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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.

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!