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How To Hold A Beach Wedding Reception

February 20, 2012 By

Many brides dream of having a beach wedding. Who wouldn’t? If you’ve attended one before, or perhaps have seen some beach wedding photographs online or in magazines, you have to admit that it’s quite hard not to get envious. If you also dream of having one yourself, take note of these tips that will help you have the perfect beach wedding reception.

Do a walk-through of the venue

It’s a mistake to think that all beach venues are the same. While it’s true that they have the same elements—sun, sand and the sea, there are plenty other things that make each beach unique. This makes it imperative for you to do a walk-through of the venue you’ve chosen so you can take note of which specific features to highlight, which areas to spruce up, and how to dress up and organize the entire venue. Doing this will also help you in mapping out the space. Ensure that you allot enough space for the number of guests attending. Rule of the thumb is to allow 10 to 15 square feet per person.

Get everything in writing

Make several checklists. One is for all the tasks that need to be done. Include a timeline, calendar and due dates. Prioritize the bigger tasks like booking the venue, hiring a caterer, choosing the theme and décor and so on. After the major tasks are accomplished, you can start focusing on the smaller details. Another list is for all the items that you need to shop for. Specify the items so narrowing down your choices won’t be that difficult. This will save you plenty of time. Don’t forget to keep a copy of all the signed contracts from the vendors. Read the fine print and ask questions before signing any.

Create the reception timeline

A very important element of the reception is the timeline. Without it, the entire event will be a mess so be sure to plan out yours properly. Usually included in a reception timeline are the following: cocktail hour, couple’s entrance, welcome speech, first dance of the couple, mother-son dance, father-daughter dance, meal time, meet and greet with the guests per table, cutting of the cake, bouquet tossing, and dancing and partying. Include a time limit for each part of the program so that you don’t spend too much time on one part and not have any more time left for the others.

Plan for the outdoor elements

The weather forecast tells you there’s nothing to worry about but this doesn’t make it 100 percent sure. Plan for backup in case rain decides to visit you on your special day. Reserve a tent or have a nearby indoor location where guests can transfer to in case. The wind is another thing you should plan for. Install wind tarps in strategic places and avoid decorative elements that can easily be blown away. On top of these, equip your guests with items that will make them comfortable during the event. Portable fan, mister, and a bottle of cold water or juice will keep them refreshed. It would also be nice to hand out sunscreen for protection against harmful UV rays.

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Tips For An Outdoor Wedding Reception

January 30, 2012 By

outdoor wedding - confetti bridePeople love to attend weddings, particularly those held in outdoor locations. Why? Because it makes them feel closer to nature. It also allows them to bask in the wonderful warmth of the sun and inhale fresh air. If you’re planning to hold an outdoor wedding, you’re probably very excited about it. But you have to remember that it’s not without drawbacks. There are lots of considerations that you should pay attention to. Here are some of those:

  • Ensure that the guests are comfortable. Think about how the weather will be like on your wedding day. If it’s sunny, guests should be served with ice-cold beverages as well as fans to cool themselves. If possible, rent large fans to keep them cool or a large outdoor tent to keep them in shade. For a wedding in cold weather, rent portable heaters and hand out lap blankets for them to use.
  • Always have plan B. Don’t be too confident about the weather. Even if the weather forecast tells you it’s going to be a good day, you should still have a backup plan that is ready to be implemented in case of an unfortunate circumstance, say a strong rain shower that can leave the guests drenched. There should be a ready tent in case it starts to rain. Or there should be an indoor venue where the ceremony or reception can be moved to if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
  • Plan for windy conditions. Rain isn’t the only thing that you have to worry about. You should also be prepared for what the wind might bring to your wedding. To avoid having problems, avoid light fabrics such as silk and chiffons. The bridesmaids’ dresses as well as your own wedding gown should be made with something that’s less flow-y. Your hairstyle should also be apt for a windy condition so you don’t end up looking like Albert Einstein! Make sure you have wind tarps installed all over the venue.
  • Invest on a good sound system. Since you’re holding the wedding outdoor, it’s more difficult to keep noise level under control. A beachside wedding is surely gorgeous but you’d have to know that the roaring sound of the waves can prevent your guests from hearing what the reception host is saying. This is why, it’s imperative to have a good sound system to ensure that everything that’s going on will be heard by the people attending the wedding.
  • Play up the natural décor. Outdoor weddings don’t have to be decorated elaborately because the setting is already naturally beautiful. You just have to play it up a bit to make it classier. For a garden wedding, make use of seasonal fresh flowers and put them in terracotta pot as table centerpieces. Dress up an arch or trellis with strings of lights, foliage and flower blooms to be used for the part where the couple exchanges their vows.

Like indoor weddings, outdoor weddings may also have a lot of bloopers. Save yourself from these by keeping all these tips in mind.

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Bride and Groom Cake Toppers For The Traditional Wedding Couple

January 15, 2012 By

bride and groom cake toppersYour wedding cake is arguably the most important cake you will ever eat, so it’s important to make every detail count on every layer, particularly on the top. This is where bride and groom cake toppers really make the cake into something special and unique that is a true representation of who you are as a newly married couple. When it comes to choosing your bride and groom cake toppers, you will probably be drawn more strongly towards a traditional look, a funny look, or a unique look. Regardless of which style you choose, you should consider your choice carefully because it really does set the tone for the entire wedding ceremony and wedding reception decorations.

The traditional wedding means long flowing white satin gowns, black tuxedos and tails, pretty pastel flowers, intricately decorated tables with fine linens and china, and a fairytale feeling with all the trimmings. The traditional wedding is elegant, romantic, and maybe even a bit subdued. Many traditional bride and groom cake toppers can also create this classic and romantic feeling as well. They are usually created out of painted white porcelain and the poses are typically of the bride and groom having their first kiss or taking their first dance.

Many couples choose to leave tradition at the wedding ceremony and lighten up the mood a little with funny bride and groom cake toppers rather than traditional ones. The most popular humorous style is of course the image of the groom dragging his feet as his enthusiastic bride drags him to the altar with zeal. While this is most certainly not how the groom actually feels about his new bride, it does add a fun and lighthearted touch to the wedding reception atmosphere and sets to the tone for the fun that should be had in celebration.

Some couples prefer to forego the typical wedding images and would prefer to choose bride and groom cake toppers that are more symbolic in nature. These non-traditional wedding cake toppers go great with any style cake and can add a touch of class to any wedding theme. The most popular styles include the traditional Celtic knot and Claddaugh ring symbols of love and friendship. Even if you’re not Irish, these ancient expressions of love are perfect on top of any wedding cake. You might also like the look of a symbol make out of Asian script that represents love or happiness. Both of these non-traditional bride and groom cake toppers are perfect for anyone who is drawn towards minimalist style.

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Ideas For Novelty Wedding Cakes

November 5, 2011 By

Novelty wedding cakes impress your guests. Often the wedding cake is located at the center of the reception. Novelty wedding cake designs are noticed and express the unique preferences and personalities of the bride and groom.

Consider your budget, the number of guests you need to feed and the wedding theme when choosing wedding cakes. There are a variety of sizes and shapes to consider. Wedding cakes are traditionally tiered but can also be a sheet. Dozens of cupcakes can be used to create wedding cake tiers. Tasty fillings include vanilla, chocolate, custard, strawberry and more with butter cream or whipped cream icings in a rainbow of colors. Have several flavors in your wedding cake to please every palate.

Bride and Groom Cake Toppers

Novelty wedding cakes feature unique colors and designs. Finalize wedding cakes with creative cake toppers to reflect the theme of the day.  A customized cake is an eye-catching way to grab your guests’ attention.

Often a bride and groom are displayed on top of the wedding cake. Usually the bride and groom cake topper looks like the happy couple. There are a variety of options to show off your individual attributes. Is the groom dedicated to sports? Use a groom playing soccer or hockey on the wedding cake. Does the bride love to shop until she drops? Use a sign that says “still shopping” instead of a bride to make all your guests laugh.

Novelty Wedding CakesMix and match bride and grooms are perfect for ethnically mixed couples. You can also select a traditional Jewish bride and groom or a traditional Indian bride and groom to show off your ethnic pride. A cute Asian couple in traditional wedding attire is ideal for an Oriental wedding. A western embrace bride and groom cake topper is perfect at a family hoe-down.

An unconventional bride and groom cake topper shower the honeymoon bound couple in a car, ready to escape on their getaway together. Your guests will know you can’t wait for your honeymoon when you use this whimsical cake topper. If you’re a Cinderella princess bride, display a fairy tale dreams castle on your wedding cake. After the reception, bring your fairy tale castle home to your real castle to display as a treasured memory of your wedding day.

Novelty wedding cakes are a fun way to add excitement and amusement to your reception. Choose dynamic, original cake toppers to finish off your cake.

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Wedding Shower Themes and Party Favors

October 31, 2011 By

The key to any successful bridal shower is to match wedding shower themes to the personality and preferences of the bride-to-be with some consideration given to the guests who will attend. It is critical that whatever wedding shower theme you choose, any gifts or favors are tasteful and celebrate the shower itself as well as the good fortune of the featured guest. Choosing theme related guest favors will make the event that much more fun.

Wedding Shower Ideas

Source: MyDreamWedding.ca

 

Wedding shower themes should reflect the personality of the bride-to-be. Celebrate her life, her career, and her interests; make it about her. Always make sure that the groom is part of the evening, at least in spirit, but remember that the event is about her.

Party Favors that Will Make Everyone Feel Appreciated

Some ideas include a beach theme if she loves the ocean or surfing, an outdoor theme if she enjoys hiking or a crystal theme if her tastes include elegant wine glasses and other glassware. If she is a more formal type person, an elegant dinner party will do the trick and allow for “personal” moments as she opens guests’ gifts.Match the decorations to the theme and enjoy the accolades (it is about her, but praise is always welcomed.)

wedding centerpiece idea

Source: MyDreamWedding.ca

Any gift or party favors should be elegant and tasteful to everyone who attends. This might mean toning down any “racy” gifts if family or friends with differing worldviews attend. Remember that the day is supposed to be about the bride-to-be not about the questionable taste of her friends.

Anther key piece of practical advice is to keep any themes to a reasonable period. A wedding shower can last for hours, but you do not want your guest or the bride-to-be thinking it was a few minutes past good judgment. Start it at a reasonable time for everyone and conclude it with the promise for those wishing to “let their hair down” of an “after-party” for anyone interested. This way, if you have elderly in attendance or attendees with young children, they can depart according to their schedules. Make sure the invitations reflect this sentiment, but also make sure that everyone is welcome to stay as long as they want or leave when they feel they should.

Finally, remember that this is supposed to be a day to celebrate the marriage. Keep conversation and any events lighthearted and try to avoid anything that might lead to the event becoming too serious. Striking a balance, as in life, is a good way to plan a wedding shower that will be remembered for years to come.

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A Tropical Theme Wedding Cake Makes Your Special Day More Exotic

October 20, 2011 By

tropical cupcakeWherever you decide to have your wedding, a tropical theme wedding cake makes your day exotic and special. Top off a traditional wedding, destination wedding or beach wedding with a colorful tropical theme wedding cake.

Tropical themes are popular, casual and fun. You can have your wedding in a restaurant, hall, yard or beach and create a tropical theme. The ladies can wear breezy, gauzy gowns while the men wear informal suits in pale blue, white or beige. The bride, groom and wedding party can forsake formal wear for more comfortable apparel at a tropical theme wedding.

Your decorations should include island colors such as turquoise, hot pink, yellow and orange. Fragrant flowers everywhere are an important part of your island theme. Include gardenias, hibiscus, bamboo, plumeria and orchids. Add fountains, balloons, garlands and streams for a festive flair.

Tropical themes are popular, casual and fun

tropical theme wedding cakeFun favors get your guests involved in your tropical wedding theme. Give out leis to welcome your guests and flip flops to wear at the reception. Hand out tiny bottles of bubbles so everyone can pretend they are blowing bubbles at the beach.

Before your fabulous tropical theme wedding cake is served, you will want an island dinner featuring meals from Hawaii, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Choose foods served at your honeymoon destination to bring your theme full circle. Tasty meal options including coconut shrimp, jerk chicken and roasted pork. When everyone is done with the meal, you can serve that irresistible tropical theme wedding cake.

Everyone will watch your tropical theme wedding cake during the reception and it will be the focal point of all the cake cutting ceremony pictures and videos. Colors and flavors should be sensational, such as a pineapple flavored cake with edible tropical flowers and whipped cream. A cupcake tower is another eye-catching option and you can use a variety of colors, flavors and toppings.
Special accessories add to the island feeling of your tropical theme wedding cake. Seaside utensils are simply perfect for cutting and serving the cake. Special cake toppers make the appearance of any cake more tropical.

Feel faraway where you are with a tropical breeze cake topper. If you have your wedding at the beach, a starfish cake topper brings the day to the top of your cake. For a destination wedding, choose a cake topper that resembles you by having a beach bride and groom. Any cake topper you choose will become a lasting keepsake of your tropical theme wedding when the day is over.

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