James Clifford Collection

James Clifford Bridal Collection
James Clifford's Spring 2008 couture bridal gown collection features classic looks in combination with a modern fashion flare. Luxurious fabrics of silk, satin and traditional, romantic lace make each wedding dress special in its own way. Gorgeous, eye-catching details of hand-beaded Swarovski crystal, sculpted necklines and figure-flattering ruching add glamour and sophistication. Unique styling reflects the creativity and salability of the James Clifford Collection with a variety of wedding gown silhouettes that appeal to the fashionable bride.

James Clifford Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at James Clifford.

More Wedding Gown Designers

J. Crew Weddings

J. Crew Weddings Bridal Collection
J. Crew is well known for the clothing line. Now, J. Crew brings their quality, comfort, style, and value to the wedding party with a line of bridal wear. An affordable and stylish option, consider J. Crew when looking for a wedding dress or bridesmaids dresses.

J. Crew Weddings Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at J. Crew Weddings.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Ines Di Santo

Ines Di Santo Bridal Collection
Ines Di Santo is a renowned fashion designer and creator of classic, original Haute Couture Bridal & Evening Gowns. Known internationally as a leader in Haute Couture fashion, she continues to astound and amaze the world with her vision. With each new design she introduces a new look, sets a new trend and creates a beautifully unique creation.

Ines Di Santo Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Ines Di Santo.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Indus Fashions

IndusFashions.com Bridal Collection
Founded in 1998, by Nausheen & Javad Siddiqi in Los Angeles, Indus Fashions is a Fashions On-line Boutique which specializes in providing finest quality Custom-Made-to-Order Private Label Designer Bridal Dresses, Groom Sherwanis, Formal and Casual Wear from Pakistan & India for Men & Women around the world.

IndusFashions.com Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at IndusFashions.com.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Impression Bridal

Impression Bridal Collection
After more than 20 years, no one knows bridal gowns like Impression Bridal. We bring you to a wide variety of bridal gowns to choose from in every size including plus size wedding gowns.

Impression Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Impression Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Hanna Hartnell

Hanna Hartnell Bridal Collection
When a woman begins searching for her wedding gown, she hopes to find a dress that expresses her personality. The glamour and elegance of the gown should reveal her confidence and sense of self- the gown becomes a compliment to her own unique qualities. The gown should become one with her.

Whether visiting the salon in person or electronically, brides work directly with Hanna in their choice of design and color and gowns are custom made for each woman's measurements. Simple or sophisticated, subtle or sensousness, a Hartnell gown captures the imagination and brings glamour to women of any age - any shape.

Hanna Hartnell Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Hanna Hartnell.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Ever After Bridal

Ever After Bridal
Ever After Bridal is a couture wedding gown line at budget prices.Our factory produces designer looks using high quality fabrics with luxury beading and embroidery.

Ever After Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Ever After Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Enzoani

Enzoani Bridal Collections
Enzoani has established itself as a premier fashion bridal company focused on providing consumers with modern couture fashion influenced by European style at an affordable price. An earned respect and success in the bridal industry over the past years has resulted in Enzoani gowns being sold in retail stores worldwide.
Enzoani bridal gowns offer a variety of silhouettes featuring exquisite fabrics, detailed hand-beaded Swarovski crystals, and beautiful embroidery.

Enzoani Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Enzoani.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Eme Di Eme by Atelier Aimee

Eme Di Eme by Atelier Aimee
Emé means the stylistical synthesis for our so called second line; all our creative and sartorial know-how for a young line that is inspired by the Atelier Aimée whose continuation it means.
The style and the elegance of the Atelier Aimée for a gown just as beautiful and a little bit more simple.

Eme Di Eme by Atelier Aimee galleries and retailer information is available at Atelier Aimee.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Elie Saab for Pronovias

Elie Saab Bridal Collection
The Lebanese designer has poured his imagination and fantasy into these designs in his own, inimitable fashion. Fabrics, shapes, embroidery and details come together to dress the most splendid, seductive brides and transform them into real belles of the ball.

Elie Saab Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Pronovias.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Cosmobella

Cosmobella Bridal Collection
Trend-proof and timeless: These are the qualities found in the new Cosmobella Collection from Demetrius Bridals. These gowns from world-famous designer Demetrius are proof that simple needn't mean minimal. Working with delicate, sensual fabrics and fine detailing, he has created dresses that are lyrical, shapely and imbued with a sense of purity. "I like things to look light and delicate", the designer explained, "as though the dress has been blown together".

Extraordinary fabrics are the basis of the Cosmobella Collection, which encompasses styles ranging from the clean and unadorned to the elaborate and intricately worked. The result is a gown that follows the curves of the body naturally. Opulent thoughtful, full of details that enchant the eye and compliment, rather than upstage, the modern-day bride.

Cosmobella Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Cosmobella.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Eden Bridals

Eden Bridals Collection
At Eden Bridals, it is our privilege to offer the finest quality in bridal gowns, informal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and flower girl dresses to millions of brides and bridesmaid. Through our stunning gowns and our professional customer service staff, it is our goal to make your special day, an Unforgettable one.

Eden Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Eden Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Eden Informals

Eden Informals Bridal Collection
At Eden Bridals, it is our privilege to offer the finest quality in bridal gowns, informal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and flower girl dresses to millions of brides and bridesmaid. Through our stunning gowns and our professional customer service staff, it is our goal to make your special day, an Unforgettable one.

Eden Informals Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Eden Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Blue by Enzoani

Blue by Enzoani
Enzoani Wedding Dresses only at BestBridalPrices.com! Enzoani Bridal has established itself as a premier fashion bridal company focused on providing consumers with modern couture fashion influenced by European style at an affordable price. An earned respect and success in the bridal industry over the past years has resulted in Enzoani gowns being sold worldwide.

Blue by Enzoani galleries and retailer information is available at bestbridalprices.com.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Badgley Mischka

Badgley Mischka Bridal Collections
Mark Badgley and James Mischka have been hailed by Vogue as one of the "top 10 American Designers" and as the darlings of the Hollywood set. The design duo have made their mark over the past two decades with glamorous, stylish and wearable evening wear and accessories.

Badgley Mischka Bridal Collection gallery and retailer information is available at Badgley Mischka.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Antoniette Catenacci

Antoniette Catenacci Bridal Collection
Antoniette Catenacci has built her reputation in bridal design utilizing her exquisite couture techniques while maintaining the highest level of craftsmanship. Simple silhouettes, delicate embroideries with gem stones and the finest fabrics have inspired Antoniette Catenacci's collections.

Antoniette recognized her desire for fashion at an early age. Compiling a portfolio of ideas and creations throughout her youth, she ultimately followed her desire to pursue fashion as a career and was formally trained at the International Academy of Design in Toronto. She continued her work in the fashion industry as an understudy for a renowned bridal gown manufacturer and was later selected to be a part of the Alfred Sung design team.

Antoniette Catenacci Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Antoniette Catenacci.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Anne Barge

Anne Barge Bridal Collections
French Lace and Italian silks with an extraordinary attention to detail. These Gowns embody Anne's renowned flair for effortless elegance. Taking these exquisite creations to the next level and exemplifying luxury.

Anne Barge Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Anne Barge.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Ann Taylor Celebrations

Ann Taylor Celebrations
Ann Taylor is an unconventional choice for a Bridal Gown, but they do come with a good reputation. It is possible to save some serious money, while acquiring a fabulous dres

Ann Taylor Celebrations Bridal gallery and ordering information is available at Ann Taylor.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Kleinfeld Bridal

Kleinfeld Bridal Collections
For more than 60 years, brides have learned that the magic of Kleinfeld lies not just in our most magnificent store; not just in our offering the largest and finest selection of designer wedding gowns in the world; but the magic lies in the hearts of the most professional staff anywhere…a staff dedicated to perform your every wish. This is the world of Kleinfeld for generations.

Kleinfeld Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Kleinfeld Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Alfred Angelo

Alfred Angelo Bridal Collection
Our designer, Michael Shettel, dresses brides and their bridal parties in beautiful designer bridal gowns that are individually created and offered at an amazingly affordable price. We offer a broad range of silhouettes, in beautiful fabrics, with exquisite embroidery, beading and lace. Every style is available in sizes 2 to 28W. Michael’s goal is to make your gown just how you dreamed it would be. We meticulously sew each gown for the bride who wears it. We are pleased to accommodate a wide range of customizations to make your gown uniquely yours.

Alfred Angelo Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Alfred Angelo.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Adele Wechsler

Adele Wechsler Bridal Collection
The Adele Wechsler collection has become synonymous with streamlined, alternative wedding gowns, evoking moods of feminine romance, completely alluring in their subtlety. Shrouded mystery is created by innovative sheer overlays and softened edges. Hidden, unexpected organic elements, like the exotic hibiscus, the orchid or delicate pansies and lilies appear as embroidered applications and hand-crafted flowers.

Adele Wechsler Collection galleries and retailer information is available at Adele Wechsler.

More Wedding Gown Designers

2 Be Bride-Isabella Chessari

Isabella Chessari Bridal Collection
This collection is designed for today’s princess. You will be enchanted with the mixture of timeless lines that are accented with modern beading and touches of unique embroideries and laces that are every girl's dream. These classic everlasting creations will stand the test of time.

Isabella Chessari Bridal Collection galleries and retailer information is available at 2 Be Bride.

More Wedding Gown Designers

2 Be Bride-Gavin Michaels

Gavin Michaels Bridal Collection
This contemporary collection is for the bride who knows who she is. Individuality is the feel of this collection. Sensual necklines to vintage beading to the delicate laces, it has it all. Definitely a 1930's flair, from the encrusted beading to the dramatic skirt shapes. Distinctive silhouettes for that modern bride.

Gavin Michaels Bridal Collection gallery and retailer information is available at 2 Be Bride.

More Wedding Gown Designers

2 Be Bride-Elizabeth Darcy

Elizabeth Darcy Bridal Collection
Romance is what this collection is all about. Fall in love over and over again with these soft sophisticated feminine styles. This collection embodies the elegant distinction with accents of roses, laces, and chiffons with a twist of the chic 1950's flair.

Elizabeth Darcy Bridal Collection gallery and retailer information is available at 2 Be Bridal.

More Wedding Gown Designers

Wedding Gown Designers

Here is a selection of Wedding Gown designer. Simply click on the name to see pictures and designer information, as well as how to order their Wedding Dresses.

2 Be Bride-Elizabeth Darcy

2 Be Bride-Gavin Michaels

2 Be Bride-Isabella Chessari

Adele Wechsler

Alfred Angelo

Kleinfeld Bridal

Ann Taylor Celebrations

Anne Barge

Antoniette Catenacci

Badgley Mischka

Blue by Enzoani

Cosmobella

Eden Bridals

Eden Informals

Elie Saab for Pronovias

Eme Di Eme

Enzoani

Ever After Bridal

Hanna Hartnell
Impression Bridal

IndusFashions.com

Ines Di Santo

J. Crew Weddings

James Clifford Collection

Janet Nelson Kumar

Jessica McClintock

Jordan Bridals

Julius Bridal

Justin Alexander
Justin Alexander Couture

Kirstie Kelly

Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings

La Fleur by Anne Barge

Lara Helene Bridal Atelier

Liancarlo

Little Flowers

Luci DiBella

Martin McCrea

Melissa Sweet

Michelle Roth Exclusively for Kleinfeld

Minna K

Mon Cheri Bridals

Monique Lhuillier

Moonlight Bridal

Olivia Luca

Pallas Athena

Peter Langner

Piccione Bridal

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston

Priscilla of Boston

Pronovias

Pure by Alfred Sung

Reem Acra

Renella De Fina Couture

Rhyme Couture

Rina di Montella

Saison Blanche Boutique

Saison Blanche Couture

San Patrick

Sandals Destination Dresses by Dessy Creations

Sarah Danielle

Simone Carvalli

Sincerity Bridal

Siri

Sophia Tolli

Soucy for Lara Helene Bridal Atelier

TeKay Designs

V Collection

Val Stefani

Valentino for Pronovias

Venus Bridals

Vera Wang

VII Collection

Vineyard Collection

White One

Winnie Couture


Home

Best Man Duties

So your Buddy, the Groom, has officially asked you to be the Best Man and you have a million questions. Some of your answers you will find in Bridal Party Duties, but some more important information will be found in this article.

What does it mean to be the Best Man?

Well for certain it is an honor to be chosen by your friend, or brother to be his Best Man, but it does come with responsibilities. You are officially the go-to guy for all his wedding woes and dilemmas. You will be there to stop him from doing stupid things because he has had too much to drink at his Bachelor Party. You will help him relax and realize why he is getting married in the first place (whether or not you agree with it). It is your job to be his rock.

Specific Duties

You will plan the Bachelor Party. This will be based on the Groom's general ideas and with his guest list. You will gather the groomsmen and invite the guest. You will bear the brunt of the responsibility if the groom doesn't make it home for three days, too. You will have to handle the money and make sure everyone chips in. You will have to look the bride in the eyes and explain anything that the groom confesses to, so I suggest an 'R' rating at worst, but stay away from 'NC-17' (you might be single but the groom is about to get married).

Help organize the formal wear for the groomsmen and yourself. This includes making sure they all get their fittings in time and any out-of-town fellows send in their measurements so you can order their tuxes. You will also be responsible for returning the Groom's Tux (or having it cleaned) after the Wedding, while he is on his honeymoon.

Officially toasting the Bride and Groom at the Wedding Reception. This is for some guys the most daunting task, for others a pleasure. Just remember not to have too much to drink and embarrass your buddy in front of his whole family. Remember to say something nice about the Bride in your toast, it is her day, too.

You might have to dance with the Maid of Honor. This can be a treat or a task but either way, you must be a gentleman and be as graceful as you can. If you are a good dancer this should be easy, if not see about some lessons. If you already know and get along well with the Maid of Honor, then perhaps you guys can practice the dance prior to the Wedding Reception.

Signing the Marriage Certificate. This is an honor, and not necessarily a task. Simply throw down your John Hancock when told to and the couple will be officially married.

Attend all functions as directed. This might include an Engagement Party, a Bachelor Party, a Jack and Jill Party, the Rehearsal Dinner, rarely a bridal shower, and of course the Wedding Day activities.

These are basic guidelines for the duties of the Best Man, just keep in mind, every Groom is different and he may ask you to do more. In olden days the Best Man would bring the Bride her meal on the Day of the Wedding and then escort the Mother of the Bride to the Church. This is a duty that is rarely seen today. But if you happen to be my Best Man don't be surprised if I ask.

--Mickey

More Groom's Guide Articles

More Wedding Planning Articles

Groom's Guide to Formalwear

First and foremost, no matter how good you looked at your high school prom, you need to follow these steps to not screw up your Wedding attire. Your wedding outfit is the jump to the big leagues and if you are reading this article you are probably a rookie. Remember this general rule, consult with your bride (she most likely has forgotten more about fashion then you will ever learn) and check with her before you put money down on anything.

Simple to-do list:

-Figure out the basic style that best suits your wedding theme.

-Call Formalwear shops to set up appointments (not required everywhere, but you won't know until you call) Find a shop in our Tuxedo and Men's Formal Wear State Directory

-Try on what will seem like and endless array of the same thing. (You will know you have tried on enough when you can tell the difference between a peaked and notched lapel)

-Purchase your Wedding day outfit or arrange to rent a tux.

-Outfit should include; Shoes, Shirt, cummerbund or vest, tie or ascot, cuff links and studs, and socks.

-Decide on your Groomsmen's attire, convey the information they need to order their outfit. This can be passed on to the Best Man.

-Have Best Man make sure Groomsmen go for their fittings and actually order their outfits, with enough time to actually get them for the Wedding (most place need weeks, if not months to coordinate 10 outfits)

-Have the Father's place their orders (typically all the men in the Wedding, Grooms Father is considered part of the wedding party, wear the same outfit)

-Remember a Maid of Honor's can stand out a little, your Best Man can not (people will know who he is by the time he gives his Toast)

-Appoint someone to bring your rented wear back or have your suit dry-cleaned while you are on you honeymoon.

-Break in your shoes before the Wedding. Walk around the house in them for short periods of time. You do not want to be breaking in new shoes the day of your Wedding or you will have horrible blisters for your entire Honeymoon.

-Pass out from exhaustion

When you start complaining about this process, just remember you don't have to bustle and you probably don't even know what it is, so don't complain too much to your bride. She definitely has it worse than you.

--Mickey

More Groom's Guide Articles

Wedding Welcome Baskets

If you have out of town guests coming to your Wedding, it's a very nice idea to have a welcome basket waiting for them in their hotel room. You can fill it with whatever you deem appropriate, and have the hotel staff place it in the rooms before your guests check in. You could use a plain basket, a gift bag, or a container that goes with the theme of your Wedding. The entire basket could go along with a theme. The important thing is that your guests know you are thinking of them and appreciate the effort they went to to be at your Wedding. As simple or as elaborate as you choose to be, a welcome basket will surely be appreciated by your guests.

Some ideas of things to include:

A welcome note. Write a short cute poem or a sincere thank you for coming note, and include it with each basket.

An itinerary. A list of Wedding activities, with times and locations, phone numbers, and directions.

A list of things to see and do. Make a list of things visitors might like to see and do, and provide a map to each of them. If there is public transportation, include tokens or a fare card. Restaurants, tourist attractions, movie theaters, museums, shops, houses of worship, all are good things to include.

A local interest magazine, newspaper, or guidebook. To help them get acquainted or reacquainted with the area.

Beverages. Bottled water, which could even have your names and Wedding date on the label; coffee or tea, juice.
Snacks. Fresh or dried fruit, nuts, pretzels or chips, sweets, any local specialties.

Mints. Mints always come in handy.

Toiletries. Travel or trial size containers of lotions, soaps, toothbrush and toothpaste.

Aspirin or other pain reliever, antacids, bandaids, lip balm. If the need arises, these will be much appreciated.

A small package of tissues. These can easily be brought to the Wedding! You can buy packages of these with pretty designs. A package of moist towlettes is also nice when traveling.

A disposable camera. Cameras always come in handy when traveling, and if they decide to go somewhere that they don't want to bring their own expensive camera, this can be tucked into a purse.

A souvenir and postcards. A keychain, magnet, figurine, or other souvenir from the location of the Wedding, and a few postcards of local scenes that they can keep as mementos or send home to friends.

Playing cards, crossword puzzle book, sudoku book. Something to do during downtime.

Something for the kids. If you have guests with children, include coloring books and crayons, juice boxes, animal crackers, a stuffed animal.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Best Wedding Websites

As my professional website editor status allows me to spend countless hours reading articles about every wedding subject you could think of I thought I would share with my readers some of the place I frequent. When there is a subject or a new trend and I want other expert opinions these are the sites I go to.

Offbeat Bride- This is one of the first Wedding sites I started to read. I started reading this site way before I had any wedding planning aspirations. Ariel, who incidentally wrote an incredible book, offers vastly different advice to any other source online. Her insights are intriguing and purely fun to read. You will not find a better site online. You can buy her book here- Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Brides

Style Me Pretty- Simply the best photography of any site I frequent. I highly enjoy the aspect of style that is the focus of this incredible site.

Outdoor Wedding- Now I have to be honest, the color structure of this blog is kind of problematic for me. I do tend to want to leave the site. Why do I resist, because it is perhaps the best wedding advice online.

Polka Dot Bride- This site offers simply a great website design that is both easy to navigate and pretty to read from. I love the pictures and mainly the style.

The Preppy Wedding- This is not a professional wedding site and I believe that is the main reason I frequent it. I love the incredible advice that comes from this great site. It is absolutely a blog, but it is highly worth the read.

Dahlias-Day- This blog on practical wedding advice is a logical place to stop when researching your wedding ideas. It contains matter of fact ideas. The article on the recession weddings is of particular interest and is a must read.

There are some other sites worth mentioning. These are the top wedding sites online. I don't however tend to gravitate towards them, because the advice is so bland. I do love them for their forums and wedding tools, but as far as advice...

The Knot
Wedding Channel
One Wed
Bliss Weddings
Just Weddings
Weddingbee
Beau-coup

More Wedding Planning Articles

Wedding Favor Cost Cutting

It is much easier to save money on your Wedding Favor then it would be to cut costs on something more important, like your Wedding Photography. All you need is time, help and know-how and you can create Wedding Favors on any budget. Consider some of these suggestions before you consider not having a Wedding Favor.

Shopping- Candles are so popular as wedding favors, mainly because of how romantic they are. If you shop around, checking out online stores and discount markets, you will find many affordable candles, some even half-priced or less.

Couple Favors- Split your Favor cost in half by offering couple favors. With this option you might even be able to spend more on each favor to get something nicer.

Tie together- Have a fun girls night or a Bridal party Party. Invite the bridesmaids and groomsmen over to tie each favor yourselves. Wrapping your own favors, will save you lots of money. Pre-wrapping can cost double the price.

Baking is Fun- Well, it might not be practical to bake for all your guests, but a few weeks before the wedding you could make homemade preserves. Attach the recipe and you have a instant delight they can share.

Double Duty- Some favors can serve two purposes. Place-card Picture frames, Boxes of chocolates standing in as your centerpiece, Or Christmas Ornaments in a Glass bowl can all be used as your centerpiece and the guests can take theirs home at the end of the night.

Creativity- Have the guest make their own favors. How glass bowls of candies and textured fabric bags. The guest can go to the display and fill their own favors.

Seeds and Bulbs- Flowers are filled with so much romanticism and bulbs and seeds contain so much hope and promise. They might be unsightly at first, but when you visit the house in the next year and see your wedding favors blooming, it will fill you with such joy.

More Wedding Planning Articles

How to Place Your Wedding Favors

There are certainly just as many ways to give your guests their Wedding Favors as there are choices of Wedding Favors. Modern Wedding Advice has highlighted some of the more popular delivery methods.

At the Place Setting- This is the simplest way to give out your Wedding Favors. Simply put one at each Table setting, and your guest can take them from there.

Couple Favors- This is cost-saving, but slightly harder to give them out. Make sure the names of the recipients are on the favors and place them in between couple place settings. "Plus Ones" will share with their date. Don't forget the kids, and make sure sibling don't share.

Favor Displays- Depending on the Wedding Favors, you can opt to have a favor display. Guest would be directed to this beautiful display at some point during the reception where they can pick up there favors.

Valet Help- If there will be valet parking at your reception, ask the valets to help by placing favors inside the cars of your guests. How about bagels and cream cheese along with the New York Times? Or a small box of donuts? A CD with the two of you singing or giving a "thank you" message is another clever idea, as is a an air freshener hung on each rear view mirror!

More Wedding Planning Articles

Most Popular Wedding Favors

Just as the Beatles took over from Elvis, a Modern Wedding Favor will break from tradition. The most popular Wedding Favors are quickly becoming the new tradition. Modern Wedding Advice has compiled this list of suggestions for your Modern Wedding.

Picture Frames- Though on the more expensive side, picture frames are one of the most popular wedding favors. Some couples put them at the table with a note of thanks and love. If you wish to be more budget conscious, you can give these favors a double duty as your place card holders. Simply put the seating assignment in the frame and have the guest pick them up. Then the guest can take these lovely adorned Frames home and remember your wedding forever.

Candles- With a piece of Raffia tied to your wedding candles, the guest will be able to remember your flame for a long time after the wedding.



Soaps- Handmade soap that can be made in different colors can be put in textured fabric bags and enter the useful wedding favor section.

Coasters- "L-O-V-E" or photo frame coasters also become practical favors which will help your guest remember your day for years to come.

Chocolate- One of the least expensive favors are also the most popular. Whether personalized or not, Chocolates won't last as long or other favors, but they are certainly sweet.

Uniqueness- Wedding Favors that offer your personal touch is always the best. Whether a mix CD or a copy of the Wedding Video. Add your own style to your Thank You gift to your guests.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Wedding Favors - Small Gifts, Big Purpose

Wedding Favors are small gifts or tokens that you hand out to your guests at your Wedding Reception. They can come in many sizes and can be highly unique, but they serve a magnificent purpose. They are a lasting memory of the Wedding Day that they shared with you.

Favors don't have to be too expensive, in fact they can be very simple, but they should be included in a formal wedding. Wedding Favors are a great way to reflect your personality and wedding theme. Consider, flip-flops or saltwater taffy for your Beach Wedding. You can have Christmas Ornaments at your Christmas Wedding. Whatever you choose, make sure it means something to you and share that with your guests.

There are many ways to incorporate your favors into your Wedding Reception. You can make them part of the place cards; A small picture frame with the seating assignment inside. You can add them to the centerpiece; Boxes of chocolates that your guests take with them. Whatever you choose, make sure you consider your guests and how your Wedding Favor will thank them and help them remember you.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Wedding Day Hints - Chairs

If you're having a ceremony where your guests will be standing, make sure to have a few chairs available. Elderly or disabled guests might not be able to stand comfortably for the whole time. If you have any pregnant guests keep their comfort in mind, too. If you're having your Wedding at a site like a beach or a park, rent a few nice folding chairs. If it's at a site that regularly hosts functions, ask them to set up a few chairs in the area where the ceremony will be held.

If your guests are apt to be standing for more than 20 minutes or so, it's appropriate to provide chairs, even if they will be standing for the actual exchanging of vows. If you have a reception with no sit down meal or tables, make sure there are plenty of chairs throughout the room.

Hilarious Wedding Poem

This a delightful wedding poem for those of you new to the game, it gives an hilarious look at the process of the Wedding Day. This will certainly lighten up for 2008 Wedding planning process and hopefully give you a smile.

Weddings

If you go to a wedding, here’s what it means
No one wears trainers and no one wears jeans
Your best new clothes are all that you wear
And everyone in your whole family is there
Even some cousins that you’ve never known
And the grown-ups all say “Oh, how much you have grown!”

So everyone’s sitting in one big room
(except Sally and Richard, the bride and groom)
Then all of a sudden things quieten down
And music starts playing and people turn round
And really slowly, Sally walks in
And she’s prettier now than she’s ever been.

She’s a bride and she’s really great looking today
(when normally she looks just kind of okay)
She walks in and stands with her dad for a while
As Richard her boyfriend, awaits in the aisle
His hair is all combed and he’s wearing a tie
And then Sally’s mum starts to sniffle and cry.

And now it comes time for the “get-married” part
The Registrar says that we’re ready to start
So she talks and she talks about serious things
Then their friend Chris steps up holding two rings
He gives one to the groom and the other to the bride
Then his girlfriend, Janaki pulls him aside.

Then Sally and Richard kind of look at each other
And another big sniffle comes from Sally’s mother
And Sally and Richard put on the wedding rings
And they talk and they promise each other some things
They promise that they’ll love each other a lot
And help one another no matter what
And be with each other the rest of their life
Then the Registrar says “Now you are husband and wife”.

Then everyone’s in such a big happy mood
And you go to a party with very much food
Where you dance with some grown-ups and drink some wine
And then do a conga-dance in one long line
‘till Sally and Richard drive off in a car
and everyone’s thinking how happy they are
So we all yell goodbye and throw handfuls of rice
Then the whole thing is over. Weddings are nice!

More Wedding Readings

Cocktail Wedding Reception

A Cocktail Wedding Reception is an ideal way to personalize a reception, while still keeping a budget tightly controlled. This can be an extravagant event with elegance and uniqueness, but will ultimately help you save money.

Typically a cocktail reception will be given in the early evening-late afternoon hours(as early as 4PM but no later than 6PM) and will end in the evening(no later the 7:30PM) so you guests will have time to search out their evening meal.

The typical fare are Hors d'oeuvres which can be passed, served buffet style of some combination of both. Menus will should include a variety of hot and cold appetizers, as well as fine cheeses, breads, fruits and crudites.

There is no requirement for a bar, but traditionally you would offer and assortment of hard liquor, mixers, wine, champagne and soft drinks. To truly personalize the event add a signature cocktail, you can use something popular. like a mint julep or cosmopolitan, or choose something more to your personal taste. Make sure to give the guests the option to choose sweet or savory variations.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Formal Wedding Reception

Formal Wedding Reception include many specific parts that need to have attention paid to them. The formality of the event suggested a needed structure and there for Modern Wedding Advice has included a handy list to take you through each part of your Formal Reception.

The Main Parts

Greetings
Dancing
Menu
Departure

Greetings are set into three distinct items; Cocktail hour, Guest Book, and Receiving Line

Cocktail Hour- This is a sort of thank you to your guests for waiting patiently while, you and your closest relative are taking pictures. This hour-ish offers your guests a chance to mingle and discuss how beautiful the wedding ceremony was and how excited they are that the Bridal Couple included them in their special day. Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktails are passed amongst the guests.

Guest Book- Whether it is a thick vellum tome or an architectural masterpiece, your guest book will forever remain as a reminder of who shared your Wedding Day with you. The guests book should be on its own table, which you can include a few photos of the Bridal couple. The beginning of the night while everyone is mingling is a perfect time for guest book signings and should be mentioned by the DJ or Host.

Receiving Line- This is a wedding tradition that is sorely missed in some Modern Weddings. Most Bride's only complaint it that they were not able to spend enough time with their guests. The traditional receiving line can give way to the more modern Bridal Circle, which is when the bride and groom make a round and visit every table to say a hello. This can take more time, but it also lets the guests sit and watch the events, instead of standing in the back of a long line and wait for their chance.



The Dancing section of your Formal Reception is an important thank you and make for simply great photos and video.

The First Dance- Whether slow, fast, waltz or break dance- the first dance as a married couple is the most beautiful part of the Reception. Make sure the song is long enough for everyone to take a good picture. This is a moment when all the mothers will be in tears.

The Parent Dances- The time has come, Daddy's Little Girl has become the Groom's Little Woman. This moment will be forever remembered by all your family. Just don't forget Mommy's little man gets to share a special moment with Mom too.

The Menu is an important part of your Formal Reception and should be considered as highly important. True, it is unlikely that the bridal couple will be able to enjoy this meal fully, but your guest will remember it.

The Cuisine- Typical menu consists of salad, main course, dessert, cake, and coffee/tea. Wine is a variable that can be considered with the meal.

The Cake Cutting- This event is typically right before or after the salad. The groom places his right hand over the bride's and together they cut the cake. The rest will be professional sliced in the back for your guests. The Groom feeds the bride a bite and the bride then feeds the groom.

The Departing moments of your Formal reception include; Last Dance, Bouquet toss and the Garter Toss.

Last Dance- Like the First Dance this is a way to say thank you to the guests, by showing off your dance moves. It is more typically a slow song and will result in the Bride in tears.

Bouquet Toss- The event is announced as the Bridal couple is preparing to depart. The Single ladies gather round and the Bride with her back turned launches the Bouquet into the crowd. The lady who catches the bouquet is thought to be the next likely to wed.

Garter Toss- Similar to the Bouquet toss, but this time the Groom throws the Bride's Special Garter to the Single Guys.

After these moments are finished the Newlyweds get into their transport and make their way to their night's destination. The Wedding Reception can and typically goes on longer with dancing and drinks.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Custom Designed Candles

Kreations by Judy Custom Designed Candles is a home-based business that has been operating since 2001. Judy creates custom candles for many occasions, including Wedding Unity Candles. Candles with photographs and verses are a special way to celebrate your Wedding.

In addition to Unity Candles, there are several other options that may be perfect for your Wedding. Small votive candles would make excellent wedding favors. You could include a picture, your names, and your wedding date on each candle. These are available in white, or in a variety of colors- you could choose them to match your Wedding colors.

Memorial candles can be used to celebrate an honor a loved on at your Wedding. With their name and photograph and a special verse, a special person will be honored and remembered during your ceremony.

Photos printed on all of the candles look impressive, although they are also lovely without them. A monogram or symbol (such as a cross or hearts) along with text makes for an elegant and unique candle. It is nice that there is no extra fee per line of text.

View samples of candles and find ordering information at Custom Designed Candles.

More Wedding Planning Articles

Champagne and Cake Receptions

Wedding Receptions have traditionally been where Bride and Groom spend the most of their Wedding Budget. Usually in the realm of 55% of the total wedding cost will end up in the Wedding Reception. A traditional Champagne and Cake Reception can help you defray the total cost of your Wedding without losing any of the elegance that you expect on your wedding day.

Typical Champagne and Cake Receptions are cleverly timed to ensure guests to don't arrive or leave your Wedding hungry. A late afternoon Ceremony immediately followed by the reception will help guarantee your guest have had lunch and are out in time for dinner.

Some of the Wedding Day pageantry is sacrificed in the budget saving reception. You are still able to have your wedding dances and cake cutting event. A receiving line is possible and look on as a main event in a Champagne and Cake Reception. And don't forget the classic bouquet toss, which will also give a great moment for a honeymoon getaway.

Typical menu of a Champagne and Cake Reception is a little more involved. The main attractions is the Cake, but you can also include fresh fruits and assorted pastries. Beverages are limited typically to Champagne for toasting, soft drinks, sparkling waters, coffee and tea.



The best part is typically, depending on the selection of cake and name of the champagne, you can have a Champagne and Cake Reception for between $5 and $20 per guest. This is drastically lower than the avg. $80 to $120 per guest at a dinner reception.

More Wedding Cost Cutting

Wedding Cost Cutting

More Wedding Planning Articles

Involving Junior Bridesmaids

Junior Bridesmaids seem to be increasingly popular these days. It’s a fabulous way to include a very special girl in your wedding, even though it may not be entirely appropriate for her to be a bridesmaid yet. She could be your cousin, your sister, your daughter, your niece, your best friend’s daughter, or have some other special tie to you and your fiancé. She’ll be thrilled to be a part of your wedding, and in a more grown-up capacity than a flower girl.

Bridesmaids do a lot of planning before a wedding. The grown-ups still do the heavy lifting in the planning of the shower, the bachelorette party, and other gatherings, but it is easy to involve the younger members of the bridal party. Have the older bridesmaids ask her for her opinion on games to play, food to serve, or how to decorate the space. Definitely recruit her help setting up for the shower, serving food, greeting guests. She can be actively involved, without all of the responsibilities of an adult bridesmaid. She can attend showers and rehearsals, but will probably sit out the bachelorette ;)

On the day of the wedding, a junior bridesmaid walks down the aisle like the other bridesmaids, carrying a bouquet like the other bridesmaids, and stands at the altar, like the other bridesmaids. To signify the difference between junior and “full” bridesmaids, the junior bridesmaid’s dress may be the same color and style, but a different cut. The bridesmaids might be wearing spaghetti straps or strapless dresses, but the junior bridesmaid has short sleeves or sleeveless. Her bouquet might have the same type of flowers as the bridesmaids, just be a little smaller. She can have her hair done like the older bridesmaids, be wearing similar (though possibly more juvenile) jewelry, etc.

Asking that special young woman to be a junior bridesmaid will tell her how much she means to you and create lasting memories, without putting too much of a burden on a youngster.

--Minnie

More Bride's Guide Articles