The Green Hanger

I just noticed today that one of the blogs I follow, The Green Hanger Shop, is offering a great give-a-way. Thought I would let every one know since it fits in with my new theme! A lucky winner will get...

 

This contests ends TOMORROW so get busy and enter to win here: A Great Green GiveAway

The Green Bride Guide

Kate L. Harrison, author of The Green Bride Guide has said, about her own wedding, " I think certain members of my family expected to show up and be forced to eat granola for three days and dance barefoot under the moon. While there was some granola, and lots of dancing, they were surprised and delighted to see that a green wedding can be (and often is) just like a traditional wedding in every way but one - it has less impact on the environment." 

I absolutely loved reading that because, I admit, I would kind of think the same way. I have never been to a Green Wedding, but I know plenty of people now - that if they were to get married again - would probably go this route. Eco-Friendly, Organic, whatever you want to call it the result is pretty much the same - you are making a difference!

If you are planning on having a totally Green wedding, or even just incorporating some Green ideas into your wedding, you are going to need to have a resource book. You will get this in The Green Bride Guide - and although you can buy this book from Amazon, if you purchase direct, Kate ships in a recycled paper mailer with vintage stamps! This book is a comprehensive, easy-to-access resource for anyone interested in planning a green wedding - the book is also just one resource because Kate also has a great website by the same name.

Chapters in the book include: Engagement, Location, The Eco-Chic Bride, Greening the Groom and Bridal Party, Green Save-the-Dates, Invitations & Wedding Websites, Sustainable Flowers, Transportation, etc. 

I found this site and decided to use it as my stepping stone for learning more about Green Weddings because Kate and her company really walk the walk! You start reading about her company and you find information like: this book was printed on FSC certified recycled paper which saved 142 trees! (It also save 99 million BTUs, 51,862 gallons of water, 12,495 lbs of greenhouse gases and 6,660 pounds of solid waste...but since I am still green at being green...I am not sure what all those numbers mean)!

March Madness

We are just 4 days away from starting a new month! Can you believe we are so close to being 3 months into the new year? Seriously, the old saying about time flying is so true! Sometimes, I do not know where the time goes! So, I have been already dreaming up fun things for the March give-a-way! Trying to stick with a theme...the most celebrated day in March is St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and even if you are not Irish - you probably wear green just to be involved in the celebration! I didn't want to go "all out Irish" and give-a-way St. Patrick's Day items so I decided (appropriately I think) that for the March give-a-way we would go green - as in eco-friendly!

I will admit I am not the most green person...maybe lime or chartreuse...and you might be in the same boat as me: you are aware of eco-friendly weddings, you know the term "going green" but you are just not sure where or how to do it. Welcome to my club! What I have learned so far in my exploration is just taking one step in the right direction will and can make a difference! I read on a site that if every couple made just one green choice for their wedding that it would be 2.5 million green choices a year! That impressed me!

 Illustration by Astrid Mueller for the Green Ass Bride

So as I learn more about this process (and welcome to the journey if you are as new to this as me!) I am turning to you out there!  

Are you incorporating anything green into your wedding or having a total green wedding? Share some ideas with all of us and let's get this party started!

Party Time!

Wow....life has been super busy this past week and I have missed my blogging community! So much happens, within a short amount of time! We had a "Welcome Home Party" for my dad, who has been away, this past weekend! A small gathering, of 80 close family members...haha. It felt almost like a wedding reception! We had to rent all the goodies: table, chairs, linens...food and cake!! Oh the delicious cake. We actually had 5 cakes! Not only were we celebrating the homecoming but, we also had 3 birthdays (one turning 26, one turning 29...again and one turning 72!) and on top of that we were also celebrating an anniversary of 55 years! It was certainly a fun celebration. I ordered the cakes from a local bakery - and if anyone out there is in the So. Cal area doing cake shopping....I highly recommend Beverly's Best in Fullerton, CA! It was actually fun sitting in the bakery checking out all their mock wedding cakes! I had a little cake tasting envy when a bride and groom, sitting at the table next to me, were doing their tasting. Talk about huge samples! WOW. When I went to pick up the cakes, each time I walked out with one people were Ooh'ing and Aah'ing over them. If only those people got to taste them! haha! Delicious! I ordered each cake in a different flavor and a different filling - seriously...when are you lucky enough to have 5 CAKES at one place!?! The Red Velvet with White Chocolate Mousse and Fresh Strawberries seemed to impress everyone...including me! So, enough about cakes...that is where I have been the past week...but I am back now!

Wedding Bands - Advise For Investing In A Diamond Ring For A Loved One

By Milly Silvers

The Greek word 'Adamas' means unbreakable or invincible. This is where the word 'diamond' comes from. Diamonds are definitely long-lasting. No wonder they are considered symbols of love that is unbreakable.

Diamonds are often used by people to express the fact that their love for their beloved will not diminish ever. With the brilliant flashes of light that these gems are capable of producing, they tend to look more gorgeous than ever. It is no surprise that diamond bridal sets are indeed considered to be the best gift possible on a wedding day.

It is also a great idea for both the bride and the groom to wear jewelry with the same design on their wedding day. It is a beautiful way to begin your journey together by wearing something similar.

Diamond bridal sets have different designs and they all have their own symbolism. So, a diamond ring with three gems usually indicates the long-lasting nature of the relationship in the past, present, and the future.

Bridal sets are considered to be expensive by most people. It is true that diamonds are costly. But if you want to truly express your love, there is nothing better than diamonds.

Getting as much information about the different kinds of gems is a very good idea. This way you can choose your gems online. There are many jewelers who sell bridal sets on the internet that are very cheap. Since they don't have to spend money handling overhead expenses, they are able to sell their products at inexpensive rates.

You can choose among a wide variety of gems available with these online jewelers. However, what you need to know is how these gems are actually categorized.

The cut of the diamond is probably the most important factor in categorizing and pricing the diamond. Round cuts add more brilliance to the gem. Some cuts give unusual shapes to the gems. The depth of the stones is something you need to learn about. It is also one factor that determines the brilliance of the diamond. The cost of the diamond also depends on the clarity, the cut, and the carat of the gems.

About the Author:

Besides In case you're searching for further advice on wedding jewelry, you might want to look at other relevant publications completely on two tone engagement bands and princess cut diamond jewelry.

How Your Gold Nose Ring Turns Time Backwards

By Yali Timpa

Your bride will probably want to have a ring that complements her engagement ring when you go to choose your wedding rings. Highly decorated platinum wedding rings will possibly be more noticeable on the finger than the engagement ring and that would never do! The circular shape of your wedding ring is a symbol of eternity and the lasting commitment that two people make to be with each other. Gift giving between bride and groom is an ancient tradition which spawned the wedding ring.

A more modern approach to this custom is the bestowing of an eternity ring to the bride as the last gift. More and more couples are now having them engraved with a personal message that is special to them and also makes them more unique. An attempt to choose a ring that embodies both your personalities would be most wise. Just remember, they are for you both so whatever you choose will be right.

Throughout your marriage do not forget the importance of this item and its meaning because it is not like any other jewelry you will buy and shouldn't leave your finger. It is not worth trying to find the cheapest you can because it will undermine the rings importance. Making the tragic mistake of purchasing a cheap ring will haunt over you for as long as you live. Upon getting your wedding rings, be mindful to make sure that they fit appropriately or it will look disgraceful.

Enlist the service of a qualified jeweler to ensure a proper fit of your rings. Adjustments aren't usually done 'over the counter' so allow plenty of time for them to be adjusted before the big day. Adjustments often take time, so prepare for that in your planning and do not rush it. Your best approach is to purchase your rings immediately once a ceremony date is firm to allow all alterations appropriate time.

Ring styles are endless so allow yourself ample time to find the proper piece of jewelry. A ring needs to look and feel like it belongs to its owners, so find that perfect piece, spend as much time as needed, and use your personal judgment. The correct ring for the correct spouse can lead to the most amazing future ever imaginable, so choose wisely and bring joy to both of you day after day.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on a gold nose ring, then visit www.jewels-of-india.com to find the best advice on gold nose ring for you.

Design Your Engagement Ring - What You Have To Learn About Concerning Diamonds

By Mike Wystic

So, You need to design your engagement ring...

Want to know something?

You have to realize several factors before you start building. One of the several points you'll want to know about will be diamonds.

You, at the very least, require a fundamental idea of exactly what to watch out for inside a precious stone, what is critical, and what's unwanted.

On this page I will talk about what's known as the 4 C's:

The 4 Cs are Carat, Cut, Clarity, and Color.

We will start off by simply talking about Carat. This is actually a measurement of a precious stone's size. Certainly, a bigger stone is a superior stone, but there are a few issues to keep in mind regarding Carat.

First is, and this would seem very clear, when you increase in Carat weight, the diamond gets much more expensive. For example, a Two Carat stone costs approximately $25,000, when a One Carat precious stone will set you back a fraction of that. Hence the price increases tremendously.

The second detail to always note is that when you design your engagement ring, it can be much more crucial that you possess a blemish-free, high clarity precious stone over a large gemstone. It is best to invest more money on bettering the purity of the gemstone, not necessarily the Carat weight.

2nd will be Color. It is a rating of the shade of one's stone. A ranked D, E or F colored stone is going to be EXTREMELY well colored. Really anything with an "I" or better will be practically perfectly pure, and it will require a very high end jeweler in order to discover any color impurity.
Beyond an "I" though, you could probably notice extremely slight differences in color. This is not an issue however. Understand that if you design your engagement ring, and your gemstone turns out to be a tad tainted, you will want a ring setting made of yellow gold as opposed to white gold, simply because this will likely make your stone appear to be more perfect.

If your stone is very pure, you will want the white gold or platinum setting to be able to increase its brightness, because a yellow gold ring setting will actually make your gemstone seem discolored.

3rd is Clarity. This is the measure of your stone's perfection. To put it differently, the amount of, along with which kind of blemishes the gemstone contains. Essentially the ranking starts off at Fl (flawless), and will go all the way to an I1, I2, and I3.

It is not a factor you REALLY need to worry about when you design your engagement ring. Anything under VS (Very small inclusions) will probably show up perfect, and it's not hard to find a stone that adheres to that.

Finally comes Diamond Cut. This is often confused with shape, yet it really is truly different. A gem's Cut is a ranking of the stone's balance. This can probably be the most unimportant factor if you design your engagement ring, as the most terribly cut stone is going to still appear virtually perfect for an inexperienced or unprofessional eye.

Diamond Shape is one thing that's entirely a matter of preference. If you are unsure of your partner's inclinations, it really is probably pretty risk-free to settle for a round, oval, or princess cut.

I really hope this got you thinking! I am just betting though, that you would like to understand a tad bit more with regards to gemstones and engagement rings, thus here is exactly what I'm planning to do to help you:

About the Author:

I'm going to refer you to a web-site that'll tell you EVERYTHING you'll want to know to design your engagement ring. It's got tons of free info, and exclusive offers to help you save money on your ring. Take a look: www.DesignRingEngagement.com

Bridal And Bridesmaids Shoes - Why It Matters?

By Janeth Hanberry

Wedding preparation could be so nerve-racking. You will have to think of the gown you are going to wear, how many bridesmaids you will have, the church where you are going to be wed, the venue of the reception, the number of people to invite, etc. Just the thought of it will give you a headache. In all of these tensions, there is one thing you should not ever forget. It is no other than- your bridal and bridesmaids' shoes.

Why be concerned of your wedding shoes? One might claim that wedding shoes are less important because they are not seen much during the wedding. Well, when you walk down the aisle as the bride or a bridesmaid, it is your most unforgettable moment. I am sure you would not want to trip because you are not used to wearing heels. It may be secondary but you would not want your wedding to become a tormenting memory just because you did not care to think about your wedding or bridesmaid shoes.

Choosing the appropriate shoes can give you a lot of advantages. If you are not so tall, wedding shoes with heels give you additional height. They can also flatter your legs especially when your dress is a bit short. Not only that, they also highlight the way the dress falls, especially if you are wearing high heels.

If you are not accustomed to wearing heels, there are several tips on how to wear shoes with high heels. First is practice. Like the saying goes, practice makes perfect. While waiting for the wedding, practice walking with the high heeled shoes an hour a day. This will give you a feel of the shoes so as not to force your feet during the wedding day.

Heels also come in sizes. You can choose the medium sized one or the smaller platform, lower kitten heels. You can actually try experimenting first with your old shoes before buying the real ones.

You will certainly do a lot of standing, walking and dancing during your wedding. Therefore, it is advisable to wear comfortable wedding and bridal shoes. Comfort should be the number one element in your choice of shoes. It does not make sense to wear a pretty dress if you cannot even smile just because your feet are sore.

To avoid unnecessary expenses of buying another pair of bridal or bridesmaids shoes in case it did not match your dress, try the dyeable ones. Dyeable shoes can enable you to dye them any color that would suit your dress. This only shows the importance of prior planning and timing. You should wait for the dress to be made first before buying your wedding shoes.

Bridal or bridesmaids shoes come in a wide range of styles, sizes and colors. Whatever choice you make, be it the traditional ivory shoes or the contemporary stilettos or sandals, what is important is that your shoe color and fabric matches your dress. Both can have the same color but you can also contrast them if you want to make it more unique. The wedding day will always be a memorable occasion. You want to be perfect from head to toe.

About the Author:

Weddings are such joyous occasion that everyone participating in the wedding entourage are excited to wear bridesmaids shoes. It helps display their lovely toes that make them appear stunning on this big day. Or you may want to try flat wedding shoes.

A Guide To Ring Settings That Will Make Your Diamond Shine

By Kim Allarie

Getting the ideal ring for your special someone can prove to be a challenging assignment. You would like the ring to symbolize the love you feel for her, and therefore it needs to be just right. You've picked out the perfect diamond, but what's next? You also need to select from among the various styles of ring settings. This could make or break the look of your stone, so take care when choosing.

There are several varieties of ring settings that you can choose from. You will find invisible settings, bezel settings, channel settings and prong settings. These each have various advantages and disadvantages, and selecting one really will depend on the style you are looking for.

Certainly one of the most popular ring settings is likely the prong setting. This design utilizes three to five prongs in order to fasten the diamond to the band. This really is the most common setting, and also the most apparent.

An invisible setting is perfect for the individual who wants the stone to be the primary part of their ring. An invisible setting appears as though the stone is simply hovering over the band, not actually attached. But don't worry, the stone is firmly attached to the ring.

A different kind of setting that may be just right for you is the channel setting. A channel setting is really trendy for engagement rings. The setting looks like the diamond is nestled amidst two bands, or channels. This is one of the hottest settings because not only will the stone stand out, but you have room to work with for adding more diamonds or other stones on the two channels.

A bezel setting is one more beautiful alternative that partly encases the diamond within the ring band. It's similar in appearance to the setting of a school ring. It keeps the stone in a low profile which is important for those who are quite active. It would be horrible to select an inappropriate setting for an on the go individual and then lose the diamond due to an accident. The bezel setting will greatly decrease the likelihood of any harm to the ring.

Nowadays, you will discover ring settings to fit anybody's personal style. A few varieties of settings will even make a modest stone seem more opulent. Examine all the different types of settings and select the one that is not only attractive, but fits the lifestyle of the wearer.

About the Author:

There are lots of options these days when it comes to shopping for wedding rings, from modern platinum to classic rose gold wedding rings. Click here to find out more about the best wedding rings for you.

What Is A Vintage Rolls Royce And Why Would It Be An Excellent Choice Of Car For Your Civil Ceremony or Wedding

By Gavin Burnham

Everyone wants to look back upon their wedding day with fond memories. It is one of the most monumental days of their life, and one that you would want to live in style. One aspect of the day which is often over looked is the wedding transport.

rolls royce wedding info at http://www.cars4weddings.co.uk

The vintage Rolls Royce car is a transport favourite and the phrase 'vintage Rolls Royce' is any Rolls Royce motor car no longer in production, and which would have been built between the 1930s to the 1950s and were high-priced when new, have manufacturer loyalty, and are still highly prized today. Their workmanship is of a higher quality which usually means they have a nicer more comfortable ride, they were built in limited quantities with custom coachwork and luxury accessories, they have style, great charm and character.

Vintage Rolls Royce wedding cars come in various styles and can be a tremendous photograph opportunity for your wedding album or video as well as for your guests. Some guests will be ready to see you arrive, and everyone will see you and your groom leave for, and arrive at the reception, so you want your wedding cars to be something extra special and possibly tie in with your wedding venue or theme.

Vintage Rolls Royce cars are a favourite choice of wedding cars and selecting the right wedding transport is largely a matter of personal choice. There are a great number of alternative vehicles available from a Daimler Limousine, which is a vehicle with a glass partition behind the driver, to the traditional vintage chauffeur driven saloons such as a 1960s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. These are splendidly grand and spacious wedding cars, expensive to buy and maintain, they are usually more expensive to hire than modern vehicles, but are glorious wedding vehicles.

Consider using the Rolls Royce wedding car in several of the wedding photographs to make the experience last a life time, and no matter what Rolls Royce model you decide on for the wedding day, make sure the car will stand out from the crowd, because this is the day when you want to be noticed by everybody.

With this information you can start looking for a wedding car company with Rolls Royce cars. Many wedding car websites have pictures of the their Rolls Royce cars and offer advise on the limitations of distance and seating capacity etc. The more detailed the information you provide when contacting them, the more accurate the quotation that is offered.

It is always recommended that you arrange to view older Rolls Royce cars to check the cars condition before booking, and reputable companies will always agree to this. It will also identify whether the company is an agent or the actual wedding car owner.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on wedding car hire, then visit www.cars4weddings.co.uk site to find the best advice on vintage wedding cars Surrey for you.

And the winner is....

Congrats to our Feb 1st Place Winner...Lauren #52

Lauren said...

follower! L O V E the monograms...I could do lots of DIY things for my Spring '11 wedding! Great blog

 

Our runner up winner was #24... Marci!

 

Marci said... 

I'm a follower. I love the giveaway prizes! Thank you for the chance.

Thank you to everyone who entered and please check back next month for our FAB give-a-way! :)

Choosing The Right Wedding Centerpieces

By Harriett Winklemann

Many brides wonder about how to decorate their reception tables on their wedding day. The truth is that there is always something for everyone. There are brides who would like beautiful but inexpensive wedding centerpieces. Others do not know which flowers or other elements to choose for the table decorations. Generally, the best option in this case is to get in touch with the right professionals, as they have the experience and would help when it comes to making the right decisions.

Do not leave your choice of centerpieces to the last minute. Also, be careful to design an arrangement that will bring beauty to each and every table at your wedding reception. The perfect wedding centerpiece will give the wow factor to everyone that attends your wedding, from your mother in law to your guests and even the little ones!

Maybe you have been giving lots of attention to other elements and accessories like the bridal bouquet and have not really sat down to try to come up with great wedding centerpiece ideas. Thinking of the right centerpiece is not more difficult than choosing the right bouquet, but there are certain considerations you must take into account. First of all, any floral arrangements must "harmonize" with the rest of your wedding decor. It is imperative that you take into account the size and shape of the tables when designing your centerpieces.

Certain things cannot be ignored when coming up with your new and exciting ideas. For example, if the tables are round, an oval wedding table centerpiece would be the right one to go with. Having said that, if your tables are really big, a small centerpiece would definitely look out of place.

Consider the shape of the tables for the overall design. Also, take into account that your guests will be chatting at the tables and you don't want the centerpiece to take over. Your guests should not have to "avoid" the centerpiece in order to be able to talk to each other. Try to have wedding centerpieces that will look good from all angles at the reception.

Centerpieces for weddings can have different shapes: curved, triangular, conical, rectangular, oval or small and compact. Make a list of the possible shapes that will match your decor, so it will be easy to decide which is the perfect one. If you are in doubt, check for images online. They should give you a pretty good idea of the possibilities. If needed, go to a wedding florist and have a look at the different options.

Your wedding centerpieces will be a huge success if you take all these basic rules into consideration!

About the Author:

In order to have a successful wedding there's a lot of designing that you've got to go through. Harriett Winkleman thinks that Wedding flower centerpieces are important when it comes to your wedding decorations. For more great tips, ideas and advice please stop by Wedding Table Centerpieces.

One More Day To Enter!

The day is ALMOST here! You have until February 20th, 2010 at 10 PM PST to enter the February give-a-way! I will be picking the winner(s) after that! I can not wait to see who wins and find out how they will use their goodies! :) Thank you to everyone who participated...especially Todd from LoveToCreateStamps - you made this give-a-way even better offering an additional stamp!!

Marriage Proposal Ideas - 7 Proposals Your Girlfriend Will Love

By Damian Jackson

Here are some marriage proposal ideas to give you some inspiration for your special moment.

I suggest that you never copy an idea word for word, but take an idea and make it unique to you and your lady!

1. You could arrange for a nice day at the spa followed by a photo shoot! During the shoot, go down on one knee and propose! You'll have it all on camera forever! Afterwards go for a meal and a night at a 5 star hotel!

2. Go building sand castles or digging for sea shells on the beach! Suddenly you could "find" a bottle with a love poem inside! Read it to her! It will slowly become clear that its all about her! When you're finished you can propose!

3. Recreate your first date together by taking a walk past where you first met! Eat where you had your first picnic with the first meal you ever cooked for her, while listening to your first ever music! You could watch the first movie you watched together before proposing!

4. Go for a picnic at an idyllic location you've spent time searching for in the mountains or next to a river. Hide a bottle of champagne and play some music! Create a romantic setting and propose!

5. Arrange for a hot air balloon ride over your city at night! Look at the bright lights below and the stars above! Take along all her favorite food and some champagne, and don't forget something to keep the balloon operator occupied otherwise it will be awkward!

6. How about an instant wedding? After you've proposed and she said yes, start the wedding immediately! The laws in Hawaii are more lax and will make this more possible! You need to be extra certain she'll say "yes" though!

7. You could be away for a "business trip" which unfortunately coincides with your anniversary! Make sure you've already "been away" for at least a week so she's already missing you loads! Surprise her by showing up on your special day and propose!

About the Author:

If you have taken a liking to any of these Marriage Proposal Ideas, then consider looking at it in greater detail! Also, take a look at our other Marriage Proposal Ideas and gain some inspiration for arguably the most important moment of yours and your girlfriends life! Best of luck!

3 Presenting Wedding Shower Bridal Party Favors

By Aaron Hu

For years people have celebrated weddings and the arrival of a new child with bridal showers and baby showers. It is just one of those customs that is too good to break. And, for good reason, it helps the new couple to build their home, or, the new mom to gather all the necessary equipment for the baby, without breaking the couples pocketbook. If you are a bride to be, you know the value of the wedding shower, and you likely have been looking for the perfect wedding shower party favors for your guests. If you haven't considered them, do so, whether you are the bride to be or the host of the party. They are a sign of appreciation that each guest remembers for many years. And, they do provide good vibes many years down the road as friends come across bridal shower favors and reminisce about your special day and your life with your husband.

Whether you are having a themed bridal shower of your colors, or are having a theme such as a beach or garden party, you won't have trouble finding the right bridal shower favors for the scene. The bridal shower wedding favors are more abundant this year than ever, so relax and take your time in finding and selecting the best ones to suit your needs. While the bridal boutiques are a great place to start, they won't have the selection that you will find on the Internet. And, remember many of these suppliers on the Internet also supply the bridal boutiques, so there should be no fear of shopping on the Internet. With a simple Google search in your browser for wedding favors, you will find page upon page of sites that will definitely attract you to something.

The next step is deciding what wedding favors will best suit you. If you are having a themed bridal shower, than you will want to go with your theme. There are wedding favors such as little beach bags for a beach theme, candles for a candle theme, silver butterflies for a silver theme, and many more. Some of the more popular wedding favors in 2010 are the diamond monogrammed satin purse and the Jewel from the Sea seashell magnet, which will always be in view of the guest, and create many years of standing memories. Also, many brides to be do have young children that are attending the shower, so make certain to include a special token of appreciation for the younger guest. The crystal angel is an excellent favor that young girls love, and can dream of the special day for many years to come.

Presenting the party favors can be done by simply placing each favor at the guest's place if you are having a luncheon bridal shower. If you are not, you can simply present each favor to the guest, personally, which is always a nice gesture. Another nice way to present the party favor is wrapped in a beautiful box with a flower on the top of the box, which you will find on many of the online sites, as it is one of the most popular favors this year.

Wedding etiquette is important and for years the favors have been on the top of the etiquette list, so by all means, don't forget your guests!

About the Author:

Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for bridal shower favors, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Wedding Guest Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Tea for Two...or Twenty!

A bridal tea is still a very popular way to celebrate your bridal shower! You can go to a tea room or easily create your own tea party at someone's house. A tea room will limit the time you have and the cost per person can easily run you the same as if someone hosts it in their home (where you have more time!). I have hosted a tea party...and it was a lot of fun! Here are some ideas for having a great tea party...If you are crafty and a DIY bride-to-be you are gonna have some fun ideas here for your mom and maids!!

I loved these invites:

 

This adorable teapot envelope is from Etsy seller Especially Invited. They are adorable and pricey at $50/10.

Vellum Overlay invites from Allison over at Etsy. These sell for $1.30 each. She also offers some really cute Thank You notes too! Check those out! Note: Envelopes are not included in the $1.30 price :(

 

  

Finally, these two ideas come from Vista Print they are priced at $7.99/10

Do you have a crafty friend (we all should have one! I do and I love her!). Well, if you or someone you know is pretty handy in the kitchen and crafty - how cute would this be to make for your table centerpiece?

 

You can find the recipe to this delightful Watermelon teapot here!

If your mom or grandmother does not have a tea set (I pretty much think they must!) to use you will need one for sure! I used a site called The Queens Treasures when I ordered mine. Their prices were excellent! They have ceramic tea pots for $9.99, matching creamer and sugar bowls for $4.99 set and 2-tier serving platters (which can be really expensive!) for $13.99 each! If you don't mind fake flowers I suggest checking out theirs - the prices are pretty good and the quality is excellent!

Here are the flowers I purchased from them with the Silver Ceramic Vase ($4.99)

For your tableware and decorations (and not just for a tea party - this site has everything!) I found a fabulous site with awesome prices on disposable items - such as a sugar bowl ($4.39), creamer ($2.99) and pretty serving platters. They say they are "disposable" but you can easily save these items for future use! Depending on the number of items you order from them, they also offer a discount on top of their already low prices! Check out Party At Lewis. I also thought that their prices on the Better Than Linen brand of tablecloths ($5.29 for 82" round) were great and with the added discount you are paying less than Ebay!

You can ask all the ladies to wear a funky hat to the party and you can provide other props such as Chandelle Boas (7 ft. $18 dz.), Bead Necklaces (only $2 per dozen) or some Jumbo Diamond Rings
($12 per 24 pc set)! They also have a super duper selection of faux flowers! Here is one of my top secret shops of all time! I love this site mainly because they have EXCELLENT prices! Most of their items are geared toward children (for sure check out their tutu's for flowergirls!) but you can find all the prop items I listed above at those fab prices! Check out Halo Heaven - you will not regret saving this site!



Finally, one of my most favorite decorations!! I ordered the Tussie Mussie Victorian Cones from Etsy. I used ornament holders to hang them from and then filled them with little goodies! I can not say enough about the crafter, Starry Deborah, who made them. When I got them they far exceeded my expectations! I was thrilled so if you are thinking of having Tussie Mussies check out her shop! I paid $3.50 each and they were adorable!

 

 

Give-a-way ends in just 5 days!

Well, the countdown has begun! We have only 5 days left until a winner is selected for the February give-a-way! I have loved all the positive feedback and have been reading all your messages! We have been really blessed with the response! If you haven't entered yet - go here to our give-a-way post and get that entry in!

3 Ways for Elegant Wedding Favors to Make Guests Happy

By Aaron Hu

This year's elegance in wedding style trends is extending a bit from the traditional white with black tux, to bold elegant sashes on the bride's gown, in the color of the bridesmaids dresses, and matching bright colors in the grooms vests. While white will forevermore be the color of weddings, the color scheme has expanded to a splashing stage for 2010. And, for the wedding theme, whether bright, bold color, or soft pastels, the theme is traditional elegance.

There is something sheer magic about the special day, and having everything fit perfectly into place, right down to the wedding favors, is essential. For the bride and groom, the wedding favors are an important part of the wedding, as they are giving their guests a memorable token of the special day, a day that marks the beginning of their new life together. And for the elegant wedding, the wedding favors must be elegant as well.


Most guests don't skimp when it comes to a wedding. There is the purchase of a new outfit involved, and a beautiful gift, and trust me, the gifts are about one of the nicest parts of the wedding. It is like a shopping spree for the bride, and a huge savings for the groom. And, when the guests arrive at the reception, and see that they too are being appreciated, it is special. This year's styles for elegant wedding favors have grown more than ever, as not only elegance but romance has entered the scene. So, begin with finding something that is truly elegant, unique, and that you want to be that special something for your guests.

Wedding favors do make guests happy, especially the women, and the men get a kick out of them too. After all, it is one of them entering into that new kingdom called matrimony. Consider your colors and find a color in the wedding favor that is complimentary, and by all means, have your names engraved on them. One of the popular elegant wedding favors this year is the dangling heart charm that is actually a name place for the place setting at the table. This truly is elegant and something that will be cherished, as the heart charm holds the name card of the guest and has the special day with the bride and grooms name as well.

One favor that the men are sure to love is the wine opener, which is truly a nice gesture.And, some of the guests that are often overlooked are the children. Little girls especially are completely amazed with the magic of the magical day and when there is a special favor for the young child, it truly becomes memorable. One great suggestion for the elegant wedding favor for children is the crystal angle. This truly will have a special place on the table and in the hearts of the young ones for many years to come. You definitely will not have a single guest going away without the feeling of appreciation and gladness that they were there to take part in the special day. Whether you are having a large wedding or a small one, definitely be sure to decorate each place setting with a memorable token of the special day for your guests.

About the Author:

Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for elegant wedding favors, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Bridal Shower Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

3 Important Tips You Should Remember When Choosing Wedding Favors for Weddings

By Aaron Hu

If you are planning a wedding for someone or perhaps getting married yourself, you will want to choose the perfect wedding favors to complete the special event. To accomplish this, you will want to follow three little tips for picking and choosing the perfect favors for your wedding or shower party. First, you will want to pick your colors or completely pick a color that may not match your color scheme exactly, but rather compliment it. There are many choices when it comes to favors and are very affordable as well. You can find many that will wow the guests in attendance. You can find ones that are simple and understated and ones that are different and unusual. You can find many come with the option of personalizing and are the perfect addition to any wedding party.

Second tip, you will want to determine if you want something along the lines of tradition or completely different and unusual. Favors that come in all color schemes, patterns and styles are a hit with any wedding, plus the guests love to leave the event with a keepsake or trinket that they can treasure for years to come. There are unique and different favors for purchase if you want something that is more than just the mainstream variety.

You can find bridal shower favors as well for your quests and many can be found that are more than just a fun notion. You can find confetti bath soap packs as favors, and other pampering and spa oriented ones for you guests in attendance. These unique wedding favors are a favorite among many, and you can find some really unusual ones to personalize and brighten your shower or wedding with.

Third, choose something that represents you or something that you alone like. If you like it, chances are, so will your guests. If you have a certain theme that you want to stick with throughout your shower or wedding, you can find favors that will match perfectly. Whether it is through colors or styles, the choices are many, and the only difficult time you will have will be in choosing the ones you will want to use. There are many options for personalizing. You can use favorite photographs are maybe you will want to personalize with initials or names. Either way you are sure to have the perfect favors that will add the perfect touch to your wedding or shower.

Wedding showers present a fun time for all, and using favors at a bridal shower ensures the guest they can take home with them a small piece of preserving the memory of the day and time. Putting thought into your favors and paying attention to detail when purchasing the perfect small keepsakes will prove to be endearing and thoughtful on your part. Purchasing favors online cuts the time spent into less than half, and you can choose them from the comfort of your home and never have to leave it to fight traffic and crowds. Your favors will be shipped to you and show up on your doorstep within a matter of a few days, and you will be set to spend time on other important aspects of your wedding.

About the Author:

Aaron Hu has authored on an extensive range of topics related to the wedding industry. If you are looking for unique wedding favors, E-WeddingFavors.com has the biggest selection available. You will also find Wedding Shower Favors and much more, all at very affordable prices.

Wow....Thanks!

Do you like my new spiffy new picture on the blog? Becky did that for me!!! Thank you Becky! That was so very nice! I have been thinking about upgrading some of the blog parts...you know: oil change, tune up! :) This helps...and I love that you just sent it over! So super sweet! Becky from www.agnesandco.com!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

"Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
--Elizabeth Browning
 

We Found The Perfect Caterers Colchester

By David Flanders

Aside from having a baby or buying a new home, getting married is the most important decision that most people make. Couples who are getting hitched, and all their relations, expect every aspect of their wedding day to be just right. This naturally includes the food, which is the reason why selecting the correct caterers can be a choice that heavily impacts on the success of your big day. That's why we took great care in choosing the right caterers Colchester when my sister got married last year.

When my sister got hitched, my folks went into stress overdrive at the thought of organizing it all. They went back and forth to her fiance's family, working out all the finer details of the preparations and making sure all the flowers were right for the church, all the right people had been invited and all the music and food were just perfect for the reception.

Everything was going along swimmingly, apart from organizing the food. Several months before the wedding, my mum had found a decent local company to do all the food. However, it turned out they went bust just a month before my sister was due to get hitched, so my parents flew into a blind panic about what to do. After all, we had 160 people coming and no food to give them.

Anyway, at my suggestion, my mum did a search on Google for the best caterers Colchester and found a reputable company that could provide some excellent food at short notice. They took over from my stressed out parents and sorted everything out, and charged a very reasonable price for what was some fine food and service.

It goes without saying that the wedding was a huge success, and all the guests could talk about all the time was how great the food had been! This made my parents and the groom's folks very happy, and they rewarded my mum for all her help with a huge bouquet of roses. No one gave me any credit for suggesting that mum did an online search for caterers Colchester though, I never get any thanks!

About the Author:

If you need the best catering for your big day, click here now to reserve the best caterers colchester

Tips for Hiring a Wedding Planner

By Kidson Marolina

There are many reasons why a couple will deliberate over hiring a wedding planner rather than doing all of the preparations themselves. The most evident reason is the time factor. In days gone by it was common for the whole family to get involved and to help with all of the arrangements, but with the pace of modern life this is not possible anymore. The majority are too busy working and having to arrange the caterers, flower arrangements, wedding videographers, not to mention having to cope with the dress fittings and honeymoon arrangements can be very chaotic.

Although the general agreement is that hiring a wedding planner is more expensive, hiring a pro planner can actually cut back your costs when it comes to planning and organizing your wedding. Apart from the time issue, there are some other reasons why it's a brilliant idea to hire a wedding planner to do the majority of the organizing and arrangements for your wedding.

First, you need to get a wedding planner and although the yellow pages and Internet are options, the most effective way to discover a reputable wedding planner is through recommendation by friends, either through family and friends or the bridal shop where you are buying your wedding outfits from. Once you have a small list of marriage planners you can start to narrow down your choice.

Be sure that you interview each marriage planner personally and find out how many marriages they have been involved in organizing, and get as many wedding video testimonials as possible. Remember that you will be spending lots of time with your chosen planner so you need to feel comfy with them. Even a basic wedding package can be an expensive affair, so take care that you check out all of the references that you have . Skimping on time when attempting to pick the perfect wedding planner for you at the initial stages could finish up costing you, not only in terms of money but also in terms of needless stress and disappointment.

Budget is always a factor in deciding what caterer, videographer, wedding dress, and everything else you want for a wedding, but hiring a longtime, credible marriage planner will help you stretch the budget. Most planners, who have a good reputation, also have many years of expertise. With this experience they'll have built up a good list of contacts and should be able to get you the best price for all your wedding needs .

The bulk of people only have one wedding in a lifetime, but a wedding planner has been involved in hundreds or perhaps thousands, and will have a strict schedule that they keep to ensure that everything is ready for the important day. Deciding to go it alone and arrange everything yourself means that you will have to do so much research to find precisely what you need without any experience in working with wedding caterers or florists, you might end with a wedding and no catering or flowers.

Even if you end up having to stretch the budget to pay for a wedding planner, having the ability to relax in the weeks or months leading up to the big day is worth the additional expense. Leaving everything to the professionals will give you more time to spend with your folks and stress about more important things, like which tropical island you are going to spend your honeymoon on.

About the Author:

Wedding videos that have been properly done will be something that you will prize all the way through your marriage. Badly produced ones will only remind you every time you watch it that you should have hired a competent professional to do the job. Finding a real professional that uses state of the art equipment to capture your wonderful day can be quite overwhelming. Have a look at our clients great testimonals about our wedding videos and contact us to book your unique keepsake.

Orange You Glad You Stopped By?

I couldn't help but be a little cheesy with the title. Sorry. Not really. I have been talking to myself all day about "Orange"...I adore the color. I think that people toss the idea of using orange thinking it's only for Fall weddings, but I respectfully disagree! I think, if you are one of the people who think that, you might change your mind after you read this post! Yes, orange is a perfect fall color - it pairs beautifully with brown and yellow. I found these beautiful fabric flowers from Etsy seller Milkpod Studios. The colors did remind me of Fall...

But, have you thought about Orange and Aqua Blue? No? Why not? It's a very pretty combo! For summer I also love the Orange and Hot Pink combo - but it doesn't end there! I have seen beautiful settings with Orange and Yellow and Orange and Lime Green - or a combination of any of these would be so pretty for a summer/spring wedding. These votive holders I found from Etsy seller Gamiworks, are called Tangerine Dream Japanese Chiyogami Votive Candles and I think I will be dreaming of them! At only $15.00 for a set of 3 I think it's a pretty good bargain too!

I have seen quite a few invitations with Orange while researching things I wanted to share in this post, but this invitation totally caught my eye...

I wanted to stick with focusing on Orange for Spring/Summer and partly because I loved the embellishment (and did you notice the raw edge of the paper). This invite comes from MyPersonalArtist.com. 

Time for a little pom-pom fun! These hanging from some clear fishing line could be a lot of fun! We had a little gazebo that had our cake in it and we decorated each of the openings with pomanders made from real flowers, but I would totally think of using something like this if I was to do it again (don't worry, I'm not!). I loved the mix of colors - the light orange, burnt orange and ivory are stunning together. It was easy for me to vision an entire wedding with these colors! These Poms (set of 3/$15) are from Party Poms, another Etsy seller! Their store is totally worth checking out because they also sell matching napkin holders (60/$120) and garlands with mini poms (9 ft./$40).

I have saved the best for last (again!). I think I better stop doing this because you guys might get smart and just start reading from the end of the posts! Here is a true confession: I love men's ties! Not just any ordinary plain tie...but a tie that makes you stop and look. I notice these things. Strange? Perhaps. I found this AMAZING seller on...you guessed it...Etsy by the name of Me and Matilda. The shop description says:

Custom Neckties, Bow Ties, Wedding and Bridal Accessories, Children's, Men's and Women's clothing. Outfit your ringbearer, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids and flower girls. Simple and Modern ring pillows and baskets, unique sashes and belts, hair flowers and headbands. We offer a wide range of damask, polkadots, stripes, solids and more. Classic style with a modern twist so everyone can journey in style."

Currently, the shop has 15 pages of items for sale and I can go ahead and confess now that I went through every single page. Remember I asked you if you could envision orange and aqua blue? Well, here you go...

(click on image for larger view!)

I chose my favorites from the standard ties but...they also do bow ties (cute!). These could double as the groomsmen's gifts (the value of a good tie is priceless in my opinion!) and you could coordinate with matching pillows and baskets? Nice. Love it. 

Why Choose Live Bands for Wedding Receptions?

By Abi J Ponton

Live bands for wedding entertainment are a great option if you want everyone to remember your day. A good live band will provide fun and excitement for every guest, or you can find a band the will be in the background, creating an ambiance where guests can unwind and visit.

The availability of live bands for weddings can be searched over the internet. Just doing a quick search on google or yahoo will bring up thousands of results. Finding the right one is a bit trickier. First you have to decide on what sort of music you want to be played on the big day. Once you have decided e.g. jazz music, you must now do a search for jazz bands.

Most live bands for weddings will probably have already done a few weddings in the past. Any good band will also have a website or face book page with songs or videos on it for you to watch or listen to.

In order to make sure you have the right band for your day, call previous clients and get references. Another option is to go watch them play at a local venue where you can get a feel for their style.

Having a live band hired for your wedding day requires critical communication ability. Many people don't realize the process of setting up for a band to play in certain locations, and being able to coordinate with other elements of the wedding is important to make the day go smoothly.

Your live wedding band will need ample parking close enough to the site to unload equipment. Another consideration for your band is electrical outlets. Make sure that it is easy for your band to unload, set up, play and break down. They will appreciate your efforts, and it will make the experience easier for everyone.

Remember you also need to find out if the venue has a license to play live music. This is your responsibility and not the bands, so do check!

Communicate with the band about a sound limiter for your venue. If the music is played too loud, the equipment can get turned off. There is nothing to worry about as long as the band knows ahead of time and can make accommodations.

Now all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your live wedding band play live on your special day for the bride and groom.

About the Author:

Musician Abi Ponton is a specialist writer for the http://www.souldesire.co.uk website. Hiring a specialist Live Bands For Wedding will ensure the success of your event. Find out more about finding the best Live Bands For Wedding when you visit this website.

Trash the dress....Really?

I have to admit, when I first heard of this my first thought was "Really?"! Then I looked into it a bit more and I thought "Wow...that is pretty cool!" It was hard to get past the concept of actually trashing a dress though! I then started seeing people refer to this as "Cherish The Dress", "Romance The Dress" or "Encore Photography" and each of these terms made it seem a little bit more classy...more artistic. I think when you come up with a new concept, you really need to choose your words carefully! I don't see these photographic opportunities as destroying a dress (although wait till you see some photos!). My view on it is...this is a great way to get some amazing photographs - photos you would not necessarily get on your wedding day...photos you really will cherish and love. You have spent at least 10% of your wedding budget on your dress (maybe more) so you should get as much use out of this dress as possible! I have seen some crazy images and I have seen some truly beautiful photos. Doing this type of session can be anything you want...the beach, the mountains, the snow, a field of wild flowers...the possibilities are endless!

So, let's start with the "OMG! IS THAT REAL?" photo. This is pretty wild, to say the least. I think it's safe to assume that your dress will most likely never be the same again after doing something like this! ***And I better insert this warning, just to be on the safe side*** Please do not attempt to do this!

So. Ouch. This photo is very eye catching. To some, it might embody what trashing a dress means. It was taken by a photographer who is very well known for his "Trash the Dress" photo shoots. He is a pretty amazing photographer - so very creative! You should check out his work here: John Michael Cooper/ altf.com. He is based in Las Vegas, NV. Here is a link to his blog as well!

This photo was taken in...where else? Hawaii. Beautiful. If you are having a get-a-way wedding and heading out to Hawaii - imagine doing an Encore photoshoot before your honeymoon ends? Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to take pictures so you have so many options. On Maui there is a stunning Lavender farm, also you can find a beautiful winery on Maui...you have plenty of choices - not just the beach but heck they also have the most amazing beaches! To see more work from Choco Studio go here!

Speaking of beaches - right? WOW. This picture was just amazing! The ocean, the dress...the sky. All of it was stunning to me! This photo was shot at Majestic Colonial Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I need to vacation there after seeing this! There were more amazing pics from this photo shoot. Check them out here!

 

  

I saved my favorites for last. I LOVE THESE PICTURES! They were taken in the New Forest - which is located in England (sniff sniff...so far away!). Everything about this photo shoot I loved. In fact, I am a total fan of the photographer: Murakami. I have looked at several bridal parties they have photographed - and seriously I am having major envy issue! The photo opportunities in England are just all stunning and beautiful. I would - in a heartbeat - schedule a photo shoot in the New Forest if I could. It also doesn't hurt that I am in love with this dress. I wanted to include it in my Think Pink blog post - but it was over my price criteria. It is the Victoriana by Maggie Sottero. Just a stunning gown. She would be mine if I was getting married today! But, back to the photography! Check out Murakami - if even just for some ideas!

Should I hire A Classic Wedding Car for My Wedding Day

By Gavin Burnham

Everybody wants to look back on their wedding day with fond memories. The wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and one that you want to live in style. One aspect of the day which is often over looked is the bridal transportation.

But should I hire a classic wedding car? The answer to this question begins by defining a classic car, the classic car is a transport favourite and the term 'classic car' is any motor vehicle no longer in production, built between the 1950s to the 1970s that were high-priced when new, have marque loyalty, and are still popular today. These cars were built in limited quantities with custom coachwork and luxury accessories, they have style, great charm and character. Their workmanship is of a higher quality which usually means they have a nicer more comfortable ride.

Classic wedding cars for hire come in various styles and can be a great photographic opportunity for your wedding album or video as well for your guests. Some guests may wait outside to see you arrive, and then everyone will see you and your groom leave for, and arrive at the reception. So you want your transportation to be something special and possibly tie in with your wedding theme or venue.

Classic cars are a favourite choice for wedding cars, and selecting the right wedding transportation is largely a matter of personal choice. There are a great number of alternative vehicles available from a Daimler Limousine, which is a vehicle with a glass partition behind the driver, to the traditional classic chauffeur driven saloons such as a 1960s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. These are splendidly grand and spacious wedding cars, expensive to buy and maintain. They are usually more expensive to hire than modern vehicles, but are glorious wedding vehicles.

No matter what wedding car model you decided on for your wedding day, make sure the bridal car will stand out from the crowd, because this is the day when you want to be noticed by everyone. Consider using your wedding car in several of the wedding photos to make the experience last a life time. With such a large wedding car selection, it is important to decide on the wedding car type that best suits your needs and wishes.

With this information, you can start looking for a wedding car rental company with these models of cars. Many wedding car websites have pictures of the the bridal cars and offer advise on the limitations of distance and their seating capacity, etc. The more information you provide when contacting them, the more accurate the quotation that is offered.

It is always recommended to arrange to view older cars to check the cars condition before booking, and reputable companies will always agree to this. It will also identify whether the company is an agent or the actual wedding car owner.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on wedding cars surrey, then visit www.cars4weddings.co.uk to find the best advice on rolls royce wedding cars for you.

Outdoor Marriage, To Do Or Not To Do

By Cheryl Bayley

Many couples dream of getting married in the splendid surrounding of nature. Whether on a summer beach or in an autumn field, it is a fantastic way to celebrate your engagement. That said, outdoor weddings are not for everyone. This guide is intended to guide you through the decision of whether to get married outdoors or not.

Several reasons could speak against outdoor marriage. For instance, if you are not a fan of the unexpected, you are better off with a traditional indoor wedding. The outdoors are a fickle place, and much can go differently than expected if you hold a ceremony with a lot of guests. So if you or your spouse don't like surprises, it is better to avoid getting married outdoors.

Specifically, if you would consider the wedding to be ruined by a spell of bad weather, it may be better to do everything inside. The weather can turn, even in the best of seasons. The alternative, of course, is to have an indoor plan B, even if it's just a big ceremony tent.

While a good wedding organizer can work wonders, outdoor marriage will still place extra stress on you, and will force you to make extra decisions, sometimes at the last minute. Don't get wed outside if you would rather not have to handle this on the day of your nuptials.

One thing that you absolutely need to consider is how your guests are going to react to the wedding being held outdoors. Would the grandmothers be comfortable with an outdoor marriage ceremony, or would it be too hot or too cold for them, or is the chosen place just too difficult to reach?

There are, luckily, more points that speak for an outdoor marriage, than against it. You just need to know which ones apply to you. For instance, consider that an outdoor wedding will be much more memorable and special, both for you and for your guests, and will remain in everyone's memories much more than a traditional ceremony.

Another great reason is, if you have a good reason to get married in a specific place, such as an emotional attachment. Maybe it is in your ancestral country home that you want to get married, or maybe where the proposal occurred on a camping trip.

If there are any pets that you would like to partake in the wedding, whether dogs, cats or other animals, it makes perfect sense to hold the marriage ceremony and possibly the entire event outside.

One important point is your capacity to be organized. If you can manage to plan and prepare for the extra complications of outdoor marriage, you will make that most special day in your life an event to remember, an outdoor wedding fit for dreams.

About the Author:

OutdoorMarriage.com is the premier resource for outdoor weddings on the Net, with resources on related areas such as how to decorate for a wedding, as well as on choosing flowers, making sure the guests are well - click the links above to find out more!