Wedding Tips

Living in the US makes one feel free – free to do anything, free to live, free to love, free from traditions.  While this is true, there are still many practices done during wedding that renders this memorable event with a distinct American touch.  Here are some:

Starting from the engagement, Americans can think of unique ways to personalize their wedding.  As there really isn’t any engagement tradition, the more unique the marriage proposal is done, the better.

For most wedding preparations, the engaged couple visits their parents to inform them of their recent engagement.

At times, the engaged couple hosts an engagement party.  The engagement party costs less than a wedding reception since most of the time, the menu will only include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Therefore, if the couple is on a tight budget, they can just invite more guests to the engagement party if they plan to limit the number of guests during the wedding.

Most wedding preparations have a bridal shower given by the maid of honor and the bridesmaids.  The groom may also have a bachelor party the night before the wedding but he has to be careful not to drink too much.

Wedding invitations should include response cards to quickly inform the couple whether the person has accepted or declined the invitation.  The wedding invitations should also be sent within four to six weeks before the event.

Usually, there is a rehearsal dinner in which the wedding party and guests came from far places to be present at the wedding attend.  It was practiced that the groom’s parents pay for this dinner.

A bridal luncheon may be hosted for the bride’s attendants during the wedding day.  However, time constraints may not permit this to be part of the schedule for the wedding day.  Likewise, the groom may also host a groom’s dinner for his groomsmen.

Interestingly, even if the couple is not very religious, they still prefer a religious ceremony.  However, this may pose a problem since in America people of different faiths and religious backgrounds get married.

Even if there are few people who believe in bad luck, some couples still make sure that the groom does not see his bride until she starts waking on the aisle.

It is still practiced that the groom and his groomsmen enter the church through a side door.  The bride will then walk down the aisle with her father.  In some cases when both her father and stepfather brought up the bride, she may ask them both to escort her.

During a formal reception, there is usually a bridal table where the couple and the attendants sit.  Also, food and drinks should be served as the guests appear at the reception.

Before, gift giving used to depend on what the guest will feel useful for the couple.  Now, it is better to register for gifts so the guests will know what to bring that the couple will need.

Upon receiving an engagement or wedding gift, it is better to send a thank you note apart from saying “thank you” to the giver.  This should be sent within two weeks upon receipt of the gift.  Make a personalized thank you note, instead of using an impersonal generic thank you note.

These are just some American practices during weddings.  Whether one chooses to this or prefers to have a very different wedding, what’s more important is that American’s still believe in the wedding vow, “For better or worse, ’til death do us part.”

Any wedding day will be full of memories, especially for the bride and groom. They, of course, are the key players, whether it is a formal or informal wedding. With a formal wedding, the months of planning may build up a high level of anticipation in not just the bride and groom, but also others who will also play key roles on the big day. To bridesmaids in particular, the lead up to the wedding day may be an exciting time. The bride and groom will undoubtedly want to commemorate the day for them with bridesmaid’s gifts.

For sure, bridesmaids will appreciate at least a token gift to help them remember the day. As with any gift, what you choose as a bridesmaid gift will depend on budget and age. If anything, “older” bridesmaids are easier to choose for, as personalized silver or crystal, for example, and other more adult products, are more likely to be appreciated.

Younger bridesmaids, though, may turn out to be easier than you thought, whatever your budget. It is a matter of thinking about their tastes and interests and finding something appropriate. While it is traditional to give all bridesmaids the same gift, that does not necessarily have to be the case. After all, they have probably been forced into a uniform dress for the occasion, and if you have several, or many, bridesmaids then no doubt one or more were not too happy with the colour or design, even if they are too polite to tell the bride.

Choosing the bridesmaid’s gift may be a good time to redress the balance, and do something individual, a unique bridesmaid gift for each bridesmaid; unless, that is, you know the bridesmaids well enough to know that all will be happy with the same thing. At least by having the same gift, there is no danger of one bridesmaid being jealous of the other.

How, then, can you make each bridesmaid gift unique, without having to go out seeking an appropriate gift, the like of which you and your bridesmaids have never seen before? There are a couple of ways to add an individual and personal touch:

Engravable Gifts

Many items, including popular bridesmaid gift items such as jewellery, candles and candle holders, goblets, can either be engraved, embossed or have a medallion attached that can be engraved. Engraving gives you the opportunity to add an individual touch for each bridesmaid, thus acknowledging that each has played their own important part.

Bridesmaids of any age will appreciate something engraved with their name and those of the bride and groom, plus of course your personal message. If you have a wide variety of ages amongst your bridesmaids, then why not give each a different gift, appropriate for their age, but also engraved with their personal message.

If you have chosen jewellery, then you have a gift theme that can be applied to all ages, and be engraved at the same. Even young girls usually like jewellery, so you could be making your bridesmaids very happy, commemorating the occasion nicely, and making each gift choice unique.

Gift Baskets

Like jewellery, gift baskets can be made suitable for all ages of bridesmaid. If you choose an attractive and unusual basket, then even if the contents are consumable (such as chocolates) the girl will have the basket left as a memento of the wedding and her role as a bridesmaid.

With gift baskets, you can choose appropriate contents for each of your bridesmaids, whether they are 2 years old or 18; and you can even include an engraved gift inside to personalize it for her even more. So, baskets do really give a lot of scope for individuality and addressing the age problem. There are a good selection of customized gift baskets online for you to choose from.

Planning the wedding will be a big task that will preoccupy you if you are a bride or groom. But don’t forget to give a bit of thought to those bridesmaids for their part in your big day. They are sure to appreciate it.

The most important secret to have the best possible bridal shower party is careful planning. If your bridal shower party is carefully planned, it will be not only more organized but a lot of fun. Paying attention to details is what makes a wonderful bridal shower party. If you treat your bridal shower party just like any other project, you have a good chance of making it a success. Proper planning is the most important first step to take toward a great bridal shower party.

The following list can serve as a simple outline for your overall bridal shower party planning. Follow the outline to help plan the bridal shower party. Be sure to check or underline each completed task, so you can concentrate on the incomplete items. It is also helpful to use actual dates to meet your deadlines.

First steps

· The most important first step is to select the appropriate date and time. Be sure to check with the most important participants, and make sure the date works for everyone. Setting a conflicting time for a party is a bad start.

· Set your budget – do not purchase anything until you have set your budget.

· Select the place (A favorite restaurant is a great location, but a friends house works on a tight budget.)

· Prepare your guest list – your guest list is limited by your budget.

Five to six weeks prior the bridal shower party

· Select method of invitations (You can save money by sending e-invitations, your guests are Internet savvy.)

· Make a decision about the shower theme – a popular theme is beach party.

One month prior to the bridal shower party date

· Send out the bridal shower party invitations

· Decide on food (Select caterer or restaurant if you wish to use one)

· Research bridal shower party favors

Two weeks before the bridal shower party

· Based on RSVPs from the invited bridal shower party guests make final arrangements regarding food and other planned activities

Last minute preparations

· Contact caterer or restaurant (if you use one) to make sure they are ready for the bridal shower party

· Put together any accessories you plan to use for the bridal shower party

· Wrap gifts and prepare party favors

· Make sure a video recorder and cameras are available to record the bridal shower party

The most important first lesson about having the best possible bridal shower is careful party planning. If your bridal shower is carefully planned, it will be not only more organized but a world of fun. Paying attention to details is what makes a great bridal shower. If you treat your bridal shower just like any other project, you have a good chance of making it a success. Proper planning is the most important first step to take toward a great bridal shower.

The following list can serve as a simple outline for your overall bridal shower planning. Follow the outline to help plan the bridal shower. Be sure to check or underline each completed task, so you can concentrate on the incomplete items. It is also helpful to use actual dates to meet your deadlines.

First steps

· The most important first step is to select the appropriate date and time. Be sure to check with the most important participants, and make sure the date works for everyone.
· Set your budget
· Select the place (A favorite restaurant is a great location, but a friends house works on a limited budget.)
· Prepare your guest list

Five to six weeks prior the bridal shower

· Select method of invitations (You can save money by sending e-invitations.)
· Make a decision about the shower theme

One month prior to the bridal shower date

· Send out the shower invitations
· Decide on food (Select caterer or restaurant if you wish to use one)
· Research bridal shower keepsake favors

Two weeks before the bridal shower

· Based on RSVPs from the invited bridal shower guests make final arrangements regarding food and other planned activities

Last minute preparations

· Contact caterer or restaurant (if you use one) to make sure they are ready for the shower party
· Put together any accessories you plan to use for the bridal shower
· Wrap gifts
· Make sure a video recorder and cameras are available to record the bridal shower

It is an unwritten law that you cannot get married without flowers. Flowers are the essence of a beautiful wedding day celebration. Flowers are a three dimensional element of your decorating strategy. Because they are beautiful, elegant, and provide a wonderful scent, flowers satisfy all senses. The flowers you select should compliment everything else in your wedding. Its colors should complement not just your dress. The colors of your flowers work with the colors of the décor of your reception site and the ceremony location.

Unless you are lucky enough to be a florist, you’ll need to hire one. The florist should be experienced with wedding arrangements, and you’ll be hard pressed to find one that isn’t. Make sure your florist is able to deliver, install, and remove the arrangements at the end of your event. Even though many reception halls can recommend a florist to you, you should do your homework. Ask for references, and be sure to follow up. It may be tempting to hire a florist without check references, but it could also be irresponsible.

Your wedding flowers should complement the season, your wedding dress, and your color scheme. Your wedding flowers should also complement your attendants’ attire, and the style of your wedding. Before you talk to your florist, prepare a list of wedding flowers you’ll need. It will help focus your discussions, and help you stay within your wedding budget.

When you plan the flower arrangements with your florist, she should be able to recommend arrangements based on the size and location of your wedding. Ask to see photos of previous wedding arrangements – Don’t accept generic photos of flower arrangements, insist on seeing the work of the florist.-, which will give you a feel for their creative qualities and what you can expect to see on your wedding day. It is even better if you arrive prepared with some pictures and magazine cut outs with your ideas. You don’t have to take the florist’s advice on everything, be part of the decision making process. If you feel strongly about a certain flower or color, it should worth fighting for it. It is your wedding, and you are the customer. You have to feel good about your flower arrangements. Your day is about you.

Choosing wedding flowers is such an important part of the wedding. There are some things to be aware of when you are ready to decide on your wedding flowers.

Since your flowers are an essential part of the wedding you should begin by preparing a budget. When you have a budget in place you will have a very good idea what the flowers are going to cost. If you don’t have a budget you could easily end up spending far more money than you had planned.

If you haven’t already decided on a florist you may want to ask the advice of family and friends. Pay close attention to the recommendations of those who have recently been married. The newly married will be able to offer you good advice. You can also talk to the people who are in charge of the ceremony and reception sites. These folks often have great ideas for the best florists.

You may want to make a few visits to the florists that you are considering. When you are actually in the business you will see how the customers are treated and if the shop is clean and organized. Take a good look at the flower bouquets and arrangements and notice the design and freshness of the flowers.

Figure out how many arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages that you will need. Take this information with you any time you talk to a florist about the wedding flowers.

Before you decide on your wedding flowers, talk to more than one florist. You might want to bring pictures of bouquets and arrangements that you like. Also bring pictures of your dress and the bridesmaid’s dresses. All these things will be instrumental in assuring the most beautiful wedding flowers possible.

Make sure you have samples of the colors you plan to use in the wedding. This will be very helpful in choosing the colors of the flowers.

You might want to ask the florist for some photos of wedding flowers they have designed. Many florists keep a book of wedding flower photos exactly for this purpose.

Talk to your florist about using flowers that match the style of your wedding. If you are having a casual wedding you may want to use different flowers than if you are planning a traditional wedding.

You also might want to consider using wedding flowers that are specific to your region and to the season in which you are getting married. This will not only keep the cost down but you will not have to worry about the flowers being available.

Choose your wedding flowers carefully and they will be a wonderful part of your wedding.

You have looked at dozens of bridal magazines and hundreds of dresses and finally you’ve found a couple that they really like. Now what? Head off to a bridal shop with pictures of the dresses you are interested in buying. There are a few questions you need to ask before looking at your first dress. Find out, do you have to make an appointment to try on dresses? Does the store carry dresses that fit your budget?  Can they order the dress you found in a magazine? Will they allow you to browse the whole collection or are you limited to what they choose to show you? Once these questions have been answered and you have found a dress that you really like, there are more questions to be asked. Can this neckline be altered to a scoop neck instead of a vee?  Can the dress be held for 24 hours while I give it some thought? Then go home and relax, go back in 24 hours and see if you still love it. If so then put down the deposit.

If on the other hand you don’t like a dress, but your mom or friend loves it , again wait 24 hours and then go back for another look. If you still hate it don’t buy it. It is your wedding and you won’t be happy if you don’t feel beautiful. After you have chosen the dress, the seamstress will measure your bust, waist hips and waist to floor length, and then will let you know what alterations will be needed. Just about every dress needs some alterations. You will need to go in for fittings at least two or three times.

If alterations are needed, what is the cost? Ask for a written estimate for the alterations. If a shop wont give you an estimate, run don’t walk to another shop. Also ask if you buy the bridesmaids dresses there, will they give you free or discounted alterations. Also find out if you can get a rush on the dress if necessary. You will also want to know if the dress is in stock or does it have to be ordered? Can you “borrow” your dress for a formal portrait and then bring it back for a final pressing? Pay with a credit card, that way you can dispute the charges, if a problem arises.

Next you have to choose the headpiece and veil to go with your dress.  The type of veil you depends on the style of your dress. Veils come in several styles and lengths. You wouldn’t want a Cathedral veil if you are wearing a simple street length dress. By the same token, you won’t want a shoulder length, fly away wispy veil if you are wearing a formal gown with a long train.

When the wedding is over, what do you do with that beautiful expensive dress? Ask the bridal shop or wedding consultant, for the name of a reliable gown preservationist. The preservationist will clean the gown, then wrap it in acid-free tissue paper, or white cotton muslin and then place it in an acid free box. You can expect to pay between 200
and 400 dollars for this service.  Be wary of someone who asks you to sign a disclaimer, saying they are not responsible for damage done to the dress during cleaning. Only place your dress in the hands of a preservationist who will give you a written guarantee.

Why is Wedding Entertainment Important?</b>

A wedding or civil partnership is one of the most special days in two people’s lives and a day of celebration shared with family and friends.

The wedding entertainment you choose helps to create and maintain the air of celebration, turning the day into a really memorable event. Entertainment at a wedding or civil partnership has many practical uses as well, such as adding structure to the day and breaking the ice between guests.

<b>A Magician as a Wedding Entertainer</b>

Magic is the ideal form of entertainment for a wedding because it is versatile, flexible and suitable for a mixed family audience. Most people, young and old, enjoy magic and an experienced wedding entertainer will be able to perform for all ages.

Despite being more popular than ever, a lot of people have only ever seen magic on television. Seeing magic performed ‘live’ is quite a novelty for most people and will make your wedding day even more special.

<b>Close-Up Magic for Weddings</b>

Close-up magic and illusion is the most versatile and flexible form of magical entertainment. A close-up magician doesn’t require any special equipment or facilities such as power or a public address system and will usually carry all his or her props in their pockets. Also, it only takes a few minutes for a professional magician to get ready before they start entertaining.

Compared to many of the things that need organising for a wedding, the close-up magician is easy – tell him the date and time, and leave him to it!

A close-up wedding magician will mingle with guests, either seated at tables or standing in small groups, and spend a few minutes with each group entertaining them with amazing magic. It is a great way to break the ice amongst people who have never met before because they come together while enjoying the entertainment.

It also provides a great talking point, even for those not directly involved in the magic at a particular time. While the magician is entertaining one group, everyone else is wondering about the sounds of astonishment and laughter coming from across the room. And those who have already seen the magician are discussing what they have just witnessed and trying to work out ‘just how did he do that?!’

Close-up magic can fit into any part of the big day. There can be times at weddings and civil partnership celebrations when not much is happening, especially for the guests. Close-up magic can fill these lulls and turn them into a highlight. For example:
<ul>
<li>When guests are arriving at the reception or waiting in the reception line.</li>
<li>While the wedding party are being photographed.</li>
<li>While guests are waiting for the meal to start.</li>
<li>Between the courses of the meal (especially if there are a lot of guests to cater for).</li>
<li>While guests are waiting for the buffet.</li>
<li>Between the daytime and evening functions.</li>
</ul>
A professional close-up magician will not be too intrusive and will enhance your special day without detracting from it or taking it over.

<b>Cabaret Magic for Weddings</b>

If you want some really special and unusual entertainment, a cabaret magic show is a great option. A cabaret magic show usually fits in best after the wedding breakfast and is a really effective way to start off the evening party.

A cabaret show is a structured magic act lasting anything from 5 minutes to an hour and can incorporate everything from visual magic (objects appearing, disappearing and changing) to mental and psychological magic (mind control and mind reading) depending on the wedding entertainer you choose.

Most modern performers incorporate a lot of humour and audience participation into their magic, which is what really makes a cabaret show entertaining and makes magic stand out from other forms of entertainment. An experienced wedding entertainer will quite often want to get the newly-wed couple involved during the show but will check that this is OK beforehand. A professional magician will be sensitive to your wishes and will not want to embarrass you.

Unlike close-up magic, a cabaret magician usually requires some extra facilities and time to prepare their act. For larger audiences, a cabaret show requires a stage and public address system, which should be provided by most venues. Some magicians can perform a special act for a smaller number of guests, perhaps up to 20, which doesn’t need a stage or sound equipment. This type of act can be performed in one room with the audience sat around the magician.

<b>Finding the Right Wedding Entertainer</b>

There are many challenges when organising a one-off occasion like a wedding, especially if you are not used to organising large events. Booking an experienced professional magician will make it much easier. Here are a few pointers:
<ul>
<li>Make sure the magician has plenty of experience as a wedding entertainer by checking their previous clients and engagements. Most should be able to provide testimonial or recommendation letters.</li>
<li>It is very important that that the magician has public liability insurance because they will be closely interacting with your guests.</li>
<li>Check that the fee you negotiate is fully inclusive and that there are no hidden extras such as VAT or travelling expenses.</li>
<li>Make sure you obtain a contract or confirmation letter. A contract protects you and makes sure both you and the wedding entertainer are clear about the event.</li>
</ul>
Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable with the magician by talking to him or her beforehand. An experienced professional will be able to offer wide-ranging advice as they are likely to have been to many more weddings than you!

The style and personality of the entertainer you choose should fit in with your aspirations for your wedding – after all, you are planning for one of the most special and magical days of your life.

You are searching for a non-traditional wedding gift… You want something different that will elicit the oohs and aahs of everyone.

Of course, you could go to the couple’s registry and pick something from there, but then your gift wouldn’t be unique.

Here are some tips to help you come up with some great, unique wedding gift ideas.

Ask yourself these questions:

-what do you know about the couple?
-what do they like?
-where are they planning to spend their honeymoon?
-what’s their personality?
-what is their lifestyle?

The answers to these questions can give you ideas for a gift that displays your thoughtfulness and care.

Here are just a few gift ideas to ponder:

1. Gift Certificates to a spa for the bride and groom are great before or after the wedding. The wedding day is often stressful, so you could offer a day at the spa to prepare them for the wedding day. Or, they could use it just after their honeymoon, as they prepare to resume their regular activities.

2. As an alternative for the day at the spa, you could give them a spa in a basket, including monogrammed robes, towels, and a few other relaxing items, like candles, bath and body lotions, some romantic music, and even engraved wine glasses accompanied by a bottle of wine for a special evening at home.

3. Keepsake Box – As time goes by, memories begin to fade, and what better and more unique gift than a special box where they can safely store all those precious mementos that become more cherished as the years go by? This box is perfect for things like: marriage license, special photos, place cards, vows, and all those other special keepsakes that often get lost as time passes.

4. Silver-Plated Picture Frames – the perfect way to display favorite photos of their special day. Have them engraved with the couple’s names and the wedding date for a treasured memory.

5. Etched Glass Wedding Invitation – Have their wedding invitation, or other special verse engraved on a glass sculpture. This will be treasured for years to come, and definitely unique. Or, for a little variation, get the actual invitation, and mount it on a glass plate and finish it with matching colored paint.

6. Honeymoon Photo Album – this could be made out of wood, with something like “A Honeymoon to Remember” engraved on the cover: a perfect place to capture those wonderful honeymoon memories.

You are now ready to give the perfect wedding gift to your friends and family.

When little girls spend their math classes daydreaming of weddings (instead of winning the World Series — not to say you can’t do both), what do they dream of first? The perfect wedding dress, of course: a gown in white satin with a bustle and sweeping train, the perfect embellishments, and the perfect shoes.

There are few occasions in our modern world where a woman finds herself in a position to wear a no-holds-barred ball gown, much less a crystal tiara, and all too many where she’s called on to wear to a neutral suit or uninspiring “biz-caz” combo. No wonder that with so many brides, their wedding plans start with the dress.

Many of these brides are lucky. They may search high and low, braving chilly department stores and pushy bridal shops, but eventually they come face-to-face with The One. They know this is The One because they start crying, or their mother or friends all start crying at once. Suddenly the rest of the planning … the theme, the tone, the right kind of venues … it all springs to life.

Other brides aren’t as fortunate. They’ve searched just as hard, working their way through shops across three or four states, but they haven’t found The One. Instead, they’ve found three or four Contenders, all of which are serviceable and nice, but not earth-shattering enough to tell them that now is definitely time to stop the searching and get on with the planning. These brides have it harder.

Even if you’re the first kind of bride, buying the dress is such a momentous decision that you run a risk of falling into that wallet-skinning category known as the Two-Dress Bride. Here are some tips for picking the perfect dress and avoiding that awful fate.

1. Bring the entourage, but don’t buy. It’s fun and useful to bring your mother, friends or sisters on the dress-shopping expedition. It gives you a buffer against an overbearing sales staff, and it’s fun to see if your impressions of perfection are shared by your loved ones, not to mention how they’ll love being part of such an important decision. But no matter how enthusiastic everyone gets over a certain dress, don’t buy in the heat of the moment. Give yourself time to reconsider and buy with a cool head later, alone. The vast majority of dresses are non-returnable, so when you’ve bought it, you’ve bought it.

2. Don’t buy too early unless you must. Bridal gowns can take four to ten months to come from the manufacturer, but there’s no reason to buy over a year ahead of time, unless your chosen style is going to be discontinued. Give yourself some time to sit on your decision. Once you pick a gown, you’ll see a hundred others nearly like it. You’ll become a walking encyclopedia on that style of gown. All the better if you still have room to choose.

3. If you’ve bought “The One,” stop shopping. Any more window-shopping at this point will only lead you down the road toward the dreary land of Two-Dress Brides. What you need to do instead is remember that blissful feeling of having tried on The One. Go get The One out of the closet, put it on and stand in front of the mirror. You’ll remember exactly why it’s The One.

4. If you’ve bought “The One” and can’t stop shopping, get a second opinion. Show your first and second choices to other brides. Be honest — tell them you’ve already remortgaged your condo for the first dress, but you think this second dress might be It. They’ll be truthful, too — the first one was better. You’ll feel reassured.

5. Don’t tell yourself “I’ll sell the old dress and choose a new one.” This old saw of the Two-Dress Bride just won’t work. You’ll never get more than a fraction of what you paid for your first dress if you bought it new.

6. Don’t be afraid to aim high — no matter what your budget. Some brides knew from the start they wanted a designer label, but life just didn’t cooperate by making them heiresses. Yet all is not lost if you’re willing to shop courageously. At any given moment, a better-heeled bride is selling her once-used St. Pucchi or Ulla-Maija on eBay. She paid thousands upon thousands, but you, smart shopper, will pay half that or less. To take this road, you must shop earlier than other brides so you’ll have a choice of gowns. Always pay with a credit card so you’ll have recourse if the dress doesn’t arrive in acceptable condition, and again, shop early so you can buy another if necessary. Shop courageously, but not recklessly.

7. Shop online, but never send a check. Bridal gown businesses sometimes have a way of disappearing overnight. No matter what the proprietor tells you, never make a purchase as large as a wedding gown without the chargeback protection of a credit card. If they say they can’t take plastic, move on.

8. Don’t hold out forever for The One. Some brides never find The One. What they do find is a few dresses they look beautiful in. If you’re this bride, try starting your planning from the theme instead of the dress. You’ll probably eventually get sick to death of dress shopping. When that happens, “good enough” really will be good enough. Concentrate on other aspects of the wedding that mean a lot to you, like the venue, the food, or the inevitable adoration of your soon-to-be husband.