Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

More and more marrying couples are deciding to purchase wedding insurance, but what exactly is wedding insurance and what does it cover?

Wedding insurance is an insurance policy that covers your wedding and financially protects you against unforeseen mishaps.   With the average cost of U.S. weddings being over $28,000, and since couples are required to leave nonrefundable deposits and sign contracts with multiple vendors, they're realizing that it's wise to protect their financial investment.

For the peace of mind that it offers, wedding insurance is relatively inexpensive.   A basic policy can be purchased online and in most cases, costs less than $500.

If you decide to purchase wedding insurance, make sure you read the fine print and have a clear understanding of exactly what is and is not covered in the policy.   Here's what's typically covered by a wedding insurance policy:

• Inclement Weather - If your wedding has to be cancelled due to rain (outdoor wedding) or severe weather conditions, your policy will cover the cost of rescheduling.
  
  
• Alcohol-Related Accidents - Host Liquor Liability protects you from legal liability should an alcohol-related accident occur.
  
  
• Bodily Injury - Should someone suffer bodily injury while attending your wedding, you will not be held liable.
  
  
• Illness or Injury - If members of the bridal party or close relatives are ill and the wedding has to be postponed, the expenses associated with the postponement are covered.   Also, if the wedding must be postponed because an approved military leave of the bride or groom is withdrawn, the postponement expenses are covered.
  
  
• Officiant Is a No-Show - If your clergyperson does not show up, you'll recoup associated costs.
  
  
• No-Show Vendors - If your caterer, florist, photographer, or other key vendor does not show, you’ll recover some costs and in some cases, the cost of rescheduling the wedding.
  
  
• The Ceremony/Reception Site - If the venue doesn't have an insurance policy in place, wedding insurance will cover your expenses should fire, electrical or mechanical problems, or going out of business cause you to lose money or have to reschedule.
  
  
• Bridal Gowns & Tuxedos - Should your wedding attire suffer damage or the bridal boutique go out of business, you're covered.
  
  
• Wedding Gifts - If these are not covered under your homeowners or renters policies, you can insure your wedding gifts against theft or damage.   You can also be protected if the Best Man loses your wedding rings.
  
  
• Wedding Photos - A wedding insurance policy can also provide coverage should your photographer ruin or fail to deliver your wedding photographs.

Visit WedSafe or Travelers Insurance for more information and to obtain an instant online quote.


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Creating a Winter Wonderland Wedding

Of all the celebrity weddings that I’ve viewed, there are a few that stand out because of the amazing decorative work.   One of these weddings is that of Melissa Rivers (shown at left).   Renowned decorating genius, Preston Bailey transformed Melissa's wedding venue into a space that was absolutely breathtaking with iced out trees, shimmering lights and crystals.   It was pure fantasy!

Since most brides don’t have the financial resources to hire Preston Bailey (wedding packages can start at $250,000), you’ll need to tap into your creative stores to pull off a memorable winter themed wedding.

1. Winter is the season of ice so go all out with diamond or diamond-like decorations and jewelry.
   
   
2. Popular winter wedding colors:   silver, white, light blue, plum, cranberry, gold, ruby, emerald, hunter, navy and black.
   
   
3. A winter wedding is not conducive to sleeveless gowns (unless your wedding takes place in a warm climate).   Complement your bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses with a faux fur shrug, pashmina or stylish coat.   An attractive wrap or pashmina to wear on your wedding day and afterwards makes a great bridesmaid gift.
   
   
4. A seasonally appropriate choice for your bridal bouquet and/or floral centerpieces is the stephanotis, which resembles a snowflake.  Other ideal choices for a winter wedding is the calla lily and amaryllis.   For added glitz, add crystal embellishments into your bouquet or add crystal monograms to your bouquet wrap.
   
   
5. Since most winter weddings will take place indoors, the setting (usually a ballroom) tends to be more formal.    Your invitations should reflect the reception setting.
   
   
6. If your wedding will take place close to the holidays, you may want to use holiday themed accents:   poinsettias, holly, bells, ornaments, etc.
   
   
7. Add candles to your wedding table decorations to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
   
   
8. Be mindful of winter's chill when planning the dinner menu.   Choose menu offerings that are warm and satisfying as well as elegant.   Offer warm beverages like Irish coffee, mulled cider or hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps.   Here's a delectable winter wedding menu that I found at Style Me Pretty:
   
   WINTER MENU
   
   fried marcona almonds
   radicchio and persimmon salad with brown butter vinaigrette
   truffled cream of cauliflower soup
   
   wine braised short ribs | grilled porcini
   soft polenta with mascarpone
   roasted brussell sprouts
   
   chocolate pots de crème
   buckwheat butter cookies
   vanilla bean ice cream
   
   
9. Give favors that complement the theme of your winter wedding.   Personalized packages of coffee or tea, and snowflake adorned favors will keep the memory of your wintery event in guests' minds.

An ice blue, white and silver color palette is a popular winter wedding palette likely because it conjures up images of icy tree limbs and snowflakes.   Resources below.
Sources: Row 1:   Silver Favor Boxes;   Snowflake Favor Boxes;   Winter Wedding Bulletins;  Winter Toasting Flutes Row 2:   Porcelain Snowflake Cake Topper;  Snowflake Wine Stopper;  Snowflake Candle Holders;  Table Glam Crystals Row 3:   Mystic Crackled Ice Crystals;  Sparkle Snowflakes in Silver;  Platinum Wedding Accessories;  Flower & Pear Drop Silver & Crystal Bridal Necklace Row 4:   Snowflake Bookmark Favor;  Jeweled Monogram Cake Toppers;  Baroque Favor Stickers;  Snowflake Place Card Holder Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

A Yellow Wedding Color Palette Can be Bright & Elegant

If you're in the process of choosing a color scheme for your upcoming wedding, don't be afraid to "let the sun shine in" with a yellow wedding color palette.



Add one or more of the following colors and you'll have a color scheme that will be both impressive and memorable:



Sources:

Yellow Bridal Bouquet - Brides.com
Lela Rose Bridesmaid Dress in Buttercup
Yellow Floral Border Invitation
Yellow Dress Sandals - Prada
Men's Duchess Satin Tie in Buttercup
Yellow Modern Wedding Cake - bhg.com
Silk Rose Petals in Lemon
Hand Painted Calla Lily Cake Serving Set


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Fall Wedding Inspiration Board - Apple Green & Chocolate Brown Color Palette

If you're looking for a fresh fall wedding color scheme, you're sure to "fall" in love with the apple green and chocolate brown color palette.   These colors complement each other beautifully.    For added interest, add a third color to this gorgeous palette.  Resources below.


Credits:
1. Bridesmaid Dress - JCrew.com
2. Wedding Cake - Thisyounghouse.com
3. Personalized Napkins
4. Table Linens - N/A
5. Green Organic Favor Boxes
6. Topiary Place Card Holders
7. Bridal Bouquet - N/A
8. Ornamental Baroque Place Cards
9. Wedding Invitations


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The Spa Themed Bridal Shower

To look your best on your wedding day, it helps to get as many beauty treatments as you can.    What better way to chill with your girls and get pretty than to have a spa themed bridal shower?    Book a mobile masseur and/or aesthetician and indulge in spa treatments right at your bridal shower venue.     This is a perfect alternative for the modern bride who is looking for activities other than traditional shower games.

• Does your current day spa accommodate group treatments?     Some day spas will organize such an event and provide light refreshments.
  
  
• A less expensive alternative would be to book a hotel room for the event and have beauty professionals come to you.
  
  
• An even less expensive alternative would be to have the beauty professionals come to the home of the bridal shower hostess.     Just make sure there’s enough room for each guest to be serviced comfortably.   To save even more money, you and your guests can give each other facials (think back to your slumber party days).
  
  
• Find an invitation with a spa theme.     Include information to let guests know what’s expected of them.     If they are expected to pay for their beauty services and if they should bring a gift for the bride-to-be, let them know.   You may not expect them to bring a gift if they are paying for their own treatments.    Include all beauty services being offered and the prices (if applicable).
  
  
• If gifts will be presented to the bride, encourage spa-related gifts like a spa gift certificate, hair treatment products, facial cream, spa robe, etc.
  
  
• Send guests home with spa-related favors that will remind them of the event.     Here are more favors to consider.
  
  
  

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Wedding Giveaway Winners to Be Announced Soon

Each month, Things Festive will pamper three of our customers by presenting them with a SpaFinder gift certificate.  It's our way of saying "Thank You" and a way for these lovely brides to de-stress.

The first three winners will be announced soon.  Stay tuned.

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How to Create a Dessert Table for Your Wedding

Dessert tables are becoming more and more popular at weddings of every budget.   Creating a dessert buffet table for your wedding reception requires more than simply placing confections on a table.   To have maximum style and appeal, your dessert table should be well thought out.   Here are some ideas to inspire you to create a bountiful display:


Jessica Davis Photography

1. Choose beautiful table linens and interesting containers for an impressive display.   I absolutely love apothecary jars on dessert tables.   Select jars, cake stands, and other containers of varying heights for visual interest.
   
   
2. Provide small “goodie” bags so that wedding guests can take treats home.
   
   
3. Ensure that the appropriate serving utensils are in place for easy access to treats:   tongs, scoops, spatula, etc.
   
   
4. Coordinate the dessert table with the style and color theme of other wedding décor.
   
   
5. Arrange plates, forks, spoons, and napkins at one end of the table and place the desserts on the table in the order of your choice.
   
   
6. Scatter flower petals around serving dishes for an elegant touch.   The petals can also act as a filler for sparse areas on the table.
   
   
   Amy Atlas
   
   
7. Add a personal touch with personalized labels or tags on goodie bags.   Chocolate bars with personalized wrappers in your wedding colors will also make an impressive presentation.
   
   
8. By having a dessert table, you won’t need as large a wedding cake.   Also, many people don't like wedding cake and will appreciate an assortment of dessert items to choose from.   Ask your cake baker about providing desserts in addition to the wedding cake.   You may be able to obtain a discount for ordering multiple items.   If your budget is limited, ask culinary-skilled friends and family to present a favorite dessert.
   
   
9. Dessert tables keep guests entertained as they generally mingle while selecting goodies from the table.
   
   
10. Depending on your budget and wedding theme, here are some treats to consider:   petit fours, mini cheesecakes, fruit tarts, macaroons, pralines, mini pastries, cookies, cupcakes, candies, fresh fruit, truffles, jelly beans, taffy, caramel popcorn.
    
    

    David Monn

    
    
    
11. One of my favorite additions to a dessert table is a chocolate fountain.   Arrange dipping items (marshmallows, fruit, pretzels, cookies, graham crackers, etc.) and skewers on the table near the fountain.
    
    
12. You may also choose to offer treats that are appropriate for the season in which you marry. Example: candy corn, taffy apples for a fall wedding.
    
    
13. If your wedding will be culturally themed, offer a variety of desserts which represent your heritage.   You could also choose desserts based around a geographical theme:   Paris, Hawaii, etc.
    
    
14. Remember that there is no hard and fast rule regarding the type of sweets that will grace your dessert table.   Your table should represent you so be as creative and whimsical as you like.

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Something Borrowed...? Rent Bridal Jewelry For Your Wedding

Many new brides are renting their bridal jewelry instead of purchasing it thanks to online companies like Bag, Borrow or Steal.   This company offers elegant bridal jewelry made from genuine precious metals, diamonds and pearls.   You'll also find vintage pieces that add the perfect finishing touch to your wedding ensemble.

Bag Borrow or Steal is best known as a source for renting the latest designer handbags but they've expanded their offerings to include jewelry rental from premier designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co.   There are jewelry items priced as low as $5 for a week's rental.

The rental process is quite simple:   you select jewelry items from their online store.  They ship the jewelry to you a few days before your wedding.   After the wedding, you return the jewelry to them in packaging that they provide.  It doesn't get any easier!


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The Diamond Wedding Theme - Your Ring Isn't The Only Place for Bling!

If you're looking for a way to add glorious sparkle to your entire wedding, there's no better way than with a Diamond Wedding Theme.

1. Add sparkle to your bouquet by attaching rhinestone monograms to the bouquet wrap.
   
   
2. Depending on your taste, have your wedding cake decorated with either: fondant in diamond shapes, or a rhinestone or crystal encrusted cake topper. Ask your cake decorator for ideas.
   
   
3. Keep your wedding hair style simple and classic but do glam it up with a rhinestone accented veil or sparkly hair jewels.
   
   
4. For the epitome of style and elegance, combine a Diamond wedding theme with a Tiffany wedding theme.
   
   
5. If you'll don crystal-studded bridal shoes, select a gown length that won't hide your sparkly shoes!
   
   
6. To emphasize the brilliance of diamond table decorations, strategically place lighting (candles) near them.
   
   
7. Give wedding favors with a diamond theme.
   

The above diamond accessories are available at Things Festive. Item numbers are as follows: First row: 8715, 8437, 7008, 8769 Second row: 8440, 8716, 8321, 3037 Third row: 7149, 8533, 7009, 6160 Visit us at ThingsFestive.com

Return of the Butterfly Wedding Theme

A couple of decades ago, the butterfly wedding theme was all the rage.   Wiry, white, gauzy butterflies could be found on everything from bridal gowns to table decorations.   The trend in butterfly themed weddings faded for awhile but has re-emerged thanks largely to a new trend: weddings with a garden or tea party theme.   Think about it, what garden themed event would be complete without the delicate winged beauties?

Because couples have a greater variety of accessories to choose from, the new butterfly themed weddings are boasting much more color, sparkle and whimsy than in past years.

More butterfly wedding ideas





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Planning an African American Wedding

In Africa, a wedding is one of the most important and beloved rites of passage.   Since African brides are considered to be the link between the past (ancestors) and future (generations yet to be born), they are held in highest regard.  

Many African American couples choose to incorporate their heritage into their weddings.   Some opt for a traditional Yoruban ceremony complete with a priest while others choose to honor ancestors and their African homeland with a few cultural touches, blending African rituals with North American customs.

The first step in planning your African inspired wedding is to sit down with your fiance(e) and together decide on the type of wedding ceremony and reception you wish to have.   Decide which African rituals and customs you want to incorporate into the wedding ceremony (ideas below).   Also, decide if family and/or guests will participate in the ceremony rituals.

If you're not familiar with the elements of an African inspired wedding, consider consulting a wedding planner who is experienced in planning such weddings.

Celebrate your African American heritage and sense of humor with one of our whimsical wedding cake toppers.






Consider these ideas to set the tone of your African inspired wedding:

• Have your guests attend the wedding celebration in traditional African attire as they represent your "village".
  
  
• Order wedding invitations & stationery with an African theme.
  
  
• Honor parents, grandparents and other elders during the wedding ceremony with special readings, prayers, and/or libations.
  
  
• Incorporate African dishes into your wedding reception menu.   Find a caterer who can create African dishes tailored to your needs.
  
  
• Locate dancers and drummers in your local area who can add cultural rhythms and music to the celebration.   The African dancers can also come down the aisle just before the bride for a special entrance.
  
  
• Include the "jumping the broom" ritual at the end of the wedding ceremony.   This ritual dates back to when slaves were forbidden to marry and performed this ritual to symbolize their union.
  
  
• As rituals are performed during the ceremony, ask your clergyperson to explain to guests the significance of each activity.
  

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Are You Lucky in Love? Celebrate With a Las Vegas Themed Wedding

You gambled on love and it paid off.   Let your guests share in the luck with a Las Vegas wedding theme.   Whether you and your honey will dash off to Vegas to be married or choose to bring Vegas to you, we've got ideas for making your wedding celebration an exciting affair.



What type of Las Vegas themed wedding do you have in mind?   Will yours be an event that seems reserved for high-rolling VIP's?   If so, your decor and favors should reflect that.   Choose elegant table linens and centerpieces.   Serve cocktails in exquisite martini glasses.    The atmosphere should say "black tie".    Your attire and that of the bridal party should be classic and stylish.

If you want to re-create the feel of the Las Vegas strip, your decoration choices will be bolder and brighter.   Think "Welcome to Las Vegas" signs and neon lights.   Everything from table decorations to favors will be more playful in nature.    Serve drinks in personalized shot glasses (that can also double as take-home favors).

Music: Find songs that mention Las Vegas, luck, gambling, etc.    Some to get you started - "Luck Be a Lady" (Frank Sinatra),   "Viva Las Vegas" (Elvis Presley),  "The Gambler" (Kenny Rogers),   "Blackjack" (Ray Charles).

Color palette:   You can't go wrong with red, black, white, silver, or gold

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Stylish Wedding Car Decorations

With the many stylish wedding car decorations available these days, couples are no longer limited to having only pom poms as getaway car decor.   Pom poms are still available as an option but couples can also choose from stylish & personalized window clings, decorative forms, and license plates.   Couples who still prefer pom poms can use colorful personalized ribbon to create a streamer effect and enhance the pom poms for an updated look.




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Will You Use Wedding Bulletins? How to Use Wedding Bulletins

The wedding bulletin is a type of stationery that is traditionally created and presented to guests as they arrive for the wedding.   Typically included in the wedding bulletin is the names of those participating in the ceremony and an outline of the ceremony proceedings.

Couples also use the wedding bulletin to share special messages/poems, and to honor deceased family members who are present in their hearts.   It is quite easy to create your own wedding bulletins using your home computer and printer.   There are many pre-printed bulletin covers to choose from which will allow you to coordinate the bulletin with your overall wedding theme.

Whatever you decide to include in your wedding bulletins, they're sure to be a lasting memento of your wedding day to all in attendance.





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