Marriage is quite a magical time, however, it can be a highly stressful event. The planning that a successful wedding takes can be absolutely overwhelming. The suggestions given here are designed to help you reduce your stress and enjoy planning your special day.
Rehearse your walk in advance of the big day. Be sure that this is done where the wedding will take place so the floor can be tested along with the footwear. This is how you will perfect your flow as you make the big walk.
A wedding dress is a big expense. To help defray the cost of a wedding gown, you may wish to shop for dresses that may not be considered a wedding dress. A bridesmaid dress might strike your fancy as an option, and it would be cheaper than a dress designated for the bride. Many times, you can alter the dress to make it look like a wedding dress for a fraction of the cost of an actual wedding dress.
Consider getting married outside of wedding season. Most weddings take place between May and September. Wedding venues are usually more expensive during this time. If you can’t plan your wedding at any other time, book your venue as soon as possible to get a great deal.
Try using the property of a loved one for the wedding venue. If someone you know owns a large piece of property, like a farm or a place with a large backyard, you can cut down a major cost. Offer to pay someone to come in ahead of time and after the event to do the cleaning for them, but that should be your only cost.
Alcohol can be a big expense at a wedding, so consider limiting the types of drinks and opt for cost efficient choices. Open bars are typically very expensive, especially when they are open for long time-periods. Inquire at your venue what your alcoholic beverage serving options are.
When it comes to the decor of your wedding, spice things up with small, but meaningful decorative items. Make sure that some of the accessories you have are included in the wedding. These small details help tie everything together to create a beautiful wedding.
Wedding gowns can be pricey. Perhaps you could look at dresses not considered as wedding dresses. For example, a formal white dress, such as a prom or bridesmaid dress, will not be as expensive as a wedding dress. The money you save by choosing a cheaper dress can be used to alter it and add some stylish details.
Don’t forget about transportation! Try having taxis or limos ready for people that don’t have rides back to the hotel after it ends. Also, this is beneficial for people who have consumed alcohol during the wedding.
Internet bridal shops have wedding dresses for bargain basement prices, but make sure to order well in advance so that you can get your dress altered before the big day. It is also important to realize that alterations can cost quite a bit of money. Budget in this additional cost.
You don’t want to have your guests waiting as you have your wedding photos taken. Get as many pictures as possible before the ceremony. The pictures for the bride, groom and immediately family can also be done in advance.
Personalize your wedding by incorporating any elements or facets of your personal identity, your betrothed or especially the relationship you share. Find a theme or topic that reflects your time as a couple.
Wedding Cake
Have your wedding on the property of a family member or friend. If you’re in touch with people with a farm or a big backyard, this can be a cheap place for you to host a wedding ceremony. Offer to pay someone to come in ahead of time and after the event to do the cleaning for them, but that should be your only cost.
If you want your colorful wedding cake as the focal point of your reception, present it on a coordinating fabric tablecloth. Whether you choose patterns or solids, the fabric should add another dimension of visual interest and help to tie your wedding cake in with your wedding theme.
Look for a unique touch with your food such a ethnic theme, a style of cooking or something else to add flair. Chicken and steak are a little boring, so how about going for a variety? Your wedding dinner can be very memorable when it includes interesting variety.
If you can afford it, you can try having a wedding on the cruise you like. You could just invite only those close to you. This will allow you to have your honeymoon directly afterwards. Most cruise ships even have special prices for wedding parties and all of the guests in the party.
You can add certain decorative elements into the wedding décor in order to personalize. Use a similar ribbon for your bouquet as that on your gown or your centerpieces. These details will help your wedding seem perfect, and will show that you have thought about making this day special.
Getting a relative or friend ordained online can give him authority to officiate the wedding ceremony. This can be a wonderful way to honor someone special in your life, and to make them an important part of your big day. Take caution, however, to make sure that doing this is a legal option in your community.
If a wedding cake with a high price tag or high calorie count doesn’t appeal to you, check around at local bakeries for beautiful individual portions. For example, cupcakes can be made to be gluten-free, topped with fruit, or include artificial sweeteners.
A sweet treat between meal courses is a great way to keep your guests happy. Flavorful crackers will get the job done well.
You should let the DJ know what is okay to play and what isn’t okay to play. Maybe you loved a song once but no longer do. No matter what you don’t want to hear, tell your DJ.
If the wedding couple have very different cultural backgrounds, use a wedding ceremony from one tradition and have a reception and feast honoring the culture of the other half of the couple. This will give lots of contrast and make it memorable.
Instead of paying for a pricey cake, look into mini-tarts or cupcakes. These arrangements are convenient and affordable. Instead of eating cake off a paper napkin, you can give your guests the option to nab a sweet treat on the way out. A decorative container, such as a takeout box, is far more convenient.
Make sure that your wedding is planned down to the smallest of details so there will be no unexpected surprises. You want to make sure that every person who is sharing in your special day has as wonderful a time as you do.
Receptions are best held in the early afternoon. Most people will drink less at this time, which can cut down on your bar needs. Post-lunch receptions usually cost less, too. The money saved here can be used elsewhere.
Different countries have plants that are not always native to where you live and may not be easily accessible, or be able to tolerate an extremely humid, or dry environment. Make contact with professionals who reside near your destination site to inquire which flowers are in bloom and available to use for your ceremony.
Divide your table settings evenly. Don’t put an odd number of people at any table. Also group the tables by age, this will give people things they can talk about.
If you are planning to hold your reception outside, let the caterer know in advance. Some foods may spoil quickly on hot days, and other dishes may not fare well in strong wind. You could utilize fancy covers to protect the dishes. If possible, consider having a small fridge on hand for keeping beverages chilled.
If you are going to be giving one of the wedding speeches, make sure you plan it out and practice enough. If you don’t get all the practice you need, it’s easy to forget what you want to say, make a misstep, or leave the audience bored.
Destination weddings can be a lot of fun, but try to keep your guests in mind. There might be guests who have to plan their vacation time around your wedding, and they will need plenty of time for preparation. Send out invitations 8 months beforehand.
Think about your guests if you are having a destination wedding. Your guests should have enough time to get ready. Send out your save the date and invitation cards at least six to eight months ahead of time to allow your guests the most time possible to make preparations.
Your floral arrangements will be more interesting if you select flowers in varying heights. Make use of taller vases for long stem flowers with compact heads. You can surround these tall vases with short voluminous flowers like pink sweet peas, peonies, or hydrangeas. Short and tall blooms can help to distinguish your wedding.
Gift registries are part of a wedding. It is also harder for the bride and groom to have to bring all of the gifts home from the reception. Give them several gift options at a wide range of prices. By selecting different priced items, people can find items they can comfortably afford to give.
Take your fiance with you when you get fitted for your tuxedo. Ask for opinions from family and friends about how well the tux fits and looks on you before you choose the one you’ll wear. People will be taking a lot of pictures: make sure you look your best for this important day.
You should put careful consideration into whether or not you want children to attend your wedding. If you want to save a little money and stress, you can avoid inviting children. Be that as it may, many of your friends and acquaintances might decline your invitation if they can’t bring their children. There may also be some who won’t come because they can’t find a sitter.
You might think you want to do some kind of traditional family things, but if you do not want to, don’t. While family members may feel compelled to offer limitless advice and suggestions, a polite and firm ‘no, thank you’ is entirely appropriate. You’ll be able to remember your wedding day and say that it was everything you wanted it to be!
You can save money by finding alternatives for wedding flowers. Instead of a floral wreath on your flower girl, try using ribbons for a look that is elegant but still cost effective. You can bring in silk flowers to the ceremony as well. You can keep these flowers long into the future too. You can move the arrangements from your wedding to your reception.
Plan ahead of time, as early as you are able. Many people think it only takes a few months to plan their wedding; however, you must have time to book the providers and venues. Planning early ensures that you have more choices for venues and vendors.
Keep the weather in mind. If it is going to be an outdoor wedding, guests probably will not want to spend a lot of time, if the day is a hot and humid one. On the same note, winter weddings might chill your guests to the point of leaving early too. Provide comfort to your guests with small accommodations and features, like having fans available if you are having a summer wedding.
A lot of people dream of their wedding for their whole lives, right up to the moment it happens. This gives weddings an almost ethereal feel. While magical, weddings are filled with nuance that can overwhelm even the most organized hostess. Hopefully, after you read this guide, you will have an easier time in handling and planning your own wedding and you will be able to breathe a little bit easier.
Brides planning to be married in a strapless gown should avoid having obvious tan lines. White strap marks or a farmer’s tan might diminish the beauty of your gown.