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Wedding articles
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Outdoor Weddings - Alice In Wonderland Wedding
Theme
Author: Denise Sanger
August 4 2008
Are you a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland?
Then this is thewedding theme for you!
The invitation you receive has a small round circle
on the back,it's of dark blue and has white printed on it, the words
ofcourse say "Open Me" in nice readable script. Who wouldn't
opensuch a delightful little message that's addressed to you? Whenyou
open the envelope a very fun, colorful invitation isrevealed. The
wedding invitation is of blues, yellows, greensand pinks, all together
in gentle, whimsical pastels.
By thesounds of it, you have been invited to wedding
and tea, so wear your best attire with a splash of color. The wedding
date has arrive, it's an outdoor wedding on a nicespring day, being
held outside in the garden with vast amountsof flowers, lush green
grass, and water fountains. You followthe signs that say "This
Way" and "That Way" to the area thatthe wedding is
being held. As you arrive you notice green, blue,pink, and yellow
paper lanterns. The seats are basic, withlittle signs saying "Sit
Here" or "Sit on Me" hanging off fromthe side.
This is surely a curious wedding! Everything has an
opinion on what it wants you to do. Playing cards are spread everywhere,
at random and even someextra flowers from the garden that Alice
stumbles upon. A littlegirl dressed in a light blue dress, with
a little white sasharound her middle and a headband skips down the
aisle, droppingflowers with every skip. Before she is fully down
the aisle, thebridesmaids and groomsmen start to walk down the aisle
ascouples. The dresses of the bridesmaids are the same gentlepastel
colors as the invitation, except for one who must havebeen the Maid
of Honor, the men in tux with ties that match the bridesmaid they
are walking with. One of the groomsmen, the bestman, appears to
have a rather large hat- a formal Mad Hatter.
Finally the bride walks down the aisle, she's stunning
in afairytale dress with her hair done with flowers. The groom iswearing
a stunning tailed tux, white button up shirt with a darkred vest,
and a black tie as he waits for his bride to arrive.They are certainly
the King and Queen of hearts, since the bridehas a bunch of dark
red roses and the groom has a single redrose pinned to his coat.
As the wedding ceremony ends, the party is just starting.
You,and the rest of the guests, are ushered to a different
part of the garden where there are tents and dance floors set up.
A bandis already playing on a mini-stage. The place is covered withlittle
colorful lanterns and vases spilling with flowers. On thetables,
which are covered by different colors following the samepattern
as before, are Las Vegas Wedding Poker Place CardHolders with a
name on each one. Two of a Kind Playing CardFavors are also on the
tables, along with tea cups that say"Drink Me" on a card
and a bunch of cupcakes and cookies thatsay "Eat Me" on
the platter.
As the guests eat and drink, theynotice Seed Wedding
Favors 'Love Grows' under their cups- alovely addition for the garden
wedding and the perfect partyfavor. This is one tea party that the
real Mad Hatter will want to goto! Everyone enjoys the games, food,
drinks, and music until thenight comes up- and even then those lovely
colored paperlanterns extend the party away. Surely, this wedding
is one thatyou will never forget and for Alice in Wonderland fans,
awedding theme your guests will long remember.
About the author:Denise Sanger is the owner of several
wedding websites including Buy
Wedding Favors Online features a large selection of wedding
party favors including unique wedding favors and decorations for
any wedding theme.
How To Plan
A Theme Wedding
Rene Fletcher
How To Plan A Theme Wedding
Creating a theme wedding is one of the hottest
trends around
right now. Incorporating a design or monogram throughout your
wedding day can add special flair and personality to an event. A
theme is such a unique way for the bride and groom to express
their creative sides to everyone attending their wedding. The
most important thing is that you choose something that
meaningful to you and your fiance'.
Choosing A Theme
Thinking about the exact feel for your wedding
day can be a
great place to start when deciding on a theme. What feeling do
you want your guests to experience? Is your event formal or
informal? What interests you? These are some of the questions
you can ask yourself when trying to determine your theme.
A monogram, which usually intertwines the
bride and grooms
initials, can be fun and easily incorporated to the wedding.
Monograms are adaptable to everything because depending on which
font you use, it can give the feel you are going for, from
formal to casual.
If a monogram may not be what you are looking
for, think about
your hobbies, interests, favorite cities, sports teams or
symbols. A vine of grapes can be a beautiful accent to certain
wedding items. For a French flair, a fleur-de-lis can be used
for a symbolic theme. Love the RedSox? Then use that as the
accent of your day. You can also look on the internet to get
ideas from other brides.
Using Your Theme
The thing that truely sets the tone of the
wedding usually
begins with the wedding invitation. This is where you can begin
using your theme. A watermark of your design can be used as a
background for your inviation or you can have the theme running
along the top or side of your invite. Get creative because this
is a great place to start.
Other areas to use your theme are the ceremony
and reception.
From the aisle runner, to the unity candle, to your bouquet,
this can be added in a suble way. At the reception, the cake
table, bridesmaids attire, and decorations are other ideas to
utilize the theme you have chosen.
You can also incorporate more than one theme.
A monogram can be
used in conjunction with a design or symbol. This leaves room
for diversity and not tying yourself down to just one thing.
Have fun when choosing and using your theme.
It's the one and
only day where you truly get to show off your creativity.
About the author:
Rene Fletcher is the President of Sales & Marketing for
http://www.fleurdelisfashions.com as well as the sites
webmaster. She was also a recent bride who planned and organized
her entire 500 guest wedding herself.
Writing And
Delivering A WeTitle: Writing And Delivering A Wedding Speech
Author: Kathleen Terrana
In order to write a perfect wedding speech, it's a good idea to
make notes about experiences you enjoyed with the bride, groom
or both. Talk to brothers, sisters and friends to gather
humorous or tender anecdotes to share with the guests. Speak
from the heart, and keep your speech less then 5 minutes. Run
the speech by a family member or friend and avoid crude or
offensive material.
Traditionally, the bride's father is the
first to make a speech.
He will want to welcome the guests, thank them for coming to
celebrate the wedding of his daughter, tell them about his love
for her, tell them about his respect for his new son-in-law, and
make a toast to the bride and groom. His speech is usually
followed by the speech of the groom's father, the groom, and the
best man. The best man is the official spokesman for the bridal
party and will thank the bride and groom on behalf of the
bridesmaids and groomsmen. He will talk about the groom's life,
including tasteful jokes and anecdotes about his boyhood or
college. He might mention that the bride and groom met on a
blind date or have known each other all their lives. He will
propose a toast to the newlyweds and read any telegrams or cards
from people unable to attend.
These days, couples are making their own
traditions about
wedding speeches. They may choose to have all four (or more)
parents make a speech. Even the bride and bridesmaids are
getting in on the act. The bride and groom can decide the order
in which speakers deliver their speeches. The best advice is the
keep the guests entertained by being thoughtful, stimulating,
and making the speech "short and sweet."
About the author:
Kathleen Terrana is the owner of
<href=http://www.beautiful-bridal.com>Beautiful Bridal</a>
specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid
jewelry. Visit our site for additional tips, advice and
information.
A Picture Perfect
Wedding
Author: Low Jeremy
Weddings are definitely one of the happiest moments in a
person's life. But, this momentous occasion does not always come
as blissful as the event itself. Days and even months before the
big day, couples usually cram up with the littlest details.
The process of listing down and cutting down
everything into
specific details--the wedding date, the venue, the reception,
the caterer, the designer of the gown and suit, all the way down
to the wedding coverage--are the areas where stress usually
ushers in.
Due to hectic schedules, most couples usually
do not pay much
attention to one of the crucial things in any wedding--the
wedding coverage. Despite the overwhelming tension and
excitement, couples do not have to be nonchalant when choosing
their wedding photographers if they want their fun times and
precious memories recorded very well.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PREFERENCES
To avoid making this slight neglect that
usually leads
disastrous results, couples have to decide first what kind of
wedding photography they would want to have.
Most wedding photographers today categorize
the types of wedding
photography into two: the traditional or classic style and the
wedding photojournalistic style.
The most common style used by wedding photographers
today, the
traditional or classic wedding photography is considered as a
"timeless" and the "safest" style because you
normally see in
countless wedding albums. Characterized by classic poses of
subjects aware of the camera, this style involves so much
control from the photographer because he is in-charge in
arranging individual and group shots before, during, and even
after the wedding.
Having excellent portraiture skills, expect
the photographer to
focus more on the quality of the photograph by making the
subject look great from the littlest details. Expect typical
wedding photos like pre-ceremony pictures, formal shots of the
bride and groom posing with brides maids and ushers, cake
cutting, garter and bouquet toss, and the like when you choose a
classic wedding photography. This style is ideal if the couple
would want to keep portraits of family members for their wedding
album.
If the couple is adventurous and unconventional,
then you might
want to consider the wedding photojournalistic style of
photography on your big day. An increasingly popular style
today, wedding photojournalism offers fresh and new style of
taking photos in the occasion. Characterized by candid shots of
the subjects unaware of the moving camera, the photojournalism
style lets the attendees act freely to capture their pure and
true emotion.
Sourcing style from his experience in journalism,
the
"photojournalist" pays more attention to minute details
and
candid shots rather than arranged ones. He's more into eyeing
interesting moments and capturing those in his lens to produce a
narrative collection of images that tell a story.
Although some traditional poses will be present,
expect photos
that show actual emotions of the bride and groom and of other
participants throughout the duration of the wedding when you
choose the photojournalism style.
In order to avoid ruining the documentation
of your wedding,
here are some tips in making your wedding a picture perfect one:
1. Weddings are one of the most exciting
chapters of one's life.
Make sure that you choose a wedding photographer that can meet
all your standards. Meet with the photographer before hand the
so you could discuss the details you want.
2. Inform the important participants about
the schedule of photo
sessions and make sure everyone attends the rehearsal to cut
down the stress.
3. Have a reception area so guests can be
informed about the
itinerary. This will set the occasion in order.
About the author:
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in
its entirety with all links included. For more information on
photography & other useful information, please visit http://photography.articlekeep.com
Etiquette Tips
for Every Wedding 'Party'
(ARA) - The wedding season is in high gear,
and with another round of newlyweds just around the corner it is
important for everyone involved, from the bride down to the ushers,
to get organized.
Denise Dinyon, Lenox gift-giving and etiquette
expert, says that although the planning process can be hectic, staying
organized and optimistic can make the day enjoyable for each guest,
and most importantly, the newlyweds. "Everyone involved in
the planning process should stay organized and make the time to
speak regularly with the bride and groom to be sure they are fulfilling
their duties," Dinyon says. "Sometimes, just by making
yourself available to help, the bride and groom-to-be can relax
more - allowing them to fully enjoy this memorable start to their
future together."
Dinyon offers some additional tips for those
playing leading roles in the wedding party.
The Bride and Groom
* When it comes to thank-you notes and bridal
party gifts, it is important not only to remember those who attended,
but also those who helped celebrate from far away. More than half
of U.S. adults (53 percent) reported they always send a gift to
weddings they can't attend, according to the Sixth Annual Lenox
Gift-Giving and Etiquette Survey. These people should not be forgotten.
* Designate a point person to take care of
the minor details on the wedding day so the groom doesn't find himself
responsible for tracking down the DJ or rounding up friends for
photographs. This person can either be hired help or a trusted friend,
but be sure they have a schedule of approximate times that the bride
and groom plan to share their first dance, toss the bouquet and
cut the cake.
* Provide entertainment to guests and an
opportunity to socialize with sometimes unknown seat mates via fun
icebreakers. At each table, include an appealing crystal bowl, such
as the Lenox Shooting Star Rose Bowl, and fill it with pieces of
paper that spark conversation by asking guests such things as how
they met the bride and groom, or what their favorite story is about
a member of the bridal party.
The Best Man
* Help free the new bride and groom of unnecessary
worries on their special day. Hold on to payments for the day's
vendors and be sure to disburse the checks to the appropriate people
by the end of the reception.
The Maid of Honor
* Streamline the planning process for the
bride by creating an easy-to-remember e-mail address that can be
sent out to all the wedding guests. This way, questions can be directed
toward you, keeping the bride less frazzled.
The Parents of the Bride and Groom
* If you are paying for the expenses of the
wedding, be sure to sit down with the bride and groom early to set
expectations for costs. It's also important to communicate costs
throughout the planning process, but remember, just because you
are paying for it does not mean you get to decide every last detail
of how the money is spent.
Most important, Dinyon says, no matter how
much preparation goes into this magical day, everyone should remember
to relax and enjoy the moment. The best gift to give to the bride
and groom is to celebrate what brought everyone together in the
first place: love.
For more information, ideas and products,
visit www.lenox.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Title:
Planning Wedding Invitations
Author: Leah Bacon
Article:
Invitations: Complete Invitation Checklist
Planning a wedding can be a head-spinning
experience. Below is
an invitation checklist, which will help the couple stay
on
track and in control.
1. Start the process 4 -5 months
in advance of the wedding, by
gathering information e.g. date of the wedding, time and
place
of ceremony, reception hall, time of dinner and reception.
Maps
of how to travel to these places (in case of ordering map
cards.) Menu cards are optional.
2. Tally up total number of guests
invited to determine number
of invitations required. It is usually one per family, one
per
couple. Add on a couple of extras in case some become damaged
and one for scrapbook.
3. Select a theme or colour for the
invitations. Check
invitation catalogues, paper shops, bridal magazines and
websites for great ideas. 4. Order your invitations and
enclosures 3 to 4 months before the wedding.
5. Obtain proof from the printer
before invitations are actually
produced. Proof it yourself. Give it to your fiancé,
mother and
a friend to ensure that all the information and spelling
is
correct.
6. Arrange for a calligrapher or
enlist a couple of friends e.g.
bridesmaids, mother and future mother-in-law to help you
hand
address the envelopes.
7. Make certain there is a stamp
on the return envelope for the
convenience of the guests.
8. Mail invitations 6 -8 weeks in
advance of the wedding.
9. Compile a list of guest who sent
their reply cards back and
are attending the wedding and whether single guests are
bringing
a guest to the wedding.
Once this is done, you are ready
to move onto the next step,
letting the caterers know how many people will be attending
the
dinner. Being organized will ensure a smooth flow to this
process and help the couple with stress-free planning.
Elements of an Invitation
Before you order your invitations
learn about all of the
components to include in your invitation ensemble.
ENVELOPES - The outer envelope is
the mailing envelope. It is
addressed with the full name of the recipients and their
address. The inner envelope contains the invitation itself
as
well as any other enclosures and is placed unsealed into
the
mailing envelope. Many people now omit the inner envelope
in an
effort to save both on cost and the waste of paper.
INVITATION - The invitation contains
all of the details
surrounding the wedding itself. This includes when and where
as
well as what time it is taking place. If you are not including
a
separate Reception Card, you would include details about
the
reception on the invitation as well. See the section on
Invitation Wording for specific details.
MAP CARD - This card provides guests
with written directions as
well as a visual map to identify the locations of both the
ceremony and the reception. This is useful if you are inviting
alot of out-of-town guests.
RECEPTION CARD - This card provides
guests with details about
the reception if your invitation only includes details about
the
ceremony. This is also useful if you are inviting all guests
to
the ceremony but only certain ones to the reception.
RESPONSE CARD - This card is what
your guests will return to you
indicating whether or not they will be able to attending
the
wedding as well as the number of guests they may be bringing.
This is helpful in determining your final guest count for
food,
favours, etc..
SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS - These cards
are sent to guests six to
eight months before the wedding. This is an effective way
of not
only announcing your engagement but also informing guests
about
the date, time and location of the wedding so they can mark
it
on their calendars. These are important to send if you are
planning on having a destination wedding where guests may
need
to plan financially as well as take time off work.
THANK-YOU CARDS - These are sent
to guests in appreciation for
their wedding gifts. If you receive a gift in the months
and
weeks preceding the wedding, send out a thank you card at
once.
For gifts given the week or day of the wedding, send no
later
than one month from returning from your honeymoon.
QUOTE CARD - This card is optional
and is generally in with the
invitation ensemble and placed before the actual invitation.
It
has a quotation, which maybe used in the vows at the ceremony
or
a personal quote that pertains to the couple and their love
for
each other.
EVENT/PROGRAM CARD - Event/ Program
cards are optional. If a
program is chosen as part of the stationary ensemble, it
serves
the purpose of letting the guests know what is the schedule
for
the wedding day. Ceremony at a certain time, photos to be
taken
at a particular place and what time the dinner will be served,
what time the speeches and toasts will begin and by who
and
finally the dancing.
SEATING CARDS - This card provides
the guests with a table
number, so they know what table they have been placed at.
Sometimes they are at the door in an envelope with the guests
name on it and the table number enclosed. Other times it
can
appear as a ornate sheet of paper with the table number
and the
names of the guests at the particular table, which is near
the
entrance door in the reception hall.
PLACE CARD - A tent folded card,
which sits at the table with
the guests name on it, so they know which seat is theirs.
Sometimes they are placed above the plate or on the plate
at the
place setting.
MENU CARD - These cards are often
placed in the center of the
plate at the guests seat or there is one menu card per the
table. This informs the guests of what is being served for
dinner or the guests have a choice of two entrees from the
menu
card.
Sometimes a combo menu and place
card will serve one purpose,
which is a card with the guest name, letting them know where
they will sit and underneath the dinner menu.
About the author:
Upon her engagement, Leah was faced with the daunting task
of
planning her London wedding while living in British Columbia.
As
she began preparations, Leah discovered a lack of contemporary
wedding resources to provide her with ideas, information
and
advice, as well as local businesses to help coordinate her
special day. As a result, she spent over one and a half
years
researching and developing - http://www.getmarriedcanada.com.
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