Simple Guidelines to Plan Your Bridal Shower

Before the big day, the bride is usually given the luxury to sit back, relax and enjoy a bridal shower. Usually, the host prepares the event, plan its details and execute the plans. You don’t need rocket science or a degree in homemaking to organize a good bridal shower for your friend who’s going to be a married woman soon. Here are some guidelines in planning a fuss-free and joyful send-off party for your friend’s singlehood.

1. The maid of honor or group of friends traditionally hosts the bridal shower. To prevent creating an impression of asking for gifts, immediate family members are discouraged from organizing the shower.
2. Invite people who will also be invited to the wedding. Unless your office mates have decided to throw your friend a surprise bridal shower, you and the bride-to-be will not feel obligated to invite all of them to the wedding ceremony.
3. The guest list should be kept manageable. Keep the number of guests between 25 to 35. This will give you enough time to visit each and spend time with the bride.
4. When there is more than one host, make sure to discuss important matters beforehand. Of course, this is necessary to coordinate ideas and actions to make the shower flow smoothly. Set the budget and work within it.
5. Hold the bridal shower a month or two away from the wedding day. Since the groom and bride will be handling last-minute details as the wedding date draws nearer, send out the shower invitations before the going gets tough.
6. Write the guest names on the invitation. To add a more personal touch, hand write the names on the envelopes. Printed labels are impersonal and may have your guests getting the wrong message.
7. Include a map in your shower invitation. Make it easier for your guests to arrive on time by including a map and direction to get to the location. You could also keep them from getting lost along the way.
8. Games are optional. Ask the bride if she wants any shower games on her party. Some really enjoys playing games while some are vehemently opposed on having these activities.
9. Have someone to take note of each gift. Create a list of all guests who gave a gift and use this in writing the “thank you” notes which will be distributed a few days after the bridal shower. This is necessary to avoid overlooking the names of people.
10. Don’t overdo the bridal shower. Two bridal showers are considered to be the maximum number you can hold. Even if the couple is starting out poor, it is deemed improper to hold too many showers. As a saying goes, “too much of something is bad”. Also, never invite the same people to both bridal showers.

For the shower proper, here are some very useful tips to make the party livelier and lovelier.

1. Find the perfect gift for the bride and the groom. Browse through different references online and on publications if you don’t have any idea on which gift is best given to a couple. You may also ask your parents and relatives for advice.
2. Whip up the most delicious appetizer for the special event. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to slave away in the kitchen preparing decadent appetizers for the guests. Find simple yet delicious appetizer recipes online.
3. A magnificent centerpiece is a great way to accent the dining table. To create a festive and fun atmosphere, you need to create unique and interesting centerpiece that will adorn the table where the bride and guests would dine.
4. Keep the bar stocked. Stock your at-home bar with the right selection of wines and other drinks for the occasion.
5. Bake a decadent cake for the shower. Undoubtedly, a cake is a staple at any party, from birthdays to bridal showers. Opt for a delicious, soft, moist and not-too-sweet cake for the special event.
6. Have a light dessert for the occasion. Fruits are nutritious, light and delicious. Make sure to prepare a refreshing dessert made from this nature’s bounty especially during the warmer weather.
7. Assemble an elegant table setting for your guests. To impress the guests and the bride, make sure to have a fabulous dining set that you could assemble into an elegant and royal setting.
8. Bring out your best glassware. Even the most expensive wine could look and taste cheap if you have tattered glassware during the bridal shower. The right pieces of glassware could add extra elegance on the affair.
9. Wear the perfect dress for the shower. Select a dress that flatters your figure. Buy something based on your skin tone, body shape and taste. Also consider the fabric used in making the dress.

Source: This article was submitted by TheBridalCoach.ca, a fine wedding blog specializing in wedding help.

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10 Tips to Create Your Romantic Wedding Ceremony

The thought of walking down the aisle to exchange vows with that one person you’ve always dreamed of growing old with certainly sends you shiver. And now that it’s about to become a reality as your wedding day approaches, you want nothing but to make the event as romantic as possible, particularly the wedding ceremony. Below are some wonderful tips for you to keep in mind.

Pick the right colors

Brides know how important it is to choose the right color for the wedding. But they think it’s only for aesthetic purposes. What most don’t know is that the choice of hues can contribute to the romantic atmosphere. Make your wedding ceremony like a fairy tale by picking colors like pink, silver, white, or dark red. These shades evoke love and romance more than any other color.

Pay attention to the lighting

Lights can add magic to your wedding ceremony. Fill the altar with candle lights, lit up the aisle with candles inside mason jars, and put on some decorative lighting effects all over the venue. The use of yellow-toned lights adds more romance into the air than white or other light colors. Just be careful not to over-do it. Strategic placing of lights can spell the difference between a romantic venue and one that makes guests grab their sunglasses.

Say your own vows

There’s nothing sweeter than saying the wedding vows in your own words. Instead of going for the cookie-cutter for better or for worse vow, you and your groom should take the time to write the vows in your own words to let each other know how you both feel about spending the rest of your lives together. You don’t have to be a poet to get this right. Just be sincere and tap into your innermost feelings to be able to give a romantic vow that would surely touch your spouse-to-be.

Choose meaningful music

Music plays a very important role in setting the tone of any event. This is why, it’s imperative that you’re able to choose the right songs for every part of the ceremony from the processional to the bride’s walk down the aisle to the exchange of rings. Don’t rely too heavily on the cliché wedding songs that you’ve heard a thousand times before. Instead, look for those that are not only romantic but also hold a special meaning to both of you.

Use natural fabric

Using natural fabric to decorate the ceremony venue will do wonders in enhancing the romantic feeling. One popular choice that you would also want to consider is flax. This material is not only warm and sweet but also environment-friendly. Avoid shiny and shimmery materials that would make it seem more grandiose than solemn and romantic.

Sing to your beau

If you prefer to do the traditional vow, one way to up the romantic mood is to sing it to your beau. If you have a voice of an angel, this would definitely send the guests and of course, your spouse-to-be in tears. Exchange roles if your beau is the one who’s better in singing.

Give each other special memoir

Apart from exchanging rings as a sign of your love for each other, you may also give special memoirs. Don’t just choose any object that you find. Choose something that has a special meaning for the both of you. Then give it to your spouse-to-be as a symbol of your lasting love and affection.

Let butterflies flutter

During the ceremony, especially for the parts where you will exchange vows or give each other the rings, have your bridesmaids release butterflies into the air. This will give some kind of fairytale flair to the event.

Have fireworks when you kiss

Delegate someone to set up the fireworks just in time for the “You May Kiss the Bride” part. It doesn’t only make the ambience romantic but also serve as a symbol of how you two felt when you first kissed.

Send out balloons during the recessional

At the last part of the wedding ceremony when you and your groom walks out of the church (or other venue), let balloons fly to the sky while the guests throw petals and rice grains on you.

Having a romantic wedding ceremony isn’t so difficult to achieve with these special tips. Don’t limit your ideas to these ones. Explore beyond these suggestions and ask your beau too for more ideas.

 

Source: This article was submitted by TheBridalCoach.ca, Canada’s premier wedding blog specializing in wedding planning help.

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Tips for Combining a Wedding Tiara with a Wedding Gown

Whether or not you choose to wear the tiara with a veil, a wedding tiara would still do the job of making you look like a dazzling bride. However, it is important to remember that not any tiara you can get your hands on can do the trick. In fact, it has always been advised that brides should buy wedding gowns first before this accessory. This is because it is very important that you are able to match and complement your tiara with your gown. Before we go to tips on how to do that, let us first look at the different types of tiara so that it would be easier to understand the different terms used for this headpiece.

Types of Tiaras

Princess headpiece – This is the type of headpiece that you usually see on brides. As the term implies, this tiara looks like the one that is worn on the head of a princess.

Headband – This looks similar to a regular headband in terms of shape, however, it is embellished with different rhinestones that make it sparkly like a princess tiara. It does the purpose of keeping hair away from the bride’s face.

Bun Ring – The bun ring is typically used to hold a bun together.

Backpiece – Backpieces are tiaras worn at the back of the head, usually to accentuate a low bun or a French twist.

Comb – This piece of headwear looks like a comb but has studs of rhinestones all around.

Tips for Matching Wedding Gown with Tiara

• Match the embellishments on your gown with that of the tiara.

Whatever type of embellishment you have in your gown, it should be the same for your tiara. In short, go for a crystal tiara if you have a crystal detailed gown. Opt for a pearl tiara if your wedding dress is decorated with pearls. If your wedding gown has floral details, look for a tiara that has a similar design. For wedding gowns that are plain and simple, you can go for tiaras that come in straight geometric shapes.

• Opt for one that complements the color and style of your gown

Ivory gowns are best paired with tiaras that are gold or ivory in shade and are embellished with pearls. Silver tiaras with rhinestones or pearls blend well with a white gown. Gold or silver is perfect for diamond white gowns. By diamond white, we mean the white that comes in between white and off-white. Traditional styled gowns go well with antique styled tiaras while stylish dresses are better with modern headpieces.

• Strive for balance

Remember that balance is key in achieving the perfect look with the dress and the tiara. Make sure that the look of the headpiece and the gown blend well together and not overshadow each other. Strive for balance to achieve an elegant, classy, and timeless look for your wedding day.

Just like any other piece of bridal accessory, it is a must to pour in extra thought and effort for the wedding tiara. It is also imperative that you take into account the style, color, and embellishments of your wedding gown so you can choose the headpiece that would go perfectly with it.

Source: This article was submitted by MyDreamWedding.ca, Canada’s premier wedding blog specializing in wedding accessories and wedding tiaras.

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A Shopping Guide for the Elegant Bride

Shopping has always been a woman’s favorite hobby. When you are happy, you shop. When you are depressed, you shop too! But while shopping during ordinary days usually gives your spirit a lift and relaxes your mind, you did not expect that doing it for a precious event like a wedding could be nerve-wracking experience. Even for someone who is as elegant as you may find it difficult to put things together as there are just so many things to take care of when it comes to weddings. To help you with this matter, here are some practical bits and pieces of information.

How to Get Started

Before you actually jump into your car and speed to your favorite mall, you must first organize everything by planning your purchases and setting a budget. The first thing you have to do is to make a shopping checklist of all the things you need to buy. Categorizing them would make it easier for you. For example, bridal necklace, wedding rings, and earrings would go under the bridal jewelry. Then set a budget for each just so you know how much you are willing to spend and so that you do not go beyond it (or maybe just a little if it really calls for!).

Getting Help

After you have made a list, you can now go to the nearest shopping mall and start exploring your options. If you are the type who would not want to do this on your own, you can always ask help from your family, friends, and bridesmaids. Now if you want professional help, it might be a good idea for you to hire a professional shopper. A professional shopper’s job is to shop for other people. This is only advisable if you are really tight on time, as this can be quite costly. Hire someone with classy and elegant taste that will suit yours well.

Buying Online

Another plausible option for the elegant bride is to buy online. Buying online not only saves you time and energy, it also saves you from the stress and hassle of going from store to store. Most elegant brides believe that online shopping is the best option so that when their wedding day comes, they would not look harassed and stressed out. When buying online, find a wedding online store that has sophisticated products and excellent service. One look at the website and a thorough examination of the products available would give you an idea.

Find a store that has a secure encryption system that could protect your credit card information efficiently. Moreover, if you are planning to buy designer gowns or shoes, make sure you contact the brand and see if the store you are eyeing for is an authorized seller or supplier. As for the jewelry, get the necessary certifications like if you are buying diamond jewelry for example. It pays to be sure and secure. An elegant bride is someone who prioritizes quality and taste over price but she is still smart enough to know the difference between smart shopping and mindless overspending. Have fun in your shopping!

Source: This article was submitted by Wedding-Favours.ca, an e-commerce store for romantic candle wedding favors and very elegant silver wedding favors.

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Easy Tips to Make your Wedding More Eco-Friendly

If only environmental consciousness began many years back, we probably would not be experiencing the distressful effects of global warming, pollution and other results of lack of care for the environment. But as they say, it is still better late than never.

Today, many people are starting to make an effort to care for the environment in their own little ways. In fact, even with special occasions like weddings, many couples have begun using the concept of green weddings, which are weddings that make use of methods and preparation that are eco-friendly.

Having an eco-friendly wedding is actually not that difficult. To prove this point, here are some of the easiest ways on how to have a green wedding.

Choose a venue that would use less energy.

Sure, having a destination wedding is a superb way to tie the knot but if you want to think green, pick a wedding venue that is close to home and minimize the amount of driving (and gas) that your guests will have to do.

It would also be a great idea to select a venue that has natural sunlight so that you do not have to utilize too much internal lighting equipment. Better yet, opt for an outdoor wedding to be held in daytime to eliminate the use of lights as well as heating or air conditioning equipment altogether.

Reduce the amount of waste

Disposable items can be more convenient—use this, then throw out. However, this can result in an enormous amount of waste that will once again fill the already overflowing landfills. Rent catering equipment, make use of silver, and go for plates that can be washed.

Go for “eco-couture” gowns

More and more wedding fashion designers have gone green. Now, it is very easy to find wedding gowns made of sustainable fabrics such as hemp, peace silk, organic cotton, bamboo, and vintage fabrics. Not only will you appear as beautiful and stunning, you will also be helping the environment in a great way by donning this kind of wedding dress.

Use less paper for invitations and save the dates.

Save the dates can be emailed. After all, everyone has become very “techie” nowadays. As for the invitation, if you want to mail it the traditional way, the least you can do is to opt for recycled paper. Remember, for every ton of paper recycled, 17 trees are saved.

Stick with digital photography

Digital photography would make use of less photo paper than film photography. Aside from that, instead of giving guests disposable cameras for taking candid photos, it would be more practical to just ask them to bring their own digital cameras.

Buy local and organic food

Small-scale farmers would benefit from this move and you would not even have to sacrifice taste since dishes made from this kind of food is not only healthy but also delectable.

Register for a green bridal registry

Choose only eco-friendly items for your registry or register with an eco-friendly store. An even better alternative would be to ask guests to give donations to environmental organizations or charitable institutions instead of bequeathing you of gifts that you do not even need in the first place.

Having a green wedding is not just a popular trend that couples should follow if they want to make a statement. It should be something that they sincerely want to do to help make the conditions of the environment better.

Source: Tracey Smith is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings, she writes for wedding blogs and e-commerce stores, i.e., this article was sponsored by MyBeachFavors.com, specializing in beach wedding invitations and beach wedding reception.

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Planning Guide for Second Weddings

A take two in saying “I do” has been quite common these past years due to the increasing number of divorce cases in the country. But even though, people say that first love is hard to die, getting married can be sweeter the second time around if have found the right person and if you know how to plan your second wedding the right way. After all, in love, you can always have a second chance so here are some brilliant ideas on how to have a wonderful second wedding.

Wedding Announcement

Before you can actually start with the planning of the wedding, the first thing you have to think about is the wedding announcement. For some couples, informing people about the fact that they are getting married again, may be a little difficult.

It is important to remember that before you announce the wedding to other people, you should first inform your children first, in private. This way, they will not be caught off guard or feel pressured because all eyes would be on them if you do the announcement in public.

After that, you can tell the news to your parents. You would also have to talk to your ex-spouse and former in laws. If you do not have good relationship with your ex-spouse, what you can do is to send a simple gracious note.

Wedding Dress

Traditionally, brides getting married the second time are not allowed to wear white but this old custom has been thrown out of the window by modern brides. Brides can wear anything they want including a white dress. The important thing is here you consider important factors such as age, personal taste and style, and nature of the wedding event when choosing a dress.

Many second-time brides, who want to project a mature look, opt for brocade suits or cocktail dress instead of the usual princess type of gown. It is up to you to decide what kind of wedding dress you think would be comfortable and beautiful to wear on the wedding day.

Participation of Children

If you or your partner have children, it would be best to give them a special part in the wedding event. The role would depend on what is suitable for their age and gender. They can be a flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaid, groomsman, maid of honor, or best man. They can read a part in the ceremony or make a toast during the reception. See to it that they are willing to do the part, do not coerce your children if they do not feel comfortable in participating. Their mere presence is gift enough.

Invitations

Most second weddings are intimate gatherings of close family members and friends. But if you decide to hold a large wedding, it is imperative that you give out printed invitations. Rules of etiquette state that it is not proper to invite your ex-spouse to the wedding but it is still up to you. If you really have good relationship with your ex-spouse and you are sure that it would not feel awkward, then it may be all right.

More Tips

1. Enjoy the event. Do not feel too pressured about the wedding planning. Do not stress yourself thinking about the first wedding and making sure that you do not do something that you have already done before.
2. Have a fun and romantic theme. Getting married the second time around gives you a chance to do something that you wanted but you were not able to do. If you want to have a fabulous beach wedding or a sporty golf wedding this time, go ahead.
3. Be practical. This is your second time so you already have an idea on how expensive a wedding can be. You also know that you should make practical choice and decisions so you do not overspend for your wedding day.

Planning a second wedding may be easy and hard at the same time. On one hand, it is easy because you know your way around as you have already done this before. But it can also be difficult because there are more things to consider such as your children. With the tips mentioned in this article, you should not have too much difficulty planning and you will surely have a fabulous wedding that you will forever cherish.

Source: Wendi Clark is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings. This article was sponsored by TheBridalCoach.ca, the first wedding planning membership site on the internet specializing in wedding reception site planning and wedding ceremony site planning.

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Latest Trends for Wedding Reception Music

We cannot see it, eat it, wear it, or touch it, and yet music is one of the most important aspects of your wedding reception. Music plays a significant role in this event as it creates the mood and stirs up inner sentiments not only of the bride and groom but also of the people closest to them.

Most people choose music based on the melody. However, the beat, tempo and melody of the music are not the only things you should consider when picking songs for your wedding reception. Just as important are the lyrics as these express and communicate the love and emotion that the couple shares.

For modern couples who do not want to play traditional wedding songs in their wedding day, this list which includes the latest trends for wedding reception music will surely come in handy.

Romantic and Slow Songs

What is a wedding reception without those romantic slow songs that make the couple and their mothers want to cry? These tunes are ideal for dances, cake-cutting ceremonies or between dinner courses. Be sure to look at the lyrics first to ensure that the message of the song reflects the love and commitment that you and your partner have. Here you will find some of the songs that you can choose.

1. Lucky by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet. This is a nice song to play for the couple’s first dance.
2. Good Time by Alan Jackson. This song is ideal for couples who love country music. You can play this song right after dinnertime.
3. Beautiful by Akon
4. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson. This is a romantic and nostalgic song perfect to play during the cake cutting.
5. Viva La Vida by Coldplay can set a nice mood during the cocktail hour or in between dinner courses.
6. Green Light by John Legend
7. When the Night Comes by Dan Auerbach is another slow song that you can play during the end of the night.
8. A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson
9. Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

10.  Cayman Islands by Kings of Convenience. This song is not in the mainstream and yet, you will surely find this soothing tune wonderful to play during the reception.

Party Music and Danceable Tunes

Since the reception is not all about slow songs and romantic dances, you also need to have fast tunes that will keep the event alive. Start a dance showdown by carefully picking the right danceable songs to play during the reception. Some of the best choices are enumerated below.

1. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyonce is the one of the best tunes to play during the fun bouquet toss.
2. So What by P!nk can motivate guests to hit to the dance floor and show off their moves. This is nice to play after a slow song.
3. Disturbia – Rihanna
4. Don’t Stop The Music – Rihanna
5. Just Dance by Lady GaGa. Just like the previous songs mentioned, this danceable tune can surely get everyone into the groove.
6. About You Now – Sugababes

The music that you play during the reception is one of the biggest aspects that will help make the event a truly memorable one.

Source: Angela White is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings. This article was sponsored by MyBeachFavors.com, an e-commerce store for beach wedding supplies and bridal accessories.

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How to Write the Perfect Best Man’s Speech

So you have been bestowed the great honor of being Best Man at a friend’s wedding; a noble duty, indeed.  But if this is the case, then why is it that so many men smile and nod when accepting the invitation, and then have the overwhelming desire to hunker down under the covers come “The Big Day”?  There is one main reason: public speaking.  Really, the groom himself oftentimes gets off easier than the best man!  All he has to say is “I Do”, while you’ve got to remember a long and endearing speech that the happy couple will remember till death do they part!

Ok, slow down and breathe.  It’s not that bad, really.  A Best Man’s speech, much to your dismay, will not be remembered (although it will likely be documented).  This is a good thing for you to come to terms with, because it will allow you to just relax; and when you do that, you will write a stellar speech and deliver it with the eloquence of a seasoned politician.

Like any good story, the Best Man’s speech will need a beginning, a middle, and an end.  To put the right words into play, take a walk down memory lane, keeping the following in mind:

• How you know the happy couple.
• What words come to mind when you think of each of them.
• If you knew the groom before he met his bride, how has she changed him for the better?  What was he like before he was with his bride?
• Memories of experiences shared with the groom, or the couple together, that displayed their strengths as a couple, or individual strengths of each person.
• Any marriage advice that you have learned or heard

It is important to begin your Best Man’s speech by making sure you have everyone’s attention.  This can be done by clinking of glasses, or simply by stating “Excuse me, may I have everyone’s attention”.  Once you have the floor, start off by acknowledging the hosts of the wedding, such as the bride’s parents.  If the bride and groom have paid for their own wedding, you may begin by stating how nice it is to see so many people come together on such a joyous occasion, and then introduce yourself, including how you know the groom.  Many Best Men roll right into a funny story about the groom, or a (clean) joke, in order to break the ice and draw everyone in.

Your Best Man speech should be engaging, but brief.  Speak about both the groom and the bride, and keep stories appropriate for all ages.  Remember the room will be filled with friends and family, and possibly young ears.

Writing down your speech is great, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice it a few times as well.  Public speaking isn’t something most of us do every day, and therefore practice is helpful.  It will help you be more comfortable with speaking loudly and clearly, as you will need to do on the happy day.

Practice will also help alleviate any nerves you may experience as the time for your Best Man’s toast approaches.  One thing NOT to do is calm your nerves with alcohol.  Preparedness will serve you much better, and the groom will appreciate the effort you have put into his big day.  Once your Best Man’s toast is finished, raise your glass along with everyone else and enjoy some bubbly.

Source: Angela White is an expert article writer on ezinearticles.com and submitted this article especially for TheBridalCoach.ca, a wedding planning membership site specializing in wedding themes and styles, and particularly in online wedding planning.

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The Lazy Groom’s Survival Guide

So you have found your dream woman and asked for her hand in marriage. While the two of you are no doubt floating in the clouds; as you step over stacks of bridal magazines strategically placed in every room, you may be wondering what in the world you have gotten yourself into in regards to planning. All the details of the wedding itself are small beans to most grooms, especially the lazy groom.

Does this mean that you don’t care about your wedding, or about your bride? Absolutely not. It simply means that you have the ability to go with the flow and enjoy the day for what it represents, not who it impresses. There are ways that a lazy groom can make it to the alter unscathed, and with a happy bride at his side. We will look at just how you can do that here.

Luckily, bridal magazines, books and the internet seem to pay great attention to the wedding duties of just about everyone but the groom himself. It’s as if the groom, an integral part of this party, is merely along for the ride. He shows up, looking dapper, on wedding day and they live happily ever after. It just doesn’t get any easier than this!

However, there can be a glitch when the bride, or one of her trusted bridesmaids, comes up with the idea that the groom would like to miss the big game to go shopping for invitations or taste cake. One could wonder if women really think men want to do these things, or if they only ask their groom out of guilt for leaving him at home while she handles all of the preparations with her girlfriends.

Here is the one big way the lazy groom can ensure that his time is not eaten up with mundane tasks during the wedding planning stage. Continue to woo your bride-to-be. That’s right. When she feels loved and pampered, you will find you are easily released from many duties that you may otherwise get roped into.

The bride has much on her plate, and she does need to know that you care. Turn off the TV long enough to listen to your beloved after a long day of shopping, talking and planning. Support her every decision, and do all that you can to make sure she is not getting stressed out; otherwise, you may wind up with a Bridezilla on your hands.

The one thing you need to remember is to be interested. While you may not desire to walk the entire wedding district of your town, you can show interest by listening to your bride. Don’t say “just tell me when and where to show up’. Don’t EVER say “I don’t care” when asked what you think of an idea or plan. Find constructive ways to give some amount of input and make your bride feel supported. Keep her happy, and you’ll make it through. Comedian Jeff Allen has it right: “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”

Source: Angela White is an expert article writer on ezinearticles.com and submitted this article especially for TheBridalCoach.ca, a wedding planning membership site specializing in wedding planning timeline and generally in wedding cost saving tips.

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7 Things You Should Know About Wedding Flowers

The special event that is your wedding is just not the same without the sights and scents lent only by beautiful, aromatic flowers.  Some weddings have flowers on everything from the bride and groom and the altar to the wedding cake itself.  No matter what type of wedding you are planning; regardless of the theme, the wedding flowers make an impression on all who gather around you on your celebratory day.

When you set out to make arrangements for the details of your wedding décor and wedding flowers, there are some things you may want to keep in mind in order to make the right choices for everyone involved.  Here are some things to remember as you plan your wedding flowers

• Make a list of what you need flowers for.  There are flowers needed for important individuals in the ceremony, such as bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom, father of the bride and groom, groomsmen, and corsages for mother of the bride and groom.  Then there are flowers for the ceremony itself, such as for the altar or the unity candle.  Lastly, you may want flowers for the reception.

• Size of arrangements needs to be taken into consideration.  For instance, if you are planning to have floral centerpieces, they should be small enough for guests to talk over them during their meal.

• Color is important when choosing your wedding flowers.  To create a seamless look, the colors in your wedding flowers should coordinate with the colors in your wedding party.

• Availability is an important thing to consider.  If you have a special flower that MUST be a part of your wedding, then plan your date around the time of year when that flower is in season.  Otherwise, just visit your local wedding florist for the flowers that will be in season when your wedding takes place.

• Scent is an important characteristic of a flower; and some flowers are more fragrant than others.  When choosing flowers, it is wise to know how strong the scent is, for some may be sensitive to the fragrance.  In certain places, such as tables at the reception, fragrant flowers are much appreciated.

• Freshness plays a role in wedding flowers; and should be considered before ordering.  Some types of flowers will stay fresh longer than others after they have been cut.  You don’t want your bouquet to wilt before you say “I Do”.

• Cost can be a factor that must be considered.  Wedding flowers arranged through a florist can cost anywhere from around $700 to over $1,000. When you are on a budget, you want to get as much as you can for as little as possible.

Do-it-yourself floral arrangements is an option if you are looking to save money.  While this can take some time in research and preparation, the money you save  can be well worth the effort you put into your wedding floral arrangements.  Besides saving some money, you can bond with those in your wedding party while making arrangements together!

Source: Angela White is an expert article writer on ezinearticles.com and submitted this article especially for TheBridalCoach.ca, a wedding planning membership site specializing in wedding insurance and generally in wedding planning coaching.

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How to Plan a stressless Wedding

You think you know how to plan a wedding until you are engaged and face the prospect yourself. After the first moments of dizzy love after the proposal, you realize you are the star couple of the next wedding. These few simple tips will help you remember how to plan a wedding every step of the way.

First of all, remember to relax. Everything will work out when you are patient and well organized. Keep in mind it is a celebration of love and stay focused on the true meaning of the day. Have a vision of what you want your wedding to be. Discuss your dreams together and wrap your wedding plans around them, whether you both want a Cinderella fantasy day or a destination ceremony in the Caribbean. Start a binder with thoughts, ideas and telephone numbers for prospective vendors.

Choose a date for your wedding so you know the season and timing. Set a realistic budget and stick to it… Make sure your budget is practical and based on actual funds. Write down your budget in a special notebook and plan to spend 10 percent less. By doing this, you will have enough extra money to cover those inevitable unanticipated expenses at the last moment. Write down everything you spend as you go in the designated wedding budget notebook. Maintain a folder with receipts so you can easily reference your expenses and verify deposits. Open a separate bank account designated for wedding expenses to keep yourselves organized. This is also excellent practice for married life together.

Order your wedding rings, as they are a central part of the ceremony. If you want them engraved, decide the sentiments you want to share. Figure out how many people you want to share your special day with. Do you want a small, intimate gathering of your closest friends and family at a posh restaurant? Have you always wanted a wedding with hundreds of guests in a garden setting? Write your guests on paper and start assembling addresses for wedding invitations. This will be the beginning of your telephone book together as a married couple. Choose your wedding attendants so you can ask them as soon as possible to help you with your special day.

Choose a site for your wedding ceremony and reception. Make sure the site is available for your wedding date. Verify the rules, regulations and restrictions at the venue for your ceremony and the reception location. Review menu options so you can serve all your favorites. Select a theme for your wedding day so you can order invitations, thank you cards, decorations and favors that match for a professional feeling throughout every aspect of your day.

Talk to friends and family for recommendations then review various vendors to create a mood on your wedding day. Consider a caterer, clergy, hairdresser, music, entertainment, florist, photographer and video pro to add to the atmosphere and capture moments during your wedding. Make sure to find out the requirements for a marriage license. Sign up with gift registry services so guests know what wedding gifts to purchase.

Attire is another way to create a feeling throughout your wedding day. The bridal gown, veil, shoes and accessories often need to be ordered in advance. Find out about tuxedo rentals for the groom and his attendants. Bridesmaid dresses need to be chosen and ordered based on the color scheme and theme of the day. Remember special outfits for the flower girl and ring bearer, which will often need to be altered as children grow quickly.

Decorations throughout your ceremony location, reception and on the way to the honeymoon bring a celebration everywhere you go. Flowers, a ring bearer pillow, a flower girl basket and pew markers add elegance to your ceremony venue. Centerpieces and wedding favors are expected elements at your wedding tables for your guests to bring home to remember your special day. Remember to select thoughtful gifts for your wedding party. Make sure you have decorations for the getaway car from your reception to the honeymoon.

Source: Jennifer Clark is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings, we hope you found this article about how to plan your wedding helpful.
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A Modern Bride’s Guide for the Wedding Planning Checklist

Congratulations you lucky girl! Keep on blushing and walk on cloud nine and be the most beautiful bride the world has ever seen on your grand wedding day. Surprise your family and friends with this fun and practical wedding planning checklist to put you guaranteed right smack in the center of the social calendar, at the fraction of the price. It’s a given would be brides and grooms end up stressed out months in advance, cat fighting on the nitty gritty details but rejoice! Sit back and relax as you read on these practical tips, with the right attitude, planning, strategy and precision to details, your union becomes the solemn and fashionable ceremony the way you always wanted. It’s your wedding so be ahead and on top of it all.

Plan A Year In Advance: When, Where and Who!

Now that your man has asked you to live with him forever and accepted to love him unconditionally, share your passion to your immediate and best friends, their thoughts and ideas would really help make your dream wedding a reality. A simple text message gathering your loved once to an intimate get together at home over lunch or dinner announcing your engagement would be a welcome delight for everyone. They would truly appreciate that you have included them all in your plans. Planning a year or several months in advance is the key to it all as everything shall fall into place once you decide to practice these wedding planning checklist.

Wedding Motif/Style The fun part is choosing the right motif and style that you prefer, depending on your personality as a couple. Is it the white off the shoulder dress draped in a see through veil or that cutting edge sexy number? As you walk down the aisle, visualize how your guests sees you and try to evoke the perfect feeling of euphoria as all eyes anticipate your grand entrance, the choice is endless! Make sure to choose the right color scheme that works for you and your hubby. Pastel or upbeat colors work for a day wedding while dark tones and hues are perfect for that evening reception. Men are perfect in their dapper suits while the bridal entourage must be attired perfectly in synch with the bridal gown. Wedding invitations must be well coordinated as well to suit the style and function, from the engraved letters to the type of paper preferred.

Cuisine And Catering Service

Your wedding venue dictates the type of food that you would prefer to be served, from the Waldorf salad, tenderloin Australian steak to the French wine for the toast. The food accents the ambiance, motif and the venue evoking the solemnity and mood that you wish to impart. Wedding Planners And Budgets Wedding planners or event organizers are professional authorities in different fields of specifications who banded together to help ease tensions shaping all your suggestions and ideas into reality. With today’s technology at your fingertips, a quick type on the search engine Google would give you an instant list of wedding planners in your area to fully help you and answer your queries at their FAQs carefully explained on their websites. They are your one-stop-shop offering services from securing your wedding license, coordinating with church authorities, ceremonial wedding walk rehearsals, printing of invitations, beauty and makeup photographers, video slide presentations, food catering, honeymoon and hotel accommodation’s of your choice, all within your budget. In recent years these group of dedicated individuals helped many couple’s achieved their dreams from weddings of corporate America, the intimate unions in Asia to the receptions in the medieval courts of Europe, all worked on a specific budget.

Keeping Things On Track

It helps to have a notebook with you at all times, where you can monitor all the progress as it comes. This has been a time and tested method says Valerie Owens of Queens, NY. “I have subscribed to the services of wedding planners in my area, without them my wedding with Will came close to what I have expected all along.” When asked what more can she advice to would be brides and grooms preparing for their wedding day, this she has to say. “Having a handy diary with throughout the planning process, helped with all the details that just popped up that I didn’t, even think about”

Source: Tracey Smith is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings, we hope you found this article about wedding lists helpful.

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Tips and Tricks to Stick to Your Wedding Budget

One of the biggest hurdles for an engaged couple, even before they become husband and wife and start their new life together is planning a wedding, and this includes setting a wedding budget and then staying under budget.

No couple should have to start their new life together in debt thanks to an overblown wedding, and it can lead to relationship issues and friction right from day 1. It makes a lot more sense to work hard to plan a wedding that is everything you ever dreamed it would be, and yet sticks to the originally set wedding budget.

Tips and Tricks

Once you have established your wedding budget, whether it is $2,000 or $25,000, there are a few things you can do to make sure you stick to it!

1) Create a Realistic Wedding Budget: If your budget is too low, you will struggle from the day you start planning your wedding. Do your homework so you know what everything costs in your area or shop around online to see if you can find better deals, and then allot money accordingly for each area of your plan (wedding ceremony, reception, wedding party, favours, flowers, decoration, stationary, wedding dress, etc).

2) Work Together As a Team: You are going to be spending the rest of your lives together, working through problems and creating budgets for many other things – buying a house, saving for a vacation and yes, even eventually saving for your children’s’ college. It only makes sense that planning your wedding together and working hard to make every dollar go as far as possible would be a good place to start that financial partnership. It will help to set a strong foundation for your marriage.

3) Be Flexible: Sometimes you cannot always have what you want and that is true for wedding plans as well. Of course, we all want to have the wedding of our dreams, but if you can only afford to invite 150 guests, you need to work with your partner and your immediate families to whittle down the list from 225 to the desired target of 150.

4) Look for Bargains: Buying cheap does not mean you have to sacrifice on quality, especially with the internet. You can purchase high-end bridal accessories and wedding decorations online for a fraction of the cost. In small towns and rural areas especially, local wedding stores and bridal shops can charge exorbitant prices for wedding supplies. If you plan ahead and order early, you can shop online and save a bundle.

5) Shop Early: Planning a wedding is stressful and often times, many items are left to the last minute when it is do or die time. That means that you end up paying top dollar because you have no choice. If you plan well and start shopping early, you always have time to buy the perfect items for your wedding day, at the best possible price.

6) Something Borrowed: For less important items, do not be afraid to borrow from family or friends. There is nothing wrong with using decorations, wine glasses or an alter arbour for example, that is online from a friend or neighbour.

7) Timing is Everything: If you get married in primetime, such as May, June or September, be prepared to pay top dollar for everything. If you are able, perhaps choose a low season bridal month to get married and you can save yourself a whole lot of money. The weather in April is lovely as is October, as with both these months you can save as much as 25% of your total wedding budget.

Accept Financial Help with a Smile: If your parents or future in-laws are offering to pay for a certain aspect of your wedding, accept it with a smile and thanks. Your wedding budget will go so much further if you don’t have to pay for the reception dinner, the wedding favours or the wedding photography fees.

Source: Tracey Smith is an expert article writer on the topic of weddings, this is one of her articles on wedding planning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When publishing this article on your site copy the entire article including the source of the article on the bottom with the link intact back to our Wedding Planning Membership site. Thank you!