Wedding Trends For 2010

2009 is nearing an end and 2010 is about to begin. With any luck the New Year will usher in a decade of economic recovery where Brides and Grooms can plan a wedding without all the stress of worrying about whether they can afford this or that or have to pick and choose what they can spend the money on. If 2009 has taught us anything it would have to be how to live with Champaign taste on a beer income without having to forgo any of the amenities. Nevertheless there are ways to shave expenses and still have the wedding of your dreams.

One way future brides can make her bridal accessories more affordable without having to give up that element of elegance is using hair combs, barrettes and hair pins instead of the long veil or the elaborate headpiece. You can find hair combs, barrettes and hair pins that are elegantly designed and can be worn again after the wedding for special occasions.

Another way brides can save some money on their dream wedding is silk flowers. The cost of real flowers for bouquets and decorations can be astronomical. Silk flower arrangements are beautifully arranged and will last a lifetime. Not only will silk flowers look like real flowers but they can be used again afterwards for home décor as well as make a wonderful keepsake for the Mothers of the Bride and Groom and all the bridal attendants.

Reception costs can really mount up when it is all said and done. There is the food, the decorations, the cake, the alcohol (if you decide to have any) and the music. Now one way to save some money on the music is to have a DJ instead of a live band. With a DJ you get to play the music you want and not just what the band knows how to play. With a DJ you can play music all night long vs. a band who takes breaks after each set and will usually only play for a couple of hours unless you want to pay them more. With regard to alcohol (if you decide to have any) you may want to consider a cash bar. Or you can also decide to serve alcohol for just a couple of hours say at meal time. Either way is acceptable and can really save on the expenses.

There is no doubt about it that weddings can be costly. However by incorporating some of these tips in your wedding planning will help to eliminate some of the expenses. In today's economy saving just a little bit helps.

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This article was written by Judy Arnold. My website offers affordable wedding supplies that will coordinate with any wedding theme. You will find something unique at http://www.BrandisBridalBoutique.com. Your online source for all your bridal needs.

Garden Theme Wedding Favors

The perfect finishing touch for your wedding day is the perfect wedding favors. The little gifts that you give your guests to say thank you are not only a gracious gesture, but also another chance to reinforce your theme. This is a look at some of the loveliest favors for a garden theme wedding.

You plan every aspect of your wedding right down to the tiniest detail, from which wine to pair with dinner to designing custom pearl bridal jewelry to complement your gown. You wouldn't settle for just any old pearl bridal jewelry, so why settle for generic favors that do nothing to enhance the style or theme of your wedding? Sure, a candy bar is great, but by the end of wedding season, your guests will have seen ten of them. It is much better to choose favors with a more personal flair.

Naturally anything to do with flowers is fantastic for a garden theme wedding. If your wedding is in the early spring, send each guest home with a tiny handpainted pot filled with the smiling faces of pansies. They not only make wonderful favors, but will add a nice decorative touch to your wedding reception. The equivalent for an autumn wedding would be a small basket of mums in your wedding colors.

Favors which can be planted are also excellent for garden theme weddings. Several bulbs wrapped in little burlap bags tied up with grosgrain ribbon or colored raffia are a nice option. Packets of seeds can also make nice wedding favors, if you take the time to personalize them. Choose flower seeds which have some meaning to you personally, or which have a romantic tone, such as forget-me-nots. Seal with a sticker with a message from the bride and groom (and don't forget to include instructions!).

Garden theme favors do not have to be live flowers or seeds. Candles are always a popular wedding favor, and there are some fun ideas for candles with a garden flair, some of which you can even make yourself. One very cute idea is to make your own candles in tiny flower pots. Craft stores sell clear glass candle holders in the shape of flower pots to make this project easy enough for anyone to try. Add a scent such as lavender to the wax, and tint the candles in a shade to coordinate with your wedding colors. Another pretty candle favor idea is to give candles which have dried flowers embedded in them. Wrap them up in a sheer organza bag, and you will have terrific favors that anyone would enjoy.

There are other neat ways to tie wedding favors in with a garden theme. What about pewter flower shaped wine charms? They are not only beautiful, but really useful. Another idea that combines flowers and wine is a wine stopper with a flower motif. Obviously, if you have children at your wedding, you would want to select an additional flower to set at their places in lieu of the wine related gifts.

Finally we come to edible favors. They are always popular, and can be customized to tie in with a garden theme. Perhaps the simplest idea is to order large cookies in the shape of flowers or boxes of chocolates shaped like your favorite blossom. Edible favors always make for a sweet ending.

Let us know if you need assistance in any area of planning your wedding.Take advantage of Bridget's experience helping clients select jewelry and accessories. The timeless elegance of pearl bridal jewelry is always in style.

Traditional Wedding Photography

Traditional wedding photography is considered the norm for wedding photography. Some may call it timeless, some may call it boring, and others may simply call it fail safe.The traditional wedding photography is set up by the photographer. There are the pictures taken of the usual wedding traditions and ceremonial activities, and then there is the after wedding set up where the different wedding parties are separated and then put together.

There are a lot of 'say cheese' and 'hold still' calls to make the formal even look even more formal.

Then there are the wedding reception traditional activities which need to be recorded and sometimes the photographer is the one who makes the call of when each activity is to be done in accordance to the schedule.

This is a very time consuming way of going about the wedding and even if a lot of people still prefer this style, the younger generation usually find the whole thing tedious as it takes the fun out of the pictures.

The whole effect is formal and none of the informal. Portraiture and posing which can take the wedding party away from the celebration could task anyone's patience.If this is the type of wedding photography to be chosen, then the couple, especially the bride, has to understand that there is a format to the sequencing and how the photographs are going to look like. It would be a generic approach and a generic look is what it is going to look like.

If the look achieved is not what the bride envisions it to be, then traditional should not be an option. Look for more adventuresome techniques that could be more attractive to the new generation. However, traditional is a great way to go if the wedding is a traditional type and the love of the couple would still be caught and recorded for all time.

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Tips For Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas

Part of a wedding plan is to organize photo shoots, the banquet, wedding dress and honeymoon package but wedding favors are sometimes ignored. If you can factor in a good and impressive wedding favor, it can have a lasting effect on the guests. Wedding favors should be unique to enchant the guests and must be an occasion to show off your style as well as making a statement.

As cost can skyrocket for a wedding plan, you can source for some cheap wedding favor ideas but as impressive too. To have a cheap wedding favor, you can do it by yourself by using a bit of creativity as well as craftsmanship. Doing it by yourself can make it a memorable occasion for your guests as well as adding your own style and personality. The plus point is that you can save your money for others such as honeymoon as well as food and decoration for the wedding banquet.

One essential wedding favor idea to make is to fix it around your wedding theme by offering bird nest for spring wedding or heart shaped sweets for valentine. Other cheap wedding favors comprise kisses or thank you card as well as candy tines full of almonds. In addition, you can fill your favor box with either homemade cookies or nuts, personalized label mini candles, self made CD of your favorite songs as well as almonds packed into beautiful bags.

You can save a lot by purchasing online where there are many cheap and good deals with plenty to choose from. You can base your selection on theme, the different seasons, wide range of packaging and price as well your favored category.

For wedding favors that cost less than a dollar, you can choose from designer place-cards, flower petals, embossed bags, carrier with handles, mini vellum envelopes, CD covers, treasure chest, personalized Hershey chocolates, mini candles, wood pencils, tuxedo and wedding gown favor boxes, trivia game, organza bag, mini woven bags, wood pencils, cookie cutter, takeout boxes as well as personalized sewing kits, matches, wine labels, tea bags and spiral notepads.

Consider purchasing in large quantity from wholesalers or eBay if you like more wedding favor choices. Candles are a very well-liked choice and they are inexpensive too. Cookies packaged beautifully can make a great wedding favor as people regardless of ages enjoy them. By shopping online, you can get some pretty good deals.

Other cheap wedding favor ideas include mints as they come in different styles and the ability to buy in bulk. You can purchase those mints that are pack in personalized bags and they will charm your guests, In addition, they last longer and you do not have to worry about them getting decay.

Ernest takes pride in every wedding he attends, in particular looking at the types of wedding favors. Check out the website at http://www.candyweddingfavor.net/

Wedding Day Jitters Are Natural

It is perfectly natural to be nervous on the day of your wedding. It does not matter if you are the bride or the groom, wedding day jitters comes with the territory. Just because something is natural, does not mean that you can't do something about it. You can minimize your wedding day nerves by taking a few common sense steps the day before and the day of the blessed event. Each of these steps works to a certain extent but when it comes right down to it, nothing works better than being aware of how you are feeling and controlling it. A little mind over matter will power will do wonders for your state of mind.

Do not drink coffee on the morning of the event. If you are a coffee drinker and are one of those people who just cannot function until you have had a pot of coffee, try to keep it to a minimum. One or two cups should get you over the hump. Caffeine works by forcing the body to produce adrenalin, which will definitely make you a nervous Nellie. Just two cups of coffee, or roughly 180 mg, will triple the amount of adrenalin that is racing through your wedding day bloodstream. This forces sugar into your muscles at an accelerated rate and actually helps deplete the regular supply of sugar you will need to get through the day. Coffee has a half life of four hours in a healthy adult, which means that after four hours, your adrenalin level is still at least one and a half times what it should be. If you must drink coffee, drink just a little.

Don't drink more than a small to moderate amount of alcohol the night before, or the morning of, your wedding. Alcohol turns into sugar so unless you plan on having constricted blood vessels and dehydration, the combination of which gives you a hangover, it is probably best if you stopped at one or two drinks at your ill advised -- last night of freedom party -- the night before. Alcohol also effects memory so try not to stress trying to figure out if you have forgotten anything, especially something minor like the spring wedding favors or the caterer's check. You can handle problems just as well when they arise without worrying about something that has not happened yet.

Most people forget to do the one thing in an intense situation that will help them stay calm and keep a clear head, breathe. If you find yourself getting overly nervous, and let's face it, you are bound to be a little nervous, remember to take deep breaths and focus, if only for a few seconds, on being calm. In through the nose and out through the mouth like a runner. Several deep-breathing, soul cleansing breaths and a little voice telling you to calm down will work wonders. The more of these cleansing breath exercises you do, the better it works.

Eat breakfast, especially if you must have coffee or you decided to let it all hang out the night before. Your body will function better if it has energy to draw upon and nutrients supplying your brain with what you will need to get through the day. If you are a nervous wreck, but a quick peek at your spouse to be reveals they are calm, cool, and totally collected, guess what. They took it easy the night before, had a bite to eat this morning, and kept the coffee to a minimum while you did not.

Own the fact that you are going to have some butterflies. It is perfectly natural to feel a little uptight when you are about to get married. Focus on those little garden wedding favors or something else that will take your mind off the big moment and you will be fine.

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Wedding Hymns

It is undoubtedly true that the wedding ceremony is followed by the wedding reception party where live music bands or disc jockeys may be employed to play the musical accompaniments. This allows the wedding guests and revelers to groove on the dance floor.

There are also certain rituals during the wedding ceremony itself when hymns and musical pieces are played by the church orchestra or music bands and are essential for the completion of the ceremony. In the case of church ceremonies, the hymns are sung by the church orchestra. In the civil marriage ceremonies held at the registrar offices, there is little chance of being allowed a music band performing in the background. Therefore, the bride and groom should make necessary enquiries regarding these issues prior to their nuptials.

With church ceremonies, all rituals are followed and three hymns are sung. One is prior to the exchange of vows, another is after the ceremony, and the final one is after the blessings. Before the wedding ceremony begins, the arrival of the guests should be greeted by some melodious pieces expressing the pleasure of having the guests participate in the ceremony.

Some popular tunes on this occasion include 'Church Bells' by Wesley, 'Ava Maria' by Schubert, 'Sheep May Safely Graze' by Bach and several others. The most important event is symbolized by the entrance of the bride and at that opportune moment the most often played tune is that of the 'Bridal March' by Wagner. However, there are also certain other music pieces like Mozart's 'Wedding March' from 'The Marriage of Figaro'.

As the bride and groom descend to sign on the register professing their love for each other, the moment is graced by the musical notes of Mozart's 'Ave Venum Corpus', Rutte's 'The Lord Bless You and Keep You' and many others. Often times, church weddings have to depend on the churchs' own collection of music while one can get personal in the case of civil ceremonies.

After the wedding ceremony has been concluded, the departure of the bride and groom from the church is also greeted by the soulful compositions of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' or The Messiah's 'Hallelujah Chorus', etc.

L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors. They offer many popular gift ideas such as place card holders, discount and cheap wedding favors, and bridesmaid gifts. For more information about unique wedding favors, wedding planning, or wedding reception ideas, visit their website.

Wedding Colors - Contrast is Key

When it comes to wedding receptions, there are a lot of details that can make a difference. Candles, flowers, table linen, music and of course, location are all important. However, there is one overarching theme that to some extent, dictates the parameters of all such details-the color scheme. In the movie "Steel Magnolias," Julia Roberts's character proudly proclaims "My colors are blush and bashful," to which her mother replies, "Her colors are pink and pink. That sanctuary looks like it's been hosed down with Pepto-Bismol." And a few minutes later, we see that this is so. The colors chosen for a wedding affect every nuance of the atmosphere. Fortunately, with a little ingenuity, there is no color that cannot be used to celebrate the couple's big day.

The key to an attractive wedding color scheme is not to overdo a single hue. If the colors chosen are too similar, they will just blend together. On the other hand, if the colors contrast with each other, than both provide a palate against which the other can be displayed. For example, when it comes to summer weddings, green helps create an appropriate atmosphere. But don't combine pastel green with forest green. Instead, consider pairing jade with white, pale pink or silver. The paler color allows the jade to stand out, creating an impression of green without being overwhelming.

Many winter weddings utilize the color red. Of course, the danger is that if green is used as the pairing color, the decor will come off too much like a Christmas party and not at all like a wedding reception. To avoid this problem, try an unorthodox color like blue or pale purple. The effect can be startling and extremely fashionable in appearance. Of course, red is almost always the prevalent color at Chinese weddings, where it is believed to bring luck and happiness. On such occasions, red is usually paired with gold.

The color purple, with its traditional associations with royalty, can create a very luxurious ambiance at a wedding. This impression can be heightened by the use of hints of gold, creating a sort of gilded atmosphere. But for a less traditional, fun approach, purple can also be paired with bright, almost neon colors such as magenta or tangerine. The effect is very cheerful, creating a heightened aura of festivity.

Weddings featuring a blue color scheme can be very dramatic or very relaxed, depending on the hue of blue selected. Deeper shades tend to invoke a stately, sophisticated atmosphere. Such blues are often combined with gold and/or silver, which adds to the sense of decorum. But lighter shades of blue can create an atmosphere of cheer and even whimsy. Shades of turquoise are very popular at beach weddings, which often feature details like starfish and brightly colored orchids. Turquoise can be effectively paired with other bright colors to create a tropical atmosphere.

If you really want to wake up the guests, shades of orange can be used for beautiful fall weddings. Orange has to be used carefully, as its brightness can be easily overwhelming. However, used in the correct combinations, such as with a deep chocolate brown, it can be very attractive, striking and seasonally appropriate.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for flowers and gifts. When shopping for flowers and gifts, we recommend you shop only at these sites that specialize in weddings, love, romance, colors, gift baskets, flowering.

How to Get Your Hawaii Marriage License

Often one of the 1st questions our wedding photography clients ask is "How do I get a Hawaii Marriage License?" This is understandable since a good share of the weddings we photograph are Destination Weddings. So, how do you get that Hawaii Marriage License?

It's a very easy process. Both the prospective bride and groom must come together to apply for the marriage license from a licensed Hawaii marriage license agent. If you're getting married on Oahu (or Honolulu County) your best bet is here:

Hawaii Marriage License Office
Kinau Hale
1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 586-4545
Monday-Friday 8 am-4pm

If you're getting married on Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Molokai or Lanai, do a Google search to find the correct place. One thing to note is that no matter what Hawaii Island you get the license on, it's good for weddings on all Islands. So if you're coming to Oahu before going on to your wedding Maui, you can get the license on Oahu. One license, good for every Island.

You will need to bring some proof of your age to certify you are both over the age of 18. For those who are 18 years or younger, you must present a certified copy of your birth certificate. Also, if one or both of you are under 18, you should get written consent of both parents or legal guardian or the family court.

If you are 19 years or older, a current, valid ID or driver's license will suffice.

It should be noted that if the bride or groom has been divorced within the previous 6 months, you must bring proof of the divorce decree. This cannot be faxed, it must be brought with you.

Once approved, the marriage license is issued to the happy couple and allows the wedding to proceed immediately. That means no waiting period. However, for those who aren't going straight to the chapel, your Hawaii marriage license is good for 30 days.

After 30 days, the license is null and void and should be returned in the pre-addressed envelope you'll receive when it was issued to you. The license application can be downloaded online and should be filled out completely before going in to the License Office.

As of this writing, the marriage license will cost you $60, which must be paid in cash at that time. Call ahead to see if appointments can be made at the office you're going to as it could make the process smoother at a time when things can be overwhelming. Best of luck and many happy years together!

Article courtesy of G. Kai & Kai-Photo, Hawaii Wedding Photographers based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Any use of this article must contain the above credit and link.

Unique Wedding Color Combinations

Most weddings are still designed around the classic colors, such as white, ivory, and pink. If you are looking to create a more lively and unique wedding, then using less traditional colors is a great way to do it. When you choose bold and interesting colors and pair them in unique combinations, you are sure to have a wedding that is fresh and memorable.

When you are choosing your wedding color palette, the inspiration can come from almost anywhere. Perhaps you have always loved the bright and bold effect of an offbeat flower combination, such as orange lilies with purple lisyanthus. Or maybe you had planned to go with a muted color palette, but fell in love with a bridesmaid dress in a sassy color. However you come to it, if you opt for a lively and fun color combination, it will add a lot of character to your wedding design.

One pairing to consider is straight from the fashion world: aqua blue with bright scarlet accents. The aqua is a fun and festive color, and the red will really pop as a detail color. One of the best ways to use this color combination is by featuring a print that has an aqua background with a red design, such as a bold geometric. This color pairing can also work very well for a seaside wedding: think blue ocean and red coral.

Another interesting wedding color palette is tangerine and celadon green. These two colors are more matched in intensity than the aqua/red palette, but they are still a great contrast. The yellow undertones in the celedon green and the tangerine help to make these colors compatible. They will make a strong statement, but they do not clash.

Other brides prefer to mix a strong color with a neutral. This is a great way to allow one color to be the focal point, but to keep it from being overwhelming. When your guests reflect back on your wedding, you want their first thought to be how beautiful everything was, not how loud the color was! When mixing a neutral and a bright, be creative. Sure you could combine your main color with something safe like white or ivory, but that is not going to be so interesting. A much fresher and updated approach is to mix a bright color like lime with a neutral such as brown. Another fun and funky pairing to check out is yellow and gray.

Once you have decided on a color combination for your wedding, all you have to do is decide how best to use it. One of the most natural places to use colors together is in the floral arrangements. You can mix and match the colors in your bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral displays. To keep the look pure, use only the two colors that you are featuring; don't dilute their intensity by mixing in a rainbow of differently colored blooms. Of course, not every color is available in flowers (like the aqua), so you can also do a single colored centerpiece and then use your second color for the centerpiece vases or the ribbons on the bouquets.

Your bridesmaid ensembles are another terrific place to showcase your wedding palette. It is very easy to either find a dress that uses your two colors, or to add a dash of color to a solid dress. For instance, if your bridesmaids are wearing yellow dresses, you can give them gray pearl bridesmaid jewelry to wear. Add a gray sash at the waist, and you will be good to go. If your color palette is aqua and red, why not dress your attendants in beautiful aqua dresses, and then give them gifts of custom bridesmaid jewelry featuring aqua and scarlet Swarovksi crystals - fabulous!

Your wedding is your chance to express yourself. And while it can be tempting to do something neutral and safe, you can really add so much to your wedding by being more bold with your color choices. An unusual and unique color palette is a great way to make your wedding one-of-a-kind.

Guy has been writing about society and weddings for a long time. If you have a topic you would like to know about. Let us know at SilverlandJewelry.com. Bridesmaid jewelry makes a thoughtful gift from the bride.