After getting engaged, the wedding day quickly becomes the focus. A wedding is one of the most memorable times when family and friends celebrate love and committing to one another, but it can be a great deal of work. The following tips will help you plan a wedding.
Before your wedding day, practice the aisle walk as much as you can. Practice at the wedding venue in your wedding shoes to be absolutely certain you will not encounter any surprises. This is going to make you feel confident on your big day.
Marriages between people of different faiths are common nowadays, but it helps to discuss how this will affect your marriage, in-laws and children, before you marry. Make sure you understand everything about your fiance’s religion and what the expectations concerning religion will be in your marriage. Talk with the extended family as well.
For a more reasonably priced wedding, consider a date that’s not in the traditional wedding season. The most expensive period will be between late spring and fall. Wedding venues can be pricier at this time. If you need to book during this time, make sure you book far in advance to get the best deal.
Look at samples of past work before hiring a makeup artist. Does their style suit you? Make sure that the style matches your vision. The last thing you need is to wind up looking like you are going trick or treating right before the ceremony begins.
In your wedding plans, make sure you consider what types of alcohol you wish to serve, and which ones are most cost effective. Having an open bar can be very expensive if it stays open for hours. Ask about the different serving options your venue offers regarding alcohol.
If you feel as though it is wasteful to pay hundreds of dollars for a cake that will have a lot left over, consider a smaller bakery to create a smaller cake that will cost less and be more personal. There are some bakers who are able to prepare elegant cupcakes that contain less than 100 calories each. They can also use healthy ingredients like fruit fillings, no-calorie sweeteners, and even meringue toppings.
As the bride, you may feel stressed before the big day. Treat your skin right with a great skincare routine. Find products with oatmeal proteins and sea salts, for example.
An overabundance of flowers on reception tables causes trouble. Much of the time, table arrangements will just be in the guests’ way. You also might want to take into consideration that some guests may be allergic to the pollen in the flowers. Think about putting non-scented candles out to create a romantic atmosphere.
You can include some embellishments in your bouquet of flowers including rhinestones or Swarovski crystals! All this requires is some heat-fixed crystals or adhesive, small costume jewelry pieces, or an heirloom piece. For a consistent look, all of the stones should coordinate in terms of cut, color, and size.
Practice before a mirror for your walk down the aisle. Should you be worried about a mishap, consider some nice flats. Comfortable footwear is a wonderful trade off to protect you from falling.
See if you can find a willing helper who can assist you with looking after your equipment and moving it when necessary. They can also be of assistance in rounding everyone up for the group photographs, and this will make sure no one is left out.
Destination Wedding
Your guests shouldn’t have to hang around while your pictures are taken. Take your bridal party photos in advance of the wedding when you are all fresh and crisp. Pictures with the couples respective parents should also be taken in advance to cut down on wait time for the guests arriving at the reception.
If you invite people to an exotic destination wedding, they will likely want to stay for part of your honeymoon time as well, since they are already there. They can all save some money by staying since the hotels usually offer better discounts for the longer stays. You can make your destination wedding a vacation for your friends and family as well.
Try to have your reception during the middle portion of the day. You can cut down on bar costs when you have a reception during the day, when people tend to drink less. Lunch receptions are often cheaper and will allow you to use more money toward other needs for the wedding.
If you are going to use a wedding cake with vibrant colors, opt for a coordinating tablecloth. To make things interesting, fabric can be solid, patterned or heavily textured materials of silk, satin or velvet.
When making wedding dinner seating arrangements, be sure to have even numbers of people at each table. Another thing to consider when arranging your table seating is the age of the people at the table. Try to group the same aged people at each table.
Perhaps you would consider a cruise ship wedding, with only a few close friends and family. This would make the honeymoon begin immediately following the ceremony. Some cruise companies even have special rates for those getting married and honeymooning on their ships.
One way to help remain in budget is to search Craigslist for items or services needed for your wedding. Before you pay them, go to meet them and take someone with you.
Silk Flowers
If the wedding couple both like to travel they can use decorations that portray that interest. Place cards or invitations can be designed in the style of a bus ticket or postcard. A classic leather suitcase may be kept open to show family photos, wedding programs or favors.
Silk flowers can be a good alternative to fresh flowers in some cases. 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.
For instance, think about filling a menu with popular choices in a contemporary fusion style. You might even want to consider expanding your culinary options with wedding favors that are ethnically identifiable.
For couples that enjoy traveling, look for wedding items and decorations that reflect this interest. One could age the invitations and notices to look like they are vintage postcards. On the date, a vintage suitcase can be used as a display piece. Simply fill it with favors, photos, or wedding programs and prop it open in a prominent location.
If you will not be serving a supper at the reception, think about using other furniture instead of tables and chairs. Lounge chairs, sectional sofas and loveseats can be arranged into groupings that encourage your guests to intermingle. You can group the chairs into separate seating areas at the venue, plus the relaxed setting will flow onto your guest’s mood also.
If you decide to give a wedding speech, be sure to plan and practice sufficiently. You need to carefully plan out what you want to say, and then rehearse it in front of someone who can give you honest feedback. Otherwise, you may end up with egg on your face.
If your wedding is held outside, make sure you have another plan for bad weather. Set up a large canopy for shade or rain. A location with access to the indoors would also work well, just in case of bad weather. Set up planks to prevent your guests from getting mud or dirt on their shoes.
Flowers that may be common in your state might not be readily available at your wedding location, due to differences in the climate. Consult with a florist to see which flowers are in season or most readily available at the time of your wedding.
Maximize your first session with a planner by doing some research first. Consider creating a scrap book of appealing fabric swatches and images that represent the style of wedding that you desire. You can even clip articles, photos, and song lyrics in order convey your vision to the wedding planner.
If you don’t want to serve a formal dinner at your reception, try replacing traditional table seatings with rented furniture. Soft sectional furniture, lounges and chaises can make it easier for guests to interact with each other. If your seating is soft and comfortable, it’ll be easier for guests to relax, and having plenty of furniture will let you set up several different lounging areas across the site.
Make sure the theme of your wedding extends to all decor, including the flowers you choose. You can use a vintage theme for a classy look. These include aromatic pink and yellow peonies, bright daisies and red poppies.
If you are having a wedding outside, you need to have a plan in case it rains. You can rent several tents or look for a location that has a community hall, in addition to an outdoor space. If the ground is wet you can bring planks of wood to help keep your guests’ shoes clean.
Gift registries are traditionally associated with weddings. For a more pleasant air, try to make guests understand that you don’t require them to bring you anything. Give them options if they insist on bringing something. By selecting different priced items, people can find items they can comfortably afford to give.
Your wedding vibe can be translated to each different decorative element. Retro and vintage themes should have a bright and colorful palette with showstopping flowers evoking feelings of wistfulness and nostalgia. Red poppies, bright Gerber daisies and beautifully colored peonies may offer the perfect touch.
You want a skilled photographer for your wedding pictures who is going to do more than just get the shot. You want them to create long-lasting memories. Ask a photographer for thoughts on your big day when interviewing them. Ask them how they see the day playing out in their mind. You will also want to know their photography style and make your wishes known.
Pick a photographer for your wedding who will create memories, not simply take pictures. When selecting a photographer, be sure to ask them how their wedding days typically go. Find out how they plan out his work during the wedding. You should be comfortable with the photographer’s style and presence at your wedding.
Create your vows on your own. Of course, copying vows from another source is easier, but keep in mind that your partner knows you well. Writing your own vows is a perfect way to add a very personal touch to your wedding, and to help guests see just how much there is between you. Draw on inspiration when looking at sources, but put things into your own words and speak from the heart.
To be totally ready for your first couple’s dance at the wedding reception, a few days prior begin practicing dancing while wearing a long dress. Be sure to practice dancing with your soon-to-be husband, so that he can get used to your long skirt, too! This will reduce any feeling of awkwardness that your fiance may have dancing around your large skirt.
It is still possible to have the wedding of your dreams even when your budget is limited. No one should go in debt for a wedding. Many times, you are really paying for services that you could actually do yourself such as making your own centerpieces and invitations.
Plan out fun and interesting group activities for the guests and members of the wedding party. A wedding where everyone is just hanging around isn’t fun for anyone. A scavenger hunt, or even a volleyball game, could be offered to your guests. Make your wedding a participatory event for all, and it will be both fun and memorable for everyone.
As you consider music for the ceremony and reception, it is a good idea to fully research whomever will be providing the music. Ask for their references, establish playlists, and go over your plans for the event before you sign a contract. Have the band or DJ sign a contract for the planned date. You don’t want the lack of music to put a shade of blue on your wedding day.
Wedding planning is hard, but the end result makes it worth it. Cherish every moment at your wedding. Utilize this advice to create the wedding you always wanted.
Get your wedding preparations set up early. If you plan a long time before the actual date, you can choose many more venues and other wedding services. You’ll be able to find vendors and services that fit within your budget.