Friday, May 25, 2007

Wedding Movies

It's Friday before the Memorial Day weekend and I've got to admit that just like everyone else I have spring fever! So instead of talking about something that will make a big difference in your wedding planning (if you are looking for more ideas check out my fun tips and ideas directory), I want to take a lighter path and talk about something that will make a difference in your sanity as you plan your wedding. What is that? Wedding movies.

Wedding movies?

Of course, during the stress of our wedding planning efforts we all need to take a break and recharge - and if we are in the middle of planning a wedding why not choose a wedding movie - or at least a movie with a great wedding scene in it. It will give you an opportunity to kick back and laugh at yourself and your situation - and you might even get a great idea!

There are so many movies out there with strong wedding elements that there is bound to be something for everyone:

Father of the Bride: You choose, the original or the remake (I have spring fever so bad I wanted to write "extra crispy"). They both have things going for them. Spencer Tracy did a great job carrying the original, nearly overshadowing an 18-year-old Elizabeth Taylor. Steve Martin did a great job in the remake, though probably not if you loved the original. Either way, this light hearted comedy in either version has proved to have staying power and as such could give you the break you need (and maybe even some inside jokes between you and your bridesmaids) to deal with the eccentrics of your wedding season. Remember Martin Short's classic character? If you don't, go back and watch the remake.

License to Wed: This one won't be out until July 4th so... What can we say except, Robin Williams stars in this crazy look at a modern couple trying to undergo rigorous premarital counseling (always a good idea to help you know you are ready for marriage) with a, well, slightly unorthodox reverend. Having not seen this I can't recommend it but for the fans of Robin Williams, myself included, this has the potential to be a great opportunity to laugh and blow off steam.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Some of our paths to the altar are bumpier than others. For those who can relate to the main character's bumpy ride and difficult family this is a great choice because not only is it relatable, but it brings with it a happy ending... something you want if you are in the middle of a stressful wedding planning season of life.

The Wedding Planner: Okay, maybe this is not the one you want if you have a gorgeous wedding planner and a groom with a wandering eye, but otherwise this is a great lighthearted look at romance and the wedding planning industry. Besides, who can resist a couple hours of watching Matthew McConaughey?

Four Weddings and a Funeral: This movie made Hugh Grant a star. If you like Hugh Grant, that's enough said.

Of course the list goes on, and on. One of the greatest wedding scenes of all time comes in the movie that has become something of a cult classic since it's release in the mid eighties - The Princess Bride. Most people either love it or hate it. If you are in the love it category it could be the perfect choice.

Don't forget all the classic Disney movies whose basic formula is all about a princess finding her handsome prince. Whether Snow White is your favorite or Sleeping Beauty, or something more modern like Aladdin or The Little Mermaid, these Disney movies have established themselves as a great way to kick back and unwind.

There are far more movies out there than I could possibly list here. What are your favorite wedding movies?

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Planning Wedding Showers: Benefits and Opportunities

Labels: Planning Wedding Showers, Bridal Showers

Wedding showers are a fun and practical event that can have huge dividends in the establishment of a new family. But even more, a bridal shower offers an opportunity to take a break from the rigors of wedding planning and relax with good friends and enjoy the season and the anticipation of the upcoming big day.

Traditionally the Maid of Honor hosts the wedding shower with the help of the bridesmaids. However there are many cases where this is not possible and it is perfectly acceptable for a family member to host instead. The problem, however, is that a family member hosting the shower, especially if it is the mother of either the bride or groom, is likely to give the impression that the family is asking for gifts rather than taking an opportunity to celebrate the upcoming nuptials.

The time period in which a shower is normally held is between two months and two weeks before the wedding. Choosing a date for the bridal shower much earlier ...

Continue with Planning Wedding Showers: Benefits and Opportunities

Thursday, May 17, 2007

How to Choose Wedding Cake Toppers

Labels: Wedding Cake Toppers, Wedding Cake Design

Help Jeanette, I've been to so many weddings where I saw a great cake top sitting on a beautiful cake - but the two didn't fit together. What should I look for to choose a wedding cake topper for the beautiful wedding cake my pastry chef is designing for me?

Answer: How to choose Wedding Cake Toppers

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

How Do I Save Money in My Wedding Scheduling?

Labels: Save money, wedding scheduling

We've all heard brides asking how to save money in the scheduling of a wedding. Most of us who have gotten married have asked the question ourselves at some point. Usually when a young couple asks it is because they feel so overwhelmed by everything facing them in the daunting task of planning a wedding that they are beginning to doubt that it is even possible to schedule a wedding and save money without giving away their firstborn and the first option on the second child.

Answer: How Do I Save Money in My Wedding Scheduling?

Monday, May 14, 2007

Wedding Blunders Are Not a Laughing Matter

We have all seen them. Some are big and some are smaller. But ultimately it does not matter if the wedding blunders are big or small. In the final analysis those are the elements or events that cause couples to squirm at the memory of their wedding day. Those are the events we want to avoid as much as possible. Some are as easy to avoid as showing a little self control while you are celebrating like controlling how much you drink. Other wedding blunders are a factor of how well you have thought your big day through.

Wedding Blunder # 1: Assuming that Your Big Day is About You

Yes, you are celebrating your wedding day, but that does not make you queen for the day. Your friends and relatives are there to celebrate you new commitment with you. And while they often will welcome the chance to help you out and even donate some hard work no one likes to be taken advantage of or taken for granted. Likewise your guests have come, often from great distances, to celebrate with you. Is it fair to make them go away for an hour or more while you have your pictures taken? For your out of town guests this is wasted time with nothing to do.

Wedding Blunder # 2: Doing anything because, "That is How Weddings Are Done"

I can’t tell you how many weddings I have been involved in where the only real difference between one and the next were the faces involved. Yet, in a large number of those weddings I had worked with the young couple enough to know that they were not just like the other couples. They were distinct personalities, but for some reason they chose to put together weddings that were not. Your wedding is a commitment to a new life together as unique individuals and your wedding should reflect that individuality while still maintaining the serious nature of the vows you are exchanging. To do anything less is to short change yourself.

Wedding Blunder # 3: Wasting Money

Weddings are an expensive proposition. We all know that. Every celebration has to have a place to celebrate, but not every wedding has to spend a ton on every element. For an individual with a ... continue with Wedding Blunders that are Not a Laughing Matter

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Create a Memory with Bath Powder Sachet Wedding Favors

Scent can evoke a memory. We all know that. Whether it’s the smell of a bath powder sachet wedding favor that reminds you of that elegant wedding sometime back that you dream of imitating on your big day or the smell of chocolate that reminds you of Mom, fragrance is a powerful reminder of precious moments. We have all experienced it. It is a potent force. So why not make use of this phenomenon in your wedding planning by choosing a bath powder sachet wedding favor and embed your big day in your guest’s mind with carefully selected fragrance?

You can do a lot toward creating an inviting atmosphere for your wedding or reception with well chosen Bath Powder Sachets. Simply give one to each guest as they enter the wedding ceremony or reception and soon the entire room will be filled with the inviting fragrance that you have chosen. Later on, whenever they smell that same fragrance they are likely to think of you and the wonderful day they spent celebrating your new marriage.

Choosing Bath Powder Sachets

  • Do you love the scent of lavender? Then choose lavender bath powder sachets.
  • Sweet Pea (a pink bath powder)? That option is available at the time I write this.
  • How about Pear Berry bath powder sachets? A minty green bath powder that smells like Pear Berry is currently available for your choice.
  • Want to give your event the welcoming scent of ... addtional information about Bath Powder Sachet Wedding Favors

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Hot Destination Wedding Locations You Might Not Have Considered

When we think of destination wedding locations our minds often turn to white sandy beaches in tropical climates. That’s understandable. Who doesn’t enjoy lazy days on the beach in the warmth of a tropical breeze? But if you’ve been there, and done that, or just want something a little more memorable for your destination wedding where do you turn? Consider these five options for building nuptial memories that are as rich in culture as they are in luxury.

Crete: Enjoy the rich history of the Island of Crete with a destination wedding on this sparkling island in the Mediterranean Sea. Imagine your wedding ceremony at sunset with the deep blue waters of the sea behind you and a warm breeze fluttering by. Afterwards spend a week or more relaxing on the beaches of Crete and alternately touring the rich historical sights of this ancient Island.

Stockholm: There are few places as romantic and overlooked as Stockholm, Sweden. Built around one of Europe’s largest most beautifully maintained medieval city centers spread out over fourteen islands Stockholm and the surrounding picturesque countryside is the perfect spot for a memorable destination wedding getaway. Go in the spring and see the spectacular carpet of flowers dotting the countryside. Get married by the light of the midnight sun in June and July or time your destination wedding to coincide with... more

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Wedding Planning Consultants: Protection from Hair Loss

Is it really necessary to hire a wedding planning consultant? Many people have successfully planned and implemented their weddings on their own, but many of these same people probably would not have done all the planning themselves if they had it to do over again. Planning a wedding is a huge task. We all know that, but most of us don’t really know how massive the task is until we are facing the task ourselves. That’s where a wedding planning consultant comes in.

Indeed, when a bride first begins to think of wedding planning, the process may seem quite straightforward, but it’s when you really begin to get into the meat of it that you see how many little details there really are. Even a fairly small and intimate wedding can be overwhelming. There is everything from invitations, caterers, and wedding cake design to more complicated issues if you are planning a theme wedding. But an experienced wedding planning consultant is like a conductor at a symphony. They know from experience just what to put where and have proved over the years to have the temperament to be able to juggle all the details without going insane.

Moreover, a wedding planning consultant can help with many aspects of a wedding that you may never have even thought of. They can create the perfect wedding that you have always imagined, and at the same time they know enough about how the wedding industry works to give you suggestions that can help keep the cost at a minimum.

With a theme wedding it may be even more important to hire a consultant because all the rules change. We’ve all been to dozens of weddings that looked pretty much the same to know what the basic elements are, but planning a themed wedding changes the elements of a wedding and in doing so... more

Monday, May 7, 2007

Informal Wedding Dresses Are In

Informal wedding dresses are becoming the in thing today. Not only are the gowns leaning more toward informal - but brides have chosen to move away from the traditional white Victorian style gown. It is becoming more common to see the blushing bride sporting colors ranging from the light pastels of a few years ago to the more subdued shades of greens, browns, purples, and pinks.

Because of their increased popularity there are more sources than ever to shop for informal wedding dresses. Many bridal shops carry lines of informal gowns. In addition, there are several outlets on the Internet, and of course there is always the option of making your own dress.

Regardless of where you choose to shop for informal wedding dresses, keep in mind that if you are having a theme wedding you will want to keep with the style. Consider what type of attire would be worn if that theme were not a part of a wedding. For example, if you are celebrating your wedding with a Italian Renaissance Nobility theme... more

Friday, May 4, 2007

Spectacular Options For Sunset Beach Weddings

There are few things as stunning as sunset beach weddings. The bride and the groom standing hand in hand along with the minister, rabbi, or priest in silhouette against the growing color as the sun sets over the water. Torch light holds back the coming darkness as the guests watch from rows of white folding chairs or, if the sunset beach wedding is on the big island of Hawaii, perch on ancient volcanic rocks sticking out of the sand.

Perhaps the bride in this sunset beach wedding is wearing a simple, yet stunning knee length gown in the subtlest shade of lavender that seems to change color against the changing light. On her feet are barefoot sandals with matching bracelet and earrings whose beads occasionally catch those magical last rays from the sun and seem to magnify them in a shower of color around her. The tuxedoed groom was barefoot as well as he... more

Thursday, May 3, 2007

In Search of Children’s Wedding Favors

Weddings are often a family affair, but have you thought about children’s wedding favors? You would not feel particularly appreciated if someone gave you a gift of denture adhesive even if you might need it at some distant point in your life. The children in your wedding party are sharing your big day too, so it’s only appropriate that you have favors that are appropriate for them at their stage of life. So consider these suggestions for children’s wedding favors.

Sun Catchers

There is little in the world more awe inspiring to the young and young at heart than any opportunity to watch the sunlight bend and sparkle across the room. But the opportunity to see such an event are often limited to a rain storm or a visit to an old cathedral - unless there is a sun catcher available. With these fun and beautiful favors the children on your guest list can remember be beauty of your wedding day every time they see the sun shinning through the sun catcher wedding favor you presented to them as a token of your love and gratitude.

Bubble Bath Wedding Favor

What kid doesn't love bubble bath? When Mom makes them take a bath and at least bubble bath makes it fun. Think of the delight on a child's face as they watch the bubbles dance, float, and burst before their eyes... For you this means that bubble bath is an excellent choice as a wedding favor for children.

Key Chain Favors

Babies love keys, but kids love key chains. Can anyone explain why it is true? We've all seen children hoarding key chains... Maybe it's because they see it as a link to being grown up. Maybe it's something else. It doesn't really matter. All that really matters here is that your wedding favor will be treasured by the younger guests at your wedding - reminding them of your big day.

Snow Globes Wedding Favors

When I was a child I adored snow globes. For me, not only did the snow fly but the scene came alive in the depths of my imagination. Watching the snow fall was a great distraction and... more

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

How to Make Your Own Homemade Wedding Invitations

If you are like many people, you probably are very budget conscious. Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, but you don’t have to skimp on elegance to stay within your wedding budget. Homemade wedding invitations are one course you can follow that is both fun and economical.

The first thing to consider is the style of wedding invitations you will need. Most often people choose a style of wedding invitation that reflects the theme of their wedding. Some examples might be:

  • For a medieval wedding you would want to use paper that had the texture and color of parchment. As a focal point use a picture of a castle, or possibly the coat of arms for the Bride and Groom. For the font style - you will definitely want Old English lettering.
  • For a beach wedding what could be more appropriate than sending the invitations rolled into a bottle. Either choose paper just long enough so that... more