Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Trendy Alert
Big in 2011? Here are a few things to think ahead to your "frugal" 2011 nuptials.
Backyard Weddings at Home
While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a BBQ picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.
Homemade Wedding Favors
Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2011 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.
Birdcage Veils
These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2011 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.
The End of the Standard Year-Long Engagement
Though a year is a good amount of time for an engagement(and thus that's what I use for my wedding planning checklist) it certainly isn't obligatory. Some couples will be planning quick elopements, while others will opt for longer engagements. There are advantages to both – a quick engagement means that you don't overwhelm yourself with trying to plan the perfect wedding, and often means that you spend less money on unnecessary things. A long engagement can help relieve the stress, spreading out the tasks and the expenses. You'll have time to save money, and hopefully be able to feel more secure about your jobs before you sign unbreakable contracts. Read more – How to Choose a Wedding Date
Strapless Wedding Dresses
If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2011 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.
Backyard Weddings at Home
While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a BBQ picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.
Homemade Wedding Favors
Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2011 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.
Birdcage Veils
These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2011 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.
The End of the Standard Year-Long Engagement
Though a year is a good amount of time for an engagement(and thus that's what I use for my wedding planning checklist) it certainly isn't obligatory. Some couples will be planning quick elopements, while others will opt for longer engagements. There are advantages to both – a quick engagement means that you don't overwhelm yourself with trying to plan the perfect wedding, and often means that you spend less money on unnecessary things. A long engagement can help relieve the stress, spreading out the tasks and the expenses. You'll have time to save money, and hopefully be able to feel more secure about your jobs before you sign unbreakable contracts. Read more – How to Choose a Wedding Date
Strapless Wedding Dresses
If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2011 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Elvis!
Keeping with the Vegas theme there are wedding chapels on every corner and in every hotel in Las Vegas, those weddings can cost you any where from $100-$100,000! I mean in Vegas everything has a price.
Some tips you should know:
Holidays: Valentine's Day is a hugely popular date for weddings in Las Vegas, and while it might seem romantic, you may change your mind after waiting in line for a wedding chapel for up to five hours. New Year's Eve is another busy wedding day in Las Vegas.
Weather:Las Vegas has beautiful, sunny weather most of the year. However, even though the summer months are popular for weddings, the weather here can be extremely hot and downright uncomfortable
Legal:There are legal requirements you must meet before being issued a marriage license.
Time:If you have your wedding in one of the hundreds of wedding chapels in Las Vegas, don't expect a long ceremony or a lot of quality time in the chapel afterward. Because there are always several weddings scheduled in each chapel every day, you often are allowed only a half-hour of chapel time.
The official:Most wedding chapels in Las Vegas offer either a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony and provide you with a minister or rabbi.
Language:What if you come to Las Vegas to get married but you don't speak English? Have no fear. Many wedding chapels in Las Vegas will perform ceremonies in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and other languages.
Wacky weddings:Las Vegas is the crazy wedding capital of the world. If you come here to get married, you don't have to have a traditional ceremony. If you're getting married in Sin City, why not make it a wild and crazy experience? Las Vegas wedding chapels offer unique weddings galore.
Hair and makeup:If you're from out of town and you're in Vegas for your wedding, you will probably want to find a hairstylist to help you prepare for the big day. Many hotels have salons or spas right on property. You also might want to try a local salon off the Strip. In either case, be sure to book your appointment well in advance and keep those holidays and weekends in mind.
Some tips you should know:
Holidays: Valentine's Day is a hugely popular date for weddings in Las Vegas, and while it might seem romantic, you may change your mind after waiting in line for a wedding chapel for up to five hours. New Year's Eve is another busy wedding day in Las Vegas.
Weather:Las Vegas has beautiful, sunny weather most of the year. However, even though the summer months are popular for weddings, the weather here can be extremely hot and downright uncomfortable
Legal:There are legal requirements you must meet before being issued a marriage license.
Time:If you have your wedding in one of the hundreds of wedding chapels in Las Vegas, don't expect a long ceremony or a lot of quality time in the chapel afterward. Because there are always several weddings scheduled in each chapel every day, you often are allowed only a half-hour of chapel time.
The official:Most wedding chapels in Las Vegas offer either a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony and provide you with a minister or rabbi.
Language:What if you come to Las Vegas to get married but you don't speak English? Have no fear. Many wedding chapels in Las Vegas will perform ceremonies in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese and other languages.
Wacky weddings:Las Vegas is the crazy wedding capital of the world. If you come here to get married, you don't have to have a traditional ceremony. If you're getting married in Sin City, why not make it a wild and crazy experience? Las Vegas wedding chapels offer unique weddings galore.
Hair and makeup:If you're from out of town and you're in Vegas for your wedding, you will probably want to find a hairstylist to help you prepare for the big day. Many hotels have salons or spas right on property. You also might want to try a local salon off the Strip. In either case, be sure to book your appointment well in advance and keep those holidays and weekends in mind.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Vegas Baby!
I am in "sin city" this week for work so I am going to share some Vegas style weddings with you. Wanna get hitched in Viva Las Vegas here is a good place to start.
Friday, June 18, 2010
TRUNK SHOW!
Come out to Sambuca Tuesday to meet this great designer, eat some amazing food, and sip a few cocktails. Oh and the most important part, get a KILLER deal on a fabulous dress!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
365 Days!
Well blog friends and family, believe it or not, 365 days ago David asked me to be his wife I couldn't feel more blessed that the Lord has put him in my life, and in return has opened this Blog world to all of you. Thank you for all your continued love and support! Here's to 365 more days of LOVE! (feel free to barf now)
Read the Engagement story HERE!
Pink Lady
Looking for a little Spring/Early Fall Wedding Inspiration? Here's some pink and brown Inspiration for your Thursday!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Vino!
I can live on 3 things! Red Wine, Cheese (good cheese no Kraft Singles), and Dark Chocolate. So I am a little obsessed with wine tastings, you should be too, its makes you look smarter :)
The ladies at Wedding101.net are having a tasting, come out shop for your big day! Take the Fiance, tell him there is booze involved!
The ladies at Wedding101.net are having a tasting, come out shop for your big day! Take the Fiance, tell him there is booze involved!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
More feathers!!!!
Here are a more "birds of a feather" to spruce up your wedding decor!
Pictured above, clockwise from upper left:
• Beautiful peonies surrounded by ostrich feathers
{photo by: Lifestory Photography, via theknot.com}
• Pink Feather Bouquet - featuring earthy-brown pheasant feathers and magenta-stained duck feathers.
{photo by: Roland Bello, via brides.com}
• Cattleya Orchid Bouquet with lush yellow ostrich feathers
{photo by Ellen Silverman via Simple Stunning Weddings}
• Gorgeous Vintage Glam Feather Tree Centerpieces
{photo by: Clark Photographics, via the knot.com}
Pictured above, clockwise from upper left:
• Beautiful peonies surrounded by ostrich feathers
{photo by: Lifestory Photography, via theknot.com}
• Pink Feather Bouquet - featuring earthy-brown pheasant feathers and magenta-stained duck feathers.
{photo by: Roland Bello, via brides.com}
• Cattleya Orchid Bouquet with lush yellow ostrich feathers
{photo by Ellen Silverman via Simple Stunning Weddings}
• Gorgeous Vintage Glam Feather Tree Centerpieces
{photo by: Clark Photographics, via the knot.com}
Monday, June 14, 2010
stolen inspiration
My friend is planning a late summer wedding and has decided to incorporate the Peacock as her focal point and theme. I love it, I think it is whimsical, fun, and you can do so much to sass it up or class it up!
Check out this inspiration board!
Peacock!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Hurt Feelings.
For my small wedding finale I am going to tackle the hardest part of having a small intimate ceremony. Excluding friends, co-workers, maybe even some family. How do you avoid hurt feelings?
Q. How do you throw a small wedding without offending your uninvited family members, coworkers, and friends?
A. You’re asking the right person, because that’s exactly the kind of wedding I had, and it can be a sticky wicket. The first thing I would suggest is being clear with everyone about the lilliputian size of your event from the get-go—thereby subtly signaling, “You might not be invited!” It’s especially important to drive home the small-wedding message to your parents and future in-laws, before they start spreading the good news to that third cousin in Canada you’ve never met.
One of my biggest challenges was dealing with my parents’ disappointment when they realized that they couldn’t invite every relative or friend they wanted to. My response? “Blame me! Tell them your crazy daughter is hosting her own wedding, and you wish you had any say over who gets to attend, but you don’t.” For those people whose parents are footing the bill, it’s harder to veto their guest requests outright, so some fancy diplomatic footwork is required. Try to reach a compromise, such as "I’m willing to invite Great-Aunt Shirley, if you’re willing not to invite the family dentist."
One last word of advice: No one says you can’t amend your small-wedding plans if the feeling moves you. If excluding your sister’s best friend and your husband’s eighth-grade basketball coach is keeping you up at night, invite them. Yes, even if you have to pony up a few more dollars. Because in the end it’s more important to have who you want at your ceremony than slavishly sticking to your original plan.
Q. How do you throw a small wedding without offending your uninvited family members, coworkers, and friends?
A. You’re asking the right person, because that’s exactly the kind of wedding I had, and it can be a sticky wicket. The first thing I would suggest is being clear with everyone about the lilliputian size of your event from the get-go—thereby subtly signaling, “You might not be invited!” It’s especially important to drive home the small-wedding message to your parents and future in-laws, before they start spreading the good news to that third cousin in Canada you’ve never met.
One of my biggest challenges was dealing with my parents’ disappointment when they realized that they couldn’t invite every relative or friend they wanted to. My response? “Blame me! Tell them your crazy daughter is hosting her own wedding, and you wish you had any say over who gets to attend, but you don’t.” For those people whose parents are footing the bill, it’s harder to veto their guest requests outright, so some fancy diplomatic footwork is required. Try to reach a compromise, such as "I’m willing to invite Great-Aunt Shirley, if you’re willing not to invite the family dentist."
One last word of advice: No one says you can’t amend your small-wedding plans if the feeling moves you. If excluding your sister’s best friend and your husband’s eighth-grade basketball coach is keeping you up at night, invite them. Yes, even if you have to pony up a few more dollars. Because in the end it’s more important to have who you want at your ceremony than slavishly sticking to your original plan.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Small Wedding Myths
Myth: You WILL save $$$,
Truth: Sorta; You can. You just can't spring for Fillet's for 30 guest at $100 a head.
According to The Knot, 30% of your budget goes towards food. Another 21% goes towards things that would be impacted by your guest list: reception space, beverages, cake, and wedding invitations. Let's play out a common scenario.
You work all the numbers and you decide to not invite 100 people that you would normally invite. If food is $50 per person, you now feel like you've just saved $5,000 by not inviting those people. Let's add $3/person for a cake slice and $2/invitation per couple. That brings us to saving $5,200.
You have a smaller guest list which means you are looking at smaller reception venues. The most common place would be a restaurant. The only problem is restaurants need to meet minimums so they may charge you a minimum that shocks you a bit. If you do find a decent priced reception spot you feel like you have the ability to spend a little more on nicer food since you're saving over $5,000. You can also now afford a nicer wedding cake and your wedding invitations can be nicer since you need fewer of them. It is not uncommon to feel that you can "spend" your savings. It's a common mind-trick we all play any time we buy $100 worth of clothes but SAVED $200 because of sales. We still SPENT $100!
Myth: You can avoid DRAMA!
Truth: Never
The desire to avoid stress actually creates it. You can think that fewer people means less fighting, fewer opinions, and more flexibility, not to mention less money stress. But ultimately the people who are likely to stress you out are the very people you may be ticking off: parents, grandparents, close relatives or friends. For every couple who loved their destination wedding there is another couple who has been given an emotional roller coaster by family or friends who don't appreciate the extraordinary time and money spent to attend "your" ideal wedding location.
Myth: Key Stakeholders WON'T CARE
Truth: FALSE
The chances of anyone in your inner circle agreeing on an ideal wedding is low but as soon as you start excluding some people and including others, you enter a huge guest list landmine. Whether you are trying to determine which family members should be invited - exclude second cousins? Only invite adults? you are entering into family loyalty, notions about what a wedding means, and potentially offending important loved ones. A worst case scenario is when you start building alliances among people (without your knowledge) who threaten to boycot the wedding if the others aren't invited.
Just because you barely know your parents friends or coworkers does not mean you should automatically consider them "extras". If your parents rely heavily on the friendship of these people and really want them to be there for THEIR big day (the day they acquire a new son or daughter-in-law and marry off their child). It is worth considering some of those people have been in your parents lives longer than you've been alive and that some of your friends or coworkers may vanish from your life in the next 5 years as your life changes.
Truth: Sorta; You can. You just can't spring for Fillet's for 30 guest at $100 a head.
According to The Knot, 30% of your budget goes towards food. Another 21% goes towards things that would be impacted by your guest list: reception space, beverages, cake, and wedding invitations. Let's play out a common scenario.
You work all the numbers and you decide to not invite 100 people that you would normally invite. If food is $50 per person, you now feel like you've just saved $5,000 by not inviting those people. Let's add $3/person for a cake slice and $2/invitation per couple. That brings us to saving $5,200.
You have a smaller guest list which means you are looking at smaller reception venues. The most common place would be a restaurant. The only problem is restaurants need to meet minimums so they may charge you a minimum that shocks you a bit. If you do find a decent priced reception spot you feel like you have the ability to spend a little more on nicer food since you're saving over $5,000. You can also now afford a nicer wedding cake and your wedding invitations can be nicer since you need fewer of them. It is not uncommon to feel that you can "spend" your savings. It's a common mind-trick we all play any time we buy $100 worth of clothes but SAVED $200 because of sales. We still SPENT $100!
Myth: You can avoid DRAMA!
Truth: Never
The desire to avoid stress actually creates it. You can think that fewer people means less fighting, fewer opinions, and more flexibility, not to mention less money stress. But ultimately the people who are likely to stress you out are the very people you may be ticking off: parents, grandparents, close relatives or friends. For every couple who loved their destination wedding there is another couple who has been given an emotional roller coaster by family or friends who don't appreciate the extraordinary time and money spent to attend "your" ideal wedding location.
Myth: Key Stakeholders WON'T CARE
Truth: FALSE
The chances of anyone in your inner circle agreeing on an ideal wedding is low but as soon as you start excluding some people and including others, you enter a huge guest list landmine. Whether you are trying to determine which family members should be invited - exclude second cousins? Only invite adults? you are entering into family loyalty, notions about what a wedding means, and potentially offending important loved ones. A worst case scenario is when you start building alliances among people (without your knowledge) who threaten to boycot the wedding if the others aren't invited.
Just because you barely know your parents friends or coworkers does not mean you should automatically consider them "extras". If your parents rely heavily on the friendship of these people and really want them to be there for THEIR big day (the day they acquire a new son or daughter-in-law and marry off their child). It is worth considering some of those people have been in your parents lives longer than you've been alive and that some of your friends or coworkers may vanish from your life in the next 5 years as your life changes.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Petite Weddings....The Reception!
Small Receptions!
Some of the more traditional reception activities may be less desirable with a smaller number of of guests, especially if they tend to do better with a "critical mass" of people (for example, dancing). Here are some ideas you might want to consider for your reception:
>Instead of having a typical reception, have a "wedding supper" at a restaurant--as simple or as lavish as you prefer. Some restaurants will even print a special menu just for your event.
>Consider renting a trolley or carriage or other interesting transportation for your guests.
>Have your photographer take photos of all your guests, either in one large group photo or as couples, families, or other logical groups.
>If the reception is in a historic home or museum, have a tour guide there to show guests the facility.
>Instead of a band or dj, hire a string quartet, a harpist, or other unique musical performer. Have you ever heard dulcimer music? Lovely!
>Prepare a slide show of photos of each of you from childhood, adolescence, and on up through meeting one another. Include photos of each of you with your families and other special guests.. Photo shops and copy centers can make slides out of standard photographs (this can be expensive, so shop around for the best price). Renting or borrowing the equipment (projector and screen) is possible. Then show the slides during the reception, either with music (you can created a mixed tape beforehand) or with some clever narration. Some videography companies offer a similar service for creating videos from your still photos.
Whatever you do, take advantage of the smaller size to do some serious mixing and mingling. Too many couples say that they didn't get to spend enough time with their guests on their wedding day. You won't have this problem!
Some of the more traditional reception activities may be less desirable with a smaller number of of guests, especially if they tend to do better with a "critical mass" of people (for example, dancing). Here are some ideas you might want to consider for your reception:
>Instead of having a typical reception, have a "wedding supper" at a restaurant--as simple or as lavish as you prefer. Some restaurants will even print a special menu just for your event.
>Consider renting a trolley or carriage or other interesting transportation for your guests.
>Have your photographer take photos of all your guests, either in one large group photo or as couples, families, or other logical groups.
>If the reception is in a historic home or museum, have a tour guide there to show guests the facility.
>Instead of a band or dj, hire a string quartet, a harpist, or other unique musical performer. Have you ever heard dulcimer music? Lovely!
>Prepare a slide show of photos of each of you from childhood, adolescence, and on up through meeting one another. Include photos of each of you with your families and other special guests.. Photo shops and copy centers can make slides out of standard photographs (this can be expensive, so shop around for the best price). Renting or borrowing the equipment (projector and screen) is possible. Then show the slides during the reception, either with music (you can created a mixed tape beforehand) or with some clever narration. Some videography companies offer a similar service for creating videos from your still photos.
Whatever you do, take advantage of the smaller size to do some serious mixing and mingling. Too many couples say that they didn't get to spend enough time with their guests on their wedding day. You won't have this problem!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Small Weddings day 2
I have decided to make this 'little wedding week' Today we tackle the Ceremony, you know the boring legal part before the party gets started?!
Having a smaller wedding may cause you to look for some different things to incorporate into your service. Some suggestions given to me by people on newsgroups and other friends:
>Instead of a processional, allow guests to mix and mingle before the service over wine and cheese. Give a toast to start the event, and then have everyone proceed to their places.
>Give each member of your families a flower, and have them line the aisle. As the bride proceeds towards the altar, she takes each one and assembles her bouquet as she goes, symbolizing the contributions the family makes to this union.
>Consider having your families & guests stand up for the entire service, at your side just as attendants would be in a larger wedding.
>Have members of your family do the readings
>Ask each of the guests to say a few words about the couple, or ask them to write a few things down ahead of time, and assemble them into a document for one person to read aloud.
>Incorporate ethnic or family traditions that may have fallen by the wayside through the years. Contact older family members, or research wedding traditions via the web or the library.
>Make your wedding program more substantial, more of a booklet and keepsake. Include messages to each of the guests and explanations of why you chose your flowers, readings, colors, music, etc. If your wedding is held in a unique place, give some information about it, too.
>Be your own "ushers" when it comes to dismissing people after the service. Greet each guest as they leave the pew.
>Encourage each guest to use an entire page of your guestbook to share comments, advice, or other messages. You'll have many more lines of space than you'll have guests, so put it to good use and get a nicer keepsake of your guests!
from wee advice
Having a smaller wedding may cause you to look for some different things to incorporate into your service. Some suggestions given to me by people on newsgroups and other friends:
>Instead of a processional, allow guests to mix and mingle before the service over wine and cheese. Give a toast to start the event, and then have everyone proceed to their places.
>Give each member of your families a flower, and have them line the aisle. As the bride proceeds towards the altar, she takes each one and assembles her bouquet as she goes, symbolizing the contributions the family makes to this union.
>Consider having your families & guests stand up for the entire service, at your side just as attendants would be in a larger wedding.
>Have members of your family do the readings
>Ask each of the guests to say a few words about the couple, or ask them to write a few things down ahead of time, and assemble them into a document for one person to read aloud.
>Incorporate ethnic or family traditions that may have fallen by the wayside through the years. Contact older family members, or research wedding traditions via the web or the library.
>Make your wedding program more substantial, more of a booklet and keepsake. Include messages to each of the guests and explanations of why you chose your flowers, readings, colors, music, etc. If your wedding is held in a unique place, give some information about it, too.
>Be your own "ushers" when it comes to dismissing people after the service. Greet each guest as they leave the pew.
>Encourage each guest to use an entire page of your guestbook to share comments, advice, or other messages. You'll have many more lines of space than you'll have guests, so put it to good use and get a nicer keepsake of your guests!
from wee advice
Monday, June 7, 2010
Ten Reasons to Have a Small Wedding
from intimateweddings.com
1. You get to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life surrounded by people who love you. Of the many couples I interviewed for Intimate Weddings
and for my blog, nearly everyone says this is one of the best things about having a small wedding.
2. You can feel more relaxed on your wedding day. Because you’ll be surrounded by friends and family, you’ll feel more at home with your guests. Your wedding will feel more like a celebration with close-knit friends and family, than a production.
3. You can save money. You can save thousands of dollars by having an intimate wedding, which means you won’t have to go over your Wedding Budget.
4. You can splurge. Some couples choose a small guest list not necessarily because their budgets are small, but because they can pull out all the stops and have a truly lavish wedding. You get more ‘wow’ for less wallet with a small wedding. When you’ve got fewer guests, you can splurge on the things that really matter to you. For some that might be an out-of-this world dinner, for others it might be a five-piece jazz band or a designer wedding gown.
5. You have more options when choosing a venue. Since you won’t need a large space to accommodate your guests, many small wedding venues will be open to you. A smaller guest list means more creative venue options like bed and breakfasts, museums, art galleries and restaurants. (Don’t forget to check out the IntimateWeddings.com venue finder which lists more than 1,300 venues throughout the U.S. and Canada that are ideal for small weddings.)
6. You have more freedom to customize your wedding to your own tastes. A small wedding gives you the opportunity to get your creative juices flowing and make your unique wedding a reflection of the two of you.
7. You get to spend time with your guests. How many weddings have made you feel like a stranger fulfilling a social obligation? Small weddings aren’t like that. When the guest list is small, the bride and groom can spend time with each of their guests, making them feel welcome.
8. You can make your guests feel at home. Because you will be able to spend at least some time with your guests, they will feel more at home at your wedding. Also, when the guest list is small, guests will have a better opportunity to mingle with most of the others. Chances are that many of your guests will know one another.
9. You can get your guests involved. A small wedding will give you the opportunity to get your loved ones involved in your special day. Also, it’s a lot easier pulling off a DIY wedding with a guest list under 75, than a big scale production.
10. You can have a wedding that people will remember. Because your wedding won’t be typical – the kind your guests have been to over and over again – your wedding is more likely to be remembered.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Move yo butt!
I am in Phoenix for work this week so my amount of Wedding research is limited. Here is something I 'borrowed' from theknot.com
Wedding Gown Workout Moves
Two things brides want on their wedding day no matter what: to feel great (the fiance at the end of the aisle helps with that) and to look great (here's where we come in). Whether you're already in great shape, or you're just beginning to wrap your mind around a bridal slim down, the right workout will get you on the fast track. How? Since it's all about the wedding, what to do depends on what you're wearing. Going strapless? Show off those perfectly toned triceps and svelte shoulders. Choosing a sleek sheath? Focus on your tummy and whittle your middle. Pick your gown style from the list below and follow the instructions to achieve a healthier, hotter you.
If you're not a gym member, invest in a good set of five- or ten-pound hand weights, then establish an every-other-day weight training routine (muscles need to rest a day to repair). For each of these exercises, start off with two sets, then increase to three as you get stronger and more secure with the routine.
The Sheath Gown Workout
Target Zone:
A sleek, smooth torso is what's required for a super sheath bod, so make ab crunches and waist toners your new best friends.
The Twist
1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Imagine holding a ball in between your thighs. Squeeze your thigh muscles, then pull in your belly and tuck it under your pelvis (so you're in a slight sitting position). Lace your fingers together and place your hands behind your head.
2. Keeping your chest high, slowly twist from side to side without moving your lower body, so that your upper body turns from facing left to facing right. Keep it slow -- you won't get the full benefit if you're relying on momentum. Repeat 40 times. Yep, you heard us right -- 40!
Standing Side Crunch
1. Stand in the same position as for the Twist, with your abs tucked in and your toes facing front (but drop the imaginary ball!)
2. Lift your left knee toward your left arm bringing your elbow down to meet it. Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat it on the right #--and do a total of 20 repetitions on each side.
The Best-Ever Back Workout
Target Zone:
All eyes will be on your back at you float down the aisle . An upper- and lower-back workout will help firm up that all-important rear view.
One-Arm Row
1. Stand with your left side next to the front of a bench (or a coffee table, or a futon). Place your left foot and left hand on the bench, bending your right knee. Keeping your torso parallel to the ground, grasp a dumbbell with your right hand. Let your arm hang straight down with your palm facing your thigh.
2. Slowly pull the dumbbell up and back until it#'s in line with your hip. You should feel a muscle contraction in your upper back (that means it's working!). Repeat 10 times, then switch sides.
Pullover
1. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, hip-width apart, and feet planted. Grab a dumbbell with each hand and extend your arms up over your body, so that your arms make a 90-degree angle with your torso.
2. Keeping your elbows slightly bent, slowly lower the dumbbell back behind your head as far as you can; you should feel a stretch in your back muscles. Next, lift the dumbbell back into the starting position above your body, squeezing your back muscles as you go up. Do 10 repetitions per set.
The Sensational Strapless Workout
Target Zone:
This shoulder- and arm-baring style requires a combination of exercises. You'll need to work your triceps, biceps, and pectorals if you really want to strut your strapless stuff.
Biceps Curl
1. Standing with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, pull your tummy in and tuck your pelvis under. Hold a heavier pair of dumbbells down at your sides with your palms facing front.
2. Keeping your elbows at your sides, slowly curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Reverse direction and lower the dumbbells into starting position -- avoid locking your elbows. Do 10 repetitions per set. Slow and steady wins the race here -- you'll get a bigger benefit from the exercise if you use concentrated, controlled movements. If you feel like you're whipping the weights around to get them up, your dumbbells are too heavy. Downgrade to a smaller weight so you can move more comfortably.
Flat Dumbbell Fly
1. Lie down with your knees bent and your feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart. Stretch out your arms on the floor so your body makes a T. Grasp a dumbbell in each outstretched hand, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Keep your palms facing up towards the ceiling.
2. Slowly raise the weights upward in a rounded arc (as if you were hugging a tree!), gently touching the dumbbells together at the top above your body. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower the weights back to their starting positions. Do 10 repetitions per set.
Triceps Dip
1. Sit normally on a sturdy, non-wheeled chair. Place your hands on the front edge of the seat (fingertips facing front) and your feet on the floor, hip-width apart and a little bit ahead of you. Slowly slide your bottom off the seat of the chair, keeping your hands where there are.
2. Keeping your arms close to your body, bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, allowing your rear end to descend past the edge of the chair. Using your arms to lift you, reverse direction and push yourself back up to the point at which your arms are straight. Work up to 15 dips per set.
-- Lisa Cohen Lee
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
to do, or not to do a Holiday Weddings?
Fresh off a Holiday weekend, many of you Brides to be out there maybe thinking of taking the plunge on another Holiday weekend. What are the pros and cons of making this choice?
For starters:
> You have an extra day for celebrating(and/or recovery!)
>Getting married on a Sunday is less expensive than holding a Saturday wedding.
>Take into consideration your guest list when getting married on a holiday weekend. Airfare, travel and hotel rates are usually higher on holiday weekends and flights may be very limited due to holiday traffic.
>Some families have standing plans or traditions on holiday weekends that they may not be willing to forgo to attend a wedding.
>Rental equipment may cost more if you can't return it until Tuesday or pay the extra charge for a weekend pick-up (VERY COSTLY)
>Caterers and other vendors may charge more for having to work a Holiday weekend.
>Book early these dates get filled up fast!!!
>Ask LOTS of questions when booking vendors look for hidden fees when it comes to delivery and take away.
For starters:
> You have an extra day for celebrating(and/or recovery!)
>Getting married on a Sunday is less expensive than holding a Saturday wedding.
>Take into consideration your guest list when getting married on a holiday weekend. Airfare, travel and hotel rates are usually higher on holiday weekends and flights may be very limited due to holiday traffic.
>Some families have standing plans or traditions on holiday weekends that they may not be willing to forgo to attend a wedding.
>Rental equipment may cost more if you can't return it until Tuesday or pay the extra charge for a weekend pick-up (VERY COSTLY)
>Caterers and other vendors may charge more for having to work a Holiday weekend.
>Book early these dates get filled up fast!!!
>Ask LOTS of questions when booking vendors look for hidden fees when it comes to delivery and take away.
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