Fall Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas

Fall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas
By Chris Ryerson

Are you in the process of choosing a wedding invitation for your wedding? This can be a tricky process and one that should be thought about carefully. The wedding invitations that you send will be the first impression that people will have of your wedding and you want to have a good first impression.

Time

One of the first and most important considerations for your wedding invitation should be the time that the wedding will take place. If you are having your wedding in the winter or fall your invitations will look very different then spring wedding invitations. Below are some common ideas and tips that will help you make the right decision.

Fall Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will take place in the fall or winter time then you will want to theme your wedding invitations to fit the season. It would not make sense to have an invitation with spring lilies on it for example. For some of the typical fall wedding invitation ideas think about what fall means to you. The weather is getting colder outside and the leaves are all turning beautiful shades of red, browns, and deep yellows and falling from the trees. There might already be snow on the ground and it is the time to start snuggling up next to a warm fire and a very traditional time for lovers and family with the winter holidays on the way. These are the feelings that you will want to portray in your fall or winter wedding invitations.

Colors: browns, greens, gold, or white or even off white

Decoration and motifs: wide burgundy ribbons and bows, fall leaves, pine cones, pine trees, gold leaf, embossing and watermarks

Papers: you will want a paper with some tooth or texture to it. Heavy weight or heavy bond papers work well and give it a wonderful fall feel. Also papers with a deckled or unfinished edge are a nice touch. Burlap can even be used if thought about and used carefully.

There are a lot of different options if you are looking for cheap or discount fall wedding invitations for the fall season. You can easily make the invitations on your computer. Also if you look online you can easily find a ton of suppliers that will make discount wedding invitations. These can be a great way to save money.

Spring Wedding Invitations

Typically spring is a time of new life, bright new colors and blooming flowers! These are all things that you will want to pick up in your spring themed wedding invitations. No matter what you are looking for elegant spring wedding invitations or a more simple or even discount spring wedding invitations you will still want to capitalize on the time of year. Again you will want to think about what spring means to you and your fiance.

Colors: any shade of pink, light greens, silver, and of course pure white

Decorations and Motifs: flowers like lilies or roses, tulips and daises. Butterflies and birds also work well.

Papers: thick white papers with a heavy bond work well. Also handmade papers with pressed flowers can make a wonderful spring invitation.

Summer Wedding Invitations:

If you are planning on getting married in the summer months then of course you will want a summer wedding invitation. These can be anything in a wide range of possibilities from the fun and whimsical summer invitation to the more formal invitation. IT again really depends on what summer means to you. You might think of fun sunny days spent at the beach or relaxing days spent out in the garden.

Colors: pastel colors in pinks, light blues, pure white and yellows

Decorations: beach items, raffia, tool (fabric), light muslin cloth,

Papers: vellum, light weight or light bond papers, handmade papers with pressed flowers,

A wedding invitation can be a very fun yet important part of the wedding planning. Since it is so important and it will act as the first impression that your guests will have of the wedding and often will become a memory or keepsake item for you it is important to spend some time thinking about the right option for you. You can easily pick up on the theme of your wedding and especially bring in the time of year. A dark velvety red wedding invitation will obviously look out of place for a summer wedding.

It doesnt matter if you are looking for a fall, winter, spring or summer wedding invitation there are a lot of ways that you can find affordable discount wedding invitations and there is always the option to make them yourself. DIY wedding invitations are becoming more popular all the time. So if you are sending out fall wedding invitations, spring invitations or summer invitations you are sure to find a wide variety of colors, decorations, and papers that will work for you. By planning ahead and shopping carefully or even making it yourself you are sure to save big money and have a wonderfully themed wedding invitation.

Free 5 Day Wedding Savings ecourse sent to your email. Or for great information onFall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitations check out Plan Best Wedding.

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Prepare for Your Marriage Not Just the Wedding

Prepare for Your Marriage, Not Just the Wedding
By Susanne Alexander

With literally hundreds of details to remember in preparing for a wedding, you might forget a very important step: marriage preparation, a research-proven step that contributes to lasting marriages. When we are madly in love and dreaming of special dresses and wedding music, it can be easy to think that marriage will be a perpetual honeymoon, filled with constant happy moments, romantic days and nights, and light-hearted fun. Actually, your marriage can be great and filled with joyful timeswith some preparation, key skills, and realistic expectations. Marriage education and preparation workshops, counseling/coaching, and books can be a great pre-marriage present from your family too!

Here are some options to consider:

- Engage in great in-depth discussions, using books that provide questions for couples to ask one another; such as, 365 Questions for Couples, The Hard Questions, or Marriage Can Be ForeverPreparation Counts! These kinds of discussions strengthen your friendship and ensure youre compatible. Important keys areas to discuss thoroughly before marriage include money, children, religion, family relationships, and more. If youre having difficulty with the discussions, you might consider asking a married couple to mentor you and assist you with the process.

- Know the character strengths that are important to you in a partner, and ensure your partner has them, so you are confident your marriage will be on a firm foundation. Character qualities that are vital in marriage include truthfulness, trustworthiness, faithfulness, courtesy, respect, helpfulness, and more. For more information on this topic, see Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage (Second Edition), (ISBN: 0-9726893-5-4)

- Assess your relationship/couple strengths and growth areas with the assistance of a trained counselor or relationship coach so that you know what skills you may need to continue developing as a couple.

- Learn vital communication skills that will have you avoid conflict and fighting with one another and reach effective agreements instead. A great resource for books, videos, and workshops is The Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) (www.prepinc.com).

- Assess the activities you do together leading up to the wedding and choose to participate in ones that will strengthen your friendship and assist you to know one another well. Great choices include performing community service, spending time with friends and family members, practicing spiritual activities, or working on a project together.

- Develop a list together of your shared commitments for your marriage. You can include whatever practices are most important to you in sustaining your marriage, such as weekly dates, praying with one another, enjoying time with children, continuing your education, treating one another with courtesy and love, deciding how you will settle disagreements, and so on.

- Prepare a list of your assets and debts, and create a post-wedding budget for your lives together. Agree on how you will handle your money during your marriage. Money can be a key area for marital conflict, and you may prevent some of it with advance planning.

So, heres what there is to rememberyou are preparing for a wonderful wedding day, an event that marks your transition into marriage, something you want to last a lifetime. Preparing for the marriage is a great investment of time in your future.

Websites, such as http://www.lifeinnovations.com or http://www.foccusinc.com, can direct you to research-based, professional services.

Copyright 2006 Susanne M. Alexander

Susanne M. Alexander is a relationship coach and marriage educator, as well as author of Can We Dance? Learning the Steps for a Fulfilling Relationship and Pure Gold: Encouraging Character Qualities in Marriage. She is president of Marriage Transformation LLC (http://www.marriagetransformation.com).

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Choosing a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception

Choosing a Caterer for Your Wedding Reception
By Jasmine Macdonald

Your wedding reception is the biggest party you will ever throw so you want to make sure you do it right. Choosing the right caterer is essential. Take it from me not all caterers are created equal.

Here is a list of tips to help your choose a great caterer

1. Get Referrals

A good place to start looking for a caterer is right in your own backyard. Ask your married friends, family and coworkers for referrals. You can also look in your local phone book. When you're interviewing your caterer, ask him/her to supply you with references. If the caterer refuses your request, it may be a good idea to leave and go onto the next interview.

2. Licenses & liability Insurance

Make sure the caterer is licensed in your state and has liability insurance. Insurance is very important in case one of your guests gets food poisoning (God Forbid!), chips a tooth, or is involved in an accident after leaving your reception. If the caterer does not have insurance, ask him/her if you can buy some.

3. Budget

The main thing you must consider is your budget. Before meeting with your caterer know exactly how much money you can afford to spend. A good caterer is creative and will gladly work with you to make sure you can stick to that budget. Do not let the caterer talk you into something you cannot afford as you do not need the extra stress worrying about how to pay for it.

4. Flexibility

Is your caterer flexible? Does he/she listen to your ideas and concerns. Will the caterer serve special food for guests with dietary restrictions such as vegetarians, and people with food allergies. Would the caterer be willing to cook a special family dish?

5. Personality & Style

Do you feel comfortable with the caterer. Do you have similar tastes? Beware of the know-it-all caterer who tries to talk you into something you do not want.

6. Food

Be careful! The caterer will try to sell you the most expensive meal plans. Ask how much each plate will cost. How much food each person will receive. Will you serve hors d'oeuvres and what is the cost?

(Money Saving Tip: Tray pass hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and serve a lighter meal.)

Don't forget to ask about your wedding cake. Will they make one for you or do you need to bring your own. If the caterer is making the cake, do not assume they know how. Ask if they have any sample cakes you can see. Also you should show the caterer pictures of any cakes you like.

7. Taste Testing the Food

Most caterers will allow you to sample the planned dishes. This is very important as you do not want any surprises at your reception. Also, with any luck you may be able to taste a sample of your wedding cake.

8. Servers

Does the caterer provide waiter and waitresses. You will need approximately one server for every ten guests. Also you should ask what kind of clothes the waitstaff wears. Are you allowed to make wardrobe requests?

9. Decorations

When seeking a caterer you also want to know what types of decorations are offered - tableskirts, linens, centerpieces etc.

10. Place Settings

What does the place setting consist of. A good caterer will gladly show you what the plates, glasses and silverware will look like.

11. Bar

What about beverages. How will you be charged? By consumption or by how many bottles are opened. Exactly what are the charges per bottle. And what are the brands to be served. How many bottles will be served? Will you be refunded money for any unopened bottles?

Money Saving Tips: To reduce your bar tab only serve, beer, wine and soft drinks. You may also consider offering your guests an open bar for the first hour or two and then making them pay for their own drinks.

12. Little extra fees

Be careful of all the little extra fees the caterer will throw at you.

• Servers, waiters & hostess fees (plus gratuities)
• Tableware/Linen Fees
• Bartender & Bar Fees & (plus gratuities)
• Overtime fees
• Cancellation fees ~ Make sure you have the cancellation policy in writing!
• Extra food fees
• Policy on champagne. Are there any pouring fees?
• Cutting Cake fees

To make sure you are not charged for any hidden fees Read your caterer's contract very carefully before signing it. Make sure that all the items mentioned above are clearly stated. If they are not listed, have them written in before signing. Also discuss a payment schedule with your caterer. Never pay for everything in advance. With a little preparation, you can stick to your budget and have the party of your dreams!

Jasmine Macdonald is a wedding website designer. You can visit her at http://merrybrides.wordpress.com or read her wedding blog at http://funweddings.blogspot.com.

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Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations

Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations
By Erica Tevis

The twinkle of the sun reflects off the newly fallen snow giving it an appearance of dazzling diamonds and the icicles form elegant ice sculptures off of every tree branch against a crisp blue winter sky. Does this picture embrace your magnificent dreams of a perfect winter wonderland wedding? If so, you are not alone. Many brides dream of a beautiful winter wedding, whether it be a Christmas themed event, dancing on New Year’s Eve, a romantic Valentine’s wedding, or a ski inspired resort getaway wedding - winter weddings are a magical event.

If you choose to get married in the colder months, you may want to incorporate the season into your wedding favors and decorations. Wedding suppliers have caught onto this idea and have brought this season a sprout of new winter wedding favors sure to inspire and delight you.

Some of our favorite ideas for winter wedding favors are:

Snow Globe Wedding Favors

Although somewhat difficult to find on traditional wedding favor web sites, there are a variety of stores both online and in your neighborhood which carry seasonal products. Snow globes traditionally remind people of the cold months, and what better way to remind your guests of your winter wedding. Available in a multitude of themes and inner designs, you are sure to find a globe that fits your wedding perfectly.

Hot Drink Winter Wedding Favors

What is more perfect than cuddling up by the fireside with your fingers wrapped around a hot cup to warm you? Hot chocolate especially reminds those of winter, and with designers conjuring up various gift designs of this favorite drink, you can find the perfect drink in the perfectly complimented winter packaging. If you’re not sold on hot cocoa wedding favors, many of the same designs are available in coffee wedding favors, cappuccino wedding favors, tea wedding favors, and cocktail inspired winter wedding favor designs (which are perfect for those New Year’s Eve weddings!)

Snowflake Inspired Winter Wedding Favors

What’s winter without snow? Just like each snowflake is different and unique – so is your wedding! Make your winter wedding favors stand out with snowflake inspired designs in items such as:

• Snowflake Coasters
• Snowflake Bottle Stoppers
• Snowflake Candies, Chocolates
• Snowflake Soaps
• Place Card Holders
• Candles
• Mini Boxes

Plants and Pine Cone Wedding Favors If you’re planning a Christmas themed wedding, then there are several Christmas plants that are beautiful gifts. Poinsettias, Christmas lilies, mini evergreens or holly are lovely long lasting gifts.

Also consider:

• Christmas Ornaments
• Pine Cone Sachets
• Pine Cone Boxes
• Christmas Tree Soaps
• Cookie Cutters
• Cookies in decorative tins

Star Themed Favors Your love is in the stars! Star themed items are extremely popular during this season. Although, not as seasonal as snowflakes or Christmas items, these lend a certain grace and elegance to the season. Some perfect ideas for star inspired winter wedding favors are:

• Star Bottle Stoppers
• Star Place Card Holders
• Star Place Candles

Valentine’s Day Inspired Wedding Favors Although Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, many people think of warm memories in red, pinks and white. Heart shaped items are popular sellers for these events and as favors. To add a wintry touch to these favors select something with crisp and cool undertones such as silver or crystal. Some of our favorites are:

• Heart Shaped Bookmarks
• Heart Shaped Wine Stoppers
• Heart Shaped Luggage Tags
• Heart Tins with Chocolates
• Pink Sweetheart Bath Confetti
• Heart Shaped Key chains
• Crystal Heart Perfume Bottles
• Love Cookie Cutters
• Love Coasters / Heart Shaped Coasters

We hope your winter wedding is as magical and beautiful as you wish it to be. With so many beautiful winter wedding favors on the market today, you may find it difficult to pick your favorite!

Erica Tevis is the owner of Little Things Wedding Favors which carries thousands of wedding favors and wedding accessories to suit every couple's style, theme and budget.

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How To Manage Your Wedding Budget

How To Manage Your Wedding Budget
By Lesley-Ann Graham

You are almost there. Your special day is coming up and of course you need to do a little accounting. Otherwise you end up asking, where did all the money go?

Generally, no matter what country you live in, the biggest expense is the reception. It normally accounts for about 48% of your total expenses. Let's face it you are feeding a lot of people. The event is being catered by a chef and you are also paying for the cost of the people serving behind the bar and waiting on the tables. Not to mention that you're having a multi-course meal. This can really raise the costs.

The next in rank is the cost of your photos and video. A really good, professional photographer is expensive. They are well paid because of their skill. After all they are trying to capture a once in a lifetime event in a way that looks alive long after your nuptials are over.

Then comes the cost of your gown. It is usually a dress that you will only wear once but it is made from costly materials and is usually, at some point handcrafted. It usually comes up to about 10% of the total expense for your wedding.

The flowers and decor takes about 8% of the bill as does the music and entertainment. The skills of the artisans behind these wedding necessities are invaluable.

The remainder of your bill is split between the cost of your wedding rings, transportation, the invitations and the actual ceremony in varying amounts. Let's not forget the taxes you may have had to pay as well as your bride and groom gifts. This accounts for about 19% of the bill.

The funny thing is, no matter what the size of your budget, you will normally find that these figures are close.

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. Visit Lesley-Ann's wedding blog for more free wedding planning help and advice.

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Having Your Wedding at a Marriott Hotel

Having Your Wedding at a Marriott Hotel
By Kathleen Terrana

Marriott International has nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and specialize in everything from wedding planning, caterers, ceremonies, receptions and honeymoon suites. They offer an online budgeting checklist that covers site selection, staff, invitations, decorations, flowers and food and beverage costs. They also offer a site selection checklist to insure you have information regarding proximity to airport, adequate airport assistance, availability of local attractions, shopping, recreation, restaurants and sufficient parking space.

Their wedding event planners provide complimentary services, handling all of the event details. They offer indoor and outdoor ceremony venues, as well as specialty linens, chair covers, place cards, cake boxes and guest books. Your reception may include a formal sit-down dinner, champagne brunch, or bountiful lunch buffet. Menu tastings are provided by request. The many services offered to make receptions special are great wine selections, distinctive menus, unique ice carvings, beautiful floral displays and dramatic lighting.

The chefs at Marriott may also prepare a rehearsal dinner for family and the wedding party. They will negotiate rates for the bridal party and reserve rooms for out of town guests. At your request, they will even present your guests with a thoughtful gift upon arrival.

After the wedding, begin your honeymoon at a gorgeous honeymoon suite, with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and breakfast in bed.

By planning an event with Marriott, you may earn Marriott Rewards points. You may earn 50,000 Marriott Rewards points or 15,000 airline miles. Check www.marriott.com for details. Marriott also offers discounts for AAA members, all federal, state, county and local government employees, and all active military personnel.

Kathleen Terrana is the previous owner of Elegant Rentals and current owner of Beautiful Bridal.

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Winter Wedding Ideas

Winter Wedding Ideas
By Dennis Estrada

The winter wedding is magical wedding that coincides on the snowy winter, festive, and holiday months. The winter months start from late November to early March. The snow flakes float romantically in the air and come down slowly to the ground. In a few hours, the snow blankets all around to create and prepare for fabulous wedding setting.

The snow glistens and sparkles to your eyes as if the snow calls you to play. If you look real close, the white turns bluish in color. On a clear silent night, the stars flicker and shine heavenly. Thus, the winter wedding colors include white, light blue, and silver. Since the mistle toe is a green and red, the green and red color also fits the winter wedding. Think of ice, snow, snowflakes, ornaments, lanterns, fireplaces, ice sculptures, ginger breads, holiday decorations, and holiday treats as a winter wedding theme.

The white flowers works best for winter wedding like roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, and magnolias. Although the mistle toes are green and red, mistle toes can be use as we use mistle toes for holiday decorations.

The Victorian church, winter village, large log cabin, historic mansion, and nostalgic castle provide an elegant and fabulous wedding venue. Ski resorts usually reside on a winter village. The winter village gives an unforgettable feel and character for wedding photos. A good example is Whistler, BC in Canada. A castle will do well for a venue too. For a new country, a castle-like or brick-like hotel or inn is a good alternative. The Banff Springs Hotel which is a castle-like hotel located at Banff, BC, Canada fits perfectly to the description. The large log cabin can make you feel at home as well. Also, any Victorian Church and Historic Mansion will etch the lasting memory in your heart. The wedding will be remembered forever. Lastly, you can dress up the pine trees with holiday ornaments and lights. The wedding photos will capture the festiveness of the holiday. It is like a wedding in holiday tree festival.

In cold winter weather, the white coats, furs, scarves, gloves, and capes handle the chilly and snowy weather. The snowflakes look magical in wedding photos too. Suddenly, the wedding is in winter wonderland. To add sparkles in your wedding attire, you can add diamond or pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The bridal jewelry complements the already stunning wedding dress. For the bridesmaids, and maids of honor, the Swarovski Crystal or Cubic Zirconia Jewelry work as excellent wedding favors. It is a great treat for playing the vital wedding roles. You can also dress up the bridesmaids, and maids of honor with fluffy angel feather wings to create a team of angels in the wedding.

The fireplaces and candles add a never-ending charm. We like to cozy and warm up around fireplaces during the winter season. Several red, green, and silver votive on the fireplace release the romantic mood of the holiday and wedding. On a centerpiece, several ice sculptures bring the magic of winter season in the reception dinner. A snowman, ice globe, castle, and snow flake ice sculpture are a few of the choices. Or, the village of ginger bread houses works like a charm too. To add more holiday flavor, you can add holiday garlands, and flickering lights.

The wedding cake can sit on white tulle, cotton, and blanket to simulate a wedding cake on a snowy hill. The baker can decorate the wedding with ginger bread man, and miniature winter village.

The menu of the winter season is ham, and turkey. For dessert, you have a choice of roasted chestnut, chocolate fondue, ginger breads, candy cane, marshmallows, and mint candy. For beverage, you have hot chocolate, hot cider, eggnog, and sparkling wine. Hot chocolate can be spiced up with a hint of candy cane, whereas the hot cider can be spiced up with a stick of cinnamon.

The wedding favors of the season are holiday ornaments, snowflake-shape soap, scented pine cones, snowstorm globe, candle votives, ornament candle, holiday tree soap, holiday stockings, and ginger breads.

During the winter holiday, many come home to celebrate the holiday with our relatives. So, they are more likely to come celebrate the wedding with you. Best of all, most establishments decorates for the holiday festivities. So, you save money on decorations. A winter wedding also captures the magic of the winter and holiday season.

Dennis Estrada owns Fall Wedding Ideas, Wedding Toasts For Reception Dinner, and Wedding Bubbles And Wedding Tosses website.

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Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations

Sending Out Your Wedding Invitations
By Mia LeCron

It really doesnt matter if you are planning to have a large or a small wedding; you still have to send out invitations. For larger wedding parties, you should buy your invitations at bulk party stores, or wedding warehouses in order to get the best buy for your money. Of course, you can always choose to make your own invitations which is also nice and unique.

Common homemade invitations are often made up of tissue paper over white regular paper, and decorated colored paper. When it comes to wedding invitations, some people even use calligraphy to hand craft their invitations and it adds a nice elegant touch to your invitations.

When you make your invitations by hand, you can address each one individually so that you can add unique invitations to your guests that are addressed specifically to them.

When you hand make your invitations, there are no limits to what you can do to them or what add-ons that you can use. The most popular additions to hand made invitations are:

Photos of the happy couple

Artful calligraphy accents

Paper flowers

Poems, verse and prose

Rhinestones and/or sequins

Gold or silver model car paint for accents

Not everyone has the know how to create hand made specialty invitations, and if you would prefer to buy yours, you can easily find good bargains on them if you go to a wedding warehouse or a party warehouse.

Most places offer discounts when you buy items in bulk and this is great if you are planning to have a larger wedding of 50 or more guests. Invitations do not have to break your bank account, but they do have to be there.

You can also save money on invitations if you personally deliver as many of them as possible rather than sending them through the mail.

You can also hand certain invitations to friends and family members to pass along for you to those who they see more often than you do.

You can also post your wedding date and guest list on your family website if you have one or in the newspaper and only send invitations to those who do not have access to the internet.

Mia LaCron is the founder of Cut-Wedding-Costs.info - http://www.cut-wedding-costs.info - devoted to helping individuals live out the wedding of their dreams on a realistic budget they can afford.

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