Bridal Accessory Craze for 2013

by Diane Posted on May 24, 2013

In today’s wedding world, accessories are just as essential as the wedding dress. Earrings, head bands, jewellery cuffs, necklaces, lace gloves — that’s right, it’s all about accessorizing. What up-and-coming trends should you watch out for this year?

Bejewelled sashes, crystal belts, scarves, shawls and lace hairnets are popular for 2013.  They can be used to modernize your wedding dress or create an art deco, vintage or 1920s look.  Bouquets have evolved over the years to include buttons, flowers, paper, handbags, umbrellas or fans.  Do-It-Yourself projects are available all over the Internet, and there’s certainly no shortage of unique ideas.  Just be sure that your accessories do not “over-do” it or take away from the wedding dress.

Hair styles, from flowing to up-do’s, usually have some type of accessory to bring the whole outfit together.  A soft clip, a touch of flowers, or perhaps a simple band will do the trick.  And don’t forget about the shoes –  a huge purchase for many brides.  You may not always see the shoes, but a bride will show them off, especially for photos.  The shoes matching the bouquet and all around decor theme is a growing trend.  Another recent trend we are seeing is having the happy couple’s names, wedding date, and other special items hand-painted onto the shoes to perfectly represent the big day.

Decor is also a major factor when deciding on accessories. Many brides use the theme or colours to compliment what they wear, but you can also add accessorize to other components.  For example, jazz up your centerpieces or wedding cake with pearls, diamonds, lace, or ribbon.

No matter what type of wedding you have in mind — vintage, modern, traditional, art deco, classic…anything goes.  Sometimes it’s the little details that make all the difference!

Board image – boho-weddings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Your Honeymoon Budget

by Diane Posted on May 23, 2013

Just as the wedding and reception budgets are made you also need to have a budget set aside for your honeymoon.  Are you looking for a short weekend getaway, a tropical island, a drive along the California coast or a site seeing tour in Europe.

Depending on how much money you have to spend, there are so many deals and packages available.  You must set time aside to research the Internet and see what flight and hotel packages are offered.   I know first hand that there are many ways to save on travel.  Many times, it is best to book the flight and hotel separately.    Call the hotel directly because they may be offering a in-house promotion that the 1-800 center may not be aware of.  Always ask if there are any specials or upgrades for “honeymooners”.

If you are booking a honeymoon that is not all inclusive then budget how much money you may spend on accommodations, meals, car rental, tours, gratuities and tax.  If you find a hotel with a small kitchenette that will certainly reduce your meal expenses.  If you are doing an all-inclusive trip you will not require a lot of cash leaving your pocket since all your food and beverage is included at the resort.

Sign up for a honeymoon registry where your guests can actually contribute to your trip.  You will be surprised how quickly this will add up and just maybe you won’t have to pay anything in the end!

Ensure all your travel documents are in place and you have a copy of your marriage license.  Purchase travel and out of town medical insurance in the event something should happen to you while away.  Many credit cards and the companies you work for offer this already so investigate this first before purchasing travel insurance with the tour operators.  This alone will reduce your bill by a couple hundred dollars.

Always remember that the best prices are usually last minute or in off season.  If your wedding falls into this time frame then you are sure to get a better deal.  Last minute may be a little tough as you want everything in place far in advance but don’t count it out.  If you are willing to go anywhere the last minute deals are then great.

Final note, once you have selected your destination make it a promise that the two of you will go back to the same location for your 5th wedding anniversary.  It’s only something to look forward to and will bring make many wonderful memories.

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Are Weddings too Inspired by Celebrities?

by Diane Posted on May 20, 2013

From the dawn of times many of us have looked up to a celebrity in one way or another, whether in fashion,  looks, prestige or money.  I guess many of us have inspirations of becoming famous or seeing our name in lights.

When it comes to specific events in our lives such as a wedding, it is hard not too follow some celebrity weddings.  I mean really, how could you not?  Social media, twitter, the Internet, facebook, just about everywhere you turn you will see a celebrity wedding showcased.  Sure we look in awe and wish we could have that royal wedding but are we setting ourselves up for disappointment?

Money may be a key factor as we don’t have millions to spend on decor, food and wedding rings and don’t have any big corporations behind us that will sponsor a part of the wedding day.  So, we choose what we can that meets our budget.  We may not have the extravagant stretch rolls royce but we can rent a limo.  We may not have that Elie Saab wedding dress selling for thousands of dollars but we may have a hand man dress sewed by a beloved grandmother.  The food may not be caviar and dom perignon champagne but we can select something special to please the guests palette.  You will always have the opportunity to take a few ideas from the stars and incorporate them in your own wedding.

No matter who you are or where you are from, your wedding day will be as special as you make it.  It’s about all your family and friends coming together to share a special moment with you and your fiance.  Money may be able to give you a few luxury items  at the reception and a two week trip in Bali but loves will give you the greatest satisfaction and gift of all.

 

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Flower requirements for Ceremony and Reception

by Diane Posted on May 18, 2013

Flowers are a beautiful focal point for any wedding.   The colors and aroma will set the mood for the day.  Once you decide on the florist, decorator or DIY, you need to make sure you have covered the areas that will require flowers and or some type of floral arrangement.

The bride will require a bouquet and sometimes a flower in her hair.  The bridesmaids will each need a bouquet and if you would like, the maid of honour can have one that is a bit different from the other girls.    The flower girl traditionally carries a basket of petals and may also have a flower in her hair.

The groom, groomsmen and ring bearer will each receive a boutonniere and at often times, the groom’s boutonniere is a bit different or larger than the others.  The mother of the bride and groom can wear a corsage.  Most of the mothers prefer a wrist corsage to avoid pinning into their evening gown.  Both groom’s father and father-in-law will also require boutonnieres.  It is very special to also have a boutonniere or corsage for the grandparents as well.

Now that the bridal party and immediate family have been taken care of you must consider what flowers you require for the ceremony and reception.  For the ceremony, you will need flowers for the altar or ceremony location,  possible pews and the signing table.  Make sure you assign someone to pick up all the floral arrangements and take them to the reception hall.  Flowers are expensive so you want to still enjoy them throughout the evening.

For the reception, you may choose to have flowers on the guest tables or if budget is an issue you may place the floral arrangement on every other table.  The main entrance table, gift or wedding cake may be another area for some cascading florals.  A popular area that brides are now decorating are the washrooms in your venue.  You can display a small arrangement with a scented candle.  Don’t forget that you will need some glass vases for the head table to place the bridesmaids and brides bouquet in them.  If you choose to call all the single ladies up to the dance floor don’t forget to purchase a throw away bouquet.

Flowers….what a beautiful added touch to any decor or event.  There are so many beautiful ones to choose from especially within the season you are getting married.  Enjoy the day and remember the old saying “stop and smell the roses”.

 

 

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