I could definitely relate to this article. A sorority sister asked me (almost a year in advance) to sing in her wedding. Of course, I said yes, not knowing that by the time her wedding came around, I would be divorced. It was a difficult situation for me, but I got through it. Since the bride lived out of town, I chose not to tell my sorority sister about my divorce (I didn't want to have a cloud hanging over her special day).
Not everyone is excited when a bride announces her engagement (I'm not talking about those who are jealous, but those who are going through difficult situations). Should a bride be sensitive to others' feelings, or should she not worry about it?
http://wedding-blog.wedalert.com/2010/10/07/when-the-happiest-time-of-your-life-is-a-friend’s-saddest/
Thanks WedAlert for an interesting blog post!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Planning Your Reheasal Dinner
Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of planning your wedding, the rehearsal dinner may get lost in the shuffle. The time following your wedding rehearsal is a great way to kick-off your wedding celebration. It’s also an opportunity for the bride and groom’s families to start getting to know each other (if they don’t already), and for friends to share this special time with you!
Who should be invited?
Your entire bridal party, immediate family, and close friends should be invited. If your budget allows, consider inviting out-of-town guests as well (it’s a great way to thank them for traveling to your wedding while at the same time, giving them something to do the night before your wedding). This event is more intimate than your wedding reception, so don’t worry about not having a large guest list.
Who should host it?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents host (i.e., pay for) the rehearsal dinner. But who says you have to stick with tradition? As couples are waiting later to get married, they are sometimes paying for everything themselves. If family members plan to contribute to your wedding, this should be worked out early on in the planning process.
What should I do?
Besides eat? :-) As I said earlier, this is a great time for people to fellowship and to get to know each other. One way to have people interact with each other is to plan the seating so that people sit next to someone they haven’t met before. You can also play a game or do an icebreaker that will get people moving and talking. Check out this blog article for some icebreaker ideas! http://blog.ourweddingday.com/Wedding-Rehearsal-Dinner-Get--Know-You-Games-8793210
Who should be invited?
Your entire bridal party, immediate family, and close friends should be invited. If your budget allows, consider inviting out-of-town guests as well (it’s a great way to thank them for traveling to your wedding while at the same time, giving them something to do the night before your wedding). This event is more intimate than your wedding reception, so don’t worry about not having a large guest list.
Who should host it?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents host (i.e., pay for) the rehearsal dinner. But who says you have to stick with tradition? As couples are waiting later to get married, they are sometimes paying for everything themselves. If family members plan to contribute to your wedding, this should be worked out early on in the planning process.
What should I do?
Besides eat? :-) As I said earlier, this is a great time for people to fellowship and to get to know each other. One way to have people interact with each other is to plan the seating so that people sit next to someone they haven’t met before. You can also play a game or do an icebreaker that will get people moving and talking. Check out this blog article for some icebreaker ideas! http://blog.ourweddingday.com/Wedding-Rehearsal-Dinner-Get--Know-You-Games-8793210
Your rehearsal dinner is also a great time to present your bridal party with gifts of appreciation. Although you don’t have to spend a lot, you should give something to thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen for being a part of your wedding. After all, they bought a dress or rented a tuxedo, gave you a bridal shower or bachelor party, and will be spending the entire wedding day with you!
Finally, this is a great time for family members and friends to extend their well wishes. You have probably limited the number of speakers at your wedding reception, so you can use this time for others to speak (if they want to).
Should I have a theme?
Themed events are a great way to show your personality! Are you and your fiance’ planning to travel to the Caribbean for your honeymoon? An island-themed dinner (including island attire) is a great idea! Or, are you and your future husband very formal and enjoy dining at 5-star restaurants? Then plan your rehearsal dinner to be a dressy affair!
How long should my rehearsal dinner last?
Your rehearsal dinner is a pre-celebration, but remember, the big day is less than 24 hours away! You want to have fun at your dinner, but don’t wear yourself out! Make it an early evening so you can get the rest you need. I advise my brides to not have a bachelorette party the night before the wedding. Do you want your wedding pictures to show a bride with bloodshot eyes an dark circles under them?
Your Planning Assignment
Be intentional in planning your rehearsal dinner. Incorporate your likes, preferences and personality in this event. If you want something nice but don’t have time to plan it, consider engaging a wedding or event planner to assist!
Happy Planning!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wedding Prayer
This is absolutely beautiful! Thanks to Wuilmark Events for sharing!
http://wuilmarksevents.blogspot.com/2010/10/blessing-for-marriage.html
http://wuilmarksevents.blogspot.com/2010/10/blessing-for-marriage.html
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wedding Ring Metals: What Are My Options?
Choosing the right metal for your wedding ring is just as important as choosing the right diamond! Here is some information on what is available to you as you make one of the largest jewelry purchases in your life.
Platinum
Platinum has become a very popular metal for wedding rings. It is extremely durable, and is great if you have sensitive skin (platinum is hypoallergenic). It’s a good choice if you have a diamond that is very clear. However, if you are on a tight budget, this may not be an option for you, as platinum is rare and can be expensive.
Gold
Gold is probably the most traditional ring metal for all rings, not just wedding rings. It has definitely stood the test of time, and because it is more available, it is less expensive than platinum. But, gold prices have risen in recent years, so keep that in mind as you shop. With gold, you have the option of choosing what karat you desire. A karat is a measure of purity for gold, so the higher the karat number, the purer the gold is (and of course, the more expensive).
White Gold
White gold is a mixture of gold and a white metal such as silver or platinum. Similar to yellow gold, it comes in various karats, based on the amount of gold in the ring. Typically, white gold rings are coated in rhodium, which will make the gold look more white. However, this coating does not last, so you will need to have your ring re-coated to maintain its appearance.
Silver
Silver is the least expensive of the available metals and is a good choice for brides and grooms looking for an economical option. However, keep in mind that silver can be an irritant to some, and because it is soft, it can show wear over time.
Tungsten
Tungsten is a very rare metal that retains its polish and finish very well. This metal has become a very popular one for wedding rings, particularly for men, who are attracted to its permanence. Because it is a rare metal, it can also be expensive.
Titanium
Titanium is a white metal with a slightly gray appearance. It’s a bit darker than silver and white gold, and is very strong. It is also hypoallergenic and can be inexpensive. It’s another great option for men!
Palladium
Palladium is a rare, silvery-white metal that resembles platinum, but it lighter than platinum. It has become more popular in recent years as an option for wedding jewelry. If you want the platinum look, but do not have the budget for it, palladium is a good alternative.
Your Planning Assignment
As you can see there are MANY options in wedding ring metals. Take your time when making this very important decision, since you plan wear your wedding ring for a long time. Brides, as you consider what to purchase for your groom, take into consideration what kind of work he does. If he works outdoors or in a factory setting, he may need something that’s very durable, or something with few (or no) stones.
Happy Planning!
Platinum
Platinum has become a very popular metal for wedding rings. It is extremely durable, and is great if you have sensitive skin (platinum is hypoallergenic). It’s a good choice if you have a diamond that is very clear. However, if you are on a tight budget, this may not be an option for you, as platinum is rare and can be expensive.
Gold
Gold is probably the most traditional ring metal for all rings, not just wedding rings. It has definitely stood the test of time, and because it is more available, it is less expensive than platinum. But, gold prices have risen in recent years, so keep that in mind as you shop. With gold, you have the option of choosing what karat you desire. A karat is a measure of purity for gold, so the higher the karat number, the purer the gold is (and of course, the more expensive).
White Gold
White gold is a mixture of gold and a white metal such as silver or platinum. Similar to yellow gold, it comes in various karats, based on the amount of gold in the ring. Typically, white gold rings are coated in rhodium, which will make the gold look more white. However, this coating does not last, so you will need to have your ring re-coated to maintain its appearance.
Silver
Silver is the least expensive of the available metals and is a good choice for brides and grooms looking for an economical option. However, keep in mind that silver can be an irritant to some, and because it is soft, it can show wear over time.
Tungsten
Tungsten is a very rare metal that retains its polish and finish very well. This metal has become a very popular one for wedding rings, particularly for men, who are attracted to its permanence. Because it is a rare metal, it can also be expensive.
Titanium
Titanium is a white metal with a slightly gray appearance. It’s a bit darker than silver and white gold, and is very strong. It is also hypoallergenic and can be inexpensive. It’s another great option for men!
Palladium
Palladium is a rare, silvery-white metal that resembles platinum, but it lighter than platinum. It has become more popular in recent years as an option for wedding jewelry. If you want the platinum look, but do not have the budget for it, palladium is a good alternative.
Your Planning Assignment
As you can see there are MANY options in wedding ring metals. Take your time when making this very important decision, since you plan wear your wedding ring for a long time. Brides, as you consider what to purchase for your groom, take into consideration what kind of work he does. If he works outdoors or in a factory setting, he may need something that’s very durable, or something with few (or no) stones.
Happy Planning!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Magician for Wedding Entertainment
Hmmm....interesting! Thanks to Wedding 101 Blog for sharing.
http://wedding101blog.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/entertain-your-wedding-guests-with-a-little-magic/
If you don't think this will work for your adult guests, I think it's an excellent way to keep younger guests entertained. What do you think?
http://wedding101blog.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/entertain-your-wedding-guests-with-a-little-magic/
If you don't think this will work for your adult guests, I think it's an excellent way to keep younger guests entertained. What do you think?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
How Much Does Your Parents' Marriage Affect Yours?
I found this very interesting article on the OurWeddingDay blog. Please comment and share your thoughts!
http://blog.ourweddingday.com/How-Much-Does-Your-Parents-Marriage-Affect-Yours-11262956
http://blog.ourweddingday.com/How-Much-Does-Your-Parents-Marriage-Affect-Yours-11262956
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Beginner’s Guide to Linens
You have chosen your reception venue…and although you love it, you want to make the look of your reception all your own. One tool that can be used to transform a room is linens. This article will educate you on the basics of linens, so you can be ready to choose the perfect accessories for your venue!
Tablecloths
Tablecloths are the foundation of your linen choices, and will set the background palate for the other items you choose. Make sure you know the correct table size so you can order the right size tablecloths. For an elegant look, you want your tablecloths to be floor length (guests should not see the legs of your tables).
Napkins
Napkins add color to the foundation you’ve laid with your tablecloths, and are a must for a formal setting. They can be folded in a variety of ways, or can be placed neatly inside of a beverage glass or coffee cup. Check out this website that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to fold napkins in a number of different ways. http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com
Overlays
An overlay is another linen accessory that is placed on top of a tablecloth (just as the name implies, it ‘lays over’ a tablecloth). An overlay can add an additional dimension of color to your table.
Runners
A runner is another accessory that is placed on top of a tablecloth, but it is generally long and rectangular in shape. It ‘runs’ from one end of a table to another. These are ideal if you are using long tables instead of round ones for your reception.
Chair Covers
Chair covers can turn plain banquet chairs into elegant seating for your guests! When ordering your covers, be sure you know what kind of chairs will be used in your venue (banquet chair, folding chair, etc), so that you order the right size. Nothing is worse than having chair covers that are too short!
Tablecloths
Tablecloths are the foundation of your linen choices, and will set the background palate for the other items you choose. Make sure you know the correct table size so you can order the right size tablecloths. For an elegant look, you want your tablecloths to be floor length (guests should not see the legs of your tables).
Napkins
Napkins add color to the foundation you’ve laid with your tablecloths, and are a must for a formal setting. They can be folded in a variety of ways, or can be placed neatly inside of a beverage glass or coffee cup. Check out this website that gives you step-by-step instructions on how to fold napkins in a number of different ways. http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com
Overlays
An overlay is another linen accessory that is placed on top of a tablecloth (just as the name implies, it ‘lays over’ a tablecloth). An overlay can add an additional dimension of color to your table.
Runners
A runner is another accessory that is placed on top of a tablecloth, but it is generally long and rectangular in shape. It ‘runs’ from one end of a table to another. These are ideal if you are using long tables instead of round ones for your reception.
Chair Covers
Chair covers can turn plain banquet chairs into elegant seating for your guests! When ordering your covers, be sure you know what kind of chairs will be used in your venue (banquet chair, folding chair, etc), so that you order the right size. Nothing is worse than having chair covers that are too short!
A great option that I’ve seen used a lot lately is the pillowcase chair cover (shown above). They slip around a chair, very similar to the way a pillow is placed in a pillowcase. It’s a great look!
Sashes
Sashes are an accessory that accompany chair covers, and can be coordinated with your napkins, overlays or runners. There are countless ways to tie sashes (YouTube has several videos that give you detailed instructions on tying sashes).
Chair Sleeves
A chair sleeve is an accessory that is slipped over the back of a chair (on top of your chair cover) and can be used instead of a sash. Just like the sash, it can be coordinated with your napkins, runners or overlays.
What types of material are available?
Your choices are almost endless! You can go with simple, solid linen, or you can choose organza, satin, velvet, sheers, shag, taffeta, or lace. Before you make a decision, it’s best to get a swatch of what you are considering so you can get a feel for the texture of the material.
Your Planning Assignment
Do your homework! Again I suggest ordering swatches of items you are considering. Or, if there is a reputable linen company in your area, make an appointment to see what they have to offer.
Happy Planning!
Sashes
Sashes are an accessory that accompany chair covers, and can be coordinated with your napkins, overlays or runners. There are countless ways to tie sashes (YouTube has several videos that give you detailed instructions on tying sashes).
Chair Sleeves
A chair sleeve is an accessory that is slipped over the back of a chair (on top of your chair cover) and can be used instead of a sash. Just like the sash, it can be coordinated with your napkins, runners or overlays.
What types of material are available?
Your choices are almost endless! You can go with simple, solid linen, or you can choose organza, satin, velvet, sheers, shag, taffeta, or lace. Before you make a decision, it’s best to get a swatch of what you are considering so you can get a feel for the texture of the material.
Your Planning Assignment
Do your homework! Again I suggest ordering swatches of items you are considering. Or, if there is a reputable linen company in your area, make an appointment to see what they have to offer.
Happy Planning!
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