Vintage Wedding Inspirations

Vintage inspired weddings are really popular these days. Take your favorite time period, absorb its unique style and flair, and use it as the basis to plan a really spectacular wedding. These are some ways to use your vintage inspirations to create a wedding that will be unforgettable.

Attire. If there is one thing that instantly evokes a specific era, it is its clothing. The entire bridal party should definitely dress in wedding attire which is inspired by the theme era. Having a 1950s style celebration? A strapless gown with a full tulle skirt and pearl bridal jewelry will conjure up the perfect style. For a Roaring ’20s wedding, beaded chiffon dresses would be perfect, or choose a silky bias cut dress for a 1930s Old Hollywood affair.

Flowers. It many not be as obvious as attire, but every time period definitely had its own signature flowers as well. If you love the romance of the Victorian era, pick your bouquet based on the Victorian language of flowers. The bride who loves the ’50s can carry orchids or roses, while sleek calla lilies will suit a 1930s glamor bride.

Cake. A great way to make your cake fit the era is to find a vintage cake topper. There are many available, dating back to around the 1920s. You can either choose to design your cake to look very much like one from the era (the classic white buttercream cake of the 1950s), or create a cake which is inspired by the style of the time period, but does not replicate an original, such as an ice blue and silver cake designed to look like an Art Deco skyscraper for a ’20s theme wedding.

Drinks. Every era had their own special style of entertaining, and this is a fantastic way to make your guests feel like they have been transported to your favorite time period. Serve Manhattans and Martinis for a 1950s wedding reception or Sidecars to evoke the feeling of a speakeasy. Signature drinks made with rum or brandy would be perfect for a 1940s inspired affair, or break out the vodka for popular drinks of the ’60s such as Screwdrivers and Vodka Gimlets. And of course, Champagne is always in style for a wedding in any era. Happy planning!

Beautiful Music: Picking the Perfect Band for Your Wedding

The music is one of the most important elements to set the tone for your wedding reception. A great band will create exactly the mood you desire, while a lame one will make the party a flop. These are some tips on how to pick the perfect band for your wedding.

First of all, keep in mind that there are plenty of great wedding musicians out there, but not all of them are right for the style of wedding you prefer. The hot samba band that kept the crowd jumping on the dance floor at your cousin’s wedding might not be a hit with your husband’s conservative family or make sense for your venue. Personally, I have always thought that people in formal attire look odd dancing wildly to contemporary music, so for my wedding, I chose a band that specialized in standards like Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter. It fit well with the overall classic style of my wedding, which ran to lace, pearl bridal jewelry, and all white flowers.

Most wedding performers will have cds and other promotional materials they can send you to help you get a sense of their style. That is a great place to start, but try to avoid booking a band based on that alone. You should definitely speak directly with the bandleader to be sure that you mesh, since he will be the one directing the band during your reception. Whenever possible, it is very smart to go see your top band perform live at a wedding or other event.

When writing the contract with your favorite band, be sure to address the question of breaks: how many, when, and the duration of them. Will a few musicians stay to play background music, will they put on an ipod loaded with your favorite songs, or will there be silence during the breaks? Also put into writing your obligations regarding feeding the band, the number of musicians and which instruments are to be included, and overtime rates. Then make your deposit to reserve your wedding band, and rest easy knowing that when the big day rolls around, your guests will be treated to beautiful music.

Personalize Your Wedding With Embroidery

Every bride is looking for ways to make her wedding really special, down to the last detail. One of the most elegant ways to add character to your event is with custom embroidery. From the smallest accessories to the grandest elements, these are ideas on how to personalize your wedding with embroidery.

The other day, I was looking at pictures of Grace Kelly’s magnificent wedding. Now we can’t all be royal brides (well, maybe we can in spirit!), but any woman can take inspiration from how things are done at the most elegant weddings. For Grace Kelly’s ceremony, she carried a small white prayer book which had been embroidered with a white on white design around a cross motif. The embellishment was created in a mixture of thread and tiny pearls to coordinate with her pearl bridal jewelry. Many brides know people who have needle skills, and could definitely find someone to do the same for their religious wedding ceremony. Add a small cluster of flowers (orange blossoms or lily-of-the-valley would be ideal) to the embroidered prayer book, and you have a very traditional and beautiful alternative to a large bouquet.

Embroidered items make nice gifts as well. One bride I knew picked out a collection of pretty lace trimmed hankies and had them embroidered for her family members with their titles – mother of the bride, etc. This young woman came from a very emotional family, and she knew that the customized hankies would not only be thoughtful, but highly practical as well. This idea could be carried into monogrammed pocket squares for the groom and his father, too. It is an inexpensive way to make something basic into something special.

The wedding gown is definitely a great thing to consider personalizing with embroidery. It can be a little or a lot, depending on your taste and budget. For a simple country wedding, a white linen or shantung wedding gown can be embroidered around the neckline with tiny yellow and white daisies. Seed pearl centers look great with pearl bridal jewelry. If you love monograms, have an all white monogram created on the train of your gown featuring your first initial and your groom’s first initial in an elaborate interlocking script. Plan the the placement of the embellishment so that it will be featured when your gown is bustled for the reception. That will be a detail that all of your guests will want to admire up close.

Elegant Wedding Seating

The classic wedding reception chair is the gold chiavari chair. The graceful lines and gold paint of the chairs are ideal for traditional weddings where the bride wears a classic gown with pearl bridal jewelry. They are frequently used in ballroom wedding receptions. For an outdoor wedding, white chiavari chairs are graceful without appearing overly formal. If you want to add a splash of color, order seat cushions to be made that coordinate with your table linens. That is a great detail which will really tie your entire room together.

Slipcovered chairs are very popular for weddings, as they lend a room a very feminine and pretty look. White slipcovers are the most common, and are frequently dressed up with a sash in one of the wedding colors. Make the bride and groom’s chairs extra special by adding decorative elements to the back of the sash on the slipcover. Hang each of their initials made from flowers or fancy oversized tassels for a formal wedding. Another idea is to make tiny wreaths out of special materials.

As pretty as slipcovered chairs are, they would seem too busy and fussy at a wedding with a minimalist flair. The perfect seating for a hip, modern wedding? Clear lucite chairs. They are very crisp and clean, and will add an ultra-modern style to your reception. Lucite chairs are great for a wedding in a small space, as they will allow the room to remain visually uncluttered and spacious. No need for covers or decorations when the chairs are so unique.

Lounge areas have become increasingly popular at weddings, and they require very special seating. Groups of chairs and low sofas are the usual seats in wedding lounges, and they should be arranged to encourage conversation. Comfort is the key to this seating. Also think about the style you want your lounge area to convey. Many brides like to set the lounge apart with colors and styles which contrast with the rest of the wedding reception. One of the top trends in lounges is a South Beach inspired vibe. Your guests will not only have a comfortable place to sit, but you will have a reception which is perfect down to the last detail.

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.

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.

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.

“The Office” Wedding Wrap Up

Do you love “The Office”? Then the special hour long episode about Pam and Jim’s wedding was a long awaited treat, wasn’t it? Here is “The Office” wedding wrap up, including ideas that an engaged couple can use for inspiration for their own real life wedding.

Just like with any wedding, the most important question is what did the bride wear. In “The Office” wedding episode, Pam wore a very pretty simple white chiffon gown with an empire waist and spaghetti straps. The empire waist on her gown (which falls just under the bustline) was designed to hide her baby bump, of course, but it is a style that would be flattering on many brides, pregnant or not. The waistline of Pam’s gown was decorated with a sweet white floral beaded trim which was just the right amount of adornment for a bride with simple tastes. Pam’s pearl bridal jewelry was lovely with her chiffon gown.

Being “The Office”, the wedding could not be without its silly and surprising moments. When Pam was upset because she tore her veil shortly before the wedding ceremony, Jim cheered her up by cutting off half of his tie. The part that most viewers will remember is the YouTube inspired dance down the aisle that Jim and Pam’s attendants sprung on them as a surprise (hopefully this will not inspire any bridesmaids or groomsmen watching from home to try this!).

A wrap up of the wedding on “The Office” would not be complete without a mention of the crazy things done by Pam and Jim’s co-workers, especially Michael and Dwight. From Michael promising Pam’s grandmother that they would name their baby after her to him slipping into the mother of the bride’s hotel room at the end of the night, he was up to his usual tricks.  With a wedding this memorable, it should be interesting to see what life as newlyweds looks like for Pam and Jim.