http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:01:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/ideas-for-wedding-centerpieces-that-are-cheap-but-extraordinary.html http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/ideas-for-wedding-centerpieces-that-are-cheap-but-extraordinary.html#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:53:04 +0000 admin http://www.crawbot.co.cc/?p=4835

It is true that wedding decoration is one of the things that can set the mood and atmosphere of the reception. One of the most important aspects of wedding decoration is the wedding centerpiece to be placed on the tables of the guests and the couple.

Arranging wedding centerpieces traditionally meant spending a lot on flowers and plants. But the economic crunch of today calls for a creative and cheap way of coming up with beautiful, elegant and extraordinary centerpieces that will make the wedding event extra special.

If you are getting married anytime soon and you still have not figured out what to choose for the centerpiece, here are some inexpensive but wonderful centerpiece ideas for you to consider.

Balloon Bouquets

Just as colorful and exquisite but not as expensive, balloons are the cheaper alternatives to flowers. Because balloons also come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, it is easy to whip up a gorgeous and stunning balloon bouquet that can add flair to the tables in the reception event. Just make sure that you attach a weight on the balloon centerpiece so that it will not float away.

Candle Arrangements

Scented candles make great wedding centerpiece. They are classy, dramatic and spectacular. You have to consult a candle expert so it will be easier for you to choose what kind of candle arrangement to have in your wedding event. If you are having an Irish themed wedding, it would be a great idea to opt for candelabra. Votive candles floating on wide and clear water vase is also a wonderful choice. Also, be sure to choose scents that are appetizing such as cinnamon, vanilla, or fruity aroma.

Mirror Centerpieces

It is easy to imagine creating centerpieces with candles and balloons but it is quite different with mirrors. How does one create a centerpiece with the use of mirrors? For one, you can place a votive candle on top of a mirror. Alternatively, you can scatter confetti or rose petals on top of a mirror. The reflection of the design elements can add beauty and depth to the centerpiece idea.

Bouquets of Bridesmaids

Since we hear messages about the importance of reusing and recycling all the time, why not do it during your wedding event? You can collect the bouquets of the bridesmaids after the church ceremonies and reuse them as centerpieces for the table. These are indeed cheap, beautiful, and wonderful.

 

Food Centerpieces

A tall vase filled with fruits of different colors adorned with a small shrub on top or a basket of bread or muffins can be fantastic options for centerpiece. Decorate the vase, basket or any food container with ribbons or other design elements to make the centerpiece more beautiful.

Baskets with Giveaways

A beautiful wicker basket that contains giveaways such as chocolate boxes, scented candles, photo frames, or whatever kind of souvenir you are giving away can be an inexpensive but creative idea for a centerpiece.

Wedding centerpieces need not be expensive to be beautiful. With creativity and resourcefulness, you can have beautiful wedding centerpieces that you do not need to spend a fortune on.

 

]]> http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/ideas-for-wedding-centerpieces-that-are-cheap-but-extraordinary.html/feed 0 http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/2007-wedding-trends.html http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/2007-wedding-trends.html#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:51:11 +0000 admin http://www.crawbot.co.cc/?p=4753

The Knot recently came out with their wedding trends for 2007.

I was curious as to any other trends out there, so I researched around the web and scoured articles for other tips and trends for the new year. Some are trends carrying over from the fall wedding season. Others are fresh and new.

Bouquets with jewels: Weddings always include beautiful jewelry. Now those jewels are being added to the bouquets, too. Again, these details can be subtle, or attention-getting.

Friday night weddings: not only can you find great rates for Friday nights (though probably not for long, as the trend moves forward), but it sets the tone for a weekend event.

A lot of couples are making a weekend or week-long event out of their weddings. With friends and family coming in from out-of-town, couples are planning events that proceed the wedding, or continue the day after.

Cupcake trees/towers: depending on your wedding style, these can range from quaint to over-the-top gorgeous. With the elaborate styles that some bakers are creating, these are no longer just being used because they are a “cheaper alternative.”

Shades of Blue and Brown: a carryover from last year, blues and brown are still a gorgeous choice. And depending on the shades chosen, this color combination can be used no matter what style of wedding you have planned. Look for hues such as turquoise, powder blue, cornflower blue, denim, alice blue (a very pale, yet striking, shade)and robin’s egg blue paired with hues of brown such as medium taupe, raw umber, sepia and chocolate.

Shades of Brown and Pink: another carryover is this modern, yet classy, color combo. It harkens back to the 80’s, which is a style that has come back with an updated twist. Consider shades of coral, salmon, hot pink and puce paired with chocolate, raw umber, sepia or any shade of taupe.

“Punches” of color: a colored sash on the wedding dress, a design element on the invitations. Choosing a bright color for your wedding doesn’t have to mean you have to hand out sunglasses to your guests. If you want to add a punch of color, use hints of the color you are considering in small ways (a ribbon tied around the bouquet handle, as a table runner at the reception)

Jewel Tones: a new trend for those brides wanting something that is not a carryover, is bold jewel tones such as rich purple, red, gold and orange.

Color in wedding gowns: this trend is slowing making its way from Europe. Look for it gain momentum. If your not ready to let go of your dream of a white gown, consider a colored sash.

Back of the dress details: deep-v backs, special embroidery and other details are being paid to the back of the wedding dress.

Viennese Tables: (also known as dessert tables) various desserts, ranging from cookies to truffles to chocolate fondue. Traditional family desserts make a nice touch for the table too.

Letting the bridesmaid choose: we all know someone who (or are ourselves) are stuck with a bridesmaid’s dress that never saw the light of day once we quickly shed it for something more flattering, after (or even before) we left the reception. Another carryover trend is either choosing a style and letting the bridesmaids choose a color that suits their complexion, or choosing a color and/or length and letting the bridesmaids choose the style.

Donations to charity: instead of handing out matchbooks or boxes of chocolate, some couples are making donations in guests names. Additionally, some couples are asking for donations made to charity in lieu of presents.

Asking quests – beforehand – what to play at the reception: one reason people don’t dance at weddings? They aren’t interested in the music. While it is your day, remember your guests, and incorporate what they like. Afterall, you want them to feel welcomed.

Order of the Day cards: like a “mini-itenerary”, these cards let everyone know when and what will be taking place from the beginning of the ceremony to the end of the reception. Also included would be any information regarding things which not all guests may understand (ie: jumping the broom, or breaking the glass etc.)

Wedding “logos”: another trend from Europe headed this way, is having a logo designed that goes on everything from the save-the-date cards to the napkins to the cake toppers (another returning trend) to the “just married” sign on the car.

Glamour and elegance: it doesn’t have to be a big affair to be either of these… but expect to see candelabras with flowers draping off, designer table linens (rather than just standard white) with punches of color thrown in by the napkins, pillar candles or table runners. Touchy-feely fabrics (such as leather and suede) are also making their way into the decorating. Subtle touches are added to stationary, centerpieces and trim.

Groom’s cake: a mainstay at Southern weddings, this trend is headed north. Be sure you understand it though, before you go pick one out. It is traditionally chocolate, and boxed and given to guests as they leave. A nice touch is to incorporate a hobby of the groom’s into the cake. Consider using it as a centerpiece on the dessert table, or feature it at the rehearsal dinner.

Square tables: gives the room a clean, modern feel.

Forgoing the garter and bouquet toss: who wants to be singled out for this anyway?

In ending this list, I will say that no matter what the trends, choose according to what YOU like. Choose unique or subtle ways to incorporate these trends – but only if you like them. Don’t feel pressured to choose what doesn’t feel like it fits you and your style. The success of your marriage doesn’t rest on following trends to be perfect, and neither should your wedding.

]]> http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/2007-wedding-trends.html/feed 0 http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/elements-of-a-perfect-wedding-invitation-part-one-2.html http://www.mikeandaliciawedding.com/elements-of-a-perfect-wedding-invitation-part-one-2.html#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:13:33 +0000 admin http://www.crawbot.co.cc/?p=4818 Now that you’ve have had a chance to ponder the considerations for your wedding invitation, we’re breaking down our earlier article into more detail. Ready to move forward? Ponder this…

Choosing the Writing Style for your Invitation

The first important consideration in creating your invitation is to select the best writing style. There are three major options:

Third-Person Formal – Use this for formal dinners, fundraisers, balls, galas, black tie affairs, and formal weddings.

Semiformal – Use this for cocktail parties, dinner parties, big birthdays bashes, graduation invitations, bridal or baby showers, cool theme parties, and less formal weddings.

Handwritten Notes – A great choice for very intimate or casual affairs including small birthday dinners, back yard barbeques, mothers day get togethers and housewarming parties.

Composing the Right Wording for your Invitation

The right wording can make or break your invitation. It will also set the event’s tone and formality for your guests even before the event begins. Remember that your invitation is the first glimpse your guests will receive into the type affair you wish for it to be. Consider this:

Formal – On the invitation, the hostess usually “requests the honor of your presence”, followed by the day of the week, date and the month spelled out, and the time and the place (i.e. “Sunday, the first of January/ two thousand and ten/ at half after six o’clock/ Sundy House, Delray Beach, Florida”). Engraved or raised print is the best choice with the formal invitation, typically written in an antique typeface. Consider, though, that laser printing and the myriad of computer fonts now available makes the formal invitation even more affordable for those on a budget. If you wish to go with the engraving but find it a little too pricey, consider the more affordable raised-print option of Thermography.

Semiformal – Semiformal invitations do not have to adhere to the etiquette of a strict writing style. You may choose a variety of ways to create your invitation, from bordered, textured or patterned paper, and size of the paper can vary as well. Many brides and party planners are moving away from the traditional 5 x 7 style and going with fun square or tall shapes so their invitations stand out. When creating a semiformal invitation, incorporate the event’s theme to get guests on board and excited. Use ink and fonts that match the party’s theme and stationery such as pumpkins for a Halloween party, fireworks for July Fourth, engagement rings for a bridal shower, a baby stroller for the baby shower, grill utensils for a BBQ…you get the idea.

Handwritten – The most important elements with handwritten invitations are the stationery and the legibility of the lettering. Make sure to choose beautiful stationary that really stands out, and either write very neatly or hire someone with excellent penmanship to write the text you’ve chosen. A calligrapher is a great idea for a truly beautiful and unique handwritten invitation.

Getting Your Wording Started

One of our favorite sites for invitation wording ideas is http://www.verseit.com/. You can browse by event type and get the idea juices flowing. And while you work on getting just the perfect wording, tune back into Part Two of our Elements Post coming soon, which will walk you through the tricky subject of working with a guest list and addressing your invitations.

Don’t forget to check out the galleries at http://www.atlasdesigns.org/ for additional wording ideas.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Share your ideas for wording with our other brides.

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