Honeymoons on the Water

A cruise can be a fantastic idea for a honeymoon trip. Most cruise ships are like floating cities, complete with everything from fine dining to swimming to nightlife and sporty activities. There is a huge variety in cruise types, as well. If time is short, take a weekend party cruise out of New York or another major port city. Or take a traditional tropical cruise which visits numerous ports of call all along the Caribbean.

There are more exotic cruises, as well, such as those to Alaska, the Greek islands, or the fjords of Scandinavia. The experience of being out at sea with your new spouse taking in breathtaking sights will truly make your honeymoon memorable. One thing that most cruise lines have in common is the expectation that guests will dress up for dinner, so be sure to pack some pretty dresses, and bring along your crystal bridal jewelry to add that touch of elegance.

A fantastic voyage for sailing aficionados is a sailboat cruise. On many of these excursions, there is a crew, but the newlyweds also get to take part in sailing the boat. It is a great balance between getting the fun of sailing, without having total responsibility for the vessel 24 hours a day. Most of these types of honeymoons will be on sailboats with sleeping cabins, so you will call the boat your home for the duration of the trip. To keep things interesting, plan on visiting a few spots along your journey where you can share a romantic dinner in a great restaurant. Even newlyweds cannot live on love alone, after all.

Finally, thrill seeking newlyweds will find many adventures to share on the water. There is waterskiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and even scuba diving for those who are certified. If a natural time in the water is more your style, book your honeymoon at a resort which offers the chance to swim with dolphins. Or head to the Everglades and see the sights from a fan boat.  Whatever your interests, there is sure to be a honeymoon trip on the water which will be a lot of fun for the newlyweds.

Romantic Illusion Neckline Wedding Gowns

Are you looking for a wedding gown which is elegant, romantic, and timeless? Something different than the typical strapless bridal gown? Then take a look at some of the latest illusion neckline wedding gowns, which have a special ladylike charm.

An illusion neckline is one which is created using a sheer fabric, usually either organza or a fine net or tulle. The thing that is so wonderful about a bridal gown with an illusion neckline is that it allows the dress to have real straps without looking too heavy or covered up. For brides who are uncomfortable wearing strapless or who simply want something a bit more modest, a sheer neckline can be the perfect answer. It allows you to have a bit more coverage and structure in the gown, yet does not look too covered up or conservative.

One of the most intriguing things about illusion neckline wedding gowns is that they can also be quite dramatic. The sheer fabric can be used to provide structure over a plunging back or daring low cut bodice. On a gown which would otherwise be very tricky to wear, the stability of the sheer organza or net makes it structurally practical. This is an effect frequently used in the world of figure skating, and it works just as well for a wedding gown. It allows a bride to have fun trying a style which is daring, yet not scandalous!

Oftentimes, an illusion panel will be embellished with light beadwork. It can be absolutely breathtaking to see a sheer fabric which twinkles and sparkles with the glow of many tiny crystals. The effect against the skin which is visible through the illusion material is just gorgeous. Play up the crystal detail with fabulous crystal bridal jewelry to match. The overall effect will be a truly sophisticated and elegant bridal ensemble.

Sparkle is In for 2010 Weddings

Brides have always adored sparkle! The shimmer, the shine, the dazzling brilliance of crystals just does so much to enhance the elegance and glamor of a bride and her wedding. If you count yourself among the many brides who love all things sparkly, you are in luck, because serious sparkle is seriously in style for 2010 weddings!

Naturally, the bridal gown and bridal jewelry are the ideal place to start adding the gorgeous sparkle of Swarovski crystal to your wedding day. When it comes to wedding gowns, there are lots of great ways to enhance with crystal embellishments. A subtle sparkle comes from adding a light dusting of clear crystals across the bodice of the gown – so pretty on one of the 1950s inspired organza dresses that have been hitting the bridal shops. Or go for all out glamor and drama with a bridal gown which is heavily beaded with both “ab” finish Swarovski crystals and mirror backed crystals (similar to rhinestones, but prettier). One of the most figure flattering looks is to select a wedding gown which has a crystal beaded “belt” around the middle to accentuate the waistline.

Your wedding ceremony can also benefit from some extra shimmer. One of the most spectacular effects that can be created with crystals is to use them to adorn an arbor or an altar. String long ropes of crystals and suspend them from the arbor, chuppah, or other structure. It makes a breathtaking backdrop for the wedding vows, whether your wedding will be indoors or outdoors.

Floral arrangements lend themselves to being bedecked with crystals. Why not create a showstopping floral display which will welcome your guests to your reception venue? Right in the main entrance, set a large tiered stone fountain with elaborate carving. Rather than filling the fountain with water, each tier is filled with fabulous flowers in a signature color like red or bold pink. Finally, hang rows of crystals between each tier, letting them cascade down the sides of the fountain like waterfalls. The finished effect will be truly impressive, and is sure to blow your guests away. One thing is for sure: the big crystal look is back in a big way for 2010!

Dealing with Wedding Disagreements

It is inevitable when planning a wedding that disagreements are going to arise between the bride and her mother. Here are some tips to help brides deal with common wedding disagreements.

Scenario No. 1: You and your friends all love a great party and your mom thinks drinking is wrong.  This is an area where sometimes a middle ground can be found between the two sides. Maybe your mom is worried less about people having a glass of Champagne for toasting and more about the younger generation getting drunk and rowdy. Perhaps you can agree that only wine will be served at the reception, and then the newlyweds and their friends can have an afterparty later.  Of course, if your mom is paying for the wedding and insists on an absolute ban on alcohol, there is not too much you can do about it.

Scenario No. 2: Your mom wants to see you wear a traditional long sleeve wedding gown with her strand of pearls. You imagine yourself in a trendy one-shoulder dress with modern crystal bridal jewelry. There can be some ways to appease a traditional mom. For instance, you might agree to wear the modern dress with a little jacket for the ceremony.  Do your best to make your mom feel respected, but also make sure that when you put on your entire wedding ensemble that you feel gorgeous.

Scenario No. 3: Budget conflicts. It is really, really easy to spend a huge sum of money on a wedding in the blink of an eye. And yet, when your parents are paying for the wedding, they will likely have in mind what they consider to be a reasonable budget. This is one dispute that has to go to the parents. Even if you think that your parents’ idea of what a wedding should cost is hopelessly outdated, you cannot in fairness ask them to spend more than they can afford. Your best bet is to find a way to work within their budget or to make up the shortfall with your own money if you can.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to handle most wedding issues which crop up in a graceful manner.

The Pros and Cons of a Vegas Wedding

Las Vegas has always been a popular place for weddings. As with any type of weddings, there are advantages and disadvantages to tying the knot in Sin City. Use this list of pros and cons to help you decide if a Vegas wedding is right for you.

Pro: Las Vegas is glamorous. A Vegas bride has the perfect excuse to choose a sexy beaded wedding gown with lots of sparkling crystal bridal jewelry. Imagine yourself as an extra in “Ocean’s Eleven” or a James Bond film with gorgeous ladies and dashing tuxedo-clad men in the high end casinos. That can be the vibe you channel to put together the perfect crystal beaded gown and dazzling jewelry for your Vegas nuptials.

Con: If you do not consider yourself to be a glamorous person, you may be uncomfortable with the sexy attitude of Vegas. Certainly some brides will wear traditional lace gowns for Las Vegas weddings, but they are in the minority. If you are not comfortable showing some skin, you might prefer to hold your wedding elsewhere.

Pro: Anything goes in Vegas. That is a large part of the appeal for many brides and grooms. Want a wedding that is whimsical, quirky, or just plain silly? You will be able to find whatever you want in Las Vegas. Especially if it is an Elvis impersonator.

Con: That whole “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” attitude. If you are the sort of couple who prefers a traditional and wholesome wedding experience, the whole Las Vegas vibe may be too much for your taste. Hint: if the word “conservative” is one which you use to describe your dream wedding, Vegas is not for you!

The Basics of Wedding Centerpiece Design

Designing your own wedding centerpieces can be a very fun project, if you know where to start. Whether you want to make your own table arrangements or simply want to have the knowledge needed to work with your florist on the design of your centerpieces, the more you know, the easier it will be. These are the basic elements of wedding centerpiece design that everyone should know.

The Vessel:This is what will hold your flowers. The most common vessel for centerpieces is a vase, but many other types of containers can be used. You can really set the style of your centerpieces by the type of vessels which you choose. A garden urn, for instance, would be lovely for a garden theme wedding. A tall silver vase works beautifully for a formal affair with the bride in lots of sparkling crystal bridal jewelry, and a simple tall clear cylinder is modern and clean. Baskets, pitchers, bowls, and silver mint julep cups are some other options for wedding centerpiece vessels.

The Flowers: Obviously, the flowers are the most important part of a wedding centerpiece. You will want to base your selections on certain categories, such as season, color, style, and cost. Choosing blossoms which are in season at the time of your wedding is always a very smart idea. They will be less expensive, fresher and prettier, and will also evoke the feeling of that time of year. A poinsettia, for instance, would be marvelous for a holiday wedding, but would be just plain odd in July. Lovely lily-of-the-valley definitely say “spring”, and nothing says autumn wedding quite like mums. Of course there are some wedding flowers, especially roses, that are year-round staples.

The Extras: Once you have selected your vessels and flowers, it is time to think about the extras that will make your centerpieces unique. Brides who are wearing crystal bridal jewelry may choose to adorn their centerpieces with teardrop crystal accents dripping from the flowers. For an earthy look, weave natural elements such as wheat and seed pods into the blossoms. Or add a gentle scent to your centerpieces with the addition of fragrant lavender and rosemary. When it all comes together, you will have designed wedding centerpieces which are unforgettable.

Princess Style Wedding Gowns

What elevates a bridal gown into something so regal that it makes the lucky bride wearing it feel like a princess for a day? The answer is drama! A true princess wedding gown must have outstanding features that make all of your guests’ jaws drop and will leave your groom speechless. In other words, it must have that “wow” factor that will cause everyone in the church to gasp when you take your first step down the aisle. There is more than one special feature that can have this marvelous impact; here is a look at the top details.

Elaborate embellishment is one thing that will set a bridal gown apart. Think about it, when you see a royal wedding, they will always have the finest of everything, including lavish embroidery, exquisite lace, and opulent crystal beading. Sparkle is definitely a plus, as is silver embroidery or silver lace. A true princess style wedding dress has details that just look rich, and that are impressive enough that they will be instantly noticed. Subtlety has its place, to be sure, just not on a royal style bridal gown!

Another fabulous feature to look for in a princess wedding gown is a show-stopping train. Your wedding may well be the only day in your life that you get to wear a dress with a long train on it, so why not go all out? If your ceremony will take place in a grand venue with a long aisle, a cathedral length train will look impressive. Many of the best princess style wedding dresses have trains that are not especially long, but which have amazing details. There is nothing like a mountain of cascading ruffles to give your gown a stately presence when you glide down the aisle.

Once you have found a wedding gown to love, don’t forget to plan your accessories. They will certainly add to the overall impact of the dress you have selected. Every princess needs a crown, after all. Choose a bridal tiara with plenty of sparking crystals. To complement the tiara, glittering Swarovski crystal necklaces will hit the perfect note. When wearing a strapless gown, bold multi-strand necklaces of Swarovski crystal are amazing, or opt for a large crystal drop to highlight a V-neck. Finish it off with a fabulous pair of Swarovski crystal earrings and a bracelet to catch the light when you move. Gorgeous!

Winter Wonderland Wedding Attire

Planning a Winter Wonderland theme wedding? Great! It is a fabulous and festive theme for a wedding in the cold winter months. A Winter Wonderland wedding needs equally fabulous attire for the bridal party; here is a guide to the most spectacular outfits for everyone from the bride on down.

The hallmarks of a Winter Wonderland wedding are icy sparkle and plenty of shimmer. This is a very fun idea to capture in a bridal gown. Look for a lustrous white silk gown, rather than one in ivory or champagne. Choose a style that has a grand presence, such as a very full ballgown with a box pleated skirt. Then think about the details. Silver embroidery and crystal beadwork are a must!

No wedding gown is complete without the perfect finishing touches. A sparkling headpiece is great for a Winter Wonderland bride. Choose a tiara, a double headband, a festive comb, or a set of hairpins. Crystals and rhinestones can be mixed with tiny pearls for the perfect icy snowflake look. In fact, you can even get hairpins or other jewelry that is made in the shape of a snowflake. A snowflake pendant is a fantastic gift idea for your bridesmaids. You will want plenty of other twinkling touches, too, such as stacks of Swarovski crystal bracelets, chandelier earrings, and a fabulous crystal necklace.

The bridesmaids for a Winter Wonderland wedding should also look spectacular. As popular as red is for winter weddings, it makes too strong a contrast to the icy white palette that characterizes this theme. Opt for bridesmaid dresses in a color like silver, platinum, or champagne instead. They will look just as festive, yet will not be a distraction from the décor. Certainly the bridesmaids will also want to shimmer. Sets of Swarovski crystal bracelets, earrings, and necklaces would be the perfect finishing touch.

Wedding Saving Ideas: Smart or Tacky?

Saving money has become a national obsession. Conspicuous consumption is out and living a more sensible lifestyle is in. And yet, when you are planning a wedding, it can be difficult to know how to cut corners without cutting style. These are some of the common ways in which brides try to save money on their weddings; I will help you learn which ones are smart and which ideas will look tacky.

Saving idea #1: Wedding invitations. Fine engraving and letterpress are extremely beautiful but also extremely expensive, so it is only natural that brides would look for ways to save on the wedding stationery. But your invitation is also the first impression that your guests will have of your wedding, so you want it to be a good one. Smart way to save: printing your own invitations on nice paper with a high quality printer. Tacky: hoping your guests will be fooled into thinking that thermographed invitations were engraved; they won’t be.

Saving idea #2: Wedding accessories. Once you have found your dream wedding gown, you will want to finish it off with some gorgeous accessories. Diamonds from Tiffany’s are not in everyone’s budget however; nonetheless you want to have some fabulous sparkle for your wedding day. Smart way to save: crystal bridal jewelry. With its dazzling sparkle, bridal jewelry created from Swarovski crystal will give you just the glamor you crave. Tacky: trying to pass off a child’s costume tiara as a real one. (I have actually seen this done; it was dreadful.)

Saving idea #3: Reception libations. The bar bill can add up quickly at a wedding reception, especially if you have a fun loving crowd. It can be difficult to balance the desire to throw a great party with the need to keep expenses manageable. Smart way to save: offer a signature cocktail or hold a brunch reception. A signature cocktail will add style to your reception, but it can also keep the alcohol costs down as compared to a full open bar. To save even more, have an early morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception, when most people will order very few alcoholic drinks. Tacky: cash bar. It is far better to serve what you can afford graciously than to demand that your guests pay for their own refreshments. Unless your reception is being held at a frat party, just don’t do it. It is possible to save money on your wedding while still maintaining the style and dignity of the event.

Easy Centerpieces for Every Season

Your wedding centerpieces will be one of the most important parts of your wedding décor, so naturally you want them to be fabulous. But fabulous does not have to mean expensive; in fact some of the most beautiful centerpieces are so easy that you can make them yourself. Here are some great ideas for easy wedding centerpieces for every season.

Spring lends itself to all sorts of lovely centerpieces. There are many wonderful fresh flowers that characterize the season of growth and new life. Bulbs, in particular, capture the beauty of the spring. One idea for wedding centerpieces is to create low table arrangements using potted flowering bulbs like mini daffodils or fragrant hyacinths. Gather a collection of shallow and wide painted bowls, such as those with a classic blue and white design. Transfer several of the bulbs and dirt into the bowls, and cover the top with dried Spanish moss. The centerpieces will be so beautiful that your guests will all want to take them home!

Beach themes are popular for summertime weddings, and they lend themselves beautifully to easy and affordable centerpieces. You can create the perfect summer wedding decorations using sand, seashells, and starfish. Fill a clear cylinder about a third full with sand and plant a tall chunky white candle in the sand. Set the vase into a bed of sand on the table, and carefully arrange an assortment of your favorite shells and starfish stacked up against the outside of the cylinder. For a dash of color, layer in bright red faux coral.

In the fall, there are countless ideas for easy diy wedding reception displays. One of the most charming is to hollow out mini pumpkins, eggplants, and gourds to use as centerpiece vessels instead of standard vases. Cluster three or more of these mini vases on each table and fill with mums, berries, and other seasonal flowers.

Winter brides will also have some fantastic options for easy to assemble centerpieces. One of the simplest is to fill a large footed glass hurricane lantern with round Christmas ornaments. Spread some evergreen boughs around the base of the lantern and light the room with tiny white votive candles. If you are the sort of bride who loves the sparkle of crystal bridal jewelry for a Winter Wonderland theme wedding, you can incorporate that feeling into your handcrafted centerpieces. Make your own table displays by planting silver painted branches into a pretty vessel. Drape crystal and pearl strands across the branches to coordinate with your bridal jewelry. As a finishing touch, place battery powered LED lights into the base of the centerpiece to cast dramatic uplighting on the branches and make the crystals really dance and sparkle. Gorgeous!