Wedding Gurus Ask, Does Love At First Sight Really Exist?

love-at-first-site

Eyes meet across a room. Music swells as internal temperatures raise. Perspiration beads above his upper lip as she begins to swoon. It must be low blood sugar on a balmy day. But then the music swells as their eyes connect deeper. She’s locked in his baby blues while he’s transported by her heavenly hazels. Oh, how Hollywood has ruined us for real life. Or has it? From the classics on the Silver Screen to modern day rom coms, the cliches remain consistent. And the world eats up the happily ever after phenomena. But does love at first sight really exist? And if not, what’s the point in making wedding plans at all?
Does Love at First Sight Really Exist?
The answer to that question has baffled poets, musicians, writers, psychologists, scientists, and married couples for centuries. You’d really think it was a simple yes or no answer, but as with so many other complex questions in life there are aspects that require deep discussion and exceptions. After all, what topic is more complex than love? Well, perhaps except divorce – which brings this topic full circle.
We all want that once-in-a-lifetime fit. That glass slipper if you will. Certainly love isn’t a fairy tale and it’s not meant to be. Those who expect never ending happiness without any type of challenge or resistance are bound to be miserable, especially in this day and age. Love is simply the beginning of commitment. And commitment is the embodiment of marriage.
But that spark. So many have felt it at the beginning of successful relationships that it can’t be ignored. And therein lies the catch-22. Like so many other things in life, the rules are there but living can’t really begin until those rules thoroughly broken. So then, we go back to the original question: Does love at first sight really exist? According to 58% of Americans, it definitely does… even though only 50% of them have actually experienced it personally. Science is split down the middle – for obvious reasons.
So Who Says What?
Considering Americans spend over $72 billion on weddings annually, online dating and hookup sites have no problem spending big bucks for research and cognitive findings on that first spark phenomena. According to most matchmaking sites, true love is absolutely real and nothing can be proven otherwise. Of course, psychologists claim it’s not quite that simple. While the brain is responsible for emotional behavior and beliefs, the organ is really the thought center of the body.
Psychology leans on the side of that first spark being lust over true love. After all, how can someone truly love another person after a simple glance or chance meeting? And while that makes perfect sense in logical form, thousands of couples still insist they knew their partner was the one from that first glance, hello, or touch. It was something internal unlike anything they ever felt with anyone else.
And those feelings – practically those words verbatim – are repeated time and time again. So then what makes love at first sight real love as opposed to lust? It all comes down to the people involved… how they define love, their belief systems, and what they need and expect out of life. But one thing is for sure. When those feelings are returned, that spark turns into fireworks. That’s what leads even the most solemnly sworn singles to give up their black books in exchange for making wedding plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much is the appropriate gift amount for a wedding?

wedding-invitation

The wedding invitation stares at you from the table with all its pastel colors, curly letters and embossments, supposedly unaware of the hours of sleep you will lose over it. Aside from Am I going to attend?’, the real quandary that the innocuous piece of stationery represents is a question of wedding etiquette: How much should I spend on the gift?’

Even with the increasingly popular option of a gift registry being a convenient option for both the couple and their guests in terms of what to get, it presents problems of its own.

Firstly, how will it come across if you select the cheapest few options?

This is rather easily solved – simply augment your choice from the registry with a complimentary addition. For example, if you have chosen the cookware set, a selection of herbs and spices and/or apron and mittens will be a nice touch, and take you over the threshold into what you think would be reasonable.

Of course, reasonable’ itself is the quandary.

One school of thought advocates giving cash or gifts to the near equivalent of what it would have cost the married couple to host you. The trend today is for couples to recoup the expenditure through a preference for cash gifts.

Others would say that the value or cost your choice of gift is best decided by how close you are to one or both of the newlyweds or their parents. In this case, restricting yourself to a price-per-plate calculation would not really be appropriate if the bride is your best friend.

The guide, very generally, is that you should not spend less than $50. An amount of between $50 and $75 would be suitable for a casual work colleague or distant relative. For other relatives and better friends, an amount closer to $100 is more appropriate, and for your inner circle of family and closest friends, between $100 and $150.

Location also plays a part – if the couple lives in a major urban center, it would be prudent to increase the value in the guide above by a factor of 1.5 or 2. As destination weddings become more popular, however, matters are just a tad more complicated. One common perspective is that you could give less if it cost you a significant amount to attend in the first place.

The average amount spent on a wedding gift in 2015 was about $120. That is just right to maintain wedding etiquette and enough to give a unique gift that the couple will use, and remember you when they do.

What kind of unique gift? Well, that’s a whole different article altogether.

 

Important items for your Wedding day

important-items-for-your-wedding-day

As a bride, many thoughts cross your mind while planning your event. For example, will I be happy with my flowers? Can I sit that person there? Will my wedding planner get my wedding style right, as well as a host of other things. On your wedding day, many things may go wrong, so it is important to plan for the little things that may not seem like a big  deal now, but on the d-day, they will matter a lot. Here is a list of items that may help.

Flip Flops are essential.

Be sure to have a pair of flip flops stashed within reach. The idea may not seem like it is a great one but when you look at the big picture, flip flops will come in very handy on your wedding day. How else will you give your legs a break like during long photo shoots. Also, Let your flip flops be stylish and match the theme and décor on the wedding day. There are so many fun, cute styles to choose from I say buy at least two pairs!

Pack your bags.

It is important to pack all the clothes and overnight items that you need for your honeymoon up front and leave it with a trusted person or in the car. This is because, after the wedding, you will not have time to go back and do the packing. Other aspects to consider are the toiletries and other items that the bridesmaids and groomsmen may need during the wedding. The bag should be marked properly and left in the care of a responsible & trusted person.

Your wing man…or woman.

You have to bear in mind that on your wedding day, you will be the center of attention. Therefore, everything, as pertains to planning and taking care of the vendors, will be out of the question on the wedding day. It is important to have a wedding planner but at the same time, the wedding planner might overlook some aspects that might ruin your envisioned wedding style. You will need somebody you fully trust to ensure that the venue has nothing left, the vendors have all received their checks and that the bridesmaids travel arrangements are taken care of after the wedding. Choose wisely.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The saddest comment to me is a recent bride saying that they were so overwhelmed by the commotion of the day that they forgot to enjoy the moment. Take the time to breathe in the day, sneak away for a stolen kiss with your new husband, watch as your family dances with abandon, laugh with all your bridesmaids throughout the day. It can be a magical day if you remember to enjoy it and live in the moment. Blink and the day will be over, it will be a shame to waste such precious moments on things that will be forgotten and overlooked.

 

Top Picks for Wedding Color Palettes

The wedding colors you choose for your event should be one of the first things you do when planning for your wedding décor. Determining the look and feel of the wedding style you wish to achieve is something that you will refer back to often to pull the event together. Color Palettes for the event are the first to decide on. You may choose to use bold modern colors to make a statement or stay with a traditional look with a combination of soft colors. Wedding style is a very personalized decision, and the different colors you choose will depend on the preferences you choose to focus on. We have put together a is a short list of some popular color palettes to help you narrow down your decision.

wedding-palette

Silver, Teal and Classic White. Think Tiffany & Co. Who doesn’t love that little blue box with the white ribbon? These colors are a classic color scheme for your wedding style. It can be used in table set ups and the cakes. These colors can be used in all-weather seasons, beautiful summers and winter wonderland both lend themselves to this tried and true color palette.  It is a classic look.

navy-green-wedding

Navy, Classic White and Spring Green. This is a sophisticated Spring-Summer color palette. You can choose a soft white and classic navy to balance each other with small shots of Spring Green to brighten up your theme in a fun way. This color palette naturally lends itself to beautiful flower displays using the natural green elements of nature to enhance all of the color of each floral centerpiece.  

pale pink-grey-white 

Pale Pink, Soft Gray, and Ivory. This is an elegant color scheme that turns out to be the best during the winter months. Picture the elegant invitations, beautiful table designs and exquisite floral displays with this soft palette. It is also very flattering for most people to wear, you can have the groomsmen have soft blush ties and your bridal party in pastel pinks. You can even offer a toast with pink champagne for that extra surprise coordination that is sure to make people smile.

pink-mint-white-wedding

Classic White, Coral Pink, and Mint Green. This is a nature-inspired look that can be used for a fun spring-time wedding. Choose carefree and light hearted ideas like a pink and green candy bar to keep the feeling of this palette upbeat. You can also showcase these colors by using a signature cocktail. This is a fun and very trendy look for your wedding.

plum-gold-wedding

Plum, Ivory and Gold. Picture a royal wedding, sophisticated and regal. Purple is actually associated with with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. All great attributes to have represented as you start a life together with someone. Of course the gold adds a hint of glamour to an already posh color palette. From your invitations to your table settings; this palette will be sure to impress even the most particular guests.

 

 

 

 

Top 5 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for your Wedding

italy-wedding-honeymoon

What a diverse, exciting and absolutely gorgeous world we live in! And your honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch with your partner in exotic new locales that will leave lasting memories of this wonderful start of your life together.

Some vacation destinations are inherently romantic and have developed stellar reputations for hosting weddings and honeymoons over the years. We have compiled a list of five, in no particular order, that have not only retained their popularity but continue to grow from strength to strength.

Italy
There are few names that inspire blissful daydreams of love more than Italy. Venice and its famed waterway gondola rides; Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet; and Rome, for its magnificent awe-inspiring architecture create an ideal romantic destination that has an almost magical ability to intensify your romantic feelings.
As it is part of Europe, amenities like transport and accommodation are first rate, and sampling authentic Italian fare in its native homeland is a gastronomic highlight you will remember.
Hawaii
Hawaii is, in fact, the largest of a chain of eight islands, called the Hawaiian Islands. Recognized for its almost unreal beauty of sky-high mountains and waterfalls, and beautiful volcanoes best seen from the air, scenes from the island have been featured in countless films, posters and on TV.
Hawaii offers endless choices of world-class entertainment and adventure from all water sports to sky-diving, and excellent, fresh cuisine to match.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the sole Hindu island in the muslim nation of Indonesia. That it has retained its heritage is most evident in the beautiful, ancient temples that are still visited by its inhabitants and tens of thousands of tourists every year. Together with the crystal clear waters, they form the perfect backdrop for amazing honeymoon photos.
Bali is a great cultural getaway from the hustle and bustle that allows your partner and you to indulge in meaningful quiet time in picturesque settings.
Fiji
Another island known for its picturesque ocean views is Fiji, home to the original ‘Blue Lagoon’. Ringed with pristine white beaches that border lush green vegetation, Fiji offers the ideal cocktail of perfect weather, paradisaical vistas and excellent amenities that make for a memorable honeymoon adventure.
The food, the weather, the activities- they all come in huge helpings in Fiji and contribute to an exquisite honeymoon experience.
Mexico
This amazing country is a study in contrasts – from shimmering waters foaming on flawless white beaches to dense rainforest inhabited by exotic wildlife to ancient archeological sites, Mexico has something for everyone. The night and party scene is among the most vibrant anywhere in the world.
Choosing Mexico for your honeymoon vacation presents one huge problem – it will be torture when you have to leave!

No matter where you wind up, be sure to make the most of your time away. Your honeymoon should be a time that you reflect back on with a wistful smile and sigh of satisfaction.

Make it count!

 

 

 

 

Yes, You Can Have an Ice Cream Cake at Your Wedding

ice-cream-wedding-cake

Everyone will have an opinion on what kind of food you should have at your wedding. Try to remember that it is your day. If you are looking for wedding menu ideas that will have people talking on your big day, you need to pick items that will stay in the hearts and minds of both you and your guests for many years to come. Many will tell you that you need to stay within the restraints of tradition, I say, you can have your cake and eat it too, especially ice cream cake. Speaking of pure indulgence, there are few things more delightful than a well planned wedding menu.

Afraid of breaking too far away from tradition? Remember that all brides have the right to what they want, especially when it comes to the food served at their event. Your caterer will have several items to choose from. It is important to plan your event properly in terms of food presentation and timing. For example, if you do decide to have an ice cream wedding cake, you will need to have a regular cake to display during the event. Be creative, there is no reason you cannot have a his and her cake. Why not? Whose day is it? Chances are your bridegroom will defer to your decision on most things for the day.  Even the most conservative of person is likely to have no qualms telling you, “Yes, you can have ice cream cake at your wedding.” Or “What a fabulous idea!”. It is the perfect complement of your favorite cake flavor delicately layered with a select ice-cream flavor and is nothing short of a divine treat for the taste buds.

With a wide range of rich and delicious foods available and an almost endless array of appetizers, you will be overwhelmed with the task of choosing the ultimate menu for your guests and yourself. Choose wisely and make sure there are plenty of your favorites on the menu.

Remember that if you want a sweet ending that absolutely takes the cake for your big day, you now know that the your best bet is the ice cream cake.

Enjoy!

The Perfect Beach Wedding Can Be Planned!

Beach-wedding

Beach weddings can be romantic for sure, but disastrous if mother nature decides to drop a cloudy, rain shower on your special day. Depending on which beach your ceremony is being held, the weather patterns can dictate what month has the most predictable sunny days and early evenings. If you monitor the weather reports from past years and then watch closely as your selected date draws dear, you can predict the weather! This is significant because you always have an alternate plan in mind, like an inside plan for the ceremony, to avoid being a victim of a bad weather wedding.

There are several wonderful locations for beach weddings. Look for a beach that has fine bleached white sand and where the weather is usually full of balmy, warm breezes. Check online with your favorite weather sites to look ahead at beach weather forecasts; they have daily, weekly and monthly predictions for the most areas. If you take care to plan using weather forecasts, and plan for a later afternoon wedding. Anyone who dreams up their beach wedding wants the perfect sunset as well as no rain, excessive heat, or the occasional sand storm! You can use weather forecasts to help plan the timing of your ceremony so that you capture the sunset after you exchange vows.

Some say that your wish for a happy life together will come true if you see the tiny green flash of light when the sun sets. This moment occurs for split second as the large, orange sun disappears into the ocean’s horizon. Picture seeing that shortly after you have both said, “I do”. This special moment can be arranged by checking weather forecasts, as they can tell us when the sun will set for the evening.

So by beginning your beach wedding plans with the very important step of checking the weather, your beach wedding day should be a great success for you and your guests. It will be beautiful with the calming ocean waves and sea salt smell drifting about in the breezy, balmy air. Moments like this last a lifetime in our hearts and minds so it is worth being prepared!

How to Plan the Ultimate Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is without doubt one of the most interesting and fun of all wedding traditions. It is the time where people get to shower the couple, and more so the bride, with gifts and advice on how to navigate the harsh waters of marriage. Planning the perfect bridal shower is therefore just as important as planning the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon and even the wedding itself.

What makes planning the shower so tricky is that you don’t want to have a party that is so amazing that it will outshine the wedding, or one that is so boring that it starts the entire wedding season on a low note. So if you are a party planner or a bride or even a maid of honor who has been given the task of planning the ultimate bridal shower, below are five of the most popular bridal shower themes. The ideas should help you get started on the right foot.

  1. Costume party theme- If you are and your guest are the type to enjoy dressing up then a costume party is a great idea. It is not a very common theme but it is definitely a super fun and memorable for everyone.
  2. Garden party theme- You can never go wrong with an outdoor bridal shower. This theme allows guests to interact freely in open fresh air which makes the experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
  3. Tea party theme– This is one of the easiest to pull off. Not only is it simple and elegant but also affordable and quite easy to set up.
  4. Wine tasting bridal showers- There is probably nothing better than bonding over good wine. This makes the wine tasting theme one of the best for bridal showers.
  5. Jack and Jill shower– what makes this bridal shower theme so amazing is the fact that it is centered on the couples shared interests. Be it swimming, bowling, rock climbing or even singing karaoke, the party will be organized in such a way that everyone gets to participate in the chosen activity.

No matter what you decide on, it will be a day that you will always remember for years to come!

Bridal Shows are Valuable Resources for a Bride-to-Be

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Getting engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life, but thinking about wedding planning can be one of the most stressful. How do you choose flowers? A venue? A dress? Decorations? And which of these decisions do you make first? One of the most convenient and smart ways that a bride-to-be can take stock of all her options is to attend a bridal show.

Some brides are eager to attend bridal shows, and others are afraid to set foot in one. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, you have to understand two things. The first is that bridal shows can expose you to more companies than it’s possible to see in months, all in the same place – so it’s almost always worth it to go! The second is that you have to be savvy and know how to get the most out of your time.

Start of by thinking like an expert party planner and drawing up your to-do and to-find lists before you go. If you’re starting from scratch, this can be overwhelming, but first think about venues for the ceremony and reception. If you’ve already made some choices, think of everything you have left to decide and rank these items according to importance. If you have a dress, bring a swatch or a good photo along so you can look at jewelry, veils, and bouquets. Prioritize. Getting music for the reception should come before you look at cake toppers, no matter how adorable they are.

Also, make sure you don’t take on a bridal show alone. A good friend can help you sort through your variety of options, and they can help you avoid impulsive decisions. Once you’re at the show, make sure you get contact information for every florist, caterer, and photographer you meet. Remember to ask if they oversee the wedding themselves or if you’ll end up working with a colleague or assistant. Asking for references is always acceptable. Best of all, many of them offer discounts to brides who book through a bridal show.

In the end, you’ll come home with business cards and brochures, and you’ll have a much better idea of all your exciting wedding choices. Instead of grasping in the dark, every future bride should attend a bridal show. You’re guaranteed to walk away with more than free samples of cake.

Wedding Planning in Winter

Even though June may statistically be the most common month for weddings, it does not mean it is the only appropriate time of the year for a great celebration. Winter weddings are a popular option that can create a magical memory that is unlike any wedding held any other time of the year. Before anyone commits to a wedding during this time of year, there are many things they should consider first.

Just a quick visit to any party planning site will reveal that there are an endless amount of ways to decorate and plan a winter wedding. The decorations for this time of year are available everywhere, because a lot of Christmas and New Year’s Eve decor is perfect for a wedding celebration. Banquet halls with warm fireplaces and silver and blue or red and gold decorations are all perfect backgrounds for some stunning wedding photos.

During the winter, families are often in town visiting already because of the holidays. This makes it more affordable for out of town guests to attend weddings since they will not have to make a second trip in the summer for the event. However, holiday parties and busy schedules may make it difficult for friends to attend, and that should be remembered when making plans.

Money could be another issue because many are financially strapped during the winter. There are higher heat and utility bills, the holidays and an upcoming tax season. This is important for the bride and groom to consider too, because it could eventually restrict how they are able to celebrate their winter anniversary in the future.
Another concern, at least for those in northern climates, is winter weather. Just as a rain storm can ruin an outdoor summer wedding, snow and sleet could cancel a winter event. It could cause guests to be delayed or have their flights cancelled and could even lead to a honeymoon departure being delayed.
Winter weddings may not be for the excessive worrier or the faint of heart, but when they are planned correctly and make full use of the beauty of the season, few summer weddings can compare. Make certain to be aware of the pros and cons and use all of the party planning tips available to make a winter wedding a party that no one will ever forget.

Good Luck!

 

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