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Wedding Reception Ruiners Easily Fixed

September 17th, 2010

One of the biggest worries for couples for their reception is that their reception is spectacular, which is something wedding insurance will definitely not cover!  To the point, couples say that they want loved ones and friends to get their boogie on, but the bottom line is, as long as their friends and family enjoy themselves, they will consider their wedding party successful, even if there’s no dancing.  What follows are five easily avoidable reception wreckers most wedding planning pairs, wedding planners, site and catering people, and more never look at.  Maybe a couple might not apply to the upcoming celebration in your life, but I can almost bet most will.

The newly married pair get trapped in the entrance talking to their guests.

If the newlyweds make their way to the restroom, on the way back, some of their friends will unavoidably catch them in the lobby and want to embrace them and speak to them and sometimes bid them adieu. Absolutely, using the bathroom can be a twenty minute excursion for the bride, and its okay.  My idea is, if guests want to talk to you for an extended period of time, have them follow you back in to the dinner and dancing room and speak to you there.  Hopefully your band isn’t playing the music so loud you’ll need a wedding insurance policy to cover an ear overhaul from sound damage.  This way, your friends and family can see you haven’t taken off for your honeymoon and you’re ready to party on.

The bar is not where it should be, which is in the reception room.

This one is not an apparent big issue, but it has a huge impact on your reception, which is why I list it in this top 10.  A lot of engaged couples think having their bar in another room, out in the lobby or patio, or in some instances, way off the beaten path someplace, is a wonderful idea because their guests can duck out of the reception loud dancing music to go have a cocktail.  The trouble with this is quite a few of your friends and family will be out of the room getting their drinks at potentially critical times like the special dances, cake cutting, and so on.  Another big issue is half of your guests enjoy hanging at the bar and these are typically the fun, loud partying types.  Notice how your dinner and dance area is not as full as it could be and the obnoxious drunks aren’t being seen or heard.  The answer is to make sure your location will put a bar in the room.  Feel free to have another bar somewhere else for overflow but having your main bar in the room will help to make sure friends and family don’t miss anything.  Another point is if they tie one one, the less time they are walking to and fro, the less chance you’ll need wedding insurance if something goes wrong .

There’s no fun happening during the meal.

If your friends and family are up and moving around, and having a great time during your dinner hour, everything should work out.  If not, your energy in the room is at a one to three out of ten and then when it’s time for your group to hit the ten mark, they don’t seem to make it up there.  Wedding insurance coverage won’t be bailing you out of this one.  You’ll need to do something fun and engaging to get the atmosphere going in the wedding hall so when dancing sets out, your crowd are ready to rock.  I want your wedding to go to an eleven! Inquire your disc jockey for some ideas that are fun but still classy that you can do or go to www.weddingsongstimelineplanner.com to find some unique ideas.

The cutting of the cake.

Some wedding consultants or other planning types will schedule the cutting of the cake for later into the celebration.  This will work if you’re having a uneventful party without a dance floor.  If not, there are two problems with this.  First, a lot of the crowd could have made their way home so they don’t get a slice, leaving a lot of left over cake.  Next, later is when the dancing is usually alive and kicking.  You have to switch off the tunes and turn up the lights, thereby ruining the atmosphere.  I recommend the cutting of the cake event right after the main couse.  But people leave after the cake cutting, right?  People don’t leave because of the cake cutting.  They leave because of were the cake cutting is scheduled.  In any case, does anybody really want to see the cutting of the cake unless you’re smashing it into each others faces?

The photographer whisks away the bride and groom at the worst possible time.

If this transpires your wedding crowd may want to see how you’re doing, see that you’re gone, and use this as the perfect time to slip away.  At times, the bride and groom may want to get sunset pictures or some other timing issue.  If that’s the state of affairs do whatever you can to return fast!  If you can, it’s best to finish your all your shots during the hors d’oeuvres hour.

Remember, I’ve done weddings, parties and events where folks have said that it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to—and the dancing was nonexistent.  Don’t think your party begins and ends on the dance floor.  Direct your focus on getting your guests engrossed in fun and unique ways, and your celebration will more fun than you could have imagined.  Check out my blog to compare wedding insurance ideas and for five more of these awful but obscure wedding celebration downers.

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Wedding Videography Tips To Ensure You Have No Regrets

September 5th, 2010

A wedding is an expensive proposition and the videography for it will cost you quite a bit especially if you want a really good one. Unless you are really loaded, paying $3500 for a one day job will be an utter waste, especially considering the other things that you could do with the same money. However, you also know that you need a wedding video so that there is a record of your wedding day for your treasure forever. Here are a few wedding videography tips to ensure you manage this decision wisely.

The best thing would be for you to check online to find out the rates that different wedding videographers charge in your area. Wedding videographers usually have a number of packages that you can choose from starting with basic raw footage going up to stage managed stories that are “directed” by them.    Although these packages will fall broadly into the basic, mid range, and luxury packages, there is a lot of variation to be found between different providers. If you spend a little time going through what each package provides you can choose which one is best for you.

Another thing to remember is that most videographers are not part of a large organization. They are usually individuals running a business, so you don’t have to stick to these “packages” at all. You can discuss with him what you need and arrive at a mutually agreeable cost for what you want done. Some may agree, some may not, but you won’t know if you don’t ask.

Talk to other couples who have been recently married. If you can see what their videographer did and at what price, you can go with the same person. In such matters, going with the known Devil is much better than the unknown Angel. Just because you find someone willing to do your work at half the price, doesn’t mean that you will get what you want; you might very well only get half the work.

Don’t be nervous about checking with a number of people. Everyone understands that it is best to collect information before you make your choice and if there is anyone who does not like answering your questions, it’s ok. You need your job done, and if it means dealing with an obnoxious so-and-so, so be it. Just make sure that you get what you want, and don’t accept anything less than that.

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Which Is Best for You: A White or Ivory Wedding Dress?

September 5th, 2010

What color should a wedding dress be? Most will answer white or ivory. That’s what most of us have always known and expect at weddings. While today some brides are bucking the trend and wearing different colors – even red wedding dresses – most still do don a white or ivory wedding dress. White and ivory do look elegant and make the bride glow, so why not stick with tradition. There must a reason why so many choose these colors. But will it be ivory or white for you? Here are some things to think about in making your choice.

While your first preference may be for a white wedding dress you have to consider your skin tone and find out if white looks best on you. White simple doesn’t work for everyone. Dark and light skins tones, yes. Gold tone tan, yes. Even if white is your color, there are different shades of white and some will look better on you than others. In addition to yours and your mother’s opinion, ask others who are experts on wedding dress colors. That would be the people at the place where you are looking for your wedding dress.

So what about ivory wedding dresses? The general rule is if you have creamy colored or olive toned skin, then yes, ivory will look good on you. Got dark skin, then ivory can work for you too. There’s nothing like trying on a dress and taking a look at yourself in the mirror to know for sure. Be sure to take along your mother and / or close friend whose opinion you trust to tell you what they think. An honest friend is very important! If your skin is very light, chances you and they will know that ivory is not the color for you.

If you are doing wedding dress shopping online, this all is a bit more difficult. You could ask the online wedding dress supplier to send you a piece of the dresses’ fabric. Take that with you and go to a local bridal dress shop and try on some dresses that are as close to the color of the fabric piece as you can find. Hopefully you can find something that is a perfect or near perfect match to the dress you are looking to buy online.

Shopping for the wedding dress is one of the most enjoyable thinks that the bride does. It is a very important decision and one that you are convinced makes you look great on your wedding day. So take your time and carefully choose the dress type and color. Don’t settle for anything but the very best look you can find.

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Budget Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

September 1st, 2010

Your wedding is going to be one of the most important occasions in your life. As such you want everything to be perfect, from the smallest to the largest detail. Wedding centerpieces are certainly details you can’t afford to miss. If you are stuck for ideas, try looking through a number of bridal magazines and read everything you can find online to come up with interesting solutions. Such research will take time but in the end it will pay off. Before you start planning, sit down and consider the most important aspects, such as budget, color, number and any theme considerations.

When thinking about the various centerpiece ideas for weddings you should pay close attention to colors as choosing the right tone can make a huge difference to their resulting impact. If you have a slightly less restricted budget you might want to use a florist’s services. Florists can be real magicians when it comes to flowers, vases and other foliage. It may look easy but if you try arranging something yourself you will see that years of experience count for a lot. But they do not come cheap.

If saving money is your main concern, you always have the option to do it yourself. If you doubt your own abilities consider enlisting family members or friends who have a “feel” for that kind of thing to help you.

Another point to consider is the composition of your centerpiece. Should it be candles, flowers, tall branches or maybe fish bowls? Have you thought about using your baker to help you out in this situation? Perhaps you could use small cakes for the table decorations. They will look beautiful and yet be unique. Another idea is to use fresh fruit. Just follow your inspiration.

As you can see the number of wedding centerpiece ideas is virtually endless. Once you decide what you want and what you hope it to look like, start practicing. Nothing will be better than creating something yourself – giving your wedding decorations that personal touch.  In any case, no matter what you choose, whether to pay someone for their expertise or to create your own work of art, the centerpieces are sure to add a lot of charm to your beautiful day.

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Elegant Crystal Bridal Tiaras

August 30th, 2010

Many feel that on their wedding day that they should look like a princess from a fairytale as they walk down the aisle to greet their handsome Prince Charming. In order to achieve this memorable and lasting look, their are several things that can be done. The wedding gown of course will be the first and most noticeable, however their is one piece of jewelry that will out sparkle everything else. That important princess necessity is a tiara. From rhinestone to diamante tiaras, the choices are endless. Yet, there is only one particular style that shines above the rest, and those are crystal bridal tiaras.

Some things to consider when shopping for a crystal tiara is the style, height, and type of crystal. When looking at the various styles, one will find gold and silver bases that have clear to clear AB crystals. It will be imperative to match the tiara to the rest of the wedding jewelry. Another thing to think about is the height of the tiara. Depending upon the style of the dress will determine ultimately how glamorously tall the tiara will be. If the gown is going to be simple, then a small crystal tiara will be the perfect choice. Now in regards to the type of crystal, there are two kinds, clear and clear AB. As mentioned above, the matching of the tiara and the wedding jewelry is important. One would not want to purchase an all clear AB tiara if clear crystal jewelry has already been chosen.

Uniquely beautiful, crystal tiaras are “the” perfect addition to any bride’s wedding day attire. So whether there is a castle in the background, or golden sand being lapped up by the ocean, any place is suitable for all fairy tale princesses and there precious crystal bridal tiaras.

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What You Need To Know About Rose Gold Wedding Bands

August 30th, 2010

While yellow and white gold wedding rings remain very popular, a lot of people who like to march to the beat of their own drummer have decided to get a ring that is a little different, equally beautiful, but uniquely different from what everyone else is wearing – they are considering rose gold wedding bands.  If you think you may want to get one, check out this guide first.

First, a little information about gold in general:  Pure gold that has not been mixed with anything else is 24 Karat, or 24K for short.  To get the familiar 14K gold many fine jewelry pieces are made of, 14 parts of pure gold is mixed with 10 parts of an “alloy metal”, such as silver or copper.  18 parts of pure gold is alloyed with 6 parts of silver/and or copper to create 18K gold.  Pure gold is very soft, and so the higher the karat weight, the softer the gold will be.  Mens wedding rings are often made of 10K gold because it is very hard and durable.  Anything over 14K gold has to be treated with care because it will be very soft and prone to scratches and bending.

Colored gold is made by mixing it with copper and sometimes silver.  Most rose gold wedding bands are will probably be created with a 75 parts gold, and 25 parts copper and is considered 14K rose gold.  18K rose gold is not as common, but is created by mixing 75% gold, 21% copper, and 4% silver is also added.   If you are thinking of getting a mens rose gold wedding set, 18K would probably not be a good choice since it will be fairly soft.

If your budget is tight these days (and whose isn’t?) you may be interested to know that there is a very good selection of cubic zirconia rings that are being set in rose gold.  It would take a good jeweler to be able to know the difference between a cubic zirconia rose gold wedding band and one with an actual diamond!  Not only are cubic zirconia stones gorgeous to look at, they are also very tough.  They rate an 8.3 on the Mohs Scale, just a little less than diamonds, which are a 10.  It would take a very hard direct hit to crack a cubic zircona stone.  Take advantage of the great selection available online these days, for sure.

Yellow and white gold wedding rings might be all the rage now, but if you want to be a little different, and you also want a wedding ring that will be absolutely breathtaking, I would say that a rose gold wedding band just might be in your future.  Go ahead and take the plunge – I’m sure you will be happy you did!

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Lively Times at Spanish Weddings

August 22nd, 2010

Spain! The country of bullfighters, delicious dishes like Paella Valenciana, and running with the bulls. It is a nation where typical Spanish weddings can be both lively and expensive. Like many other countries around the world, there are two methods of tying the knot in Spain. The first one has the happy couple walking into their local town hall and signing a few papers, exchanging rings, a quick kiss and its over. The newlyweds then rush down to a local restaurant and have a shindig with relations and friends. There are no centerpieces on each table, not even the best wedding centerpieces money can buy, just a table cloth and bottles of bubbly waiting to be opened.

The second method of getting married in this colorful land is the traditional church wedding. Spanish church weddings are, usually quite long (over an hour). Guests are therefore advised to use the restrooms prior to the beginning of the service. The main religion in Spain is Roman Catholic; consequently most church weddings are performed in the Roman Catholic format. Needless to say, there is a great deal of kneeling and sitting as well as the groaning of hymns. The priest makes the Novia (bride) and Novio (groom) promise to raise their children in the Catholic denomination, he makes the Novios (the couple) promise to be faithful to God. As this man of the cloth pontificates, the Novios nod and agree to do what’s asked of them. These promises are not always kept, of course, but when you’re in a huge church, surrounded by Gothic arrangements which seem more like some of the best wedding centerpieces in Spain rather than religious displays, one has to agree.

Following the church service everyone heads to the reception venue, where there is enough booze to quench the thirst of a small country. The Novios arrive and everyone begins eating. The décor at these wedding receptions is magnificent with color everywhere and on each table some of the best wedding centerpieces in Spain.

There are no speeches at Spanish weddings, just drinking and eating. As the night rolls on, most of the men are drunk and start heckling the Novios – insisting they kiss. The heckling is so bad that the Novios finally give up their resistance and kiss. Attending one of these Spanish affairs makes you realize that although we are all different, we are also all the same.

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Finding the Best Wedding Gifts Ever Requires Thought

August 15th, 2010

When you are out shopping for wedding gifts, it’s difficult to find something unique. How many copies of the Joy of Cooking does the typical bride receive? Several!

Think creatively in your quest. Maybe a couple imported tea pots, some nice table linens, or a home tabletop appliance.

If you have the money, an electric wok is a great idea because it works for even a beginning cook.

How does an electric wok differ from a simple electric frying pan, or an original wok for that matter? Is there anything else to it than just an added electric heating panel? Does such a device add to the electric bill? If you’ve questions like that, you probably will learn more about these appliances from this article. It’s suggested that you carry on reading.

An electric frying pan is an ordinary pan with an electric heating panel added to it, a wok is made electric in a similar fashion. The difference between the two appliances is that the former is rectangular or square shaper, while the latter comes in a bowl shape. This bowl can be nonstick stainless steel, or cast iron if it’s an older or more traditionally made piece.

Both solutions come with their ups and downs. Nonstick can be used for a great variety of things without having to worry about the cleaning process. It’s in turn more sensitive to scratches, and doesn’t take high temperature levels that well. Cast iron is closer to original woks made in China. They’re a tad harder to clean, but you don’t have to be that gentle. Rub it with sand if you’re camping or a metal scrub, you won’t do any damage to the raw material.

The cast iron is also heavier, which allows for more stored heat, thus stir-frying is going to be easier. This technique requires a rather hot wok and constant tossing of all ingredients to avoid burning them. Oil with high smoke temperature is also used, such as coconut oil.

An electric wok uses and electric heating unit instead of gas heater, which is more consistent in reaching target temperatures. It makes the wok a bit heavier as a complete unit, but you won’t have to look for a gas burner. An outlet is always easy to find.

Electric woks are available through major retailers, I’d suggest that you don’t settle with the  first you find, though. Feel free to check around all the features, temperature levels and extras. A proper piece shouldn’t cost more than $70. The newlyweds will appreciate that you cared enough to purchase them an electric wok.

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How to Avoid Choosing Ugly Wedding Centerpieces

August 12th, 2010

Choosing wedding centerpieces can be quite stressful. There are a lot of factors that should be considered, and remember, a wedding isn’t complete without them. However, due to their affordable costs, cheap wedding centerpiece ideas are often opted for by most couples, and the result is, a big failure. Most couples do not know how to choose wedding centerpieces, or even, cheap wedding centerpieces for that matter.

These pointers should be quite useful for those couples who are having a hard time brainstorming for ideas on what to use as wedding centerpieces, especially, when working on a tight budget.

  • Centerpieces should be well-synchronized with the overall theme of the wedding, and the season. The latter, being very important, especially if the wedding is to be held outdoors, since most of the time, the background would be the season itself. So, going for fall wedding centerpieces, when the wedding is to be held during fall, is quite understandable. Aside from that, seasonal flowers also come in quite cheap.
  • Keep in mind, that floral centerpieces most of the time, should be kept short, with the exception of stand-alone centerpieces, such as long-stemmed roses. This is to ensure that the view of the guests are not obstructed or hindered by the wedding centerpieces.
  • Be creative and as imaginative as possible. Going for wedding centerpieces that are cheap and affordable, does not really mean going for ugly ones. Know how to maximize the budget. Use things that can be found all over, and things that are free, such as twigs, branches, stones, sand, and etc.
  • As always, candles make for very good wedding centerpieces. Tealights, for example, have become quite common nowadays, and are often used in weddings. They also are able to blend well with other wedding decorations, most especially, floral arrangements.

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Wedding Favor Boxes – Convenient Wedding Souvenirs

August 12th, 2010

With our economy today, one must always find ways to save on expenses one way or the other. But when it’s your wedding day, you’re allowed to do a little splurging here and there, given the fact that for some people getting married only happens once in their lives. You can think about how much your credit bill is or how much you spent for your wedding favor boxes perhaps after the celebration is over. This is surely not a very good way to start your married life with.

To have unnecessary debts after your wedding can be prevented with proper planning and good financial budgeting. It is a proven fact that preparations for affairs such as weddings are very much time consuming and every detail needs to be given with appropriate attention. There are so many things that need to be taken care of like the venue for the ceremony, the wedding reception and the whole wedding entourage as it is, not to mention the wedding invitations and keepsakes.

The souvenirs, keepsakes and memorabilia as we all know them are small details but nonetheless, it plays a very significant role that honors the very event that is being celebrated which is your wedding day. It is your gift to your guest that will share this special occasion with you. One of the many options available to you when it comes to choosing your wedding memorabilia are wedding favor boxes among others. Boxes for your wedding favors will save you money if you plan things carefully.

Making things simple and not very complicated is always a very good way of doing things. Your wedding favor boxes can be simple yet elegant. You don’t need to spend too much to make them look chic and well put together. Compared to glass or crystal containers, wedding invitation boxes and favor boxes are not only less expensive, it also offer more flexibility when it comes to designing and adding your personality to it. You can shop online and find the best deals on these favor boxes, you can easily find them on websites or online shops that specializes on wedding products and supplies. There are varieties of designs you can choose from that will match your wedding theme.

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