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Tips for Homemade Wedding Favors

Do you feel overwhelmed with your goal of having the perfect wedding? Do you feel pressured when thinking about how to make your dream day become a reality? Planning a wedding can take months of preparation and can become stressful, especially for the bride! If you want to have great ideas for your wedding, then read on and learn about unique wedding ideas that can add life, twists, and joy to your wedding!

1. Journal Book
During the wedding reception, pass around a nicely designed wedding journal among your guests. Have them write short notes, stories or messages about or to the bride or the groom. Of course, you need to keep this journal as part of your wedding keepsake.

2. Potted Plants as Centerpieces
Instead of having the usual flower centerpieces which can be quite expensive, why not have a very unique and earth-friendly centerpiece for your wedding reception? Use small potted plants as centerpieces to your guests tables and you will be surprised at how this unique wedding idea can add life and twist to the usual wedding scene.

3. Candle Pots and Lanterns for Decoration
The light emitted by candles and lanterns create you a magical glow compared to the traditional lights. If your wedding is in the early morning, at dusk, or at night, use candles or lanterns to create a wonderful venue. You can opt to place big lanterns on specific places or use lots of candles in some corners for an amazing effect.

4. Kid’s Corner
While most weddings are often adult events, you cannot help but have a throng of tiny guests especially if your friends are married. Have one corner at the reception set aside for kids so they will not get bored through the reception program. Have face painting, free balloons, free caricatures, or even a playing area. After all, these kids deserve some of the fun and action on your wedding.

5. The Wedding Ceremony
If you want to break away from the usual church or hall wedding, then do a fun wedding ceremony that is far from the traditional. Have a beach wedding where you can go barefoot and get adorned by a shell necklace. Have a garden wedding where you will be surrounded by color and flowers. Have a pool wedding where guests can swim, drink and be merry right after the ceremony. Up to spending much? Rent a yacht and have a floating wedding and reception. There are many unique wedding ideas for themes and venues. Explore those ideas so you can have the wedding you want most.

6. Uniue Wedding Favors
Unique wedding ideas are not limited to the program, the reception or even the theme. You can make your wedding day memorable to you and your guests by giving away unique wedding favors. If you got married on the beach, give bottled sand as keepsakes. If you had a nature themed wedding, give away small potted bamboo plants as wedding favors.

7. The Traveling Wedding
Another unique wedding idea is to celebrate a wedding is to have a traveling or mobile wedding. If your guest list is short and if your guests are up to it, then you can have a roving wedding. Start off with a bridal shower party at one place, move on to an exotic ceremony in another state, then have a grand wedding reception somewhere new to family and friends. This can create lots of great memories not only for the bride and groom but also for friends and family.

Perfect dream destination wedding

Tips For Planning Your Fairy Tale Wedding

Is there such thing as a perfect wedding? Certainly and it varies from person to person. We all have our own idea of how we imagine ourselves getting married; many have carried this idea from childhood. Whether it is a traditional view, in a church, with the long white gown or something more bohemian, each is as important as the other because it is yours.

No matter what type of wedding you have in mind, one thing is for sure and that is to make your wedding everything you have dreamed requires a little premarital planning. Yes planning. Although many of us would like to remain spontaneous, a wedding is still a momentous time in your life and if you want everything to come off as it should, it will take a little forethought.

Preplanning doesn’t have to be painful. It just requires a calendar and a whole lot of events that have to be put on that calendar so everything will fall into place at the right time. What types of details will have to go on the calendar? Here is your list, some of these items you will not need, and many of them you will. Nevertheless, the list will help guide you through all of the details as you prepare for your special day. They are listed in the order of time, from the moment the question is popped to the special day.

- Choose the style or theme for your wedding. If this involves a color scheme, settle on that as well. Will your wedding be classic formal, formal, semi-formal or informal?
- Discuss your wedding budget. How much do you want to spend or not spend? Try and stick with the budget the best you can.
- Where will you have your wedding? Explore possible chapels, churches or even resorts, or outdoor places that you love. Once you find your perfect place, don’t forget about the security deposit.
- If you are going formal, choose your honor attendants, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers and invite them to participate in your ceremony.
- Brides will need to select their bridal gown and veil, which may mean preordering it. At the same time you can select your bridesmaid gowns and accessories. Place gown orders, for each maid, at the same time, to assure an identical dye lot.
- Interview caterers. Once you have made your final choice, be sure to secure the date with a signed contract and a security deposit.
- Compile your guest list. Remember, you have five lists to combine and refine. Yours, his, your families, his family’s and your master list of the four.
- Begin interviewing wedding photographers, videographers and musicians.
- Send your engagement announcement to the local newspaper.
- Select your wedding cake, giving careful consideration to style, flavors, size, decoration and color.
- Order wedding invitations, announcements, thank you cards and personal stationary.
- Reserve your florist, plan your floral display and order all wedding flowers.
- Choose your wedding music, secure musicians and soloists.
- Consult with your travel agent and discuss honeymoon destinations. Make arrangements early for lowest airfares.
- Select tuxedos for your groom, his attendants and fathers of the couple. Measurements should be submitted to the tux shop within the next month. It is preferable for attendants to be measured at the formal wear shop to insure proper fit and minimize returns and exchanging garments the morning of the wedding.
- Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
- Arrange transportation or limousine service for the wedding party to the ceremony and reception.
- Discuss final menu options and costs with your caterer. Confirm arrival and departure times.
- Order wedding favors and imprinted items such as napkins, matches and engraved attendant gifts.
- Arrange for rental of items needed for your ceremony and reception. Items such as, candelabras, arches, alter baskets, kneeling bench, flowing punch fountains, china, crystal, flatware and silver serving accessories, if desired.
- Begin counseling sessions with wedding officiate when required.
- Begin addressing invitations and announcements.
- Draw map to ceremony and reception for inclusion in your invitation.
- Finalize your “Order of Service” for the ceremony and order wedding program.
- Arrange for physical examinations and blood tests if required to obtain marriage license in your state.
- Select a location for your rehearsal dinner and make necessary reservations.
- Confirm formal wear shop has received measurements of your male attendants. Follow up immediately with anyone not yet fitted.
- Schedule alterations and final fitting for your wedding gown.
- Schedule fittings for bridesmaids and flower girls.
- Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm reservations.
- Make arrangements for your “Bridesmaid Luncheon” and other “Pre-Wedding Parties and Events”.
- Discuss and finalize details with the following: Pastor/Officiate Church Soloist, Caterer Florist Baker/Cake Decorator, Bridal Shop, Tux Shop, Limo Service, Photographer, Videographer Travel Agent, Musicians/DJ Jeweler/Engraver, Rehearsal Dinner Site
- Schedule appointment with hairdresser for bride, attendants and mothers. A popular alternative today is to hire a hairdresser and makeup artist to meet with the wedding party at the church.
- Complete trousseau shopping.
- Send wedding invitations four weeks prior to your wedding date to local/regional guests. Guests needing to make travel arrangements should receive their invitation six weeks in advance.
- Apply for your marriage license. Be sure to call ahead for a list of required documents.
- Confirm rehearsal plans with your officiate and church wedding coordinator. Send Thank You cards as gifts begin to arrive.
- Groom’s “Bachelor Party” should be at least one week prior to wedding.
- Begin packing for your honeymoon. Decorate for ceremony and reception, if possible, early in the day. Confirm delivery times with your party rental shop.
- Attend rehearsal dinner.
- Present attendants with your gift of appreciation during the rehearsal dinner, if not given previously at the “Bridesmaid Luncheon” or “Bachelor Party.”
- Give Best Man the officiates fee in a sealed “Thank You Card” for delivery after the ceremony.

And there you have it. The list may seem overwhelming but this is why you want to schedule everything out in a calendar and take it day by day. With this, you can then have your perfect fairy tale wedding after all.

Plan a Wedding Reception to be Successful

Planning a Wedding Reception is not as simple as one might expect. In order to schedule a Wedding Reception to be successful there are several things that must be seriously taken into consideration before the Reception. Most couples that organize a Wedding Reception will not have any experience or to know how to keep their Reception from becoming a out of control nightmare. Even those who claim to know how to coordinate a Wedding Reception will ordinarily just end up repeating all the misguided things that leads to the events falling apart.
There are so numerous tactics that Wedding vendors will use to try and get the Wedding Reception to end early. They either don’t care about how special the day is for the Bride or Groom, or they were intentionally attempting to make it end so they could go home. Every single one of the vendors has the ability to literally destroy the celebration by causing the events to happen in the wrong order or at the wrong time. They understand that this will cause the guests to start leaving directly after the dinner. And that is just when the celebration is supposed to kick into high gear! I can guarantee you that almost everyone in the Weddingbusiness knows that this is a fact. In order to coordinate a Wedding Reception to be a success you must know what all their tactics are so that you will be able to prevent them.
These tactics are used so often that most Brides and Grooms who are coordinating their own Wedding Reception have actually started to imagine and consider that this is the normal way of organiizing the events. The Bride and Groom who are planning their own Wedding Reception will unknowingly end up organizing their Reception into the ground, The Bride and Groom must be aware of all the things that could possibly go wrong and why. The Reception can be guaranteed to become into a great success, but only if they know what all the nightmares are and how to avoid them.

Do you know what is evenbetter then the Bride and Groom having the time of their life? It is when they actually hear from their guests that it was the unsurpassed Wedding that they have been to.

Priceless!!

Learn everything you need to know to Plan a Perfect Wedding Reception.
You only have one chance to plan everything the right way.

Informal Wedding Invitation

More are insuring wedding plans

NEW YORK — Fantasies of the perfect wedding never included banquet halls going bust or lovebirds losing their jobs.

But a calamity can sneak up on you while you’re consumed with creating your dream day, especially during a recession.

For couples who plan ahead, there is a safeguard. Wedding insurance can cover costs when the unimaginable happens — the power goes out or the groom falls ill — and the party is over before it even began.

In the second year of this recession, more weddings are being protected by insurance, several insurers said.

“The economy is driving the sales because of the potential for job loss and the potential for vendors going out of business,” said Rob Nuccio, program administrator for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, who said policy sales are up about 20 percent this year. “With wedding insurance, you can get that money back and keep going.”

And as the financial markets have fallen like so many rose petals, there are about twice as many wedding insurance claims as there were two years ago, he said.

“They’re way up over last year because of the economy,” said Nuccio. “Two years ago we didn’t see it. Now we’re seeing it.”

One claim came from mother-of-the-bride Carol Carrier, who bought a policy from Travelers last year as she helped plan her daughter’s nuptials in Hartford, Conn. Six months before the Columbus Day weekend event, she learned that their venue, a restaurant with a banquet hall, had abruptly closed. The owner disappeared, along with Carrier’s $2,000 deposit.

She and her husband scrambled to find another location. They signed a contract with the new owner of their original venue, but the original deposit was not honored.

“That’s not a small amount of money to just throw away,” said Carrier, of North Granby, Conn. “Considering the stock market’s behavior of late, $2,000 is a significant loss.”

Carrier, who paid for the $25,000 wedding, had spent nearly $300 on the policy, which paid her back the deposit.

“The premium was pretty small compared to the cost of the wedding,” Carrier said. “We felt it was probably a good safety net.”

Nuccio, who has sold the insurance through RV Nuccio & Associates for Fireman’s Fund since the early 1990s, says many claims these days are because of job loss (if the policy owner qualifies for unemployment insurance), loss of deposits (if a vendor or location goes out of business), photography coverage (if pictures are lost or damaged), and brides and grooms changing their minds about tying the knot.

The Fireman’s policy offers “change of heart” coverage in cases where the bride or groom calls off the wedding more than six months beforehand and someone else, like a parent, is paying for it.

Another company, WedSafe, backed by Aon, says policy sales are up 50 percent this year, in part because of the economy.

WedSafe and Travelers, both of which began selling wedding insurance in 2007, said most claims come from problems with caterers, photographers, halls and other wedding businesses.

“This indicates some wedding venues and vendors are facing the same financial challenges as other businesses,” said Alan Tuvin, vice president of product management for Travelers.

A wedding policy can reimburse you for money you can’t get back if the big day is canceled because a storm shuts down airports or a burst pipe floods a hotel kitchen. There’s coverage for lost or stolen wedding jewelry, and damaged or missing gowns. If the photographer doesn’t show up or the pictures are damaged, policies may pay to reassemble the wedding party and restage the ceremony so new photos can be taken. There’s also coverage for military deployment and liability, which some venues require in case someone gets hurt.

Policies can be bought for as little as $95, depending on how much is being spent on the wedding. Nuccio says $250 would buy good coverage for a $30,000 wedding; about $2,400 for a $250,000 event.

WedSafe says fewer than 10 percent of weddings are insured. The Wedding Report, a market research company, estimates that 11 percent of the 2.1 million weddings in the United States last year were insured.

For some wedding planners, insurance is a must, and they see more couples at least asking about it.

“When I first heard of wedding insurance I was doubtful of its practicality,” said New York City planner Stella Inserra, who began recommending insurance in January. “Nowadays, it is a necessity.”

Melissa Wagner, a planner in Allen, Texas, bought a policy for her own wedding, coming up in October. “I am a very cautious person who does not like bad surprises,” Wagner said. “I’ve seen vendor issues no one could have predicted.”

While not everyone is sold, Nuccio says couples without insurance whose weddings get canceled usually end up eloping, not recreating their bridal banquet.

“Who should buy wedding insurance?” Nuccio said. “Whoever can’t afford to put on the same event twice.”

Planning Your Michigan Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming Michigan wedding! If you’ve decided to plan your wedding in this charming state, you already know how much Michigan has to offer engaged couples. From four lovely seasons to a wealth of local venues and regional foods and wines, you can find everything you need to plan an unforgettable wedding day. To pull it off successfully, be sure you start planning well in advance before the big day.

Michigan Wedding Plans – Consider the Weather

One of the joys of getting married in Michigan is being able to have a lovely event any time of the year. With four distinct seasons, a bride can create a wonderful wedding no matter which season is her favorite. Perhaps you love the idea of walking across a courtyard through new-fallen snow or getting married with a blazing sunset over Lake Michigan as your backdrop. The first step is choosing the perfect season, and then researching the weather during the appropriate months.

The Farmer’s Almanac and the Weather Channel are very good places to start. If you want gorgeous fall color for your Michigan wedding, find out which month is the peak season for turning leaves. The peak season varies depending on which part of the state you’re in, but it generally runs from mid September to mid October.

If you’re considering a Lake Michigan wedding with the sand and surf as the focal point, check out the best time of year to take advantage of balmy breezes and warm, sunny skies on over three thousand miles of shoreline. If you’re planning on a spring or summer Michigan wedding, you’re in luck. The temperatures are comfortable for several months without the problem of too-high temperatures you might have to contend with in more southern states.

Take Advantage of Michigan’s Bounty

Michigan has nurtured its own wine region in recent years, and you can take full advantage of the fine wines of Michigan for your wedding reception. These regional favorites are generally less expensive than California or imported wines and have a delicious flavor that will compliment any food you serve. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to sample some local wine specialties at your Michigan wedding reception.

Michigan also prides itself on a wide range of activities such as boating, skiing and everything in between. Considering hosting a Michigan wedding that features some activities for guests the day before or the day after the main event. Out-of-town guests will love being able to sample some of the country’s best winter sports, relaxing on a sandy beach or playing a few rounds on one of Michigan’s award-winning golf courses.

Look for Historic Charm When Planning a Michigan Wedding

Michigan has lots of historic homes and estates that now offer complete wedding packages. These sumptuous locations often have extras galore, including such delightful features as formal gardens, gazebos and other beautiful photo opportunities.

There are literally hundreds of bed and breakfasts across the state as well as unforgettable resorts and banquet venues such as Castle Farms, a beautiful and unexpected 1918 castle nestled in Northern Michigan. You can choose from several different reception locations from the spacious Great Hall to intimate garden rooms, all with authentic historic details.

If you’ve always loved lighthouses, Michigan offers well over a hundred beautifully preserved historic lighthouses. Each one has its own style and unique history that will make it a beautiful backdrop for your Michigan wedding photos.

No matter what style of wedding you envision and whatever season is your dream time for the perfect wedding, you can find everything you need within Michigan’s borders. Because the state is becoming such a favorite with today’s brides and groom, start planning your own wedding and reception early to give yourself plenty of time to discover the perfect time and place for a fairytale Michigan wedding.

Wedding in Glacier Park

Glacier Park Wedding Resort is the ideal location for an unforgettable wedding. Imagine walking down the aisle facing the majestic mountains of Glacier National Park. On this very special day, let the beauty and grandeur of Great Northern Whitewater Resort be the setting for making your wedding dreams come true. We are nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Glacier National Park – with views that are almost indescribable. A wedding here will be talked about for years.

Our cermony/reception sites can accommodate 250 guests. Our wedding/reception package includes a 40×90 fully-lined pavillion complete with chandeliers and accent lighting. The Bride and Groom, your wedding party, family and friends may choose from five of our charming chalets. We can accommodate 36+ people. We recommend a 2-4-night stay. In our peak season reservations require a 3-night minimum.

Our resort also offers Honeymoon packages that include: rafting, fishing or kayaking. Our honeymoon packages start at less than $400* for 3 nights lodging, a splarkling beverage and chocolates when you arrrive, plus a half day whitewater or scenic rafting trip for two. Other packages include fly-fishing or horseback riding for both of you. Enjoy all the activities we offer or spend the day in Glacier National Park and in the evening come back and relax in your chalet or sit by the fire pit and visit with other Glacier Park Wedding Resort guests.

wedding carriage

Imagine if you will, the sounds of hooves striking the pavement as you make your way. To the wondrous surprise of your guests to find the most magical of storybook sights…you arriving in an elegant wedding carriage drawn by two magnificent Clydesdales. You may think this is possible only in a fairy tale. Surprisingly, this dream is not as far away as you may think. Whether it’s your destination wedding, honeymoon, vow renewal, proposal, anniversary, or just that special evening. Plantation Carriages can make your dreams reality.

A Kauai destination wedding is one of life’s most special moments and we offer you a unique and elegant way to make that moment even more unforgettable. Our Circa 1827 French wedding carriage, pulled by a team of beautiful Clydesdales, is the perfect addition to any Kauai wedding and is guaranteed to make your special day a treasured memory for you and your wedding guests.
Add the perfect touch to your Kauai wedding and take a moment to slow down as we take you along our beautiful island roads to your wedding site or that special restaurant.

Since arriving on Kauai, our wedding carriages have been a part of over 2500 Kauai weddings. Let us put our 20 years experience to work. We will  help you customize our services to add that special touch to your wedding.

Plan a Wedding

At the Twin City Quarter, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most important occasions in your life. Our professional wedding planning staff will make certain that your special day is one of fabulous memories that will last a lifetime!

Flexibility is critical to the success of any wedding! At the Twin City Quarter we understand that whether you’re planning for 50 guests or for 500, you require the special attention, personal service and an eye for detail that will make your wedding perfect. Let a professional put your mind at ease by taking care of all of the critical details involved in planning a spectacular wedding.

Please contact us for a complimentary consultation to discover all the special services and amenities the Twin City Quarter can offer you to insure your wedding day is perfect. Our certified wedding professional will be happy to work with you to provide the personal attention to insure you have wonderful memories of your special day!

Beautiful Wedding

From the classically designed Conservatory Garden to the scenic panorama from Hernshead overlooking the Lake, Central Park’s 843 acres offer an endless array of romantic settings.  Whether it’s in front of the Dancing Maidens of the Untermayer Fountain, underneath a pastorally secluded weeping willow near the Pool or above Bow Bridge on beautiful Cherry Hill the park has a site that will make your special day a memorable one.

As you might expect there are some requirements for wedding ceremonies and photography in Central Park. Use the links below to find out more about what you need to do. We also added some useful suggestions, as well as information about the ceremony packages offered by CentralPark.com’s wedding planning team, I Do New York.

Ceremonies The park is one of the most romantic places on earth – but it is still part of the city.  Wedding ceremonies in Central Park require permits and reservations.  Click the link on the left to find out what you need to do.

Proposals Make that special moment perfect by staging it in the perfect spot in the Park – from Belvedere Castle to Bethesda Terrace there is a spot that is right for you.  Click on the link above for some great suggestions on the best places in the park to go down on one knee.

Receptions There are a variety of venues in and around Central Park in which to celebrate your post “I do” festivities.  Click on the link above to find out some of your options.

Photography Like weddings photography in Conservatory Garden requires a permit and a reservation.  Click on the link to the left for al the information you need and some ideas on how make the most of your wedding day memories.

Using our online form, you can request more specific information about weddings in Central Park, or any other questions you might have about ceremonies or photography.

Personalizing Your Wedding Invitations

Other than the optional save the date cards, your wedding invitations are often the first insight and information that most of your family and friends will receive regarding your wedding day. While many of them have heard that you are getting married, usually only those involved have been privy to the secretive and exciting details about the wedding including its formality, date, and location. While the invitation itself will offer a great deal more information than the words written on it, the style and formality of the invitation will often telegraph the actual style and formality of your wedding day.

A few years ago, all wedding invitations looked very similar, and personalizing your wedding invitation was just a distant dream in a brides mind. The paper was card stock in white or ecru, the font was calligraphic, the ink was black and the lettering was raised. Even the slightest touch of color was a departure from the conventional, and inevitably marked the bride as “non-traditional”. Today, the bride and groom have an enormous range of wedding invitation designs from which to choose, with color being the least of the non-traditional elements. Wedding invitations may now feature artwork, poetry, embellishments such as ribbons, colored inks and many more personalization options. With all of the available options, it is very easy to create wedding invitations that are completely unique and personal. Below are just a few of the many ways that you can personalize your wedding invitations.

Color

The most obvious way to personalize your wedding invitations is by choosing colors that express your personality. There are many different ways to use color in your wedding invitations. You may choose colored ink for the main text of your invitations, and have it match the foil envelope liners, or you can choose a colored card backing for the invitation itself. If you choose an invitation with a printed motif, such as the contemporary Two Hearts as One style, with a bold splash of Apple red color and a pair of linked hearts printed on the card, you can further personalize the invitation by choosing envelope liners in Apple red and wrap the invitation in an Apple satin ribbon. It is important, however, to remain within the overall color scheme of your wedding and to utilize your primary colors in your invitation as well.

Wording

Most wedding retailers will use whatever wording you choose on your invitation. While there are traditional forms for the invitation wording, and templates available to help you say exactly what you want to say, there are also many ways to personalize the words to reflect your personal vision of love and marriage. You may even choose a personalized introduction for the actual invitation. Many couples choose a short, two-lined verse about love or marriage, or a traditional Bible verse printed above the formal invitation to the wedding. Folded invitations offer at least one surface where you can print a poem or sentiment as well. You can also use the wording of the invitation itself to reflect your own personality. With all of the amazing options available, choices for personalized wedding invitations are endless.

Photographs

It does not get much more personal than a photo invitation. You can choose a do-it-yourself invitation kit for the ultimate personalized wedding invitation. A wedding photo overlay invitation that features your own favorite photo could not be easier. Choose your own photo, print it on the backing card provided in the kit, print your invitation on the semi-transparent vellum that is also provided, tie the two together with a beautiful satin ribbon in your choice of color and your invitations are complete! An invitation that is completely and totally unique that shows your guests just how in love you and your significant other are.

Wedding

Embellishments and Finishing Touches

You can personalize your invitation further by adding embellishments to both the invitations and the final assembly of the envelope. You can choose from many different embellishments and trimmings to give your overall invitation a personal touch. The available options range from clip-art churches and wedding motifs to calligraphic flourishes and geometric figures.

Give your invitation an elegant wrap to make it stand out even more. Imagine the effect of a beautiful floral wrap with bright red flowers around a simple white-card wedding invitation, with a red border. Slip a pre-tied white or red satin ribbon over the entire wrapped invitation and slide it into a white envelope with a matching red liner for a completely coordinated and personalized invitation. You can also embellish a simple card invitation with a vellum overlay, or print the overlay itself, and use it over a special photo or piece of artwork. Add an organza ribbon slipped over the side of the invitation to emphasize a plain border, or choose a raffia tie for a more casual wedding invitation.

The above discussed are only a few of the many ways that you can personalize your wedding invitations and make them extraordinarily unique. You can find endless amounts of other inspirational ideas at an online wedding invitation vendor, and well as other established wedding retailers. Play around with the various tools to mix and match styles and create your own special wedding invitation.

Wedding in Bahamas

Planning a wedding in the Bahamas is an option for many couples who want a beach wedding. A wedding in the Bahamas can be organized on your own, or through one of the many hotels or wedding planners who specialize in planning Bahamas weddings. In addition to a memorable setting for your big day, a wedding in the Bahamas will offer guests the chance to visit the Bahamas right along with you, and you’ll be able to stay on in the Bahamas after the ceremony to celebrate your honeymoon.

If you plan to use a wedding planner, there are a number of companies to choose from. In general, your Bahamas wedding package should include accommodation, photography, food and catering, and ceremony and reception facilities. There are also some optional pieces to most Bahamas wedding packages, such as a videographer or special Bahamas wedding package food items or flowers. Many Bahamas wedding packages will also include the cost of your honeymoon, and you will usually get the best rates by purchasing everything together. If you would like to take any tours during your honeymoon, try and package those in with your Bahamas beach wedding package as well- you’ll get the best price this way.

If you are not a resident of the Bahamas, there are some requirements for getting a marriage license in the Bahamas you should be aware of. The cost of a marriage license in the Bahamas is $100. You need only to have been in the Bahamas for one day to obtain a marriage license. If either person has been divorced, you will need to present proof of the divorce when applying for your Bahamas beach wedding marriage license. Both persons will need to present photo identification. In addition to your passport, it is usually a good idea to bring other forms of photo identification along, as well (such as a driver’s license). You will also need to produce evidence of your date of arrival in the Bahamas (such as a plane ticket stub). To obtain your license, both parties will need to go in person to the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm.

Most hotels will offer service for Bahamas beach weddings, and many will offer wedding packages with discounts on rooms for your wedding guests, as well. Some of the smaller Bahamas hotels may even be booked for wedding parties (if your party is large enough) so that you may have the area to yourself. Whether you plan to have a large wedding or a small wedding, a ceremony in the Bahamas is sure to be both beautiful and memorable, and provide a great trip for both the couple and the guests.

Fingerprint Wedding Ring

Many couples search for something meaningful to engrave in their wedding rings. For a unique twist on this tradition, check out designer Andrew English’s wedding rings, delicately engraved with your fiance’s fingerprint. It’s a modern and personal alternative to a wedding date or meaningful phrase. The rings range from £220 (approx. $440) to £1100 (approx. $2210) and take from 4-8 weeks to be custom made.

A Beginners Guide to Planning a Wedding

You’ve now taken the plunge and said you to his marriage proposal. You’re excited but have some trepidation about the next step. Embarking on wedding preparations can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry there is help at hand. This beginner’s guide to wedding planning will give you a good starting point for planning the biggest celebration of your life.

The First step is to consider the date. Do you want an autumn wedding or do you prefer the symbolism of a springtime celebration. Whichever you choose you need to allow yourself enough time to book your venues as most a booked months in advance.

The budget is the next step in planning your wedding. How much you are willing to spend will determine the type of wedding you’ll have. Big or small. Extravagant or simple. A fully catered event or a cocktail party. To put a budget together you should estimate the cost of everything and then try to keep to your budget. Make sure you expectations and budget are realistic.
Research suppliers and vendors you think you might use for your wedding. Below is a suggested checklist with timelines.

12 TO 24 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

o Announce your engagement to family, and then friends
o Decide upon a budget and list who will pay for what
o Determine wedding style and degree of formality of your wedding
o Meet with clergy. Arrange for pre-marital counselling or classes suggested by clergy
o Select ceremony site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)
o Select reception site (have alternative plan if wedding is held outside)
o Set date and time of wedding and reception

• Note: You must coordinate your ceremony site, reception site, date and time of wedding, budget and size of the wedding before any other definite plans can be made

o Both families begin to compile guest lists. (Set a definite date for final lists.)
o Develop a record-keeping system for all wedding details, contracts, etc.
o Develop a record-keeping system for guests, invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes

6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o Select colour scheme and wedding theme
o Select photographer/ videographer
o Select music for ceremony
o Select reception entertainment
o Select florist
o Select limousine service or other transportation
o Select caterer (if not provided by reception site)
o Select and order wedding cake
o Choose your attendants including bridesmaids and groomsmen.
o Shop for your gown, veil, headpiece, jewellery and accessories

Note: You should order your gown at least 7 months before your wedding date.
o Select bridesmaid’s gowns

Note: These gowns should also be ordered at approximately same time as your gown. Obtain a swatch of fabric to coordinate all other wedding colours.
o Select shoes for you and bridesmaids.
o Select formalwear
o Finalize honeymoon plans
o Apply for passport and arrange for inoculations (if necessary)
o Select beauty consultant
o Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner.
o Reserve wedding night hotel suite

4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o Finalize guest list, eliminate duplicates
o Enter guests’ names, addresses, and phone numbers into appropriate record book.
o Delegate duties to the bridal party i.e planning bachelor/bucks party and brides party/hens night
o Select wedding rings
o Select bonbonniere. (If they are to be made, begin preparations.)
o Make appointments for hairdresser, nail salon, makeup, tanning salon
o Try new hairstyle now, rather than just before wedding.
o Order invitations, wedding stationery, personal stationery with your married name, etc.
o Reconfirm plans with ceremony and reception sites, clergy person, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, ceremony and reception musicians, baker, and travel agent for honeymoon plans.
o Check on status of attendants’ gowns.
o Write and review wedding vows, if appropriate.
o Ask special people to do reading at the ceremony.
o Design wedding program handout for ceremony and arrange to have wedding program printed.
o Make sure all deposits are paid, and contracts signed.

2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o Address wedding invitations. (Invitations should be mailed six weeks before wedding date.)
o Select gifts for attendants
o Compile bridal shower guest lists.
o Purchase garter, cake top, knife, toasting glasses
o Set up a Bridal Registry

1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING
o Have fittings for gown and attendants’ gowns
o Obtain marriage license. (30 days before wedding date)
o Purchase wedding gift for fiancé.
o Prepare seating list for reception and make place cards, if appropriate.
o Confirm ceremony details with officiate.
o Finalize wedding music
o Finalize music list for reception. Request special dances, songs, etc.
o Make an itinerary for your wedding day. Give to all wedding party members, parents, and wedding consultant.
o Make sure all transportation arrangements for wedding party have been finalized.
o Confirm that all men have been fitted for formalwear.

2 WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING

o Call guests who have not responded to invitations
o Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with all wedding party members.
o Obtain travel tickets, itineraries

1 WEEK BEFORE WEDDING
o Try on wedding gown to check fit and make sure it is pressed.
o Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony and reception site, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, baker, and honeymoon plans.
o Give caterer/reception site final head count.
o Make final payment for any services that require prepayment.
o Verify that all attendants have wedding apparel.

1 DAY BEFORE WEDDING

o Set aside everything you will need at ceremony site: gown, headpiece, veil, accessories, shoes, stockings, slip, purse, brush and hairspray.
o Attend rehearsal
o Get a good night’s sleep!

WEDDING DAY

o Forget any details that run amok.
o Eat a good breakfast.
o Take a relaxing bath.
o See hairdresser for wedding hairstyle.
o Have makeup applied.
o Don’t forget rings and wedding license.
o Thank everyone for their help.

Enjoy the day!