Showers, parties, and gatherings; it seems as though the minute you become engaged the fun never stops! And why should it? Your family and friends are so happy for you that it’s no wonder they want to honor the occasion by celebrating with you. These events aren’t necessary, but they will certainly heighten the excitement leading up to your big day.
With so many pre-wedding celebrations it may be confusing to figure out what each one is about. Don’t worry! I am here to help you out. Below is a list of all the possible pre-wedding events and information about who should host, when it should be held, and who should be invited. So when your maid of honor asks who is supposed to plan your bachelorette party you can correctly tell her “You!”
Engagement Parties: The engagement party is a time to toast the future bride and groom. Traditionally the bride’s parents host it, but any family member or friend may do so. It can be a surprise party, cocktail party, dinner party, or any other type of casual or formal gathering. The guest list may be limited to close friends and family but can be as large as you’d like. Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding.
Wedding Showers: This celebration is used as a way to “shower” the couple with gifts. It is usually a small gathering of very close family and friends. In the past the guest list was often limited to women, but recently the popularity of “Jack & Jill” showers has risen. The shower can take place anywhere between two months to two weeks before the wedding and is usually hosted by friends of the bride (often the bridal party).
Bachelor(ette) Parties: These parties are a farewell to the single days. The bachelor party is usually arranged by the best man and the bachelorette party by the maid of honor. The parties can take just about any form: a barbeque, dinner out, day at the beach, sporting event, or going to a club. The guests should include the wedding attendants and sometimes the parents of the bride and groom.
Rehearsal Dinner: The day before the wedding most couples have a ceremony rehearsal. This is attended by the couple, the wedding attendants, and the couple’s parents. Often the rehearsal is followed by dinner. The groom’s parents traditionally arrange the dinner and invite the wedding party, the officiant, and parents and grandparents of the couple. The wedding party’s significant other should also be invited.
Other Celebrations: Other possible wedding-related celebrations include pre-wedding luncheons, parties for out-of-town guests, wedding after-parties, and morning-after brunches.
Still confused? Just relax and let you family and friends figure it out. No, really, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Think Outside the Vase
Open any bridal magazine and you will see dozens of photos of gorgeous centerpieces. There will be large towering arrangements and short compact ones. Some will be monotone and some will be pop with color. Their shapes will all be different, and they include every type of flower you can imagine. No one can deny these arrangements are beautiful. You may even have already given some thought to the type of floral centerpieces you want at your own wedding. But before you go any further I want you to consider NOT having floral centerpieces.
You might thing I’ve gone crazy. After all, how could you not have a lovely arrangement of the perfect décor-matching flowers at each table? If you already have the exact image in your head and you know you don’t want anything else, that’s great. I just want to let you know that there is a world of centerpieces outside of flowers. Not only that, but they can be just as beautiful and far more creative. You can come up with ideas to match any colors or theme. It may even end up costing less than traditional centerpieces.
I hope I have you intrigued. If so, here are a few ideas to you started thinking. Candles make lovely centerpieces. You can use antique candelabras, a cake stand holding several colorful votives, or a cluster of different sized pillar candles on a mirror or silver tray. For an Asian inspired wedding consider a small rock garden with tea lights or Bonsai trees. A tropical theme might call for shells in glass bowls filled with sand. A selection of wine bottles clustered together would be a nice match for a vineyard wedding.
There are a lot of interesting seasonal ideas as well. For an autumn wedding you could use cornucopias overflowing with fruit and vegetables, wooden bowls filled with fresh apples, or stalks of grain bundled together and tied with ribbon. Pumpkins and pine cones would also be appropriate elements to tie in. For a wedding during the holiday season you might want to do unique jars filled with candy canes or simple poinsettia plants.
Some other interesting ideas include wheat grass grown in aluminum pots, hat boxes stacked big to small and tied with ribbon, small wedding cakes, balloon arrangements, paper lanterns, framed photos, fishbowls with fish in them, and snow globes.
There is nothing wrong with choosing traditional floral centerpieces, but try and be open-minded. Don’t only consider flowers, but also fruit, candles, shells, containers, and any other object that offers texture or beauty. If chosen carefully, centerpieces can accentuate the theme of your event and help set the mood. And the options are endless.
You might thing I’ve gone crazy. After all, how could you not have a lovely arrangement of the perfect décor-matching flowers at each table? If you already have the exact image in your head and you know you don’t want anything else, that’s great. I just want to let you know that there is a world of centerpieces outside of flowers. Not only that, but they can be just as beautiful and far more creative. You can come up with ideas to match any colors or theme. It may even end up costing less than traditional centerpieces.
I hope I have you intrigued. If so, here are a few ideas to you started thinking. Candles make lovely centerpieces. You can use antique candelabras, a cake stand holding several colorful votives, or a cluster of different sized pillar candles on a mirror or silver tray. For an Asian inspired wedding consider a small rock garden with tea lights or Bonsai trees. A tropical theme might call for shells in glass bowls filled with sand. A selection of wine bottles clustered together would be a nice match for a vineyard wedding.
There are a lot of interesting seasonal ideas as well. For an autumn wedding you could use cornucopias overflowing with fruit and vegetables, wooden bowls filled with fresh apples, or stalks of grain bundled together and tied with ribbon. Pumpkins and pine cones would also be appropriate elements to tie in. For a wedding during the holiday season you might want to do unique jars filled with candy canes or simple poinsettia plants.
Some other interesting ideas include wheat grass grown in aluminum pots, hat boxes stacked big to small and tied with ribbon, small wedding cakes, balloon arrangements, paper lanterns, framed photos, fishbowls with fish in them, and snow globes.
There is nothing wrong with choosing traditional floral centerpieces, but try and be open-minded. Don’t only consider flowers, but also fruit, candles, shells, containers, and any other object that offers texture or beauty. If chosen carefully, centerpieces can accentuate the theme of your event and help set the mood. And the options are endless.
Let Them Eat Cake
I love wedding cake. I don’t just like it; I LOVE it! The soft, moist cake and smooth, creamy frosting are what I consider a perfect treat. Every wedding I attend, whether as a guest or for work, I have to have a piece. It doesn’t matter how good the food is, how much I eat, or if other desserts are offered. I have certainly had my fair share of wedding cake over the years, some of it better than others. But one thing is for sure: No wedding would be complete without one.
Early wedding cake traditions date all the way back to the Romans. The groom would eat part of a loaf of barley cake and break the rest over the head of the bride as a symbol of fruitfulness and good fortune. As time passed, icing was used to keep the cake moist, and the custom gradually fell out of practice. Over time this tradition evolved into the wedding cake we use today.
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task. It is no wonder that the wedding cake is often left as one of the final details the bride and groom decide on. It can, however, be one of the most enjoyable tasks. Even the most planning-reluctant groom can usually be persuaded to attend a cake tasting. After all, what’s not to love about an afternoon of free cake samples from the best bakery in town?
There seems to a trend of wedding cakes becoming more thought out and incorporated closely into the theme of a wedding. Bakeries are able to make complex creations that were impossible not too long ago, and couples are taking advantage of this. They are asking for intricate designs, asymmetrical shapes, and unique touches to make their cake stand out.
And no longer is it expected that the cake will be all one flavor. Many couples are using a different flavor for each tier. Mocha cake with coffee mousse, almond cake with cherry filling, lemon cake with blueberry filling, white cake with white chocolate and caramel mousse, the options are endless! The only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. (And maybe your wallet.)
If you are planning a wedding, start giving some thought to your cake. Go to the library or book store and get a book of wedding cake designs. Go online and search through the hundreds of pages of sample cakes. Once you have a basic idea in mind, call your favorite bakery and make an appointment for a tasting. Have them prepare several different flavors for you to try. While you are there, not only taste the cake but make sure they can accommodate the design you want. If you still aren’t quite sure what you want they may even be able to help you decide.
Most importantly make sure to enjoy a piece of cake at your wedding. I know you are busy dancing and socializing with all your guests. But it would be a shame to miss out on something you put so much time into planning. And hey, if you remember, save a piece for me.
Early wedding cake traditions date all the way back to the Romans. The groom would eat part of a loaf of barley cake and break the rest over the head of the bride as a symbol of fruitfulness and good fortune. As time passed, icing was used to keep the cake moist, and the custom gradually fell out of practice. Over time this tradition evolved into the wedding cake we use today.
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task. It is no wonder that the wedding cake is often left as one of the final details the bride and groom decide on. It can, however, be one of the most enjoyable tasks. Even the most planning-reluctant groom can usually be persuaded to attend a cake tasting. After all, what’s not to love about an afternoon of free cake samples from the best bakery in town?
There seems to a trend of wedding cakes becoming more thought out and incorporated closely into the theme of a wedding. Bakeries are able to make complex creations that were impossible not too long ago, and couples are taking advantage of this. They are asking for intricate designs, asymmetrical shapes, and unique touches to make their cake stand out.
And no longer is it expected that the cake will be all one flavor. Many couples are using a different flavor for each tier. Mocha cake with coffee mousse, almond cake with cherry filling, lemon cake with blueberry filling, white cake with white chocolate and caramel mousse, the options are endless! The only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. (And maybe your wallet.)
If you are planning a wedding, start giving some thought to your cake. Go to the library or book store and get a book of wedding cake designs. Go online and search through the hundreds of pages of sample cakes. Once you have a basic idea in mind, call your favorite bakery and make an appointment for a tasting. Have them prepare several different flavors for you to try. While you are there, not only taste the cake but make sure they can accommodate the design you want. If you still aren’t quite sure what you want they may even be able to help you decide.
Most importantly make sure to enjoy a piece of cake at your wedding. I know you are busy dancing and socializing with all your guests. But it would be a shame to miss out on something you put so much time into planning. And hey, if you remember, save a piece for me.
Bridal Expo Mania
Fall has arrived. The kids are back in school, the evenings are cooler, and the trees are changing color. But there is another phenomenon that happens this time of year: The Bridal Expo. If you are planning a wedding or even considering getting married you may be tempted to attend one or more of these expos. You probably won’t have trouble finding friends and family members to tag along either. After all, where else can you watch a live bridal fashion show, listen to string quartets, enjoy delicious cake samples, and collect enough free information to fill a giant gift bag?
Attending a bridal expo can be fun for anyone, but if you are serious about collecting information for your upcoming wedding, here are a few tips to help you get the most out the experience.
Register. When you enter the door to the show there will be a place for you to register. By registering you will be eligible to win door prizes. Your contact information will also be distributed to all the vendors at the show. Many of them will mail you information or special deals after the show is over.
Gather as much information as possible. Even if you don’t think you will need a particular vendor’s services, it doesn’t hurt to take their literature. You may need to find a last-minute replacement or suddenly realize you can’t live without a videographer.
Don’t hesitate to talk to the vendors. The literature they have available probably will not answer all you questions. For example, prices are seldom listed on flyers. If you are even mildly interested in a vendor’s services, strike up a conversation with them. Ask lots of questions and get a feel for their personality.
Bring a friend or relative. Spending several hours at a bridal expo by yourself can be dreadful. Bringing someone with you will help the time pass quickly and lighten the mood a little. Also, your guest might ask questions that you didn’t think of.
See the fashion show. Even though the designer dresses may be out of your price range, seeing them on the models could help you decide which type of style you like. The fashion show will also include bridesmaid and parent outfits, which are sometimes even harder to decide on than a wedding gown.
Bring a notebook. There is no way you will be able to remember everything that the vendors tell you and all the ideas that you like. Write down anything that you think you may want to refer to in the future, especially price quotes.
Follow these tips and you will be sure to get your time and money’s worth out of any bridal expo. You may even find yourself spending every weekend at one. But don’t burn yourself out too early. Because as soon as the fall bridal expo season is over, the spring one is right around the corner.
Attending a bridal expo can be fun for anyone, but if you are serious about collecting information for your upcoming wedding, here are a few tips to help you get the most out the experience.
Register. When you enter the door to the show there will be a place for you to register. By registering you will be eligible to win door prizes. Your contact information will also be distributed to all the vendors at the show. Many of them will mail you information or special deals after the show is over.
Gather as much information as possible. Even if you don’t think you will need a particular vendor’s services, it doesn’t hurt to take their literature. You may need to find a last-minute replacement or suddenly realize you can’t live without a videographer.
Don’t hesitate to talk to the vendors. The literature they have available probably will not answer all you questions. For example, prices are seldom listed on flyers. If you are even mildly interested in a vendor’s services, strike up a conversation with them. Ask lots of questions and get a feel for their personality.
Bring a friend or relative. Spending several hours at a bridal expo by yourself can be dreadful. Bringing someone with you will help the time pass quickly and lighten the mood a little. Also, your guest might ask questions that you didn’t think of.
See the fashion show. Even though the designer dresses may be out of your price range, seeing them on the models could help you decide which type of style you like. The fashion show will also include bridesmaid and parent outfits, which are sometimes even harder to decide on than a wedding gown.
Bring a notebook. There is no way you will be able to remember everything that the vendors tell you and all the ideas that you like. Write down anything that you think you may want to refer to in the future, especially price quotes.
Follow these tips and you will be sure to get your time and money’s worth out of any bridal expo. You may even find yourself spending every weekend at one. But don’t burn yourself out too early. Because as soon as the fall bridal expo season is over, the spring one is right around the corner.
I’m Engaged! So now what?
You just got engaged to the love of your life. You’re happy, excited, thrilled! Until you realize that now you have to plan a wedding. Suddenly fear takes hold, your face pales and your stomach twists into a giant knot. Let’s face it; planning a wedding is not easy. And all too often a time that should be filled with love and merriment turns into a stressful, chaotic planning frenzy that leaves you wondering why you didn’t just go and elope.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? First of all, take a deep breath. You can do this. You just need to take it one step at a time. To begin there are a couple of key questions that you need to answer. Take your time, discuss them in depth with your fiancé and anyone else who will be involved in the planning, and make sure you are completely happy with your decisions. Once you do that, the rest of the planning becomes a lot easier.
The first thing you should decide is the type of wedding you want to have. Do you want it to be large or small? Traditional or contemporary? Formal or informal? Religious or civil? Do you want to have it in a church, hall, tent, or a totally unique location? You don’t have to write out the guest list or decide on a specific place just yet, but you should have some general parameters in mind.
Next you need to come up with a budget. You are probably thinking to yourself, “A budget won’t help me because thing are going to cost what they cost.” This is not true! There can be a huge price range for services you will need. Without a budget you won’t know if you should go with the basic $1,000 photography package or spring for the super $3,500 one. Also, things tend to add up really fast. You don’t want to open your credit card bill one day and realize you need to take out a second mortgage. A budget will help keep you on track.
Finally you should give some thought to the date. The time of year, day of the week, and time of day are all important factors. You may decide that the day is the most important thing and make that the basis of your planning. Or you may think that the location is more important and once you pick one you will then chose from their available days. Either way is fine; it’s just a matter of what is most important to you.
Once you make these decisions you should start to feel better about the entire process. If not you may want to consider hiring a Professional Bridal Consultant™ to help you. He or she can help guide you and give you some piece of mind. At the very least you should invest in a good planning book. Two of my favorites are “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette” and “Wedding Planning for Dummies.” And of course I will be here along the way to answer your questions. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? First of all, take a deep breath. You can do this. You just need to take it one step at a time. To begin there are a couple of key questions that you need to answer. Take your time, discuss them in depth with your fiancé and anyone else who will be involved in the planning, and make sure you are completely happy with your decisions. Once you do that, the rest of the planning becomes a lot easier.
The first thing you should decide is the type of wedding you want to have. Do you want it to be large or small? Traditional or contemporary? Formal or informal? Religious or civil? Do you want to have it in a church, hall, tent, or a totally unique location? You don’t have to write out the guest list or decide on a specific place just yet, but you should have some general parameters in mind.
Next you need to come up with a budget. You are probably thinking to yourself, “A budget won’t help me because thing are going to cost what they cost.” This is not true! There can be a huge price range for services you will need. Without a budget you won’t know if you should go with the basic $1,000 photography package or spring for the super $3,500 one. Also, things tend to add up really fast. You don’t want to open your credit card bill one day and realize you need to take out a second mortgage. A budget will help keep you on track.
Finally you should give some thought to the date. The time of year, day of the week, and time of day are all important factors. You may decide that the day is the most important thing and make that the basis of your planning. Or you may think that the location is more important and once you pick one you will then chose from their available days. Either way is fine; it’s just a matter of what is most important to you.
Once you make these decisions you should start to feel better about the entire process. If not you may want to consider hiring a Professional Bridal Consultant™ to help you. He or she can help guide you and give you some piece of mind. At the very least you should invest in a good planning book. Two of my favorites are “Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette” and “Wedding Planning for Dummies.” And of course I will be here along the way to answer your questions. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.
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