Caring for Your Wedding Jewelry

Your wedding jewelry is the most special jewelry which you will ever own. The earrings, necklace, and bracelets which you wear on your wedding day will do so much in creating the perfect bridal look. And your engagement ring and wedding band will be the two pieces of jewelry that you wear every day for the rest of your life. Learn how to care for your precious wedding jewelry, both before and after the wedding, so that it will last you a lifetime.

Pearl bridal jewelry is the most classic type of wedding jewelry. The nacre (mother of pearl coating) on the outside of a pearl is what gives a pearl its signature luminosity, but it is also very fragile and must be babied. If the nacre is damaged, the pearl will end up with a dull appearance, and it can never be restored to its former beauty. This is why preventing damage is key. Never get pearls wet, and use only a soft dry cloth for cleaning. Store pearls separately from other jewelry, so that they cannot be scratched.

Brides who are wearing pearl necklaces and bracelets which have been worn before should take them to a jeweler several months before the wedding to be evaluated. It is not uncommon that a strand of pearls may need to be re-strung, either because the silk thread has become thin and weak or because the thread between the pearls has gotten dingy. Re-stringing is a very straightforward process, and not particularly expensive, but it can take some time, so be sure to plan ahead.

Brides have always loved sparkly wedding jewelry, and if you have chosen crystal or diamond pieces, you will want to be sure that they shine brilliantly for your special day. The best way to care for fine Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry is gently, so as not to scratch the reflective surfaces. Wipe them with a soft cloth, and do not immerse them in water. If deeper cleaning is needed, a diluted glass cleaner can be gently brushed on with a cotton swab (not a toothbrush, which can scratch the surface). Most diamond jewelry can stand up to fairly vigorous professional cleaning by a jeweler. A day or two before your wedding, have your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it shines like the sun.

Classic Spring Wedding Bouquets

Spring has some of the loveliest flowers of any season, so it is no wonder that it is such a popular time for a wedding. There is no need to do anything exotic with your wedding flowers, as the ones in season are so exquisite all on their own. These are some of the most classic spring wedding bouquets.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to be a spring bride is to have the chance to carry a delicate bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley. The tiny white or pink blossoms are an emblem of spring, and are in season in early May. In fact, lily-of-the-valley is the birth flower for those born in the month of May. Its meaning is “return to happiness”, making it a very appropriate choice for wedding flowers. Allow a lily-of-the-valley bouquet to be very simple; all it needs is a satin ribbon around the stems to become the height of bridal perfection.

Peonies are another gorgeous spring flower, and they are very popular for bridal bouquets. Typically used in shades of pink or in white, the lush full blossoms of peonies are fantastic for creating larger bouquets. They work beautifully with classic bridal style, such as a lace gown worn with a pearl tin cup necklace. Peonies are also wonderful for garden weddings, as they have a fresh-picked appearance.

Of course, it would not be spring without tulips, and no bride could go wrong selecting this classic symbol of spring for her bouquet. Tulips look amazing when arranged in single color bunches, and you can create a different feeling depending on which color you choose. For the most traditional effect, an bouquet of white tulips is gracious and elegant. Tie them with a white ribbon if you want to maintain a traditional style, or add a black and white striped ribbon for a touch of modern elegance. Red tulips are fun and festive, yellow are cheerful, pink are feminine, and purple a bit more sophisticated. There are so many pretty spring wedding flowers that that may be enough reason to set a spring wedding date!

Pink and Gray Wedding Colors

Pink is always a popular color for weddings. For the last several years, pink and brown have been an especially hot color palette, but this year, a new neutral has replaced brown as the top companion to pink. Take a look at these great ideas for using pink and gray wedding colors.

Bridesmaid dresses are a great place to begin planning your wedding colors.  For an elegant evening wedding, try floor length charcoal gray dresses in a soft silk chiffon. It is one of the most chic bridesmaid dress styles of the season, and your ladies are sure to look graceful and sophisticated. If your wedding is in the daytime hours, think about opting for a pink bridesmaid dress. Something with clean lines would work best with the chic gray accent color, rather than a dress which is very frilly. To bring in the gray accents, try sets of pearl bridal jewelry in a dove gray shade.

Naturally pink flowers will be the ideal choice for a pink and gray wedding. Elegant pink roses, exotic orchids, lush peonies, and unique ranunculus are among the flowers which would be especially beautiful. Bring in your signature shade of gray with special bouquet wraps, such as a charcoal satin ribbon binding the stems. A fabulous accent idea would be to pin a pewter and crystal brooch to the handle of the bride’s bouquet, or ask your florist about incorporating some gray pearls in amongst the blossoms in the bouquets.

When the wedding flowers favor the pink, more gray can be used in the table linens at the reception. Choose carefully, as too much gray can bring down the energy of the room. Tablecloths with a hint of shimmer will ensure that the gray is elegant, rather than dreary. Charcoal gray silk dupioni or an embroidered pewter organza would be beautiful reception linens that would provide the perfect backdrop for pink floral centerpieces. The upscale and elegant pink and gray color palette is an excellent option for any bride.

Dos and Don’ts of Church Wedding Ceremonies

To get you started on planning the perfect wedding, take a look at the dos and don’ts of a church wedding ceremony.

Do: Dress appropriately. The exact definition of proper wedding attire will vary a bit from one house of worship to the next, so always consult with your officiant before purchasing a bridal gown. In general, a wedding gown for a church ceremony should err on the side of modesty. Stick with classic styles and timeless jewelry such as pearl earrings. If you want to indulge in a sexier wedding gown, change out of your ceremony dress and pearl earrings into a slinky sheath and dramatic drop earrings for the reception.

Don’t: Forget about the size of the aisle when wedding gown shopping. If your church is a tiny chapel with narrow aisles, that voluminous ballgown will be too full to move around in gracefully. On the other hand, a simple A-line bridal gown will be lost in the grandeur of a cathedral, which is why the cathedral length train exists.

Do: Plan to make some sort of donation to the house of worship in which your wedding is held. In some instances, the amount of the donation is entirely voluntary, with typical offerings ranging from a few hundred dollars and up. Large churches like St. Patrick’s Cathedral have set donation fees. Be sure to find out how your church prefers to receive the donation, whether it is in advance or on the day of the event.

Don’t: Worry too much about bringing in a lot of flowers and other decorations for the church. Many are so pretty anyway that a few floral displays on the altar and bows on the ends of the pews are all that is needed. Also keep in mind that there may be seasonal decor already in place for weddings which take place near holidays. Save the majority of your decorating budget for the reception where it will really be needed.

Cocktail Party Wedding Receptions

When planning a cocktail party wedding reception, you really want to channel a 1950s/1960s retro vibe. Start planning your cocktail reception by choosing a fab 1950s inspired gown.  A strapless gown with a fitted waist and a flouncy skirt will look feminine and flattering. Tulle and organza are among the best fabrics for this style of wedding dress, and they are often accented with lace or embroidered embellishments. If you want a wedding gown with a sassy edge, choose tea length over the traditional floor length dress. Naturally, pearl bridal jewelry will be the perfect accessory for your retro cocktail party look.

Then there is the food and drink menu to be considered. Classic cocktails like gin and tonics, Manhattans, sloe gin fizzes, and whiskey sours will hit the right note. It’s always nice to have a few cocktails in fancy glasses, so to be sure to add martinis and Champagne cocktails to the bar menu. Put your own personal stamp on the reception with custom coasters and cocktail napkins to dress up the bar.

A wedding reception just wouldn’t be right without great food, and this is where a retro cocktail reception will deviate from the mid-century inspiration. Rather than a seated dinner, serve heavy hors d’oeuvres, which basically means that there will be enough appetizers that your guests will leave feeling satisfied. This is a trend which guests really like, because at most weddings, the appetizers are the most delicious part of the wedding anyway. Feature a wide variety of little bites, both passed and at stations to help your guests feel full (and to soak up the cocktails).

Of course every great party has great music, and the music of the ’50s and ’60s is perfect for a wedding. Hire a big band or a quartet which specializes in standards and swing, and set up a play list heavy on Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, as well as modern crooners like Harry Connick, Jr. and John Pizzarelli. The right music will really establish the mood of your reception, not to mention, get people dancing. With all of the elements in place, you can be sure that your cocktail party wedding reception will be a night to remember.

How to Accessorize Trendy 2010 Wedding Gowns

Use this handy guide to accessorizing a trendy 2010 wedding gown to get you down the aisle in high style…

The one shoulder trend remains tops for 2010. This can be one of the trickier styles to adorn, as the asymmetry makes jewelry selection a bit more challenging.  If it is is a simple style, say a twisted piece of silk charmeuse, then you can pair it with a single strand choker necklace and medium drop earrings. On the other hand, if the one shoulder is adorned with an abundance of shredded organza flowers as many are, rather than layering in a necklace with such a busy neckline, go with bold earrings as your feature jewelry, such as custom Swarovski bridal earrings in a swingy chandelier design.

Because the one shoulder bridal gown has a chic modern elegance about it, a simple veil will tend to be best. A long single layer veil with a plain edge will not fight with the dramatic lines of the gown. A double headband in pearls and crystals is a stylish headpiece which will complement any wedding hairstyle. Strappy high heel silk sandals will ensure that your ensemble is stunning from head to toe.

Without a doubt, the best jewelry for a V-neck gown is a pendant necklace with drop earrings. They do a wonderful job of emphasizing the flattering shape created by the V-neck. You may wish to work with a jewelry store that can create custom bridal jewelry to make sure that your pendant is the perfect length. Elegant shoes like D’orsay pumps or slingbacks will suit the gown beautifully.

If one of the 1950s inspired bridal gowns is your fantasy, accessories will be a snap. Classic pumps with a pert bow on the front will be the ideal shoes. A fluffy waist length veil with a headband or feather flower in the hair (for a more contemporary accent) take care of the top. And in this case, your mother’s classic pearl bridal jewelry will be just right after all. Just add a pair of earrings with some crystals to freshen up the classic style of the necklace, and you will look perfect. Here comes the bride!

Wedding Sites With Meaning

When you are seeking the perfect site for your wedding, begin by looking back in time. Did you grow up attending church with your family every Sunday? Even if it not the most convenient location, what could be more meaningful than exchanging your marriage vows in your family’s church? The nice thing about using your family’s house of worship for your wedding ceremony is that it will not only be special for you, but for your entire family.

What about planning a destination wedding to your favorite childhood vacation spot? Did you go to the same lake in Michigan every summer or rent the same rustic old cabin in Vermont each winter? If so, plan to have your wedding in that locale. It is nice to have a destination wedding in a location that is not just appealing in a general sense, but meaningful to you specifically. You will also have a built-in special place to return to on your wedding anniversary each year. And just think, one day when you have kids of your own, you can continue tradition by vacationing with them each year in the place where you were married.

In some families, there is a club that has been a long standing part of their lives. If you grew up spending weekends playing golf or tennis at the local country club, it would be an ideal choice for your wedding. You will be very comfortable having your reception in such familiar surroundings. The classic style of a country club wedding goes well with other wedding classics, like a band playing Frank Sinatra and pearl bridal jewelry. If the pearl bridal jewelry belongs to your mother, it can also count as your “something borrowed”, which is a nice perk.

Many brides and grooms have places which hold special memories and meaning. Perhaps your fiance proposed to you in a beautiful park overlooking a lazy river. Why not celebrate your union by having your wedding there? If there is a favorite restaurant that you have cherished as your best spot for romantic dates, see if they will host your reception. (If it turns out that they cannot accommodate your guest list, maybe they could at least provide catering for your reception somewhere else.) It can be really fun to introduce your family and friends to the places that are meaningful to you and your fiance. By selecting a wedding site that is full of special memories and meaning, you will make your wedding more personal and heartfelt.

Wedding R.s.v.p. Options

The manner in which you have your guests respond to your wedding should make sense with the overall tone of the affair. By this I mean that a formal wedding calls for a more traditional response format, while other options might be appropriate for a more casual wedding. For instance, if you are having a very traditional wedding in a grand hotel, wearing classic pearl bridal jewelry and a custom lace gown, it would be entirely out of place to ask your guests to respond by email. On the other hand, if you were having thirty of your closest friends for a picnic in your backyard following a five minute wedding ceremony, such a response might be just fine.

One things that many brides do not seem to realize is that it is not necessary to include any type of response card with a wedding invitation. Although they are now very common, traditionally wedding invitations were issued with the assumption that everyone knows that a formal invitation requires a reply. To nudge the guests along, a discreet “R.s.v.p.” or “The favour of a reply is requested” is engraved in the lower left corner of the invitation. The guest then sends a note to the return address on the invitation envelope indicating whether or not they will be able to attend. Think this will not work? This is exactly what I did for my wedding, and I had no problem at all with guests not responding.

For those who wish to include a wedding response card, there are two basic options. There is the small card with a self-addressed stamped envelope or there is the postcard. Online R.s.v.p. requests are an up-and-coming wedding trend. It is generally not advisable to go this route if you have a multi-generational guest list, as many of the older guests will not feel comfortable with an online response format. Couples who are thinking about going this route may wish to offer it on an R.s.v.p. postcard for guests who prefer to register their attendance online. It may not save you the cost of postage, but at least you will make sure that it is possible for all of your guests to reply to the wedding invitation in a way which makes them feel comfortable.

Uninvited Wedding Guests

Showing up to a wedding without an invitation is a serious social faux pas. It would be like wearing a necklace your ex-boyfriend gave you for your wedding instead of your fiance’s gift of pearl bridal jewelry. Nonetheless, wedding crashers are a real problem, and not just in the movies. It can be a difficult issue for the newlyweds to resolve on the spot at the reception, which is why it is wise to have a plan in place beforehand should uninvited guests arrive.

The most likely type of uninvited wedding guest is not so much a true wedding crasher (unless you happen to be a celebrity), but a date brought along by one of the official guests. This actually makes the issue a bit more delicate, since presumably the person to whom you did extend an invite is someone that you care about. That means that unceremoniously chucking the intruder into the street by his shirt collar is pretty much out of the question.

If you are having a buffet dinner and there is room for an extra guest, the most gracious thing to do is nothing.  Simply allow the uninvited guest to have dinner along with everyone else and do not give it another thought. In the case of a buffet or station reception, it really won’t cost you anything more than maybe a couple of drinks. But if you do not have an extra dinner or a place to put the uninvited guest, by all means someone should inform the person that they cannot accommodate an extra guest for dinner. To soften the blow, you may invite them to join everyone else for dancing after the meal.

Much more rarely, there will be true wedding crashers, people who you most definitely do not want to have at your wedding. Typical candidates are ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends, estranged relatives, and maybe a crazy former roommate. There is no need to allow these people to intrude on your wedding day. The father of the bride or the best man is perfectly in the right if he lets the wedding crasher know that his or her presence is not welcome and that they must leave. Rarely will this sort of problem arise at a wedding, but at least if it does, you will be prepared to handle it so smoothly that none of the invited guests will even know that anything is happening.

How to Have a Dream Wedding

One bride’s dream is another bride’s nightmare. For every woman who wants to have a Cinderella fairy princess wedding in a castle, there is a city chic gal who gags at the very thought of it. By the same token, for every bride whose idea of the perfect wedding involves a trendy urban loft filled with hip lounge furniture, there is an earthy woman who cannot imagine getting married without the natural beauty of flowers and trees surrounding her. This is why the most important step in designing your dream wedding is to first figure out exactly what a perfect day would look like to you and your fiance, not your mother, and maybe not even Martha Stewart.

With your concept of the perfect wedding day firmly in mind, you can begin to set everything into motion. Begin with your venue, which will be the biggest choice you make for your wedding (other than the groom, of course!). Make sure that it fits in with your vision, in terms of style, size, and location. Be realistic! What if if that picture perfect meadow overlooking a lazy river is soaked with three days’ rainfall? Is that ultra-cool loft in a neighborhood where your grandmother would feel safe walking from her car? It is all too easy to get blinded to potential serious issues with a wedding location when it captures your heart, so be careful about this.

Once you have a venue booked which has the right style, move on to the wedding attire, as this will be the next most important factor in setting the tone for the event. It is extremely helpful to wait to pick your wedding gown until you know where you will be having the ceremony and reception. Certain details will work beautifully with specific types of venues, and when it all comes together harmoniously, the effect will be breathtaking.

Bridesmaid attire and flowers will be the other things which are most important in coordinating your dream wedding. The bridesmaid dresses should in some way complement the style or silhouette of your bridal gown. You can also tie everything together with similar jewelry, such as the tin cup necklace design. The bride can wear a white pearl tin cup necklace and the bridesmaids can wear floating pearl necklaces in a color which look good with the bridesmaid dresses. And then there are the flowers, both for the ceremony and reception. They should be in harmony with the rest of your wedding plans, both in terms of style and color. With all of your details tied together, you will be well on your way to making your vision of a dream wedding come to life.