Knot Plan

Shoestring Wedding II

admin — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:24:49 +0000

Flowers bring color and glamor to a wedding but can also burst a hole right through your budget. There are things that you can do that will make your wedding beautiful but won’t break the bank. If you are getting married in a park let nature do its thing; if you are using a tent, potted plants on tiered shelves placed in strategic spots may be all you need. The plants and shelves may be purchased in big box stores or even Target or Wal-Mart and you can use them in your home after your big event. You can even use potted plants for centerpieces. Place them in large decorative pots in the center of tables or small decorative pots placed at individual settings. Use the same plants or different plants in the same color. You may also buy cut flowers from a Costco, grocery store, or even on-line, and create your own centerpieces using rented or purchased vases. The Christmas Tree stores are a great source for vases of all sizes and shapes and you really can’t beat the prices. Of course, doing it yourself requires last minute work, and a little talent, so it can be nerve wracking, but the savings are worth it if you can handle it. Table centerpieces don’t have to be flowers either. Experiment with varying sizes of candle holders, from tapers to pillars. Place them on a tray or mirror and presto—instant chic. Also try colorfully wrapped gifts piled up in the center of the tables. The gifts can be taken by the guests at the end of the celebration. Candies, cookies or cupcakes served on tiered plates also make fun centerpieces and are welcomed by guests. A little imagination goes a long way especially if you don’t mind doing the work yourself. If you do choose to use a florist give them a budget and see what they can do. If they are good they will be able to offer lots of suggestions to make your day perfect.

Pick a Wedding Officiant

admin — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:34:33 +0000

Before choosing an officiant for your wedding consider each others religious beliefs. Choose a wedding officiant that is respectful of your beliefs and can design a ceremony that brings the special aspects of your faith to the forefront of your day.

Decide what type of ceremony you desire. Here are some types of ceremonies to consider. A Spiritual Ceremony is an inspirational ceremony that is beautiful and sacred. It is universal in content and not based on any particular religion. A Religious ceremony is a ceremony of a particular denomination such as Jewish, Catholic, Episcopal, or Muslim, or a combination of denominations. The ceremony uses rituals and traditions from one or more religions. An Interfaith Ceremony or Interdenominational is a blend of religions ranging from only some religion to being entirely religious. Interfaith is a respect for all of the many different religious beliefs and spiritual understanding. A Non-denominational Ceremony serves the purpose for the bride and groom who are of different religious backgrounds. The wedding officiant can creatively bring in prayers or traditions that will not offend either side. A Civil Ceremony is a non-religious ceremony that does not contain any prayers or religious customs. A couple can include poems, songs, or writings that are important to them.

Remember, choose an officiant who is willing and flexible in putting together your ceremony your way. You should meet your officiant, in person, before the wedding, to go over all details and establish a repore before your big day. Discuss dress code, and be sure to include your officiant on your list of invitees.

Weddings on a Shoestring

admin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:03:29 +0000

Having a budget for a wedding is a very important and intelligent strategy. If your budget is small it is even more important to micromanage every detail. This does not mean that your wedding can’t be fun and meaningful to you and your guests. Let’s look at some possibilities. The wedding venue, food, and drink usually take the biggest chunk out of your budget. Aside from the obvious possibilities of where to hold a wedding, look into state, city or town parks.

Many have pavilions or buildings on site that can be rented for a nominal fee. Decorations can be as extensive or as limited as you would like to make them. Many historic sites can also be rented at reasonable rates. Many churches and other religious sites may also have halls that can be rented. Some require you to use their caterers, and there goes your savings. Look for places where you can provide your own food or caterer. As far as food is concerned, think outside of the box. Instead of a sit down dinner consider an extended cocktail hour with an emphasis on the food, whether it be hors’ doures or a buffet set-up for help yourself picking throughout the reception.

A fun wedding usually provides food, drink, dance and socializing. If you force people to get up for their food maybe they will socialize more. Food does not have to be exotic either, in fact many brides are going back to comfort food, such as mini hamburgers, pigs in a blanket, mini wedge slices, fried raviolis, burritos, chicken wings or pieces, different cheeses with crackers, and fruit. Instead of a traditional wedding cake perhaps a dessert bar with coffee would be more appealing and more reasonable. Again, people can help themselves, eliminating the need for waiters.

Liquor is a big expense for the bride and groom. Consider serving it at the cocktail hour only and then switching to wine and beer or just soda and ice tea. It is a big savings, and it is a decision for you to consider. Please do not opt for guests to purchase their own drinks; it is something that should not be done.

This is your day. Focus on what you would like at the reception. Set a budget, negotiate everything, shop around, and compare. Stay tuned for more shoestring tips.

Top 10 Wedding Dress Designers

Knotter — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:57:19 +0000

Monique Lhuillier
Vera Wang
Priscilla of Boston
Elie Saab
Amy Michelson
Reem Acra
Maggie Sottero
Melissa Sweet
Anne Barge
Watters & Watters

Second Weddings

Knotter — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:56:19 +0000

With so many divorces it’s amazing that people continue to get married. Not just once, but multiple times. I guess everyone is hoping to hit the right key. So when you do find the right one and want to commit, go ahead and celebrate too! Most couples don’t like to look at it being their second or third wedding, but as a first for them as a couple. Encore weddings are usually paid for by the couple themselves so all the decisions are made by them too. Most often the guest list is smaller and includes more of their friends and associates, as opposed to their parents friends. I’m told it is OK to invite ex-inlaws, just not ex-spouses.

Etiquette prescribes that that there is no need for an engagement party or shower for encore couples. Today’s brides may opt to have one anyway, but it should be kept informal, and invitations can read “ no gifts please”. Sometimes intimate theme parties are held, such as wine, garden, or household goods parties.

If children are a part of the marriage, they should be a crucial part of the celebration too. The wedding should be a family affair, with the children participating as much as they want to. One interesting idea is for couples to have their new family members join them in their first dance. Vows can also be written to include kids to love and respect the new partners. Special medals, or rings, or necklaces, can be exchanged as a symbol of the couples commitment to family.

Many wedding consultants advise against an encore bride wearing pure white, unless the gown or dress is less formal or less traditional than a first time bridal gown. No veil should be worn, but flowers, or hair jewelry is appropriate. Etiquette states that there is no “giving away” of the bride, as this was done the first time, nor is there any processional, or bridesmaids per se. The bride just enters the ceremony site herself, and one or two friends may be there already to stand up for the couple. As with any wedding, the encore couple should try to ensure the good time of their guests, as well as establish fun memories for themselves.

Spa Treatment

Knotter — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:03:46 +0000

One of the best ideas that my daughter had for her wedding day was really a treat for all the ladies involved in the day. She hired two beauty technicians to do our hair and makeup. We had reserved a suite at a local hotel, which also housed any guests that needed or wanted to stay the night. The bridal attendants, my daughter’s mother-in-law, her grandmother, a special aunt, and myself arrived at the suite early and lively. Mimosa’s were made; we also indulged in bagels and fruit,as well as cookies. All the attendants, as well as the bride, were having upsweep hairdos so our professionals started to work immediately.

One by one we were transformed into stunning creatures that befit the day. As we waited our turn, we drank, talked, laughed, and ordered in pizza. The technicians, who we have known for years, were like a two man comedy team. Aside from hair and makeup they had a regular sitcom going. Of course, the occasion lent itself to fun but everyone was having a ball. We commented on each others hair, made fun of some makeup choices, but came away looking great and were very relaxed and looking forward to the evening ahead. I know that many brides get their hair and makeup done at salons, but having the professionals come to us was special.

It brought the wedding party together, and we all calmed down the brides nerves. She even enjoyed a short nap while she waited for her turn. The mothers’ loved being pampered and being part of the fun. The cost was not inexpensive, but I feel that it was so worth it. If cost is an issue perhaps a few friends who have some talent in the cosmetic field would be willing to glam up the wedding party as a wedding gift, or for a reasonable fee.

Wedding Music

Knotter — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:34:20 +0000

Nothing sets the mood of a wedding day more than the music. It signals the brides entrance to the ceremony and provides background for the cocktail hour. During the dinner dance part a good band or DJ sets the tone for fun. We have all heard that music can make or break a wedding, and know that to be true. An experienced band leader is entertaining and keeps the party going. Today’s wedding guests have seen and heard everything from gospel singers, chamber groups, soloists, 12 piece bands, jazz groups and more. In order to choose the best musicians you should, of course, listen to them, in person, and interview the band leader.

Sometimes couples enjoy groups they have heard at friends’ weddings. Wedding venues also keep a list of musicians who have performed at their spaces. But again, you should listen to them in person; some bands might use studio musicians who don’t otherwise play with with them regularly. Also be specific with bandleaders, many leaders have several bands within their companies but perform with only one of them. Make sure who you hear or see playing will be playing at your wedding. You don’t want any surprises that day. Consider your location when making your decision about music. Out door settings are challenging because of access to electrical outlets, but professionals can handle that. Indoors or out make sure that your venue has adequate space for the size band you would like.

Bands usually look forward to a list of songs that you would like played; this gives them a good idea about the overall tone of the day. Don’t forget about a list of songs that you don’t want played! Be wary of bands that can’t play a variety of music, and put everything in writing. While budget is always important it is best not to scrimp on your musicians. In order to save money though, think about hiring music students from a local college. Many are eager for the experience and the cash. Soloists and chamber groups can be used for the ceremony, and cocktail hour while “saving” the professionals for the reception.

At one wedding that I attended a solo harpist played at the church ceremony. The performance was beautiful and unique, and the musician happened to be a student. Whatever type of music you have at your wedding, make sure it reflects your personality and ensures that a fun time is had by all your guests.

Wedding Day Jewelry

Knotter — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:06:15 +0000

Many brides want to sparkle on their wedding day and their choice of jewelry can do just that. If your lucky enough to be able to wear jewelry pieces that have been handed down, or pieces that have been borrowed for just that day remember that a little glam goes a long way. Today many costume jewelry designers manufacture many pieces that can fool the untrained eye and brides are wearing their pieces with their own to create a once in a lifetime look. There are some rules to follow though so you don’t end up looking like a jewelry store advertisement.

Take your wedding jewelry with you to your dress fitting. You might envision your pearl necklace looking stunning with your wedding gown, only to find that it looks terrible with the neckline.
Make sure the jewelry doesn’t compete with the gown. If your gown is ornate simple pieces might be better. If the dress is plain, some jewelry is a must.
Don’t wear too much. If your dress has a scoop or strapless neckline a necklace should be bolder than a pear of earrings. If the dress has a high neckline the earrings should be bigger. Wearing a bold necklace, and a strong pear of earrings would be an overstatement.
Sometimes a single stunning piece is enough.
Comfort should be an important factor in choosing jewelry. Make sure the necklace isn’t too tight, or the earrings don’t pinch, or the bracelet doesn’t catch on your gown.

When it comes to jewelry for the hair, tiaras make the most dramatic statement. Diamond headbands are another alternative, as are diamond barrettes. Few women have occasion to wear them for events other than their weddings. Most brides today tend to remove their veils after the ceremony, so sparkling jewelry for their hair makes them still look bride-like and special.

Wedding Favors

Knotter — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Most brides usually decide to present their guests with a “thank-you” gift on their wedding day. The history of this gift giving began centuries ago when European aristocrats sent their guests home with a bonbonniere or in Italian bomboniere. These were not just given at weddings but at birthday parties, and other occasions. A bonbonniere was actually a box made of porcelain, crystal, precious stones or metal. Inside there are usually goodies made of sugar. It was from these boxed and gift wrapped confections that today’s wedding favors came about. Weddings were considered a lucky occasion and by passing treats the wedding couple felt that they were passing their good luck to their guests. In most instances 5 almonds or candies were given and represented fertility, health, wealth, happiness, and longevity.

Today, anything goes with regards to favors. I’ve received vases, picture frames, candy boxes, angels, small dishes, figurines and of course candy. Couples have also given lottery tickets, candles, and seed packets. My daughter and son-in-law gave a donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of their happy union. They notified the Society beforehand and they sent them bookmarks with a written sentiment that my daughter had composed. We attached ribbons to these bookmarks and they were placed on top of the napkins, along with some bundled candy, as part of the table scape for their wedding. I’m sure that other charitable societies also offer similar items if you contact them before an occasion. Many wedding guests commented on the donation and felt that it was a unique wedding favor. It doesn’t matter how extravagant, or unique your wedding favor is; even a quote or poem, or original prose can convey a thank you for being a part of a couples special day.

What Should The Brides Mom Wear

Knotter — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:24:34 +0000

As a young women about to get married I visited about four Bridal Salons before making my wedding gown choice. As mother of the bride I traveled the entire Eastern coast and visited every boutique, department store, and salon. I tried on dozens of dresses, suits, and separates in every color and fabric in hopes of finding the appropriate ensemble for my daughters’ wedding. I knew that I would never outshine my daughter, nor did I want to, but I did want to look fabulous. I was told that the mother was the second most looked at person at the wedding so I didn’t want to disappoint. As hostess, I wanted to look good not dowdy.