the bride’s entrance, to the reception with selections in English as well as multiple ethnic categories. As always, you can count on our featured wedding music professionals to help you select tunes that are uniquely you and to present them in a way that will help your wedding to be a feast for the ears and a wonderfully endearing as well as enduring memory!
ARTICLE - MUSIC MAKES THE HEART SING!
THE ONE STAFF - CYNTHIA
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It is a main focal point of your reception. The cake is a symbol of purity and cutting the cake together is a display of partnership and togetherness.
When choosing a wedding cake, you will want something that not only looks good but also tastes wonderful. It is important to work with a bakery that you feel comfortable with, can be accommodating or flexible and one that you can explain your ideas to. It may not be wise to let a friend with little experience do your cake on such an important day just to save a few dollars.
When you begin the exciting journey of shopping for your wedding rings, one of the first questions a jeweler may ask will be, “Which metal do you prefer?”
Most retailers today will have several options to present to you, beyond the traditional gold and platinum, and there are many factors to consider when making your choice.The perfect bridal gown deserves the perfect accessories, and that includes your hairstyle.
This is an easy guide to help you match your hairstyle to your wedding gown for an unbeatable look.
SUNRISE AND SUNSET
The most glorious times of the day!
Want to double the romance factor for any occasion?
We have found a website that will help you to time your event to coordinate with sunrise or sunset.
Imagine proposing exactly at sunset, or having you wedding exactly at sunrise. Think of the great photos that will you to always remember the special day!
The perfect bridal gown deserves the perfect accessories, and that includes your hairstyle. With more necklines than ever available these days, it is easy for brides to get confused about which hairdos work best with which wedding gowns. This is an easy guide to help you match your hairstyle to your wedding gown for an unbeatable look.
One shoulder wedding dresses have become very popular in the last few seasons, and this very unique neckline calls for a carefully crafted wedding hairstyle. After all, if you wear your hair down over your shoulders, you will end up obscuring the one shoulder detail that makes the gown special in the first place. Hair should definitely be pulled off your neck when wearing a one shoulder bridal gown. A beautiful way to complement the asymmetrical neckline is with a soft chignon which is pulled off center to the opposite side of the single shoulder strap. It creates a pleasing visual balance to the gown and also ensures that your hairstyle will not hide the cut of the dress. Keep your bridal hair jewelry simple and modern with this style; a beautiful crystal brooch tucked into the chignon will be perfect.
Strapless gowns remain popular, and the openness of the neckline creates its own needs when it comes to a wedding hairdo. Soft waves cascading down over your shoulders will help to break up all that empty space and add a bit more coverage, especially for the wedding ceremony. For a more formal wedding, an updo piled high on the top of the head can also work well with strapless. Just be sure to wear a dramatic necklace to fill in the empty area between your bodice and chin, otherwise you will look naked in any close up pictures! A veil will also help to soften the look, and is always lovely for a formal wedding ceremony. Select bridal hair jewelry which complements the details on your strapless gown, as well as your necklace and earrings.
The traditional illusion neckline is a very demure and sweet style of bridal gown. A sheer fabric covers the shoulders, and adds a special detail to what otherwise could have been a standard strapless neckline. Some illusion dresses feature beading on the sheer portion, which will sparkle delicately over the skin. The perfect hairstyle for this gown can be a half up, half down 'do. It will allow the illusion neckline to show, while enhancing the feminine style of the dress. Of course, you don't want your hair to cover any details on your gown, so if your illusion bodice features beading, pull all of your hair up into a classic twist. A delicate double headband with crystal or pearl accents is an elegant accompaniment to an illusion gown.
Portrait neckline or off the shoulder wedding gowns are defined by the way they show off the bride's graceful shoulders. Therefore, it is a given that the wedding hairdo should lift the bride's hair up to allow her shoulders to show. A low braided bun or a faux bob (in which hair is pinned up very loosely) is a lovely style to wear with a portrait neckline bridal gown. The soft styles are not too severe and they will help to enhance the beautifully cut neckline of the dress. A cluster of hairpins tucked into the bun is the ideal bridal hair jewelry for this elegant wedding hairstyle.
In general, seek a wedding hairstyle which suits the style of your gown as well as the shape of the neckline. If your gown has a woodsy bohemian flavor, then a loose side braid would make sense, just as a sharp bob would be fantastic with a 1920s flapper inspired dress. When the wedding gown, hairstyle, and accessories all work together in harmony, the results will be nothing short of stunning!
SELECTING THE PERFECT HAIRSTYLE TO MATCH YOUR GOWN
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Behind every good wedding is a great soundtrack, one that can move guests to dance, to dine and sometimes, even to cry. Choosing the right melody for every moment, from the ceremony prelude and processional to the cocktail hour and couple's departure, can create a romantic, festive or even fun atmosphere for the event. Though often overlooked, music is an important and individual detail that can serve to truly distinguish your special day. So, here are a few hints on how to select the best songs for your bridal experience.
The Ceremony
Despite any notions that they many have about being "different," most brides still lean towards tradition when it come to selecting the wedding songs for their ceremony. This means that much of the wedding's music is also likely to be a little more standard. For this reason, classics like "The Wedding March" by Mendelssohn will never fall out of fashion. Some variation still occurs however, often caused by cultural, personal or religious preference. Among the most common selections though, are these contemporary favorites and traditional tunes:
Prelde (played just prior to the ceremony):
- "Clair de Lune" - Claude Debussy
- "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey (instrumental)
- "Four Seasons" - Antonio Vivaldi
Processional (played as the bridal party enters and proceeds down the aisle):
- "Bridal Chorus" - Richard Wagner
- "Canon in D" - Johann Pachelbel
- "Mahtovu" (Jewish)
Interlude (played during any transitional moments in the ceremony with optional music):
- "Ave Maria" - Franz Schubert
- "The Lord's Prayer" - Ken Davies
- "You Raise Me Up" - Josh Groban
Special Ceremony (played during any special ceremonies included in the wedding, such as the Unity Candle):
- "Candle on the Water" (from Disney's Pete's Dragon") - Helen Reddy
- "The Gift" - Jim Brickman
- "The Rose" - Bette Midler
Recessional (played at the conclusion of the ceremony as the couple and bridal party depart):
- "Hornpipe" (Water Music) - George Frideric Handel
- "Ode to Joy" - Ludwig van Beethoven
- "Wedding March" - Felix Mendelssohn
Postlude (played after the recessional for any remaining guests to enjoy as they depart):
- "Allegro Maestoso for Organ in C Major" - Felix Mendelssohn
- "Beauty and the Beast" - Angela Lansbury
- "Trumpet Voluntary" - Jeremiah Clarke
The Reception
When it comes to selecting songs for a reception, there is an almost endless array of choices. However, much like any other article of decor, the reception music is usually a reflection of the bridal couple's unique sense of creativity and style. Depending on the wedding's theme, there may be obvious options for everything from background ballads to show-stopping swing numbers. Sticking to a particular musical style can help to narrow the focus, but should never be done to the exclusion of classic crowd pleasers like "The Hokey Pokey" or "Shout." Go ahead, dare to be different, but remember, these favorites are always appropriate too:
Cocktail Hour
- "Days of Wine and Roses" - Andy Williams
- "Escape" (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
- "Margaritaville" - Jimmy Buffet
Reception Entrance (wedding party)
- "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" - Hank Williams, Jr.
- "Let's Get It Started" - Black Eyed Peas
- "Alabama Jubilee" (Hail, Hail, the Gang's All here - Fred Astaire
Bride and Groom's First Dance
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis Presley
- "Here and Now" - Luther Vandross
- "I Cross My Heart" - George Strait
Father / Daughter Dance
- "Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
- "I Loved Her First" - Heartland
- "My Girl" - The Temptations
Mother / Son Dance
- "Have I Told You Lately" - Rod Stewart
- "I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
- "In My Life" - The Beatles
Dinner Hour
- "Always" - Frank Sinatra
- "Forever and Ever, Amen" - Randy Travis
- "The Chapel of Love" - Dixie Cups
Cake Cutting
- "Cuts Like a Knife" - Bryan Adams
- "Eat It" - Weird Al Yankovic
- "Sweetest Thing" - U2
Bouquet Toss
- "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper
- "It's Raining Men" - The Weather Girls
- "Single Ladies" (Put a Ring on It) - Beyonce
Garter Toss
- "Fever" - Peggy Lee
- "I Know What Boys Like" - The Waitresses
- "She's Got Legs" - ZZ Top
Reception Departure (couple)
- "Bye, Bye, Bye" - 'N Sync
- "Happy Trails" - Roy Rogers
- "See You Later, Alligator" - Bill Hailey and His Comets
Last Dance of the Evening
- "At Last" - Etta James
SELECTING A WEDDING DAY PLAYLIST
Setting your Wedding's Special Moments to Music
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2011 might seem like a long way off, but bridal gown designers are already hard at work creating the beautiful styles which brides next year will all be coveting. Set to debut in a few months, the first crop of 2011 gowns are embellished with many dimensional details, lots of handstitched crystals, and large floral appliques. Take a sneak peek into the romantic style of the latest wedding gown trends.
For the last few seasons, ruffles have been one of the biggest ways that designers have chosen to add volume and visual interest to their gowns. The bridal gowns which are set to debut soon move away from the ruffle trend, but not from the idea of using embellishments to add volume and femininity. Instead of ruffles, look for gowns with hundreds of tiny three dimensional flowers stitched all over them. Soft petals are another favorite decoration for the romantic gowns for 2011. Oversized clusters of flower "corsages" are another big trend, and they are primarily being used as accents on waistlines or shoulders.
One thing you will not be seeing is a lot of plain dresses or those with simple lines. Asymmetry is still in, both in the form of the one shoulder gown and wedding dresses with asymmetrical draping on the bodice. Very low waistlines are in abundance, and most bodices have ruched, gathered, or draped bodices which hug the figure (the wrapped fabric does a nice job of smoothing over any figure flaws in these tight bodices). Certainly strapless bridal gowns are still a staple, and the one shoulder style is still in style. A new addition to the necklines for 2011 wedding gowns is the tip of the shoulder design which is very slim at the top and just barely grazes the edge of the bride's shoulder. It is a very flattering neckline for many women, and a nice alternative to the more typical strapless wedding dress.
With all the romanticism evident in the upcoming gowns for 2011, don't worry that all the petals and flowers mean less sparkle. You will be seeing Swarovski crystals stitched into the center of tiny floral appliques, as well as larger crystals used to embellish the entire gown, from neck to hem. The difference is in the way the sparkly details are being used: more organically and in clear crystal, rather than the icy silver of mirror backed crystals or rhinestones used to create a defined pattern. This will tie in beautifully with the Swarovski crystal bracelets which are one of the top trends for both 2010 and 2011 brides. Stacks of mismatched Swarovski crystal and pearl bracelets are a modern finishing touch for the romantic gown designs.
It seems as though all of the bridal designers will be crazy for texture in 2011. Not only will gowns soon be gliding down the runway embellished with floral appliques and oversized crystals, but designers are using even more interesting accents to create gowns with dimension. Look for multiple sizes of paillettes being used to create a shimmery, faceted appearance on gowns. (Paillettes are essentially larger and nicer versions of sequins, and they are often drilled at the top instead of the center so they can dangle and move.) Even feathers are making a statement as a trendy bridal gown embellishment. These fantastical details are being added to very soft and romantic fabrics like net, lace, and organza to create gowns which are like something out of a fairy tale. Lucky brides!
WEDDING GOWN TRENDS - 2011
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Lime green and purple, yellow and black, eggplant and orange, turquoise and hot pink! Lots of bright bold colors we are seeing this year. Green orchids, purple lisianthus, yellow gerberas, eggplant calla lilies, orange dahlias, hot pink peonies are among the top favorites of couple these days.
Flowers lift spirits and lighten the mood (which is totally a bonus in this day and age). It is truly awesome when a bride sees her bouquet and gets excited and thrilled for her special day! No one wants to be reminded of a recession or hard times even if we are on a budget.
The Wedding Cake. It is a main focal point of your reception. The cake is a symbol of purity and cutting the cake together is a display of partnership and togetherness. When choosing a wedding cake, you will want something that not only looks good but also tastes wonderful. It is important to work with a bakery that you feel comfortable with, can be accommodating or flexible and one that you can explain your ideas to. It may not be wise to let a friend with little experience do your cake on such an important day just to save a few dollars.
There are several key points to keep in mind when choosing a cake. You want to choose the flavors you like as well as ones that will appeal to most of your guests. You want to make sure that the cake you sample will be the same you receive on your wedding day. As well as the flavor of the cake, there is also the choice of frostings. Most brides believe they need to have their cake made with fondant especially for outdoor venues. This is not necessarily the case. A good buttercream will also do fine outdoors. A good bakery may also be able to duplicate the same design in buttercream as seen in fondant. Fondant usually costs more and most people do not like the taste. Why would you want to pay more for a cake with fondant, and then end up pealing the fondant off before devouring?
Many bridal magazines have suggested to brides to have a smaller tiered cake and then use sheet cakes to supplement the rest of your guests to save money. Because of this, some brides choose to go to a Wholesale type store (Costco or Sam’s Club) to save a few dollars on sheet cakes. This is really cheating some of your guests and not spreading a good name for the bakery of your wedding cake. Besides is the extra effort to go to the store to order the cake and then a second trip to pick up the cakes really helpful. If you want to save a few bucks, order your supplemental cakes from your bakery so all the cake tastes great and you will have the convenience of them being delivered to your reception site.
Brides should be aware of the extra costs that some bakeries will add. Some will charge extra for the type of cake, certain flavors or the frosting used. Certain frosting designs could also incur a bigger charge, even though they may not necessarily be any more difficult or more time involved. Some will also add in charges based on the set up or display of the cake – stacked tiers versus one with taller pillars. Other bakeries may also charge for arranging fresh floral on your finished cake. A good bakery should see to it the cake is beautiful and breathtaking at your reception.
For a sweet experience, choose a bakery that is dependable and you are comfortable with. On your wedding day you will want to be able to have your cake and eat it too.
THE WEDDING CAKE -
written by Debbie at Barbs Cakery, Fresno
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Lime green and purple, yellow and black, eggplant and orange, turquoise and hot pink! Lots of bright bold colors we are seeing this year. Green orchids, purple lisianthus, yellow gerberas, eggplant calla lilies, orange dahlias, hot pink peonies are among the top favorites of couple these days.
Flowers lift spirits and lighten the mood (which is totally a bonus in this day and age). It is truly awesome when a bride sees her bouquet and gets excited and thrilled for her special day! No one wants to be reminded of a recession or hard times even if we are on a budget.
Point is to not look like it and flowers play an integral part of the details, it is after all, what will be in the photography for the rest of your life. Also why ‘bling’ is so popular, it’s easy to incorporate and adds that extra pizzazz.
In the past there were historical meanings of flowers. Flower selection was limited then and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate feelings or a mood. Present time all rules are out the window.
Now in more modern times people are assigning their own meaning-a particular flower or color that may remind them of a special event or moment. Maybe it was that same flower that your fiancé kept sending you during your engagement period or a special flower your Grandmother grew in her garden.
Floral décor will always be an important part of wedding details even in tough times. Yes there are always creative ways to lessen the blow to the pocket book. Even with varying budgets we are seeing the importance of flowers such as a certain type of flower or a specific theme to illustrate the couple’s personality. This year it is bright and bold, rich jewel tones, lots of pop, contrast and texture. Couples want to get a lot for their money and color is definitely one way.
The point is even with varying budgets, going to the floral professional who will help make your wedding flowers personal and more meaningful rather than the basic, common, everyday style will create a wonderful legacy that could be passed on through generations to come.
Flower meanings.
Alstromeria=aspiring
Anemone=fragile
Baby’s breath=festivity
Calla=regal
Cosmos=peaceful
Daffodil=chivalry
Daisy=innocence
Delphinium=boldness
Freesia=spirited
Gardenia=joy
Heather=solitude
Hydrangea=perseverance
Magnolia=dignity
Orchid=delicate beauty
Pansy=loving thoughts
Rose=passionate love
Stephanotis=good luck
Sweet pea=shyness
Statice= success
Tuberose=pleasure
Violet=faithfulness
Contributed by Dana Horton, Awesome Blossoms
COLOR EQUALS PERSONALITY -
written by Dana, Awesome Blossoms Fresno
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There is something so special about a winter wedding. Icy, sparkling, cozy, and often glamorous, a cold weather celebration is always in style. Make your wedding unforgettable with one of these winter wedding color palettes.
One of the most elegant color palettes for a winter wedding is glacier blue and silver. The silver adds that icy twinkle that something that only a winter celebration can have, while the blue is a nice touch of color as a departure from pure winter white. Make the light color seasonal by bringing in rich fabrics like silk satin and silk dupioni. Ice blue satin bridesmaid dresses would be chic for the attendants. Custom bridal Swarovski necklaces with touches of glacier blue would be equally lovely for the bride and her bridesmaids. Tie a silver sparkle ribbon around white bouquets, and you will have a stunning wedding party.
For a very unique take on a winter wedding color palette, consider a departure from the Christmasy reds and dark greens, and turn to Scandinavia for your inspiration. This would be a fantastic idea for a wedding in a very open venue, such as a restored barn, loft, or even a restaurant with double height ceilings. Bring in the unpretentious tans, medium blues, and watery greens of Scandinavian design. Take your inspiration from the winter decorating style of people who really know what winter is all about and deck out your venue with hundreds of white candles, gilded mirrors, and furniture with good clean lines. Bring in the winter vibe by decorating with pine boughs accented with dried herbs tied with check fabric in your signature Scandinavian colors.
If you are a traditionalist, you will love the classic red, green, and white color combination for your winter wedding. Really play up the spirit of the season by decorating with rich tartans, metallic gold ribbons, and luxurious place settings with gold chargers. A fabulous look for the bridesmaids would be red, green, and black silk taffeta tartan ball skirts with black velvet strapless tops. Break up all the color with white flowers for their bouquets. In a fun reversal, the bride can carry red flowers to contrast with her white gown. Instead of standard centerpieces, decorate the reception tables with Christmas tree shaped topiaries planted in gold painted pots. Add small tartan ribbons and white flowers to the topiaries for the perfect finishing touch.
Deep purple and moss green would be a beautiful color palette for a winter wedding. It is an excellent alternative to either of the two usual approaches - Winter Wonderland white or holiday red. The richness of the purple and moss green are very much in keeping with the winter season, yet are far from what is expected. When using an offbeat color palette, avoid references to the traditional winter motifs like snowflakes and sleighs. Let your color scheme be the only defined theme. Lustrous silk dupioni bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses accented with custom bridal Swarovski necklaces will fit in beautifully with the elegant colors.
Of course, an ultra-traditional all-white wedding is always appealing in the winter months, just as it is all year round. White can be used as part of a Winter Wonderland theme complete with snowflakes, or it can be used in a less seasonal fashion. Whether your taste runs to the classics or something a bit less expected, you will find that there are many gorgeous options for winter wedding color palettes.
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Some people are natural born planners, while others...well... not so much. Whatever your talent or experience, when you are trying to pull together a wedding, there will be many details which you will need to stay on top of. Don't hesitate to get help in the form of an experienced coordinator if you can, but at the very least, follow these tips on getting organized for your wedding so that nothing falls through the cracks.
A great wedding planning book is a must for any bride. The timeline tool is one of the most important keys to keeping on track. If you have never planned a wedding before, you may have no idea that you need to order your bridal gown at least six months in advance or that the most popular reception venues often book one to two years in advance. The other really useful thing about a wedding planning book is when the timelines and chapters break the planning process down into more manageable bites. Brides who have a hard time wrapping their heads around big projects will find it much less overwhelming once they realize that during each month they only have to accomplish several specific tasks. Of course, if you are the type who likes to get things done early, by all means take care of anything you can in advance, such as picking out your bridesmaid gifts, assembling your wedding emergency kit, or ordering favors and your wedding jewelry. After all, anything you do early is one less thing to deal with during crunch time.
Checklists are another key organizational tool that every bride needs. It can be so easy to overlook details when your to-do list is about a mile long. A good planning book such as THE ONE Complete Wedding Planner will have checklists for you to fill in once you have finished a task. Bridesmaid gifts selected - check, honeymoon booked - check, programs ordered - check. You can also keep your checklists organized by setting up a computer program with monthly, weekly, possibly even daily lists. Some of the items on your list will be big picture stuff "hire a caterer", while others will be more of the little details "remind fiancé to buy dress socks". Brides registered with TheOneWedding.com can request monthly emails with common tasks and associated tips.
It is also very important to keep all of your wedding materials organized and at your fingertips. If you a bride who enjoys sorting and organizing, you will find that a three ring binder with pockets or a DREAMBOOK Scrapbook can be a big help in your wedding planning. Customize it in a way that makes sense to you. Use it to hold swatches of the bridesmaid dress fabrics, tablecloth color chips, magazine clippings and photos of your flower ideas and your wedding gown. Be sure to put your name and phone number in the front so it can be returned to you if you forget it somewhere.
Brides who like technology might prefer to handle much of their wedding planning details electronically. It is a very accurate way to keep track of things like the R.S.V.P.s, due dates for vendor payments, and items which have been ordered along with their delivery dates. Some brides go as paper-free as possible, even going so far as to scan business cards from vendors, copies of contracts, and pictures of dresses from magazines into their wedding database. If you are keeping your gown a secret, be sure not to have any photos of your wedding gown in a computer program where your fiancé must stumble across them!
If you are the sort of person who cringes at the thought of binders and spreadsheets, you will still need a way to keep your wedding plans organized. You might be more comfortable having a box at home where you store things like contracts and swatches, to be pulled out only if you truly need them. Keep your to-do list organized by entering it in your Blackberry or in an old-fashioned date book. A fun project would be to take your favorite pictures to create a wedding inspiration board. You can make a very cute board by covering a regular cork bulletin board with fabric and crisscrossing ribbons across it diagonally to make a grid. Secure each cross of the ribbon with a pretty pushpin, and then slip your favorite images of dresses, cakes, flowers, and so on under the ribbons. Having the inspiration for your dream wedding in front of you is a great way to stay motivated to keep on top of the endless to-do lists!
WEDDING PLANNING FOR DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES -
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For brides the first option that comes to mind in terms of decor is usually flowers. A look at some truly gorgeous weddings will demonstrate that there are many other beautiful plant based decorating options. All shades of green leaves and plants can be an elegant and affordable addition to your floral accents for both the ceremony and reception. The following are some basic ideas for decorating a wedding with greenery.
Wreaths aren't just for Christmas, and can be a beautiful choice for any style wedding. In addition to the common evergreens used in Christmas wreaths, there are plenty of other types of greens to use for wreaths all year round. Aromatic eucalyptus leaves, fragrant herbs, classic boxwood, laurel leaves, and large magnolia leaves are just some of the materials that can be used to create elegant non-holiday wedding wreaths. A round wreath is always lovely, especially because the eternity symbolized by a circle is very appropriate for a wedding. Other specialty shapes can also be very appealing, such as a contemporary square wreath (especially nice in boxwood) or a romantic heart shaped wreath.
Another versatile way to enhance your wedding with greens is to use garlands. Simple green garlands look elegant wrapping the poles of an arbor for an outdoor ceremony. Either on their own on enhanced with yards of tulle, they create a clean yet romantic altar decoration. If you like the sparkle of chandeliers and crystal, intersperse your garland with large crystals to catch the sunlight or candle glow. Green garlands also look marvelous draped over the doorway of a country church, a rustic old barn, or your own front door for a wedding at home. If having a traditional long head table, a garland of greenery can be swaged across the front of the table. Add some flowers to the greens if you wish. Or coil ribbon through the boughs for a touch of color.
Other increasingly popular wedding decorations are initials made from greens. Various types of moss are especially suited for this type of decor. You can either have one monogram letter made featuring the initial for the couple's last name (more appropriate for the reception after the bride and groom have become a family) or a single initial representing the bride's first name with a second one for the groom. Hang your custom initials on the church or reception doors, on the gates entering an outdoor venue, on the backs of the bride and groom's chairs at the dinner table, are all viable options. Pick a pretty ribbon that suits the wedding theme to suspend the initials, such as gingham for a country wedding or a bridal satin for a more formal affair.
Greenery can also be a lovely as a table centerpiece. Moss globes perched atop stone garden urns are simple but elegant for either an indoor or outdoor wedding. Topiaries are also charming. Smaller ones can serve as centerpieces, and larger can define entrances or the ceremony focal point. Many topiaries can be handmade, ordered from a florist, or rented from a design company or garden shop. A topiary can easily be personalized with the addition of a ribbon in the wedding color, adding flowers, inserting crystals, or even faux birds or butterflies.
Another idea for enhancing your wedding with greenery is to wrap it around decorative elements like candelabras or hurricane lanterns. Myrtle, ivy, or pine greens would be lovely accents, whether your wedding is formal or casual. Of course, one should always consider the ecological and economic benefits of using live plants which may be planted and enjoyed for many years after the wedding. Take care when going this route, that the plants are handled correctly both to preserve their health, and to insure that you do not bring a garden store feel to an otherwise intended wedding.
Greenery is definitely a direction to consider when planning your wedding day decor and with some thought and the cooperation of your florist can be beneficial to the ecology and your wallet, as well.
GREENERY OPTIONS FOR WEDDING DECOR -
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Of course any wedding reception is a festive celebration, but there are things that you can do to make your reception even more fun and memorable. Get your guests really involved by designing activities to entertain and bring up the energy level of your party.
A dance lesson is a great way to make sure that everyone has a fantastic time at your wedding reception. Even the wallflowers will be inspired to try out a few steps, when they are being taught by professionals. Dances from a favorite era are especially fun when they tie in with the overall theme of the wedding. If you were having a Roaring '20s inspired wedding, for instance, a duo of Charleston instructors would definitely be a hoot. A great thing about vintage dance instructors is that it is a very fun activity for wedding guests of all ages; in fact, some of the older guests who remember the dances might be some of the liveliest participants.
If your friends love to ham it up for the camera, rent a photo booth for your reception. All but a few will want to give it a try, and as the evening goes on, the pictures might get increasingly humorous! Some of the newer digital photo booths have screens on the outside that run a slide show of all the images taken during the reception, so it can be as fun to watch as to participate. Most photo booth companies have a system set up so that not only do the guests end the evening with fun photos of themselves, but the couple does, too! Another idea would be to set up a scrapbook station right outside the photo booth, and ask your guests to paste their favorite picture into the book, along with a message to the newlyweds. It will be a much more fun memento than a traditional guest book!
For an outdoor wedding, lawn games are even an option. Croquet is especially nice, as it is a genteel game, easy to play while dressed up in wedding attire. The guests participating in the game create some fabulous photo ops, as well! If the reception is to be a casual one, think about including a horseshoe pit. That game tends to be especially popular with the male guests. Other lawn games to consider include bocce ball, lawn bowling, or even a miniature golf course. Lawn games are especially wonderful for multi-generational weddings, as they provide an activity other than dancing for the older crowd, and will give the children something to do as well as an opportunity to interact with the other guests of all ages.
In Ireland, it is customary to have funny games and even quizzes at a wedding reception. Why not set up a "pub quiz" for your party? You could have a game show format with the best man as the emcee. Guests can test their knowledge of the newlyweds by answering questions about the bride and groom. There could even be some little prizes handed out to the winners. A bottle of wine or a gift basket with local foods would be a special treat, but bragging rights would probably be sufficient.
Whether your wedding is formal or informal, large or small, adding fun activities can make it a much more interactive experience for everyone and encourage lots of new acquaintances. You need not provide non-stop action for your guests, since eating, mingling, and dancing are also part of the fun of a wedding, but one or two special extras would no doubt add a lot, and result in a memorable day for all.
UNIQUE & FUN IDEAS FOR YOUR RECEPTION -
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It's that time again - bridal market in New York. This is where all of the top wedding gown designers showcase the styles that we will be seeing on brides getting married in the fall of 2010. Here is a sneak peek into some of the top trends for fall 2010 wedding gowns, hot off the runway.
For the unfamiliar, this is how bridal market works. The designers present their runway shows to the bridal shop owners, who in turn will order samples of their favorite gowns to carry in their stores. The gowns ordered from the collection that was just shown will not begin to arrive in the bridal salons until January (or later) of 2010. Given the 4-6 month lead time needed for a bride to order a designer gown, the wedding gowns ordered from the showroom samples will not be arriving until the summer of 2010. That is why the collection of bridal gowns on the runway in the fall of 2009 is referred to as the Fall 2010 collection: those are the first brides who will be wearing these fabulous frocks.
Each wedding gown designer has their own style, and yet there are inevitably trends across the industry as a whole. In the previous few seasons, trends like the one shoulder gown and the empire waisted Grecian goddess look ruled the runway. The Fall 2010 collection of bridal gowns went in a different direction. The one shoulder look, while still popular for bridesmaids, is beginning to fade for brides (as fresh as it looked when new, this was a trend with an obvious shelf life).
One of the biggest trends for the Fall 2010 bridal gowns is skirts with lots of texture and movement. Ruffles, tiers, vertical ruffles, appliqued flowers; all of this and more covered the skirts of the gowns. Plain is definitely out. Full skirts were in evidence, as were plenty of modified trumpet skirts. Many of the gowns had a good bit of drama in their silhouettes. Ethereal tulle skirts are also in style for the upcoming season.
As we saw for the Spring 2010 collection, fabric embellishments are very popular, more so than heavy beadwork or embroidery. Favorite accents include oversized bows, fabric flowers, and bits of lace. This type of tone on tone textural ornamentation pairs beautifully with crystal bridal jewelry sets, rather than heavy rhinestones. Bridal jewelry sets should have movement (such as swingy earrings), just like the gowns with which they will be paired.
Strapless gowns ruled the runway yet again. Although plenty of dropped waists were in evidence, there was a strong trend towards gowns with natural waistlines with full textural skirts. Many of the bodices on the wedding gowns also had some texture. Shirred or gathered bodices are very popular, even with all of the focus on ruffled and tiered skirts.
Short dresses remain a growing segment of the offerings for brides. Whether for City Hall chic ceremonies or second dresses for receptions, there are numerous shorter gowns from which the Fall 2010 bride will be able to choose. Overall, the Fall 2010 bridal gown collection appears to have a lot of beautiful dresses for brides with a variety of different styles.
2010 DRESS STYLES -
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Without a doubt, shopping for your bridal gown is one of the highlights of being engaged. It is usually a new and unfamiliar experience, so visiting the first shop can be a bit daunting. When you know what to expect, the process becomes much more fun and productive.
The first thing to know is that most bridal salons recommend appointments. If you walk in without an appointment on a Saturday afternoon, you may be disappointed and even unable to try on any gowns that day. In most salons, your bridal consultant will go into the fitting room to help you in and out of dresses while your family and friends wait near a pedestal and three way mirrors. You will need to step into the gowns with the consultant in the room, so wear underwear you would be comfortable in in this situation. You should also be sure that the bra you are wearing is something that will not distract from the appearance of a gown, and allows you to get a truer picture of fit and flattery.
If you have pictures of gowns you like, by all means bring them along. If you have a DREAMBOOK Scrapbook, take it as well, so that the consultant can get a better picture of the theme and level of formality you are most comfortable with, as well as your ideas for bridesmaid attire and formalwear. Also bring along any family jewelry or a family veil you would like to wear - or to be safe bring something similar, but less precious to get an idea of the look without risking a family heirloom. If there is a particular gown you are hoping to see, give be sure to mention it, (including the style number and manufacturer if you know it) when you make your appointment. Although the salon may carry the designer, it does not necessarily mean that they stock that sample. Sometimes it is possible for salons to borrow a sample from a designer with enough advance notice. There may be a fee for this service to cover the shipping and insurance costs, although the salon may apply the fee to your deposit if you decide to order that gown.
As you try on bridal gowns, don't expect a perfect fit. Brides who are fortunate enough to be the same size as manufacturer samples mind find wedding dress shopping a bit easier, but don't worry if you are not, the salon consultants are experienced in such things and will hold or clip the back in place to give you a sense of how the style will look when it fits properly. Once you determine if it is a style you would consider, it is out to the pedestal to show your family and friends. We recommend having a friend take a snapshot of each, to help you remember the fine points when you are debating your favorites later. Once you find a gown that might be "the one", the consultant may help you try it with a veil and your bridal jewelry.
Be aware that you will have an allotted time for your appointment, which may vary by salon (typically 1 -1.5 hours). There is a good reason for this: after about an hour or two, all the dresses may begin to look alike. If you haven't found your dream dress by then, it is best to take a break and start fresh at another appointment. Don’t be disappointed. Many brides don't find their dress on the first try. Due to the time limit, you may not be able to try on every dress that interests you at that first appointment. Part of it depends on how decisive you can be. If you know a dress is not flattering or what you had in mind, take it off and move on to the next option. That way you can see more bridal gowns within the time slot allotted to you.
Should you be fortunate enough to find your dream wedding gown, the next thing to expect is to be measured. Measuring for a bridal gown is an art, and the consultant or seamstress will take into account not only the standard bust, waist, and hip measurements, but may look at things like the length of the gown's skirt and torso, whether you need a cup size adjustment for the bust line, if the neckline needs to be raised, and more. The beauty of ordering a made to order designer gown is that (for a fee), many pattern changes can be made to ensure the best possible fit. Any gown will still need alterations upon arrival, but in some cases pattern changes allow for a fit that would otherwise never be possible.
When you order your gown, you will be asked to make a deposit, and often to schedule an appointment for your first fitting sometime after the gown is expected to arrive. Do not be tempted to order the gown in a smaller size as an incentive to lose weight! It is always better to have a bit larger gown and tailor it down for a perfect fit. Insure a perfect fit by attending your fittings prepared with the proper undergarments and foundations.
You consultant will inform you of the expected and actual arrival of your gown. Be sure to attend all fittings as requested, so as to not slow the progress of your alterations and final preparations. Be sure to take down your consultant's name and contact information, as well as those of a "back up" consultant, so that you can check progress and verify your appointments. You should keep your gown contract and receipts in a safe place to avoid any later miscommunications.
GOWN SHOPPPING 101 -
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When you begin the exciting journey of shopping for your wedding rings, one of the first questions a jeweler may ask will be, “Which metal do you prefer?” Most retailers today will have several options to present to you, beyond the traditional gold and platinum, and there are many factors to consider when making your choice.
Gold has been the world’s most treasured metal for thousands of years, due to its easy workability, sensuous feel, and enduring beauty.
In its pure form, gold is very soft and bendable, and not practical to be worn. To produce jewelry that is affordable and wearable, gold is combined with other metals in a process called alloying, creating what is known as karat gold; the higher the karat, the higher the gold’s purity. For example, 10-karat gold contains 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals, while 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold and only 25% other metals. Jewelry purchased in the United States should always have a karat stamp to let you know the metal’s gold content.
In addition to improving wearability, alloying also gives gold different colors. Most gold is alloyed with copper and silver, producing yellow gold. Increasing the ratio of copper results in rose gold. White gold usually contains nickel and small amounts of zinc.
Gold of any color is a classic choice when selecting wedding bands. It is very durable and can be more affordable than other metals. However, many people may have allergic reactions to the alloys in lower-karat gold and may need to select higher purities or consider different metals. Through daily wear, gold rings can become scratched as the metal comes into contact with other objects. Rings can also wear thin over time. Regular cleaning and inspection by a trusted jeweler is important for keeping gems secure and jewelry in good condition.
Platinum has quite a long history in the world of jewelry – is has been found in ceremonial pieces made by ancient South American cultures as early as 100 BC! In the United States, platinum was declared a strategic metal for use in World War II, and its use for making jewelry was forbidden between 1939 and 1945. Since that time, platinum’s popularity has been rekindled and it remains a favorite of jewelers, celebrities, and customers.
Platinum is hypoallergenic, generally 90% to 95% pure platinum, making it ideal for those who are allergic to alloyed gold. It is naturally white, so it will not tarnish or discolor. Platinum is an extremely dense metal, which slows down wear and tear and holds gemstones very securely. Some people enjoy the substantial weight of platinum – in fact, this heaviness may be one of the first differences you notice when comparing it with white gold.
Platinum is more rare than gold, which also makes it generally more expensive. Despite its durability, platinum is a relatively soft metal, which means it can show scratches more easily than gold. However, when platinum is scratched, the metal is merely displaced and very little is actually lost. It can be polished to a high shine by a jeweler.
Silver has been part of human culture for at least 4,500 years. Until the 18th century, it was the only known white precious metal, and was used for setting even the most magnificent of gems.
Like gold, silver is alloyed for use in jewelry. Most U.S. manufacturers use sterling silver which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Silver is comparatively hard and durable, and can achieve the brightest polish of any metal. One of its traditional liabilities is tarnish, but today’s manufacturing processes reduce this tendency and special cleaning formulas make it easy to remove.
Many contemporary jewelry designers are creating stunning combinations of silver and diamonds, colored gemstones, and even pearls. It is significantly more affordable than gold or platinum, which may be helpful in achieving a wedding budget.
Titanium is a chemical element that is light, strong, and lustrous. In addition to its industrial uses in fields such as aerospace, military, and medical, titanium represents a new alternative in men’s and some ladies’ wedding bands. One of titanium’s most notable characteristics is that it is as strong as steel, but is only 60% its density. The metal is strong, resistant to scratches and tarnishing, but comes without the heavy weight of platinum. For the person who desires a very durable band which can withstand an active lifestyle, titanium may be the perfect choice. Titanium is hypoallergenic and will not produce skin irritations or discoloration.
It is important to understand that because of titanium’s hardness, is can not be sized by most jewelry retailers. Your correct size will most likely need to be ordered for you. It is also difficult to remove if the wearer’s finger swells due to illness or injury – special cutting tools may be required.
Tungsten is a chemical element that is mainly used in industrial applications. Tungsten by itself will shatter when dropped and easily cracks due to its unique hardness. It does not gain its extreme durability until it is combined with a carbon alloy, creating Tungsten Carbide, which is four times harder than titanium, twice as hard as steel, and is virtually unscratched.
Tungsten carbide jewelry provides the benefits of extreme durability and substantial weight. Its dark color is appealing to many people, as well. Like titanium, it has the liability of being too hard to size, and has potential to shatter if dropped, even from relatively low levels. Tungsten carbide rings have potential to scratch other objects when they come into contact in the wearer’s hand, jewelry box, etc. Care should be taken to keep these items separate from other jewelry.
Palladium is a metal in the platinum family, and shares almost all of the characteristics that make platinum a wonderful choice for jewelry. It is naturally white, hypoallergenic, and provides strength and durability for gem setting. The metal was discovered in 1803, and is named after the Greek goddess Pallas, the goddess of wisdom and the arts. An unexpected difference is that palladium is generally less expensive than either platinum or gold! It is also lighter in weight than platinum, similar to 18K or 14K gold.
It can seem daunting to compare the characteristics of each of the metals available for today’s wedding bands. A trusted, professional jeweler will be your best asset in deciding which metal is right for you. He or she should consider your style preferences, wearability concerns, occupation and recreational activities, as well as your budget when guiding you in your decision. And remember, it is not essential that the Bride’s and Groom’s rings be the same metal, or ever the same color! Today’s precious metals provide an exciting array of beautiful ways to express yourself and your commitment to each other.
WEDDING JEWELRY METALS DEFINED
Written by - Janet Keene of Warners Jewelry Fresno
THE ONE
wedding.com
There is a definite trend toward employing "Save the Date” announcements to be sure that the people closest to you are able to attend your wedding celebration. We think it's a great trend in our busy world.
Some things to note: You needn't send these to everyone on your list - after all, you probably don't even know yet how many people you will be inviting....That said - be SO, SO, CAREFUL, to only send the announcements to those people who you are ABSOLUTELY SURE that you will be inviting, and by all means - keep a list of who you sent them to.... It is forgivable to not have room for someone, but unimaginably rude to send a "Save the Date", and not follow with an invitation. So, as excited as you are...stop and think before you mail. But do mail.
If you aren't sure of everyone who will be invited, but still want to share your news, then send the card as an "Engagement Announcement" with no wedding date printed on the card, then add a personal note to "Please Save the Date of 00-00-00" for the people you are sure of. Here are some of our favorite suppliers for fabulous wedding stationery.
HOW TO HANDLE "SAVE THE DATE"
THE ONE
wedding.com
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Want to double the romance factor for any occasion?
We have found a website that will help you to time your event to coordinate with sunrise or sunset.
Imagine proposing exactly at sunset, or having you wedding exactly at sunrise. Think of the great photos that will you to always remember the special day!
Use this link to get the time of sunrise and time of sunset for any day, from today to many years in the future.
Our link allows you to find the time of sunrise and time of sunset for any city in California, but you may link from there to check the times for anywhere else in the world.
Hint: be sure that you check for the proper time zone – (California is Pacific Time.)
SUNRISE AND SUNSET
The most glorious times of the day!
THE ONE
wedding.com
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GREAT ARTICLES FROM LOCAL WEDDING PROFESSIONALS
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