Why Rice?

Who decided you had to throw rice at the bride and groom as they were making their getaway? Well, I looked it up and according to the website ncplanner.wordpress.com, it was a tradition that symbolized the bestowing of fertility and many children on the couple. Life obviously doesn't work that way. Throwing rice doesn't make you fertile but it's still a fun tradition so why not do something else?

Something I have seen a lot recently is the use of sparklers! It is beautiful for night getaways and pictures turn out amazing! The scene is often magical and surreal. I worked at a event venue that included it in their event package. Every evening wedding they would provide sparklers for when the couple left. I loved it! I always got to stand behind and watch as the newly wed couple ran through to their decorated car. My heart melted very time. 

Bubbles are another option for the daytime when sparklers just wouldn't work. Bubbles are pretty and float through the air around the couple making a whimsical setting. They aren't my preferred choice because of the potentially slippery mess you make blowing them all over the floor. 

There is also the option of still throwing something that isn't rice. Flower petals are an obvious second 'go to' that make for an elegant scene as they are tossed. For a fall wedding, leaves would be fun. Colorful yellow, red, and orange leaves falling all around would be the perfect touch and make beautiful colorful pictures. They are also pretty great because if they are thrown outside, you don't even have to do any clean up! Something I recently heard of that I really love is throwing lavender. It is beautiful and smells wonderful and it does not leave a major cleanup or cause potential environmental hazards. It leaves everyone smelling delightful and happy. 

So considering throwing something other than rice! Obviously there are other options to rice that make for a much more extravagant moment and breathtaking photos as the bride and groom depart! 

PHOTOS FROM: 

• http://weddingsabeautiful.com/2013/08/26/36-inch-sparklers-can-you-imagine-they-last-for-four-minutes-65-for-box-of-48-3/
• http://inspiringpretty.com/2012/03/12/more-unique-touches-to-easily-add-to-your-wedding
• http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/against-the-grain-5-alternatives-to-throwing-rice-at-weddings-190817 utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Category/Channel:+Main

Source: https://ncplanner.wordpress.com/2012/06/22/why-do-people-throw-rice-at-weddings/

Smores Time!

For a little fun at your evening wedding, consider a smores bar! Although this is ideal for a cold, evening, outdoor weddings, consider it for any wedding. Indoor or outdoor and it could make for a cozy, delicious night and accessory to your wedding! 

For an outdoor wedding of course just have a fire pit ready to go after the ceremony! Set up a table with chocolate and graham crackers pre-split so its easy to grab and go! Guests can laugh around a fire while trying not to make a mess! Of course, since it has the potential to be a sticky mess, make sure to supply wipes for your guests to unstick themselves with. 

Even if your wedding is indoors don't let that stop you from roasting marshmallows! Instead just set up some sterno heaters in a box of pebbles on a table! It's safer for indoors and you can spread out a bunch of mini fires for more people to roast at the same time! It's a fun way for your guests to interact and be active during your reception. They can laugh as they recall memories of roasting marshmallows together as children. And it's also especially fun if you have guests that haven't ever done it before! Here's a few examples for those looking for ideas!  http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/image256001http://www.clipzine.me/u/clip/8609484322457421300

Baby's Breath

It's cheap, it's easy, it's beautiful. What more is there to say? Its other name is Gypsophila and you can buy it online for very cheap. It is a flower that is so easy to use and it looks like little puffs of white clouds when put in big bunches. It costs a fraction of what other big blooms cost and you can save it! I have many friends who have dried it and used it as decoration in their homes! It won't wilt or begin to look bad if it sits out for long either. You can use it in your hair for a floral, lightweight adornment that can spice up any hair style. Also, if you don't want to use just baby's breath, it look beautiful paired with nearly any other type of bloom! Just use it as an inexpensive buffer flower! Get creative with it! You can use it just about anywhere you want: as a centerpiece, boutonniere, bouquet, aisle liner, cake decoration, hairpiece, and many other things! Good luck!

Photos from:  ://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/slideshow/babys-breath-wedding-flowers/3/

Hair Sense!

Your hair. It's a big beauty aspect for your wedding but being creative may be difficult sometimes. an easy way to add some spunk to your hair without having to do a crazy, risky hair do is to add accessories! You can bedazzle your hair with rhinestones and adorn it with flowers of any sort. Get creative and consider even making your own! Craft stores often have many options for jewelry/hair clip making. Look for tutorials and get busy! The cool thing about making your own is that it can be totally customized. Finding the exact type of beads or piece put together the exactly right way for your taste may be difficult. Making your own piece can yield beautiful results that fit exactly what you need! 

I once made a small braided rope that I wove throughout my bun for prom. It was so cool and went with my funky colored dress perfectly! I had people asking all night where I got it and it felt amazing! 

You don't have to stick to just rhinestones and jewels! Try some feathers, delicate chain, or even some leather pieces (like I used). You can use tulle or strings of pearls! you do you girl! Get creative and make your hair as awesome as you want it to be! 

Seating Arrangements

Seating can be a very stressful aspect of your wedding. Whom should sit by whom? Or, more importantly, whom should NOT sit by whom? This is unfortunately a task that not many people can help the couple with because, most of the time, they are the only ones who know everyone coming and their relationships with one another. Of course a planner or friend could do it but that may mean that your crazy college roommate is stuck beside your calm, anxious great aunt which would actually make for a potentially great story... So on second thought, try it out it may be fun. But, if your goal is to plan a smooth running wedding with you as the actual focus.... then that may not be the best plan. 

There are thousands of potential seating arrangements out there! Different types work for different crowds. Younger people tend to enjoy a more casual setting to socialize during the event while older members tend to enjoy formal dining and place settings. It also depends on the relationship your crowd has with one another. A tight, close-knit family may enjoy bigger tables with everyone at the same table if possible; while a not-so-close group may be more content with separate small tables of people they know best. 

Your venue is also a big determining factor of how you can arrange your tables. Some venues are only suitable for certain arrangements due to size or regulations. Check with your venue and planner to see what settings seem to work best with their space. 

Consider also the way you plan to serve your food. Just about any way you serve it, whether it's buffet style or delivered to the table by a server, there will need to be ample room to navigate around the tables. You don't want anyone spilling food and especially on another guest. 

The possibilities are endless so just consider what is most suitable for your event! 

All the Feels

When planning a wedding, the couple should think about how they want to set the atmosphere. Everyone is unique and every wedding will have its own twists and special parts, so don't be scared to try something different! At your romantic evening wedding, why not have a silly photo booth with crazy props in the corner? It is your wedding and you can do what you want! But be sure to consider all the problems with any big plan. Will the dark setting of the wedding allow for good pictures at photo booth? If not then why not set up lighting to make for better pictures!
Though you can do what you want with your wedding, be sure not to try going in too many directions. In order to have a successful, well-flowing event it does need to have some sort of commonality otherwise people will be confused and overwhelmed. A successful event will flow together well and not leave everyone feeling lost at the end of your wedding.

What's in the middle?

     The middle of the table of course! Your centerpiece! It can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire, just consider all your options, as always, and of course, your budget. There are cheap ways to get just about any look you desire!
     Flowers are beautiful and make gorgeous centerpieces! They are so versatile and customizable and just downright pretty. Unfortunately, flowers are expensive. According to theperfectmatchstudio.com, centerpieces can cost anywhere from $100 a piece to $300+ depending on the arrangement. That is a lot to add to a budget, but if you want flowers, go for it! They are beautiful and elegant and make a great decoration for your wedding!
     If you are not sure how much you like the idea of spending up to $300 per table, then there are other options for you! Flowers are typical but are by no means the only way to go. Get creative and look for the alternatives. Dollar Trees have glass vases for cheap and tea candles that can be easy basics for starting your own awesome centerpiece.
     Candles are a common option and work great for a wedding in the evening. They can create a romantic mood and magical setting for your wedding and they are much, much cheaper that the typical flower piece. Here are a few candle examples that are so beautiful that you won't miss the flowers!

All candle photos courtesy of: http://www.deerpearlflowers.com/43-romantic-wedding-ideas-with-candles/ 

     Of course candles aren't the only alternative. Trending centerpiece ideas now are lanterns and birdcages! They are slightly more pricy than candles but they are still not as much as flowers! Both lanterns and birdcages can also look good with or without candles in them. It's up to you and the time of day. An evening reception would probably be well suited to have candles but a reception in the day would look just as beautiful without them! Here are a few lantern and birdcage ideas!

These beauties are available at Amazon.com for only $5.59 plus shipping! Beautiful alone or with candles in them!

This is larger lantern available on Amazon.com that is only $24.66 plus shipping. It looks best with a candle but could also be filled with anything else you could think up! 

   

This is a birdcage that is available on Amazon.com for $12.99 plus shipping. It would be beautiful filled with flowers or candles or even photos! 

Here are some ways to use these Amazon finds to make a beautiful centerpiece!

http://postris.com/pin.aspx?pid=105152&p=1&by=repins&t=30&cat&rnk=0&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+repinly-wedding-events+%28Repinly+Wedding+%26+Events+Popular+Pins%29

http://www.deerpearlflowers.com/36-amazing-beach-wedding-centerpieces/

http://lover.ly/real-weddings/rustic-birmingham-wedding-captured-by-steven-michael-photo/4459/images/92611/

Band or DJ?

Music can set the whole mood of your wedding. The entertainment is a really important factor. Do you wish to have a romantic dinner party or dance your night away? Either way you need to consider what type of music to have. Band or DJ. There are pros and cons to either way but it really depends on what you want. A DJ is generally cheaper but a band can be more personal and unique. DJs have a wide variety of any type of music at their fingertips but a band can personalize songs in a way that a DJ cannot. Either way you must really do your research. Interview the person and look up reviews of their previous gigs. There is a site called Gigmaster.com that allows you to look up bands in your area and it provides reviews for each along with pictures of previous events. Check it out and don't forget about planning this key part of your event!

Dinner Time!

Food at your wedding tends to be an important aspect that guests look forward to. Whether you decide to serve just cake or a full three course meal, you need to consider what fits your budget and your taste. Consider the theme of your wedding, the location, your budget, your guests, and the types of foods you want to serve. 

There are many ways to serve your food. Some of the basic ways are: buffet, family style, stations, plated and heavy passed hors' doeuvres. The buffet style allows guests to get their own food at a main station that has all the food available for them to load on their plate. Family style serving is when each table is given their own bowl of each food item and they can load their plate from the bowls on their table. They don't have to get up and they can pick and choose what they want on their plate from your menu. At a stations style serving, guests can go to different areas to get different types of food. They have options and it's spread out so guests aren't waiting in a long line to get their food. In a plated serve style wedding, guests are served an individual plate of food already prepared by the caterer. You can also plan not to have a full meal served. The hors' doeuvres style serving allows for a more casual setting and guests are able to get as much or as little as they want in small bite-size servings. 

Look for a caterer and ask them what they generally do. Often, their staff is accustomed to serving a certain way and the serving will run smoother if you do it their way. If you desire to serve it a certain way, discuss it with the caterer to make sure they can do it before you hire them for the job. 

Also, when planning to serve food, consider guests' allergies. If there is a child who is extremely allergic to peanuts, either pick a menu not including peanuts or plan for a separate meal available for that guest. It would really put a damper on your day if an ambulance has to come to take someone to the ER for an allergic reaction. 

Good luck in planning! 

source: http://loveincmag.com/serving-style-which-catering-option-is-best-for-you/

http://www.marthastewart.com/274748/cocktail-party-hors-doeuvres/@center/276959/cocktail-hour

http://9weddingwebsites.com/wedding-catering-ideas/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/29/brunch-wedding_n_3618629.html

Do It Yourself!

A great way to save money on your wedding is by making your own decorations! There are so many easy ways to make your wedding personalized and beautiful without spending loads of money on Etsy or wedding sites. It also allows for you to make it the way you want! Instead of spending more money and time looking for the perfect item you need, you can make it exactly how you want it. Creativity isn't even necessary! The internet is one of the greatest tools you have for planning and getting ideas! Etsy and Pinterest are great sources for ideas on DIY things. I will be posting soon with ideas I have found for different easy DIY decorations!

First Look Or Traditional Way?

The moment the groom finally sees his beautiful bride is one of the most magical moments of the wedding. Most people definitely agree that it is a moment they want remembered at their wedding. When he gets to see her is up to the couple though. Many people are now considering a first look between the bride and groom rather than the traditional way of waiting until she walks down the aisle. There are many pros and cons to both and there is really no correct way. It always depends on the couples' desires for the wedding.
The traditional way is due to a "superstition" that it is bad for the bride and groom to see each other before she walks down the aisle. According to an article on My Wedding Chat blog, the tradition of not seeing the bride before the vows, began when arranged marriages were common. There was a fear that the groom would back out of the wedding if the bride wasn't as beautiful as he wanted. Lucky for us, arranged marriages aren't commonplace here now and, most of the time, both parties generally know what they're getting when they marry another person.
There are many articles stating the pros and cons of both ways but I'll just a list a few that are big for me.
Traditional:
Pros:

• The walk down the aisle is even more magical. 
• You get to share the moment of excitement with the people at your wedding. (This may be a con to some people)
• When you the your bridal party pictures, they will actually be of you as a married couple.

Cons:

• Pictures afterwards can be rushed and will keep your guests waiting. 

First Look:
Pros:

• More intimate moment for the couple before they are married.
• More time for photos and you won't keep your guests waiting after the ceremony. 
• You'll be fresh for photos so you'll look your best.

Cons:

• Less magic in walking down the aisle. 
• You won't be married in your photos.

This is by no means a comprehensive list but it includes a few things to consider when deciding. I've even seen photographers who require a first look so they have time to get the photos they feel are necessary. Talk to your photographer about it and to your future spouse. Think about what you value most. Neither is a wrong decision. Whatever works best for you is the best decision! Best of luck!

Sources: http://www.weddingshoppeinc.com/blog/index.php/2015/05/11/should-you-take-first-look-wedding-photos/

What about your Girls?

Bridesmaids' dresses have a bad reputation of being ugly and, unfortunately, some definitely live up to that expectation. I think this may have to do with the fact that the bride may pick a dress color and style that she thinks is pretty, but it doesn't fit the bridesmaid's body or skin tone; therefore, the dress looks very unattractive. I mean I don't think the bride intentionally went and picked out an ugly dress so that her bridesmaids wouldn't look good (but I guess you never know with some brides).
Here are some ways for a bride to avoid traumatizing a bridesmaid with a dress:

• Pick a color and let the bridesmaid pick the style in that color that best fits her body. Although this doesn't fit the skin tone matching it does allow a bridesmaid to pick something she will be comfortable in all night and not self-conscious.
• Pick a color and let the bridesmaid pick the tone or hue of that color. Your bridesmaids will still all match, they will just be in a more complimenting color of their skin tone.
• Let them know what color you want and they can pick a different style and hue of that color to have a dress style and color that fit them best.
• OR you could just tell them a theme you want to follow and they can find a dress for the theme! Ex. Country themed – they all pick out a cute little floral sundress and wear boots. They don’t have to match each other but they still definitely go with the wedding.

There are many options to help ensure that your bridesmaids are beautiful and comfortable in what they're wearing! Check them out!

Colors for Days

Picking the colors of your wedding can really distinguish your wedding from others. It helps create the atmosphere you desire for the occasion. The possibility of colors and décor are endless and you can do just about anything with any colors you choose. There aren't many bad colors to choose. Any colors can be beautiful if executed properly. But here are some main things to consider when planning:

• Venue: Pick colors that go with your venue. Consider what color the walls and floors are at your venue. Look at the décor they have on display or the style of the building. Will your colors go with it? If the walls are red and you want to have a bright pink and green theme . . . you may should reconsider your theme or venue.
• Season: It is important to consider what time of year your wedding is. Certain colors and themes are connected with a season and it may be confusing and difficult to have a bright, pastel wedding in the fall.
• Color Associations: When picking pairs of colors, consider what the colors are associated with. For example, unless you are going for a Christmas themed wedding, red and green are most likely not a great color scheme. Red and green could still look goof though if you maybe used different shades of the colors. Such as a more coral red tone and a pale green.
• Color Compliments: Research your colors. There are colors that naturally compliment each other and go together well and there are colors who do not. Maybe look for themes with complimentary, analogous, or monochromatic colors.

Just remember, this is your day and you can have it any way you want! These are just tips to help you make a decision that you won't regret and that will be as beautiful as you can imagine it! 

Flowers of the Hour

A nearly vital part of most weddings is the flowers. When I worked at a local wedding venue over one of my summers, one of my favorite parts of leaving was that I could grab as many flowers leftover as I could fit in my arms! They were always so beautifully put together and I would put the whole centerpieces all over my house and leave them for weeks until they turned brown because I loved them so much. From bouquets to centerpieces and boutonnières, flowers cover the scene at the traditional wedding so you need to be smart in the kind you choose in order to have the freshest blooms on display at the best price available.
You need to consider what kind of flowers you personally want. Look at colors and sizes. Consider which will go with your color scheme best. There are hundreds of options available to you. The arrangements you can make are endless: so explore. Also, knowing your options is important for your budget. Some bouquets can be just as beautiful with a switch in flowers to a similar bloom for a much cheaper price. 
What is the first step to saving? Seasonal flowers! By knowing what flowers are in season, you can plan around what will be blooming most and what there will most likely be an abundance of. Think supply and demand. The more of them there are the less you will pay and florists can be expensive. So do your research!
Here are some flowers for the seasons here:

This photo is from wikihow.com.

Also, another route would be to get creative! Flowers are in no way required in order for you to get married! There are some other options available for the unique bride that can be more cost-friendly too! Plus some of the other options can last forever without wilting or being as frail! Consider making homemade paper flowers or just using greenery or herbs. Try a handful of feathers or succulents! The possibilities are endless!
Here are some non-flower inspirations and ideas:

In order these are from:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/lilis2/51-reasons-to-crave-a-mint-themed-wedding?sub=2563445_1569297
http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2014/07/succulent-wedding-bouquets-centerpiece-ideas.html
https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/AccentsandPetals/11859561
http://www.popsugar.com/home/Alternative-Wedding-Bouquet-Pictures-8577070#photo-30647127

Let's Talk the Gown

 

It's time to talk about one of my favorite parts of being engaged: dress shopping! It can seem intimidating; especially, if you've been watching any of the hundreds of TLC wedding shows depicting dramatic brides competing with one another to win a prize or crazy families who seem to think it's really their special day instead of the couples'. Dress shopping can actually be really fun.

One thing that may help as you go through the process of picking dresses is to know the vocabulary associated with wedding dresses. I'm sure you have an image in your head of exactly the type of dress you are planning on getting but do you know how to describe it so that someone trying to assist you at a store can actually help you find it? Or, if you have no idea what you're looking for, maybe knowing some terms can show you options you didn't know you had for a dress.

Here are common options for the neckline of your dress and what they are called:


This image is from http://truebluemeandyou.tumblr.com/image/68162139135
Also, some styles have multiple names. This is just an overview.

Here are common dress silhouette types:


This image is from http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Wedding-Dress-Shapes-Silhouettes-37161315?crlt.pid=camp.DedkTxGdBsRi&crlt.pid=camp.3llb6zHTJ6ON#photo-37161315

As for styles, they are endless! There are romantic dresses, lacy dresses, sexy dresses, southern style dresses, boho dresses, and the list goes on!
Think about what you want and what you look good in. Don't be scared to try new things either! You may not even be considering mermaid but try one on and fall in love! Just be open minded to anything!


Establish a Budget

When planning a wedding, one of the first topics that needs to be discussed is the budget. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding and the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner. Of course no one is bound to any rules about who will pay. If the couple ends up being the one who pays for everything, then they can choose exactly what they want and celebrate in the reality that they made their love story come true. If everyone in both families wants to contribute, then great! The more the merrier!
Don't get discouraged if you don't have thousand and thousands of dollars to spend on a wedding. You can have a beautiful wedding on nearly any budget! There are hundreds of sites, articles, and blogs on saving money and planning a wedding. All you have to do is type it into Pinterest and you'll get thousands of pins about people who spent next to nothing on their gorgeous weddings.
One thing is for sure though, if you're on a tight budget, you have to put a lot of effort into planning, waiting, and finding the deals. The great thing is there are so many options now that you can pick and choose from a great variety. I saw an article once (that I can no longer find) on a couple who only spent close to nothing on their wedding because instead of wedding gifts, they asked their family and friends to contribute something to their wedding! They had a friend who was the photographer, a friend that made the cake, friends that came to help decorate, and so much more! The possibilities are endless! So plan a budget but don't let it limit you! And remember, the goal of the day is for you two to be hitched at the end, so don't let anything discourage you!

Where Do You Begin

Congratulations! You're engaged! This is one of the most exciting times in your life but it can be one of the most stressful too. The trouble is that most brides don't know how to begin the huge task of planning one of the most special days of their life. My goal is to help relieve that stress and keep this special time as exciting and fun as it should be!

To begin with, enjoy the moment. Think about what it is that makes your relationship so special. Think about what your relationship means to you and the things that define you as a couple. These things will help you plan the perfect wedding for you! Your wedding should be an outward expression of your love for one another. It isn't a show for your guests. It's not supposed to be miserable. It's supposed to be a celebration of the beginning of a lifelong commitment. It's supposed to be joyful. It's a beautiful day marking the union of two souls. Just think about what your values and priorities are and go from there.

Good luck to you in this wonderful adventure you are starting! I pray that it hold many blessings for you both.