Thursday, April 30, 2009

Old Wedding Traditions Are Being Replaced


It has been happening little by little over the years, but it seems to be in full bloom as we speak. Maybe it's the economy and budgetary restrictions, but more and more brides are opting for smaller and more intimate affairs than weddings of the past. Maybe it isn't about the money at all because they're still spending money on their weddings but they are redirecting the funds.

Instead of paying to wine and dine 200 weddings guests, brides are planning destination weddings and picking up the tab for their small bridal parties. Grooms and their groomsmen are heading off for a long guy's weekend for the bachelor party while the bachelorette and her gal pals are heading out for a long weekend girl's getaway of their own.

Private homes and unique venues are replacing the grandiose churches and hotel ballrooms of the past. Las Vegas has seen an increase in the number of brides and grooms they send down the aisle. Some are at the chapels, but some of these weddings are luxurious affairs, but smaller and more intimate.

It may no longer be in style to have your mother or grandmother's wedding. It means that you have the freedom to make your own traditions, or honor the traditions you choose to adopt into your wedding ceremony and reception. It is your wedding, so put your own spin on it.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Gray is the New White


Bridal Bliss at InvitationBox.com


The latest in the wedding industry seems to be that gray is replacing white in the color scheme. Gray adds a very classy look and feel to your nuptials. As the bride, you aren't required to wear it, but gray on your bridesmaids with hot pink accessories or pearl accessories creates a breathtaking look.

You can carry the color scheme throughout your wedding, so it doesn't have to stop with the dresses. And with varying shades of gray to choose from, you can find the hue that creates the look you're searching for. Start with your wedding rings. If you're planning on platinum or white gold rings, these make great accessories for the bride and groom using gray as their wedding color.

From invitations to favors and decor, you can weave the gray color scheme from one detail of your wedding to another. It's an elegant and stylish color that works with a variety of accent colors. If you're looking for the a new shade for your wedding, gray may be the answer you've been looking for.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Top 3 Romantic Gifts for Lovers


While being married has a lot to do with the emotional relationship you share, there is also a physical aspect of being married that has to be attended to. Romantic Gifts is an online retailer that offers romantic gifts for lovers.

If you're looking for some items to add spice to your wedding night, or want to buy a thoughtful gift for a wedding shower or bachelorette party, this one-stop retailer offers such a variety, you're sure to find what you're looking for. You may even find something, you didn't know you needed until you see it online.

Top 3 Romantic Gifts for Lovers


"The Fantasy Suite Gift Set"

From the beautiful packaging to the delights it contains, The Fantasy Suite Gift is sure to add to any special occasion. This is a great gift to send to the honeymoon suite. From two silk robes to massage oils and more, the kit contains everything required for a romantic night in.


"A Romantic Gifts Favorite - Chrome Bedroom Dice"

Fun and games are sure to add some spice and excitement to a romantic evening or honeymoon. Each roll of the dice brings a new surprise and new set of instructions.


"Remind Your Partner How Much You Love Them"

This set of postcards allows you to write love notes in style. When you slide a postcard in your spouse's lunch in his underwear drawer, you'll remind him how much you love him.

A lot goes in to making a relationship and marriage work. Don't forget about the romantic side of your relationship. Whether it's for your honeymoon or for some alone time when taking a break from planning the wedding, keep the romance flame lit in your relationship with Romantic Gifts.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Trade in the DJ or Band Expense: iPod Your Wedding


Times are tough, and if you need to cut back on your wedding expenses, one of the areas you can make a cut in is your entertainment. Not only does using your iPod save you money, but it also ensures you hear all of your favorite songs. You can even play them in the order you want.

Using your iPod for your wedding music is perfect for small intimate weddings. You can buy a small sound system to hook your iPod to in order to project the music. Or check with your venue to see what options they have available.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Wedding Dress with a Cause

Whether you're looking for a way to be environmentally friendly when shopping for a wedding dress, or give while you're getting, the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation can help. This foundation grants wishes and creates unique experiences for breast cancer patients.

How do they fund the cause?

They sell brand new and gently used designer gowns.

Check the website for events and locations held around the country. Tickets to preview the gowns cost anywhere from $25-$35. The site also lists participating shops offering sales that donate a portion of the proceeds to Making Memories.

Another way you can participate in this cause? Donate your wedding gown after your wedding. Double your involvement by buying your dress from Making Memories and donating it again after the wedding.

How else can you wear the designer wedding gown of your dreams and join in the fight against breast cancer simultaneously? Visit www.Making Memories.org for more information, events, and gowns.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Webcasting Your Wedding

morguefile.comYou've heard of webcasts for business meetings. It cuts down on travel expenses and allows everyone to partake in the meeting activities. Apparently, webcasting has made its way to weddings!

A few companies and a handful of videographers are providing wedding webcasting services to their clients. This allows couples to elope but still include their wedding guests in the event. The difference is the wedding guests enjoy the wedding in the comfort of their own homes or offices.

This is a great idea for relatives and friends who can't afford to travel or can't make it to the wedding for some other reason--illness or having to work. It's also a great way to throw an environmentally friendly wedding because it cuts down on the travel emissions, food production, and more.

One company that handles destination weddings in the Destin, Florida area is www.LiveVows.com. They'll either handle the webcast for you or provide the raw wedding footage on DVD, which you can then share with your virtual guests. Another company that handles various locations is www.WebCastMyWedding.net. You can either handle the webcast yourself for a fraction of the cost, or they'll send a company representative to handle the webcast for you--for a higher price than if you handle it yourself.

Several Vegas wedding chapels also offer the webcasting service, which takes the pressure off couples who choose to elope, but still want to share their special day with friends and family. And it may just be a great way to keep those relatives at bay that you don't want to have to deal with anyway!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Top 5 Areas of Your Wedding with the Most Green Impact

When it comes to going green for your wedding, every little bit counts, but if you're wondering which areas of your wedding impact the environment the most, you've come to the right place. If you can green only certain aspects of your wedding, pick the five biggest areas to focus on.

1. Consumerism. Just because it's green doesn't mean you have to buy it. So if you don't need, don't buy it--even if it is green.

2. Amount of guests. The smaller the affair, the smaller the impact on the environment. Along with your budget, the environment is another reason to only invite the guests you truly want to be there.

3. The location. The closer the wedding location to your wedding guests, the better. Some guests will need to travel no matter where the wedding is held, but central locations limit the amount of emissions from car, air, rail, and bus travel.

4. Food & beverage. Go organic as much as possible when it comes to your food and beverages. Use foods from local growers, etc.

5. Vendors. Choose vendors that provide the products and services that emit the least amount of emissions, so buy from local providers, or providers that are as close to your wedding location as possible.

You may not be able to change every single aspect of your wedding to make it environmentally friendly. If you're looking to make the least amount of impact with your wedding celebration, then tackle the areas of your wedding that make the biggest impact. It'll make the celebration even more festive and leave less of a mark on the environment while having it.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

3 Ways to Tell if Your Wedding Is Green or a Green Wannabe


You're planning a green wedding and you're shopping for green vendors and products. The problem? You're having a hard time separating the real green vendors and products from the wannabes. Here are three easy ways to weed the fakers out.

1. Read the labels. Look for organic endorsements such as USDA Organic, LEED, and Fair Trade Certified.

2. Do your homework. Use websites such as www.safecosmetics.com, www.ftc.com, and www.coopamerica.org to research environmental practices of various companies and products. These watchdog agencies call out the fakers and point out the "genuines."

3. Ask the right questions. What are your environmental practices? Where does this come from? What do you do with the garbage? Do you recycle? Who are your local farmers? Are your workers native to the area?

A few simple steps on your part can help you separate the tried and true green vendors from those jumping on the bandwagon.