"All I can say is thank God snow is white- it works. Know what I mean?" - Father of the Bride-
Recently in New Jersey (and parts of Pennsylvania, NY and up into New England) there was a random snowstorm that dumped over a foot of snow in some places. This storm spanned a Saturday and a Sunday knocking down trees, making travel hazardous and having residents forget all about the Hurricane Irene disaster back in August.
The worst thing about this storm was the unpredictability of it. There was no clear forecast about the amount or the timing of the snow...just that it would be a bad weekend to be outdoors.
But it was only October, and that's becoming one of the most popular times to get married in the Northeast. Between the cooler, but not too cool temperatures, the fall foliage, and the general spirit of the season, September through November is seeing an increase in weddings. Plus, it's not like anyone has to worry about a snowstorm. Well, except for this year.
So what do you do when it snows on your big day? Many couples plan for rain and set up a second location if their original one is outdoors. After all, no one wants to get all muddy and wet in their pretty white dress. However, there aren't a lot of plans set up just in case it snows during your outdoor ceremony. Why not? Because who plans an outdoor ceremony during the winter months? Very few, I promise.
This is just another reason to hire a planner who can take your day and keep it special despite Mother Nature's desires. Sometimes vendors will cancel or not show up and that's something to be prepared for. When working with vendors, it's really important to look over the contracts with a fine tooth comb, and to ask the question: if a disaster (an October blizzard is a disaster) strikes, what guarantee do I have that you'll be there? It's also important to find out how venues operate under those circumstances. What if they lose power? What's the backup plan? Don't ever feel silly asking these questions because if 2011 has taught us anything, it's to be prepared.
In "Father of the Bride" the wedding planners took care of everything from blowdrying the now frozen tulips, to keeping the swans in a warm bath inside. They are there to make sure you don't freak out. They take care of the problems, and you'll be happy to you made the decision to have one should anything go wrong.
Thankfully, snow is white and it will go with everything, including your dress. Think of how extra special the pictures will now look. Talk to your venue about maybe changing your signature drink to something frosty. Throw snow or white glitter instead of those rose petals or rice you originally planned. Maybe even have your DJ play "Winter Wonderland" for your big entrance.
There are so many ways to incorporate snow into your wedding, even if it wasn't on the invite list!
Selecting wedding favors can be frustrating. You want something that guests 
will remember and take home with them. Instead, many favors wind up being left behind on tables or thrown in the trash. It's almost like setting money on fire. So no more chocolate covered almonds in netting!!
While there are many ways to get creative with your favors based on your theme, this is a chance for you and your groom to not only give back, but to express to your guests a little of who you are. Many couples turn to charities to donate to. But, and I cannot stress this enough, you should always pick a charity that is near and dear to your hearts. Something that you've either worked with in the past, or have a connection to.
So, October couples, your wedding falls during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you know someone that has been touched by the disease, or this is a charity that speaks to you, why not give out ribbons as your favors and donate to the cause? But don't just leave it at that. While a wedding isn't the time to get on a soapbox, there are subtle ways to show that you care. For instance, besides putting a ribbon on the table, incorporate the ribbons into your centerpieces or your bouquets. Too much? What about putting a note in the program recognizing anyone you have loved and lost, or someone you know that has survived? It's not a charity event, it's a wedding, so don't go overboard.
If the bride is a teacher, what about a charity that is dedicated to helping less fortunate children? Love animals? Speak with your local shelters about favor ideas and what they could provide if you donated money to their cause. Love to hug those trees? Find a way to go green during your ceremony. The possibilities are endless!
The ideas of favors are frequently left to the end of the planning process, when really they need to be thought of a lot sooner. Many last minute details are left to the end, because they can't be taken care of until the end..i.e table settings, last minute play list adjustments, escort cards, etc. Favors are not in this category.
When deciding your theme, think about how you want to express yourself. Charities are a great way to show your friends and family what you care about. Find a creative way to do it, and who knows, you might just inspire others to give to the cause!
Some couples not only want their wedding to be different...but their honeymoons need to stand out as well. A typical island honeymoon not what you and your sweetie are after? A winter wonderland of skiing not in the cards? How about a trip to Africa?
This blog is inspired by the many couples I have been speaking with over the past two months that are going on safari for their honeymoons. They will be traveling to Africa to see some of the biggest and most beautiful animals in the world. The options are endless for the couple that wants to try something new.
I first heard about the African safari experience when my father sent me some pictures from his trip about a year ago. He was up close and personal with the lions and tigers and bears...ok, maybe not bears, but you get the picture. His description of how close he could get to the animals scared me, but I'm finding more and more couples longing for the same experience.
I came across a website: safari2africa.com (incidentally, that's where the above picture is from) and it's a great place to start for the couple that isn't sure what they would be in for on this adventure. This website is great because it offers so many different packages, and there's really something for everyone. Whether you want to get up close and personal, or have a laid back experience that's way better than a trip to the zoo, you should check this website out!
Now, just because you're on safari, doesn't mean you'll have to be in a tent sleeping under the stars. No sir! There are some beautiful accommodations in Africa from 5 star hotels sitting at the foot of a mountain, to luxury villas on the beach. I love this because it keeps the romance alive on an otherwise adventurous honeymoon. Many of the hotels offer spas and massages as well, to spend some peaceful, quiet time with your new partner in life.
So, if you're looking for a little adventure, take a look into an African Safari honeymoon. Who knows, it might be the right place for you both!
Everyday brides are looking for the newest and best thing to hit the wedding market. They want a way to make their wedding stand out from the rest. It's always been my opinion that if you take care of all of the details and make them special, the big picture will be amazing.
I was recently contacted by a company called "Wood Invitations" and they sent me a full demo packet of everything that they do. I am so amazed by what I saw, that I had to blog about it...and next month they will be my featured vendor on www.goldenweddingplanners.com
The invitation in this picture is just one of the many really cool things that they do. The invites are made of wood, and engraved with designs and whatever words you want. Even the envelopes are available in wood!
To tie everything together, they also offer save the dates, wedding favors, magnets, gift boxes and so much more! They have something to suit every style, and I think these are perfect especially for outdoor weddings. If you don't want the brown color of the wood, they offer multi-colored invites as well.
When you send an invite, it really is the first (second if you send a save the date) expression of your style and what your wedding has to offer. The invitation really should say something about the wedding that guests are going to attend. Once your have your gorgeous wooden invitation, why not bring it to the florist and see how it inspires them? Perhaps some branches for your centerpieces? Let the spirit and design of the invitations influence your entire day!
Why not take that extra step to really impress your guests and get them excited for your big day? Not to mention, it's a great way to start your wedding album!
I hope that the couples I'm working with now, and the ones I'll meet in the future will consider working with this incredible vendor. Please visit their website to see everything they have to offer and tell them Danielle from Golden Wedding Planners sent you!
http://www.woodinvitations.com/
Happy Planning!
Putting together your tables and seating assignments can be one of the toughest decisions you make while planning your wedding. Though you will have your entire engagement to decide where people are going to sit, you'll have to decide fairly early on if you are going to have a head table or a sweetheart table. Once you know this information, it will be easier for your venue to show how the other tables can be arranged, and many other ideas will start to come together.
But what if you can't decide between a head table and a sweetheart table? What if you want your bridal party around you, but the idea of sitting in a line is a little 80s to you? What if you want a head table, but you're getting some argument from your party who would rather sit with their spouses? Remember, at the end of the day, it is your day, but let's see what options you have!
First off, a head table can be beautiful. It's the centerpiece of the wedding reception where you get to showcase your dress, your new husband, your closest friends/family, and the fabulous dresses you picked out. Speeches are easy to give and since the head table is at the front of the room, everyone will be able to face the same direction to see. Many times the head table is elevated above the rest of the room, which will also give you a great view of everyone having the time of their lives at your wedding.
That said, if many of your attendants are married and with their significant others, you can consider having them also sit at the head table. But be careful because if you have a large wedding party, finding a table or tables to make that work can be tricky. It is true that no one spends a great deal of time at their table except to sit down for dinner, but keep in mind that your bridesmaids and groomsmen might want to spend that time with their spouses.
Just because you have a head table, doesn't mean everyone at one long table either. You can break it up into multiple tables, all still at the front of the room, facing the crowd. This is easily accomplished by placing 3-4 couples at each table, either bridesmaid with groomsmen, or attendant with their significant other. Make it fun and have each table showcase a different centerpiece! Have the tables stand out and use lighting under the tablecloths. This is your chance to showcase a very pretty picture, so get creative.
If you don't want to go the headtable route, the sweetheart table is a great idea too! Many couples prefer this so that they can spend some alone time with their new spouse. Of course, people will be visiting the table all night, so be prepared to be interrupted! With a headtable, you can utelize your bouquet as a centerpiece, as well as the bridesmaid's flowers. This is great because you both have your own flowers and the bouquets aren't just used for walking down the aisle and pictures afterwards.
Sweetheart tables also give you the option of seating your attendants with their guests. You also can have a sweetheart table, plus a table for your attendants.
The possibilities are endless and there is no right or wrong way! Always think about how you would envision the tables when you visit your venue. Try and visit your venue when they are setting up for a wedding with and without a head table.
Tell me what you think! What type of table will you be using for your wedding?
*image from tusconweddingsite.com*
Something borrowed, something new, something old, something...cerulean?
Brides are always looking for ways to put a fresh spin on old traditions for their weddings. Now, Anthropologie is here to show brides how to make that something blue, something spectacular!
Anthropologie has come out with a collection named "BHLDN"...aka Beholden. This collection stays true to their everyday look of very earthy, natural and soulful. Whether it's an airy dress for your wedding day, or a flowing gown for your bridesmaids, if you adore their style in their everyday stores, then this is the place to look to add that flair to your wedding.
One of their collections is simply called "Something Blue", and from the cerulean clutch pictured at left, to the blue butterfly broch they offer, the possibilities are endless. Something I love about this collection is also how timeless each of the pieces are. I love the idea of preserving the wedding gown for your future daughter, but what about saving these little trinkets as well? Something blue could easily become something borrowed or old as well.
Not into the whole "stashing it into the closet until someone else can use it in 20 years" thing? These pieces can be used everyday. The clutch pictured can be used in real life too, unlike cheesy white wedding shoes. So while some of the pieces might be slightly expensive, if you get to use them time and time again, it will be worth it.
Time to think outside of the box brides! When you're celebrating your anniversaries, have a piece of your wedding with you! When your friends get married and ask what you used for something blue, make sure you used something that you'll always remember. Every little detail of your wedding should have thought and purpose behind it. Let your something blue say something about you!
Outdoor weddings can be absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, they depend on the one person who thinks she's more important than the bride: Mother Nature.
Brides have enough to worry about, and I know! I personally was looking at the forecast 2 weeks in advance of my ceremony which would be taking place outside. I even swore to myself that I would never have an outside wedding. Whoops.
Thankfully, the day of my wedding there were clear skies, and it was absolutely beautiful. But 24 hours prior to that, a tropical storm had just finished sweeping through the area. My wedding was in October, and yes, that is still hurricane season.
There are a few things to think about when planning an outdoor wedding. First off, look into the general climate of the area you're getting married at. You may think you know what the weather is in the place you've lived in for your entire life, and you may have heard that it never rains in Aruba, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Obviously you're not going to have an outdoor wedding when it's below freezing and there's a chance of a blizzard, but what about during the summer? If you live in a hot and humid area, those summer thunderstorms could strike right as the wedding march begins. Just google your climatology in the area you want to get married in. Look and see when it rains the most, what the average high temperatures are, everything! You can never be too prepared.
For my destination brides, hurricane season is June 1-November 1. Depending on the month, hurricanes strike different areas. Take a look at the general tracking of the storms and what your destination has been through during the past 20 years in the month you want for your wedding!
Even if you plan everything correctly, you should always have a backup plan. A stray 20 minute thunderstorm could change your entire wedding day. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, or even just one of the three, you need to have alternate ideas. Work with a wedding coordinator (shameless plug: www.goldenweddingplanners.com) and tell them your ideas of your perfect outdoor bash. An experienced coordinator will make your dreams come true rain or shine. Golden Wedding Planners offers long range forecasts as well, to help you pick the best date for your big day.
Happy Planning!
DIY (do-it-yourself) brides, Pier 1 is the place you need to be! I was there today just picking up some candles, and I was amazed at how beautiful and inexpensive their items were!
Many brides are looking to add their own personal touches to their ceremony and reception. Sometimes in the hussle and bussle of planning a wedding, it's hard for even the most creative bride to think what would make her the happiest. Ladies, take one step into Pier 1 Imports, and you will enter a land of creativity.
Whether you are looking for a fun way to showcase candles, or interesting centerpieces, this store has everything! Right now they have so many fun ways to hang candles from trees which would be perfect for that outdoor ceremony/reception. Plus, they offer matching items to keep your theme everywhere from the walk down the aisle to the throw of the bouquet.
I was especially inspired with beautiful butterfly candle holders that would work well with any garden wedding. Releasing butterflies at the altar? Then you have to incorporate these.
Even better, when the wedding is over, you won't just have the photographs to remember it by. You will have these adorable, creative trinkets to take home with you and use in your home and backyard. They will always tell a story and you'll remember your special day every time you see them.
I invite you to stop by a Pier 1, or visit their website to see the amazing possibilities. Even if you have no idea what to do, or you are just starting out, visit the store for inspiration. I think you'll be surprised at how much you'll walk out with!
I was recently inspired by TLC's show "Say Yes to the Dress" to write this blog about all the different types of wedding gowns, and the women who think they look good in them.
Recently, there was a woman on who insisted on a trumpet style gown (see picture if you don't know what a trumpet style is), but it was completely wrong on her. She wouldn't even allow the consultant to show her any other styles, and despite her friends' opinions that sat there and disliked every trumpet she played, she "knew what was best" and only wanted that style. At the end of the show she walked out without a dress because not even she was happy about how she looked. Why wasn't she happy? Because she was about 5'3 and roughly 45-50 pounds overweight.
There are so many styles that a bride can choose from and some styles are even so close together that one may look fabulous while the other might look dreadful. Women need to be fully aware of their shape before shopping for a dress, and then understand that their favorite style might never look beautiful on them.
Aside from the cut of the dress, a strapless dress is often the most popular. I did not wear strapless because I have very broad shoulders and would've looked like a linebacker if I didn't break it up with some straps. Strapless also slips a lot and it's a pain in the ass. Depending on how high up the neckline goes, there is a chance that you would pinch the skin under your armpit area, and if you're overweight, there will be spillage. If you find yourself trying on strapless dress after strapless dress and cannot figure out the problem, just give one with straps a try and see if it makes a difference. Always be open to different styles.
Mermaid/trumpet dresses are very difficult to pull off, especially if you have any sort of hips. The models you see in the magazine have these typical measurements: 34-23-34. A trumpet dress has more material and it hugs the bodice all the way around. The mermaid is sexier and it will emphasize every single curve of your body. Be honest with yourself and ask if you want everything emphasized or not. Tall also works better with these styles and if you're on the shorter side, you'll find that big huge heels will make a difference. Are you ready to wear those all day?
A-lines offer a slightly less dramatic and less severe structure than the mermaid or trumpet, but the same general idea. The waist is dropped and it doesn't hug you all the way to your knees or even straight to your hip. There are variations on the bottom anywhere from ballgown to just a simple slip. If you want a little more freedom, this is a great style to try.
Then there are the many ways that you can wear the top: strapless, cap sleeves, long sleeves, off the shoulder, everything! Just because one thing doesn't look right on you, doesn't mean you can't open your mind to others. Think about the dresses in your closet and what you think your best features are. Don't try on a dress with the idea that you'll drop 30 pounds before the wedding day. Be realistic. If something doesn't look good and doesn't feel right, try something else.
You never know..you might surprise yourself!
Wedding cakes are absolutely the traditional way to go. There's so much you can do with them...real flowers, different flavors each layer, fondant, colors, etc. But what if the cake just isn't your style and you're looking to add something a little different to the same old dessert you've seen at every wedding?
Cupcakes are the new trend in wedding cake substitute. I found a fabulous place in Ridgewood, New Jersey called "Cupcakes by Carousel" and invite you to check out their website here: http://www.cupcakesbycarousel.com/index.html. The picture posted is their wedding cupcake but you would be surprised how much more they have to offer. I spoke with Emily and she told me how brides have added this to their wedding by using tiers of cupcakes, mixing them up, changing the colors and even requesting specific ingredients.
If you go the cupcake route, you want to make sure you have enough for everyone to enjoy so plan carefully. Next you'll have to decide how you want to incorporate your theme. You can do anything from showcasing your colors, tiers of candied cupcakes or even shaping them like a wedding cake.
Another option is to substitute cupcakes in for the groom's cake. You could place the cupcakes next to your wedding cake and then make something special out of the cupcakes for your groom celebrating his passions in life. Maybe he likes to fish, so you could use the "worm in dirt" cupcake from Carousel.
I highly recommend Cupcakes by Carousel if you're close by. Not only are they extremely helpful, but their cupcakes are beautiful and they taste amazing. Think of all the cute pictures you will get of your guests enjoying something a little different at the end of your reception.
Enjoy!
Everyone knows that next to picking the perfect husband, the most important item in a wedding, is the perfect dress.
But let's face it, dresses can be very expensive, even for the ones with minimal details. Not into all the bling and poof that we're seeing at wedding after wedding? Is your style more casual and laid back...and are you one of those brides that just doesn't want to spend thousands on a dress you'll only wear once?
J. Crew to the rescue. The picture I have posted is just one of their gorgeous gowns from their collection. Ladies, this dress is only $700, and they have dresses with even lower prices!
What's so refreshing about the J. Crew wedding line is the simplicity of even their most elaborate gowns. They work well for the casual garden wedding, a ceremony on the beach, or anywhere our casual bride wants to celebrate her special day.
With all of that money that brides can save on the gown, it will be easier to accessorize without guilt and keep with that simplistic feel. You can add embellishment to your hair using barrettes, or even just flowers. J. Crew has veils that are short and sweet and ones that drop down to your toes. If you're looking for that special piece of jewelry, they have that to offer as well.
Let's not forget those special girls helping to celebrate your day...J. Crew offers bridesmaids' dresses in a variety of both lengths and colors. Some dresses are as low as $59.00.
Of course, J. Crew is famous for its standard clothing line, so don't forget to do some honeymoon shopping with all of that money you just saved for your big day.
For all of their beautiful looks, visit: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp
Now brides, I know how worried you get about the most important thing on your wedding day: your hair! Well, this product has been around for the past 2 years, and I cannot say enough about it! Moroccan Oil is the one hair product you need for your wedding day.
I, personally, have hair that frizzes the second I walk out the door...whether it's just humid or raining, I have these unattractive flyaways that can never be tamed. I usually will just pull my hair back, but on your wedding day, that isn't an option.
Enter: Moroccan Oil. This lightweight oil gets applied to towel dried hair (very important to get all of the dripping water out) and it's as simple as that. You don't even need that much. The oil will cut down blowdrying time and make your hair soft and smooth but it won't weigh it down or make it look greasy. You can easily brave the rain and humidity with this in your hair.
What's better, is that the more you use this oil, the healthier your hair will be and the better it will look over time. I tell all of my brides when I meet them for the first time about this product and before their wedding day it's a gift from me to them. But go spoil yourself. This is a product you must buy. It's on the pricey side, but since you will be using such a small amount each time, it will last for months. It's even better if you're a hot iron abuser like I am, or a color junkie.
Now, if you are working with me as your planner, you will eventually receive this wonderful product as a gift before your wedding day, but if you're not, you should run, don't walk and grab it for yourself. Yes, I do put together a cute little gift basket for all of my brides before they say "I do" (just another reason to work with me), and this by far, is my favorite item.
So run out and try this...remember, the more you use it before your wedding day, the more wonderful your hair will look. Now then, isn't it nice to have one less thing to worry about on your wedding day?
(Edit: Don't believe me? TheKnot.com backs me up:http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/planning-a-wedding/articles/wedding-dates-to-avoid.aspx)You're cordially invited to spend your entire holiday weekend at our wedding. Because we're important and you didn't have anything else to do.
So clearly, I think holiday weddings are a mess. Yet, over the years I've watched couples get married over Fourth of July, Labor Day...even Christmas.
To all of the brides who do this, I say "tsk tsk". The only thought going through the minds of the people you are inviting is "There goes my holiday and one of the only breaks I get all year." Trust me, not many will be excited.
That said: Is it your wedding? Yes. Can you have it anyway you want? OF COURSE! But there is a point where you need to think of your guests before selecting the date. And if you're hoping to cut costs and make money back from your guests...guess again, especially when some of your guests don't show up. Despite etiquette rules, most won't send gifts if they are invited, but then don't come. Shame on those guests, but that's another story.
One of the arguments for having a holiday wedding is that things will be cheaper. Let me shed some light on that having worked on weddings where the bride insisted on a holiday wedding.
There is a good chance that the venue will be cheaper. While the venue is a big price tag to worry about, let's not forget all of the other ones you will need to keep in mind:
Vendors: florists, photographers, videographers, and yes, even officiants are going to charge you more money. If you have your wedding on a holiday weekend or, worse, directly on that holiday, you will have your vendors charging you more for giving up their time that they otherwise would not have been working. I have watched vendors raise their rates solely because a wedding was on a holiday weekend. It happens, so be prepared.
You may be limited to the vendors you can hire now because of a. limited availability (it's a holiday, duh face) and b. they raise their prices because...it's a holiday...did I mention that already?
But let's say that you're one of those lucky brides where budget isn't even a concern. To you, I say mazel tov. What's the pricetag on your friendships and your relationship with your family members?
I've heard brides with holiday weddings say "I don't care if people don't want to come. If they don't want to come because it's a holiday, then they don't have to." These same brides have been MISERABLE on the day of their weddings when they see how many people in fact do not show up. And, again, despite the fact that etiquette dictates that the people that receive invitations are still supposed to send gifts, trust me, you won't receive many if any at all. It is very hard for most brides to see on the day of their wedding how empty the venue is. Make sure that's something you can handle. Be honest with yourself.
I've also heard brides say "If people don't show up, that just shows we're not really friends". First of all, stop inviting 500+ people that you never see or spend time with. Those people aren't your friends in the first place and why you want them at your wedding is beyond my comprehension. Second of all, just because people don't come, doesn't mean they aren't your friends. It means it's a holiday and you're not being a good friend by picking your wedding date and having no respect for anyone else.
I know this post is harsh and I've probably offended some brides. To those brides I say, you've offended a good portion of your guest list.
My advice is to avoid holiday weddings at all costs. You will lost relationships no matter how strong you think they are. Also, even though you think you might be saving money on the venue, do not forget the rest of the items you have to purchase that will be more expensive because you just HAD to deck the halls on your wedding day.
I promise I'll be nice in my next entry. And even though this is harsh, it simply serves a warning. Brides that want holiday weddings need to be aware: 1. prices won't be cut, 2. vendors won't be available, 3. guests will not be happy. Weddings are stressful enough...don't add more stress to your day. There are 52 weekend to choose from.
Ever wonder how you could enhance the look of your wedding? Your linens are beautiful, the florist did a great job, but what makes the room complete? Fabulous lighting, of course!
I recently stumbled across "Luminous Designs" while searching for a lighting designer for a wedding we are currently working on. Seems that there is more to offer than just uplighting.
This company shows off their talents hanging chandeliers from tents, globes from ceiling, swallowing the whole room in a wash of reds, you name it, they do it.
Think of your wedding as a movie. What does every great movie have in common? Beautiful lighting. Lighting is a great way to showcase what your other vendors have already put together for you.
You can keep it simple, and have your initials splashed up on a wall, or designs of flowers or snowflakes, or you can really turn it up. For instance, say your colors are purple, orange and golds for a fall wedding, why not have your flowers be deep purples and plums with orange accents while drenching the entire room in a golden hue? There are so many ways to play with it.
Don't just think about the walls, there are ways to decorate the ceiling and the floor as well. If your ceiling is a white tent, why not turn it into a canopy of leaves using lights? Perhaps turn your floor into an icy blue color all night for your winter wedding.
Lighting doesn't always have to be big and bold. If you have a small wedding planned, pinches of lighting here and there can complete the total picture. Whether it's lighting the entrance and archways that guests walk through, or places bright bulbs outside the venue, there are many options.
I invite you to take a look at Luminous Designs' Website here: http://www.luminousld.com/
Happy Lighting!
While working on a wedding lined up for this May, I became incredibly inspired by the natural look this bride was going for.
Her wedding will be at a beach and she seems to lean towards glass, candles, hanging lights...very clean and natural. The reception area has a wood ceiling with wood beams and the floor is also wood. There is something very natural about the place.
I took a look around at wedding pictures that I've seen and found some gorgeous ways to incorporate wood in every way possible. Wood adds a natural, feel that you can dress up or keep simple. Like flowers, there are so many combinations that you should look at before dismissing the idea completely.
The picture on the left that I have posted are large branches that were placed at the entrance of a cocktail hour. Hanging from the branches are flowers, but you can do so much more than just this. These flowers are an off-white, but you can put bright bursts of your colors in the forms of flowers, candles, glass bottles, pretty much anything that hangs. Think of it as a Christmas tree..there are thousands of ornaments you can use!
I've also seen this type of a centerpiece on a smaller scale either placed on tables or around the ceremony area. You can see from the picture on the right that charms were hung from strings coming down from the branches. They also used flowers but the charms would easily have stood on their own.
You could also hang votive holders (long enough for the flame not to catch the wood on fire) from the branches to add a beautiful glow. This would be gorgeous for a piece on the table where your guestbook is. You could even carve your initials inside of a heart on a piece of wood by your wedding cake.
If you want to go all out with the wood theme, and not just stick to centerpieces, look for places where you could add a little here and there. For instance, at your cocktail hour, why not place bleached wood on the bar area or around pictures of you and your new spouse? Bring the wood to your altar with branches hanging above you and your love as you say your vows.
Whether you wedding is on the beach, in a church, or whereever it is, you can add little touches of wood or go full out. The choices are yours and the possibilities are endless!
Pretty much everywhere around the country is freezing now and covered with snow...and now is a very popular time for those destination weddings, where the only thing white on the ground is the sand.
Since these weddings are frequently outdoors, you will need a hairstyle that will work with the elements...especially the island breezes.
So you want to work with your hair, and not against it. This is not the time to go against your natural wave, but it is the time to embrace it. One of my favorite products to use in the summer is SurfSpray by Bumble and Bumble. This product will bring out the natural texture of your hair and is super easy to use. Spray it on dry hair, wet hair, whatever. It will give you that "I just came from the ocean and always look this sexy" look. You can buy it here: http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT72&PRODUCT_ID=221
Whether you leave your hair down, or put it up, let the islands inspire you. Don't hesitate to add flowers, shells, starfish, or whatever you find beautiful about the place you're getting married in.
One thing that is important to be careful of is to make sure your hairstyle doesn't conflict with the neckline of your dress. If you have beautiful details in the forms of straps, you don't want to hide it under surfer girl hair. You can pin is loosely or take it completely off your neck. If you have too much going on it just looks busy and not pretty. You also want to make sure that your hair, even if it's all down, stays off your face. The last thing you will need is your hair blowing in your face during your ceremony and making it impossible to get through your vows.
Word of caution with hair that is completely down: don't wear lip gloss. Should your hair go across your face, it will drag the color right off your lips and be a sticky mess. There's a chance you won't even notice that your coral lipgloss is on your cheek until you see the wedding photos that you're paying all of this money for. Trust me, that lipgloss across your face is not easy to photoshop out. Just say "no" to gloss outside.
Even if your wedding isn't a destination, you can always use these casual looks for your ceremony. Be creative and use your imagination...and of course, a hairstylist isn't a bad idea either.
"I'm at Table 3."
Sounds boring doesn't it? It doesn't have to.
Think you've thought about every detail and how to personalize your wedding down to the last thought? Well, what are you naming your tables?
That's right, name your tables. Who says your tables have to be numbered?
The picture I have chosen to accompany this post was borrowed from theknot.com and featured a wedding that took place in NY State. Clearly, this couple has a shared bond over classical music, hence the table name "Tchaikovsky".
This is one of the details of your wedding that actually gets to be more fun than stressful. You get to spend time with the person you love and talk about what you both enjoy and have in common.
The possibilities for table naming are endless. Personally, my wedding took place at a winery and we named the tables after wines that we love.
Where is your wedding taking place? Any place you are getting married at tells a story. Here are some examples you're welcome to steal or expand on.
Perhaps you're getting married at a library. Why not name the tables after well known love stories? Avoid Romeo and Juliet though and stick to ones with happy endings. Unless you and your partner are Shakespeare addicts, and then, by all means, go ahead! If stories aren't your thing, what about authors that made their mark just as your and your partner will? Maybe you're both Stephen King addicts and are incorporating that theme...why not title the tables after his famous works?
Getting married in a garden? Tables named after flowers or plants are a given...but what about pairing the table names with that particular flower? Of course, speak to your florist about what is in season to make this work. You can even take it one step further and add something for your guests to read about the flower that is at their table. Great ice breaker for big weddings where not everyone knows their table-mates.
But of course there are the brides that get married at a hall and can't find anything particular to name the tables after. If you can't think of anything about your venue special enough to showcase as a table number, then rely on your history as a couple. Perhaps you love old movies like Casablance and Gone with the Wind, or maybe you're both crazy about famous weddings...why not name your tables after these couples in a way to honor both them and your marriage?
There are so many ways to name your tables rather than using numbers. Best of all you can use this as an excuse to spend time with your better half coming up with ideas...no input from anyone else required.
What is your wedding theme? Need help figuring out how to name your tables? Please feel free to leave a comment and I'd be happy to help.
Ok, so you've been to weddings and you think you've seen it all as far as centerpieces go. They can be tall, short, half and half...roses, lilies, dreaded baby breath (that's a no-no, don't do it, it's a weed)...
...and sometimes instead of flowers you will see branches, candles, even fake flowers (don't do that either, it's tacky).
But what about produce?
Fruit and veggies are making an appearance in centerpieces at weddings, screaming "here we are, not just for the grocery store anymore." This particular centerpiece showcases oranges and grapes, and arrangements are now including artichokes (both green and purple), pomegranates, you name it.
It's a daring choice and will have people talking. Inevitably, people will touch it, just to see if it's real. Please do not use fake fruit, I implore you. Some guests will even smell it.
If you decide to go the fruit option, speak to your florist about what is in season. Just like flowers, not all fruit will be readily available. For instance, as gorgeous as halved blood oranges are, there are few months of the year (depending on where you live) that you would be able to find them. Your florist will be able to tell you what fruit/veggie is in season and more importantly, what flowers will go with them. That's not to say you have to use flowers though, you can always mix it up with candles, branches, or any of the "regular" stuff you see in wedding centerpieces.
If you're running on a tight budget, or if you're a DIY bride, fruits are fun to work with. Depending on how creative you are, you can vary your centerpieces from clusters of lemons and candles to oranges and wood. Be careful though when it comes to cutting the fruit as often florists will put a glaze over the fruit so that it a. doesn't go bad and b. doesn't attract fruit flies or any other insect.
You could also submerge some fruits/veggies in water with flowers but you'll have to be careful to not let them sit for too long before the event. You don't want soggy grapes in a pile of water, you want elegance and creativity. Play around with different combination months before your wedding at your own home so you know what you're working with.
The most important thing with using fruit as a centerpiece is to know that, like flowers, the possibilities are endless. From star fruit, to kiwi, to cranberries, there's a color pattern that will work for your special day. Draw inspiration from everyday life: caramel covered apples for a fall wedding, or chocolate covered strawberries...
Whether you're using a florist or putting it together on your own, have fun and and open your mind. Your guests will love it, guaranteed.
Welcome to Wedding Wonderful! Your source for everything wedding! Whether you're just engaged, looking for last minute ideas or just browsing to see what's new and beautiful, I welcome you to my wedding blog.
My name is Danielle! I am a wedding expert, having attending numerous weddings and recently appearing on TLC's "Four Weddings".
I've seen it all, the good, the bad and the trashy. I know how crazy it can get planning a wedding and here you will find everything from advice on how to get along with your in-laws, to cakes that aren't traditional, to venues that will blow your mind. I will be including pictures in all of my blogs and if you have any questions, you're welcome to get in touch anytime!
So happy planning! I'm here to help and welcome to my blog.
-D
"All I can say is thank God snow is white- it works. Know what I mean?" - Father of the Bride-
