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January 25, 2010 by admin
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Welcome to The Wedding Handbook. If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve come to the right source! Everything you need to know is available in this blog. Come back often and enjoy!
Wedding Planning Tips : Planning a Wedding Reception
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Planning a wedding reception involves details such as the flowers, lighting and entertainment. Plan a wedding reception with tips from two event coordinators in this free video on wedding planning.
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Some Helpful Wedding Planning Tips
A wedding is one of the biggest events in a person’s life. It shouldn’t be the most stressful event but sometimes it turns out to be. The following is a set of wedding planning tips that are in a timeline form, to help you know when the best time to take care of each aspect of the wedding is. This should keep things from piling up at once, it’s much less hassle to gradually space planning out. If you are in need of some wedding planning tips, then you have come to the right place. Below, we are going to give you the same tips we gave our friend this past month when she had her wedding…
How much time before the wedding and what needs to take place:
12 Months - Book Ceremony and Reception Venue
10 to 11 Months – Book Caterer, Musicians, Photographer, and Videographer
8 to 9 Months - Book Florist, Cake, and Transportation
6 to 7 Months - Book Rentals; chairs, tables, etc.
6 Months – Review Contracts for Vendors
5 Months - Order Invitations and Flowers; Provide Music to the Musicians
4 Months – Order Wedding Cake; Meet with Caterer and get additional wedding planning tips
3 Months – Provide Menu to Caterer; Book Beauty Appointments; Check on Invitations; Meet with Officiant to Review Ceremony
2 Months - Confirm Arrangements with Vendors; Make Necessary Payments
1 Month - Consult with Photographer on Photo Choices; Confirm Music, Transportation, Flower Arrangements, and Rental Needs
2 Weeks - Confirm with All Vendors Again
1 Week - Make Sure Caterer has Final Numbers for Reception; Pay Vendors Final ChecksDay Before; Oversee Decoration of Ceremony and Reception Area
Hopefully, following these wedding planning tips will make things easier for you. There is so much to do and the time to do it all in seems to fly right by. Having a plan that is written out should make things easier. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s only so much you can do on your own without making yourself frazzled.
Planning A Beach Themed Wedding
The sand, the sounds, the smell of the beach: Is there anything as beautiful, or as romantic? Perhaps this is why you have chosen a beach wedding. Still, planning a beach themed wedding may seem like a great idea, but you must always remember your budget.
Chances are, even if you were able to do so, getting a private part of an oceanic beach would definitely hurt your wallet. Then there is the matter of the tides, and the weather, and proximity to mood-rending constructions like high-traffic roads and power lines. Not to fret though, there are scores of things you can do to recreate that sandy setting.
Many public lakes often have sandy beaches, particularly at camping sites so if you are adamant about the water and sand as physical things, then this would be your way to go.
But planning a beach themed wedding doesn’t actually have to involve the ocean, you could rent a gazebo or even us a large yard and use some simulation techniques.
The sound is the easiest to simulate. The waves rolling on the sandy shore, seagulls in the air, and a nice cool breeze can be easily remade with some decent rented speakers and an atmosphere cd you can find at Wal-Mart or other such stores for around 6 dollars or so. Perhaps a large fan as well.
The smell of course is harder. Try a local new age shop or cd store. They often have scented candle, incense, and oils that will do the trick.
The sand is easy. A funny approach would be a sand box, or you can by sand by the bag at a Menards or a general retailer.
Then all you need are some seashells, perhaps some fake starfish, all are easy to get. Just do not forget the beach balls!
As you can see, planning a beach themed wedding even if you can’t actually be at the ocean is easy. You may not have an oceanic beach, but wait until sunset and follow the tips above, and can create a memorable day.
Wedding Reception Planning
When you are planning your wedding, you are really planning for two events, the ceremony and the reception. In most cases, the ceremony is rather solemn affair in which you publicly proclaim your love for your spouse in a church or other place of worship. It is about love, but in a more formal way. However, the reception is a time to celebrate your love with friends, family, food, music, and dancing. That is why so many people like wedding reception planning the best.
The first thing that you should think of as you plan your wedding reception is what you want your guests to do all night. Do you want them to dance or would you rather keep things more low key? What you do for music is key to answering that question.
A live band is a great option if you want dancing. A good band will know a variety of songs and be able to take requests. However, they are more expensive. That is why more people opt for a DJ to keep the tunes rolling. Really budget conscious weddings are now even going with a computer, some speakers, and a playlist.
You should also think about the food when you are doing your wedding reception planning. You can have a formal dinner with wait staff, a buffet style sit down dinner, or just hors d’oeuvres. The price goes down with each option, but so does the formality. Some guests like to have a set table at which to sit, merely because they don’t know many other guests at the wedding. However, if your wedding is small and most people know each other, being able to mingle all night is a great option.
Wedding reception planning is not only about the way you want to celebrate your special day, but also how you can make your guests feel comfortable and have a good time.
Outdoor Wedding Planning
When it comes to weddings, there is a bit more attention and forethought that goes into outdoor wedding planning. It can be the perfect dream wedding or a disaster. The following tips should be helpful in planning a successful ceremony outdoors.
Location
Unless you are able to plan for an outdoor wedding in a place where it is guaranteed to be absolutely gorgeous weather on the day of your wedding, it might be a wise decision to chose an indoor/outdoor location. It would be very disheartening to make huge plans for an extravagant wedding and have the weather ruin it. There are parks that have covered eating areas that are perfect at keeping that little bit of sprinkle from messing up the menu. Another aspect to the out of doors that needs to be kept in mind are bugs. If you’re in an area where biting bugs are present, it might be a good idea to plan for a month when their numbers are less.
Decorations
When it comes to decorations and outdoor wedding planning, nature can provide some of the beauty for you. If you do end up adding your own decorations, remember that the out of doors can be harsh on some things. For instance, some flowers are more susceptible to damage by the sun. This needs to be taken into consideration when making up bouquets to carry and table arrangements, if these are positioned in a sunny location.
Guests
Make sure your guests all know that this is to be an outdoor wedding. You wouldn’t want someone to be miserable because they didn’t wear proper clothing for sitting in the sun. Be sure to let them know what type of weather to expect, if they are from out of town.
The Wedding Party
Keep in mind when dressing the wedding party. If it’s going to be a very warm day, you wouldn’t want the bridesmaids all in long sleeved, full length dresses. Plus, the groomsmen will be cooler without their jackets. One way around this jacket situation is to have them wear full vests, this way they can still look dressy with their jackets off.
Food
When working with caterers, make sure they know the wedding is outdoors. They will then be able to better prepare and have food that won’t be ruined by sitting in warm weather. Be sure to have plenty to drink in the warm weather also. Keep in mind that alcohol is dehydrating and it might be better to have refreshing fruit drinks and sparkling water for the most part.
Starting your outdoor wedding planning should take place well before the wedding is due to happen. There is a lot of preparation involved, but it can be an exhilarating experience.
How To Find An Affordable Wedding Photographer
Weddings are very expensive. There is just no way around that fact. There is the rental of the hall, the food, the music, the clothes, and the photographer. These are just the big expenses. You’ll be surprised at all the little expenses that just keep cropping up. That means that if you can save money on some of the big things you should be able to feel confident that you are lowering the overall cost of your wedding. Learning how to find an affordable wedding photographer is just one thing that you can do.
Prices vary across the country, but expect a wedding photographer to cost you anywhere between two and ten thousand depending on how many pictures you want and how long you want the photographer to be there at your wedding and reception. Finding an affordable wedding photographer is great, but you don’t want the quality of your pictures to suffer either.
You might be able to bring the cost of a well-known (and therefore expensive) photographer down if you only want him or her at the ceremony and maybe for an hour afterward.
Another way to bring down the cost is to take advantage of digital printing and online photo albums. If you don’t make your prints directly from the photographer you should be able to bring down the initial fee. However, there will be more money spent later on if and when you decide to make hard copies. It might be less in the long run though.
Another way to get an affordable wedding photographer is to try a young or student photographer. There are a lot of great photography students at your local college who are just dying to build their portfolios. You’ll still get good quality, but at a cheaper rate. Just make sure you look at their work before you decide to hire them. These are just a few tips on how to find an affordable wedding photographer.
Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas For Your Special Day
Who says that your wedding ceremony has to be traditional? Why not use some wedding ceremony ideas that will set your wedding apart from all the rest. There are many things you could do to make your wedding stand out. For example instead of having your father walk you down the aisle you could have both of your parents walk you down the aisle and give you away. This would probably mean as much to your mother and father as it will to you.
If both of your parents have passed away you could have your husband to be walk you down the aisle. There are no rules that say you have to do things a certain way and coming up with your own wedding ceremony ideas will make your wedding unique and memorable. If your husband to be wants three grooms men and you only want one brides maid then have it that way. You do not have to have the same number of attendants in the wedding.
Do things the way you want them done. You do not have to do things the way everyone else wants them done. You could also choose a song to walk down the aisle to other than the traditional wedding march. Choose a song that means something to you and the groom.
Another great idea for a unique ceremony is to create a program for your guest that introduce them to the wedding party. You should include how you met them and how long you have known them.
These unique wedding ceremony ideas will give your guest a better idea of what the wedding party means to you and your groom. If you have a best friend that happens to be a guy let him stand by your side. Who says he has to stand on the grooms side just because he is a man. Plan your wedding to suit you and your groom not to suit what everyone thinks a wedding should be.
Unique Wedding Flowers Can Make Your Wedding Spectacular
We are all so use to seeing the same flowers and arrangements at weddings. Why not try something different by using unique wedding flowers. You can get ideas for unique flowers and arrangements from family or friends. If that is not very helpful then try searching the internet. You could also try visiting your local flower shop and talking with the owner. The owner of the flower shop may be able to give you some great ideas plus a discount on your flowers.
When deciding on your bridal bouquet you do not have to go with a simple and elegant look. If you prefer something a little different then go for it. It is your wedding after all. Some brides like to personalize their bouquet by adding flowers that are special to their loved ones that have passed on. If you have a parent or grandparent that has passed away you can add their favorite flower to the center of your bouquet.
Try adding bold and bright flowers to your centerpieces. These unique wedding flowers will be a beautiful eye catcher and conversation piece all in one. Using plants in the place of flowers for your centerpieces can also be very beautiful. To have unique flowers for your wedding is really all about you and your fiance.
This is your day and the flowers should show that. If you have a particular flower that you just adore but would not typically be seen at a wedding use it anyway. When you use flowers in your wedding that are special to you it will only help to add to the happiness of this wonderful day. You may get a few questions about your choice of flowers but everyone will enjoy them.
Tropical flowers are a great idea for centerpieces and are very unique wedding flowers. They are exotic and beautiful and will no doubt have your guest talking in no time. Guest at a wedding love to see all of the different things the couple has done to make their wedding more personal. When you are at a wedding that is the same as all the others you have ever attended it starts to feel a little impersonal. Make your wedding personal by adding your own touches to it.
Ideas For Wedding Invitations
When trying to find ideas for wedding invitations the best place to start is on the internet. The internet has invitations from all over the world that your guest have never seen before. Your wedding is not just another day it is your special day and your invitation is the first glimpse at your wedding that your guest will see. You want your invitation to stand out from all the others.
The most important thing you should remember when searching for the perfect wedding invitation is that it does not have to cost a fortune to be great. When you are buying online you can find great deals because the companies are competing for your business. You can find gorgeous wedding invitations for half the price you would pay at a local store.
You can also find ideas for wedding invitations at websites online that let you design your own wedding invitation. You may think that there is no way you could design anything worth sending out to your friends and family but these sites have many ideas for you to choose from. You could look through their many ideas and find just one or two you like or even take several of their ideas and incorporate them all into one great invitation.
You could also make your invitation special by adding a poem or a few sentences from a song that have special meaning for your wedding day. Adding personal touches to your wedding is a great way to make your day memorable and beautiful. Every bride wants to make her day special without spending a fortune.
Your invitations can be as affordable as you need them to be. You just have to take some time to find the right site. There are hundreds of sites that will offer you discounted invitations and have ideas for wedding invitations that are just as beautiful as the expensive ones. Remember that the price does not make them beautiful.
