Wedding Colors
Reds and greens certainly reflect the season, but overdo this color combo, and your wedding may seem more holiday-oriented than you intended.
What's Hot Now: Consider a less-is-more approach to your color palette: Silver and white with crystal accents can add some serious glamour to your winter wedding. For your ceremony, try a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with white satin ribbon, or decorate the altar with a crystal curtain backdrop adorned with hanging strands of elegant white phalaenopsis orchids. If you're exchanging vows outdoors, get your guests in on creating the ambience by giving out clear umbrellas to friends and family members as they arrive.
Holly motifs spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.
The Flowers
Red roses, calla lilies, and amaryllis are decidedly winter wedding flowers, but if you step outside the flower box, and you'll find a variety of options for winter blooms.
What's Hot Now: Consider fuller flowers, such as white hydrangeas and soft ranunculuses. White boutonnieres can be handsome when they're accented with greenery, but they also look great with a simple white ribbon. Add sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in ribbon embellished with crystals.
Invitations
Since winter weddings are usually held indoors (it's an ideal time for ballroom receptions), they often call for a more formal invitations.
What's Hot Now: A black-tie event is nicely conveyed by heavy cardstock and a navy blue, chocolate-brown, or even eggplant font with hand calligraphy. For a fresh way to achieve a formal tone for your winter wedding, use thick, frosted Plexiglas invitations in white scripted ink. Send the sturdy invites out to all your guests tucked into silver envelope liners.
Centerpieces
Go beyond glowing candles to add both warmth and romance to your reception site.
What's Hot Now: If you want to heighten the drama, bring in the icy outdoors with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. Have your florist fill the vases with tall winter-white branches and hanging crystals to reflect the light from the tables. Surround the centerpieces with votive candles, and top your tables with white dupioni table linens and frosted glass china.
Escort Cards
Miniature sleighs and holly motifs stamped onto your escort cards would spell out the season pretty clearly, but they might not dazzle your guests.
What's Hot Now: Leave everyone awestruck as they retrieve their escort cards by making the entire table sparkle. Have the cards hand-calligraphed in silver ink and attach them to individual crystals with a ribbon. Hang each from an oversized crystal candelabra centerpiece for a new take on the popular escort card tree.
The Music
A classical pianist playing during dinner is a sure way to create an elegant ambience, but consider a more unexpected accompaniment.
What's Hot Now: For a twist on the tunes, consider hiring an a capella quartet to sing background music at your reception. Have the group sing your favorite jazz and pop songs to set a welcoming and festive tone for the evening. If you're into a more classical sound, hire a cellist and ask that Vivaldi's "Winter" be included in the repertoire.
Cocktail Hour
A winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?
What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.
The Cake
A wedding cake trimmed in red or green ribbon or topped with roses looks pretty, but bakers who are willing to push the fondant envelope can reflect the winter in totally creative ways.
What's Hot Now: Play up the season with a white, vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. For accents, have your baker add a white sugar ribbon and crystal drops cascading down one side of the cake.
Favors
Food wedding favors are always a hit, but if cookies or truffles seem passe, try new treat ideas to send your guests home satisfied.
What's Hot Now: Give out small packages of chocolate-covered cranberries or roasted chestnuts. An over-the-top idea that will undoubtedly impress: Have your caterer set up a hot chocolate and churros station to top off the evening.
Honeymoons
While many couples flee the blustery weather for warmer (and sandier) locales for their honeymoon, a winter wedding can segue perfectly into a snowy escape.
What's Hot Now: Embrace the season and rent a cozy log cabin for a week in Lake Placid, or join the jet-setters at a luxurious hotel in Aspen for some serious skiing, wining, dining, and snuggling.
Special thanks to: Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler from In Any Event in New York, NY; and Kate Parker from Kate Parker Weddings in New England.
-- Anja Winikka
See More: Winter Weddings
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Since flowers are expensive and only last for one night, I opted for beautiful iron lanterns from superwholesaler.com. They were much cheaper than flowers (less than $4 a lantern!) and I can keep them.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Do's and Dont's Of Winter Weddings
Weddings aren't just spring and summer affairs these days. More and more couples are opting to marry during what used to be the "off season" for nuptials, and why not? The romantic ambience of a snowy landscape, the relative lack of competition for vendors and sites -- there's lots to love about having a winter wedding. Read on for some of our tips on how to make yours memorable.
Don't: Be Afraid to Experiment With Color
You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.
Do: Dress Your Bridesmaids in Style...
Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin -- go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Check out photos of our favorite bridesmaid dresses.
...But Don't: Leave Them Freezing!
Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must -- in most parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.
Do: Create a Cozy Reception...
There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.
...But Don't: Let It Overheat
Okay, we know it's cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.
Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...
There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.
...But Don't: Leave Them Out in the Cold!
If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
-- Kate Wood
Don't: Be Afraid to Experiment With Color
You shouldn't feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.
Do: Dress Your Bridesmaids in Style...
Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you're getting married. It's completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin -- go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids' bodies. Check out photos of our favorite bridesmaid dresses.
...But Don't: Leave Them Freezing!
Remember, though, you can't be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it's just to dash from the limo to the church). If you've opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must -- in most parts of the country, it'll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.
Do: Create a Cozy Reception...
There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.
...But Don't: Let It Overheat
Okay, we know it's cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.
Do: Be Gracious to Your Guests...
There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest's name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine's Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.
...But Don't: Leave Them Out in the Cold!
If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren't left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren't left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
-- Kate Wood
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Your Finally Engaged ! What Now ?
Now that your dream is becoming a reality, it's time to shop for the perfect gown. There's just one problem. There are so many beautiful styles to choose from. How does one find the perfect wedding dress?
You'll probably want to take a family member or close friend or two with you when you try on dresses. Since this is the most important dress
you'll ever wear, you want it to look perfect. The person you take with you should give an honest opinion. "Fine" and "Okay" are not acceptable answers. You want to look "Fabulous!"
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Comfort: Does the dress fit properly? Is it bulky or heavy? Remember, you're going to be wearing this for the better part of a day. You may think you can handle the itchy lace, but the reality is: after an hour or two, it might drive you batty. Will you be able to sit? Fit in the limo? Can you walk freely?
Pictures: The camera really does add ten pounds. If you look in the mirror and you're sure your dream dress makes you look a little heavy, think of how you'll look in pictures. Don't let your dress overwhelm you. If it looks to poufy, it probably is.
Time: It takes time to order a dress. Once it's in, it will need to be fitted and altered. Make sure your dress isn't left until the last minute. You may end up paying hefty fees for rush jobs. Shop for a wedding dress at least six months in advance - preferably longer.
Seasons: Dress according to the season. The last thing you want to do is wear a heavy, long sleeved dress in the summer. Likewise is wearing a summer frock when the temperatures are artic. Be practical. Don't suffer a heat stroke because you wore a winter dress in ninety degree heat.
Diet: It's fine to slim down for your wedding, but you also want your dress to fit properly. Once you have your final fitting, there should be no more dieting.
Try on more than one dress, the style of your dreams may not look as you intended. By looking at several styles, you'll be able to find the gown that flatters you the most. Finding the perfect wedding gown should be fun, not a chore. Invite your favorite people along, have lunch and make a day of it. Don't let this be a stressful time. After all, you're buying the dress of your dreams
.
You'll probably want to take a family member or close friend or two with you when you try on dresses. Since this is the most important dress
you'll ever wear, you want it to look perfect. The person you take with you should give an honest opinion. "Fine" and "Okay" are not acceptable answers. You want to look "Fabulous!"
Tips for Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Comfort: Does the dress fit properly? Is it bulky or heavy? Remember, you're going to be wearing this for the better part of a day. You may think you can handle the itchy lace, but the reality is: after an hour or two, it might drive you batty. Will you be able to sit? Fit in the limo? Can you walk freely?
Pictures: The camera really does add ten pounds. If you look in the mirror and you're sure your dream dress makes you look a little heavy, think of how you'll look in pictures. Don't let your dress overwhelm you. If it looks to poufy, it probably is.
Time: It takes time to order a dress. Once it's in, it will need to be fitted and altered. Make sure your dress isn't left until the last minute. You may end up paying hefty fees for rush jobs. Shop for a wedding dress at least six months in advance - preferably longer.
Seasons: Dress according to the season. The last thing you want to do is wear a heavy, long sleeved dress in the summer. Likewise is wearing a summer frock when the temperatures are artic. Be practical. Don't suffer a heat stroke because you wore a winter dress in ninety degree heat.
Diet: It's fine to slim down for your wedding, but you also want your dress to fit properly. Once you have your final fitting, there should be no more dieting.
Try on more than one dress, the style of your dreams may not look as you intended. By looking at several styles, you'll be able to find the gown that flatters you the most. Finding the perfect wedding gown should be fun, not a chore. Invite your favorite people along, have lunch and make a day of it. Don't let this be a stressful time. After all, you're buying the dress of your dreams
.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
When it comes to wedding spending, bridal couples are tightening their sashes and cummerbunds. Since it peaked in 2007, the cost of the average American wedding has fallen by nearly a third, from $29,000 to $20,000, according to the Wedding Report.
Fortunately, couples are discovering that it's easy to cut wedding costs without skimping on food or subjecting guests to cash bars. Here are their top strategies:
When getting quotes from reception venues, bakeries, florists and other vendors, tell the manager that you're planning a party or an event, but leave out the "w" word. "If you don't mention the word 'wedding,' the price is often 25 (percent) to 30 percent cheaper," says Alan Fields, co-author of "Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Planning a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget."
He notes that one Boston television station had reporters call 11 venues and get quotes for a wedding reception. Later, they asked for the price for a retirement party on the same date. Eight out of 11 had a "marriage markup" -- in one case from $65 to $90 per person. "In their defense, catering managers say that people don't drink as much at corporate parties, but I'm not so sure that accounts for all the difference," says Fields. Fields notes that many reception halls have several different menu packages, so he recommends requesting all of them to get the range.
Florists and bakeries also have discretion with pricing. "We have had florists admit that when they see people wearing a large engagement ring and driving a BMW, they start suggesting the exotic orchids that need to be flown in from Hawaii. But if you don't look like you're having a wedding, they won't go over the top.
When you have dinner at your favorite restaurant, the bill doesn't come with a rental fee for the table, chairs, napkins and wine glasses. There is no surcharge for the candlelight and flowers on the table. It's all covered in the price of the meal. The same principle applies when you're buying dinner for 200 -- the price of all those soup spoons and salad forks is included, and there is no fee for transportation and setup -- everything is already there. Plus, free parking!
"During the recession, many restaurants have tried to focus on special events, and many will hold private functions and do it very affordably -- even if you rent the entire restaurant," says Fields.
Lynn Truong, managing editor of the frugal-living blog Wise Bread, treated her 200 wedding guests to a 10-course meal at a Chinese restaurant. The cost: $55 per person -- with no extra charges like cake-cutting or corkage fees. "There's no beating the price for a Chinese wedding banquet, and the food is delicious
If you can't afford a band or disc jockey -- or simply want to spend the money on your honeymoon -- make a playlist on your MP3 player and rock the house for free!
Event planner Sara Gaum, owner of vendorbar.com in Boston, recommends appointing a friend or relative to monitor the music and cue up the first dance and other highlights. The playlist should have a good mix of music that will appeal to all generations, and the music should be timed properly, with lower-key cocktail music during the first couple of hours. "No one will want to hear Lady Gaga while you're still eating dinner," says Gaum.
If you get married during the off season -- from Nov. 1 to March 31 -- you'll be able to get better rates for venues, photographers, officiates, bands and the like. You'll also pay less if you steer clear of Saturday night.
Mariesa Stokes of Birmingham, Ala., cut her costs by a third by getting married on a Sunday. "Since it was a holiday weekend, our guests had Monday to travel," she says.
Buy your wedding rings at Costco? Fields says that warehouse stores sell more than just pallets of canned tuna and paper towels; they are also a great source for rings, cakes, favors and flowers. "It doesn't sound very romantic to buy an engagement ring at Costco, but who cares? It's a diamond engagement ring. It looks very nice, and it's 30 percent less than it would be a retail jewelry store," he says.
On the opposite side of the spectrum are micro-vendors, artisans and craftspeople who sell their rings, headpieces and invitations directly to couples through sites like Etsy, often at a fraction of what major retailers charge.
Once again, the key is to avoid stores that cater to bridal couples. Many brides have discovered that buying their wedding dress from everyday retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew means paying hundreds, rather than thousands, for the garment. One Seattle bride bought an ivory dress at a shop that catered to bridesmaids and mothers -- it was across the street from a high-end bridal shop -- and paid less than $200. "Add a veil and you'd never know it was not a wedding gown!" she says.
Fortunately, couples are discovering that it's easy to cut wedding costs without skimping on food or subjecting guests to cash bars. Here are their top strategies:
When getting quotes from reception venues, bakeries, florists and other vendors, tell the manager that you're planning a party or an event, but leave out the "w" word. "If you don't mention the word 'wedding,' the price is often 25 (percent) to 30 percent cheaper," says Alan Fields, co-author of "Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Planning a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget."
He notes that one Boston television station had reporters call 11 venues and get quotes for a wedding reception. Later, they asked for the price for a retirement party on the same date. Eight out of 11 had a "marriage markup" -- in one case from $65 to $90 per person. "In their defense, catering managers say that people don't drink as much at corporate parties, but I'm not so sure that accounts for all the difference," says Fields. Fields notes that many reception halls have several different menu packages, so he recommends requesting all of them to get the range.
Florists and bakeries also have discretion with pricing. "We have had florists admit that when they see people wearing a large engagement ring and driving a BMW, they start suggesting the exotic orchids that need to be flown in from Hawaii. But if you don't look like you're having a wedding, they won't go over the top.
When you have dinner at your favorite restaurant, the bill doesn't come with a rental fee for the table, chairs, napkins and wine glasses. There is no surcharge for the candlelight and flowers on the table. It's all covered in the price of the meal. The same principle applies when you're buying dinner for 200 -- the price of all those soup spoons and salad forks is included, and there is no fee for transportation and setup -- everything is already there. Plus, free parking!
"During the recession, many restaurants have tried to focus on special events, and many will hold private functions and do it very affordably -- even if you rent the entire restaurant," says Fields.
Lynn Truong, managing editor of the frugal-living blog Wise Bread, treated her 200 wedding guests to a 10-course meal at a Chinese restaurant. The cost: $55 per person -- with no extra charges like cake-cutting or corkage fees. "There's no beating the price for a Chinese wedding banquet, and the food is delicious
If you can't afford a band or disc jockey -- or simply want to spend the money on your honeymoon -- make a playlist on your MP3 player and rock the house for free!
Event planner Sara Gaum, owner of vendorbar.com in Boston, recommends appointing a friend or relative to monitor the music and cue up the first dance and other highlights. The playlist should have a good mix of music that will appeal to all generations, and the music should be timed properly, with lower-key cocktail music during the first couple of hours. "No one will want to hear Lady Gaga while you're still eating dinner," says Gaum.
If you get married during the off season -- from Nov. 1 to March 31 -- you'll be able to get better rates for venues, photographers, officiates, bands and the like. You'll also pay less if you steer clear of Saturday night.
Mariesa Stokes of Birmingham, Ala., cut her costs by a third by getting married on a Sunday. "Since it was a holiday weekend, our guests had Monday to travel," she says.
Buy your wedding rings at Costco? Fields says that warehouse stores sell more than just pallets of canned tuna and paper towels; they are also a great source for rings, cakes, favors and flowers. "It doesn't sound very romantic to buy an engagement ring at Costco, but who cares? It's a diamond engagement ring. It looks very nice, and it's 30 percent less than it would be a retail jewelry store," he says.
On the opposite side of the spectrum are micro-vendors, artisans and craftspeople who sell their rings, headpieces and invitations directly to couples through sites like Etsy, often at a fraction of what major retailers charge.
Once again, the key is to avoid stores that cater to bridal couples. Many brides have discovered that buying their wedding dress from everyday retailers like Ann Taylor and J.Crew means paying hundreds, rather than thousands, for the garment. One Seattle bride bought an ivory dress at a shop that catered to bridesmaids and mothers -- it was across the street from a high-end bridal shop -- and paid less than $200. "Add a veil and you'd never know it was not a wedding gown!" she says.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Gingerbread House Party
Throw a "gingerbread house" party. Invite friends over for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly baking and a little competitive fun to show off your creativity. Target has some easy and fun kits, like the Reindeer Flight School Gingerbread Kit, Rice Crispy House Kit, and shortbread Cookie Decorating Kit — all priced under $15. The affordable price will make it easy to bring your friends together. You can team up and see which group makes the ultimate gingerbread house with Mom and Dad being your judges — or fly solo and see who can create the best looking cookie. Half the fun is letting your creativity come out in your creation, but don't forget to offer your guests beverages and snacks to keep the energy going (and the gingerbread strictly for your creations). Serve salty snacks, like Archer Farms chips and pretzels and holiday beverages like Egg Nog or hot chocolate. Set the mood by streaming a holiday playlist with all of the hits, and decorate the table with personalized place cards so your friends know which special work space is for them.
By Seventeen
By Seventeen
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Twilight Wedding Theme Idea's
Looking for some new and creative Twilight Wedding Themes Idea's . What a day to remember than to play out the hit movie that has been drawn out through the years and hit just about every home in the world. Ok _ Ok . So you can't have Edward or Jake but you do have the love of your life. How creative could this theme be? Would you go as far as to add bike marks to your neck? Wear a vintage gown? Arrange it for a misty dark day? What would you do ?
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