Wedding White

September 28, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Attire, Wedding Planning

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White is white…right?  Wrong!  Any woman in search of that perfect wedding gown will be the first to tell you that she has discovered otherwise.  After waltzing into her local bridal shop;  and being faced with row upon row of gorgeous white wedding dresses, many a bride, has been shocked to discover that there are countless shades of white…There are : creamy whites, eggshell whites, brilliant whites, white whites,  blue whites; as well as other hues of white that she may never have dreamed of! For many, this has been a rude awakening, and an unexpected ‘punch’!

With all of these shades of white around, how do you decide which is the right one for you?   A good place to start would be with your own skin tone.  The shade you select, should be one that is best for you.  First of all, you will need to know whether your skin tone is either cool, warm or olive.  Experts tell us that if your skin tone is ‘cool’, bright white is often the right choice; as its blue undertone very easily complements this particular skin type.   If your skin tone is ‘warm’,  because of its creaminess, a soft, ivory shade may be the one for you.  Olive toned skin requires a  not-so-stark ’white’ that is on the deeper end of the spectrum.  Ecru and antique white can often show off a skin tone of this type to its best advantage.

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to selecting the gown of your choice, it is nice to know that there are resources available to assist you in choosing one that will help you to look your best on your very special day.

Additional Source: EisemanColorBlog.com

Bad Daughter/Dad Wedding Dance Songs

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photo by by Corrie…

Okay, y’all.  Let’s have a little talk about the first dance with your dad.  Call it the Father/Daughter Dance, the Daddy/Daughter Dance, The Give The Bride Away Dance, whatever.  There are songs that are just PERFECT for this particular part of the most special day of your life, and then there are songs that you should absolutely, no matter what, stay away from.

Obviously, if you have a special song that you used to dance to with your daddy – your little socked feet atop his shiny shoes – by all means pick that one.  We’ll assume since it’s a song you danced to when you were a wee thing that it’s most likely family-appropriate.  It doesn’t necessarily have to have anything to do with dads, daughters, or dancing, but if it’s special to you and your Pops, that’s all that matters.  If you’re stumped, go with a song about a good relationship between a dad and a daughter, like “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder or “Gracie” by Ben Folds Five.

Here is a short list I’ve compiled of songs you shouldn’t under any circumstances dance with your dad to at your wedding:

Father Figure by George Michael
I Want Your Sex by George Michael
Actually, stay away from almost every song by George Michael
White Wedding by Billy Idol
Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
Come to think of it, stay away from Marvin Gaye, too.  His dad did shoot him to death, after all.  Bad mojo.
Squeezebox by The Who
Gold Digger by Kanye West (who would undoubtedly jump out from behind the curtains and tell you that the girl who got married there before you danced with her dad better)
Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
Like a Virgin by Madonna
Justify My Love by Madonna
Brickhouse by The Commodores
You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate
Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Thank Heaven for Little Girls by Maurice Chevalier (trust me, it’s creepy)
Papa Can You Hear Me by Babs (from Yentil – sad song, don’t do it)
Tears In Heaven (about death, dig?  don’t do it)
AND
Push It by Salt n’ Pepa

If you can think of more no-no songs, post a comment below.  If you want to fight for one of these tunes, do the same!

Why Wedding Reception Invitations?

September 24, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

Wedding invitations and wedding speeches are important part of the planning, however they can have different style and type just like fall wedding invitations.
Why are wedding reception invitations different from the wedding invitations as such? The arrangement doesn’t suit everybody due to the higher costs that it involves. It seems that if the wedding ceremony and the party occur in the same place, wedding reception invitations are not necessary. On the other hand, if the party is held somewhere else, then separate cards are sent.

Wedding reception invitations give guests a good idea about where they need to go, and they are normally mailed together with the wedding invitations but on separate cards. Moreover, it is also necessary to add a response card in the envelope so that the guests may confirm their participation. Such a detail is very important given the fact that you need to make arrangements with the caterers for the party, and you have to know how much food and drink to order.

In special cases, the ceremony is organized in a very quiet and simple mode, while the reception takes place at a later time when all the friends and family members join the couple. Wedding reception invitations are meant to provide all the necessary details. Consequently, you will send more wedding reception invitations than wedding invitations.

Then, it is good to know that the wedding and the reception invitations have to follow the same decorative line although they are designed in a different way. Use common elements for uniformity, but also distinctive patterns to allow a differentiation between the two types of invitations. You can use the same envelope for mailing but with different pockets, and, for the reception, you should not forget to add the response card too.

Do not overlook costs: you will pay more when you have separate wedding reception invitations because the number of items will be double. There are ways to cope with the money challenge if you buy discounted cards or if you choose the do-it-yourself solution, printing all the cards starting from distinct free templates. When the budget is very tight, be as inventive as you can to keep costs minimum and to achieve good aesthetic effects and a positive feedback from your guests.

The Most Expensive Wedding Dresses in the World

September 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Attire, Wedding Dresses

No matter who you are, the bride’s wedding dress is going to make a big dent in your budget and as many a man has discovered, whether he be the bride’s father or the groom who are paying for it, they end up being highly perplexed that a dress which is only to be worn once can cost so much money.  When you are dealing with cost issues in your wedding, it may help you to consider that these items, and the wedding dress ranks very high up there with them, are not so much about “cost” as about the value they give – the look and feeling they give to the bride, the groom and the assembled cast who are participating in the wedding.

As the credit card advert says, “Priceless!”

From the humble wedding to the sublime or ridiculous, you can take your pick; we have the wedding dresses where money is clearly no object and nothing has been spared for delivering the ultimate creation.

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The most expensive wedding dress in the world to date is the USD $12 million creation, known as The Diamond Wedding Gown, which was the result of a collaboration between Renee Strauss (owner of a super successful, wedding salon in Beverley Hills) and Martin Katz, a rare jewel dealer.  The dress itself uses over 150 carats of diamonds and to give you an idea of what this means, the typical engagement ring rarely hits a full carat and hovers around the half-carat mark.

The Diamond Wedding Gown was premiered in 2008 and took the title of the most expensive wedding dress in the world from a design by Yumi Katsura of Japan.  Her creation followed the same traditional white design as The Diamond Wedding Gown, but came in at a paltry USD $8.5 million though it does lay claim to containing over 1,000 pearls and one of only two 5 carat white gold diamonds in the world.

peacock_dressComing down to the mid-range in terms of expense, we have the Peacock Feather Wedding Dress which was launched in 2009 and contains 2009 peacock feathers to commemorate the year.  For a miserly USD $1.5 million you can have the ultimate in mating display for your wedding day and for the non-traditionalists, it isn’t white.  One word of caution here, with a display of male peacock feathers of such grandeur, you should not be so surprised to find the bride being trailed by a long line of brown hens!

We have to take all of these dollar values with a pinch of salt given the recent economic wrangling; Vera Wang who is the wedding dress designer to the stars and claimed the most expensive dress she’s ever made was the unused wedding dress for the J-Lo/Affleck marriage that never was, is now selling her wedding dresses at a 50% discount compared to last year.

Finally, there is a chance for all of us to get into something, expensively uncomfortable, and then hang it in the closet for the rest of our lives!

Pearls: The Ideal Wedding Gemstone

September 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Jewelry, Wedding Planning

pearl-necklace-weddingMany brides put on their mother’s or grandmother’s pearl necklace for their wedding, thinking this is a sweet sentiment. But the meaning behind pearl necklaces is just as thoughtful and special to a bride-to-be. We’d like to share it with you now – so you understand exactly why women for centuries have chosen pearls as their wedding jewelry of choice giving them as much importance as their engagement rings.

Most of you surely have noticed the pearl, lustrous, white and smooth. They have been considered precious by men and women for centuries – some might even say as valuable as diamonds. Pearls represent innocence and purity, ideal for a bride to wear for her wedding day. The most popular color for pearls is white. Pearls have a beautiful, shining luster to compliment a bride’s love light in her eyes and her traditional white wedding dress. The radiant glow of the pearl easily reflects back the bride’s natural beauty. These natural gems are an ideal choice for brides of all ages and personal tastes and styles. What if the bride isn’t wearing white? Not to worry….pearls are available in a variety of colors now from deep purple, soft pink, gold and even black. The very fussiest of brides can be soothed and pleased with a feminine, pretty pearl necklace to suit her wedding day dress.

Pearls are also available in many different styles of jewelry, from necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. Go for a truly luxuriant look with a three-strand choker on your wedding day. Or tiny seed pearls in seven or eight strands for a feminine look. Or a classic single strand pearl necklace in white or ivory. These pearl jewelry styles easily compliment many wedding dress looks.

To obtain pearls, one needs to find them from oyster shells. Some have said that pearls were created from raindrops falling from the heavens. Very romantic thoughts indeed! But we have to admit there is certainly something romantic about the very act of finding pearls. You have to search to find just the “right” oyster and not every oyster will have that pearl. Just like finding your lovely bride – pearls are selective and special. The perfect way to show the woman you love that you’ve found someone you truly want to keep forever.

The pearl is a romantic gem and often is given as a token of love. For many years the pearl was considered to be the most valuable of gemstones. To give or receive pearls showed the value of a relationship. One’s bride is valuable and precious indeed.

So as you put on your pearl necklace like your grandmother and her grandmother before her, remember the romantic pearl’s history. This sweet sentimental gem is honored to be with you on your wedding day!

Source: http://crystal-cure.com/pearl.html

Upgrade your honeymoon: Get free perks on your honeymoon

September 22, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

After the hectic pace of wedding planning and the actual event itself, it’s no wonder that newly married couples are eager to take time for just the two of them on their honeymoons. Many newlyweds look forward to splurging on a bit of luxury, relaxation and T.L.C., but the budget isn’t always there to pay for V.I.P. treatment. Getting free upgrades and perks on your honeymoon is not guaranteed, but hopefully with these tips, brides and grooms can score a few getaway extras.

Find honeymoon-friendly service providers
When honeymoon planning, research to find out what accommodations in your preferred area (and airlines that service those cities) have either a history of treating honeymooners or a dedication to providing high-quality customer service. Use travel review websites, speak to your friends and family or chat with a travel agent.

Show your loyalty
Airlines, hotels and restaurants like to get repeat customers by developing loyalty through frequent flyer programs and membership systems. If you don’t already belong to them, you should sign up (they’re usually free). The hospitality industry is geared toward pleasing individuals that show an interest in becoming long-term customers, and members of their programs tend to get front-of-the-line service. Always remember to reference your relevant membership numbers when completing your honeymoon bookings.

Bring it up at booking
Mention your trip is a honeymoon as you make your reservations. Many online booking forms have a field that asks if you have any special requests. This would be the place to make one. If there is anything specific you would like for your romantic getaway (i.e.: a certain view from your hotel room, a spa treatment at the resort), say so. It’s your best bet to make these requests early.

Use your charm
When a couple is genuinely happy and enjoying each other’s company, people will ask if they’re celebrating a special occasion. It is natural for you to mentioning that you are on your honeymoon. It’s a great opportunity for brides and grooms who aren’t very comfortable asking for free upgrades to bring up the subject.

Try to be positive and not pushy when you do ask about potential upgrades. Show that you do understand the limitations and that you can handle the rejection without giving any attitude. Often if you’ve been courteous, non-demanding and friendly with hospitality staff, they’ll try to give you the next best thing to an upgrade during your vacation or trip. While it might not be a first-class ticket, some free bubbly, a welcome package or some other perk are certainly better than nothing at all.

Make sure you bring proof… Better yet, wear it..!
It is common practise, especially for hotels to make sure that people asking for honeymoon upgrades, are actually honeymooners by asking for proof. Remember to bring a copy of your wedding license with you just in case it’s requested.

Some couples have had luck in getting honeymoon perks without having to outright ask by wearing “Bride”, “Groom” or “Newlywed” hats or T-shirts. Observant airline attendants have been known to bring complimentary champagne or wine to honeymooners when they notice they’re onboard. This is perfect for people that aren’t confident in making special requests – you can let your gear do all your talking for you.

Asking the right people
Besides letting people know about your newlywed status at the time of booking your trip, the following individuals can also provide some sway on your stay when you mention you’re honeymooning:

  • Airport ticket agent:  If a class upgrade isn’t possible, see if you can get better seats (window or roomier emergency aisle) within the same section. However, don’t press the issue – the ticket agent likely has a long line to deal with and not much room to wiggle in.
  • Gate agent: The gate agent at the airport has the most influence when it comes to moving passengers from economy to business or first class. When you arrive at your gate, ask the agent if there’s any room on your flight for some seat shuffling. Be kind, understanding, patient and flexible. If you’re lucky, they’ll call you over just before boarding to give you some good news.
  • Airline attendant: After everyone’s boarded, ask if it would be possible for you and your new husband to enjoy any unoccupied first-class seats. Due to regulations, this isn’t always possible, but if you’ve asked nicely (and handled the rejection well!), you’ll often find that airline attendants can give you a little something extra (like a congratulatory drink!).
  • Hotel front desk: When you booked your trip, the hotel or resort should have noted your honeymoon status and hopefully already put an upgrade request in place. In any case, when you arrive, do mention it to front desk. The check-in attendants can see if there are last-minute upgrades that can be arranged. Mention the things that interest you such as a beach view, a larger suite, late checkout, free excursions or a complimentary breakfast and so on. If they know what would make you happy, if it is available, and if you’ve been pleasant, they’re usually all too glad to make it so.
  • Waiter/ Waitress: if you mention that you are on your honeymoon, a free dessert, a bottle of wine or champagne could be on the house. When you leave, don’t forget to thank your waiter or waitress and leave a nice tip if you are honeymooning in North America!).

Be thankful
If you receive special service on your honeymoon, be sure to thank those who give it to you – during and after your trip. Positive, grateful remarks stand out among hospitality staff and you may be surprised how many of those get logged officially. You could get the royal treatment on your return visit if you are lucky!

Make sure you do enjoy your honeymoon regardless of the perks and upgrades you may or may not get. It’s your first vacation as husband and wife and should be treasured.

Click here more more artilces on Honeymoon Destinations in NZ

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All You Need to Know about Picking Top Wedding Dance Songs

September 16, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

There are a lot of aspects to plan when it comes to your wedding, but the reception is one of the most important. Dancing is perhaps going to be a big part of your reception. After all, the cake has been cut, the ceremony is over, and it’s time that everyone gets the possibility to party. Of course, you’ll want to pick some awesome wedding dance songs to dance to during this part of the reception.

When it comes to wedding dance songs, you’ll want to choose a tune for the first dance with the groom. You also require a song for the father and daughter dance as well as a appropriate song for the dance between mom and son. These are all vital dances, but when they are finished, you may be wondering what you should play for your guests to dance to.

If you are going to select wedding dance songs, there are a number of different aspects that you need to hold in mind when picking the most appropriate songs to keep the party going. First of all, you should make sure that you pick out a lot of different music so the older guests as well as the younger guests will find something that they prefer. When you choose out a variety of different songs, everyone will probably find something to their taste.

You surely want to avoid songs about ex-partners, having your heart broken, or going with a breakup. Make sure that you do not pick out wedding dance songs that anyone will find offensive as well. You do not want to upset them, but you do want to select out some fun songs so everyone will get out there and have fun dancing.

Some brides are a little afraid of selecting cheesy wedding dance songs. Well, that’s all right. It’s your wedding, and it is totally all right to go with songs that may be a bit on the sappy side. Nobody will have a problem with these songs. Just don’t make them all cheesy.

It’s a great idea to pick some wedding dance songs that really make you get up and dance. You see, the tunes that no one can hear and sit still. There are a variety of great songs out there that are sure to get everyone dancing. Some examples are “Straight Up,” by Paula Abdul, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce, “Get the Party Started” by Pink, and “Walk Like an Egyptian” by the Bangles.

For the older guests, you’ll want a few older wedding dance songs. Songs such as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes, “Come Fly with Me” by Frank Sinatra, and “Twist” by Chubby Checker. Some cheesy and fun songs are perfect too, such as “Shake Your Booty,” “Who Let the Dogs Out,” “It’s Raining Men,” and “Whip It.”

As you can see, there are a lot of fantastic wedding dance songs out there that you can use at your wedding reception. Just ensure you pick music you like and pick music that will make your guests have a wonderful time out there on the dance floor.