Elegant Ice Sculptures

When you are planning a wedding reception, it is the details and special touches that will really make it elegant. One of the classiest additions to any reception is an ice sculpture. There are many types that you can choose from, and you can get an ice sculpture customized just for you.

Ice sculpture design can be quite varied. The most traditional sort is clear ice done in some sort of romantic shape, such as a swan. But don’t feel that you are limited to that. If you like the old-fashioned styles of ice sculpture, you can also consider motifs such as cherubs, hearts, and other romantic symbols.

Your ice sculpture can also be more modern. One of the most popular ideas is to have the ice shaped to form the initials of the bride and groom. The sculptor can use a combination of clear and frosted ice to make the letters really pop. Another cool idea is to incorporate other elements into the ice. Once idea is to use mirror backed Swarovksi crystals to out line the couple’s initials. This is a spectacular way to tie in the ice sculpture with the bride’s look if she is wearing a beaded gown and crystal bridal jewelry.

A good ice sculptor will be able to find all sorts of ways to make your vision come to life. For instance, there is no reason that an ice sculpture must be colorless. If you really want to make it a bold part of your wedding design, then consider having the ice colored to match your wedding colors. Another idea is to stick with the clear ice, but have a colored spotlight set on the sculpture to set it off.

An ice sculpture is a great way to wow your guests at your reception. There are numerous options available, so you can choose a design that really fits in with the rest of your wedding. Whether your style is traditional or modern, you will find that an ice sculpture can really add a nice “pop” to your wedding reception.

Trendy Wedding Hairstyles

How you wear your hair will have a huge impact on your wedding day look. It can be elegant and romantic, or it can be something you will regret in later years (’80s bang ball, anyone?). To make sure that your wedding day hairstyle is a “do”, check out the latest trends.

Romance is the key for all of today’s most popular hairstyles. Your hairdo should look fresh and easy, not overly styled or contrived. You definitely do not want your hair to look stiff or heavily sprayed. It should look as though you could remove a few pins and let it tumble over your shoulders in a sexy cascade (even if it is really held together by fifty pins and a whole can of hairspray!).

These soft styles are often gathered back away from the face. One thing that you do not see in the wedding magazines these days is bangs, especially the kind that are cut straight across the forehead. If your wedding is at least a few months away, that should be enough time to grow out your bangs long enough so that your stylist can sweep them off to one side for a fresh and current look.

Most of the trendiest wedding hairstyles involve pulling the hair back into some sort of knot or bun. It is from there that you see many variations. As with the natural waves, these are loose knots, not tight ballerina buns or pristine chignons. Even more interesting are the intricate knots and buns that stylists are creating by twisting braids together at the nape of the neck. For your hair bridal jewelry, finish off the look with a scattering of beautiful crystal or pearl pins tucked into the knot.

Tips for Honeymooning in Europe

The honeymoon is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the wedding. When you are planning a post wedding getaway to Europe, it is especially exciting. These are some tips to keep in mind to make your European honeymoon as enjoyable as possible.

The first thing that you will need to decide when planning your honeymoon is exactly where you would like to go. Do you prefer to visit one country (perhaps seeing a few of the different cities and main attractions), or would you rather hop around and see as much of Europe as possible? Whichever you decide, there are great resources to help you plan your trip.

Couples who would like to visit some of the major capitals of Europe, such as London, Paris, and Rome, for instance, will find that there are a variety of tour groups and cruises designed to guide you along the way. If you would rather take things at your own pace, it is quite easy to get around Europe by rail; the choice is yours.

If you are planning to honeymoon in a country where English is not the first language, take the time to pick up at least a few key words and phrases in their native tongue. Sure everyone might speak English in the major cities of Germany and Italy, but it is arrogant to make the assumption. Even if you mangle the language, people will be charmed that you have at least made an effort to learn to communicate with them.

What to bring is another key thing to think about for your honeymoon.  Europeans are known for their effortless style and panache; you may not be able to duplicate that certain je ne sais quoi, but at least try to look your best. A few basic pieces, like black trousers, a pretty skirt, a white blouse, and a twinset can be made to go a long way. You don’t want to overpack, but do bring some accessories to help you complete the outfits. For instance, if you wore pearl bridal jewelry for your wedding, definitely plan to bring it. Classic bridal jewelry, such as a great strand of pearls, can be used for much more than the wedding.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a relaxed and romantic honeymoon. There are few destinations more memorable than the great cities and towns of Europe, especially if it will be your first time seeing them with your significant other. Bon Voyage!

European Honeymoon Tips: Part Deux

To make the most of your honeymoon in Europe, it is a good idea to do some advance research and planning, both in books and on the internet. Even if you and your fiance are laid-back people who like to let your adventures unfold naturally, you will find your honeymoon will be much more relaxing and pleasant if you arrange a few things beforehand.

It is great fun to pore through the guidebooks together deciding on the places and events that you definitely want to see. Once you have your list in hand, it is worth it to check out a few important details. For instance, it is often possible to buy admission tickets to museums long before your honeymoon. If you are planning to visit a popular destination such as the Uffizi in Florence, you can save yourself from wasting precious honeymoon hours by having pre-arranged tickets waiting for you when you get there.

Passports can take a long time to order, so plan ahead. If you will be needing a new passport, allow yourself several months or longer for it to arrive. You can check with your local government passport office for the exact time frame. Whatever that is, allow yourself a minimum of one extra month’s cushion. You certainly wouldn’t want to be forced to cancel your honeymoon due to a delayed passport!

When you are traveling for your honeymoon, you will want to bring some special outfits to wear for all of those romantic dinners. At the same time, it is unwise to travel with a lot of valuables, such as diamonds. This is where the crystal jewelry that you wore for your wedding can come in handy. The sparkle of crystal wedding jewelry will add just the right amount of sparkle to your favorite dress.

Your honeymoon will be the most romantic and special vacation that you will ever take. With all that is involved in planning a wedding, it can be tempting to let the honeymoon details slip to the back burner; however, you will discover that if you devote a little extra time to planning your honeymoon that it will be even more relaxing and fun than you had dreamed.

Wedding Gown Alterations

The first thing to understand is that almost every wedding gown will require some alterations. At the bare minimum, you will need to have the gown hemmed for your shoe height and have the bustle put in place. Most brides will need quite a bit more than that, from having the bust adjusted to taking in or letting out the waist, to smoothing out all of the little bubbles and ripples that are part of the way fabric lays on an individual body.  An average bride will need around three fittings, but if you are making significant changes, expect to need even more.

At your final fitting, your gown may look almost completely done, or there may still be some basting, if a lot of adjustments were made at the previous appointment. You will definitely want to bring along your mom or a bridesmaid to this fitting so that she can receive instructions on how to help get you into the gown on the wedding day, as well as tips on bustling. This is also your chance to see your entire bridal ensemble together, so be certain to bring your shoes, veil, headpiece, and bridal jewelry.

The last thing you should know about gown alterations is that they are not free. The more you have done, the more it will cost. Charges will vary depending on the bridal shop and the skill of the seamstress, but many brides will pay an extra $300 - $750 beyond the price of the gown, and sometimes more in special circumstances (like if you dropped two dress sizes). If a shop tells you that they do not charge a fee for gown alterations, this is not entirely true; what they do is add a standard fee into the purchase price of their wedding dresses.

In the end, you should feel like your wedding gown fits like a glove, and looks like it was made for you. Don’t expect absolute perfection, because fabric draped over a body will never look as smooth as glass, but it is fair to expect that your gown looks fantastic on you. This way, when you wear your wedding gown down the aisle, you are sure to feel amazing.

I Love green for 2009 wedding event

Spring is the beginning of summer and the end of the winter season. It is a perfect time for planning weddings when  nature itself is displaying its excitement through the greenery and the fragrance of the flowers that fill the air. When the nature around you is turning green selecting the theme of green color is a perfect idea for a wedding ceremony. Green is becoming one of  spring 2009’s most popular wedding colors.

A nice wedding gown with green color and matching green ornaments, conducted outdoors adorned with flowers and greenery will go well and look perfect for the event. Food served in green recyclable plates is an excellent idea for enhancing the theme relating to green. The color green exemplifies begining of a new life and future symbololic of a  wedding.  Let your wedding celebrate with one of the most popular colors of the spring this year.

Hip, Cool Bridesmaid Dresses

Who says bridesmaid dresses have to be big, frumpy, or downright unattractive? Many brides are treating their bridesmaids to dresses that are hip, fashion forward, and fabulous enough to be worn to their next cocktail party. These are some of the things to look for in the coolest, trendiest bridesmaid dresses.

It is the cut that sets a hip bridesmaid dress apart from the pack. Look for interesting, fresh-off-the-runway details. Good choices include one shoulder dresses, strapless, bubble hems, and deep sexy v-necks. These bridesmaid dresses will have unique designs, such as a combination of chiffon and satin, tiers, or a baby doll style.

Fabrics for updated bridesmaid dresses typically are flowing and fluid. You will definitely not find any petticoats! Popular choices include chiffon, charmeuse, and tissue taffeta. Stiff and formal fabrics do not work when you are going for a modern and updated look.

The right accessories will make all of the difference in the finished effect. To keep the bridesmaids looking hip and current, you will need to take care with their accessories. If you add a traditional strand of pearls to a deep-v dark aubergine dress, you will ruin the effect. When you are shopping for bridesmaid jewelry gifts, your mantra should be unique, stylish, and hip. The jewelry gifts that you give to each bridesmaid should be pieces that they will want to wear again, such as long crystal earrings and pendants. For the perfect finishing touches, think about strappy sandals, beaded or fabric clutches, and a wrap in case it gets chilly.

Ultimately, the bridesmaid dresses that you choose are a reflection of your personal style and taste. If you gravitate towards what is cool and modern, then your bridesmaid dresses should also be hip and stylish. The right bridesmaid dresses will add a fresh and fashionable edge to your wedding party.

5 Spring Centerpiece Ideas

Spring is a time of renewal and romance, making it the perfect season for a wedding. When planning the decorations for your springtime wedding, be sure to take advantage of all that the season has to offer. Here are five ideas for spring wedding centerpieces.

1. Planted bulbs. One of the first signs of spring is the beautiful bulbs that push through the earth, signalling the end of winter and the beginning of spring.  For a fresh centerpiece that says, “Welcome Spring”, decorate your tables with low planters featuring bulbs such as hyacinth in a tidy row.  Keep the containers fairly informal – a particularly nice look would be ones in a handpainted tin.

2. Peonies are one of the favorite flowers of spring. They are lush, romantic, and just achingly beautiful. They make a gorgeous spring centerpiece, as well. To really showcase their beauty, gather an abundance of peonies in a range of pinks for a fresh from the garden look. You may get them from the florist, but the idea is that it should look like you picked them that morning.
   

3. Lilacs are one of the most lovely and fragrant spring flowers. They are available in the signature lilac color (of course), but also pretty shades of pink and white. Lilacs would be gorgeous centerpieces when dripping from large footed garden urns. You could combine the lilacs with other flowing elements such as ivy. Because they do have a scent, you might find that lilacs are best used for outdoor receptions, so their aroma does not become too cloying.

4. Some brides love the look of more handcrafted and natural centerpieces. These are the brides who will choose the more hands-on look of handmade wedding jewelry over pieces that are mass produced. This type of bride will enjoy centerpieces that look less contrived. Instead of highlighting one or two elegant flowers, mix a variety of springtime blossoms with other natural elements, such as flowering branches.
   

5. One more great idea for spring centerpieces is to take inspiration from a classic spring gala: the Kentucky Derby. The signature of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep, which is served in those wonderful little silver glasses. You can easily find versions of the silver glasses online, and they look fantastic filled with a few open flowers. Garden roses and peonies make especially nice choices.

Charming Valentine’s Wedding Cakes

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, and it is a great time to get married. If you are one of the lucky Valentine’s brides, then you will surely want to bring some of this romance into the design of your wedding. There are many ideas for creating a charming Valentine’s wedding cake.

The traditional colors of Valentine’s Day are red, pink, and white, and these are great colors to use on a cake design. You can choose to use just one or two, or go all out and design a cake using all three colors. You can use some of the classic Valentine’s motifs, or you can choose a more modern design.

A very feminine look would be a pale pink cake with an intricate lace or doily design over it. To keep with the idea of old-fashioned femininity, each layer could be trimmed out with a faux pearl border, made to look like timeless pearl bridal jewelry. You could either go with a simple row of frosting “pearls” spaced around the cake, or you could have the baker create a realistic looking strand of pearls with a fancy clasp, strung around the center tier of the cake like its own bridal jewelry (which is a very hot trend in wedding cakes, and a nice way to marry old-fashioned design with current trends).

More whimsical brides can find other ways to take advantage of a Valentine’s theme cake. One of everyone’s favorite parts of the holiday is the conversation hearts – those little heart shaped candies that have sayings on them, like “Be mine” or “You’re the one”. An idea for a very unique and fun wedding cake would be to have a cake in a white or pale pink background color, and then have larger than life conversation hearts done in fondant and scattered around the cake. The hearts should be large, so that they make a bold statement and are easy to read. In addition to the classic conversation heart phrases, be sure to include ones with the names of the bride and groom.

One of the neat things about Valentine’s Day is that it means something a little different to each couple. When you are designing your wedding cake, choose a style that expresses your sentiments. Whether you prefer something ultra romantic, sophisticated and a little sexy, or fun and kitschy, you will end up with a unique wedding cake that will wow your guests.

The Prettiest Spring Bouquets

Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes spring weddings. There is an abundance of lovely flowers that come into bloom at that season. These are some ideas for the prettiest spring bouquets.

Pastels are always pretty and fresh for springtime. They mix well with white for very dainty and feminine bouquets for the bride and her bridesmaids. Pink, in particular, makes a beautiful choice for a spring wedding bouquet. Sunny yellow is another great color for a spring bouquet, and don’t forget about lilac and lavender, as well.

Tulips are one of the favorite flowers of springtime. They come in an astonishing array of colors, ranging from delicate white and pale pink, to cheerful yellow and orange to bold bright red and deep, mysterious purple. There is a shade of tulip that will work for almost any wedding color palette. Most brides think of the classic Dutch tulips, but there are also more wild and exotic looking varieties of tulips, such as the ruffled parrot tulip. The classic tulip makes a trim and tidy bouquet, that is especially nice when it is done in a single color. Finish it off with a hand-tied big satin bow on the stems for a timeless and elegant bouquet.

Peonies are another gorgeous flower available only to spring brides. They are full, lush, and feminine – just the picture of romance. Most commonly seen in pink, peonies make a stunning bouquet all on their own, or mixed with garden roses. The pink color of the peonies is so beautiful that you may wish to use it as inspiration for other parts of your wedding. It would be great to bring that lush color into your accessories, in the form of custom bridal jewelry. Bridal jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings, can be custom made for you and your bridesmaids out of sparkling pink crystals layered in with classic white pearls.

When you are thinking about spring flowers for your wedding, May brides should definitely consider lily of the valley. It is one of the most delicate and sweet flowers that you can choose, and it has been cherished by generations of brides. Lily of the valley is a small and dainty flower, perfect for creating a bouquet that is petite in size, but grand in style.