KIDS’ TABLES WEDDINGS

Keep the little ones entertained with some forethought … and you’ll have a far more relaxed wedding.

Colouring books and crayons, drawing pads, chalk boards and colourful chalks are all great ways to keep kids amused. Family friendly restaurants often have paper tablecloths that kids can draw directly onto … get them all scribbling away and you could end up with a work of art!

Stack up a variety of board games, the type obviously dependant upon the age of the kids. Jigsaw puzzles could also be appropriate for slightly older ones.

If there are only a few kids, you could personalise a play pack for each one, including games and activities that are age sensitive, or perhaps apply to specific hobbies you know they love.

How about thinking outside the square with a personalised “I Spy” or treasure hunt game. Sure, it will take you a little while to think of things that you know will happen during the day (the first kiss, a specific toast, a certain song playing) for your I Spy thriller, but it will keep their attention fixed on what’s going on. For the treasure hunt, you’ll have to know the venue, perhaps visiting the day before to set up treasure tokens. How about a dispoable camera each to snap the I Spy moment, or the treasure hunt clue.

Keep them happy with kid-friendly food. Don’t expect three year olds to enjoy the fine dining adult fare! Hotdogs, burgers, skewered fresh fruit, sandwiches – these are likely to go down a whole lot better than suckling pork! And don’t forget to provide healthy beverage options – too much fizz and you could have a miniature John Travolta on the dancefloor!

If you have a photoboth, allocate kiddie props, too … and perhaps even allocate a set half hour or so for them to go crazy in it.

Activities like hula hoops, life size chess or Jenga, croquet or petanque have the added bonus of attracting adults on and off over the course of the day.

FLOWERS & YOUR STAR SIGN

Decorative flowers are one of the most pleasurable parts of every wedding, with an array of shapes, forms, colours and aromas that create the perfect backdrop for a declaration of undying love. The only problem is, with such great variety, how do you select the right blooms? Perhaps it’s time to look to the zodiac for answers!

Brides and grooms like flowers that make bold statements! Daffodils certainly represent this fresh and vibrant Aries energy. Characterised by their physical and mental fortitude, these rams (their symbol) are confident and fierce, dynamic and full of energy. Tiger lilies are ideal for those in this sun sign, as are flowers from thorn-bearing trees/shrubs such as roses. If you’re looking for a wedding flowers for your Aries, daisies are a sure bet as they generously reflect the enthusiasm Aries tend to generate and the colour of passion.

Taurus the bull is reliable, sensuous, and ambitious. Taureans love lilies for their sensual appeal. If you’re looking to make a Taurus blush, send a vibrant bouquet of the Stargazer lily, which are just big, bold, and romantic enough to make her feel like she’s your one and only star. Even though they’re best known for being as headstrong and fierce as a bull, there’s an indisputable warm heart in Taurus; they appreciate nature’s exquisite beauty with flowers that appeal to their full range of senses, and the lily’s dramatic form and fragrant perfume will indulge their romantic, sensual side. The rose would be the classic choice, with its delicate petals and magnificent scent. Its stems are also strong and sturdy, just like Taurus.

Getting a Gemini to the altar isn’t always easy, as the people born under this quick-thinking sign are known for their love of freedom. Start with beautiful peonies, if possible, whose double-lobed leaves and delicately fragrant aroma represent Gemini’s inborn duality and fresh outlook on life. Witty and inquisitive, lively and communicative, it’s no surprise that Gemini’s have highly sociable and playful personalities. Geminis like to have a peaceful balance in their lives, for which calming lavender is always a perfect. Gemini’s also enjoy chrysanthemums.

The showy Leo is going to need flowers that stand out, and none can do that better than the flamboyant ranuculas. Bold, colourful and sturdy, choose the orange and red varieties to remain true to Leo’s solar heritage. If that’s not enough to help Leo make a brassy floral statement, there is always the expressive sunflower! These strong, bright flowers certainly help to convey Leo’s bright and fiery energy. Roses are a great romantic choice, as they have by creativity and drama. Leos are passionate lovers, with confidence and strength as well as their unfussy, loving spirit.

The hydrangea would be a wonderful way to express Virgo’s multi-level manner of thinking. From a distance, these attractive blooms look like large balls of feathery colour. Up close, one can note the delicacy of the petals and the intricate design. Calm your Virgo with hydrangea – the blue version, of course. Send your Virgo a bouquet that includes asters, which symbolise daintiness and love. The Daisy-like asters have that wildflower beauty, starshaped flowers and lush texture.

Wedding flowers will have to be, like Libra, “perfectly beautiful.” Libra will love the calla lily, with its bloom’s elegant lines supported by long, sturdy stems. The calla lilies are so profoundly proportioned and graceful; it looks like they could have been created by one of Libra’s favourite fashion designers! In fact, your Libra’s refined tastes will actually prefer a bouquet of red tulips to roses for Valentine’s, something to keep in mind for other giftgiving occasions, too!

Sexy and exotic, this provocative-looking flower has quite a lot in common with the average Scorpio! Scorpio wants to be the best at everything. In the same sort of quest for excellence, gloriosas use tendrils at the ends of their leaves to climb over other plants and grab their fair share of sunshine. The powerful Scorpio is known for intensity and passion. They’re perceptive and focused, when buying for a Scorpio, bold is best, and gardenias with their intensely seductive fragrance are a great match as their boldness is matched by their sweetness.

Sagittarius will search far and wide for adventure, and most have travelled at least part of the world – if only through books, movies and travel websites. They are also lively, bright and vibrant much like the parrot tulip. Get a bunch of these flowers together and it’s hard not to think of “fun” – the core of every typical Sagittarius’ personality. Generous, open-hearted individuals, Sagittarius are associated with travel and expansion. They can be compulsive or impractical at times, but these people-lovers are always great gift givers. If you’re shopping for a Sagittarius, you have a tough job because the gifts they give are always so right! Try purple flowers: they’re elegant and original, a true favourite for all occasions.

When Capricorn makes the march down the aisle, the atmosphere must be elegant and tasteful. They must make the Capricorn statement: “I have arrived!” Rare and mesmerising, hellebores would certainly fit the bill. They are also known as the “Christmas rose. Capricorns have a witty sense of humour, are go-getters, ambitious, stable and shrewd. While you may at times find them rigid or materialistic, they’re dedicated souls who will always come through. A symbol of success and good cheer, the poinsettia is an ideal winter gift for your Capricorn, but don’t be surprised if her home is already adorned with them! If you’re trying to catch the attention of a Capricorn, bigger is always better, so be sure to try bold shades like red, orange, and blue.

Every Aquarius makes the claim of being one of a kind, so the flowers that surround this strange bird’s nuptial rites must reflect the spirit of the individual. As it happens, amaryllis would be the perfect bloom for this role, as there is only one species of this plant. Its coloration, usually white with crimson veins, makes it unique, as well. Because it also flowers at a different time from most other species, it’s known also as “the naked lady.”

The orchid fragile, yet awe-inspiring in its beauty would be the appropriate flower to appear at a Pisces wedding. Like the acrobatic twin fishes, the orchid displays the ultimate in flexibility. Its stems contain no fibre, and the plants are adaptable enough to grow from one stem or a series of adjacent shoots. Pisces are romantic, emotional, and affectionate souls. With the fish as their symbol, it should come as no surprise that Pisces feel comfortable with plants that grow naturally around water, like bamboo, in their home or office, though their emotional sides perk up with bright daffodils around.

Finger food

There’s a lot to be said for plated menus … no queuing at buffet counters, and the food is beautifully presented just the way the chef envisaged. Between courses is a good time to have your speeches, ensuring the evening flows according to your timetable. It’s also a more formal dining option, harking back to an age of grace and elegance. However, it should be said that this is by no means the only option.

FINGER FOOD vs CANAPE

Finger food is designed to be just that – eaten with your fingers. Your guests won’t need a knife, fork, spoon or chopsticks. Finger foods often include miniature pies and burgers, spring rolls, petit, sandwiches, little pizzas or skewers, arancini, tarts etc. They’re generally fairly filling items, often around two to three bites, ensuring your guests feel like they’ve eaten rather than just nibbled.

If dinner and dessert aren’t being served, you could include ice cream cones, small pastries, cookies or other sweet items to be served in the last 45 minutes of your event. This also helps to signal the winding down of your event – as does turning the lights up, music off and opening the front door.

CANAPÉS

Canapés are usually more refined than finger foods, smaller and more formal. Traditionally served on a toasted bread base, there are a huge range of bases that can be substituted – rice cracker, rosti, cucumber rounds or wonton crisp. However, it is a single delicate bite where you can let your imagination run free. Use a small shot glass for soup sips, a Chinese spoon for a petit duck salad or a rosemary sprig to skewer prawns.

Because canapés are generally created as one-bite morsels, it’s very easy for guests to indulge while still holding their glass of bubbly and a napkin. Your canapé dishes could include little tartlets, delicate cigars, savoury cones, blinis, or a host of bite sized delicacies!

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BOWL – CARTON – FORK FOOD

Bowl food is not just soup. Commonly described in the industry as walk‘n-talk food, these dishes can be served in bowls, baskets or boxes. The dishes themselves are obviously more filling – they’re mini meals – and guests will usually need some sort of utensil to eat them with, although something like fish and chips can be nibbled using the fingers.

Your bowl food dishes could include a salad, pasta or noodle options, soup or gazpacho, risotto or a variety of seafood dishes. You can either individually portion these dishes as we would or, for ease of service, salads can be served on a large platter for guests to help themselves or a hot wet dish like curry or tagine can be placed on low setting in a slow cooker for self service.

CARVERY STATION

A simple way to fill up later in the evening is a carvery station. This can consist of a glazed ham, a roast sirloin or leg of lamb kept warm in a very low oven, then carved and served with warm rolls, salad fillings, accompaniments and chutneys. To compliment the carvery, we often serve small salad cartons for the vegetarians, gluten free guests or those wanting a lighter option.

PLATED

For a more formal level of guest service, plated dinners are a natural choice. You endeavour to create a pop-up restaurant where a full meal is served in courses to seated guests. The meal may consist of a set menu where the guests are served any number of courses pre-chosen by the host, or the host could offer their guests a limited choice of dishes per course. Offering variety to guests can slow down the service slightly as the waiters will need to take the orders and the chefs will need time for plating the dishes. However, this does allow for speeches or other formalities of the evening to take place between courses, if desired.

An alternative is to have an Entrée Trio to start. This is a tasting plate of three small choices of entrée, offering your guests a visual sensation and a variety of tastes while removing the need to take orders.

Plated events generally increase costs over the cost of a buffet event due to additional staffing requirements for on-site meal plating and for service to all of your guests at the same time.

BUFFET

When catering for larger numbers, the old adage of ‘less is more’ is worth bearing in mind. A well-planned buffet is more appetising than lots and lots of different contrasting flavours and foods. Think about flavour combinations and avoid clashes, as people often pile a little bit of everything onto their plates.

The standard buffet generally includes a compound salad, a hot vegetable dish, a starch and up to three main dishes, with condiments and dressings. A bread selection can either be served at the buffet table or on each individual table. A selection of desserts may either be served at a separate station or served once the mains have been cleared.

At a wedding the top table would be served at their table followed by each table being invited to the buffet in a pre determined order (generally family first followed by the remaining tables).

One alternative is to have themed buffet stations, which is a full meal where menu items are served in various areas of your venue at several tables in a buffet style. Often, each station has a specific theme. This can be so much fun, as the station themes are endless! Stations can also be combined, with a Chef to prepare items to order.

This type of menu style often allows guests to enjoy a wider sampling of menu items compared to a standard buffet. Your guests are also likely to circulate more, often leading to a talk / mingle atmosphere.

INDIVIDUAL TABLE BUFFETS

Individual table buffets are fast becoming a favourite. Guests are served central platters that generally consist of two mains, a salad and a vegetable dish, placed in the centre of each table.

This is a more formal style than a buffet, as guests are not required to stand and move to a get their meal. It is a very interactive form of dining and helps break the ice, promote conversation amongst guests who may be unfamiliar with each other as the platters are passed around the table.

Desserts can either be served in the same central platter style or on a dessert station if you would like your guests to stand and mingle at this stage of the evening.

This is a more cost effective option as fewer staff members are required than a would be for a plated meal, and the meal is easier to portion per table.

BIRDCAGES

With their interesting shapes and ornate details, birdcages are no longer just for birds. Whether they are made of wood or metal, newly painted or rusted and bent, these stylish floral receptacles instantly create a display and can showcase anything from indoor plants and freshly cut blooms to books and nests.

Vintage cages tend to be more decorative and visually interesting than today’s mass-produced pet store versions, and are typically the style used for decorating. You can also find good reproductions that mimic the style and details of their vintage forefathers, but which aren’t an actual, working birdcage.

As an alternative to your standard floral centrepieces, birdcages add a tasteful element and project a sense of order and refinement. They also provide some height.

You’ll find them in various shapes and sizes and, if purchasing them, you can paint them to tone with your theme.

Small floral arrangements can fill up the space inside most adequately, but let your imagination run wild. Think votive candles, wedding favours, a seating card or advice cards for the new couple.

To take this idea a step further, you could try using cages of alternating heights or sizes, but keeping the colour uniform in order to hold the overall look together. A long row can make a striking presentation at your reception, and they’re sure to be great conversation starters.

Hang them off trees to decorate an outdoor area, from the ceiling or rafters, and even a marquee … picture cascades of flowers oozing through the bars.

By simply adding ribbon, candles, florals, signs and other accents, you can make a boring birdcage into a fun and creative addition to your special day – stylish centrepieces that won’t break the bank. A handful of roses placed inside and trailing ivy spilling through the bars can instantly turn an empty birdcage into a work of art with little effort.

Centrepieces

Centrepieces featuring herbs such as sage, rosemary and parsley can channel the aesthetic of the Italian countryside. Rustic potted plants convey comfort and intimacy when they’re used as table arrangements at your reception.

Perfect decorative centrepieces for a beach wedding are glass vases filled with sand and seashells, or even a gold fish in its very own bowl.

Garden weddings can take a cue from the same concept, but with colourful stones or fresh lavender instead. Children and kids-at-heart are sure to enjoy these unique centrepiece options, which can double as party favours.

Candles can be reused, and they always reflect romance and add ambiance. With so many styles of candles to work with, wedding candle decorations provide an easy way to craft that specific look you’re after. Never has it been so affordable or simple to design and enhance your wedding décor with candles … and let’s not forget the wonderful fragrance they often emit!

If you’re looking to use what you already have to create centrepieces throughout the year, start saving as many glass jars as you can. In every size and shape; they can be reused for just about anything. Simply remove the labels and clean thoroughly (in a dishwasher if you have one) and dry before reusing. Yes, I’ve actually brought a jam or pickle just so I can use the jar when empty!

Don’t just use your jars for flowers – consider putting a photo of you and you’re beloved into a jar and placing them on the guest tables. Just slide the photo in and turn the jar upside down and display for all to see. You can fill jars with items of your choice … reception candles or battery operated lights. You can also paint them or glue fabric or coloured paper to the outside to match your colour scheme or festive decor.

Decorating your table with picture frames adds an elegant look, especially for weddings and other receptions. Table numbers, family photos, menus or place cards are just a few items to place in old picture frames.You can transform old frames into chalkboards, write messages or names on them and place them around your home or at place settings. Remember: you can paint the frame any colour you choose.

These are just a few ideas that can be quite easily transposed from wedding to home. And, if you do still want to add a few florals, perhaps consider a sprinkling of rose petals on the tables.

Prevent Wedding Trouble With These Tips

TIP! For a more affordable wedding, consider setting a date outside the traditional season for weddings. The wedding season traditionally begins in May lasting through September.

It’s important to remember that weddings are all about love, and less about how much money you spend on them. The important thing about the wedding day is the couple and the people they love. This article is going to help you concentrate on the key parts of your wedding.

TIP! Choosing your favorite gown online can be faster and cheaper, but do so well in advance to allot extra time for alterations. You want to make sure that you think about other expenses that you might not commonly think of, like having the wedding gown altered, which can cost extra money.

Realize that religion is going to play a major role on your actual wedding day and moving forward in your marriage. Discuss all aspects of your religion with who you plan on marrying as well as their family too, just so they are comfortable with your beliefs.

TIP! Spice up your wedding reception by choosing an ethnic inspired menu. Chicken and steak have both been done.

Practice your walk down the aisle many times on the days leading up to the wedding. Try to practice at the wedding site so you can test your chosen shoes on the flooring at the site. This will ensure you’re graceful and confident when the time comes.

Wedding Dress

TIP! Coordinate small touches into all the aspects of the wedding decor. You can use a nice little ribbon in many places, such as on your gown, in your hair, or even intertwined with bouquets of flowers.

Wedding dresses can be quite an expense. If you are not looking for a traditional, princess type ballgown, consider looking into other types of dresses. For example, a formal white dress, such as a prom or bridesmaid dress, will not be as expensive as a wedding dress. Even if this dress is not perfect and you need some adjustments made to make it your dream dress, it could still run you quite a bit less then an actual wedding dress.

TIP! Don’t forget about transportation! Limos should be booked well ahead of time. This is a great idea for people who drink.

Use the property of someone you know. If someone you know owns a large piece of property, like a farm or a place with a large backyard, you can cut down a major cost. Pay someone to clean for them before and after your wedding.

TIP! Do not crowd tables with too many flowers. Much of the time, table arrangements will just be in the guests’ way.

If a wedding cake with a high price tag or high calorie count doesn’t appeal to you, check around at local bakeries for beautiful individual portions. Many bakeries can provide wedding cupcakes that come in at 100 calories or less per serving. Other healthier options include gluten-free pastries, no-calorie sweeteners, and icing alternatives, such as meringue or fruit spreads.

You may want to consider a wedding aboard a cruise ship. Your honeymoon will start right after the ceremony. You may even get a great wedding deal.

TIP! For any stylish and fashion forward bride, there is always the option to add some flare to a bouquet with a splash of diamonds, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals. You can use small pieces of costume jewelry, heat-fixed or adhesive crystals, or perhaps a treasured heirloom.

One way to help remain in budget is to search Craigslist for items or services needed for your wedding. Make sure to meet them in person, with your groom for safety, before you give them any money.

TIP! See if you can find a willing helper who can assist you with looking after your equipment and moving it when necessary. They can also help you track down family members, and get them together for group photographs.

If the groom and bride have different cultural backgrounds, plan a ceremony that honors both side’s traditions with a reception that incorporates traditional decor, rituals and dishes from each side’s background. This will satisfy the family traditions of both the groom and bride’s family.

TIP! Even if your dress is picked and already paid for, it is a good idea to keep it safely at the shop until the big day. In this way, you can be certain it will be properly stored and protected from damage.

When young children are in the wedding party, make sure they are dressed in clothing that is comfortable for them. Dress them in soft, comfortable fabrics that are airy and fit loosely. New shoes need to be broken in so that they don’t cause pain on the big day. This allows the kids time to focus on what they have to do instead of struggling with their outfits.

TIP! Consider being married on a cruise ship surrounded only by family and friends. This will allow you to enjoy your honeymoon as soon as the festivities are over.

If you plan on making a wedding speech or giving a toast, you should practice beforehand. If you don’t plan and rehearse properly, you could embarrass yourself by talking too much, making an offensive joke, or simply forgetting what to say.

TIP! You need to have a well-organized plan for every step of the wedding process, from food to reception events. Make everyone feel warm and welcome on your wedding day.

Seasonal flowers that are native to your state may not be easy to find at your wedding location, especially if it’s a completely different climate. Consult with a florist to see which flowers are in season or most readily available at the time of your wedding.

TIP! Do some homework on wedding planning before meeting with a planner. Use fashion designers as inspiration and create a look book of inspiration that can be used as a starting off point.

Always consider the arrangements for guests that will be invited to a destination wedding. You do not want to give your guests extra anxiety. Try to send out save-the-date cards no less than eight months ahead so that your guests can make the necessary plans.

TIP! Prior to deciding on a destination wedding, be sure you know of the laws of the location. No matter the fees, red tape, residency requirements or other issues, your needs must be addressed before you start booking services and hotels for your wedding.

In the earliest planning stages of your wedding, you should prioritize your strongest desires. For some couples, the venue is higher on the list than the cake, or the table decorations are higher on the list than the music, and so on. A prioritized list will help you plan your budget, and delegate the funds to the right area.

TIP! Ensure your flowers look great. If vintage themes are your choice, then beautiful flowers in vibrant hues may provide the effect you desire.

Instead of elaborate and pricy floral arrangements, consider placing various potted plants around the ceremony and the reception venues. Use colorful, glazed ceramic pots, or dress up earthy terracotta stoneware with ribbons, decoupage, or decorative paint effects. When the wedding is over, the guests can then take those plants home with them as a favor and have a constant reminder of the new couple.

TIP! As you begin to plan your wedding, make a prioritized list of your wants. Flowers are usually one of the most important parts of a wedding, and the cake and venue are usually up near the top, too.

Write your vows yourself. You know your spouse better than anyone else. Composing your own wedding vows makes this ceremony more meaningful and romantic, improving the intimacy between you. By all means, look for inspiration in different places, but make the words your own.

TIP! Add depth to your floral decor and centerpieces by incorporating floral elements of different heights. Use vases that are tall for long stem and compact head flowers.

When searching for wedding music, research bands or DJs you want to use. Ask for contacts and references before you hire them. After you make a final decision, make certain to have a firm date on a contract. You don’t want to wind up without music at your reception!

TIP! Choose group activities to fill your special day with fun. Don’t make your loved ones just stand around and wait for the wedding to be over.

Don’t let your family members influence your whole day with their traditions or suggestions; this is a day for you and your spouse, not for them. Let them know in no uncertain terms that the two of you are in control and that they have no say in the matter. That way, you won’t have any regrets about how the wedding day goes.

TIP! Take your fiance with you when you get fitted for your tuxedo. Ask others for an opinion before choosing a tuxedo.

Serve a small meal at the reception. If you want to have a lot of guests at your wedding, you may need to cut costs in other areas. One way to definitely shave costs is by serving a smaller meal at the reception. If this is unacceptable, you may need to trim your guest list.

TIP! Your wedding venue should play a role in decisions about your theme, decor, and floral arrangements. For example, a tall, complicated arrangement may get toppled over on a windy day.

A wedding is not about the fancy decorations. By focusing on love, your wedding will be truly memorable. Use this advice to make for a great wedding that everyone has fun at.

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KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

So, you’re about to decide on your catering options, and you’re bamboozled by the range of menu items on offer. The team at The Difference Catering explain your options and help you work out what will be best to serve to your guests.

It’s worth remembering these points before you get started:

• Provide a variety of foods to please all appetites and tastes.

• Check with guests regards food intolerances – do you need gluten free options?

• Try to provide a mix of hot and cold food.

• How long is your function and what time of day is it?

• Is your event formal or informal?

And remember – you are not in the kitchen at your own event, so preparation is a key ingredient.

The amount of food you require per person depends on how long your guests will be milling before the main meal, whether there is indeed a main meal to follow, and whether that main meal is light or more full. As a general guide allow 3-4 canapés per person for pre-dinner drinks of an hour’s duration or four pieces of finger food per person per hour for a cocktail or standing event.

A popular option, if you do not have the time or space for a sit down meal, is to have a standing or grazing menu consisting of a combination of the following styles eaten over the duration. This allows guests to mingle, encouraging a fun and fluid atmosphere.

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FROSTING OR FONDANT?

As with all aspects of your wedding cake, the covering comes down to your own preference and style. I were to marry my gorgeous husband all over again, I would choose frosting. I love the informality of frosting; it’s very nature ties in beautifully with the vintage themes that are so popular. To my mind, there is nothing prettier than a frosted cake with beautiful ribbon, adorned with fresh flowers – just stunning!

If you like a slightly more formal design but prefer the taste of frosting, then you should consider opting for a smooth frosted base, embellished with fondant decorations. Hand-made sugar flowers are particularly effective.

If you do opt for a frosted design, remember to ask your cake designer what type of frostings they offer. A cream cheese frosting or a pure white snow cream frosting seem to appeal to the vast majority, but there are other options available that your cake designer may also be able to offer, including Swiss Meringue Buttercream, Italian Meringue Buttercream or American frosting – all super yummy!

If your tastes lean more towards fondant, then the design options are extremely varied. I would feel confident to say that any theme can be bought to life with fondant. It is possible to create all sorts of magic, right across the board, from simple elegance to flirty ruffles and intricately detailed sugar flowers. Fondant does exceptionally well in the hands of very artistic cake designers who can create extroadinary wonders with it – whether on cupcakes or a more traditional wedding cake.

One of the main things to consider is the season you are marrying in. Be mindful that your cake designer should be asking you about the venue and where the cake table is situated, particularly if you are considering frosting during the summer. No cake will take kindly to being placed in direct heat or sunlight! Most established wedding venues are well aware of this and will provide an appropriate setting. However, if you plan to marry in a domestic or rural setting, please do not be tempted to think that the cake will look beautiful situated outside for all the guests to admire during the ceremony – it will not look very beautiful after it has been sitting for an hour or two in the February heat and all the icing has melted onto the ground!

Things That You Need To Know When It Comes To Wedding Planning

TIP! Practice your walk down the aisle many times on the days leading up to the wedding. Make sure that you do this at the actual site of the wedding, as you will want to test out the floor with the shoes you are going to wear.

Wedding planning can be an enormous task to take on. You have to pick the perfect venue, dress, etc. and for many, it’s the most important day of their lives. The ideas in this piece is meant to assist you every step of the way so that you get the most from your budget.

TIP! Consider getting married outside of wedding season. This would be anytime other that May through September.

Practice your walk for your wedding day. Do this at your actual wedding site to make sure you’re familiar with the floor there. This allows you to have confidence in every step on the big day.

TIP! If you plan to serve your own food at the wedding, try shopping wholesale at places like Costco. If you shop wholesale, you will be able to get lots of food at much better prices.

Purchasing a wedding gown online can save a lot of money. If you decide to go this route, purchase the dress early so you will have time to get it altered. It is also important to realize that alterations can cost quite a bit of money. Figure in this additional cost while making your budget.

TIP! Purchasing your wedding gown on the internet can be a budget saver, cutting down your costs by hundreds of dollars. Make sure to order early so you have time for alterations if any need to be made.

It is obvious that that most important aspect to think about in a marriage is the one whom you will marry. Do not rush this life altering lifelong decision. Think about this person and what things will drive you crazy, along with what you can’t live without.

TIP! Keep the wedding in line with how you are personally. Make sure it reflects your spouse as well.

Spend quite a bit of time writing your vows so that they include all the things that are important to your union with your spouse. It’s important to understand that a marriage is a strong commitment that takes both of you making sacrifices. When you are saying your vows ensure your spouse knows and understands that you love them with all of your heart.

TIP! Use a friend’s property to host your wedding. For example, a large backyard could be the perfect setting, and you will save a lot of money this way.

Don’t wait until your wedding day to try walking in your shoes and gown. Practice going down the aisle until you feel comfortable. If you are worried about a twisted ankle, choose attractive flats instead. Footwear that’s not so sexy is preferable to falling on your bottom on your wedding day!

TIP! Try tying small decorative items into each element in the wedding decor. You can use the same ribbon on centerpieces, your dress or as a hair embellishment.

A multi-tiered wedding cake can set you back well over a thousand dollars. You can save money by serving cupcakes, small tarts, or cake pops. These arrangements are beloved for their affordable price range, versatility, and convenience. Guests can even take a cupcake home.

TIP! Make sure that you carefully consider what to include in your vows, as they will be something that your future spouse remembers forever. Marriage is a life long commitment that requires love, sacrifice and the art of compromise and forgiveness.

Your assistant just needs to be someone who is capable of keeping up with all your photographic gear and following along unobtrusively behind you. Your assistant can help you corral the wedding party for great photographs.

TIP! Evenly disperse all of your invited guests among the available tables at your wedding reception. This means making sure there are no odd numbers at any table.

Your guests shouldn’t have to hang around while your pictures are taken. The pictures with the groom’s and bride’s parties should be shot ahead of time. The pictures for the bride, groom and immediately family can also be done in advance.

TIP! If you can, it’s a good idea to have a cruise ship wedding with just your family and close friends. Your honeymoon will start right after the ceremony.

If possible, see if your reception venue offers lighting choices. Certain occasions throughout the evening will call for their own separate mood and lighting, such as a first dance or cutting of the cake. Ask the venue about this before committing to it.

TIP! You can turn one of your friends into a “mail-order minister” so that she can officiate the ceremony. Your ceremony will be less formal, and you will save money.

If you want a relative or friend to officiate the wedding, they can get ordained online. This will not only save you money by not having to pay for an officiant, but will also make your wedding very special. Always consult your local laws to ensure that this is legal, and be sure to get the right paperwork and accreditation in order.

TIP! If you wish to serve guests multiple courses, make sure they are entertained with dishes of small and sweet appetizers on each table. Consider sugar roses which match the wedding colors.

If you plan a destination wedding, consider your guests’ travel arrangements. You may have guests who will make vacation plans around this day and they should have adequate time to prepare. You can send out invitations or reminders to save the date as far as eight months ahead of time. This will allow your guests to make proper arrangements.

Vows Yourself

TIP! If you plan to give a speech at a wedding, write out and practice what you will say beforehand. If you are unprepared for the speech, this can become very obvious very quickly, and leave you feeling humiliated in front of the other guests.

You should definitely consider writing your wedding vows yourself. Of course, copying vows from another source is easier, but keep in mind that your partner knows you well. When you write your vows yourself, you add a bit more meaning and depth to this special day to remember. Use inspiration if needed, but add your own special touch.

TIP! Plan every aspect of the wedding from the food to the events that occur within the reception. Those that have elected to join you on this important day in your life deserve to enjoy themselves.

As you audition various videographers to film your wedding and reception, compare several vendors. Always request a portfolio, or ask to see an online gallery of previous clients. Look at the sound and quality of the video as well as the editing. You could get wedding on VHS tapes a long time ago, but getting them on digital video or DVDs can help you enjoy them for years. Consider the facts and your impressions of the videographers available to make a decision.

TIP! When planning an outdoor wedding, it is important to have an alternate plan established so that you are prepared if bad weather becomes a factor. Whether you rent some kind of rain cover, or have a location that can accommodate a quick move inside, always have a plan.

You can save money when planning your wedding by thinking of flower arrangement alternatives. Use your imagination when it comes to what your flower girl could carry. Use silk flowers, which will cost you much less. Silk flowers save money and can be kept afterwards. Plus, silk flower arrangements can be made weeks or months in advance so that you can be sure you have exactly what you want.

TIP! Do your research before hiring a wedding planner. Consider creating a scrap book of appealing fabric swatches and wedding images that represent the look that you are going for.

Your family might encourage you to follow tradition or make certain choices, but this day is about you and your spouse-to-be. Thank them for any suggestions and kindly decline their ideas with an explanation that it is your turn to make these decisions. As you reflect on that day when you had your wedding, you will not regret it.

TIP! Gift registry is a tried-and-true wedding tradition. For a pleasant atmosphere, you should make your guests understand that they do not have to bring anything.

Begin planning your wedding as early as possible. If your wedding is well into the future, you have more choices in venues and services. This allows you to get services you not only need, but can afford.

TIP! Find a wedding day photographer who is able to capture memories. Ask the photographer how he sees the day unfolding.

Ask your vendors for recommendations about the other services that you need. Ask your photographer if they can recommend a good band. Ask the band if they can recommend a caterer for you. These vendors may give you great rates, as well.

TIP! Add depth to your floral decor and centerpieces by incorporating floral elements of different heights. Put taller flowers in tall vases with compact heads.

Brides ought to practice their smile in their mirror. This will help you to be sure that your smile looks great in the wedding photos. A bit of practice will ensure you get the effect you most desire.

TIP! When planning your wedding music, research your DJ or band to ensure that they know the music that you want the most. Tell them you would like references prior to hiring anyone.

Whatever the size of your wedding, you probably want it to go perfectly! Whether this is your first wedding or fifth, preparation is key. The useful ideas in this piece will assist you in making smart decisions and steering clear of common pitfalls.

Wedding photos

Tips For Planning A Wedding Without Fighting With Your Fiance

TIP! Religion will play a big role not only in your wedding ceremony but in your marriage as a whole. It is wise to have conversations with your future mate and his or her family to be sure you all understand each other’s religious beliefs.

Marriage is a wonderful, beautiful thing

Marriage is a wonderful, beautiful thing, but weddings can be extremely stressful. The planning that a successful wedding takes can be absolutely overwhelming. The article below will provide you with advice to make the whole wedding process less stressful.

TIP! If you’re wanting to have money for other things concerning your wedding, try keeping a tighter budget on the venue by picking a wedding date that’s not necessarily in season. This would be sometime that is not between May and September.

Practice your walk many times. If possible, practice your aisle walk at the site where your wedding will be. This will give you an opportunity to practice on the actual floor using the shoes you will be wearing on your wedding day. By doing this, you will not have any issues with obstructions in the floor or nervousness from those watching you during the big moment.

TIP! Wedding pictures are very important, you can look back at them whenever you want. Hire a professional to take your photographs even if it costs a little more as you’ll be able to rely on the fact that your entire day will be captured properly.

For a more affordable wedding, consider setting a date outside the traditional season for weddings. That may means having a wedding in a less popular month or on a weekday, but the savings can be significant. During these months, venues become more expensive. To help ensure you are able to book the perfect venue, plan well in advance.

TIP! When you are planning your wedding don’t forget that people are going to need to get from your venue back to their hotel. For people without a ride, be sure a taxi or limo can bring them to their destination after the reception.

Choose ethnic catering to spice things up. Steak or chicken are over-served and boring, so why not include a variety of food in your food choices? Ethnic foods and decor will help your reception be memorable.

Danske Herregårde og slotte
Smukke kirker KBH
Dragsholm slot bryllup
Dronninglund Slot
Skarrildhus
Feedback
Dyktig bryllupsfotograf
Hotel Aarhus
Fotograf i hele DK
Fotograf søges
Fotograf til tysk bryllup
Fotografer
Foto Aarhus
Fotograf Midtjylland
TIP! Don’t use a ton of flowers on the tables that guests will be sitting at during your wedding reception. Often, flowers interfere with guests being able to converse across the table.

Add special little decorative touches to all of the element in your wedding. Take the ribbon you use in a bouquet for instance, and use the same ribbon for table centerpieces, your hair or your gown. These little details will add up to create one giant aesthetic.

TIP! Be certain to look for skilled photographers with experience before committing to one in particular. A good photographer is crucial.

Keep transportation in mind when planning your wedding. Try having taxis or limos ready for people that don’t have rides back to the hotel after it ends. This is the right thing to do if you’re serving alcohol at your reception.

TIP! Keep in mind all things when considering a venue for your receptions, like having adequate dance floor space. You can make room by moving some chairs and tables around when it’s time to dance, just make sure you find enough space for people to get their groove on.

Make sure that you carefully consider what to include in your vows, as they will be something that your future spouse remembers forever. Marriage is a life long commitment that requires love, sacrifice and the art of compromise and forgiveness. Let your partner know how much you adore them and that you really do want to spend forever with them.

TIP! If you want to add some sparkle and class to your bouquet, use crystals, diamonds, or rhinestones. You can use small pieces of costume jewelry, heat-fixed or adhesive crystals, or perhaps a treasured heirloom.

While it’s important to provide your wedding DJ with a list of songs you love and wish to be played at your reception, it’s equally as important to let him know what you DON’T like. It might be specific genres you wish to avoid, or even particular songs that relate to a past relationship. No matter what it is, make sure the DJ knows so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises playing at the wedding.

TIP! When asking friends or family to come to a destination wedding, you may want to ask them to stay around for your honeymoon too. Everyone can save money by staying longer, as hotels will give you great discounts for longer stays.

Take the time to look at the work of different photographers

Take the time to look at the work of different photographers before committing to one. You want your photographer to know exactly what they are doing. If you’d like to learn about the photographers around where you live, you can look to the Internet for reviews or ask people you know for references.

TIP! Put your schedule of events online, so that all guests can access it at any time. Include events such as the rehearsal, dinners, fittings and anything else they might need to appear at.

Don’t make guests wait around while taking pictures. Take your bridal party photos in advance of the wedding when you are all fresh and crisp. Make a list of all the shots that you want and arrange for many of them to be taken before the wedding begins.

TIP! Even if your dress is picked and already paid for, it is a good idea to keep it safely at the shop until the big day. Putting it away in a closet could cause it to become wrinkled or even stained.

One detail to consider is that the venue lighting can be dimmed, if necessary. While this may appear trivial, you want to have this option, perhaps for your first dance, then brighter for the remainder of your ceremony. Ask the folks running your venue if you have that option.

TIP! Do not allow your guests to get bored or restless between the courses of your meal. Why not look for sugar roses that match your wedding theme.

If you choose a wedding cake full of vibrant color that stands out as a focal point in your reception, you can enhance it further by presenting it on top of a fabric swatch coordinated with the cake itself. You could even select a patterned or strongly textured fabric to focus attention on the cake and its beauty.

TIP! Children who are participating in your ceremony should have comfortable clothes. By utilizing softer fabrics, the children in your ceremony will look great while feeling quite comfortable.

Flowers that might be abundant in your home territory may not be widely available if you happen to be in the Cayman Islands or Greece. Make contact with professionals who reside near your destination site to inquire which flowers are in bloom and available to use for your ceremony.

TIP! When you are making plans for a destination wedding, take the needs of your guests into account. You always want to make sure that you give your guests enough time to plan.

If you’re not planning on serving a meal at your reception, think about renting furniture instead of using the standard tables. Furnishing the location with chaise lounges or comfortable sectionals can lead to a greater level of interaction between your guests. Luxury seating will help your guests to feel more relaxed and at ease. You can even use the seating to create several separate relaxing areas.

TIP! Make certain that everything in your plans coordinates with each other, even the flowers. If your theme is specifically vintage or retro for example, you will want the right flowers that will offer the same nostalgic feeling as the rest of your decor.

No matter what type of reception you want, keep your caterer informed; for example, if you want an outdoor reception, help your caterer understand that. This will allow the caterer to ensure that food and container choices work well with any weather-related issues such as heat, humidity, or wind. Or maybe you could put fancy covers over your dishes. A small refrigerator can be used to keep the drinks cold if needed.

TIP! To help you prepare dancing for your first dance, you should practice dancing in a long skirt a few days before your wedding. You may be used to wearing long skirts, though you future husband may not be used to dancing while you are in this type of clothing.

Make sure to prioritize your wants when you are starting to organize your wedding plans. Flowers are usually one of the most important parts of a wedding, and the cake and venue are usually up near the top, too. Making the lists will allow you to establish a budget. Once you know how much you have to spend, you will be able to set a specific amount of money to each item on the list and be able to stay within your designated budget.

TIP! Creating your own vows adds a very personal touch. Though you might find it easy to copy vows from somewhere, you are the one who knows your intended spouse best.

Write your own vows for the wedding. While it may be easier to copy from a different source remember that no one knows your future spouse better than you. Writing your own vows is a perfect way to add a very personal touch to your wedding, and to help guests see just how much there is between you. You can look to other people’s personal vows for inspiration and use them to help create your own original ones.

TIP! Ask your vendors for recommendations about the other services that you need. If you have selected a good wedding photographer, see who he or she recommends as a wedding band.

Did you dream as a little girl about the fabulous over-the-top wedding you’d have some day? Do you still wish to have a spectacular, magical night? It can be daunting to consider all the planning it takes to make those dreams come true. The tips given here should help you take the task in hand and meet the challenge of planning your wedding.

Wedding photos