Breathtaking Bridal Shoes

If you're looking for bridal shoes that look fabulous from behind, check out these to-die-for styles.   If you want your shoes to take center stage, it's best to select a simply styled bridal gown.

Burju

Aruna Seth

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Diamond and Pearl Wedding Theme with Vintage Flair

In this diamond and pearl wedding theme inspiration board, the graceful luminescence of pearls and brilliance of diamonds (crystals) come together to create a wedding theme with vintage flair.   Resources below.



Row 1:   Candles & Votive Holders;   Swarovski Crystal Toasting Flutes;  Magnolia and Pearl Ring Pillow;  Vintage Gold Bridal Gown

Row 2:    Pearl & Crystal Necklace;   Pearl Flower Bracelet by Carolee;   Ivory Pearl Wedding Cake;   Pearl & Antique Gold Tiara

Row 3:    Sparkle on Pearl Invitation;    Pearl Sweetheart Table;   Pearl Wedding Wreath;   Beaded Bridal Purse


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Tropical Wedding Theme in Hot Pink & Orange

I just received the most adorable birthday party invitation.    Its vibrant colors of hot pink and orange are reflected in the following inspiration board.    This color palette would be ideal for a tropical wedding theme.



Row 1:     Vibrant Orange Aisle Runner & Petals;    Mini Wooden Clips with Tropical Flair;     Table Setting

Row 2:     Funky Felt Purse/Flower Girl Bag;    Bridal Bouquet;    Silk Organza Ring Pillow

Row 3:     Wedding Cake;     Orange Berries Border Invitation;     Funky Felt Favor Bags


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Creative Bridal Bouquet - Winged Beauties

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been in a rather festive fall mood (even though there are around eight weeks of summer left!).    When I saw this breathtaking butterfly bridal bouquet, it made me fast forward to Spring and brought to mind visions of a charming garden wedding.



Butterfly Bridal Bouquet;   Bridesmaid Dresses;   Groomsman Boutonnière & Tie;   Dessert Table

Hand Painted Butterflies;   Gerbera Daisy Bulletins

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Fall Wedding Favors Ideas - Bountiful & Beautiful

Looking for festive fall wedding favors to show your appreciation to guests for sharing your wedding day? Here's a bounty of fall wedding favor ideas that your guests are sure to remember.   Some are so beautiful, they could double as decorations.  Resources below.



Row 1:   Fall Coaster Favors;   Fall in Love Favor Tag;  Fall Leaf Favor Candles;  Gold Favor Boxes

Row 2:    Fall Favor Cards;    Perfect Pair Salt & Pepper Shaker Favors;   Perfect Pair Favor Stickers;   Fall Leaf Wine/Bottle Stopper

Row 3:    Perfect Pair Soap Favors;   Fall in Love Soap Favors;   Autumn Elegance Favor Boxes;   Oak Leaf Wine/Bottle Stopper

Row 4:    Fall Leaf Bookmark Favor;   Gold Chair Favor Boxes;   Fall Leaf Coaster Favors;   Fall Leaf Cookie Cutter Favor


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May Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced!

Congratulations to our May 2009 SpaFinder Giveaway Winners.   Here's how they plan to use their gift certificates:

• $150 certificate - Sandra K. of Miami, FL
  "I'll get some treatment to help me relax."
  
  
• $100 certificate - Charisse D. of Bridgeville, PA
  "I'll have highlights put in my hair for a glow."
  
  
• $50 certificate - Kimberly D. of Cherry Hill, NM
  "I'm having a Caribbean therapy pedicure."

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" for shopping with us.

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My Style Wedding Planning Software - Stress Free Wedding Planning

Wedding planning software doesn't get any better than My Style's software.   Using the wedding planning DVD, you can input every facet of your wedding into your computer and see it come to life with realistic scenes of photo quality (see examples below).

This 3-D, interactive wedding planning software helps you to manage your guest list and seating arrangements, track vendor responsibilities, and plan your budget down to the penny.   As you update your plans, you can even share your ideas and get feedback from those who are helping you plan for the wedding, even if they live far away!

Check out the 5-minute demonstration to see how this software can help you to relax and enjoy the process of planning your wedding.



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Wedding First Dance Song Ideas

If you're looking for a first dance song for your wedding reception that hasn't been done to death, you'll love this first dance song chart created by Daily Candy Weddings.   They've even gone as far as to give examples of the personality types that the songs would likely appeal to.   For example, if you're an Emo Diva type (John Legend) and you're marrying an Upbeat Hippie type (Drew Barrymore), the recommended first dance song for you is Natural Woman by Carole King.   Check it out.

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Creative Fruit Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Create wedding centerpieces with high visual impact by using fresh fruit instead of flowers or by incorporating fresh fruit into floral centerpieces.   You'll save a great deal of money as fruit typically costs much less than fresh flowers.

Spring/Summer:  Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Peaches, Strawberries
Fall:  Apples, Pomegranates, Pears, Mini Pumpkins, Gourds
Winter:  Pomegranates, Cranberries



Row 1:    Lemon Centerpiece with Monogram Cling;   Gourds & Fruit;   Green Apple Centerpiece

Row 2:    Cranberries & Candle Centerpiece;    Red & Green Apples Centerpiece;   Oranges Centerpiece

Row 3:    Peaches, Apricots, Cherries, Centerpiece;    Lemons & Orange Centerpiece;   Strawberries in Cupcake Tower Centerpiece

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Best Ways to Save Money on Your Dream Wedding Dress

Are you trying to find an amazing wedding dress on a budget?   Here are the top 10 ways to find the dress of your dreams without breaking your wedding budget:

1. Visit The Bridal Garden in New York:   The Bridal Garden is a nonprofit resale bridal boutique benefiting children's charities.   They feature donated (through designers and bridal shops) couture, designer dresses at 30% to 75% off.   Be sure to schedule an appointment before travelling to New York.   Because the selection varies from day to day, it's a good idea to visit the shop if you're already planning to visit New York.
   
   
2. Support Brides Against Breast Cancer:   On their web site, you’ll find ideas for having a Pink Envelope Bridal Shower (or reception) and the dates of their Nationwide Tour of Gowns.   At the gown events, brides can buy designer bridal gowns at huge discounts.   Most gown prices range from $99 to $799, including hundreds of beautiful new designer gowns valued up to $8,000.   Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at an incredible 25% to 75% savings.   Over half of these gowns are donated by the designers.   The proceeds from gown sales are used to grant the wishes of terminally ill cancer patients.
   
   
3. Buy a pre-owned wedding dress:    Online sites such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and Wore It Once connect buyers and sellers of used wedding dresses.   Before purchasing, make sure you have viewed photos of the actual dress you'll be purchasing and that the photos show all sides of the dress.
   
   
4. Plan to sell your wedding dress after the Big Day:   Many brides have begun to sell their wedding gowns after the wedding day.   Visit sites like those mentioned in Item #3 or auction sites to arrange the sell of your wedding dress and recoup some of the original cost.
   
   
5. Search on auction sites for wedding dresses.
   
   
6. Have a copycat made:    If your budget doesn't allow for an original couture wedding dress, show a photo to a skilled seamstress to see if the dress can be replicated.
   
   
7. Wear a family heirloom dress:   If a female relative has a wedding dress that you've admired, ask if you can wear it.    The relative may be okay with you adding embellishments to make it truly special.
   
   
8. Check out sample sales:   While you're in New York visiting The Bridal Garden, check out Kleinfeld Bridal, a leading bridal shop.    Kleinfeld's regularly holds sample sales.    Ask bridal shops in your local area if they hold sample sales.    Ask to be added to their mailing list.
   
   
9. Buy your wedding dress online:    Online stores such as Macy's, Nordstrom, J. Crew and Dillard's sell gorgeous wedding dresses often for less than $300.
   
   
10. Buy a non-wedding gown:   Look for a beautiful white or off-white formal gown that isn't labelled as a wedding dress.   Check out non-bridal formal dress shops.

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Guide to Wedding Stationery - Which Stationery Items Will You Need?

As you're planning your wedding and determining your budget, you're likely wondering if you'll need every traditional wedding stationery item.    Read the following guide to determine which stationery items are must-haves for your particular wedding and which you can live without.

Save-the-Dates
Purpose:   Save-the-dates are typically sent six to nine months prior to your wedding date.   They precede the wedding invitation and are used to give guests ample notice of your impending wedding, especially if you're marrying close to a holiday.

If you're expecting a lot of out-of-town guests or planning a destination wedding, save-the-dates are a good idea.   Otherwise, the wedding invitation sent two months in advance should suffice as ample notice.    Modern brides sometimes opt to email save-the-date notices.

Invitation Ensemble
Purpose:   Invitations provide guests with the date, time and location of your wedding ceremony and reception.    They also solicit RSVP's so that you can keep track of who'll be attending.

The invitation ensemble should include (at a minimum) invitations and response cards.    You can scale back and save on postage by leaving out the unsealed inner envelope and reception card (unless the reception is in a different location than the ceremony).   If the tissue paper piece is made of recycled paper, then I say go for it.    It adds an elegant touch and is so lightweight that it shouldn't affect postage.   Because not everyone is email savvy, I don't recommend emailing invitations.

Programs
Purpose:  The wedding program/bulletin is traditionally created and presented to guests as they arrive for the wedding.    Typically included in the wedding program is the names of those participating in the ceremony and an outline of the ceremony proceedings.

Couples also use the program to share special messages/poems, and to honor deceased family members.   It's also a perfect place to thank all of your guests for coming.    If your ceremony will include cultural traditions that guests may not be familiar with, the program is the perfect place to explain those traditions so that guests feel a part of the celebration.

If your reception is in a different location than the ceremony, use the inside back cover of the program to give directions or provide a map of the route.

Escort Cards
Purpose:  Escort cards are a must for functions with assigned seating.   They're typically placed in a location for guests to pick up as they enter the reception (usually at your guest book signing table or see the display ideas below).   Each card lists a guest's name and lets them know which table they're assigned to sit at for dinner.



Row 1:   Pink Cards;  White Cards

Row 2:   Purple Cards;  Cards in Grass

Place Cards
Purpose:  To mark guests' seats.   The decision to use place cards is a personal one; the escort cards will direct guests to their seats.

If you're having a smaller wedding, it may be best to use place cards in lieu of escort cards.   Because there'll be fewer tables, it'll be easy for guests to find their seats if place cards are used.

Menu Cards
Purpose:  Menu cards let guests know what they're about to eat and what choices they may have.

If you're having a buffet, you could forego menu cards and simply post signs to describe each dish.   For a seated dinner, if guests can't choose their entrees you need to assess whether the menu card is necessary.    To save money, display one large framed menu in the center of each table.

Favor Tags
Purpose:  Favor tags/cards provide a way to personalize your favors and add to your decorating scheme.   They also let guests know that they are to take one of the favors home and offer a final thank-you before they go.

Favor tags can also come in handy if you'll give separate favors for males and females or if the favors are part of a table centerpiece.

Thank-You Cards
Purpose:  To thank guests for attending your wedding and/or for gifts received.

It is absolutely bad form to not send a personal thank-you note for each bridal shower, engagement and wedding gift received.    Even if guests didn't bring a gift, you should send thank-you notes to thank them for celebrating your special day with you (the signed guest book will help with this).   To stay on top of writing all of the thank-you cards, start filling them out as soon as you receive wedding gifts (for guests unable to attend).   Mail them no later than three weeks after receiving pre-wedding gifts and two months after returning from your honeymoon.

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Western Theme Wedding Ideas - Rounding Up Romance

Wrangle up some romance and fun at your Western Theme Wedding with these inspiring images and products.    A Western wedding theme is perfect for the laid-back, no-fuss couple.    The ideal venues for this type of wedding are a large backyard, barn, cabin, ranch, grassy field, or replica of an Old West town.

Since Western weddings tend to lean on the casual side, plan to serve up heaping helpings of barbecued burgers, chicken and ribs.   You can't go wrong with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans and coleslaw as sides.   This isn't the time for fancy plates and cutlery; break out the paper and plastic (ideally opting for eco-friendly versions).

Quench guests' thirsts with iced tea, lemonade, beer and Country and Western Cocktails:

Country and Western Cocktail

5 oz dark rum
4 oz pineapple juice
4 oz orange juice
4 oz coconut cream

Makes 4 servings. Pour all ingredients into a blender. Add 2 cups of crushed ice, and blend well.

Sweet treats besides the wedding cake? Go with rich, southern-inspired pecan pie, and cobblers.

More western wedding theme ideas



Row 1:   Mini Cowboy Hats;   Bride & Groom Cowboy Hats;   Western Boot Shaped Glasses;  Horseshoe Decoration

Row 2:    Western Favor/Place Cards;    Western Boots Magnet Favors;   Western Lasso Cake Topper ;   Western Wedding Bulletins

Row 3:    Western Wedding Accessories;   Cow Candles in Barn Gift Box;   Western Bridal Couple;   Western Save-the-Dates

Row 4:    Western Wedding Ring;   Western Wedding Boots;   Western Wedding Cake Topper (photo found here;   Western Decorations

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Pink and Brown Wedding Theme - Chocolate & Strawberry Cream

If your wedding dreams include visions of chocolate and strawberry cream, use this inspiration board to create a deliciously sweet Pink and Brown wedding color palette.



Row 1:   Brown Flowers Wedding Save-the-Dates;   Favor Boxes;   Pink & Brown Wedding Cake;  Chocolate & Strawberry Cream Accessories

Row 2:    Cherry Blossom Pillar Candles;    "Bridesmaid" Tote;   Pink & Brown Damask Wedding Postage Stamp ;   Bridesmaid Dresses

Row 3:    Pink Rose & Brown Poppy Bridesmaid Bouquets;   Wedding Favors;   Bridal Garter Set;   Camera & Camera Table Sign

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Red & White Valentine's Day Wedding Inspiration Board

I enjoyed creating the pink Valentine's Day inspiration board so much that I had to create one in the traditional Valentine's Day colors. This Red & White themed inspiration board features details that are sure to carry romance throughout your entire wedding day.   Resources below.



Row 1:   Groom & Groomsmen Tie (photo courtesy of Snippet & Ink);   Valentine's Day Heart Cupcakes;   Chilled-Tomato Soup with Crème Fraiche Hearts;  Valentine's Day Wedding Cake

Row 2:    Glass Heart Vases;    Bridal Party in Red & White;   Just Married Sign;   Heart Key Rings Attendant Gift

Row 3:    Heart-Shaped Measuring Spoon Favors;   Double Hearts Save-the-Dates;   Flower of Love Toasting Flutes;   Red and White Wedding Tent

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Pink Valentine's Day Wedding Inspiration Board

Planning a Valentine's Day wedding?   Then you must be a couple of true romantics.    Let the following wedding details inspire you to bring the romance of your love story to life.   Resources below.



Row 1:   Endless Heart Invitation;   Centerpiece with Conversation Hearts;   Valentine's Day Petit Fours;  Stylized Heart Cake Topper

Row 2:    Interlocking Heart Stems Flutes;    Centerpiece with Heart Candle Holders;   Table Seating Heart Frames;   Heart Favor Tins

Row 3:    Bridesmaid Bouquets;   Heart Shaped Stickers;   Wedding Cake;   Swarovski Crystal Bridesmaid Gift Set

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Fall Wedding Inspiration Board - Autumn Leaves

With the Fall season fast approaching (not fast enough; I LOVE Fall), I thought I'd share two inspiration boards with a Fall Wedding theme.   Nat King Cole's Autumn Leaves is the inspiration for these boards as the song makes me think of oak leaves, the classic Fall symbol.  Resources below.



Row 1:   Alfred Angelo Bridesmaid Dresses;   Fall Themed Wedding Cake;   “Autumn Elegance” Favor Boxes

Row 2:    Bronze Bridal Shoes;    Chocolate Brown Groomsmen Suits;   Autumn Splendor Toasting Flutes & Cake Serving Set

Row 3:    Oak Wedding Invitations;   Fall Floral Centerpiece;   Leaf Place Card Holders



Row 1:   Fall Leaf Candles;   Fall Themed Wedding Cake;   Oak Leaf Wreath

Row 2:    Brown Satin Bridal Shoes;    Flower Girl Dresses;   "Rustle" Wedding Invitations

Row 3:    Fall Themed Table Setting;   Fall Leaf Sticker;   Fall Veneer Place Cards

Row 4:    Autumn Splendor Guest Book;   Badgley Mischka Floral Dress
;   Fall Leaves Handkerchief

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Mexican Themed Wedding Menu

If you're planning a Mexican Themed Wedding, here's a tantalizing dinner menu that's sure to satisfy.   The menu is inspired by the open house of Don Coqui restaurant in New York.
Mexican Themed Wedding Menu

Empanadas with Shrimp, Beef, Chicken & Vegetables
Roast Pork on Crispy Yuca
Crispy Plaintains with Shrimp, Steak, Pork & Baccalao
Crispy Calamari
Crispy Marinated Chicken
Pernil with Black Bean Rice
Seafood Paella
Assorted Flans
Tostones with Assorted Toppings
Mexican Wedding Cookies

Image showing Mexican wedding flags courtesy of Big Sur Wedding

Check out these cake toppers for your Mexican Themed Wedding

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Selecting the Perfect Wedding Color Palette - Great Resource

If you're looking for a great resource for selecting the perfect wedding color palette, visit COLOURlovers™.

COLOURlovers™ is a resource that monitors and influences color trends.   COLOURlovers gives the people who use color - whether for ad campaigns, product design, or in architectural specification - a place to check out a world of color and compare color palettes.

On their website, you'll find hundreds of beautiful palettes and patterns, color ideas and inspirations for creating the ideal wedding color scheme.



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The Golf Themed Wedding – All Fore Love Ideas

Personalize your wedding day by incorporating your love of golf into your wedding theme.   With picturesque landscaping and views, a golf course provides a beautiful natural setting and requires minimal additional decor.   A country club or golf clubhouse would be ideal for the reception.



Row 1:   Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Buenaventura Golf Course;   Golf Fanatic Wedding Cake Topper;   Golf Themed Wedding Cake

Row 2:    Golf Ball Tea Light & Golf Club-Shaped Place Cards;    Golf Themed BBQ Tool Groomsmen Gift;   Golf Ball Bottle Stopper Favors w/Flag Place Cards

Row 3:    Personalized Golf Ball Bag Groomsmen Gift;   Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club;   Golf Themed Thank-You Notes

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Eco-Friendly Winter Wedding Favors

These eco-friendly winter wedding favors symbolize love growing and becoming stronger with time.   Dress with ribbon, fabric wrap and packaging in your wedding colors for a cohesive decorating scheme.


Clockwise from left:   Norway Spruce Seedling Favors by Martha Stewart Weddings;   Tree Seedling in Tubes Wedding Favors by Plant A Memory;   Double Ribbon Tree Seedling by Evergreen Memories;   Burlap Tree Favors by Green World Project

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Floral Wedding Favors as Centerpieces

I love it when you can have a component of your wedding serve double-duty.   It's smart, it's cost effective, and efficient.   Instead of using a singular centerpiece on each of your wedding reception tables, why not use floral wedding favors as centerpieces?   After the reception, each guest can take home a floral reminder of your wedding day and there'll be no stand-offs for the centerpieces.


Row 1:  Mini Flower Pots, Flower Cone Favors, Contemporary Wire Vases

Row 2:  Asian Pink Brocade Boxes, Botanical Garden Votive Candle Holders, Garden to Go

Row 3:  Flower Favor Boxes, Potted Orchids, Potted Herb Centerpieces

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Wedding Reception Cocktail Hour Ideas

The cocktail hour traditionally occurs between the wedding ceremony and the reception.   It's the perfect way for guests to be entertained while the bridal party is being photographed after the ceremony.    Guests are able to mingle and catch up with each other.    The tips below will help you to create a memorable pre-reception event:


Row 1: Personalized Drink Tickets, Personalized Wedding Beverage Napkins, Mini Martini Glasses
Row 2: Ring of Crystals Martini Glasses, Cocktail Crystal Wine Stopper Favors, Bride & Groom Stir Sticks/Picks
Row 3: Flared Shot Glasses,Personalized Wine Bottle Labels, Dove Food Picks

• Theme - Incorporate your wedding colors and theme into the cocktail hour space including the bar area.   If yours is a winter wedding, use holiday decorations or serve eggnog.   A Victorian-themed wedding could feature antique candelabras.
  
  
• Seating - Seating at a cocktail hour is typically less formal than the dinner portion of your reception.   A combination of bistro tables where guests can stand, and some tables with chairs (for older guests), should suffice.    You could also create a stylish lounge area with banquettes and other furniture.   In most cases, this seating is provided by the venue.
  
  
• Music - Depending on your wedding theme, the music can be elegantly provided by a harpist, or upbeat and fun provided by a deejay.
  
  
• Food & Drink - The fare served at cocktail hours typically includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeuvres (which can include everything from fruit, cheeses, crackers, vegetables, spring rolls, crab cakes, etc.   Depending on budget, the hors d'oeuvres can be waitstaff-served or served buffet style.   The beverages may also be waitstaff-served (offering guests a choice of two or three drinks) or served from a host bar. To keep the cost of your cocktail hour under control, provide each guest with a certain number of drink tickets as they enter the cocktail hour space.
  
  
• Make it Work - Choose food and drink selections that complement each other.    After choosing your menu for the cocktail hour, select beverages that will complement menu selections.    If you'll serve Mexican food then flavored margaritas, pina coladas and sangria are obvious choices.
  
  
• Timing - Though cocktail hours are most often held before the reception, some couples choose to end their weddings with the cocktail hour and offer dessert wines, and other after-dinner drinks.
  
  
• Personalize it - Create a tasting bar featuring the wedding couple's favorite drinks (served as mini cocktails in shooters).   You could also create a signature cocktail or offer the wedding couple's favorite drinks as one of the drink choices for the evening.   Use personalized beverage napkins in your wedding colors for an added personal touch.

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Low Cost Wedding Invitation Calligraphy

Do you love the look of hand calligraphy-addressed wedding invitation envelopes?    Are you looking for low cost wedding invitation calligraphy services?  Look no further than your home printer.  

Calligrapher Crystal Kluge of Tart Workshop has created the Nelly font family (shown below) which is a perfect choice for invitations and announcements, especially those of the romantic nature.    Simply visit My Fonts, download the Nelly font of your choice and voila!   You can then print your own "hand-calligraphied" invitation envelopes.



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I Heart This Black and White Flower Girl Dress

Perfect for a black and white wedding theme, this flower girl dress is adorable from all angles, especially the back with the tiny bows from the waist all the way to the hem.

Wedding colors not black and white?   This dress is available in dozens of fabric colors to match your wedding colors perfectly.   It's offered in tea length or floor length with a gathered pleat waistline.   Skirt is covered in a double layer tulle and studded with accent ribbons down the back.    Free fabric samples are available and ship for free.   Available at Shelly George



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Choosing a Hall for Your Wedding Reception

To find the ideal location for your wedding reception, consider the following tips:

• Private clubs, restaurants or hotels, which provide complete service and facilities many times can be less expensive, and relieve you of the burdens of coordinating the wedding reception.
  
  
• Make sure you see the actual room or location where the reception will take place.
  
  
• Have the room name, or description, written on your contract to avoid any confusion later.
  
  
• Disadvantages with private clubs, restaurants or hotels are that you must conform to their time schedule, and many times, to pre-established menus which allow little or no flexibility.
  
  
• Private homes or gardens can offer more flexibility with regard to personal desires and time schedules.   However, the burden of coordinating is on you, and may require the assistance of a wedding coordinator.
  
  
• Interview a few caterers and reception location managers; compare the cost and what each will provide before making your final decision.
  
  
• When comparing cost of different locations, don't forget to add in the cost of rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, glasses, plates, silver and serving dishes, if you are considering a location that doesn't provide these items.

Courtesy of Beverly Clark Enterprises

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Destination Wedding Ideas - Destination Love

Destination weddings (also called "weddingmoons" because they combine the wedding, reception and honeymoon together in one location) are becoming increasingly popular.   Couples are turning to this alternative to avoid the challenges and expense of planning a memorable wedding close to home.   They feel that the destination wedding allows for a truly unique experience.

Destination weddings are generally held at a desirable location such as an exotic destination or the hometown of the couple.   The guest list is typically less than 40 people and a few days of activities are planned for all guests.   A smaller guest list allows the couple to vacation and spend more quality time with their guests.   See ideas below:



Row 1:  Beach Favor Bags, Destination Love Favor Cards, Beach Cake Topper, Destination Wedding Favor Card
Row 2:   Cruise Themed Magnet Favor, Miniature Travel Suitcase Container, Miniature Travel Trolley, Honeymoon Beach Attire
Row 3:  Shell Place Card Holders, Heart Unity Sand Ceremony Set, Orchid "Just Married" Flip Flops, Seaside Allure Garter Set
Row 4:  Palm Tree Favor Boxes, Destination Love Cruise Ship Luggage Tag, Flip Flop Placecard Holders, Sea Shell Spreader Favors

• Consider hiring a wedding/event planning service based in your destination wedding location.   This is especially handy when considering differences in time zones and possible language barriers.   Companies such as Parisian Events will handle all details of your wedding.
  
  
• Save-the-dates should be sent from 6 to 12 months in advance to allow guests time to plan and budget for attending the destination wedding.
  
  
• Enclose an itinerary with your wedding invitations so that guests will know what to expect.
  
  
• Destination wedding guests are typically expected to pay for their airfare and hotel.   You can help with the cost by negotiating group rates with hotels and airlines.    Make reservations as early as possible as group rates are often based on availability.
  
  
• Keep guests informed of travel and accomodation options (including prices) and any changes to the itinerary by creating a wedding website.    Send an email to guests each time you make changes to the website.
  
  
• Because the guest list of destination weddings is generally shorter, consider having a small reception once you return home.   This will give you the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends who were not able to attend your destination wedding.    Choose a decorating scheme that focuses on the location of your destination wedding.    Have wedding photos or a DVD of the ceremony/reception available.
  

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Chinese Wedding Ideas - Asian Weddings

Want to incorporate your Chinese heritage into your wedding day but aren't sure where to start?

The first step in planning your Chinese 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 Chinese customs you want to incorporate into the wedding ceremony (ideas below).



Row 1:   Wedding Bulletins, Chinese Buttons, Place Card Holders
Row 2:   Asian Take-out Favor Boxes, Love Chopsticks, Asian Brocade Place Card Holders
Row 3:   Asian Brocade Boxes, Asian Spoons, Asian Double Happiness Cake Topper
Row 4:   Double Happiness Bottle Stopper, Double Happiness Candles, Double Happiness Favor Boxes

• After determining your guest list, pick a wedding date.   It's customary for a Chinese couple to consult a fortune-teller or feng shui expert to select a wedding date.   Using the Chinese calendar, the date best suited for the couple is based on their birth dates and Chinese zodiac signs.
  
  
• Color scheme: Will you have an all-out Chinese affair or will you infuse a few cultural details?    If your wedding celebration will be rich in culture, the traditional Chinese wedding colors (red for happiness; gold for wealth) are a beautiful color combination.   You could also select either red or gold and create a monochromatic scheme using varying shades of either color.
  
  
• If you will have both Chinese- and English-speaking guests, have your invitations printed in both languages.    Search the Internet for stationers who offer bilingual invitations.
  
  
• Honor parents, grandparents and other elders during the wedding ceremony with special readings, prayers, and/or a unity candle ceremony.
  
  
• As cultural activities are performed during the ceremony, ask your officiant to explain to guests the significance of each activity.
  
  
• Menu -   A variety of meats are traditionally served at Chinese weddings:   Peking duck and lobster are good choices as they symbolize joy and celebration.    Shark fin soup indicates wealth.    Add sea cucumbers to your salad as they're considered to be a good wish for the couple to help avoid conflict.   Before or after the wedding cake is served, a customary treat to serve is steamed sticky buns shaped and colored to resemble peaches.   The sweetness of the bread symbolizes the wish for the couple to have a sweet life while the peach shape symbolizes fertility.
  
  
• Decorations - Paper lanterns, rice-paper parasols, and chopsticks can give your wedding reception instant cultural appeal.   Use place card holders in the shape of fortune cookies.
  
  
• Have a musician play traditional Chinese music on a mandolin as guests are being seated, as background music between readings, or during the unity candle ceremony.

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The 4th of July Wedding Theme - Whimsical or Sophisticated

When I see a 4th of July wedding date, I always wonder if the bridal couple plan to incorporate the colors of the "stars and stripes" into the wedding.   As shown below, a 4th of July wedding theme can be either whimsical (first row) or sophisticated (2nd and 3rd rows).



Row 1:   Wedding Cake by Dianas Dream Cakes;   Wedding Favor Cards;   Gumball Machine Favors

Row 2:   Wedding Cake by Carries Cakes;   Flower of Love Wedding Ring Pillow;   Red Blossoms Wedding Invitations

Row 3:   Bridal Bouquet courtesy of The Knot;   Red, White & Blue Parfaits from Martha Stewart;  "Eloise" Red Trimmed Bridal Gown by Berketex Bride

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Wedding Memorial Accessories - Special Ways to Honor Loved Ones

Weddings are one of the occasions that summon thoughts of loved ones who have passed away and are unable to participate in the celebration. Here are some ideas for paying tribute to your loved ones who are present in your heart:

• Light a candle during the wedding ceremony and observe a moment of silence.
  
  
• If you'll have a wedding program, acknowledge your loved one in a special section of the program. You could also have someone read the tribute during the ceremony.
  
  
  
  
• Using small lightweight/paper photo frames and ribbon, attach a photo of loved ones to your bridal bouquet. Have your photographer get some close-ups of your bouquet.
  
  
• A single flower stem in a vase can be used to commemorate your loved one.

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I Heart Birdcage Wedding Veils - So Vintage Glam!

Nothing says vintage glamour like birdcage wedding veils.   They're the utmost in elegance and sophistication.   Birdcage veils can also be somewhat cutting edge and fashion forward as evidenced by the first two veils below.



Row 1:   All veils available at Unveiled Bridal Designs

Row 2:   All veils available at Tigerlilly

See more birdcage veils

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