Wedding Planning Tips

Alexine

If you are getting married and having working on your registry or a guest looking to purchase a gift you will want to head to the kitchen department. With kitchen items being a large part of what couples need once married they make wonderful gifts for weddings. There is a huge selection at the store and there are certain must have items. Here are ten wonderful wedding gifts for the kitchen.

Flatware

There are so many choices when it comes to flatware and most department stores have shelves full of different sets. Most couples choose a set for their registry and add twelve so it is an easy purchase for the guests.

Dinner Ware

Casual dishes for everyday meals are another great wedding gift. It is nice to have all your dishes matching in sets. While some brands come in separate pieces others come in sets of place settings.
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In tough economic times there is nothing better than inexpensive and delicious edible wedding favors. Making them can be a fun project to do with your bridesmaids and flower girls a couple of days before the wedding.

Getting everyone together for a little kitchen fun is a great way to prepare for the wedding. Here are some homemade edible wedding favor ideas you may want to make for your wedding.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Individually wrapped in cute colored bags with bows to tie them closed is the best way to present delicious chocolate chip cookies. This original treat loved by most and is sure to be a sweet reminder of your big day for the guests.
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Every bride wants to capture their wedding in the most beautiful and elegant photos. With winter in most areas around the states there are a lot of bare trees and dead plants for scenery. While it may be cold outside a blanket of snow is a beautiful touch to any background. To make the most out of the landscapes nearby here are some winter wedding photo ideas.

Mountains

With tall trees and evergreens mixed in the mountains are a beautiful place to take wedding photos. The elevation change gives the photos a beautiful background while focusing on the bride and groom. You will most likely find snow up at higher elevations as well so you can capture the beauty of winter.
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Every bride wants to have their special day be as amazing as possible and that includes making sure they have the perfect wedding dress. This means you will want to make sure the dress you choose is suitable for your wedding and fits you just right. Here are some helpful things to consider when choosing the perfect wedding dress for your wedding.

Traditional

If you are planning a traditional wedding than a long white or ivory dress is the perfect dress for you. Of course there are many different styles that fit different body types better than others so it will take time. However, it is important that you are happy with the type of dress so make sure you try many different ones on.
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By Barbara Wade © 2011, All Rights Reserved

Nestled between the hills of America’s wine country and the stunning blue of the Pacific lies the city of San Jose, California. An easy drive from the world-famous Napa Valley, the rich history of San Francisco, and the famous beaches of Monterey Bay, this city is the perfect location for hosting a wedding to remember. You might expect that, with a nickname like “the Silicon Valley,” hotels and other accommodations would be strictly business. On the contrary; this high-tech hot spot offers countless ways to celebrate your love with a sophisticated touch.

Stress-Free Celebrations at All-Inclusive Hotels

For the ultimate in understated elegance, consider a San Jose luxury hotel for your big day. Better boutique hotels in the area offer spa packages, world-class catering, and special room rates for out-of-town guests, which makes planning your big day a breeze. Rather than juggling the timing, transportation, and guest accommodations, let the hotel see to the details so you can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event free from the stress of endless planning. Choose the right venue and even the rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch will be handled with style and grace, creating beautiful memories for everyone involved.

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By: Alexine

One of the small but really important parts of planning your wedding is picking out what type of wedding invitations you want. Whether you like a basic card or have a design in mind that is fancier then it is nice to know what your options are. Here are the different types of invitations you can choose and tips about each of them.

Print Yourself

These print yourself kits are a great way to make your invitations both easy and affordable. With all the parts included you can make some pretty invitations and RSVP cards for a lot less than ordering them. They sell these kits at most large chain stores, stationary stores, party stores and card shops. While they are less expensive they do come out really nice.
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By: Alexine

While it is quite common to get married while pregnant there are a lot of women who wait until after baby is born to have their wedding. This gives a little bit more time for the new parents to settle into their life together and get the wedding plans together throughout the pregnancy. If you are planning your wedding for after baby is born there here are some tips that you may find really useful.

Setting the Date

When setting the date for your wedding try and give yourself three of four months past the due date of your baby. This will ensure plenty of time to order your dress and accessories in a smaller size and get the proper adjustments. Also this will give your body and mind the time it needs to adjust to the new lifestyle as parents.
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By: Alexine

If you have not already ordered the wedding cake for your spring wedding then you may want to really start brainstorming what you want. There are so many different types of cake flavors and fillings that different bakeries offer. Set up a taste test where you sample their cakes by eating cupcake versions of the cakes. Once you have decided on the flavors then it is time to decide how you want the cake presented. Here are some ideas you may want to use when ordering your spring wedding cake.

Colored Frosting

While traditional white or ivory frosting is a beautiful look for a wedding cake you can bring out the colors of your spring wedding with a colored cake. Having your cake covered in colored frosting allows for a simple white bead around the edge or a basic white frosting design on the cake.
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By: Alexine

Table centerpieces are a great way to get creative when planning your wedding reception. You can go with traditional flower arrangements in clear glass vases or you can do something more unique. To help plan for the reception here are some spring wedding centerpiece ideas you can make your own.

Fish Bowl

A fish bowl is a beautiful centerpiece that is full of life and represents springtime in such a unique way. With color coordinated marbles or glass blobs in the bottom you can customize the appearance of the fish bowls on the tables. Also the selection of fish is easy since beta fish and gold fish are the easiest fish to use without a bubbler. Both types of fish come in a variety of colors so you can choose the color to go with the wedding colors.
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By: Alexine

With wedding planning on the mind of most brides to be, the idea of spring wedding favors is most likely on your check list. There are so many different wedding favors in shops and online that it is hard to figure out which ones to choose. To help determine which favors would be appropriate for your spring wedding here are six favor ideas that are appropriate for the springtime.

Potted Plants

If you have the time and money then an adorable potted plant is a great wedding favor for a spring wedding. You can go to the local nurseries to see what is in season and then buy potting soil to use when planting in the pots. If you want to save a little on the pots your local craft store should have some pretty inexpensive that you can embellish with cute bows or accessories that go on easily with a hot glue gun.
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By: Alexine

With the weather still pretty cool in most of the United States in the spring you will want to book your honeymoon for somewhere warm. There are lots of great warm weather destinations all around the world that you could really enjoy. With that in mind here are some great travel destinations for your spring wedding honeymoon.

Australia

If you have a nice honeymoon budget and would love an adventure then head to Australia for your honeymoon. There is everything from scuba diving and beach combing to animal adventures and hiking. Australia is known for its amazing animals like kangaroos, kawaka bears and beautiful emus. With a love of the outdoors, good food and delicious wine you will not be disappointed if you travel to Australia for your honeymoon.
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By: Alexine

Whether you have short, medium or long length hair there is a wedding day hairstyle for you. From adorable haircuts to perfect up hairdos there is sure to be something you will love. To help you choose the best hairstyle for your wedding day here are some glamorous ideas you can try for the wedding based on your hair length.

Extra Short Hair

If you have extra short hair that you keep less than five inches long then it is important to get a haircut within a week of your wedding. This way when you put styling products and accessories in your hair it fully cooperates. Most extra short hairstyles lose their exact look after about a week or two of grow out so the closer to your wedding you get the haircut the better.
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By: Alexine

If your wedding is in the months of March, April and May then you should start to consider which types of flowers you want for the wedding. While there are a limited amount of seasonal spring flowers many are very beautiful and can be less expensive than out of season flowers. Discuss pricing with your florist to see if you can save by choosing some of the seasonal flowers listed below.

Amaryllis

As a beautiful bulb flower with long think stalks you can incorporate the amaryllis into arrangements for the wedding. These flowers come in a variety of colors including white, red, pink and orange. Since they grow from bulbs they also make a great wedding favor as a single amaryllis bulb in a pretty pot. Whether you use them in your bridesmaid bouquets or flower arrangements, amaryllis flowers will make a beautiful addition to your wedding flowers.
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By: Alexine

With all the natural weather patterns that have been sweeping over the United States lately we are reminded of how rough nature can be. These types of weather systems can really put a damper on the big day and can cause delay of your wedding ceremony and reception. While it may feel like the end of the world there is nothing anyone can do to stop the weather. To prepare yourself for possible weather delays here are the forecasts that will most likely postpone your wedding.

Torrential Rain

One of the most unpredictable possible outcomes happens when there are torrential rain storms. You cannot predict exactly how much rain will fall or how long the storm will sit over your area so it is just a matter of riding out the storm. These types of weather forecasts have caused havoc on California lately with massive mudslides that have covered roadways and swept away buildings. This is quite possible anywhere in the country in the warm months and in warmer climates during the winter.
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By: Alexine

As the middle of winter approaches there is much to prepare for your spring wedding. The months of March, April and May are the official three months of spring. With snow melting in spring the animals are more active and plants begin to grow. This is the season of new beginnings and getting ready for the warmth of summer. Here are five themes that are appropriate for your wedding in the spring season.

Spring Flowers

One of the most beautiful parts of spring is all the flowers that grow. These are primarily bulb flowers like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, irises, hyacinths and lilies. They all come in an assortment of colors so you can have a variety of color at your wedding. While tulips, daffodils, irises and lilies are great for arrangements, you would want to do potted plants of crocuses and hyacinths for centerpieces.
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By: Alexine

Every woman wants to look and feel sexy on a regular basis and especially on their wedding night. From the style of your hair to the color of your toes, women do such a great job at picking themselves apart. To ensure you both look and feel sexy on your wedding day I have come up with a list of ten changes you can make.

Tone Your Body

If the weather is anything but nice outside consider starting with a membership to your local gym to begin toning your body. However, if you live in a mild temperature climate then make a habit of power walking for thirty minutes to an hour every day. This will begin toning your muscles and could possibly lead to weight loss or muscle definition.
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By: Alexine

Food and alcohol are two of the most expensive parts of a wedding reception. Buffets and time of day are a great way to cut down on the cost of food. However there are limited options for cutting back on the alcohol tab while still not having to charge at the bar. To help cut back on some costs here are five tips to help keep you alcohol tab low at your wedding reception.

Limited Hard Alcohol

The best way to save money on your alcohol bill is to have only a few types of hard alcohol and mixers available. This might mean you have a short list on the bar that says the few types of mixed drinks and other bottled alcohol available. A few examples are margaritas, rum and cola, cranberry and vodka, and mimosas. Then you just have to stock up on the two ingredients in each drink which is not as expensive as an unlimited bar.
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By: Alexine

If you are having a winter wedding then the last minute details are most likely being made. While table centerpieces are not necessary, they do add a formal look to the reception. Most florists charge quite a bit of money to make simple arrangements for the table centerpieces. To help save you save some money this holiday season here are five inexpensive winter wedding table centerpieces.

Poinsettias

As a traditional way to get some color in your house this time of year poinsettias make great centerpieces. You can find small plants that come in three or four inch pots at a garden center or flower store. Then all you need to do is pick out some pretty pots to plant the poinsettias in and use the planted flowers as centerpieces. If you put a few on each table in the center then each couple can take one home as a wedding favor.
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By: Alexine

Feeling like the recession will never end is not fun when you are planning on getting married. The big dream wedding ideas are being pushed further into the future as there seems to be no end in sight. If you are growing impatient and have come to terms with not having a lavished wedding then this is just what you need. Here are five easy and inexpensive wedding ideas so you do not have to wait any longer.

Family Home
An easy alternative to an extravagant wedding is to have the wedding in your home or the home of a close friend or family member. Then you just have to afford a Justice of the Peace or have a minister come over. This saves money on the venue and allows for an intimate setting with your closest family members present. Also if you are lucky the host and hostess can help prepare snacks and beverages for the guests.
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By: Alexine

With your wedding right around the corner, a romantic honeymoon to somewhere warm is most likely on your mind. However, there are some very nice winter wonderland honeymoon ideas as well. To help with the last minute plans for your winter wedding here are some honeymoon hotspots.

Tahiti & Bora Bora
Two of the most desirable tropical locations located in one destination hotspot are Tahiti and Bora Bora. They are part of French Polynesia which is located in the Pacific Ocean south of the Hawaiian Islands. It takes over eight hours from California to fly there but the wait is truly worthwhile.
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By: Alexine

When it comes to being pregnant there are several occasion that can be not so fun to plan for. One of those of course is attending a wedding. Whether you feel heavy, unattractive, tired, nauseous or any combination of the four it is not very fun go to a wedding. Despite how you feel it is important to be there for those who mean something in our lives. Here are some tips to help make attending a wedding pregnant more of a pleasant experience.

Dress

Finding a dress that doesn’t make you feel heavy and unattractive is first in line and there are many places to shop. Stores like Old Navy, Motherhood and Walmart have great online maternity sections that are sure to help get you inspired. If you are willing to spend a little more money you can find cute maternity dresses at Pea in a Pod and Gap.
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By: Alexine

Whether your wedding budget is small or you just love the idea of having a homemade wedding cake, baking cakes can be quite a challenge. After searching long and hard and baking cake after cake I have finally settled on the best white cake and frosting combination that tastes delicious. Hopefully you will love this cake as much as I do.

Ingredients

Before you get started it is important to have a reasonably accurate head count so you have plenty of cake for everyone. Each batch will serve about twenty guests so you will want to multiply the ingredients as necessary. Please refer to the chart below for accurate amounts of each ingredient.
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By: Alexine

When you are planning your wedding the last thing you will be thinking about is what to pack for the night after your big day. This is a great opportunity to purchase some fun items for the first night the two of you will enjoy together as husband and wife. Have fun shopping around with your girl friends or just on your own if time is tight.

Lingerie

While you might have had this one figured out already, picking out really sexy lingerie set is a must for your wedding night. A stop at Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s of Hollywood would be a great start as they have a huge selection in most sizes. Also if you are a fuller figured bride Lane Bryant is a great place to find lingerie.

Chocolate

It doesn’t matter how you like your chocolate, any type is a great addition on your wedding night. Stopping by the chocolate store to get some chocolate covered strawberries or truffles is always nice. You can also make a call to the hotel to see if they can provide any chocolates to the room if they need to be refrigerated and the climate is warm.
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By: Alexine

When it comes to planning your winter wedding there are many decisions to make regarding your flowers. From the seasonal types to the color selection, you can come up with many different arrangements. Here are some useful tips to help you make the flower decisions for your winter wedding.

Warm Colors

If you looking for a warm and cozy feeling at your wedding to get people away from thinking about the ice cold weather, red and gold tones are a great place to start. With red you can have a mixture of bright cherry red and burgundy or choose one to accompany the gold or yellow tones. These colors have a variety of flowers to choose from in winter so you should have no problem making your decisions.
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By Barbara Wade © 2010, All Rights Reserved

You’ve finally met the man of your dreams. You’ve chosen the perfect dress, a stunning ring, and invited your friends and family to help you celebrate on this joyous occasion. All that remains is to select the ideal location. When it comes to gorgeous wedding venues, no other city can compare to Portland. Hotel suites cater to new brides and grooms – and their guests – and the gorgeous scenery in and around Portland makes the City of Roses a truly romantic destination.

Portland’s Natural Beauty is a Dazzling Backdrop for any Celebration

The International Rose Test Garden provides a stunning setting for those pre-wedding photographs. No flower says romance like the rose, and only in Portland will you find more than 7,000 plants all in one location. Wander hand in hand through the garden while the photographer captures magical candid shots, or pose for formal portraits with your wedding party. When you’ve finished, be sure to stop by the Rose Garden Shop to pick up rose-themed wedding favors such as confections shaped like this elegant flower. Your guests will love having these locally made delicacies to remind them of their visit to the City of Roses and of your special day.

For the wine-loving bride and groom, Portland offers some of the country’s best vintages. The Willamette Valley wine region is Oregon’s largest, home to 200 wineries and 12,000 acres of grapes. Dedicated to sustainable growing, the vineyards of Oregon take pride in their organic, biodynamic and salmon-safe farming practices. You’ll savor the richness of the wine even more when you know it was produced in an environmentally conscious manner. Not only that, but you’ll be able to choose local vintages to serve at your rehearsal dinner, reception, and with brunch the following day. And don’t forget to pick out a special bottle just for the two of you to share.
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