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When Should You Have Your Wedding?

November 9, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Dreaming of your wedding has likely been happening since you were young. You can probably picture the dress, the colours, even how your hair will be. Have you dreamt of when your wedding should be? Likely this is something that has only presented itself once the proposal was done and the planning was in full swing. Now deciding when  your wedding should take place will take great consideration. What things should you be thinking of when your considering the season for your wedding?

Winter

This season is not for the faint of heart. A winter wedding is generally a unique idea. If you are drawn towards the snow, nature can provide quite a picturesque backdrop. It can also provide the opportunity to use the holidays as part of your wedding theme. Incorporating the holidays or even Valentines day is an option when having your wedding during the winter season. If you aren’t looking to pair your wedding with any event, using winter as your season offers a different take on the colours and decorations that can be used.

Spring

This is often thought of as a time of rebirth. Spring typically has the feeling of new beginnings and for some couples marks the beginning of a new chapter in their life. As symbolism goes, this is a great season to choose.  This is also a time of rain.  With spring being the cause of bringing everything into bloom, it comes with rain to wash away the winters snow. While this may serve the purpose of new beginnings, it can reek  havoc with your wedding. Depending on what you have planned for your wedding, trying to accommodate for the rain may be tricky since this is an unpredictable time of year.

Fall

This season provides a host of colours to make your wedding memorable. Choosing the Fall season allows you to have a perfect mix of  the remnants of summer with cool fresh beginnings of winter.  You can choose a natural backdrop here, and perhaps still have a n outdoor wedding, although depending on your layout, it can be unseasonably cool during this season . Planning for the unexpected may be necessary.

Summer

This is a popular choice for weddings. This season offers warmth, flowers in full bloom and sunsets.  Summer time is the perfect time to use the oppotunity of outdoor wedding tents.  Getting married at sunset with warm air , beautiful colours  and scents takes elegance to a new height.

The season you  choose should reflect how you and partner want to celebrate your love. Each season offers so many choices  that whatever you do can be done with excellence. A unique take on your wedding can range with each season and planning can be however creative you want it to be. Your wedding can offer a theme or be simplistically classic. A traditional wedding take place any time, it is all about preference.

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How to Arrange a Small Wedding on a Budget

November 8, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Many couples find that a large wedding just isn’t either in their budget or in their taste. When trying to plan a budget really think about you want in your ceremony and reception. If the the expectation is a large gathering but your budget is telling you different, you can still accomplish an elegant affair.  It is all in the planning. You can arrange a small wedding on a budget, have the wedding of your dreams while leaving your guests raving about what a great wedding it was.

The Venue

Choosing a venue for a small wedding does not mean you will left with a Church basement. thinking outside the box will help you plan a beautiful reception. Many state parks offer a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony. These parks really only ask for a nominal donation to have your ceremony preformed there. The same is true of the many waterfront properties. Beach front weddings are breathtaking at the right time of year. With the view of the water and a sunset back drop you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque way to say your vows.  All at a very low cost.  This is a perfect setting for a small group.

The Reception

Having an intimate gathering can be done is so many that will ensure your gathering will remain elegant and tasteful. Depending on your group size you can do a small catered event at home. If not your home , a relatives who can accommodate it. A nice formal dinner served by a server with prepared food would be very intimate. Perhaps a small venue of a rented pub’s or country club  private room will be easy on the budget. You can even hire a private chef for the evening with minimal cost. This is an elegant sophisticated alternative to have a restaurant dinner. If your reception is a little larger a nice twist can be a wedding tent outside with a prepared buffet. This can be easily achieved with little organization and very easy on your budget.

The Decorations

With prepared venues for reception and ceremony as mentioned above, there is very little cost associated with decorating. With an outside ceremony nature provides all the decoration you need. If you look for a small chapel, using a florist can be costly. Finding your own greenery can be a cheaper way to decorate. This will all depend on the date of your wedding. For you reception if you opt for an intimate setting,candlelight will be the perfect added touch. This can be easy on the budget.

Planning a small wedding doesn’t mean that you have to compromise the atmosphere or romance of your wedding. A small gathering can be just as memorable as a large affair. Look for the details in your wedding to make it a success.  All the little intimate touches will help make it the wedding you always dreamed of.

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Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

November 4, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Who are you planning your wedding for? When you set out to planning do you really know what you should be doing and what you shouldn’t be? There are so many influences that arise the moment you announce your engagement that it can never be clear where to turn. With in -laws to be, your own family and “expert advice ” from those friends who have just tied the knot, how can you think straight? A few do’s and don’ts will quickly give you an insight to as to what should be taken into account and what should not be.

The Do’s

Do make your wedding a joint venture. Make sure you involve the groom in all the planning and decision making. Starting out your journey on a new life should encompass both your wants and ideals.

Do take the time to organize yourself far in advance. Keep on top of all the little details so they don’t slip through the cracks. Being thorough will help you in the end.

Do take into consideration every one’s feelings as much as you can when planning your seating arrangements. Certainly be aware of any “sore spots” or “tensions” within the family dynamic. Keeping the peace for your wedding is important.

Do pamper yourself before your wedding. Either take you and the girls to the spa , or make a day of it at home, but definitely indulge. Making sure you feel the part of the bride on your big day is essential. It will surely set the tone for your big day.

The Don’ts

Don’t have unrealistic expectations about the day of the wedding. Not everything can go perfect, and a few hiccups aren’t likely to ruin the entire day. Take everything in stride .

Don’t feel you have to spend a small fortune on every aspect of the wedding. Of course you will want it to be beautiful, but spending yourself into debt is not the answer. Don’t get carried away with the preparations.

Don’t procrastinate. Leaving things till the end with an event such as  a wedding can be disastrous. Most things associated with a wedding are time sensitive. If left to long you may not be able to repair any damage.

Don’t be shy about speaking your mind.  After all it’s your wedding. Getting pressured from family members won’t help the planning process and will only serve to cause tension.

Don’t become intoxicated. Drinking heavily before your ceremony will leave you unable to participate in your own ceremony. It is also in very bad taste.

Planning your wedding is a massive event in your life. Think things through and keep yourself positive throughout. This is a time to be cherished  in your life and you will want to look back it with fond memories. Take all the advice you want from friends and family, but know in the end this is your day and you can fulfil it how you want. It’s is after all your wedding and your memories.

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Wedding Reception Meal Ideas

November 3, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Wedding planning is detailed, organized and exhausting. Every minute detail must be planned and reviewed and then coordinated. There is so much to remember, so many things to overlook and decide on, that planning your wedding reception meal should be one of the things you take pleasure in planning. The meal that is served at your wedding reception should be a reflection of you, and your event. A lot can be said about the meal that you sit down with a hundred plus guests to share.

Evaluate the type of wedding your having will help you determine which way you should go with when looking at your meal for the wedding reception. Is your wedding later in the evening? If so a great idea is an antipasto bar. This can provide a variety of elegant starters to wow your guests and keep the style of your wedding. This style of food is still plentiful while providing options for everyone. Served with red and white wine, this is a classic way to celebrate.

Some couples have chosen to be married in the morning and offer a breakfast brunch. This can be a great alternative to a traditional wedding, and perfect if you’re looking at an intimate ceremony or perhaps a second wedding. This idea could include Eggs Benedict, salmon, french toast or crepes. Fresh fruit, an omelette’s station or souffles are an elegant way to share your happiness with those closest to you.

For an evening wedding, typically a sit down meal is required. You can choose the number courses you would prefer. Some have the full six course meal, while others limit it to three. When choosing your wedding reception meal idea, remember to encompass everyone attending your wedding. While some are vegetarians, you should offer two choices of meat. A popular choice is poultry and red meat. Offering a chicken breast or a Fillet Mignon has been done with success. Others can choose to choose a seafood and a roast.  It all depends on your budget and what your willing to offer your guests. How important is the meal to you? If your wedding is large and your out to impress a roast pig could definitely be the way to go. Larger weddings can be more difficult to plan for, since you will have a larger variety to feed. Perhaps this instance would call for a buffet style wedding.

Buffets offer a variety of  choices  in many ways. If you have a multi cultural wedding a buffet can be a great solution to please everyone. This can be a unique way to celebrate by having a host of  food for all your guests to sample. It may also be a great solution financially.

Planning your wedding reception meal will give you all the creativity that you want. You can impress your guests with any number of ideas when it comes to choosing the food.

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Wedding Tiaras – Should You Wear One?

November 2, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Fulfilling your dream as bride can be something you waited your life time for. Many little girls envision themselves looking like a princess on this day. Many have dreamt of how their dress will look as they walk down the aisle. A focal point for most girls is the veil and how long it will be.  Many girls dream about their veil being adorned with a princess like tiara to complete the look. This look is something that is not for every bride, but how will you know if this look is for you?  Try to look at your wedding as an entire function, and decide if wearing a tiara fits what your trying to portray.

Tiaras were often worn at official functions by queens and princesses throughout history. They are still a status symbol today, as a wedding tiara signifies the most significant person in the room – the bride. So if you’re not having a traditional wedding dress, you should definitely wear a wedding tiara, it ensures that you can be seen as the bride in a crowded room and are the focus of the proceedings. This can be done in the most subtle of manners to exude an air of class and elegance at your wedding.

Tiaras have been worn by women for thousands of years to celebrate their beauty, elegance and dignity. The bridal tiara is a piece of jewelry that accents your hairstyle, frames your face, and adds the finishing touch to your veil. Your bridal tiara should complement your wedding dress and coordinate with your other wedding jewelry.

When choosing a bridal headpiece, take into account the shape of your face, your wedding day hairstyle, and the details of your wedding dress. With so many styles of headpieces available it is important to choose a headpiece that compliments your face, your choice of gown, and your style of wedding. While you want this to be a focal point, you don’t want it to “stand out” taking away from the wedding gown.

Before you decide that a bridal tiara may not just be for you, you should definitely take a trip to your local bridal shop for an afternoon of trying on headpieces. Making the tiara part of your wedding dress will take some decision making and shouldn’t be ruled out unless you have seen what your options entail. Having a trial run with your hair as well will give you plenty of time to combine the whole look for you to able to make a decision on the look you would like for that day.

Your wedding can be anything you want to make it, so why not try to make it the event you have dream of? Many times, brides wind up not choosing the dress they thought they would and making changes that never originally existed. Planning a wedding helps you find your style, and makes you re think the decisions you once though you had wanted. Why not try on that tiara just to see? You may surprise yourself.

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Who Should Walk You Down the Aisle?

November 1, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Planning your wedding can be the most important event in your life. All the preparations are tended to with a fine eye ensuring everything will be perfect. From the cake to the venue, your wedding is going to be the day you remember for the rest of you life. The smallest detail will be taken care of with your wedding party there to help you every step of the way. All the decorations have been hand picked and chosen with care to give your wedding the personlity that will reflect the months of planning you have incurred. You have chosen to venue, the music, the food all to set the stage for this monumentous event.  What is left, is deciding who will walk you down the aisle.

Choosing the person who will walk down the aisle is more than just needing an arm to hold. It is the representation of who has provided you the support to get you to this next chapter of your life. Many people have struggled with this decision since the traditional choice would be the “father”.  Choosing the father in your life to walk you down the aisle can be the obvious choice, but maybe not the choice you would prefer. If your relationship with your father is at all estranged then perhaps that choice isn’t even an option.

Looking at your life up until the point of your marriage will help you decide who to choose. Don’t get caught up in the moment with someone you have only known a year. Just because you get along with someone doesn’t mean that they should be walking you down the aisle. Remember, this is a monumental event that you will remember forever. Don’t look back on your wedding and regret the choice you made because you no longer speak to that person.  Reflect on where your life has been and where your life is going. Who in this reflection has been a constant?

For some picking their mothers to walk them down the aisle may be an appropriate choice.  While this may be unconventional, it does have some merit. The act of “giving the bride away ” symbolizes the journey from girl to women. Who better to understand this transition than a mother?  A mother is usually the focal point during this transition and a bride may feel closer to her due to that.

In some cases if the bride has no father due to him being deceased or estranged, an alternate choice is an uncle if one is available. Sometimes brides will choose the father in-law to be, or a friend of the family. Don’t feel pressured to continue with the norm. Look at who you want to share this day with, and choose that person. If you are a single mother getting married you can walk down the aisle with your child. Tradition has come a long way, and most see the symbolism behind the brides choice of who “gives her away”. Your wedding is your day, and your day will only be complete if you are happy and satisfied. Don’t compromise your feelings for a tradition that you may not even be comfortable with.

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Color Choices for Winter Weddings

October 29, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Wedding planning takes allot into consideration. Choosing the right time of year to exchange your vows will allow you to plan in detail. Some brides prefer to get married in the summer time to utilize the natural backdrop and colours. Other brides can opt for winter weddings that surround one of two occasions. Some brides can center their wedding around Christmas or Valentines day.  Your wedding can be specific to your personality or can follow traditional holiday etiquette.

The Classic Holiday Look

Following traditional winter wedding colours you will find some rich choices of colour. Deep shades of reds and burgundies coupled with lush greens for emphasis in your bouquet. Bridemaids dresses can be in a variety of shades in the ”reds”, navy or green for a traditional look. For either Christmas or Valentines day these colours starkly contrasted with your white or ivory bridal gown will be breathe taking.  Using roses and greenery will compliment your bridesmaids dresses, whatever the colour. This is a classic look for your winter wedding. Some brides however will dare to be different.

Ice and Snow

Using this concept encompasses the weather and all its natural beauty. Staying “colourless” for your wedding can actually make a statement on it’s own. Bridesmaids adorned in silvery gowns will be a vision while your decorations mimic icicles and snowflakes. This is a very modern take on a winter wedding. An alternate to silver would be a stunning shade of periwinkle for your bridesmaid dresses, trimmed with silver sashes. Adding a string of pearls will be a compliment to your ice and snow theme. If your bridesmaids feel a little more stylish, rhinestones can be a great alternative to complete your ice and snow theme. Any shades of lilac, periwinkle, gray or baby blue will create the ice and snow look and feel. This can be a unique design for the bride who wants a winter wedding, but does not want the traditional idea of a holiday wedding.

A Formal Event

Though it’s not totally unheard of, a black tie wedding during the winter season would be another option. You can use black and white or black and champagne for everything from the wedding party’s attire to the reception hall. Black and white or black and champagne work beautifully for night time weddings because of the opulence they emit when paired together.

Want some more specific color schemes to use in your quest for the perfect winter wedding colors? Consult the color wheel. In your wedding color scheme, you can use complimentary colors, split complimentary colors, related colors, or even monochromatic colors for a theme you’ll love. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Royal purple and rich green with gold or silver accents
  • Blue, teal, and blue violet with white accents
  • Navy blue, sky blue, ice blue, and silver
  • Apple red and emerald green with silver or white accents

You can use anything from the palest, most delicate baby blue to the richest chocolate brown you can find. The best thing to keep in mind when choosing your winter wedding colors is to stay on the cool side of the color spectrum.

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Wedding Day Jitters – How to Get Past The Stress

October 28, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

It’s here! It’s finally here. Wait, now what? Nerves is all you know the day of your wedding. There has been so much planning, so many precise details to remember. Every word, every action has been planned right down to the second. Now that day has finally come.  There are so many people watching you and your intended on this day, that there is no room for error. The term “cold feet” doesn’t seem to even cover the flood of emotions that are occurring. Is there anything that can calm your stress on a day that seems to mark the beginning of a new life?

Time Alone

Find yourself a quiet place that can be for just you and you alone.  This can be someplace that holds great memories for you, or simply a quiet place for reflection. You need to take a moment to push the stress aside and really look at what you are doing today. Realize being nervous about pledging your love for someone who you have loved, known intimately, and confided your inner most secrets in, shouldn’t be something to make you feel stressful. This should be something that relaxes you. Knowing that you are finally going to be with the person who makes you feel complete should be all you need to get through the day.

Think Good Thoughts

Remember what first attracted you to your loved one. Think back to even your first date. Recall the first time you kissed, the first time you held hands, even the first time you said I love you. Thinking about that time should only bring a smile to your face and a warmth in your heart. This is a sure fire cure for any wedding day jitters.

Take an Evening

Before you even get to the wedding, take an evening out a day or two before your wedding to have a romantic dinner. Sure you will have the entire honeymoon, but this evening before can be used to quiet any doubts or fears you may be having. This is a good time to revisit the decision you have made to get married. This may sound a little late since your wedding is in a few days, but open conversation about fears that are a few days away may help on the day of. It will give you the confidence that the decision you have made is the right one, that your intended is on the same page as you, and you are both forging ahead on this new journey together.

Just because the planning is over and the wedding date is here, doesn’t mean wedding day jitters can’t occur. There is always a part of you that may wonder if this is the right path for you. Surround yourself with supportive people, who will help you stay positive and stay focused. Getting married is more than just the ceremony and reception. It symbolizes your commitment to someone in more ways than just monogamy. You are pledging your life with someone, that is not a small step to overlook. Of course it will be something that you second guess, and at some moments overwhelmed with anxiety. Its natural to feel this way. How you handle these jitters will decide how your wedding day unfolds. Your wedding has taken a long time to plan, enjoy it without the stress.

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The Proper Wedding Party Etiquette

October 27, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

Planning a wedding takes commitment. The people you choose to stand along you should know what is expected of them in preparation for your big day. There is a certain expectation for the wedding party that is implied. However it may not be understood by all the parties involved and therefor should be brought to everyone’s attention what the proper wedding party etiquette is. Keeping your wedding party in good taste takes knowing the proper etiquette.  Not to despair, your wedding party can   still  prepare a be a memorable event  with all the traditional trimmings, it may just take a few pointers.

The key duty of any wedding party member is to lend support to the bride or groom. A bridesmaid should listen to her bride, show or feign interest in wedding planning details, and offer to help with preparations such as assembling favors, addressing invitations, and picking up her own dress. In this fast paced world, people run the risk of becoming self absorbed and perhaps unintentionally rude. To avoid this, keep your opinions light but still included in any open discussion or ideas of wedding planning.
The bride and groom have chosen you to provide the graces of your good company, and a little support. If you have been chosen as an usher, a bridesmaid, the maid of honor or the best man, feel honored as this is a compliment to the depth of your relationship. The bride and groom think highly of you, and in turn, you will be expected to perform a few basic functions that will be a world of help to the newlyweds. It may seem like more of a chore than anything, if that is the case, you shouldn’t accept the position. Otherwise proper etiquette dictates that you will provide a number of  functions as enlisted as part of the wedding party, and do so in good taste.

It’s good wedding reception etiquette for you to see to the bride’s needs (if you are the maid of honor or a bridesmaid) or to the groom’s comfort (if you are the best man or an usher). The maid of honor and bridesmaids should be on hand to help the bride with her dress when she’s ready to dance, and to offer to fetch some food or drink if she’s wilting but is busy with her guests. this may sound contrite but in full swing of the wedding ceremony and especially the reception emotions are high as well as the level of anxiety to ensure that everything goes on without a hitch. The wedding party is in place to see to it that all the little details are taken care of and the bride will be in need of help the entire time. That is the nature of an event such as this.

The best man can help with parking before the reception, with showing guests into the hall and with making sure the groom doesn’t go hungry or thirsty. Believe it or not, newlyweds are often too busy to so much as sample their own cake during the reception. It’s your job to see to it that the new couple is enjoying the wedding reception as much as the guests are.  During this event there will be the opportunity for the best man to make a speech. Keeping good etiquette says that while you may want to invoke some good laughs, the idea is not to embarrass the groom, which would in turn embarrass the new couple. Keep your speech geared to wishing the couple well in their new journey.

Of course there is a place for good humour at your wedding, however knwoing the lines of good humour and bad taste is important. The same applies to bad manners at a wedding. If your planning your wedding and are concern about the etiquette, why not purcahse a book, or create some etiquette pointers to hand out to your wedding party to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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How to Choose Your Bridesmaids

October 26, 2010 By Karen Hiser Leave a Comment

“He asked! I said yes!”… This is going to be the sentence that replays over and over again as you’re telling the story of your engagement. It will likely be told several times, but who will want to relive every detail with you? This is where bridesmaids are born.

Some will tell you that your bridesmaids should be family members who are obligated to assume that role.  Some will say that upcoming in-laws are required to fill the spaces. The problem with “some” means that it is someone else deciding on who is in your party.  This is your say and your day. You should be in full control of how this process begins right down to the end of your reception. So how will you know who to choose?

Look at what’s required in your wedding. This will be one of the most intimate events that you will share with more than one person. You may consider looking at sharing this event with others who have shared in other chapters in your life. It may mean childhood friends who has been with you throughout your teendage years.  Having a childhood friend in the bridal party can bring a sense of fimiliartiy that will bred a nice send of ease.

Look for someone who you feel will compliment your wedding. After choosing that special best friend to be the maid of honour, you need bridesmaids that will gel nicely. Perhaps you have a group of girls that get together on a regular basis that you would like to transition into your bridesmaids. The comradery is already there , and you have establish a rapport of trust so it seems like a perfect fit!

If you have a sister, or perhaps more than one they may already be the obvious first choice. It would seem a natural fit to have your siblings in your bridal party. However if perhaps your relationships are not what they should be, there is no written rule that says they must be bridesmaids. A college friend that has remained steadfast in your friendship might be the more appropriate fit.

When choosing your bridesmaids try to judge the relationship on it’s merits as it currently stands. Don’t feel obligated to have someone as your bridesmaid just because you were once friends. Make you bridesmaids an extension of you, the friends or family that have remained an active part of your life. It be difficult to navigate some of the feelings that go hand in hand with choosing bridesmaid but ultimately this is your wedding. Your memories will be created from this day and last a life time.

Shouldn’t the memories you have be of a bond that was created amongst your bridesmaid that will remain into the next chapter of your life? It shouldn’t be that the people who stand up for you at your wedding are people you are likely to never see. Depending on the size of your wedding party you may not have room for everyone you liked to. Seriously consider the level of commitment you have to the person or person’s you intend to ask to be certain this is the right fit.

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