Tag Archives: Weddings

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

If you’re thinking of having your big day at an exotic location away from home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are a few tips for planning a destination wedding:

Timing is everything. Depending on what destination you choose, the best weather dates may correlate with tourist season – which means higher rates for everything. If you’re scheduling your wedding for tourist season in that area, you’ll want to reserve hotel rooms and the venue about 11-12 months in advance.

Scout out the destination. Visit the destination prior to planning the wedding to scout out the area, venues, and hotels. Schedule tastings with the caterer and scout out fun local activities for your guests.

Research local marriage requirements. Some countries have “residency requirements” prior to your wedding. Turks and Caicos requires you to be on the island for at least 24 hours prior to your ceremony where France requires you to arrive at least 40 days before.

Only DIY small things. It’s important to make sure these items are small and will be easy to travel with like reception chair signs, seating cards or guest books.

Ask for help from someone who is already at the destination. Many resorts have on-site wedding planners that can help coordinate and do the legwork for you.

Check airline carry-on rules. Sometimes it’s actually cheaper to ship all of your wedding DIY items to your destination than it is to carry them on yourself.

Make your destination wedding your theme. There are so many ways you can have fun with a destination wedding and incorporate it into your theme for all of your wedding events. Your invitations could be faux airline tickets or passports. Your favors can be suitcase tags. Be creative!

Make welcome bags. Your guests have traveled a long way to attend your big day so assembling welcome bags for them to receive in their hotel rooms is a nice touch. If you’re putting these together yourself, send all the items to the destination ahead of time and make sure you arrive at your destination a few days early so you can put them together without stressing about time.

Embrace the local culture of your destination. Your signature wedding cocktail can be a local-made liquor or you can choose to include music from your destination in your reception.

How to book your destination wedding. There are many sites that can help you with choosing where to go and booking your destination wedding. If you’re focused on exclusively Caribbean beach wedding locations, IslandBrides.com might be helpful and it’s free.

Wedding Vendor Booking Timeline

Wedding Timeline for Booking Vendors

Once you’ve decided on the basic details for your wedding day, it’s time to start researching and booking vendors. After all – without them in place, your wedding timeline may fall apart. We’ve put together this wedding vendor booking timeline so that you don’t miss anything in the craziness of planning your big day.

12 Months

  • Ceremony venue
  • Reception venue
  • Wedding planner

10 Months

  • Photographer
  • Caterer
  • Florist
  • Videographer
  • Band
  • DJ

 

8 Months

  • Ceremony music
  • Officiate
  • Wedding dress
  • Stationer (save the dates)
  • Guest accommodations

 

7 Months

  • Cake baker
  • Bridesmaid’s dresses
  • Honeymoon travel consultant
  • Stationer (invitations)
  • Party rentals (chairs, linens, etc)
  • Hair stylist
  • Makeup artist

5 Months

  • Men’s attire
  • Bridal accessories
  • Transportation

3 Months

  • Wedding rings
  • Favors

Tips to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

Planning a wedding on a budget? Here are some Tips to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

Flowers are one of the biggest expenses when it comes to your wedding. However, you don’t necessarily have to waste a majority of your budget in this category. Here are a few tips to save money on wedding flowers without compromising the decor you’re dreaming of:

Look for wholesalers. When purchasing flowers, search for wholesalers or a flower farm for the best prices.

Choose a naturally floral setting for your reception. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, there are probably tons of beautiful flowers and landscaping details in place already.

Choose in-season flowers. Opt to decorate with flowers that are in-season since they tend to be cheaper.

Artificial flowers. Faux flowers tend to be cheaper and are a great option if you’re looking to save money. If you opt for this, you can also always rearrange them and re-use them in your new home!

Choose an alternative. Who said centerpieces always have to be flowers? You can always choose an alternative centerpiece such as framed photos, desserts, candles, favors, etc.

12 Mistakes Brides Always Make

The journey from getting engaged to saying “I Do” is filled with hurdles and mistakes. Here 12 mistakes brides always make and how you can avoid them.

  1. You announce your engagement on social media too soon. Tell your family and closest friends first, and in person, if possible. Grandma and Grandpa will be more appreciative of finding out in person than through a distant relative who happened to see your engagement first on Facebook.
    Cushion cut engagement ring
  2. You don’t account for hidden costs. Sales tax, cash tips and last-minute extra charges can wrack up hundreds in extra fees.
  3. There’s a large time gap between the ceremony & reception. Do your best to minimize the in-between time between the ceremony and reception. If this isn’t possible, make sure your guests are entertained or have a place to lounge and mingle, like a cocktail hour.
  4. You cheap out on wedding party gifts. It’s definitely not cheap being a bridesmaid. Make sure you don’t skimp when buying the bridal party their gifts. A rule of thumb is to spend between $75 and $200 to show gratitude for their time and money that they’ve spent helping you with your big day.
    customized bracelets for a bridesmaids gift
  5. You don’t consider your guests. Friends and family who are traveling to attend your wedding are spending a considerable amount of money. Be sure to arrange group activities the night before and the morning after the wedding. Go the extra step and make sure you block out hotel rooms for them and provide transportation.
  6. Don’t spend all your time greeting guests. One of the biggest regrets brides have is spending a majority of their day greeting guests. Long post-ceremony receiving lines and table rounds at the reception can drastically reduce the time you’re actually having fun. Be sure to make the most of your day – don’t get held up at one table for too long.
  7. You don’t do your flower research. Make sure you research floral costs. Don’t put strong scented flowers like lilies on your table since they can overpower the food. Hydrangeas may wilt in the hot summer heat if you’re having an outdoor wedding. If flowers aren’t in season they could cost you more than you think.
    Wedding flowers and bridal bouquet ideas
  8. Don’t purchase your gown before choosing a venue. It’s your day and you can wear whatever you want. However, if you choose to book The Plaza for your wedding venue, you’ll most likely regret buying a low key wedding dress fit for a rustic outdoor wedding.

    Winter wedding isle decor

  9. You don’t consider your venue when planning your décor. If you’re having an outdoor wedding at a venue that’s already graced with gorgeous landscaping you may be able to forgo spending a large sum on flowers.
  10. You don’t leave schedule enough time for your hair and makeup. The last thing you want to do is be overwhelmed and rushing to get to the ceremony. Or worse-be hours late to your own wedding!
    makeup-ideas-26
  11. You opt for a trendy bridal look. Skip the trendy seasonal look when it comes to your big day. Today’s red carpet look is tomorrow’s awful wedding photo regret.
  12. You get carried away with Pinterest DIY ideas. Sure, Pinterest is a wonderland for geniously-creative ideas. However, make sure you’re being true to your talents. Remember that tackling your own décor can also mean that you’ll be arranging details up until the last minute before you walk down the aisle!

 

How to Put Together The Ultimate Wedding Planning Notebook

how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook

When planning your wedding, organization is key. Having a wedding planning notebook where you can keep everything in one place is extremely helpful to keeping your sanity. With so many different kinds out there, it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the perfect wedding planning binder for you. With these tips on how to put together the ultimate wedding planning notebook, you can channel your inner DIY expert and create your own!

Things you’ll need:

  • A binder
  • A clear zip pouch to include fabric samples, business cards, etc.
  • Post-it notes. Because who doesn’t love them?!
  • Dividers and tabs for the different sections
  • A whole puncher
  • Calendar printable

Label your dividers to create these categories:

  • Important
    • Calendar with all appointments and dates marked
    • Planning timeline & checklist
    • Vendor contact list
    • Vendor contracts
    • Wedding party contact sheet
    • Family & guest list contact sheet
    • Wedding day emergency kit checklist
    • Wedding day timeline
    • Checklist of everything you need to buy for the ceremony and reception
    • Checklist of all responsibilities
  • Budget
    • Wedding budget worksheet. Include percentages for each aspect as well as a sheet for what has already been spent
    • Important payment dates and deposits
    • Splitting the wedding tab? Include a guideline for divvying up the costs.
  • Ceremony
    • Copy of ceremony text
    • Questions to ask your wedding officiate
    • List of processional & recessional order
    • Contracts
    • Officiate contact information
    • Costs & tips
    • Music playlists, DJ and band contracts
    • Décor
    • Seating arrangements
    • Program
  • Reception
    • Timeline of reception (dance, cake cutting , toasts, etc)
    • Music
    • Rentals
    • Décor
    • Setup info and instructions
    • Menu
    • Beverage list
    • Playlist with special songs
    • List of people who are toasting
    • List of people to thank at the reception
    • Favors
    • Cake
    • Guest book
    • Photo booth
    • All relevant contracts
    • Exit sparklers/flowers/bubbles
    • Reserved seating signs
    • Toasting glasses
    • Band contact info, pricing, etc
  • Guests
    • Mailing addresses & contact information
    • RSVPs
    • Dinner choices
    • Gifts received
    • Thank you notes sent list
    • Guest hotel info
    • Welcome bags
  • Attire
    • Bride
      • Schedule of fittings
      • Dress
      • Jewelry
      • Bag
      • Shoes
      • Lingerie
      • Veil
    • Groom
    • Bridesmaids
      • Dresses
      • Accessories
    • Groomsmen
    • Mother of the bride
    • Ring bearer
    • Flower girl
  • Photographer
    • Contract
    • Must-have photo list
    • List of everyone needed for photos
    • Props
  • Florist
    • Contract
    • Pricing & budget
    • Ceremony arrangements
    • Reception arrangements
    • Bouquet arrangements
    • Boutonniere arrangements
    • Family member flowers
  • Rehearsal
    • Venue contracts
    • Décor
    • Caterer contract
    • Menu
    • Vendor contact list
    • Rehearsal dinner planning checklist
    • rentals
  • Miscellaneous
    • Honeymoon plans
    • Honeymoon planning checklist
    • Transportation
    • Gifts from bride and groom
    • Registry info
    • Registry checklist
    • Best man and maid of honor duties

 

 

Amazing & Free Wedding Planning  Printables We Love:

  1. Wedding planning timeline printable  from Russel and Hazel: http://www.russellandhazel.com/PDF/WeddingTemplate.pdf

  2. Wedding planning binder printables from Botanical Paperworks: http://www.botanicalpaperworks.com/blog/read,article/573/free-printables-wedding-planning-binder

  3. Martha Stewart Wedding Planning Printable: http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/pdf3/wedding_workbook.pdf

  4. Buzzfeed Printables Every Bride Should Know About:
    http://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/free-wedding-printables#.epBPY5zDx7

NOTE: Plan your wedding or event on LocalPartyPlanner.com and make use of our bride’s workbook which allows you to:

  • Add your own vendors
  • Keep track of hired & pending vendors
  • Manage a to-do list
  • Keep notations on each vendor and the event planning process
  • Track all budgets
  • Keep track of multiple events all in one place (reception, rehearsal dinner, brunch, etc).

Top 5 Dress Styles For Your Flower Girls

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Top 5 Dress Styles For Your Flower Girls

She may be small, but your flower girl has a big job; leading the way for your walk down the aisle. Because of her unique role, a lot of thought is put into the flower girl’s dress. Many brides opt to have these darlings dressed in miniature versions of their wedding gowns. Other flower girls are outfitted in white dresses with sashes to match the bridesmaids. From tiered skirts to floral accents, each option is cuter than the next. Move over, Suri Cruise; these trends will have your flower girls looking like little fashionistas!

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Sashes

A colorful sash adds a beautiful pop of color to a white flower girl dress. Match the color of the sash to the bridesmaid dresses for a look that ties in the entire bridal party together.

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Floral

A flower girl can never have enough flowers. These textures look absolutely divine and add a fun, youthful element to these adorable dresses.

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Tiered Skirts

A tiered skirt adds the perfect amount of volume to a flower girl’s dress. It creates a lovely shape and adds a princess-like effect – every girl’s dream!

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Sleeves

Considering that flower girls are generally between the ages of three to eight, it’s appropriate for them to be wearing dresses befitting their ages. Sleeves add a demure look to the dresses and, if possible, make the girls look even sweeter.

Top Dress Styles for a Flower Girl

Pastels

Flower girls don’t necessarily have to wear white. Lemon yellows, mint greens, and pretty pinks are popular choices for flower girls. Candy-colored frocks perfectly complement the sweetness of these little girls. You can even match the flower girl’s dress to the flowers at your wedding!

 

Planning a wedding is tough work – you have to consider every single detail in order to create ‘the perfect’ scene for your beautiful love. Too often, new brides forget that there are services like The Bridal Show Planner that can inspire and give direction for your big day so that things come together much smoother! We’re here to help!

 

Talking To Mom & Dad About Contributing Towards Your Wedding

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Money is an incredibly tough subject these days, especially when dealing with an expensive event like a wedding. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help lay out the rules of etiquette when it comes to talking to Mom and Dad about contributing towards your wedding. .

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Talk to Your Fiance
Before saying anything to Mom and Dad, sit down with your fiancé and discuss your expectations. Make sure you get to a point where you both agree on your vision and how much it will cost. Be honest with each other about both families’ financial situations; you may find that you have to scale back on your original idea.

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Be Polite

Whether you speak to Mom and Dad by phone or in person, you need to be very polite when asking for money. “Ask, ‘Do you feel comfortable making a contribution to the wedding?’ Then let them suggest what’s best for them.

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Spell Out the Details
Once money is offered and accepted, other issues arise. Will your parents assume that they’ll have more control than you’d like? You’ll have to be clear that the buck stops with you and your fiancé. At the same time, be aware that their contribution does mean that they’re involved. Also, make sure they know that you’re asking for a gift, not a loan. Don’t borrow money. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt.

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Avoid Hurt Feelings
Remember that there are two sides of the family now: yours and his. If your own mom and dad offer to pay for half the wedding, you should run it by your future in-laws before you agree. Bruised feelings may result whenever people are put in a position to pay more or less than other people. This isn’t always about wedding etiquette, make sure you’re comfortable with who pays for what at the wedding. The same goes for divorced parents—discuss asking for money with both separately in order to see what each is comfortable with.

Wedding Etiquette: How to talk to mom and dad about contributing towards your wedding

Budget Wisely
Once you’ve accepted family contributions, create your wedding budget. Your job as a couple is to stay on track. It wouldn’t be proper wedding etiquette asking for money from your parents and then go over budget. If you’re planning to save up money yourselves during your engagement, decide how much you can set aside each month and keep a running total as you go; for each couple this will be different. For extra motivation, keep your tally displayed on your fridge. We suggest using a debit card for wedding-related purchases, so that these costs are immediately deducted from your account, making it easier for you to stay on top of what you have left.

 

 

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

 

Many brides decide they want to have a flower girl in their wedding, usually to include a younger family member, or to have a pretty sprinkling of petals down the aisle. But there is actually significance behind the flower girl. Her purpose is to lead the bride forward and symbolize the innocence fading away, and her role as a mother and wife coming forward.

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

The tradition began in Ancient Rome, where the flower girl serviced the bride and groom by carrying wheat and herbs. This was to bless them with prosperity and fertility. Throughout Western Europe, the only people who attended to the bride were those of youth. So all of the attendants in the wedding party were children. Finally, and the most notable of “flower girl visions” is the Victorian flower girl: a young, little girl in a white dress carrying a basket full of rose petals.

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”
Today brides still use flower girls in their wedding, and a lot of the time they prefer to choose a flower girl that will mirror their own image. Sometimes the flower girl wears a small version of the bride’s gown, though most of the time she wears a dress similar to that of the other bridesmaids, whether it is in color, style or both. She is to symbolize innocence, beauty and even good luck!

 

Though there aren’t many alternatives to a flower girl, if you’re not having one, you could simply give your guests petal cones and have them sprinkle the aisle as you walk down it. Petal cones make a great alternative to rice or bubbles, but in this case they would be used during the ceremony rather than after.

The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”

And just in case you were wondering where the wedding ring bearer tradition originated? After a tireless search, it’s safe to say most have struggled to pinpoint the origin of the wedding ring bearer tradition. Some sources say the tradition was born in Ancient Egypt, where it was customary for treasured jewels to be carried on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies. Either way, it’s nice to have another young person included in the wedding party – if not just to make things super cute!

 

1 2