Wedding Decorations

Wedding Decorations

Wedding reception decorations help set the mood for your special day whether youre planning a large formal wedding or a smaller more intimate gathering The type of wedding reception decorations you choose will depend on factors such as your wedding colors the time of year youre getting married your reception location and your personal sense of style However the following are some options you may wish to consider Flowers Although live floral arrangements are more common dried flowers and silk flowers are becoming more popular Balloons Accenting your tables with balloon bouquets provides an affordable yet contemporary look Scatter some glitter or confetti around the base for added sparkle Candles Remember to test the burning time of any candles you choose to make sure theyll last through your party Tiny votives are fine for a short reception but a dance that lasts all night will probably require taller pillar candles
White lights If your reception location wont allow candles due to concerns about open flames use strands of white lights to achieve a similar effect Ribbon bows Available in many different colors and styles ribbon bows add romance to your wedding reception decor Mirrored trays Since they reflect light mirrored trays add ambience and help make small centerpieces seem larger Ice sculptures Although they can be pricey ice sculptures can be elegant and sophisticated additions to a more formal wedding reception If possible use a digital camera to take photos of the reception site before you go shopping for decorations The photos will help refresh your memory and serve as a helpful visual aid for the florist decorator or wedding planner As the cost of the average wedding continues to rise budgetsavvy couples are becoming more creative in choosing their wedding reception decorations If youre trying to cut costs remember the following tips Instead of ordering lots of small decorations choose just two or three larger decorations for maximum visual impact Have someone transport your pew bows candelabras and other ceremony decorations to the reception site to be used againUse your bouquet and your bridesmaids flowers to help decorate the tables Ask crafty friends and family members to help you create some of your own wedding reception decorations Show them pictures of decorations you like and ask for their own ideas If your reception will be in a hotel lobby or another location thats already nicely decorated you might not need many wedding reception decorations after all If your wedding is near Christmas or another major holiday ask about the sites seasonal decorations Rent items whenever possible Florists will generally allow you to rent vases pedestals and dried or silk arrangements Party supply stores also have a wide variety of rental items Dont limit your search for decorations to the wedding section of your party supply store Craft stores dollar stores and discount stores can be great sources of less Costly balloons candles ribbon bows and other wedding reception decorations Save your receipts Theyll help you keep an accurate record of what youre spending and make it easier to return any unused decorations

Wedding Cakes

Wedding Cakes

Square wedding cakes can be anything from traditional to trendy for an eyecatching end to the wedding.Most traditional wedding cakes are either round or square white cakes stacked and frosted in white or ivory frosting Many brides choosing a traditional stacked display decorate their cake with confectionary accents and real or silk flowers in hues that match or complement their wedding colors An advantage of square wedding cakes is that they may yield more servings then a round cake of similar size.For a new twist on the traditional stacked wedding cake square wedding cakes are now designed to resemble intricately wrapped gifts Often achieved with the use of smoother fondant frostings cakes decorated to look like a stack of wrapped gifts have a variety of accents for beautiful and original looks Frosting resembling bows and ribbon accompany carefully crafted accents of frosting peals and beads in a variety of colors.The gift wrapped look is also done with alternating square and round or even other shapes to add interest and variety Square wedding cakes can be alternated with round hexagonal or heart shapes to create different looks

Square Wedding Cake Stands
Wedding cake stands offer many ways to arrange todays wedding cakes Some alternatives to a square stacked cake include

Staggered asymmetrical groupings of individual square cakes
Multitiered square cakes separated with pillars
Square tiers divided with spiraled separators or globes
Square towers arranged on a cake with a central columns to create a tower effect
Square cake tiers arranged in alternating angles giving a diamond appearance
Square cakes arranged on a floating cake stand with a rear central stabilizer

Square Sheet Cakes

Although many wedding cakes use stacks and pillars for an appearance of greater height a square or rectangular sheet cake has several advantages as a wedding cake The ease and efficiency of cutting make it an excellent choice for very large If you are on a tight budget a wedding sheet cake can be lower in cost than its taller stacked or tiered cousins A sheet cake can also work well with an informal or casual wedding

Individual Square Cakes

Individual square wedding cakes are a contemporary alternative to a large wedding cake Individual cakes can be arranged on tiered cake stands for dramatic effect Individual cakes can also be individually boxed with a message from the bride and groom and a monogrammed napkin as a wedding favor Individual square cakes can also be arranged as a dessert buffet By doing this you can incorporate a variety of flavors

Square Cake Toppers

In regards to square cake toppers virtually anything goes Many brides choose cake toppers that can be used as keepsakes later on If you arent interested in a cake topper as a keepsake choosing square wedding cakes with the gift wrap appearance usually eliminate the need for a cake topper as the cake can be decorated with frosting or real ribbons

Theme Cake Bases

If you are interested in a cake customized for your wedding theme many themed wedding cakes start with a square cake base Cinderellas castle a sandcastle a city skyline and many more theme wedding cakes are achieved by using combinations of square rectangular and other cake shapes

Grooms Cake

The grooms cake often served at the rehearsal dinner or used as an alternate wedding cake flavor is often based on a square cake as well Since a grooms cake is usually designed with the groom in mind this could be a football field the greens of a golfing course or any other design that reflects the grooms interests

Bridal Shower Cake

The bridal shower cake is time honored tradition This tasty staple is generally served at the end of the event sending each guest home on a sweet note. In recent years bridal shower cakes have become more elaborate No longer can we expect two layer homemade concoctions Nowadays a bridal shower cake is a treat to be purchased from a talented baker This isnt to say the homemade cakes arent appreciated just as much however The type of bridal shower cake you choose depends on your budget and the showers theme but most agree it should be photoworthy How many guests will be attending the shower This is one of the most important factors in determining what type of bridal shower cake cake you should choose If youre only expecting five to ten guests its probably a good idea to bake the cake yourself or purchase a small premade cake from your favorite bakery If youll be having ten people or more youll probably want to order the cake from your favorite bakery or pastry shop Depending on the number of people you can order a half sheet cake serving up to 50 guests or full sheet cake that will serve up to 100 guests Or you can something completely different A cupcake bridal shower cake is handy because servings are already portioned out By ordering one cupcake for each guest there are no leftovers to deal with and no messy plates and cutting knives to wash
Mini bridal cakes are also popular Choose a two or three tiered affair decked out in the bridal colors Dont go for a white cake however you dont want it to look just like the wedding cake Now that photo cakes are widely available have a cake made up with a picture of the bride and groom on top Heart shaped cakes are always perfect for bridal showersInstead of chocolate or vanilla try something a bit different Key lime lemon banana and canola filling are a pleasant change from the usual Choose a cake following your bridal showers theme or the theme For instance if the bride is having a beach wedding decorate the cake with seashells and starfish. Before going with an exotic flavor check with your guests to be sure there are no allergies Your autumn wedding may just call for a fall wedding cake Themed cakes have become more popular in the last few years and using the colors flowers and flavors of autumn offer a great way to make your wedding cake unique Use nature as your guide as you collaborate with your caterer to design the fall cake of your dreams A wedding cake in the fall can be inspired by the many colors and flowers available Take note of the various shades of leaves as the seasons turn You may even choose to have your cake frosted in seasonal colorsA brown ribbon accents the top tier of a fall wedding cake along with orange roses For the less daring a cake frosted in white or offwhite with seasonal colored icing decorations may be perfect.



The colors can be reflected not only in the icing design but in floral accents Use fall wedding flowers like amaryllis or sunflowers in the design or as a cake topper Fall wedding cake leaves of maple or oak can be created in fondant and scattered across a frosting base Because fall is typically harvesting time in many parts of the United States incorporate this into your theme Use wheat grass as part of your cake topper or tucked into ribbons outlining the base of your cake Marzipan or sugar apples a plentiful fruit in the fall could be the main feature of a fruit cascade descending a tiered wedding cake. While you may want your wedding cake to have a more traditional taste you can still give it a fall accent Consider the following ideas Silk leaves in autumn colors scattered on and around your cake help to carry the fall theme
Group small ornamental squash and pumpkins around the base of your cake and scatter them around the tables Combine the colors of fall from leaves to ornamental squash with the colors of a variety of fruit Just before the reception add clusters of blueberries and strawberries sliced oranges and a scattering of macadamia nuts for a unique twist

White Wedding Cake with Sugared Berries

Elegant Cake with White Roses and Red and Green AccentsChristmas abounds with gorgeous color combinations ideal for an aesthetically pleasing wedding cake Crisp colored wrapping paper coupled with silver and gold ribbon deep green fir trees against snowcovered towns twinkling colored lights reflecting on glass windows and even the rich chocolate hue of hot cocoa together with a creamy dollop of whipped topping these wonderful sights are perfect for spurring your imagination for the perfect Christmas themed cake Although you can certainly use any colors you want for a winter wedding cake some selections seem especially appropriate this time of year. White cakes come alive with accents in the form of flowers frosting or other ornamentations in the following Christmas colors Deep red and dark green,Burgundy and merald,Eggplant,Plum, Deep or royal blue,Chocolate or deep brown hues,Shades of white and off white such as ecru ivory and champagne,Gold,Silver. Colored cakes are also an option such as a colorful stack of presents or an airbrushed design from a wrapping paper pattern or Christmas quilt you love A black and white cake or black white and red colors also provides a crisp elegant look for a winter wedding cake Black ribbon around the tiers of a white cake and several wellplaced red poinsettias may be all it takes to achieve a look of simple festive beauty.Festive Chocolate Cake with Fruit TopperThe list of themes and ideas for Christmas wedding cakes is virtually endless You can choose to incorporate the Christmas element into your cake simply with greenery and brilliant red flowers or you can choose a cake specifically designed to resemble an aspect of the holiday such as Christmas tree

Chocolate Wedding Cakes
Chocolate wedding cakes can be a decadent choice to sweetly celebrate a couples nuptials and with a wide range of chocolates to choose from fudgy treats are becoming more and more popular.There are many types of chocolate and associated flavors that couples can choose from including Plain A plain chocolate cake is anything but boring White milk and dark chocolate options can appeal to different tastes or a single cake can have tiers made up of different gradations of chocolate,Fruited Chocolate Both the cake itself as well as the icing can be flavored with fruit extracts for a more exotic taste Orange raspberry and strawberry are the most popular options though many couples also enjoy mint chocolate flavors Liqueur Chocolate A rich hint of rum brandy or espresso turns ordinary chocolate into a sophisticated treat Chocolate and Nuts Adding pecans walnuts peanuts almonds macadamia nuts or other crunchy flavors to a chocolate cake can be whimsical and delicious Chocolate Accents Couples interested in a taste of chocolate without as much cocoa can opt for Oreo cakes marble cakes or other cake flavors drizzled with chocolate or layered with chocolate fudge or mousse fillings Alternative Chocolate Cakes Instead of a sponge cake couples could opt for chocolate cheesecake chocolate pound cake chocolate truffle accents or even chocolate pies.The stereotypical image of a white wedding cake doesnt have to mean that cake is vanilla flavored Couples can opt for white chocolate icing over a fudge cake or vanilla buttercream icing over a rich chocolate sponge Regardless of the flavors there are many styles of chocolate wedding cakes that are a treat for the eyes as well as the tongue including Whiteiced cakes with chocolate accents such as drizzle swirls or chips
Differently colored layers to indicate different types of chocolate Chocolate grooms cakes to offer multiple desserts and festive designs Any wedding cake design the couple desires every cake can be stunning and unique no matter what the flavor.While the soontobe newlyweds may adore chocolate they should be cautious with such a rich dessert Despite chocolates popularity it is not universally favored and some wedding guests may be allergic to chocolate or to the fruit or nut fillings used in many chocolate cakes Keeping one tier of the wedding cake a classic vanilla flavor or including other delicious desserts on the wedding menu will ensure that everyone has a sweet treat to celebrate the wedding even if they dont like chocolate

Bridal bouquet

Bridal bouquet

Bouquets for all bridesmaids Two or three will come with the package more than that are extra Boutonnières for all of the groomsmen the groom and his father Corsages for the mother or the bride and groom Additional corsages are extra At least two arrangements for the ceremony location During your initial meeting the wedding florist will ask how many guests and show you the package options for that amount If you wish to have more flowers these of course will be extra Keep in mind that you dont even have to purchase a package It might be more suitable not to mention affordable to purchase all your wedding flower needs separately instead of as part of a package This is especially the case for small If you are leaning towards an informal wedding youll probably want to shop for informal wedding dresses to go with it Not all have to be formal Cinderellalike affairs While pulling out all the stops may be fine for some people others prefer of a more lowkey variety Their choice of clothing reflects this Perhaps some of these tips can help
The best part about the informal wedding dress is the price With more formal gowns costing in the thousands informal dresses can cost in the hundreds and less There are more options for purchasing dresses of a more casual nature as well For instance one doesnt specifically have to go to a bridal shop Instead one can visit formal wear shops dress shops and any shop selling beach wedding dresses which tend to be more casual It may sound unromantic but secondhand shops are also a great place to find informal wedding attire. Those who choose informal wedding dresses do so for any number of reasons Many dont want to pay the high price associated with a pullingoutallthestops expensive designer gown Others are planning on a more lowkey beach or backyard type wedding Many would prefer to save the money for a down payment on a house and still others dont want to pack a bulky formal wedding gown for a destination wedding Those who are getting married for the second time may prefer to wear something more casual since they already wore a fancy dress the first time around No matter the circumstances if an informal dress is for you there are plenty of options An informal dress doesnt have to come with as many of the adornments bells and whistles as a formal dress There can be sequins and pearls or you can wear a dress thats plain and simple Any length will do Informal dresses tend to be sleek and stylish with perhaps a slit up one side They can be strapless or have spaghetti straps or sleeves They can even be worn off one shoulder Some beach brides even wear a white sarong If you are choosing to go the informal route and are thinking about accessories youll probably want to leave your hair uncovered use a short simple veil or wear flowers or other simple adornments Sparkly barrettes and hair bands are perfect for this type of dress Instead of carrying a large cascading bouquet of flowers try holding long stemmed blooms together with a satin ribbon White pumps or a pair of highheeled strappy sandals will finish off your outfit and add classDont forget jewelry You can still wear an understated string of pearls or a pendant with a single diamond or cameo Pearl drop earrings will make you feel like a princess It may be an informal style but you can still look like a brideJust because youre wearing an informal wedding dress doesnt mean you wont look stunning on your wedding day There are many attractive and stylish dresses to choose from Contact your local bridal salon to find out what types of informal wear they have in stock Theyre sure to have something suitable If not they can make a recommendation such as a store selling formal wear for proms You may not spend a lot of money on your informal wedding dress but chances are youll still look like a million bucks.

Wedding Florist

Shopping for a wedding florist should be at the top of your to do list No wedding is complete without flowers Theyre necessary for the bridal bouquets ceremony decorations and table centerpieces at the reception Chances are there are hundreds of wedding florists available in your area Knowing what to look for will help to narrow down the choicesMany wedding planning companies offer packages complete with all the vendors necessary to throw the perfect affair Included are the wedding photographer limousine and driver and wedding florist Just because the price is right doesnt mean this is the person you should go with however Make sure you see his portfolio and get customer recommendations If you can visit an event that has been decorated with his flowers Many times these wedding boutiques dont offer the personal service youll find with a local wedding florist If this is important to you youll want to find a smaller independent wedding florist The caterer or restaurant who will be hosting your wedding is sure to have one or two recommendations for a fine wedding florist Many florists will offer discounts or special packages if purchased through the catering hall It might be worth your while to look into it The good thing about this is that if the wedding florist has worked with the catering manager and the venue before hell have recommendations as to which flowers will work best for your event
You might also discuss wedding florist choices with some friends or relatives who have recently wed They will let you know if the florist was easy to work with and if the flowers arrived fresh and in good condition.Before choosing your wedding florist ask to see a listing of the different packages available.

Bridal Purse

Bridal Purse

A personalized bridal purse is a nice accessory for every bride to have so she can stow her necessities for the big day yet still wear a coordinated elegant gown .Just like a regular purse a bridal purse is meant to hold various necessary and emergency items the bride may need during the long day of preparations hair and makeup appointments photos and celebrating Small mishaps smeared makeup a broken zipper a headache can put a big damper on this special day and a well stocked bridal purse will include all the necessary emergency supplies such as
Makeup for touchups including lipstick or gloss waterproof mascara and nail polish
Safety pins and small needles and small spool of thread in the bridal colors,Aspirin or other pain relief medication,Band aids ,Bobby pins for hair style touchups ,Small nail file,Breath mints ,Compact mirror ,Tissue or handkerchief ,Menstrual pad or tampon.Many brides also choose to carry something sentimental or symbolic in their bridal purses such as a picture of the groom a photo of a deceased parent or friend or a small keepsake or good luck charm By having these types of items readily available brides can quickly resolve most unexpected emergencies including emotional moments without excessive hassle.The style a bride chooses to carry should fit her personality and the formality of the wedding as well as provide enough space to hold whatever supplies may be necessary Some brides choose to have multiple purses perhaps a coordinated one for the wedding ceremony as well as a larger more practical bag for the reception or to use when leaving for the honeymoon.While any simple white purse can easily coordinate with a brides attire a more personalized bag is often desirable because it blends well with the overall detail of the wedding dress and other accessories.Choose a color to match the gown or the bridal party dresses for a coordinated look The fabric of the purse may be colored or colored accents such as beads ribbons or other embellishments may be added. Monograms Adding the brides married monogram to the purse is an elegant way to personalize the bag If the bag is reversible it may be possible to put her maiden monogram on one side and her married monogram on the other so it can be switched after the wedding ceremony If the full monogram wont fit use a simple initial instead Fabrics Bridal purses come in several types of fabrics from cotton to matte satin to fine silk Generic bags can also be covered in any desired fabric and choosing cloth that matches the wedding dress similar lace or tulle for example adds sophisticated coordination to the purse Accents Elaborate accents can be added to a bridal purse to personalize it for the wedding A piece of lace a rosette that matches the bridal colors a butterfly or other themed details are quaint touchesEmbroidery is an easy way to personalize a purse Add the brides name the wedding date the location or just the word bride to the purse to add a more personal touch than a plain bag. Coordinated bags are elegant accessories While a crafty bride may be able to personalize her own purse many brides are too busy with more elaborate wedding preparations to attend to this type of detail.A personalized bridal bag may cost as little as $10 for a simple style or more than $50 depending on the type of fabric the bags size and the personalization requested Brides can save money by opting to personalize the bags themselves by adding a bit of ribbon color or other accents When buying a bag brides should check any personalization costs and times before ordering Some manufacturers may require several weeks to personalize a bag and enough shipping time should be available before the wedding so there is no last minute rush Once a bride has her personalized purse and has stocked it for the big day it can be a challenge to carry it elegantly Most brides opt to give the purse to their mother maid of honor or another trusted guest to hold during the wedding ceremony Other brides may choose to carry it discreetly with their bouquet a coordinated purse can look very elegant as part of the ceremony Larger bags should generally be left with an attendant during the ceremony so they do not cause awkward shuffling or distractions

Less Costly Wedding Dresses

Most brides dream of wearing an expensive designer dress on their wedding day Their dreams are dashed once they espy the price tag hanging from the dress however Just because a bride is confined to a budget doesnt mean she shouldnt have all the bells and whistles Even those who dont have thousands of dollars to spend on a wedding gown deserve to look like a fairy tale princess on their wedding day If youre in the market for an inexpensive wedding dress perhaps one of these tips will help

Once a year several stores have an annual wedding dress sale Although many bridestobe stay away because of the crowded chaotic atmosphere many others find the dress of their dreams at an affordable price Heres how it works the hosting shop will put ads in the newspaper advertising a huge sale or dress run Many women will line up outside the doors of the shop either the night before or in the wee hours in the morning By the time the doors open in the morning the crowd surges through Most shops will only allow a certain amount of women in at a time while others will pack the house

Many brides to be will wear a bathing suit under their clothes so they wont have to deal with dressing rooms These quick changing women will try on dress after dress right in the show room Its always a good idea to bring a couple of friends along to help hunt for dresses and hold them while the bride tries them on The bride better be in love with her choice though because there are no returns Dresses can be found at these events for $100 to $500 If chaos doesnt bother you you might consider this method for purchasing less Costly wedding dresses

If you already know what style and brand of dress you want these sales may be ideal for you Your dress may be sitting on the rack just waiting for you to snatch it up If possible peruse the store a day or two before the sale to see what dresses they have available A word of caution many stores carry sample dresses in just one or two sizes If you arent the socalled average size 8 or size 10 that many wedding shops have in stock you may be out of luck

If money is indeed an object and youre open to suggestions you might try a second hand shop Thrift stores and consignment shops are excellent venues for purchasing less Costly wedding dresses There are several things to be considered

Different neighborhoods boast a different quality of clothes If youre shopping in a depressed neighborhood chances are you wont find designer duds If youre shopping at a consignment shop in an upscale neighborhood theres a good chance the clothing will match Keep in mind prices will also reflect the neighborhood but there are still bargains to be had
Most Consignment shops wont accept any item of clothing unless its in perfect or near perfect condition Thrift shops on the other hand accept all sorts of items in various states of repair If youre purchasing a wedding dress in a secondhand store examine it thoroughly and make note of any rips stains pulls tears or other damage Be absolutely certain you can repair the damage once youve purchased the gown Most secondhand shops have a no refund policy and you dont want to be stuck with a gown you wont be able to use
If the shop does have a return policy get it in writing Some shop owners miraculously change their minds as soon as somebody tries to make a return
In most cases a secondhand wedding dress only needs minor repairs which can be handled by a dry cleaner or tailor

Is there anything that cant be found on eBay You might be pleasantly surprised to find that eBay has quite the assortment of wedding dresses Some new some old some used and some damaged there is something for everyone in all price ranges On a good day one might even find a dress for $35 00


Of course one must proceed with caution when purchasing anything from an online auction site Items sometimes show up in ones home not looking a thing like they did in the picture Stains are darker minor rips are actually large tears or the size is all wrong Plus if you purchase a less Costly wedding dress from one of these sites its highly unlikely youll be able to return it if its not what you had in mind Make sure you receive a full disclosure of any and all damage to the wedding dress In fact it would be a good idea to get it in writing bk Dont be afraid to ask for additional pictures either Theres nothing more disappointing than learning your wedding dress has components you hate

Theres no shame in asking friends and family if you can borrow one of their wedding gowns Many former brides are touched to pass on this treasured family heirloom A mother grandmother sister or aunt is sure to be happy to loan you her wedding dress A free wedding dress can be just as special as a customized dress

Flower girl dresses can be charming or whimsical expensive or economical Of course the flower girl in your wedding will be adorable no matter what she wears but wants your flower girl to look as precious as possible so weve come up with some great flower girl dress tips and ideas. While many people choose to dress their flower girls as a miniature version of the bride this rule isnt set in stone In fact many flower girl dresses echo the designs of a bridesmaids dress instead Whatever style you choose however keep the following points in mind Comfort is importantFlower girls may be as young as one or as old as a preteen but comfort should still be an issue no matter her age Make sure her dress fits comfortably Check the lengthYou dont want her tripping over the hem as she walks down the aisleChoose material carefullyChoose material that isnt scratchy If she doesnt like the feel of the material be sure and find a full slip for her to use that protects her tender skin
Dont forget the accessoriesSometimes a simple pearl necklace or lace headband is all you need to accessorize a beautiful flower girl dress Some actually feature themes such as beach or medieval Your flower girls dress should echo the theme as much as possible Look for great accessories that play up the theme such as leis for a beach wedding or flowered tiaras for a Renaissance theme Be sure that the theme inspired dress fits well and the accessories or the dress itself is not too cumbersome especially for a younger flower girl

Although flower girl dresses arent as expensive as the wedding dress or the bridesmaids dresses they can still cost quite a bit of money In most cases the parents of the flower girl will pay for the dress and they will probably love it if you keep their expenses down as much as possible Sometimes the bride actually allows the parents and the flower girl to choose her own dress as long as they follow a few of the brides suggestions All of these details should be worked out beforehand however to avoid confusion and misunderstandings In many cases the bride may select several different flower girl dresses and ask the department store to hold those dresses until the parents of the flower girl has a chance to select the dress that they preferChoosing a mother of the bride dress is a time honored tradition After all the woman who is giving away her daughter has to look her best What follows are some tips for choosing the perfect mother of the bride dress The mother of the bride should be appropriately lovely on her daughters wedding day Figure out your budget before you shop for a mother of the bride dress Its easy to go overboard at times like these the last thing you want is to go in debt over a dress youll only wear once Once you set your budget you can choose where to shop and what type of dress to purchase Many bridal magazines have advertisements for mother of the bride dresses Peruse your daughters magazines to see if there are any styles that appeal to you If you find a dress you really like call the bridal or formal wear shops in your area to see if they have the dress before you make the trip


The bride and her parents Its best to shop for a dress at least six months before the event if you have that much time This will allow you to take your time to select a dress thats absolutely perfect If the dress you like is not available in your size or color it will also allow for the shop to order the dress for you Factor in alterations and other small issues that may arise and youll be happy you allotted this much time Keep in mind that once the dress is home and in your closet it wouldnt do to diet You want your dress to fit perfectly on the day of the wedding There are many places to look for a great mother of the bride dress Most department stores have sections that sell formalwear and dressy dresses This may be a good place to start especially if youre on a limited budget You can also find plenty of styles at formal wear stores and even bridal shops The Internet also has a wide assortment of choices The downside to ordering online is that you cant try the dress on to see how it looks A mothers dress can coordinate with the wedding colors Before you choose your dress its important to remember all eyes will be on you at one time or another throughout the course of the event Now is not the time to make a statement and the day isnt about looking better than the mother of the groom or your exhusbands new wife The day is about your daughter getting married Your dress should be tasteful and elegant without causing tongues to wag You might want to consult with the bride about her choice of colors While you dont want to wear the same exact color as the women in the bridal party you might want to wear something that at least matches The last thing you want to do is clash or stand out in wedding photographs If you are unsure of what to choose take your daughter with you to find a mother of the bride dress Shell help you select something appropriate that compliments the color scheme Since the mother of the bride traditionally chooses a wedding dress before the mother of the groom the bride will also alert the grooms mother as to what you are wearing This will avoid both of you showing up in the same dress Proper etiquette dictates that the bride is the only one who should wear white While you may have seen other mothers of the bride wear white to a wedding this is considered a major faux pas.

Bridal Purse

Bridal Purse

A personalized bridal purse is a nice accessory for every bride to have so she can stow her necessities for the big day yet still wear a coordinated elegant gown .Just like a regular purse a bridal purse is meant to hold various necessary and emergency items the bride may need during the long day of preparations hair and makeup appointments photos and celebrating Small mishaps smeared makeup a broken zipper a headache can put a big damper on this special day and a well stocked bridal purse will include all the necessary emergency supplies such as
Makeup for touchups including lipstick or gloss waterproof mascara and nail polish
Safety pins and small needles and small spool of thread in the bridal colors,Aspirin or other pain relief medication,Band aids ,Bobby pins for hair style touchups ,Small nail file,Breath mints ,Compact mirror ,Tissue or handkerchief ,Menstrual pad or tampon.Many brides also choose to carry something sentimental or symbolic in their bridal purses such as a picture of the groom a photo of a deceased parent or friend or a small keepsake or good luck charm By having these types of items readily available brides can quickly resolve most unexpected emergencies including emotional moments without excessive hassle.The style a bride chooses to carry should fit her personality and the formality of the wedding as well as provide enough space to hold whatever supplies may be necessary Some brides choose to have multiple purses perhaps a coordinated one for the wedding ceremony as well as a larger more practical bag for the reception or to use when leaving for the honeymoon.While any simple white purse can easily coordinate with a brides attire a more personalized bag is often desirable because it blends well with the overall detail of the wedding dress and other accessories.Choose a color to match the gown or the bridal party dresses for a coordinated look The fabric of the purse may be colored or colored accents such as beads ribbons or other embellishments may be added. Monograms Adding the brides married monogram to the purse is an elegant way to personalize the bag If the bag is reversible it may be possible to put her maiden monogram on one side and her married monogram on the other so it can be switched after the wedding ceremony If the full monogram wont fit use a simple initial instead Fabrics Bridal purses come in several types of fabrics from cotton to matte satin to fine silk Generic bags can also be covered in any desired fabric and choosing cloth that matches the wedding dress similar lace or tulle for example adds sophisticated coordination to the purse Accents Elaborate accents can be added to a bridal purse to personalize it for the wedding A piece of lace a rosette that matches the bridal colors a butterfly or other themed details are quaint touchesEmbroidery is an easy way to personalize a purse Add the brides name the wedding date the location or just the word bride to the purse to add a more personal touch than a plain bag. Coordinated bags are elegant accessories While a crafty bride may be able to personalize her own purse many brides are too busy with more elaborate wedding preparations to attend to this type of detail.A personalized bridal bag may cost as little as $10 for a simple style or more than $50 depending on the type of fabric the bags size and the personalization requested Brides can save money by opting to personalize the bags themselves by adding a bit of ribbon color or other accents When buying a bag brides should check any personalization costs and times before ordering Some manufacturers may require several weeks to personalize a bag and enough shipping time should be available before the wedding so there is no last minute rush Once a bride has her personalized purse and has stocked it for the big day it can be a challenge to carry it elegantly Most brides opt to give the purse to their mother maid of honor or another trusted guest to hold during the wedding ceremony Other brides may choose to carry it discreetly with their bouquet a coordinated purse can look very elegant as part of the ceremony Larger bags should generally be left with an attendant during the ceremony so they do not cause awkward shuffling or distractions

Wedding Veils

Wedding Veils

Next to the wedding dresses the most important pieces of wedding apparel are probably wedding veils Those who go the informal route might choose not to incorporate a veil into their wedding ensembles but the majority of brides still love this traditional head piece. Hopefully youve chosen your wedding dress first The style of the dress determines the type of veil youll be wearing You wouldnt wear a flowing veil and ornate head piece with an informal wedding dress Likewise you wouldnt want a short simple veil with an elegant designer dress How do you know whats right for you One way to find out is to try on wedding veils at the same time you try on dresses This way you can see what style of veil works best Wedding veils come in different lengths To determine the length that works best with your dress youll need to try a few on The different lengths are as follows Cathedral Length which are formal veils most often worn with those wedding dresses having a long train The length of the wedding veil usually exceeds the length of the dress train by at least six inches.Fingertip Length velis which are fingertip length veils about as long as the brides fingertips This veil can be worn with almost any wedding dress the exception being dresses that come above the ankles.Elbow Length velis of course as long as the brides elbow This veil can be worn with any wedding dress.The Headpiece too depends on the type of dress A more formal gown might require an ornate headpiece or tiara while something simple might require the veil be free of embellishments. In fact many informal brides choose not to wear a veil at all.To choose your headpiece first decide where you want to wear your wedding veil Will it sit on the back of your head If so youll want something light A tiara perched on top of your head might be a bit heavier Keep in mind that these will all be affixed with combs.Colors should match Do not choose an ivory veil for a white dress Even though the difference may look slight the contrast will show .Embellishments on a veil should match those on the dress If your dress is studded with pearls youll probably want pearl embellishments on the wedding veil. Make sure the weight of the headpiece and veil combined is something you can deal with. Most headpieces are secured to the head with combs If the wedding veil is heavy the combs can play.If you are in love with your veil but dont feel it will be comfortable for an all day affair consider getting a wedding veil with a detachable headpiece After the wedding ceremony and pictures you can detach the veil and wear the headpiece only You want to feel light as you dance the evening away. Once you choose a wedding veil youll be able to choose your hairstyle If youll be having your hair and makeup professionally done it would be a good idea to bring your veil to the hairdressers with you when you go for your initial consultation You can discuss styles in advance and perhaps try a few for your consideration. If youll be doing your own hair take some time and practice with styles that work best with your wedding veil The last thing you want on the day of your wedding is to have to experiment with several different styles. Before the wedding hang the wedding veil in a closet preferably away from sunlight moths and other elements If it came in a garment bag youll want to keep storing it that way for protection After the wedding take your wedding veil along with your dress to the person who will be preserving the dress The veil will be stored in the same box for future generations to use

Wedding Shoes

There used to be a time when the only option for wedding shoes was the generic white satin pair of pumps found at any wedding salon or shoe store Even though they were considered bridal shoes they really didnt look special They were the same allpurpose pumps that could be dyed to match prom or bridesmaid dresses Thank goodness times have changed Wedding shoes now come in an exciting assortment of styles In all price ranges too.There are certain things to consider when choosing a wedding shoe The first is that the height of the shoe determines the length of the dress When youre having alterations made to your wedding dress youll be asked to bring in the shoes you would like to wear If you havent yet picked them out youll be asked to bring in something with the heel height you think youll be wearing Its for this reason you should purchase your shoes as soon as your dress is chosen The last thing you want is to have your dress the wrong length because you switched shoes midstream The second thing to consider is the style of your wedding dress If youre wearing a formal designer wedding dress youll want an elegant pair of shoes to match If youll be wearing a beach wedding dress you might consider a sparkly pair of flip flops or even no shoes at all A more informal gown might warrant a pair of white satin ballet shoes or even some strappy sandals One might wear shoes with ankle straps with a calflength or shorter dress While cute shoes are important comfort is key Something many brides dont think about is that theyre going to be on their feet the whole day In addition to walking down the aisle and standing in front of the altar theres walking up the aisle posing for photos dancing at the reception cutting the cake greeting the guests receiving lines…you get the picture You wont be sitting down too much Some brides choose elegant shoes for the wedding and reception shoes for the party afterwards Reception shoes are comfortable sneakers or flat shoes adorned with sequins pearls and glitter and tied with satin or lace shoelaces A bride could dance the night away in this comfy alternativeYour bridal boutique is sure to have an ample selection in many different styles If this is the case with your shop you can probably try on shoes at the same time you choose your wedding dress This will allow you to find a style and height that goes perfectly with your gown Shops selling shoes for formal styles also carry a wide selection of wedding shoes and they offer a wonderful variety Since many of them are satin they can be dyed after the wedding to use for another special occasion No sense in wearing a cute pair of shoes only once When it comes to wedding shoes todays bride has plenty of options Nowadays shoes can be found in a variety of styles for all price ranges Gone are the days of the simple white satin pump.

Wedding Napkins

Wedding Napkins

Wedding napkins can be used for a variety of nuptial activities Great for engagement parties showers bachelorette bachelor parties rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions napkins can be used to tie color and theme into the whole wedding process Purchasing napkins with a unique touch involves more than a quick stop at the local party store You want your napkins to reflect your theme and fit with your decor Matching them to your cake topper or invitations is a great place to start If you have chosen to create original artwork for your wedding you may want to place that on your napkins However you may have to take your design to a local print or graphics company A larger charge is often incurred for napkins with original designs. You often have several options for the wording on your napkins Most companies will offer several script or calligraphy designs along with a few plain block text options Choose a design that matches the lettering on your invites or wedding programs Wedding napkins letting comes with a choice of ink as well Because most dark colors deep burgundy navy forest green do not show black ink well consider getting your lettering done in foil Gold or silver is appropriate Foil lettering will cost slightly more than regular ink Light colored napkins often can support a wide range of ink colors If you choose to only get one color of napkins for your wedding activities you can save a lot of money by choosing a light color with darker lettering as opposed to paying extra for foil on dark napkins Choosing napkins in at least two colors makes for a pretty display when fanned out on cake and buffet tables Most couples choose to go with their main wedding color plus the accent color They may also choose popular combinations like Black and white,Black and gold,Silver and black ,Silver and gold ,White and their main color,Black and their main color,Gold or silver with their main color.To save some additional money consider getting only one color of napkin with a design and wording Then use plain napkins you purchase at a discount or party supply store for the rest of the colors you want.When you order your invitations check to see if you get a discount on accessories like napkins Bridal dress shops often have these services Local graphics design studios and printing publishing companies may also offer wedding napkins.Dinner napkins for formal sitdown wedding receptions are often cloth Purchasing your own cloth napkins can cost a significant amount of money For small getting cloth or linen napkins embroidered may make a wonderful keepsake or favor.However buying cloth napkins for a wedding of over 100 guests can be extremely cost prohibitive Renting cloth napkins can be an option Caterers might provide this service or you can check with your vendor from whom you rented other items like chairs or dinnerware Even if the rental price sounds like a deal be sure to find out if there is a laundry services fee for cleaning the napkins after the reception You may not be able to launder them yourself Reception sites that offer dinner through their own kitchen and dining hall may offer their own napkins included in the price per plate or rental fee for the hall Be sure to check on this option if having formal cloth napkins is an important detail for your wedding.

Wedding Candles

Wedding Candles

Wedding candles are an essential part of the event Whether or not a couple chooses to include them in every aspect is up to them but they usually end up in several parts of the ceremony and reception .Having a beautiful site for your wedding ceremony is essential to many brides Because a large number of photographs are taken at the church or ceremony site couples spend a great deal of time making it a gorgeous backdrop to their vows.Candles often are all ready at the front of the altar in many churches One or two candelabras are often at the head of the altar Accent them with florals or greenery Large pillar candles may grace the altar as well.You may choose to incorporate a unity candle as part of your commitment ceremony The joint lighting of a single large candle by the bride and groom symbolizes their commitment together and their families coming together as oneHaving a candlelit ceremony is a stunning option for brides who want a very soft and romantic feel to their wedding Make sure you have ample candles Testing out the lighting level a few nights before will tell you whether or not you need to add candles and where they should go Dim the regular lights before guests begin to arrive then lower them to your final level once the ceremony begins Candles stay in the decorations when it comes to the reception Place a large center arrangement with candles on the head table or along the staging in front of the table Instead of stringing lights behind the head table consider hanging scones or wire candle arrangementGuests tables can have centerpieces that feature candles You really have no limits when it comes to having centerpieces with candles Consider doing the following Placing floating candles in tinted water on a mirror,Make a floral centerpiece with a wide pillar candle,Use varying lengths of tapered candles to make and arrangement,Purchase shaped candles that fit in with your theme,
You can also make your own wedding candles for your reception Easy to do it can save you a large amount of money To add a little pizzazz pour the candles into wine or champagne glasses and then decorate the stems with small flowers

Giving out small candles is a popular favor You have no limit when it comes to choosing these candles Shapes are always popular especially at themed Different shaped candles include Bells,Wedding cakes,Shoes ,Doves ,Flowers, Sandals ,Fruits ,Presents,Candle favors can also be made You can start from scratch or simply add a little to drugstore candles Once you have made your candle or purchased votive candles tie a ribbon or two around it in your wedding colors Place it in a small mesh bag tie the top and add a note Get as creative with the note as you want but be sure to thank everyone for sharing in your special day Wedding candles are a simple but lovely way to decorate all aspects of your wedding No matter where you use them the small touches will give your wedding a soft glow and romantic atmosphere

Wedding Cameras

Wedding Cameras

Getting wedding cameras for guests to use at your reception is a new trend in the bridal industry Not only is it a fun way for guests to get to know one another but you will get unique photos of moments your photographer might miss.When you put a camera out on your reception table you should include instructions How detailed you want to be depends on your expectations and your guests Do you have certain shots you want them to get Are most of your guests outgoing.The easiest way for your guests to use a wedding camera is just to put a small placard on the table next to the camera. With little instruction the guests are welcome to take photos as they wish You may end up with photos of the head table guests posing together centerpieces or the dance Some brides have even found artsy photos of cake slices or guests shoes.If you want to make your instructions more fun for your guests you could give each table a mission that ties in with their table name or number For example if you lettered your tables have guests take photos of things at your wedding that begin with that letter Another idea is to give each table a special assignment like kissing photos or groovy photos Then the photos the people take at each table would have something to do with that theme No matter what assignment you give your tables make sure to mention that the camera should be passed around to different peopleIf you are wary about giving your cameras to people and getting good shots you may want to consider giving your wedding cameras to a few specific people Ask them a few days before the wedding if they would mind taking a few photos with a disposable camera you provide for them Giving the cameras to a several people before the wedding can result in some candid shots as people arrive at the ceremony during the ceremony and afterwards You are not limited to just reception photos and have a trusted friend doing you the favor Be sure to write these people special thankyous for their help Couples who choose to take photographs after the ceremony may have a gap of time between the ceremony and the reception A bit more elaborate a scavenger hunt works for smaller informal where people know each other well For with a lot of preteenaged children invited it can help keep them occupied while waiting for the reception to begin On each table have a camera and a small list of items for them to find Examples of scavenger photos include Candles
Guests arriving,Black dress shoes ,Floral arrangement ,Womans shawl ,Other photographers,Food ,Cake ,Greatuncle Henry ,Cocktails ,A baby. Be sure to write several different lists of items and place them by the cameras at the guest book table Have your guest book attendant encourage people to check off the photos that have been taken lowering your risk of duplicates Wedding cameras do not have to be anything fancy You can use disposable cameras found at any discount or drug store For beach waterproof cameras might be in store or get the newest disposable cameras that have a zoom lens on it for better pictures A lot of brides like to use specially decorated cameras that match the look of their reception