Weddings are a time to create wonderful memories and join two people together in holy matrimony. You may feel things spiral out of control as you try to make plans. As long as you know what to do, the wedding should be like a perfect dream.
Fashionable brides who love the look of luxury may wish to glam up their bouquets with sparkling embellishments like rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, or even diamonds. Crystals come in adhesive and heat-fixed varieties, or brides may choose to add pieces of costume jewelry or heirloom pieces to their bouquets. Use stones that are roughly the same cut, size, and color as those in your ensemble to ensure coordination.
Practice your walk down the aisle many times on the days leading up to the wedding. Also, practice it at the wedding venue in the shoes you plan on wearing. Doing so helps to ensure a smooth and confident walk when your wedding day comes.
When planning table seating arrangements, try to assign your guests so that there are an even number at each table. Grouping your tables according to age is one way to seat people with others that they will have things in common with.
When you’re getting plans together for your wedding, consider the types of alcoholic beverages you’re going to be serving. Also be aware of the cost. Keeping an open bar doesn’t come cheap, but keeping it open for an extended time can be even more costly. Ask about which alcohol serving options are available through your venue.
It’s best to keep your dress at the store until the wedding day. If you keep it in a closet, you run the risk of wrinkles or stains. Leave it where it is, and it will look perfect on your wedding.
Are you bringing in food yourself to your reception? Visit a wholesale store to stock up. You’ll get better deals on large quantities of food if you shop wholesale. Ask friends to help on food, too.
If you would like a relative or a friend to perform your wedding ceremony, you can ask that person to become ordained via an online program. This gives your wedding ceremony a personal touch, while also saving you money as you now do not have to hire an officiant. Before finalizing your plans though, check local regulations to make sure that this will be legitimate in your area.
You can save a lot of money by purchasing your wedding gown online. However, remember to give yourself plenty of time for alterations. I only spent $100 on my gown when I was married, but I spent another $200 on having it altered. Keep in mind any additional costs, and include it in your budget.
If you are looking for some local assistance for your wedding, have a look on Craigslist. Always have a face-to-face meeting with anyone you hire off of Craigslist prior to giving them any cash.
If there will be speeches, then be sure to censor the content to make them appropriate. Remember that you’ll have people there from all generations, so keep the jokes appropriate.
Perhaps you could borrow something from a friend. This can provide you with the look you wish to achieve, and make your wedding stand out.
You can add small decorative items to your entire wedding theme. Have a ribbon used on your bouquet mirrored on your centerpieces, or in your gown, or even in your hair. These little details will add up to create one giant aesthetic.
Silk flowers are a great alternative to some of the different types of flowers that you can purchase for your wedding. You can buy your silk flowers well in advance of the wedding whereas fresh flowers have to be selected, arranged and delivered on the wedding day, which can be more stressful and problematic.
You have to think about transportation when it comes to your wedding. For people without a ride, be sure a taxi or limo can bring them to their destination after the reception. This is also good for the people who have alcoholic drinks during your wedding.
For couples who enjoy the jet-setting lifestyle, incorporate thematic decorations that convey a love for travel. Invitations and save-the-date notices can be made to look like aged or vintage postcards and boarding passes. A vintage leather suitcase can be propped open to display wedding programs, family photos, or favors.
Let your DJ know what he absolutely should not play. Make the list of music to be avoided with your partner. Whatever you choose, be sure they know about it so you don’t get mad about the song choices.
One idea is to offer a fusion menu, comprised of contemporary versions of popular menu items. Make it different by including a selection of ethnic desserts, beverages, or wedding favors that you can eat.
While you are taking your wedding photos, do not let your guests wait. The bride, groom and wedding party should take the photos in advance. You will want to respect everyone at the ceremony and reception.
If you are giving a speech at a wedding, plan ahead and rehearse it several times. If you are unprepared for the speech, this can become very obvious very quickly, and leave you feeling humiliated in front of the other guests.
If you are having a destination wedding, surprise your guests with a basket chock full of goodies delivered to their hotel room. Include maps, cameras, hats, disposable cameras, or guides on local attractions that they may want to visit. You could also toss in a few suggestions for local eateries and cafes.
For an outdoor wedding, have an backup plan in case of rain or other unforeseen conditions. Either find a venue with an inside area, or rent some tents in case of bad weather. Mud can ruin footwear, so for the convenience of your guests it is a good idea to lay down planks of wood for them to walk on.
Put your schedule of events online, so that all guests can access it at any time. Let the guests know what they need to come to, so they can get there when you want them there.
If you are planning to hold your reception outside, let the caterer know in advance. Some foods do not last in the heat, or may not stay on plates if it’s too windy. You could utilize fancy covers to protect the dishes. If you feel a need to have cold drinks present, a mini refrigerator should work nicely.
Don’t pick up your wedding dress until you need it, even if it’s already paid for. Having it inside of a closet could cause stains or wrinkles. If you keep it at the shop until the big day, it will ensure it is in pristine condition when you wear it.
Always consider the arrangements for guests that will be invited to a destination wedding. You may have guests who will make vacation plans around this day and they should have adequate time to prepare. Send out invitation cards well ahead of time to accommodate them.
One way to help remain in budget is to search Craigslist for items or services needed for your wedding. However, before giving them any money, meet up with them in person as a couple.
One affordable alternative to elaborate floral arrangements is placing multiple potted plants of varying sizes throughout the ceremony and reception sites. Glazed ceramic pots in colorful hues will look great, or you can opt to paint and adorn the pottery yourself. When the wedding is over, the bride and groom can plant them at their new home, or the guests can bring home as wedding favors.
Try to plan some fun group activities that your guests can enjoy on your wedding day. Don’t make your loved ones just stand around and wait for the wedding to be over. There can be a variety of games and activities. The most memorable weddings are not the ones that cost the most but are the ones where people enjoy themselves and can see the love that the wedding couple has for each other.
Do not forget a registry for gifts or to set up online registries. Gifts should not be mandatory to attend your wedding. Additionally, choose items with a wide price range. Guests should feel okay with their gift, no matter how much it costs.
It is vital that your wedding lives up to the bride’s expectations so that she can be happy during the wedding. Planning the wedding is stressful for the bride, and sub-par results may leave her crushed. Secretly, the bride runs every wedding behind the scenes and you should allow her to do so, because it could be the difference between a happy wife or a bridezilla!
Think carefully before inviting children to your wedding. Many times you can save money by not inviting children to the wedding. But, there may be many folks who will be unable or unwilling to attend without their kids.
Grooms should ensure that the tuxedo is tailored to fit perfectly. Get other people’s opinions when you are attempting to choose a tuxedo. Getting a tux that fits well and looks good is also important for ensuring that your wedding pictures turn out well.
Decide on group activities for your special day. Do not just have your friends and family stand around waiting for your nuptials to end. There can be a variety of games and activities. When your guests enjoy themselves and socialize with everyone else at the event, they are more likely to have fond memories of your wedding.
Know what your bridesmaids are going to wear prior to the wedding. Disagreement over the bridesmaid’s gown can strain a friendship. Pick out something that doesn’t cost too much, matches what your wedding’s theme is, and it will work well for the bridesmaids. This will prevent anyone’s feelings from getting hurt.
One big expense in a wedding is using fresh flowers in all of the traditional ways. For example, your flower girl can have a ribbon instead of a floral wreath. Purchasing silk flowers for the tables instead of live flowers can still give an elegant touch. You can keep silk flowers forever, and they will not cost you as much. You can also move these flowers anywhere you want with little mess.
You should definitely consider writing your wedding vows yourself. You may get inspiration from a number of sources; however, you know your betrothed in your heart. Write in things that have special meaning. Draw on inspiration when looking at sources, but put things into your own words and speak from the heart.
Watch out for rain. If you would like to have your wedding outside, be sure you have an alternate plan, should it rain. Even if the chance of poor weather is small, weather is unpredictable. It is best to be prepared with a site ready as an alternate.
Your wedding location is important when you are planning details like flowers. An example might be an elaborate arrangement that does well indoors, but would not be suited for an outdoor venue where wind might be an issue. You must also take into account any equipment that will be needed for securing decorations when outdoors at parks or beaches.
Before you start purchasing anything for your event, sign up for a credit card that offers incentives and rewards. Since weddings can be very expensive, having a credit card that gives you miles or other great deals is essential. Charge your wedding-related purchases and watch your rewards balance soar.
Don’t let your family members influence your whole day with their traditions or suggestions; this is a day for you and your spouse, not for them. Let your family know that you appreciate their support and input, but kindly and firmly tell them that the final decisions will be made by you and the person you’ll be marrying. The last thing you want to do is give in to suggestions that don’t fit your idea of the perfect wedding. If you do, you’ll have to live with regret after your big day is over. Instead, make your wedding everything you want it to be so that your memories will be purely happy ones.
It is strongly suggested that the beautiful bride work on smiling as often as possible to get past the nervousness that will be experienced. That way, you will smile beautifully in your photos. Looking back at your wedding photos, you’ll be happy for all that practice time with the mirror.
If you have found your lifetime partner, and are set on saying “I do,” then this article was the perfect read for you. You will be wanting your wedding day to be magical. It’s not easy to plan a wedding, but this article helps.
Be sure that you don’t have unsightly tan lines showing during your wedding. This is important as many women want a glowing tan before their wedding, but tan lines showing in your wedding dress can be distracting.