Beautiful Wedding Programs

Your wedding programs should fit the overall theme of your event, but they need not match the rest of the wedding stationery suite exactly (unless you want them to, of course). Spend the time to make your programs look really special by using a beautiful paper, a carefully selected font, and pretty embellishments such as ribbons or tassels. Naturally, you will want them to be done using your wedding colors, and they can coordinate with other aspects of your design as well. For instance, if you love the sparkle of your crystal wedding jewelry, add a small crystal tassel to the corner of each program to dress it up.

Some of the most fun programs are not even printed on standard paper. If you were having an outdoor summer wedding, you could print the ceremony details on a pretty paper fan. The special fan would not only let your guests know what music you used in the processional and who wrote the poem from your vows, but it can be used to keep cool on a hot afternoon. Pretty, unique, and practical – what’s not to love? The same idea can be adapted to suit weddings at other times of the year, as well.

For a wedding done in a modern style, think about creating programs in a non-traditional shape, such as circles. Be sure that the font you select reflects the overall style of your event. A bold sans-serif block print is ideal for a bride who loves contemporary design. Another way to play up an ultra modern style is to use a variety of font sizes in unexpected ways. The easy-to-read sans-serif font will ensure that the offbeat printing style is still extremely legible. Splashy color combinations like cherry and aqua or mango and lime look fantastic for this updated take on the wedding program.

There are many more great ways to make your programs unique and fun. You could create an old-fashioned scroll, a playbill fit for a Broadway show (let your inner diva shine!), or even a message in a bottle for a beach wedding. The most important thing is that the programs express your personality and enhance the theme of your event…oh, that and getting them done on time – always start making diy programs long before the wedding date!

How to Make Your Wedding a Fun Party

Your wedding reception is supposed to be a wonderful celebration following the marriage ceremony. Some receptions are a blast, while others end up falling flat. This is how to make your wedding reception a fun party that your guests will wish would never end.

Keep the food relaxed. There is a strong trend right now towards comfort food served in an elegant fashion. We’re talking mashed potato bars, mac and cheese shooters, tiny grilled cheese sandwiches, mini Angus beef sliders, cones of fresh crisp fries, and all the good stuff. Family style service is also increasingly popular, as compared to the more traditional stuffy seated dinner. And if you really want to keep the party going, bring out late night refreshments like fresh hot donuts or even a hot dog truck.

Plan the music carefully. Have you ever been to a wedding where the d.j. played nothing but lame outdated songs that inspired no one to dance? What about the wedding where just as the party was really getting going, the band took a break and killed the mood? When hiring the musicians for your reception, be very clear about what type of music you do and do not want played. In addition, be sure to have a plan in place for breaks. A band could rotate out members and keep a small crew playing continuously during breaks, or in the case of a band or d.j., an ipod with your favorite tunes can be set up to keep the music flowing while the musicians “take five”.

Provide a lounge area where guests can chill during the reception. This is a fantastic way to transform your reception space into a true party-like atmosphere. The bride can increase the effect by changing into party clothes after the ceremony. Exchange your formal wedding gown and traditional crystal jewelry for a slinky sparkly party dress with more exuberant crystal wedding jewelry. You will be a lot more comfortable for dancing, and the change of clothes will really signal that the party has started.

Finally, when you want to have a fun and lively wedding reception, be sure to add a few elements of surprise. The surprise could be almost anything, as long as it has a “wow” factor, like a Chinese dragon or a fireworks spectacular. Whatever you choose, the big surprise will be just what you need to make your wedding an incredible party that no one will ever forget.

Including a Dress Code on Your Wedding Invitations

Who needs a wedding dress code? More people than may realize it. For instance, your wedding venue might require that gentlemen wear jackets to dinner. How embarrassing it would be for a male guest who showed up wearing a nice shirt and tie without a jacket, only to be turned away or forced to wear an ill-fitting loaner from the venue’s coat closet! It would be much better to add a simple notation like “jackets required” or “formal attire” in the lower right hand of the invitation than to risk having one of your guests be humiliated.

Very casual weddings can actually need stated dress codes as well, to ensure the comfort of the guests. If you are having a beach wedding, your guests might appreciate being forewarned that the ceremony will be on the sand so they know to leave their high heels at home. Having a very relaxed reception around a bonfire? Print the words “casual attire” on your invitation so that people show up dressed comfortably. The last thing you want is for guests to be dressed in such fancy clothing that they cannot relax and enjoy the festivities which you have planned.

Then there is a black tie wedding. Traditionally reserved for weddings which start at 6pm or later, black tie is the most formal wedding other than white tie (which should only be held on winter evenings and are exceedingly rare). There is a lot of angst among brides about whether is it acceptable to put the notation “Black tie” on their wedding invitations. Many brides or their mothers fear that to request black tie will mean that people won’t want to come or that their guests will be put out by the hassle and expense of renting or purchasing a tuxedo. You know your family and friends; if it would not be completely outrageous for them to dress formally, go ahead and request black tie attire if that is what you really want.

The dress code “Black tie optional” has become widely accepted on wedding invitations, but personally I think it is a bad idea. Why? Because then nobody knows how to dress. Your female guests will be left to agonize over whether to wear a floor length dress with opulent crystal wedding jewelry or something shorter and less fancy. The men will be wondering if they will be the only guy to show up in a tuxedo…or the only guy to show up without a tux. Spare your guests the guesswork, and simply request black tie if that is your desire. Otherwise, put no notation regarding attire, and trust your guests to dress appropriately based on the time and location of your wedding.

Glamorous Wedding Attire

Weddings are one of the few excuses we get to really dress up these days.  Let’s face it: dressing your best makes a special occasion feel even more special. That goes for everyone involved in the wedding, from the bride and groom to the wedding party to the guests. This guide to glamorous wedding attire will help you turn out in high style.

There are spectacular options available for the bride who wants a wedding gown with a glamorous attitude. It is all about the use of luxurious fabrics and rich details with a touch of drama. A trumpet style is one of the most glamorous, with its slim fit through the bodice and sudden flare of fullness at the skirt above the knee. The most au courant versions of trumpet shape wedding gowns are created in silk satin or silk taffeta and feature interesting ruching and gathering. A one shoulder gown would be very chic as would one with an asymmetrical oversized bow. Lots of dazzling crystal bridal jewelry and fabulous high heels will make the look even more glam.

When the bride is the picture of glamor, she will surely want her bridesmaids to embody the same fabulous style. Rich color can be an excellent way to make your bridesmaids look glamorous. Try an eggplant silk or a peacock blue for drama and sophistication. A satin draped column dress would be a fantastic silhouette for the bridesmaid dresses (the draping is not only gorgeous, but it hides any figure flaws). Sparkling crystal bridesmaid jewelry sets will be the perfect finishing touch.

Without a doubt, the most glamorous style for the groom and the rest of the gentlemen is black tie. The female wedding guests can take their cues from the bride and bridesmaids: rich colors, luxurious fabrics like silk, special accents like feathered accessories and crystal wedding jewelry. The entire wedding will be a marvelous sight to behold with such gorgeously attired people there!

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.

Make Your Own Save the Date Cards

Save the date cards are a wonderful way to give your guests advance notice of your upcoming wedding. They are also a great chance to give your family and friends a hint about what your wedding will be like. Since they need not be very formal, many couples like the fun of designing and possibly even making their own save the dates. Use these ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

The save the date cards are the first glimpse that your guests will have of your wedding style, so why not take the opportunity to make a great first impression? Let’s say that you are planning to have very formal wedding, and will be using lots of sparkly elements, such as crystal wedding jewelry. A cute idea for your wedding notices would be to embellish a heavy card with a silver chandelier motif to give the hint of the elegance that is to come. Or make your save the dates sparkle just like your crystal wedding jewelry by dipping the edges in glitter. Use a pretty script for the lettering, in keeping with the fancy motif.

If you are planning a theme wedding, why not have your notices reflect that? The message in a bottle is a popular save the date idea for destination weddings to tropical locations (as long as you don’t mind paying for all that postage); a fun variation on that would be to have labels printed with your wedding date adhered to small bottles of wine for a vineyard wedding. For a garden wedding, send your notices on handmade paper which has dried petals embedded in it, or use heart shaped stationery for a Valentine’s Day wedding.

Calendar save the date cards can be really cute, and there are any number of design possibilities. A simple one is to have your cards printed with the month in which you will be married and then circle your wedding date in red. Underneath the calendar, all that is needed is the names of the bride and groom with the message “save the date”. A variation on this is to have the calendar printed on a magnet. With your wedding date staring them in the face every time they go to the fridge, you can be sure that no one will forget about your special day!

Add Height to Your Wedding Centerpieces

Dramatic centerpieces will add style and elegance to your wedding! A great way to achieve this is with tall elements that reach skyward. These are some great ways to add height to your wedding centerpieces to get that stunning look that every bride desires.

First of all, think beyond traditional flowers in a vase. A fantastic way to get height in your centerpieces is to create trees from branches. They can be decorated according to the season and style of your wedding. For instance, if you are having an elegant Winter Wonderland wedding and plan to have lots of sparkle in your wedding like crystal jewelry and chandeliers, hang shimmering crystals and beads from the branches. White or silver painted branches will be extremely elegant when draped with their own glistening crystal wedding jewelry.

Another really neat way to give your centerpieces a vertical line is with non-floral elements such as coral. Paint faux coral in red or for more drama, black, and set it standing up into a bed of sand or pebbles. It can be surrounded with starfish and seashells for a true beach theme, or flower blossoms for an elegant chic effect that will look great in any reception setting. The coral is a wonderful element that can be pulled into other aspects of your wedding design, such as on the invitations and as a graceful wrapping paper print for favor boxes.

Very tall candelabras add magic to an evening wedding. Choose an antique silver for an old school opulence, Art Deco style crystal for a modern/retro wedding, or an ornately designed black painted candelabra for a cool Gothic romantic effect. Not only will the candle holders add considerable height to your tablescapes, but when filled with tall taper candles, the vertical effect will be even greater. Candelabras can be adorned with flowers, or pay a nod to Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball, and simply twine them with greenery.

Winter Wedding Cake Ideas

A great way to make your wedding extra special is with a gorgeous wedding cake. The cake is much more than a dessert, it is one of the key decorative elements at the reception. These are some fantastic ideas for winter wedding cakes.

Snowflakes are one of the loveliest motifs for winter weddings. They can be used in everything from your crystal wedding jewelry to the invitations to favors. Snowflakes also look great on a wedding cake. This motif works beautifully in an icy color like white, pale blue, or silver. A simple fondant cake with ice blue frosting can be decorated with piped snowflakes in white or silver, scattered around the tiers like falling snow. Mix up the sizes and designs of the snowflakes for the best effect.
Speaking of the Winter Wonderland idea, you can use it as a terrific point of inspiration for a wedding cake. An all white cake is always a classic; for a formal winter wedding, it can be personalized with a heavy dusting of a shimmer powder to give it glitz and glamor. A wide silver satin ribbon can be wrapped around the base of each tier, then top it all off with a crystal monogram cake topper. The effect is elegant and modern, yet festive and not at all plain. This style of cake is gorgeous with crystal wedding jewelry, especially when done with the crystal cake topper.

If you are looking for something truly unique, ask your baker to design a winter scene on your wedding cake. Think about how incredible it would be to have a handpainted scene of horse drawn sleighs in snowy meadows or ice skaters circling each tier of your cake. You can personalize this one of a kind cake even more by representing scenes of your favorite winter activities, whether they are skating, snowshoeing, or even ice fishing. Your wedding cake will be such a work of art that it will be hard to cut into i

There are just as many wonderful ideas for winter wedding cakes as there are for the more common summer cakes. It is simply a matter of using your creativity and featuring a theme that highlights something unique to winter. The resulting winter wedding cake will be so special that it will be almost too good to eat.

Things to Know About Wedding Florists

How do you envision your dream wedding? If you picture lots of beautiful flowers, you will need the help of a great florist to help your dream become a reality. Not all florists are equal, however, and these are ten things that every bride should know about wedding florists.

1. Each florist has a unique style; look for one with a similar taste to your own. In other words, if every picture in a florist’s album shows very traditional rose and baby’s breath centerpieces, don’t assume that she will be able to recreate the spectacular custom wedding centerpieces made from cherry blossoms, orchids, and dangling crystal jewelry drops that you just saw on “Platinum Brides”. You are better off finding a florist who regularly designs the style of arrangements that you want.

2. Many florists can do a lot more than just provide flowers. Some also offer wedding planning services, or rentals for everything from tablelinens to custom lighting. This can be a real lifesaver for a time-pressed bride.

3. Trust their guidance. You hire a professional for a reason, and if she tells you that your favorite flower is out-of-season at the time of your wedding, accept her suggestions for substitutions. Even if budget is not a concern, you do not want to take the chance that an out-of-season flower you insisted on special ordering arrives the day before your wedding looking bedraggled and awful.

4. Prices fluctuate with demand. The classic example of this is that red roses cost an arm and a leg for weddings held right around Valentine’s Day. Either move your date or select a different variety of flowers if you do not want to pay a premium.

5. Florists can provide food-safe flowers for your wedding cake. There are two options here. You can request that your florist give your baker edible blossoms (so adorable on cupcakes) or that they find pesticide-free non-edible decorative flowers to decorate your wedding cake. This is a much less costly alternative to having a baker handcraft sugar flowers.

6. Finally, remember to ask your florist for suggestions on how to preserve your bouquet after the wedding. They will likely have all sorts of ideas, ranging from simply hanging them to dry to much more elaborate preservation services. After you have put so much thought into getting your wedding flowers to be perfect, you will surely want to keep some as a souvenir!

Floating Candle Centerpieces

There are an incredible variety of floating candle centerpieces that you can create. One of the best part about them is that they require no previous experience, unlike floral displays. These centerpieces are a great option for any bride who wants to save money by making her own centerpieces. The fact that floating candles are also beautiful and romantic makes it even better.

Shaped candles are one really neat option, and they are very easy to tie in with your wedding theme. For instance, if you are having a summer wedding in a meadow, floating candles that look like slices of citrus fruit are fresh and pretty. Candles that are shaped like flowers are perfect for a romantic or garden themed wedding, and they are incredibly life-like and come in a huge array of designs. Other popular shapes include hearts, butterflies, and seashells. Simple vessels with wide openings are best for displaying floating candles in special shapes.

For a very elegant or formal wedding, floating candles can be arranged in taller vessels that employ some interesting accessories. For instance, a bride who loves sparkle can add a layer of faux crystals to the bottom of each bowl. It is a beautiful complement to crystal wedding jewelry. If you want even more dramatic centerpieces, think about filling the water with shredded crystal fibers that are colored with submersible lights. This colorful lights create a wonderful glow, and the shimmer of the crystal fibers looks as beautiful as the most dazzling wedding jewelry.

Floating candles can also be used to design centerpieces for earthy weddings. Simply choose vessels like handthrown glazed ceramic pots to hold your candles. White or ivory candles will have a peaceful Zen effect when floating in clusters in shallow bowls with a layer of smooth river rocks under the water. A centerpiece of this style looks great on its own, or used in combination with floral displays.

The perfect centerpiece will help to create a wonderful ambiance for your wedding reception. Floating candles can make fantastic centerpieces that are interesting, romantic, and easy to create. For all of these reasons, you might just find that floating candles will make the ideal centerpieces for your wedding.