Turquoise and Lime Green Wedding Colors

Turquoise and lime green are bright and bold colors, but they are also surprisingly versatile as a wedding color scheme. Depending on the exact shades that you choose, these colors can be beachy, preppy, 1960s mod, or thoroughly contemporary. Not too many other color palettes can make that claim! One of the things that makes lime green and turquoise work so well together is that they have a similar intensity and depth of color. You can create some really interesting visual effects, especially with pattern.

If you love the idea of a 1960s look for your wedding, pick a great mod print to use in your décor. Big graphic flowers or pop art circles would be fantastic. You can use your favorite pattern on everything from table linens to the invitations. Just be sure that the bridesmaids don’t end up looking like they are wearing tablecloths – keep either the linens or the dresses more muted so that they do not blend together.

Turquoise and lime green can be used to design magnificent centerpieces. Fill tall cylinders will real limes, fill with water, and then top with a floral arrangement. There is a wider array of green flowers available than you may think, ranging from romantic green hydrangeas to exotic green orchids. These combine beautifully with white flowers, and the green and white centerpieces will really pop against turquoise linens in either a pattern or a solid.

The bride will certainly want to get in on the fun of such delightful colors. Your bridal accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, and wraps are great ways to add a touch of color to a white wedding gown. A small accent will really stand out against a white dress, so you don’t have to do too much to create a dramatic effect. A strand of white pearls with a scattering of turquoise and lime crystals would be fresh and pretty for a summer wedding. If you want to keep your dash of color under wraps, opt for a sassy pair of strappy sandals that will peek out when you are on the dance floor.

Great wedding designs begin with great color choices. Turquoise and lime green are definitely colors that say fun and festive, which makes them terrific for a summer wedding. Use them throughout your wedding to create an event that will be bold, eclectic, and original.

How to Pick the Perfect Centerpieces

Once upon a time, weddings were fairly similar. Most people had them in the same few types of venues, with similar menus, and white flowers on the tables. These days, couples are fortunate to have a whole world of choices available to help them create their dream wedding. The only problem is that with so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your choices. Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect centerpieces for the type of wedding you will be having.

When it comes to wedding centerpieces, there are truly a dizzying array of choices. Some of the main categories include: identical or eclectic, formal or informal, classic or modern, high or low, and even flowers, fruits, or other natural materials. The key to sorting through all of this information is to figure out which basic categories will fit your needs. From there, you can ask your florist to show you only the centerpieces that will be right for your wedding.

The vessels for your centerpieces will also have a major impact. Formal weddings call for centerpieces to be placed in tall silver vases or beautiful white vases. A casual wedding can use a much broader array of containers; anything from wicker baskets to mis-matched pitchers to simple glass cylinders could work. The vessels that you choose are also an excellent place to introduce the high-low concept and to show off a more modern or a more traditional style.

Once you have made your basic choices, it will be much easier to sort through all of the fantastic centerpiece ideas that are out there. Peruse the internet, and bring some samples to your florist to give her a visual guideline. When you and your florist are on the same page, you will be well on your way towards designing the centerpieces of your dreams.

A Good Marriage is the Best Revenge

Most marriages begin with a loving relationship between the bride and groom, but unfortunately, such a warm relationship is not always a given between the nearlyweds and their future in-laws. Family harmony will certainly help to bring more joy to your marriage, so it is always a worthwhile goal. Even if you cannot achieve it at first, it is worth putting the time and effort into it. And along the way, always remember that a good marriage is the best revenge!

There can be a variety of reasons why a young man or woman’s family may not welcome their intended with open arms. Sometimes there are cultural or religious differences which may seem insurmountable to the older generation, but are of no importance to the bride and groom. In this case, the best way to overcome objections is by assuring your parents that your choice to marry a person from a different faith or heritage is in no way a rejection of their beliefs or how you were raised.

Sometimes family disapproval is based on less clear concerns. Perhaps the groom was very nervous the first time he met the bride’s parents and made a fool of himself. Or maybe the groom’s parents have the impression that the bride is self-centered or too high maintenance. Oftentimes these misunderstandings are based on not knowing the person well enough to see all of their wonderful qualities. It is up to each person to tell their own parents all about the special things that made them want to spend the rest of your life with their intended.

A gracious gesture can often go a long way towards getting family relationships headed down a better path. Maybe your mother-in-law loves flowers, and she would love to help you design your centerpieces. So what if her taste is not exactly like yours? Accepting her input and maybe even taking a few of her suggestions will make her feel valued.

Another nice idea is to give your future mother-in-law a gift of wedding jewelry from the bride and groom. Jewelry along the lines of a strand of pearls would be a very thoughtful gift that she will love to have as a momento of your wedding. And take heart, as your families see how happy your marriage makes you, eventually they will come to see the good in your spouse that you knew was there all along.

Dazzling Crystal Wedding Details

Naturally, when you think of crystal, the wedding gown and the bridal jewelry are the first things that come to mind. As well they should; brides have always known that a few shimmering crystals will add a lot of elegance and a touch of drama to their big day. Most women don’t get too many chances to get dressed to the nines, and who doesn’t want to feel fabulous for their wedding? Crystal embellishments on your bridal gown can be light and subtle or strong and regal; either way, they are sure to make your dress look very special.

Think about some of the more unexpected wedding elements that could use some sparkle. These days it is possible to order pieces that are custom personalized with crystals for every aspect of your wedding. If you are the DIY type, a lot of these things can also be done at home. Many brides get a lot of joy from making something special for their own wedding.

One of the things that you can either order or do yourself is add a crystal motif to fabric items such as neckties, handkerchiefs, and ribbons. It may be surprising, but a small crystal design on the groom’s tie can actually be quite cool looking, and not gaudy. Something like a fleur-de-lis or a monogram done in flat crystals can be opulent or even rock-and-roll hip. Whichever motif you select, think about adding it to the hankies for the bride and the mothers, as well as on a wide satin ribbon to tie around your bouquet.

Speaking of the bouquet, this is one of the favorite places to add some sparkle. There are numerous ways that crystals can be incorporated into your wedding flowers. One of the most fresh and current styles is to weave a strand of crystals throughout the flowers. To make it really pop, use colored Swarovski crystals. If you want glamor without additional color, clear crystals can bring the perfect amount of sparkle to your bouquet. For a fun and discreet accent, wire tiny crystals into the centers of each blossom in the bouquet. It will be a magical effect as you walk down the aisle.

Planning for Fall Weddings

Attention all you autumn brides: it is time to get your wedding planned! Whether you have recently become engaged or have been planning your wedding for a year, you are now entering the “crunch time” during which you need to really nail down all of the details for your special day. These are some of the things that fall brides need to focus on in the coming months…

Hopefully by now, you have your venue booked. If not, that should definitely be your top priority. When you are working with a shorter lead time, you may find that many of the most popular wedding venues in your area will already be reserved. Couples who can be flexible on dates or the day of the week (ie, a Thursday evening instead of a Saturday afternoon), will certainly have more options available to them.

Another thing that fall brides should be sure to figure out ASAP is their wedding ensemble. The lead time on ordering a designer gown can easily be four to five months, and that is not even including the time needed for alterations. Some designers will offer rush delivery for an additional fee, or you can try your luck at sample sales if you wear a fairly average dress size. Once your gown has been selected, go ahead and pick out all of your accessories at this time, as well. You will want to shop for your shoes, undergarments, and bridal jewelry sets early, so that you are not scrambling around at the last minute.

The smaller details of the wedding can be dealt with as your date gets closer. For instance, it is just fine if you have not yet decided on wedding favors or bridesmaid gifts yet. As long as you get to those types of elements a few months before your wedding day, you will be in good shape. Of course, if you are the kind of bride who gets stressed out by leaving things on your “to do” list, there is nothing wrong with getting those details sorted out early, either.

Weddings with Artistic Flair

If you or your intended have an artistic side, it would be wonderful to bring this sensibility to your wedding. There are many fantastic ways that you can express your creative side in your ceremony and reception. Your wedding is the perfect chance to share your love of the arts with others, so let your creative juices flow!

Look for special and unusual accessories to give your wedding ensemble that artistic touch. Handcrafted bridal jewelry is a wonderful option when you are looking to show off your creative side. Anyone with an appreciation for beautiful things will love bridal jewelry that has been handcrafted especially for them. Other special handmade accessories to consider would include shawls, veils, and purses.

Give some thought to how you can use your artistic abilities to enhance your wedding. Perhaps you are a painter; why not hand some of your favorite canvases on the walls of your reception venue to really personalize it? If calligraphy is your passion, you can hand address your invitations, as well as designing beautiful programs and menus. There are countless ways that you can showcase your creative side in your wedding plans; if you are an avid quilter, you could hand make a chuppah or an arch covering for your ceremony.

Finally, don’t forget to thank your guests for coming with a creative and festive wedding favor. At one wedding that I attended, the bride hand made ceramic ornaments with a flower and her wedding date on them. This same bride also handbeaded the edge of her chuppah, and made her own invitations. Once you get those creative juices flowing, you will find tons of great ways to make your wedding more artistic and unique.

“I Love You, Man”

The recent movie “I Love You, Man” is all about the trials and tribulations of a groom looking for a close enough friend to be his best man. The romantic comedy highlights a problem that many men face when they get engaged: choosing their groomsmen and best man. These are some ideas on how to deal with finding the right best man for your wedding.

Hopefully, you do not find yourself in the same position as the groom in “I Love You, Man”. That man found himself in the unfortunate position of having no male friends close enough to be his honor attendant. Hilarity ensues as he goes on a series of “man-dates”, during which he auditions guys to be his new best friend. The friend that he finally clicks with nearly destroys his relationship with the bride, though of course, it all works out happily in the end.

If you are in the position of having to decide between several friends to be your best man, well, first off, congratulations; at least you have lots of friends, unlike the groom in “I Love You, Man”. At least you will not have to go shopping for a best man. All you need to do is think carefully about each of your friends, and evaluate the pros and cons of each one as a best man.

Once you do decide on your best man and the rest of your groomsmen, you will want to find the perfect groomsmen gifts to show your appreciation. The gifts for your groomsmen can be anything that you think your friends will enjoy, but usually you will want to look for something that can be personalized. Gifts like silver cufflinks or pocketknives are popular options for groomsmen and best man presents, because they are lasting signs of your friendship.

The Modern Bridal Trousseau

In times gone by, every young woman worked on assembling her bridal trousseau, even before she became engaged. Filling a hope chest full of exquisitely embroidered linens and nightgowns is not something that most brides today bother with. However, there is still a place in today’s weddings for a modern version of the bridal trousseau.

A bridal trousseau should be filled with elegant fine lingerie and nightwear. Sexy is great, too, but keep it tasteful. Particularly for the wedding night, it is better to wear a nightgown that is seductive, and yet a touch demure. This is why white is such a popular color for the wedding night lingerie.

As for the specific pieces to shop for, the classic wedding night ensemble is a white silk nightgown, often with a robe over it. Many brides love the elegance of a long nightie, sometimes even with a train, but shorter ones are also a great option. Wedding night pieces usually have some beautiful details that set them apart from everyday nightgowns, such as fine lace (often in sheer panels), chiffon accents, and cuts that reveal just enough. The trousseau robe is generally created from the same luxurious and seductive materials, and is a far cry from the terrycloth robe that you throw on after a shower.

The nice thing about having the two piece bridal trousseau set is that it is like the wrapping on a present. When you emerge in your white silk ensemble, perhaps with your hair down, but still wearing the wedding jewelry that your groom gave you, you will be a vision to behold. (And the pair of pearl earrings that you wore for your wedding jewelry will add that touch of elegance to your trousseau.) Your first time alone together as husband and wife is a momentous occasion, and it deserves to be treated as such.

Avoid this Wedding Argument!

Planning your wedding should be a happy and joyful time. There is one thing that can turn bridal bliss into one big headache, and that is fights about money. These are some tips on how to avoid this number one wedding argument, and to emerge from the wedding planning with your sanity and relationships intact.

The best way to avoid having disputes about money and finances is to have a frank discussion about it very soon after becoming engaged. This conversation needs to take place before a single vendor is booked, and it should first take place between the bride and groom. You need to decide between yourselves what your vision is for the perfect wedding, and then you can start to think about what kind of budget it will take to make it a reality.

When a couple is a bit older and more established in their careers, they will often decide to pay for the lion’s share of the wedding themselves. The reason for doing this is that money equals control. If you are paying for your own wedding, then you will have the freedom to have any type of event that suits you. Suggestions from your parents should be considered, but in the end, the final say will be yours. There are many, many brides and grooms who decide that having a scaled down wedding is well worth it to have the ultimate control of their nuptials.

Another approach is to take into account the size of the guest list that each family will have and to split the expenses accordingly. This can be a particularly fair way to do it when one family is much larger than the other. You will help to avoid tension between the bride and groom’s sides with this equitable version of wedding budgeting.

Keep in mind that there are certain expenses that are not really a part of the wedding itself that are going to fall to the bride’s side. These include the wedding gown, the bridal jewelry, and the bride’s hair and makeup. Talking about money and finances is never easy, but if you go into the wedding planning with a clear view of what you and your families can afford, it will ultimately make everything much more pleasant.

Planting a Wedding Cutting Garden

Every bride is looking for ways to save money on her wedding. At the same time, many women also like to take a DIY approach, and to make something special for the wedding day. If you love to garden, a wonderful way to achieve both of these goals at the same time is to plant a wedding cutting garden.

When planning a cutting garden, the first thing to consider is the date of your wedding. A certain amount of flexibility is also a good idea, as there can be a slight range of blooming dates for each type of flower from one year to the next. The smartest approach is to choose a selection of flowers that have a wide span of time during which they will be in bloom.

The style of wedding that you like will help you to determine the type of cutting garden that is right for you. If you are planning a very relaxed wedding, then a field of wildflowers might be perfect for you. In some climates, roses are abundant, and would provide beautiful flowers for a more traditional wedding. Tiny flowering shrubs can even be dug up, roots and all, and planted into pretty pots for your centerpieces.

A nice middle ground can be to grow some of the flowers for your wedding, but to hire a professional to arrange them and to supplement them with additional blooms. This allows you to save some money and to participate in creating something beautiful for your wedding without having all of the burden of doing your own flowers on your plate.

For instance, you could grow your own pink roses, and have the florist use them to make a lovely nosegay with stephanotis held in place with the little pins meant to mimic pearl bridal jewelry. And when your wedding guests admire the flowers at your ceremony and reception, you will be able to take pride in mentioning that you grew them yourself.