Destination Wedding Idea: Europe

What could be more sophisticated and exciting than getting married in an historic European city or town? Picture yourself exchanging your vows in a magnificent Renaissance cathedral or entertaining your guests in a centuries old stone castle – how romantic! Europe offers many incredible options for a destination wedding, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the green glory of Ireland to the romance and thrill of the City of Lights. In fact, the hardest part might be narrowing it down to one location!

When planning a wedding far from home, a wedding coordinator on site is an absolute must. This goes double if you will be getting married in a non-English speaking country, if you are not fluent in the local language. Besides, working with vendors from afar is hard enough; dealing with different time zones makes it very challenging. Luckily, it is quite easy to coordinate with your wedding planner via email. Send lots and lots of detailed pictures of the flowers and other decorations that you want to ensure that everything is as you expect on your wedding day.

Definitely indulge in local cuisine and wedding customs for a European wedding. There is no point in going all the way to Italy to get married if you are going to insist on serving the standard American “beef or chicken”! Give your guests a real taste of what makes your host country so special, whether it is the finest French wines, Irish music, or Spanish tapas for the cocktail hour.

While you need not follow the local wedding attire traditions to the letter, definitely make sure that your bridal gown and sets of jewelry suit your location. If you are being married in a breathtaking cathedral, wear a gown with a cathedral length train. For a celebration in the English countryside, look at romantic yet low-key wedding gowns and bridal jewelry sets. And of course if you intend to be a Parisian bride, nothing but the latest and most chic gown will do – ooh la la!

Bridal Gown Colors

In the world of bridal gowns, there is white, and then there is…white. Diamond white, silk white, and natural white are just a few variations on the classic white wedding gown. A pure silk gown will never be bright white, because that is not the natural color of the fiber, even when bleached. The slightly softer shade of silk white is much gentler on most skin tones than the bright white with a bluish undertone that is often seen in polyester gowns. Whatever shade of white is available in a wedding dress, it will tend to look best on brides with darker or olive skin tones, or women with dark hair and pale skin.

Ivory is the next most popular color for wedding gowns after white. Nearly every gown will be available in a shade of ivory or cream, unless it has a special feature which would make it impossible. Some lace trims, for instance, are only created in white, so a gown with that embellishment would only be made using white fabric to match the lace. Ivory tends to have a slightly yellow undertone and looks wonderful on blondes and most redheads. The yellow undertones of ivory can, however, bring out sallow tones in olive skinned women, so they should stick with white or choose a deeper color like champagne. Always see a fabric swatch before ordering a gown in ivory; while most fabrics look lovely in that shade, some will be far too yellow. Also take care that if you are looking at pearl bridal jewelry sets that you select one which is similar in tone to your gown, rather than a strong white.

Champagne is another option for many wedding gowns. The deeper color is particularly nice for evening or winter weddings, although it might look out of place at a summer afternoon wedding. The rich color pairs especially well with luxurious fabrics like silk satin and silk shantung, which will play up the luster of the color. Champagne usually has a slightly brownish or pinkish undertone, rather than the yellowish tones found in ivory. As a result, it is a flattering color for women who find that ivory makes them look sallow. This sophisticated color is also very popular with second time brides who want a gown in a color other than pure white which still has a very “bridal” feel to it.

Last, but not least, consider the season when selecting a color for your wedding gown. The white which washes you out in the dead of winter might look fresh and crisp with a light tan in the summer. Warmer colors are often preferred for cold weather weddings, although the right shade of white is perfect for a sparkling Winter Wonderland theme wedding.

Small Ceremony, Big Reception

Some brides cannot wait for the drama of their grand entrance at the wedding ceremony, as they process down the aisle in front of hundreds of guests. For other brides, not so much! A great way to balance the wish for a very intimate wedding ceremony with the desire to celebrate your marriage with all of your friends and family is to have a private ceremony and a large reception. This is a look at how to plan a small ceremony and a big reception.

There are plenty of reasons why a small wedding ceremony might make sense for you. Maybe you dream of getting married on a sun-swept beach on a far-flung tropical island paradise, and know that only your closest family will be willing to make the trip. Or perhaps you break out in a cold sweat everytime you think about having hundreds of people watching you as you exchange your vows, and want a very low-key ceremony to alleviate your stage fright.  A small, non-traditional ceremony can help in this situation.

For couples who really want an ultra-tiny ceremony, a private service at home with only their parents, siblings, and one or two closest friends might be the way to go. Having a large wedding at home is a massive undertaking, but a very small one can easily be held in your living room with no special accommodations. Have a couple of bottles of Champagne on hand to toast the newlyweds at the end, and everyone can go out to a nice restaurant for dinner. That is all you need for a special private ceremony at home.

After your small ceremony, follow it up with a fabulous reception. Any style will do, from very traditional wedding reception in a country club or hotel to a casual barbeque for three hundred of your closest friends. If you opt for a traditional reception, by all means dress the part. For brides that means beautiful wedding gowns with classic sets of bridal jewelry and either suits or tuxedos for grooms. This is nice for the bride who did not wear a gown for a very small ceremony, as it gives her the chance to get all dressed up in full bridal regalia for the reception (perhaps minus the veil). The small ceremony followed by a large reception may be just the perfect combination for your wedding.

Grow Your Own Wedding Flowers

Are you a bride with a green thumb, or maybe just one who loves to take on do it yourself projects? Well, if you are getting married next year, you still have enough time to grow some of your own wedding flowers. These are some suggestions on how to grow the blossoms you will want for your wedding, as well as some potential pitfalls of which you should be aware.

The first step in planting a wedding cutting garden is to find out what is in bloom at the time of your wedding. Opt for flowers whose peak bloom time spans your wedding date a little bit on either side, if at all possible. If you select flowers which are only sometimes in bloom by the date of your wedding, you might end up with nothing to show for your efforts, other than a few buds which will flower while you are gone on your honeymoon! Another idea is to plant a backup flower which blooms slightly ahead of your favorite, in case your first choice is not ready in time.

When doing your own wedding flowers, it is generally advisable to stick to a very limited color palette. All white or all pink flowers are lovely and classic, and work wonderfully with almost any styles of wedding gowns and bridal jewelry sets, from romantic to more clean and contemporary. The advantage to this is that you can plant several varieties within your color palette and know that whichever end up looking good enough to use will all look well together. On the other hand, if you planned a complicated color palette and your purple flowers don’t bloom, your whole plan will be thrown off. Limiting the palette avoids this problem.

A key tip when selecting the varieties to plant is to look for ones with long stems. Avoid flowers labeled dwarf or for bedding, as they will have very short stems which are too hard to arrange into centerpieces and bouquets.  A wonderful advantage to growing your own wedding flowers is that you can create unique displays which will add to the special character of your wedding day.

Cute New TV Wedding Show

If you are reading this, you probably enjoy a wedding show on tv as much as I do. Whether you are a bride-to-be or have been married for years, there is something about watching other women plan their weddings that is always a lot of fun. For all of you who think that the best part of wedding planning is bridal gown shopping, there is a cute new television show called “Girl Meets Gown” which is worth checking out.

One thing that sets “Girl Meets Gown” apart from other shows about bridal gown shopping like “Say Yes to the Dress”  is the location. Unlike “Say Yes to the Dress”, which takes place in New York, “Girl Meets Gown” is filmed at a salon in Dallas. As they say, everything is bigger in Texas, and this is definitely true about wedding gowns, veils, and bridal jewelry sets. What qualifies as a simple little dress for a forest wedding in Dallas would be considered a lavish formal gown in New England. It certainly makes for entertaining viewing.

Women who are unfamiliar with the inner workings of a bridal salon will enjoy the behind-the-scenes commentary offered by the owners of the shop and their staff. You can see their secret panic when a bride comes in to shop who has no time to spare, and their palpable relief when they are able to secure a rush delivery on the bride’s favorite gown. Then there is the shock of a consultant who thinks her bride is coming in for a final fitting, only to learn that the young woman has changed her mind and wants to order a new dress.

The human side of the brides on “Girl Meets Gown” is the most interesting part of the program. Many brides-to-be can sympathize with the feelings of the woman who just couldn’t feel pretty in a wedding gown until she reached her goal weight.  Or the woman who got swept up in the moment and ordered a wedding dress that her friends really liked, only to later realize that she did not like it as much as they did. Weddings are endlessly fascinating, and if you are looking for a fun way to spend an hour, you might just want to tune into “Girl Meets Gown”.

Elegant Gowns for Older Brides

Being an older bride and dressing appropriately in no way means being dowdy or conservative. A bride of any age can look incredible in a gowns and bridal jewelry sets which are chic and fashion-forward. What it means to dress like an older bride is to wear something which is sophisticated and elegant, rather than young and frilly. Anything that makes you look like Cinderella is out. Anything that makes you look like Grace Kelly is definitely in.

Sheath style wedding gowns are among the most elegant. The slim silhouette is womanly and sophisticated, perfect for a bride who is a grown-up with life experience. A draped silk satin gown is an especially gorgeous choice. The fabric is the ultimate in luxury, and the weight of the satin along with the draping add a bit of camouflage that other slender gowns lack. The one shoulder style is very stylish right now and looks marvelous on a woman of any age. Bridal jewelry sets which feature dramatic crystal earrings and bracelets complement the single shoulder style beautifully.

Lace is a traditional bridal favorite and it can be stunning for a more mature bride. A lace gown with a fitted bodice and tip of the shoulder cap sleeves is a beautiful option. Look for one which is slender through the hips and then gently flared out into a court train at the hem. Brides who prefer styles which disguise the hips can look for gowns in lace with a great weight such as Alencon which have A-line skirts. Special details such as keyhole backs or scalloped necklines only add to the appeal of classic lace gowns. Finish it off with a waist-defining accent like a mocha colored sash or a crystal brooch at the waist.

Color is becoming increasingly popular for wedding gowns across the age spectrum. This can be a great idea for an older or second time bride who wants a classic wedding gown, yet is not entirely comfortable with pure white. There are numerous bridal gowns coming for next spring which are created in soft colors like pale pink, gray-blue, or even a gentle (and surprisingly flattering) light gray. Many of these gowns are created in very chic styles which are both au courant and sophisticated. All in all, a perfect combination of features for the bride seeking a gown which is elegant, unique, and mature.

Wedding Cake Topper Ideas

The traditional wedding cake topper is the bride and groom pair. These small statues are designed to resemble miniature versions of the actual newlyweds, right down to their white gowns, pearl bridal jewelry sets, and tuxedos. Many couples find the traditional bride and groom topper to be too boring, but they can be wonderful for a vintage inspired wedding. You can find actual antiques dating back to the 1920s to add just the perfect vintage flair to your wedding cake.

For a formal wedding, one of the most popular styles of cake topper is the custom crystal monogram. This is a fabulous accent for the bride who loves all things glitzy, from beaded gowns to crystal bridal jewelry sets. You can have one large single initial from the groom’s last name (if the bride is taking his name), a first initial from the bride and the groom, or a special crystal monogram made with their shared last name initial in the center and a first initial for each newlywed on either side. The effect is very glamorous and elegant, wonderful for an evening wedding.

Nature can be a great place to get inspiration for a wedding cake topper. For a fall wedding, a forest theme cake would be marvelous. Frost a rich spice cake with a chocolate icing textured to look like bark then top with marzipan mushrooms, leaves, and tiny forest animals. Or make a lovely spring cake with each tier frosted in a different pastel color. Tie it all together by topping with a collection of colorful butterflies. The effect will be whimsical and very pretty.

Consider your wedding theme as a great source of ideas for your topper. Having a beach wedding? Decorate the top tier of the cake with faux coral, seashells, and starfish. For a Winter Wonderland reception, a tiny sleigh with bride and groom figurines would be a cute alternative to the expected snowflake topper. Or top a garden wedding cake with a tiny vase filled with blossoms. This is a great way to enhance the theme of your wedding while making your cake even lovelier.

Get Creative With Your Wedding Table Names

At most weddings, when guests arrive at the reception, they will be directed towards a seating chart or escort cards to guide them to their seats. While you certainly could name your tables 1 – 15, it is quite standard and adds no style or personality to your wedding. Why not take the opportunity to do something fun or expressive? These are some great ideas on how to get creative with your wedding table names.

If your wedding has a theme, choosing creative names for tables will be a snap. Let’s say that you are planning an Old Hollywood Glamor wedding, complete with a red carpet and glitzy bridal jewelry sets. Each of your tables can be named after a famous film or movie star, such as Marilyn Monroe or “Roman Holiday”. Or if you were having a tropical theme wedding, choose related names like luau, Pina Colada, and hibiscus. Once you get the ball rolling, you will come up with more themed name ideas than you even have tables.

Table names which relate to the bride and groom are always a nice personal touch at a wedding. If you have no particular theme, why not name all the tables after your favorites? It could be books, movies, songs, or places, just to name a few. One of the great things about this concept is that it can be a terrific conversation starter for your wedding guests at dinner. You could choose a theme without stating it, like Hitchcock films or Audrey Hepburn characters, and see how long it takes everyone to piece it together. Before you know it, your Aunt Mildred and old college roommate will be happily chatting about whether Grace Kelly was better in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window”, “To Catch a Thief”, or “Dial M for Murder”.

Some couples like to tie their table names into their honeymoon destination. For a honeymoon to the City of Lights, choose from Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe or use more simple concepts like patisserie and croissant. Or celebrate your roots; a pair of newlyweds from New York could name their reception tables Statue of Liberty and Broadway. To make it even more entertaining, print a picture of each location under its name.

Essential Accessories for Brides

Veil: Nothing says “bride” quite like a veil. Although not every bride will wear one, it is the veil that truly transforms the wedding gown from a beautiful white dress into a bridal gown. The vision of the bride making her grand entrance softly silhouetted in a cloud of tulle is the classic image that we all have in our imaginations. Even a non-traditional bride may wish to consider wearing a veil, if only for the duration of the wedding ceremony and formal pictures.

Headpiece: There are many wonderful styles of bridal headpieces available, and there is one to suit any taste or style. The most formal is an elaborate tiara or even a small crown, usually bejeweled with crystals or rhinestones. Smaller combs featuring pearls, crystals, or porcelain flowers are a beautiful and versatile option. One of the hottest trends these days is a bridal headband. A double headband with two rows of crystals or pearls is a gorgeous accent to any wedding hairstyle. Wide fabric headbands are also very trendy right now.

Bridal Jewelry Set: No outfit is complete until you have added the jewelry. For brides, the sets of bridal jewelry usually consist of a coordinated suite including a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet or two. Your wedding is your chance to have some fun wearing special jewelry, even if your everyday style is fairly minimal. Bridal jewelry sets can run the range from elaborate and dramatic to classic and demure to modern and fun. Crystals and pearls set in sterling silver tend to be the most popular types of bridal jewelry sets.

Shoes: You certainly can’t walk down the aisle without a fabulous pair of wedding shoes! Choose ones which complement the style of your gown and feel as comfortable as possible. Closed toe styles are more traditional and formal, whereas strappy sandals are great for a modern wedding. Your wedding is a great excuse to splurge on a really spectacular pair of shoes, so go ahead and indulge yourself a little.

With this list of accessories in hand, you will be well on your way towards creating the perfect bridal ensemble for your wedding!

The YouTube Wedding Phenomenon

It seems like for many couples these days the most important consideration when planning a wedding is how to end up as the latest YouTube sensation. Anyone who watched Pam and Jim’s wedding on “The Office” now knows that even the ceremony processional is another chance for the bridal party to do something outrageous and memorable (as Jim said, as soon as he saw the video on YouTube of a bridal party dancing up the aisle to “Forever”, he knew they were in for it!). This is a look at the YouTube wedding phenomenon.

Some of the wedding videos on YouTube get literally millions of hits. Think about that; you could have two million people around the world interested in your wedding. The “JK Wedding Entrance Dance” video that inspired the scene on “The Office” has been viewed by over 28 million people! The bridal party who was in it even ended up on the “Today” show. For many couples, that kind of internet fame is simply too enticing to resist. Apparently everyone wants to be featured in the next hot viral video, and to grab their 15 minutes of fame.

Most of the popular wedding videos on YouTube are centered around a surprise (and almost all of the hot videos involve dancing, usually done by people with no special talent in that area). What makes them so fun is the gotcha! moment. As in, the doors to the church open, the bridal party is poised to march down the aisle, and surprise! they do a wacky choreographed dance instead of the expected dignified procession to “The Wedding March”.

Brides and grooms are definitely a big part of the YouTube phenomenon. The first dance used to be a moment when brides in their fine gowns and elegant bridal jewelry sets took a sedate spin around the dance floor with their beaming new husbands to “Unforgettable” or a Frank Sinatra song. These days, it seems like the surprise is when the bride and groom dance to the classic song all the way through. The guests are perched on the edge of their seats waiting for demure brides in their bridal gowns and sets of pearl jewelry to kick off their white shoes and start shaking it to “Crank That” or “Baby Got Back”.

Everyone is getting in on the act. From outrageous father and daughter first dances to entire bridal parties recreating the video to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, wacky choreographed dances are fast becoming a mainstay at otherwise formal and traditional weddings. Personally, I think that there is a trade-off; what you gain in laughs and internet celebrity, you lose in dignity and classic good taste. However, each bride and groom has the right to have the wedding that they want, and if what they choose is to try to get their reception to be a big hit on YouTube, they will certainly have plenty of company!