Easy Centerpiece Ideas for Your Wedding Receptionj

The wedding reception table centerpieces are a key component of the decor in any wedding. After all, every eye is trained on the table centerpiece more than any other decor element in the room. As a result we want our centerpieces to be stunning.

It's natural. The question is how.

Of course we can buy wedding reception centerpiece kits. That is a great way to take the stress out of at least one element of your wedding planning. You just order a couple more kits than you anticipate needing tables and everything is shipped to your door - ready to be arranged on the tables.

But what if you can't find something you like or don't have the budget to buy pre-made kits?

The answer, is to build them yourself.

Of course we have all seen the low, wide bowl filled with water and either floating candles or flowers. That option is tired.

But there is no reason not to take off on the concept. Consider finding a tall slender vase, approximately eighteen inches high, placing it on a mirror (or a piece of fabric that matches the color scheme) and cutting one or two calla lilies so the entire 'flower' and stem is just shorter than the vase. Now surround the vase with lit candles and you have a centerpiece with enough height to have drama yet not so big that it will significantly interfere with sight lines of those at the table.

Or fill a clear vase with slices or wedges of citrus fruits of different varieties in layers and topped with flower petals. Then fill with water and add a floating candle to the top of the vase. It can be stunning and relatively inexpensive.

Of course, many have created memorable centerpieces by arranging their wedding favors in a creative manner.

Save Money on Your Floral Budget

With the economic downturn more and more people are looking for ways to save money while still mounting a wedding that they can look back on with fond memories. Is that a tall order? Not really. All it takes is replacing the money that would have been spent with a little more careful planning. Anyway, today I posted a new article entitled, Save Money on Your Wedding Flowers. Check it out. It could save you a lot of money.

Homemade Wedding Cakes

I just posted a new article about the pros and cons of attempting to save money by making a wedding cake. The article goes on to provide a few tips that will help those who choose (whether because of budget or something else) to bake and decorate their own wedding cake in their endevors.

Click here for Do-It-Yourself Wedding Cakes

Exercise to Reduce Wedding Planning Stress

There is nothing like good physical exercise to reduce wedding planning stress - or any kind of stress for that matter. It truly is good for the human body in virtually every possible way. We were created to be physically active.

During the wedding planning phase of a woman's life it is easy to feel like she just doesn't have time to get down to the gym. After all, she has so many things to do and so few days and weeks left to accomplish them. But life doesn't work that way. The human body, mind, and soul needs a change of pace.

Sometimes, as mentioned in previous posts, that change of pace means slowing down and meditating or taking a good long hot bath. Other times, however, it means a different task. It means physical exercise.

Why?

• When you have to focus on the physical task on hand, whether it be a tennis match, or swimming, or weightlifting, it forces your mind to put the stresses of planning a wedding on the back burner. As a result a bride who exercises will find that she will come out of it with a different perspective and a clearer head. Tried it and it didn't work? This probably means that your head wasn't in the game. Focus on the task at hand. For the hour or so you are playing the game, be the best you can be at that game. Forget everything else. It will pay off in a clearer mind when you return to the wedding planning routine.
• Vigorous exercise releases endorphins - the chemical that our bodies produce that is much stronger than morphine. Endorphins are the magic behind what is often called the "runner's high". In short it is a natural way for your body to feel better.
• Regular exercise helps our coordination and fitness level which naturally results in higher feelings of confidence and self esteem.

So carve some time out of the wedding planning schedule - despite all those feelings that there is just not enough hours in the day. Take the time to go for a hike, play tennis, go ice skating, run on the beach, or just go to the gym and work out. The result of a clear mind and feeling better that come from good vigorous exercise is worth the time set aside. Besides, the effort will help make that wedding dress and that new lingerie fit better helping to reduce the stress when the actual wedding day comes around.