Save The Date Invitations – Frequently Asked Questions
January 20, 2010
Any bride-to-be knows how important marriage invitations are to the ceremony. After all, no invite, no guests, right? Sometimes traditional invitations just aren’t enough. Save the date announcements are becoming an increasingly popular way for bright brides to ensure their guests can share in the special event. Here are the most frequently asked questions about these announcements:
What are save the date invitations?
Sent separately from marriage invitations, these announcements are sent out about 4 to 6 months before the ceremony. Save the date invitations let busy guests know to pencil your ceremony onto their calendar now so they can avoid scheduling conflicts.
Why do I need to use them?
Holiday weddings – From the Fourth of July to Thanksgiving, holidays can be a busy time for families, with many planning travel and activities well in advance. These invites will make sure guests plan to attend your ceremony before their calendar fills up with other activities.
Popular vacation times – Snagging a hotel room over a peak vacation week can be challenging for even the most seasoned travel veteran. If your wedding is in a tourist hot spot, these announcements give your guests plenty of time to book rooms or purchase airfare.
Destination weddings – From vacation time at work to making plane reservations, attending a destination wedding means guests will need to do some planning as well. By letting them know the date in advance, your loved ones can make the plans they need to share in the joy of your ceremony.
What do these invites look like?
The wording for these announcements is very simple. Etiquette mavens recommend that save the date invitations state the wedding date along with a brief note explaining that the formal invite will follow. If you’re still stumped for wording, look on websites that sell marriage stationery. They often have wording suggestions for virtually any kind of invite.
Save the date invitations don’t need to be as formal or as stuffy as traditional wedding invites. Sure, paper announcements are always in style, but online invitation specialists also offer non-traditional and fun ways to announce the date. For example, a save the date magnet is a unique way to remind guests the ceremony is approaching. What’s more is that it gives guests a fun reminder of the most important day of your life. Basic magnets, featuring the date and a stock image, are more affordable than you might think. Magnets personalized with your photos are available, but may be a little more pricey. Many online marriage stationery specialists include mailing envelopes with an order of save the date invitations.
Save the date invitations can add cost to your wedding stationery budget, but they can be worth the extra expense because they help ensure your loved ones will be there for your special day.
Finding The Perfect Wedding Dress When You’re a Curvy Girl
January 17, 2010
Every little girl dreams of looking like a princess on her wedding day, and your bodies size and shape should not hold you back from fulfilling that dream. All women come in different shapes and sizes, even plus size and curvy girls. Did you know that plus size women can define their shape as hourglass, pear, apple, or boys shaped just like thinner women do? Knowing your shape is the first step to choosing a beautiful wedding gown that is not only flattering, but also something you can be comfortable in. Here are some other tips to help you choose the perfect wedding gown.
- Invest in quality undergarments. No matter your size, a lot of women overlook the importance of well-fitted undergarments. By choosing great and flattering undergarments you are setting yourself to look even better in your wedding gown. It’s probably a good idea to invest in your undergarments before you go wedding dress shopping, that way you can try on dresses using your own undergarments since not many stores have plus-sized undergarments for you to borrow. You will want to invest in a bra with straps that can be worn in several different ways such as strapless, halter, or one shoulder. Make sure the panties are comfortable since they are what you will be wearing the entire day of your wedding. You will also want to make sure that they are sexy as well as comfortable so that you will feel beautiful and confident through and through.
- Avoid large details and prints. When shopping, be sure to steer away from gowns that have large bows, lots of beading, or embroidery. These types of details can add bulk to your figure and make you appear larger than you really are.
- Choose colors carefully. Just like with thinner brides, plus size brides should be familiar with their skin tone and what colors look the best on them. Pure white does not flatter everyone’s skin tone. A lot of brides with paler skin toners or even darker skin tones lean towards ivory, champagne, or a host of other colors that they know will flatter and accent their skin tone and body type.
- Don’t limit yourself when you are trying on gowns to what they have in the plus sized section. There are lots of gowns that they may have in a smaller size at the store that can be ordered in a larger size. Even if you can get it on, have the drape in over your neck so that you can get the basic idea, or have the put it on and not lace it up. There are lots of versatile gowns out there that look great on every women, so don’t limit yourself to what dress shops and designers have labeled as “plus sized” gowns.
- Know your body type. Only you can know what looks flattering on your body’s shape and style. By knowing your body type you will open up more doors with more possibilities when it comes to finding your perfect dress.
As with every decision you make for your big day the most important thing to do is to go with your instincts. When you find that perfect dress you will know and you will feel beautiful, sexy, and confident in it for your big day. Remember, every woman deserves to look amazing on her wedding day, so don’t limit yourself because of your size or the shape of your body.
Find the Perfect Plus Size Wedding Dress – Feel Like a Princess
January 16, 2010
Shopping for the perfect plus size wedding dresses should be no different than any other woman shopping for her wedding dress. You still want to be drop-dead gorgeous and feel like a gazillion bucks, you still want the dress to flatter your figure and most of all you still want your dress to be as comfortable as possible.
Wedding dresses designers have come a long way in their thinking in the last few years and some have finally come to realize that plus sized brides are simply women…who happen to wear the plus sized wedding dresses. We want the same choices as our skinnier counterparts and the bottom line is, every bride wants to feel like a princess on her wedding day.
For plus size brides there are some styles that flatter us more than others. An important consideration when shopping for your plus size wedding dress is to look for one that enhances your best features. The style of wedding dresses that looks best on you will depend in large part on your body shape.
Don’t make the mistake of letting someone talk you into trying to hide your figure flaws (and we all have them) behind bows or ruffles. This usually has the opposite effect and tends to draw attention there. Instead, take your time to shop carefully and choose wisely, and select a style that flatters your curves and focuses attention on your best features.
If you have a shapely, beautiful set of shoulders, show them off! Look for strapless styles or halter type dresses to draw attention to those sexy bare shoulders. If your legs are your best assets, consider a tea length plus sized wedding dress or perhaps a floor length style with a provocative slit up the side. Most of the women get only one shot at the wedding of our dreams – be confident and daring in your choice of a plus size bridal dress.
Some plus size wedding dress styles are particularly attractive on the full figured woman, including the A-line, which features a fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out to the hem, in an A shape. If you have a plus size hourglass shape, a ballroom style may be a great choice, with its natural waistline and full skirt and a beautiful off the shoulder bodice. If your weight is carried mostly in your hips, consider a Basque waist dress; a slenderizing choice to minimize wide hips with a waistline that starts below your natural waist and forms a V shape.
As a plus size bride of long ago, I know the challenges of finding the perfect dress and I hope these tips will help make shopping for your cheap ,unqiue plus size wedding dresses a bit less stressful!
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Wedding Cries
January 15, 2010
When a couple gets married it is a wonderful thing! I think the peak of a wedding is when the couple repeats their wedding vows. This is an emotional moment and may bring a few wedding cries. Read this article to learn about wedding tips for criers.
First thing is first. I have to admit, I am a wedding crier. I don’t cry at weddings that I attend, but I cried at my own wedding. Here is how it unfolded.
I remember on my wedding day that I wasn’t nervous at all. Didn’t even have a thought in my mind about crying. I was happy that I was about to marry the woman that I loved. So eveything was going fine and well and then we came to saying our wedding vows. I repeated my weddings vows, and right in the middle I was at a loss for words becuase I was crying! I couldn’t believe what was happening. I felt so embarrased and tried so hard to get through the rest of my vows as fast as possible. I finally came to the end and it seemed like a whole hour had past. My wife proceeded to say her vows and she got through them like a peice of cake. We have the wedding video to watch over and over so I can remeber that I cried on my wedding day!
Well, this article is mostly for brides. Brides are usually the ones who could cry on their wedidng day. All the emotional stress and stress of planning the wedding catches up to them and if they are not careful, they could end up like me, sobbing during my wedding vows. Here are a few tips to help brides get over their sobbing so that they can say their vows.
1. Think about at which point in the wedding you may be most emotional. Try and replay this picture in your head. If it is the time of your wedding vows, then repeat your wedding vows over and over so that you are comfortable with saying them. If you may get really emotional standing in front of your fiance, then repeat your vows in front of them before the wedding so that you can get more confortable and expect how you are going to feels already.
2. If you do cry, wear mascara that is waterproof. You don’t want to be standing in front of friends and family with black marks trickling down your beatiful face. Make sure you carry a napkin or handkerchief to wipe away the tears.
3. Your wedding is a day of celebrations and joy. If you cry, don’t feel bad or embarrased. It’s one of the most important days of your life, so it’s ok to cry.
Hopefully this article will help all those brides who may cry at their weddings. Best Wishes, Kendall
Father of the Bride Speeches can Make Wedding Days Special
January 5, 2010
Father of the bride speeches are, traditionally, the first of the wedding speeches and so set the tone for the others. In their speeches fathers of the bride, whether in Boston or Berlin, express their feelings on their daughters’ wedding days. After all whatever the wedding traditions or cultures fathers love their daughters and have mixed feelings on the day.
Most fathers of the bride feel a bit nostalgic. They realise that they are no longer number one in their daughters’ lives. While they may be very happy to hand over to another man they may also be sad at the thought that they are no longer idolised in quite the way they were when their daughters were growing up.
So their speeches will express these mixed feelings of gladness for their daughters and sadness for themselves. They will usually talk about their daughters’ growing years. A father of the bride will usually tell tales of his daughter as a little girl and of course, mention his pride in her beauty on her wedding day. He may wish to add a bit of humour to the speech by speaking of her teenage escapades or the fact that he is now one daughter down with three more to follow and a bank manager to appease.
Father of the brides speeches will include a very special and warm welcome to the guests especially those who have travelled far to be with the happy couple on the day. They will also, traditionally welcome the groom and his family into theirs. They may comment on the fact that they are delighted that their daughters have brought handymen into the family to tackle the job jar. Father of the bride speeches should be gracious in tone as befits hosts. Nowadays the couple often help pay for the reception but usually the invitation goes out in the name of the fathers and they are thus, nominally at least, the hosts.
Brides may not look like their mothers but they will certainly have inherited some of their traits and a wise father of the bride will mention that fact and hope that his daughter’s marriage will be as happy as his has been. Obviously if he is divorced or separated he will not say that but will, instead, find something positive to say about his daughter’s mother that will help make the day happier for everyone.
A wedding is a very special day and the father of the bride’s speeches should reflect that fact. Naturally they will end with a loving, and preferably personal toast, to the happy couple.
Niamh Crowe
Copyright Speechwriters 1994-2009
marketing@speech-writers.com
Tel. +353 1 8333599
Top 7 Unusual Gift Ideas for Bridesmaids to Make Your Gal Pals’ Day
August 18, 2009
As your wedding draws near, you are faced with the challenges that are brought about by planning, time constraints and shopping for your bridesmaids’ gifts. Being a meticulous bride, you only want what’s best for your long-time gal pals so you are faced with the task of finding unusual gift ideas for your bridesmaids.
The good part about your challenging task at hand is that you don’t need to go out immediately to shop for these unusual but interesting gift items. You can always go online if you need to look for options that will fit your preference. Although the following are not 100% unusual for some brides and bridesmaids, you can always pitch in your original ideas and see if they can be considered as top unusual gift ideas for your bridesmaids.
(1) Partially-complete scrapbook
This is a great way to thank and to bring back memories to your gal pals. Of course you need to buy new scrapbooks and materials for each of your bridesmaids. But the fun part is sticking down the photos of occasions, travels and get-togethers that you and your gal pals have over the years. Sprinkle in some favorite friendly quotes, personal messages and wishes to each of them using colored fancy pens. Leave the remaining pages for your gal pals to fill with up-coming photos and memories. You may also add in complementary pens and colorful stickers to complete the set.
(2) Spa or massage gift certificate
This can truly delight your gal pals especially if they are working girls and are always busy during the weekdays. Your gal pals need that special treatment and extra pampering after the wedding and you can check your local spa or salon for special offers.
(3) A tin can full of goodies
This is a twist of the good old gift basket. You can several online stores that offer this or you can go out shopping for separate tin cans and goodies from your local supermarket. If you wish to put in gourmet goodies, set a budget higher than $25 for each of your bridesmaids. Throw in some chocolates, chips and dips, and an assortment of juices. You may also give them non-food products such as bath and body products, nail polish and nail care kits, cosmetics and aroma therapy products.
(3) Custom-made CDs
Favorite songs and dance music can be compiled into a single CD to take back your gal pals down memory lane. You may also use colorful CD cases complete with labels and date of your wedding to remind them that it was a gift from you. This may not be your unusual gift idea, but customizing the contents and the design of the CD label can do the trick.
(4) Scented candles and incense
For that relaxing Zen feel, you might want to give away scented candles and/or incense sets to your bridesmaids. These are quite decorative and relaxing especially when used at home. You won’t spend too much on these items since they are quite affordable. A budget of $20 or less will do for each bridesmaid.
(5) Shoebox full of memorabilia
Now don’t think of this gift as cheap or inappropriate. It’s a great idea to reminisce once in a while especially when there’s someone in your circle of friends who is about to get married. If it is their turn, they will understand this. But of course you don’t just have to give them old shoeboxes; make it decorative and presentable. And of course the contents should be a combination of old and new things that all of you truly enjoy. Throw in some food items that all of you love such as coffee beans, chocolates, candies, chips. Non-food items such as pens, accessories and other girly stuff that remind you of your friendship can also be included.
(6) Magazine subscription
A year’s worth of magazine subscription may be considered as unusual bridesmaid gift. But make sure that each of your gal pals will receive their favorite magazines. If Patty loves to cook, get her a year’s subscription of cooking magazines. If Kathy loves decorating, get her a subscription of the latest in decorating trends magazine. The choices and the publications are numerous and you can do the subscription application online for your convenience.
(7) Personalized flip flops
Flip flops are in especially now that its summer. Why not get your gal pals each a pair of personalized flip flops. These are affordable and available online, so start browsing and order as early as possible. You can set a budget of $30 or less for each of your bridesmaids.
Funny Wedding 8 Simple Rules Dad
August 16, 2009
Is the Man You Are Marrying Really Good Enough for You? The 8 Simple Rules dad reveals how the father of the bride feels about his daughter getting engaged. He’s not happy.
The Etiquette of Wedding Favors
August 13, 2009
Since the 13th century brides have given wedding favors to their wedding guests as a token of thanks for sharing such a special day. Traditionally favors would have sugar cubes or some other delicate confection, given in a small decorative box or luxurious fabric wrap.
Today wedding favors are no less elegant but are rather more sophisticated with favors such as candles, luxury handmade chocolates, photograph frames and stylish bottle stoppers. But it can be tempting for many couples to forgo the favors and use the money to pay some other element of the wedding day. This however is a mistake and one which shouldn’t be considered.
Considering the long tradition of wedding favors it will come as no surprise that most wedding guests will expect them, even to the point where they struggle to hide their disappointment at the fact a neat little gift is not sitting on their place setting. There will of course, be a percentage of your guests who will consider the wedding favor as an added bonus without any thought as to its significance, but the wedding etiquette purists will curse you forever for not providing even a tiny token of thanks!
Now you maybe thinking ‘well I will send out thank you cards to those who gave gifts – what’s the difference?’ Well, it maybe that not all your guests left a present (they don’t have to give you anything) and according to wedding etiquette, wedding gifts are an entirely separate matter which should be thanked individually and at a later date.
In much same way as you received a party bag when you attended a friend’s birthday party as a kid, then wedding favors are the grown up version of that party bag! So much so, that the trend for favors has extended to bridal showers and baby showers also.
Favors do not need to cost very much and it is possible to put together wedding favors for around $1 each. It is worth remembering that these are simply small tokens as a gesture of thanks and they do not need to be anything very elaborate or indeed expensive. A few candies in a voile bag will cost you no more than $1 and whilst in themselves they may not look like much, they will mean something to your guests – remember the old adage ‘it’s the thought that counts!’
If your budget really won’t stretch to favors at any price, then you could always look to donating the money to charity instead. This has become quite popular with couples of all budgets and you can donate to one or more charities of your choosing. Many charities also offer pre-printed cards which you can give out to your guests and which explain the charity you have donated to. You do not have disclose the amount donated if you don’t want to.
10 Essentials for Brides at Their Wedding: Tips to Keep You Looking Your Best
August 13, 2009
It’s the day of your wedding, and the tips and advice you received from your mother, friends, and loved ones have paid off and you look and feel beautiful. Time has been spent arranging your hair just so, making up your face perfectly, and getting you ready for your big day. Many times, however, brides just consider the big picture – and often forget how uncomfortable they may be during the ceremony or reception in a hot, heavy dress with four-inch heels. It’s a bad scenario, but it happens. To keep you up, dancing, and mingling with your guests, here are a few of the most essential bride must-haves for your wedding day. With a little forethought and a carefully packed cocktail bag, you can be prepared for whatever the day has in store with these wedding tips!
The Top 10 Bride Must-Haves
1. Comfortable shoes: One of the most essential bride must-haves is comfortable shoes. Imagine having to dance and walk around in those four-inch heels for a few hours. Sounds painful, doesn’t it? Not buying comfortable shoes is the reason that many brides switch to flip-flops during the reception. Though a quick wardrobe change is one option, consider testing out the shoes you buy well in advance. One of the more routine wedding tips that experts suggest is to walk around your home to break the shoes in and ensure you don’t get any annoying blisters in the process. After all, squinting and wincing in your pictures will not be pretty. And if you’re insistent on those pretty, but painful four-inch heels, bring along another pair of more comfortable shoes for the after party – some simple flats will do the trick!
2. Breathable gown: Much like your shoes, one of the best bride must-haves is a wedding dress that moves with you. A constricting dress will make you cringe as much as those shoes do, and tugging and jerking the fabric will damage it, not to mention alert everyone to the fact that you’re extremely uncomfortable. Try your dress on beforehand. When trying it on at the shop, if it feels too tight, then your wedding day will be no different. Move around and get a feel for the dress to ensure that you are at ease on your big day.
3. Waterproof mascara: Oh, there will be lots of tears shed – by you, your mother, your close friends, and family. But, you’ll be heartbroken when you see your mascara making bee lines all over your face. One of my favorite wedding tips is to wear waterproof mascara to combat the ‘raccoon look.’ Wearing waterproof mascara on your wedding day will keep your makeup looking fresh, and you’ll rest assured that you have no smudges to worry about.
4. Long-lasting lipstick: From eating to kissing, your lipstick has many opportunities to fade or smear away. Before deciding on one brand or color, try it out for awhile. Wear it while doing all the things you normally do to see if it has the possibility of fading, smudging, or smearing. And make sure you pack the tube of lipstick in your ‘bride must-haves’ bag!
5. Durable antiperspirant: Whether your dress is sleeveless or not, antiperspirant that stands the test of time is an absolute necessity. You want to stay clean, fresh, and sweet-smelling throughout the ceremony and reception, and one of the many wedding tips that experts suggest is to use long-lasting antiperspirant. The only way to guarantee this, of course, is with durable and/or prescription strength deodorant/antiperspirant. This extra layer of protection will give you more confidence in whatever you’re doing.
6. Small compact mirror: Throughout the ceremony and reception, you’ll be relieved that you had your little compact mirror on hand. Tucked away in a small cocktail purse with your other bride must-haves, it’s just a little bit of added confidence. You can quickly check for makeup smudges and reapply as needed or see if any food particles have become lodged in visible places.
7. Aspirin or Ibuprofen: Headaches happen. And so do aching limbs – usually at the most inopportune times. And as far as valuable wedding tips go, be prepared by adding a little tube of aspirin or ibuprofen to your ‘bride must-haves’ cocktail purse. Even if you don’t need it, someone else just might.
8. Stain removal pen: You can find these handy, little pens everywhere. Plus, they’re small enough to be tucked into your cocktail purse filled with your other ‘bride must-haves.’ Just make sure to spot test the pen on a discreet part of your dress before applying it anywhere during the actual event. Some contain bleach, which may harm the fabric. For quick removal of a tiny, but noticeable stain, however, these pens are a god-send.
9. Hairbrush/comb: Tame those frizzies and stay beautiful throughout the day. Another of my favorite wedding tips is to purchase a fold-up brush, which is ideal for a small purse with precious space. A quick dab of lipstick and one or two brushes through your hair will have you ready to meet and greet with guests.
10. Emery board: There is nothing more annoying than a jagged nail. Keep your freshly manicured fingers looking lovely by taking a quick swipe of the emery board (or nail file) across it should one break or chip.
More Than Just Wedding Tips – Valuable Advice
These ten bride must-haves and wedding tips will ensure that you are prepared for your big day. Weather the day effortlessly by testing out your wardrobe, makeup, and hair in advance as well as by packing a little cocktail purse with some of the essential bride must-haves listed above, like that tube of lipstick, compact mirror, aspirin, stain removal pen, comb, and emery board. Even if you don’t need them, you’ll be glad you had them. Think of these bride must-haves and wedding tips as a little helpful layer of extra protection.
Inspiration for Your Wedding Favors
August 12, 2009
When it comes to choosing wedding favors many brides find themselves facing a dilemma over what they can afford and what is perfect for their wedding. The hardest part about favors is knowing what you want in the first place as the choice is so vast these days, brides find themselves overwhelmed with favors which may or may not fit the bill!
As with many things related to your wedding it is all too easy to go over the top and blow more of the budget than you can afford when it comes to your wedding favors. Many forget to add in packaging to the initial budget or fail to buy sufficient favors in the first place to give one to each guest! So when you start shopping for favors it is important to have a clear idea of what you want and how you want your finished favors to look.
Start by looking at the theme or look of your day. If you have chosen a specific theme for your wedding then that should be your guide for your favors. If you don’t have a theme then you will need to coordinate your favors to your wedding according to color or to some other common element used throughout your wedding – perhaps you have flowers on your invitations and wedding cake? Your favors provide the finishing touch to your tables and need to be able to unify the whole look you want to create.
Bridal magazines can be a good source of inspiration but they only really tend to feature a handful of pictures of ‘the latest trends’ in wedding favors all of which may not be relevant to you. It can be useful at this stage to make a few notes and to collect some pictures of favors you like and pictures of packaging and decorations that suit your wedding style.
If you find yourself too overwhelmed by pictures of seemingly perfect favors then bring friends and family to help you see the wood from the trees! They will be able to look at your choices with a more objective mind than you and can help you to eliminate some if not all of your initial choices. Friends and family also make good sounding boards and you should ask them what their thoughts are on your favors – you never know they could just come up with an idea that is bang on perfection!
Your final choice will inevitably come down to the size of your budget. But as you hit the shops you need to remember just three things – style, color and price. Eliminate those favors that don’t match on style, eliminate those that don’t match on color and eliminate those that don’t match on price. Finally, eliminate those you just don’t like! Hopefully whatever is left should present itself as being your perfect wedding favor.
