July 21, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Sorry I’m late, my wife was involved in an accident and she has a minor injury to her left eye so it has temporarily disrupted my work pattern. OK back to business……………
The wedding cake is the great opportunity for the bride to show her personality and style, it also can be used to underline the theme or style of the wedding. So your cake can be round, square, octagonal, tiered, layered and any color you wish, decorated in any way you want, well that about covers it for today….
Seriously your wedding cake is an important focal point for your reception and represents all the traditions and ceremonies on this important day in your life. When I started catering for weddings in the 70’s wedding cakes were very elaborate, almost always white with the usual figurines of the Bride and Groom on the top. However they are so much more creative now, showing lots of style and flair, even a little eccentricity. One thing has remained constant over my years of experience, that’s the color of the wedding cake the off-white color range remains the most popular from ivory through cream to champagne, I guess it’s a throw back to the older wedding cake traditions.
My best advice is to take some time to sit down and make notes on what style and colors you want for your wedding cake, get samples of the materials you will be using for your bridal dress, so that the pattern of the material can maybe spark some creative ideas, similarly take a sample of the colors for the bridesmaids dresses so that matching or contrasting colors can be added to the mix. Do not forget to say that yours is an outdoor wedding, as this may have some influence the choice of style and decoration.
When you have got as complete as list as you can, and you have had chance to talk your ideas through with the groom, friends and family, or not, the choice is yours, it is your day. Then take a trip and look around at the local wedding cake makers, take some time to study their quality and designs. Initially just talk over your list of ideas, colors etc and give them the opportunity to come up with design ideas. Remember you are going to them because of their flair and creativity, so give them chance to show it.
When you have gone round all the ones you want too, then make your choice of who to go with, wedding cakes are very personal so go with the one whose designs you like but also you have a good rapport with, this will be important later. Once the selection is made, check that the price includes any set up fees, cake stand, wedding cake knife so that there will be no surprises when the bill comes.
All that remains is that you keep in close contact so that you can be sure that you get the cake as planned.
Wedding cake traditions
As a post script I just thought I would tell you of the “traditions” that I have come across over the years
i) The cutting of the cake was traditionally regarded as the first joint act as husband and wife
ii) The small top tier of a traditional style wedding cake was always regarded as the christening cake and was normally stored away for the arrival of the first child
iii) The cork from the first bottle champagne had a small cut made in the bottom and a silver coin (nowadays it would be a silver colored coin) inserted it the cut, this was usually presented to the bride and groom by the bride’s father as token of good luck, for a long and happy marriage.
July 9, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Firstly the thing to remember is that the wedding cake is bold statement, almost a work of art, how it tastes is almost of a secondary nature. It is the center piece, the focus of attention for your wedding reception and will be photographed probably as much as the bride and groom, so the image will live with you for a long time, so yes it is that important.
Secondly the cutting of the cake is second only to the placing of the wedding rings on fingers in terms of the ceremony involved. With this in mind, as yours will be an outside wedding, a quick note when choosing your design make sure that is stable, probably without pillars, uneven ground and the chances of an unstable cake table it does not bare thinking about.
The cake table should preferably be on the right hand side of the top table, close enough to be convenient (remember that in the full wedding dress you will not be as nimble as you usually are), but more importantly in a prominent position for the ceremony of cutting the cake. You need to ensure that not only is there enough space for you both to get behind the cake and that there is sufficient space in front to allow your guests to take pictures of the event. The professional photographer will have taken the ‘official’ pictures prior to the commencement of the reception, so the actual cutting of the cake is basically for family and friends and possibly the inevitable wedding video.
OK we have got the set up done, we have the audience (your guests) and the principle actors (the two of you) are all in place, so here is the script and the directors instructions:
Best Man - It will be his job to set the action in motion the formal phrasing will be something like “ ladies and gentlemen please be upstanding while the Bride and Groom cut the cake, you can take as many photographs as you wish” hey I told you this was a ceremony, but he can use his own words as long as they mean the same.
Bride and Groom – at the rear of the cake table facing the audience
1) Take the decorated cake knife and place it in the Brides right hand, the Groom will then place his hand on top of the Brides. Make sure at this stage that the knife is visible to the audience.
2) Place the tip of the cake knife onto the bottom or middle tier and make a small cut, hold this pose for the rapturous of the audience and the seemingly endless photographs, which may take several minutes. The best man will have to make sure that everybody who wants to get a photograph has had the opportunity to do so, before moving on the Act 3.
3) Then, if the reception is being catered, the Bride and Groom will return to their places on the top table while the caterers cut the cake into small pieces for all those attending, it is usual for the small ornaments on the cake to be put with the pieces of cake for the top table guest as a memento.
4) If you are catering the reception yourselves then you can be a bit more relaxed and have some fun, instead of making a small cut instead cut a small slice then the bride and groom can then feed each other, messy but fun.
5) A small but important final point, make sure that there are pieces of cake cut for all the family and friends who could not be at the reception. This is particularly important for any of your elderly family members who could not be present, make sure that wherever possible you both take the cake to then as soon as is possible after the big day it will mean so much to them
Next time we will talk about design and presentation of the cake
July 2, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Renting a wedding car can be an expense and of course if you are having your outdoor wedding and reception at the same location then it probably will be totally unnecessary anyway. Having said that, there is nothing better than making a grand entrance in some fine vehicle.
Depending on the logistics you may be able a horse and carriage but in my experience it is not a good idea unless you need only to travel less than a mile, it looks great on the photographs. But let us say that in the hundred years or so that we have had cars we have lost our touch with horses, they can be hard to control, smell, and you tend to forget just how big they are close up.
If you have a peculiar or exotic hobby such as hot air ballooning, water skiing, or similar then it the right circumstances arriving in such a manner can be spectacular.
For the rest of us there is the wedding car and if you are not fortunate enough to know anyone who has a large car or convertible t6hen you will have to hire one.
They fall roughly into two categories the antique and beautiful older vehicle, and the modern not quite so beautiful limousine.
Antique Cars
Are very special and you will look wonderful arriving in a fine vintage model, just make sure that wherever you rent the car from has a back up vehicle, I have lost count of the times
Antique Wedding Car
over the years that the bride had to arrive in a taxi because the fine antique car that had been rented especially for the wedding would not start or had broken down en route. A word of warning if the antique car belongs to a family friend then make sure that you can get in and out of the vehicle in your full wedding dress.
Limousines
Make sure that you use a reputable limousine company, you need to be sure that the car will be properly cleaned after the previous nights party night.
Whichever type of vehicle you choose a few tips to make sure that you get what you think your have rented.
1) Do not book any vehicle without seeing it, a pretty picture of some vehicle somewhere is just not good enough. Take the details of the car so that you cab ne sure of getting the same one on the day.
2) Get recommendations before visiting the company office, if that is not possible as ask for contact details for a couple of previous clients of theirs.
3) Pay only a reasonable deposit and the balance after the job is completed.
4) Make sure that they have a back up vehicle for the bride and sufficient cars for the rest of the immediate bridal party as required.
5) Ensure that you have an exact schedule for the arrival time, the journey time and the finish time for the contract.
6) Get all of these details in the form of a signed contract before parting with the deposit.
June 25, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
The lyric of this romantic song
“Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air”
sums up for me outdoor weddings, in a few simple words, as outdoor weddings are very romantic I always have the feeling that love really is in the air. A loving couple set against a naturally beautiful background, it just not get any better than that .
However putting the romantic aspect to one side for a little while, getting married at an outdoor location, whilst being very beautiful , can have its problems particularly for all the female guests attending. Keeping a hold onto a graceful elegant look when having to deal with the possibility of heat, humidity, insects ,wind and if you are really lucky rain can strain any girls resolution, particularly the Bridal party (hopefully in your case you will sail through without incidence as hundreds of brides do very year).
A few pointers here that will allow you to stay cool calm and collected throughout
I generally suggest that we take things in the order that you will get ready for your ceremony, in other words start at the top
Hair
Simple and elegant are the keys , when you are talking about your look with your hairstylist ensure that everybody knows you are having an outdoor wedding ceremony. Allow your hairstylist to fashion a look for you that will be easy to care for and stand the strains of possible heat maybe a bit of a light wind. Using some time now will keep you at your best for the ceremony and for the all important photos that will be circulating in the family forever ,
Tiara
Because you have decided on an outdoor wedding theme think about a simple circle or tiara of flowers, possibly fresh but if it is going to be hot there are some excellent silk florals that will keep their, and your good, looks all day. The veil could be a hazard especially if it is going to be a hot day, so if you feel you really have to have one, or a family tradition then go with it please do but try to keep it short and if you can get it designed so that it can be taken off after you walk down the aisle
Makeup
Take your style from nature keep your makeup light and natural so that you do not start to ‘melt’ if it gets too hot. The same goes for accessories and jewelry light and elegant are best for the ceremony, it all helps to keep you cool
Wedding dress
you should consider using natural fabrics that breath such as linen, cotton or a fine cotton voile all of these fabrics will allow for maximum airflow and keep you looking and feeling cool and elegant. Pick a design suitable for an outside wedding ceremony, I’ve said it before but simple elegance will carry the day go for a slightly tailored design that will not get blown around.
Shoes
Having to walk around all day on grass, in high heels is something you will probably want to avoid, the thought of falling down the aisle should convince you to go with flat shoes or at least with a very low broad heal.
These few tips should help you to look your best whatever the weather turns out to be on the day and this way you will need only the lightest of touch ups before the photographs. Remember you are going to be looking at them for years so you need to look your best, have one of your bridesmaids keep a touch up kit with her so that you can do minor repairs to your hair and makeup.
Forward planning of you total look and style, which you will have coordinated with the natural setting of your outdoor wedding, will make the day less stressful and you will be able to enjoy your big day so much better. Have a great day!
June 18, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
While the weather is warm and romance is in the air, you know spring and summer, a lot of people choose to jump the broomstick or just plain get married and settle on romantic outdoor weddings, and it’s a wonderful choice. It means with a touch of style you can make you’re outside wedding fit most budgets, think about all the crazy ideas you have seen, heard about or just thought up. There are so many different styles and themes to choose from and if you use your own or a family back yard you be able to have a tremendous day for just about dollars and change.
Dress up the yard with whatever floral things you can, set out some tables and chairs that you can beg, borrow or steal from your friends, garden torches can be set out round the yard (as the garden torches are have oil in them ensure that they are securely set into the ground- above all when the party gets going is in full swing).
Borrow some coolers, get plenty of ice,- cold beer, wine and soda’s are essential, if it is hot make sure you have plenty of water or if you are having a Southern Wedding then it’s plenty of iced tea. Your guests will be outside for almost the entire day so make sure they do not dehydrate.
Wedding cake you do not need an expensive wedding cake, have baking night and bake* some cup cakes, decorate them to mix in with your theme and pile them high in tiers. Display on a small separate table adjacent to the buffet table.
If you have never baked in your life cup cakes are so simple to make take a trip to the store and buy a four or five packets of cup cake mix and some paper cake cups and then follow the instructions on the pack to have to spend loads on posh outfits for the ceremony, an elegant sundress for the bride and shorts and shirt for the groom. As your friends will have probably been in on the planning they will already know, but make sure all your guests know that it is casual dress ONLY.
Menu – put whatever BBQ favorites you like on your menu, probably hot dogs and burgers for the kids (young and old), because the guests will be helping themselves (well it is the servants day off after all) make the barbeque dishes light on the sauces, so that your guests stay relatively sauce free.
The BBQ needs to have some salads, fresh fruit, chips and maybe salted nuts (don’t forget Granma’s Potato Salad recipe – it could be your Mothers/Sisters/Auntie’s what I am trying to get over is that if any member of the family or any friend has ever given you a recipe for any salad dish, now is the time to use it or you may never hear the end of it).
Desserts are again an chance to use old/not so old family or friends dessert recipes, just be careful it may be hot out in the yard so take care with ice-cream, but whatever you like is good.
Try the same menu and buffet for all these three themes, possibly add some shrimp to the BBQ if you are having the surfin’ theme.
Outdoor weddings Country style
This one is great fun and if if your backyard is in the right location so cheap to do, all you need is some straw bales and some preferably red and white check cloths and a homemade “hitching post” like in the old western movies outside of the saloon, where the bride and groom can get “hitched” (married). The menu and lay out of the backyard will\can be identical to the BBQ theme, dress for the bride and groom would be very nearly identical with the possible exception of denim jeans for the groom and a elegant wide hat (try linen for the authentic look for the bride. Some country music and you’re ready to go.
Outdoor weddings Surfin’ Party
Turn your backyard into a cool surfin’ beach, its very romantic and very cheap, the tables and chairs that have you begged or borrowed, just set them haphazardly around the yard and cover them with blue table clothes cloths (disposable cloths are good).
To get a bit of weight on top to hold\secure them in place, get some inexpensive glass vases, clear straight sided are better, part fill them with sand, put an ordinary white household candle (nothing fancy) into the sand, then put some pebbles or shells onto of the sand.
If you do not want to buy any and you can’t borrow any vases, just use large pickle jars (lets face it who is going to have a use for 10 or so glass vases after the parties over). Take the pickle jars clean them out thoroughly, purchase some clear blue plastic film from you local craft store, place on the inside of each jar then do the sand and candle thing, for an extra bit of panache stick a few shells onto the outside of each jar.
The buffet and cake table can be given some flair with sand and pebbles, to prevent the sand getting into the food, you might think about spraying it with some mounting glue, from the craft shop to stop it getting all over the place. If you are unable to get the glue, try my mother’s old trick and spray it with inexpensive “extra” hold hair spray.
The candles on the tables will give your evening party some real atmosphere, you may probably want just a few garden torches as well, but possibly fewer than for the other two themes.
Music to match the theme and then it’s surf up and its party time
Weddings are serious occasions whether you have your actual ceremony in the yard or a more traditional ceremony at a separate location, however when the ceremony is over, then relax enjoy your day with friends and family, they will have a ball and be talking about it for years.
June 11, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Your reception décor is just as, if not more important, than your ceremony’s decorations because your guests will be spending more time here and anyway their attention, during the ceremony, will be focused on you not the surroundings. The importance of the reception décor is to create an area where your guests will feel comfortable eating, mixing with the other guests, and dancing. They will be in the reception area for possibly several hours.
Marquee Reception Décor
If there is a suitable area I would strongly advise you to consider renting a marquee for your reception, it will give shade if the weather is sunny and shelter if the worst happens and it rains. Select a marquee that allows you to raise or lower the sides so that depending on the weather you can create an open or closed space. Rent an attractive liner as a back drop for the top table, or the case of an informal buffet, as a backdrop for the buffet. If you decide that you want and enclosed marquee then consider having a full lining the effect can be magnificent.
Autumn Colors - Village Hall
Coordinate the colors of the floral decorations with the tables, you can either use white table linen with accent color overlays, or accent color table linen. If you like chair covers and ribbon backs then this is the time to use them. If you are having a theme for your reception you can really go mad with, for example, hay bales and check cloths as a ‘Western or Country theme’, or an area of sand with beach tables and sunshades for a ‘dessert island theme. As the marquee is a temporary structure you will have much more freedom to let your imagination take over.
Decorate the marquee supports with flowers and/or ribbons, have strings of lights around the walls of the area, use light and shade to create atmosphere once the sun goes down.
If you decide that you want a more relaxed feel to your reception and you are in an area where you can be fairly certain of good weather, then have an open air theme, accent the area with larger versions of your ceremony decorations. As you will not have the natural boundaries that a marquee will provide, define the reception area with lighting such as net lights on bushes or trees, garden torches are great for creating boundaries or pathways
Whichever style of reception you choose make sure the decorations are secure and cannot be easily knocked over, tripped over or blow away, also bear in mind what may be quite safe and visible to all during daylight hours may take on a different aspect when the sun goes down. You do not want to spoil your day with an accident happening to one of your guests.
Season
Although summer months are popular for weddings, many brides are choosing to move their weddings into early fall to avoid the spring rains and summer humidity. Check out The Weather Channel for extensive weather coverage for your geographic location.
Hour of Day
In addition to planning your wedding around the time of year, you want to plan the right time of day. Early morning weddings can be cool, but dewy grass can make guests and bridal party members uncomfortable. It also leaves less time for day-of preparations.
Afternoon weddings are festive and sunny. Unfortunately, this is also the time for daytime temperature highs.
Sunset or late afternoon/early evening weddings are stunning to behold. Although the heat has worn off, be sure to arrange seating so that guests do not have the sun in their eyes.
No matter what season or hour you schedule your wedding for, you can be sure that it will be a gorgeous ceremony to behold. Choose your location carefully and decorate your ceremony and reception using the natural décor as a guide to stunning outdoor wedding ideas that will make memories to last a lifetime..
June 4, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
The most wonderful thing about outdoor weddings is, that you get chance to coordinate your wedding theme with the natural beauty of your chosen location and you can keep your decorations simple. Complement the natural colors of the ceremony setting, that way you will only need a few decorations to complement what nature has already given you.
Summer Floral Ceremony Theme
Ceremony Decor
Enhance nature do not compete, maintain an elegant simplicity with your decorations and you will find the result truly stunning. Beautify your ceremony location with any of the following ideas, bear in mind the following key words when planning your décor:
Simplicity – “less is more” to coin an old phrase, I always picture simplicity in floral decoration as reflecting an effortless coordination with its surroundings. This means that simplicity is usually a little more difficult to achieve, because whoever is doing the decorations needs to be sensitive to the natural surroundings. Color combinations can either match the existing natural beauty or strike a subtle contrast, use shape to bring out the colors, vary the heights maybe even tiered floral displays can work effectively. Keep the number of decorations on the low side, remember enhance nature not compete.
Elegance – a chance here to really show your style, try using mock architectural features like fluted pillars, trellis, work anything that you can get to the location easily. Green foliage with contrasting leaf shapes, shades green or variegated leaves either in tall vases, planters or elevated on columns or pillars, can be the epitome of elegance if used with style. The subtle use of ribbons and tulle on trellis cab also add stylish finishing details to the overall theme.
Candelabras – a little more ostentatious but if it works in the surroundings and you like candelabras the go for, it is your day.
Archways – wooden, natural or floral are all brilliant for giving a focal point for you ceremony
Aisle runner – this maybe essential to protect the grass, plain colors are best and make sure that it is firmly secured.
Chair covers and bows – look good on the first row of chairs they draw the focus to the front of the ceremony area. Note these can be quite an added expense and when the guests are seated you cannot see them anyway.
Row end decorations – are very effective they are extremely visual, they funnel the focus down the aisle to where the ceremony will take place. Use floral, tulle, even potted plants. Note do not let them encroach into the aisle to far or the may catch on the bridal dress.
Harmonize the decoration theme from the ceremony area into the reception area to create an overall designer theme throughout
May 29, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
When making the final plans for the location of your wedding, choose a place that reflects your personality and a place that that has some meaning or connection for the two of you. Decorations for such a location will then be a combination of the things you like and simple touches to enhance the natural beauty of the location you have chosen. You will undoubtedly have built up a great many wedding décor ideas which will make it difficult to decide on one, fix the location then the decorating ideas will fall into place.
Fabulous Fall Colors - Perfect Outdoor Wedding Location
Outdoor wedding locations can be:
Parent or relative’s backyard
Local nature preserve
Lake areas
Parks
Butterfly gardens
Country clubs or golf courses
Gardens at historical homes
As with most things in life how much you can afford or even how much you want to spend will ultimately narrow down you options as to the location. A point to remember when setting out your budget, is that you need to have a clear idea of what you want before you start. Another thing to think about is that even if the location is inexpensive, you may end up paying much more in the end if the package you are offered or put together yourself, does not include all the things you want. So look carefully at all the packages available to you because you may find that a cheap package is not so cheap if you have to pay for extras, and so will cost you more than the more costly package that was on offer.
I have made a list of services that you may or may not want, go through the list and decide want you want before you look for locations:
Wedding coordinator dedicated to your wedding, so that you can speak to the same person during the planning. Will they be available and present at the location on the day of the wedding?
Somewhere conveniently located for the bridal party to prepare themselves for the ceremony, it may be an idea to make sure that you can still use this facility after the ceremony to do any minor repairs to hair makeup etc prior to the all important photographs.
Set up costs for the ceremony to include.
Seating (possible hire charges and set out fees)
Aisle runner
Ceremony – what will be made available for the actual nuptials
Floral decorations including set up costs.
Marquee for the reception (will it be available for the ceremony in case it rains?)
Tables, chairs, etc. for reception.
Catering services (are they supplying the wedding cake).
Bar service and fees for alcohol and bartenders.
Music or DJ services.
Dance floor set-up.
Clean-up costs, – are they included for after the ceremony and reception.
Most of the popular venues will have more than one wedding per day during the season, so confirm the exact times for each part of your wedding day with your coordinator. It is vital that you know how much time is allowed for the ceremony, photographs, drinks prior to ceremony amongst other things, so that you do not clash with other weddings.
Be sure to find out if your wedding has a time frame in which it must take place. Popular wedding sites often book upwards of three weddings or more in the same day. This can place a tight time constraint on your wedding day activities, including setup and take down time.
Make full use of your designated wedding coordinator to ensure that you have all the answers to when, how, how long, how much, finish times, what is available, what extras are there, what can you bring with you. If you are arranging music and/or entertainment for the evening, make sure the venue can cope with the requirements for the band/DJ like access , arrival and clear away times, electrical needs
May 20, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Just imagine the sand, the sea, the sun what a combination to make your wedding unique, fantastic, and romantic beyond words. Many 100’s of couples choose to get married on the beach for those very reasons, soon decide to have the ceremony on the beach and the reception inside – safer but not so romantic or adventurous.
The beach wedding theme again breaks down into two broad price categories there are many companies whole specialise is organising your beach wedding , they will be able to offer you destinations and locations world-wide starting in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and around the world with local information on hotels, wedding packages, wedding planners and local vendors. They will also offer you complete services such as beach wedding invitations, favors and gifts and beach wedding attire for both the bride and groom. So all you have to do is chose the destination, the guest list and they will do the rest, you just need to turn up with your check book!
You will have all the romance with the sun, sea and sand in fact probably the perfect day, at a perfect price.
The perfect beach?
However there are ways to get all of those things at a fraction of the cost, with a little bit of planning and a sense of adventure. There are a few things you will need to take into account and make allowances for these features unique to coastal reagions.
Tide Although on some coastlines the tide does not come all the way up the beach leaving plenty of room for your wedding, just remember that in some places the beach is under water twice a day. Make sure you check the local tide charts.
Weather I know that anywhere you chose for your wedding is prey to bad weather but there is nothing more dismal than a soggy beach. There is nothing you can do to guarantee good weather, so don’t worry about it but have a backup plan, just in case.
Public Places Most beaches are open to the public so be prepared to have some curious onlookers, so when you are making your plans try to secure a more secluded spot for the ceremony.
Eating on the Beach This can be great fun but you need to keep in mind things like refrigeration and keeping the sand away from the food, all the usual things you have to deal with for a family picnic. This is defiantly the alfresco choice for your wedding!
As to location you might want to consider some of the following choices as a sort of half way help
You might be able to find a hotel on the beach with a swimming pool, were you could have your small intimate reception.
For nature lovers there are many parks or nature reserves that have special BBQ areas some with tables and benches that you could utilise for your ‘reception’.
There will also be either churches on or close to the beach where you could have your wedding, with luck they will have a church hall or community hall that you can use for your reception.
Lastly for the seafarers among you try chartering a boat to take you and your guests for a short cruise it will make a perfect finale following your beach ceremony. There will also probably be the ever popular and more affordable “sunshine cruise” ,some with a dinner option, or maybe a “booze cruise”.
The two least thought about but very important considerations are:-
Accessibility wherever you chose for your big day make sure that all your guests can get to the wedding, especially the older guests.
Photographs the lighting is different on the beach, the sun reflect off the sand so make sure that whoever is taking the pictures has the right camera. Because if the pictures do not come out well you might have to do them all again next month – I don’t know though, that might be a great idea anyway.
May 13, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Garden weddings are very romantic and can be high cost or relatively low cost, it all depends on your budget and your ideas for your wedding day.
We will take the high end first, this route means using a garden wedding venue that will supply everything you could wish for from the garden “chapel” for the ceremony to the reception either inside or, to continue the garden theme in a marquee. There are numerous venues offering their services online in every state in the union so selecting the right venue for you again comes down to our budget and your style.
Garden Wedding out in the country
The first thing you need to decide on is how many guests you are going to invite, and a guestimate of how many of those you invite will be able to come. You know there are going to be people, usually relatives, who you feel you have to invite but who will not be able to come, there will also be some who will be out of time depending on the season. However you arrive at the final figure then that’s the one to go with, you can then look at the possible choices and match them up with your numbers. Weather of course will be a major factor, make sure the venue has the capacity to make alternative arrangements if the weather turns for the worse.
So finally you get down to a shortlist of say 3, then you need to go through the services they offer and check that the services, and the prices, they are quoting include everything you will need (chairs, tables, food, decoration, glasses, etc.) for the reception, don’t forget the dance floor for the evening, plus the arrangements for the ceremony chairs, decorations, flowers make a list make sure that there will be no nasty surprises when the final total is calculated. Compare all the quotes, see which you feel offer the best in the style you set your heart on.
Then we have the home garden weddings where the budget available means that you have to do most of the work yourself with the help of family and friends, this means that you can have fun arranging your wedding the way you want it, it gives you an excellent opportunity to be creative.
Dress up your garden with a gazebo or two to shade your guests, then for that picture perfect setting have a wedding arch. They can be inexpensive and when decorated with flowers and or lights will give you a backdrop for the ceremony and for those all important wedding pictures.
Just because you are having a home garden wedding does not mean that your wedding theme options are limited to only florals or cactus or anything of the sort. You can use any wedding theme you like. You can be bold and creative in your choice or you can be traditional or classic or out of the ordinary. Any wedding theme, as long as it suits your budget and taste, is perfect for a home garden wedding setting.
Outdoor weddings especially garden weddings are so special and very romantic. Whichever way you go, it is your day make sure it is what you want, garden weddings are so beautiful especially with the spring flowers or with the autumn colors.
May 7, 2010 - Posted by Chris - 0 Comments
Outdoor weddings are un-inhibiting, and allow you to show your true feelings by demonstrating your love under your own terms. There will be a few problems you will need to sort out mostly in the initial planning, before we can get to the fun stuff.
Outdoor weddings are possibly the most romantic, beautiful and exciting way of getting married to the love of your life. The setting for your wedding will not be restrained by the confines of any room or conventional venue, rather it will take full advantage of all that nature has to offer. That being said to get the greatest effect you need to take special care with all the arrangements, there are a few things that can trip up your plans, but if you follow the advice here I am sure that together we can create your ideal wedding.
Highland Theme Autumn Wedding
A few vital questions we need to answer in your plan-
The weather will be unpredictable so you need to try to cover all the bases, some more easy to deal with than others. The first consideration will be the season and the average weather conditions associated with that season and will be the starting point for all your plans.
Too hot and sunny – make sure there is as much shade as possible either natural ,or sun shades and umbrellas, make sure that you arrange for plenty of drinks to be available throughout the day, especially during and prior to the ceremony. Remember that alcoholic beverages have a dehydrating effect, so ensure that iced water and plenty of soft drinks are made available.
Rain – the biggest curse for any outside ceremony, even the professional forecasters have a dismal accuracy rate, so you need to have a plan B, without which a sudden unexpected downpour can spoil all your efforts,. If you are having the ceremony outside and the reception inside or in a marquee then ensure that they are in close proximity to each other should there be any hint, in the 3 day forecast, of inclement weather. If this can be arranged then with a little last minute effort the ceremony can be moved under cover.
Wind – some venues will be affected more than others, and a little breeze never did anyone any harm, simply take it into account when you plan such things as your choice of fabrics for the bridal parties outfits, light materials such as chiffons are best left indoors. Hairstyles need to be simple and elegant so that can be quickly and easily touched up before you have the all important photographs. It is also a good idea to have somewhere that the principle guests can have somewhere to make the hair repairs before going on camera.
Too Cold – this is usually a seasonal choice, winter outdoor weddings can be truly magical, but the ceremony should be as brief as possible and have somewhere close by for the guest to warm up. For the elderly guests, lap blankets even some sort of heaters would be most welcome. Have warm drinks ready for your guests as they need them.
Everybody needs to be able to hear and see the ceremony, they arrangements need to take account of the setting of your chosen venue. In the case of, for instance, a beach wedding the audio system will have to be good enough to overcome the sound of the waves, make sure that you can arrange the seating so that all your guests can see. It is your day and everybody wants to see the blushing bride!
So if you are planning to use a favorite special place for your ceremony, probably the most romantic setting for the two of you, then tailor the number of guest s to the location, so that they can all be comfortable. Check out the venue romance has a way of making places different to when you had that special moment, sometimes a second look can be a little disappointing, so just make sure early in the planning stage that it matches your memories. If the venue is in a public setting them make sure that you can get permission to have your ceremony there and that there are facilities such as restrooms (most important) either close at hand or can be rented and placed onsite.
If you are still with us after sorting out all the initial planning – WELL DONE –the next stages are the fun bits that will make your day very special.