| GOLF WEDDING THEMES | ||||||||||
 |  |  | ||||||||
    | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
 |  |  |
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Golf Theme Wedding Ideas & Inspirations - Take It To The Links!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Western Wedding Theme Ideas
Western Wedding Themes
Yee-haw! You're gettin' hitched!
If you and your cowboy are dreaming of a western-style wedding, here are some ideas to help you plan one helluva hoedown.Western Wedding Locations
The location you choose will do more than anything else to set the stage for your western theme wedding. Scout out barns for rent in your area or contact a state park that has a pavilion or cross-fenced area.
Western Wedding Announcements & Western Themed Invitations
Send friends and family engagement announcements in the style of a Pony Express letter or use specially printed announcements that have a western theme. Maintain the theme with your choice of wording. Instead of "Announcing the engagement of," use the words, "We're gettin' hitched!" This will set the stage for what's sure to be a rip snortin', boot stompin' good time!
Western Engagement Party Ideas
Why not have this party at your favorite country and western bar? If that's not possible, continue the western theme by using bales of hay, saddles, and lassoes to decorate for the party. Whether you have a DJ or a live band, a square dance number will surely set the mood. Get the dancing started by teaching your guests the "Boot Scootin' Boogie" or the classic country line dance! Serve classic western barbecue and beans, or have your party catered by a company that specializes in Texas-style fare. Use red and white checked tablecloths, use bandanas for napkins, and drink from mason jars. Decorate the tables with howling coyote candleholders for setting the western mood.
Western Theme Rehearsal Dinner
Hold the rehearsal dinner at a local steakhouse or hold an outdoor barbecue at the home of the groom's parents or a local park. Present the wedding party with personalized beer mugs or margarita glasses as they toast to your future together.
Western Men's Wedding Attire
While a formal cowboy tuxedo may be difficult to find in some parts of the country, the men in the wedding party will certainly be well dressed in their new jeans, western vests, boots, and big hats. To set the groom apart from the other members of the party, have him wear a different color hat. Add bolo ties to dress things up!
Western Ladies' Wedding Attire
There are several styles available to the western bride. A more formal wedding wouldn't be complete with out a modern, lacy, western dress. Look for the style of Victorian gown you might see in an old time photograph. Attach the veil to a feminine western-style hat. Less formal attire can include denim skirts or new blue jeans with a white blouse that has a lace collar. And of course, no western shindig would be complete without cowboy boots! Outfit bridesmaids in western skirts and lacy blouses. Decorate their hats with broad ribbons that tie in the back with bouncy bows.
Western Theme Wedding Flowers
When selecting flowers for your western-style wedding, keep in mind that hothouse flowers and formal arrangements would not have been available in the old west. It's best to keep floral arrangements simple-a bunch of Texas bluebonnets in a mason jar, yellow roses in a decorative boot-shaped vase, or bunches of fresh flowers in galvanized tubs decorated with a bow made out of burlap or rope. For bouquets, use long stem flowers tied together with a bit of rope. Texas spider lilies, exotic looking fleshy herbs with pointy blooms, would make a great addition to centerpieces or bouquets. Another flower choice would be zinnias. These flowers come in a variety of colors and are available throughout the US from late spring to early fall. Their tight blooms and bouncy appearance make them perfect for centerpieces and bouquets or boutonnières.
Western Themed Wedding Ceremony Accessories
The ring bearer will certainly complement the western theme by carrying the wedding rings on a western-style ring pillow. Display the unity candle on a scroll candleholder. Have your guests sign the guest book with a western-themed pen.
Western Themed Wedding Transportation
Hire a horse drawn wagon to transport the wedding party to the reception or arrange for an old-fashioned hay-wagon to transport guests to the reception.
Western Theme Wedding Reception Ideas
Bring a little of the Wild, Wild West to your reception from the music to the food to the favors. Whether you choose a live band or a DJ, be sure to specify that you want country music. Share a two-step with your new husband or perhaps have the father of the bride call out a square dance. When making toasts, ring cowbells or shout yee-haw to get the room's attention instead of clinking glasses. Reception fare can be served on long picnic tables can include barbecue, fried chicken, potato salad and baked beans. Everyone knows that wedding cake brings good luck. Why not decorate your cake with fresh flowers and horseshoes or have a western couple as a cake topper? Substitute margaritas and bottled beer for the traditional champagne. Have guests blow bubbles from boots as you ride off into the sunset for your honeymoon.
Western Themed Wedding Favors
Say thank you to your guests by sending them home with a special memento of the big day. Personalized miniature cowbells, cowboy hats, or feedbags filled with a favorite candy would be a lasting reminder of the cotton pickin' good time helping you celebrate the beginning of your lives together!
SHOP FOR WESTERN THEME WEDDING SUPPLIES
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
The setting you choose is the stage on which the drama of your nuptials will play itself out. Do you envision an elegant formal wedding in a grand old cathedral with dinner and dancing afterwards at a stately ballroom? How about marrying in a peaceful garden, surrounded by lush flowers, greenery, and all your family and friends? Maybe your style leans more toward a quaint country chapel with the reception at a charming country inn.
Hopefully, you have some idea of how many people you'll need to accommodate and what type of reception you want: a sit-down dinner with dancing, buffet, or cake and champagne only. This will give you some idea as to how big a space you'll need.
The next critical factor in determining a wedding location is whether or not you want to have your ceremony and reception at different places, or whether you'd like the convenience of having them both at the same venue. This, in turn, will be decided by whether or not you want to have your ceremony in a house of worship, or are open to having it someplace else.
House of worship
When planning a religious wedding in a house of worship, the wedding location selection will depend on either your, your fiance's, or your family's personal affiliation with a particular church or synagogue. Keep in mind the location's distance from the reception venue, and its size and style in relation to your overall wedding plans. When considering locations, make sure the space will accommodate all your guests. However, don't select a large church or temple if there are very few guests. A small place of worship would be more intimate.
Some houses of worship also have banquet or meeting halls that work well for a catered reception right there on the church premises, which will somewhat simplify things. Make sure to ask about it when researching the church or synagogue.
It's also possible to have a religious ceremony in a secular location, as many officiants are willing to perform ceremonies at other locations such as homes, gardens, or hotels.
Questions to ask
Before making a commitment to a particular place of worship, set up an appointment to discuss the following:
- Is proof of divorce or special permission from the church needed when remarrying
- Must we be members of the church, or may a friend sponsor us?
- What are the fees for the church or synagogue? And how much time does that allow us?
- Is there a small chapel available for smaller ceremonies?
- Are there any restrictions regarding ceremony attire, such as bare shoulders or yarmulkes?
- How many people will the church or synagogue hold?
- Is there a hall or social room available for a reception? If so, is there an additional fee? If you plan to serve alcoholic beverages or wine, be sure to inquire about the policies.
- Will they supply tables, chairs, linens, china, and silver?
- May rice, birdseed, or rose petals be thrown? SS* Are there accommodations for wheelchairs?
- Is an aisle runner, chuppah, candelabra, or kneeling cushion available, if needed?
Historical or public sites
There are many beautiful old mansions that, over the years have been donated to cities or states and are open to the public for tours. Many of these mansions can be rented. The cost varies so check their fees and availability.
There are also many museums, arboretums, and formal gardens that make beautiful settings for a wedding. To find locations available in your area check local newspapers and phone books, or call the chamber of commerce in your vicinity.
Visit Several Venues
If you're having a tough time coming up with the perfect place or are unable to settle on a style, visiting a variety of sites can be both inspiring and motivating. You'll need to move quickly, however, because the most popular spots are reserved anywhere from twelve to twenty-four months in advance.
WhereBridesGo.com provides links to 26 local wedding planning sites in cities across the country. Check it out to see if there's one for your city! You'll find links to the best ceremony and reception venues in your local area!
For the best themed wedding accessories, wedding favors, and bridesmaid gifts, visit the WhereBridesGo.com online storefront. Use coupon code BLOG to take 10% off your order.
We want to know!
Where are YOU getting married?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New "Practical" Wedding Favors : Personalized Key Chain/Measuring Tape Favors
New practical wedding favors just added to WhereBridesGo.com. Check them out!
Perfect for a "Love Beyond Measure" theme!
WhereBridesGo.com: Personalized Key Chain/Measuring Tape Favors
Shared via AddThis
Perfect for a "Love Beyond Measure" theme!
WhereBridesGo.com: Personalized Key Chain/Measuring Tape Favors
Shared via AddThis
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Understanding the Wedding Gift Registry
Wedding Gift Registration has become much computerized and much easier to do. Couples can go to stores to register for gifts or use the Internet, which makes the availability of gift registries that much easier.
Brides and grooms are able to register online with several retailers including:
- Major department stores
- Building supply stores such as Home Base, Home Depot
- Hardware stores, either local hardware stores or specialty hardware stores like Renovation Hardware
- Sporting good stores like Sports Mart, Sports Chalet, Big Five, REI
- Upscale gardening stores like Smith and Hawken or local nurseries
- Mortgage lenders—registering for contributions to a down payment on a house is becoming ever more popular
- Travel agents—whether for the honeymoon or another recreational trip
- Home furnishing & accessory stores—Crate and Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pier One, IKEA, Strouds, Linens & Things
- Couples can even create wedding wish lists at sites like WhereBridesGo.com, so family members can contribute by purchasing wedding supplies the bride and groom have picked out for the wedding.
Most importantly, offer your friends and family the convenience of an online gift registry.
Things to Ask Before You Register
Do you need an appointment? What is the store's return policy? How do they keep track of your registry and gifts? A computer database is the preferred method as it is the most quickly updated. How often to you update the registry? The more often the better so as to avoid as much duplication as possible. Other important questions are:
- How long does it take to get your gift registry up and running?
- Does the store have a toll-free phone line?
- Do they accept phone purchases?
- Do they have a Web site?
- Do they ship gifts? Any additional charge for this service?
A year after the wedding date is the ideal since guests have up to one year to purchase
a gift for you.
What Can You Register For?
While many couples still stick with the tried and true china, silver, and crystal, many more are branching out and availing themselves of the huge number of choices out there, from honeymoon trips to charitable donations.
- House accessories and gadgets
- Kitchen appliances and items
- China, crystal and silver
- Linens
- Sporting goods
- Tools
- Home improvements
- Garden supplies
- Mortgage down payments
- House cleaning services
- Honeymoon
If you go with traditional items like china and silver, you'll probably need to spend some time deciding on which patterns and styles both of you like before you actually venture out to register for it. Go window-shopping, browse online, or look at magazine ads to get some great ideas of what is available before registering.
Gift Problems
The Gift Arrives Broken
Occasionally, a gift will arrive broken or damaged. If the gift was sent directly by a department store, you can contact the store. Their customer service department will most likely see to the replacement of the gift.
Returning Gifts
Even with computer registry, duplicate gifts happen. It is not necessary to tell the gift giver that you returned their gift. Simply return the gift and select another item in exchange.
Anonymous Gifts
Try calling the store to see if you can track the gift that way. If it didn't come from a store, check the package for a hint as to where it came from, geographically speaking. Hopefully that can help you narrow it down. Also check with your parents and close friends, maybe they can help you determine the mystery giver.
When the Wedding is Called Off
When a wedding is called off or canceled, all of the gifts need to be returned to the givers, even the monogrammed and personalized ones. Include a brief note with each gift you're returning; thanking the person for their thoughtfulness and explaining that the wedding will not be taking place.
Registry Dos & Don’ts
DO complete the registration process by the time you send out your invitations. You may want to register earlier so bridal shower guests can select items from your registry.
DO realize that just because you've registered for it doesn't mean you'll get it.
DO register for enough gifts with respect to your wedding list. If you've invited 300 people, make sure and register for that many gifts.
DO register at a wide variety of locations that all your guests will have access to.
DO register for items with a variety of price ranges so that guests have a choice of gifts to select from.
DO keep track of every gift you receive and who gave it to you (you will need this later for writing your thank you notes).
DO plan for guests who bring their gifts to the reception instead of having it sent directly to you. Set aside a gift table where guests can leave their gifts. You'll want a special basket or box for envelopes that contain money. Assign someone to be in charge, making sure to tape the cards to the packages and guide people to where they can leave them.
DON'T select items that are so expensive that few people you know can afford them.
You Must Thank People for their Gifts
You must send a thank you note for every wedding (shower, engagement, etc.) gift you receive. The note must be written by the bride or the groom. Unlike other wedding tasks, this one cannot be delegated. The thank you notes must be sent out in a timely fashion. This means two weeks for gifts received before the wedding. For gifts received after the wedding, one month is recommended.
Tips on Thank You Notes
- Buy all your wedding thank you note stationery and supplies early on and keep it handy.
- Keep careful track of who gave you what.
- Write the note as soon as possible after receiving the gift.
- If you have several notes to get out at once, prioritize them according to which gift giver is most likely to be offended by a late note.
- For notes written before the wedding, you must use your maiden name.
- Make sure both of you do your part in writing those notes.
- Mention the gift in detail in the thank you note and add a line or two on how much you enjoy it or how you plan to use it.
- Add a conversational line or two to make the thank you note more personalized.
- If the gift was money, thank them for their generosity or generous gift and mention what you plan to use it for. Never mention the amount.
----------------------
WhereBridesGo.com is the ultimate online wedding supply store, with thousands of wedding accessories and wedding favors to choose from! Free shipping on all orders over $100. Visit WhereBridesGo.com and use coupon code BLOG to take 10% off your entire order!
----------------------
Friday, September 4, 2009
A Road Map for Second Marriage Weddings
Second marriage weddings are becoming much more common, which means many of the wedding traditions are changing. There are a number of alternatives and choices that may fit your individual situation. Your decisions may be determined by you and your fiancé’s age, whether children are involved, or if this is a second marriage for either of you.
Announcing Your Engagement for a Second Wedding
When children from previous marriages are involved, you should tell them first. Chances are they already have an idea, but they still need to hear the news from you. A second marriage wedding should be handled carefully and with love. You want them to feel they are gaining another caring adult in their lives. You don't want them to feel as if they're losing a parent or having an existing parent replaced. You also need to notify a former spouse when children are involved, preferably before the children spill the news.
Afterwards, let your parents know the good news; then, of course, tell your friends and relatives. Traditionally, if it's the bride's second marriage, a formal announcement is not made. If it is the bride's first, and the groom's second marriage wedding, a formal engagement announcement is customary.
Planning Your Second Wedding Ceremony
If the bride is getting married for the first time, then everything remains traditional. The second marriage wedding may be as formal and religious as you would like, depending on your particular-denomination.
One of the first things you should do when planning a second wedding is to find out all regulations or restrictions on the remarriage of a divorced person. Your house of worship or officiant is a good place to start.
If the bride has been married before, a semi-formal or informal wedding is usually chosen, rather than a large, very formal wedding. The exception to this would be if the bride never had a large, formal first wedding, or has no children. Another exception could be when it is the bride's second, but the groom's first marriage. In this case the groom's parents may want to host the wedding or the couple may choose to pay for it themselves. In any case, it is not right to expect the bride's family to pay for a second large wedding.
When it is both the bride's and the groom's second marriage, it is best to have a tasteful semi-formal or informal wedding. It may still be in a church, chapel, home, hotel, or club. There should be a maid or matron of honor in the ceremony but no bridesmaids. Similarly, the groom should have a best man but should only have ushers if they are needed, and they would not stand at the altar. When there are children from previous marriages, the couple may want to involve them in some way, depending on their ages.
The Second Wedding Dress
With the increase of second marriage weddings, designers in the bridal industry are making a great number of beautiful dresses for the encore bride-to-be. You may select a romantically feminine, lacy dress of mid-calf or ankle length in white or ivory, or a traditionally elegant knee length dress or suit in white or pastel. What you choose to wear will depend on the formality of the ceremony, the time of day and, most important, what you feel good wearing.
Yes, you may wear white. However, a veil, the symbol of virginity, should not be worn. Instead, wear a hat or a wreath of fresh flowers. You may also want to carry a bouquet or a flower-trimmed prayer book.
Invitations and Announcements
When the ceremony is larger than just a few close friends and relatives, including, say, thirty or more guests, you should send printed invitations. Usually the person who is hosting the ceremony and reception issues the invitations. Again the wording of them will depend on your individual situation (examples are given in the chapter on invitations).
Gifts are not expected for a second marriage wedding, though many guests may choose to send one. Accept any gifts graciously and acknowledge them with thank you notes. It is not correct to indicate "no gifts" on the invitation.
When a large reception follows a small ceremony, a formal reception invitation should be sent to all the guests; simply insert a ceremony card for guests who are invited to both.
The Second Wedding Reception
The reception may be any size or style you wish. Neither the bride's nor the groom's previous marriages have any effect on this. Having a large reception is a nice way to include friends who couldn't be a part of the ceremony.
You may still toast with champagne, cut the wedding cake, and have a "first dance." You might want to consider omitting first wedding customs like tossing the bride's bouquet and garter.
Reaffirming Your Wedding Vows
Reaffirming wedding vows is becoming more popular, especially with couples who had civil ceremonies or eloped, due to convenience or lack of finances. The renewal of vows occasionally takes place shortly after the wedding day, but more commonly takes place years after the couple was originally married.
The couple may choose to repeat the same vows they once said, or they may want to write new ones that express the way their love for one another has grown over the years. The ceremony possibilities for a reaffirmation are varied. You may choose a small ceremony with close friends and family, or a larger one that includes new friends you have acquired over the years. You may want to have it in a church, in your home, or in the garden, a perfect symbol of the life you have nurtured together. It's a nice idea to make children, if there are any, a part of the ceremony. Many choose to combine it with a special anniversary, such as the tenth or twenty-fifth. Then they have the ceremony first, followed by a festive party.
------------------------------------
Take 10% off your entire order of wedding favors and wedding accessories at WhereBridesGo.com! Use coupon code BLOG at checkout.
------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Average Cost to Be a Bridesmaid
Being a Bridesmaid Can Be a Pricey Proposition!
When you are asked to be a bridesmaid in a wedding, you typically assume you'll have to pay for your bridesmaid dress, but there are several other expenses you'll incur along the way!
Here's what the average bridesmaid in 2009 spent leading up to the wedding:
| Bachelorette Party Expenses | $152 |
| Bridal Shower Gift | $72 |
| Bridesmaid Accessories | $52 |
| Bridesmaid Dress | $178 |
| Bridesmaid Dress (All Purchases Over Time) | $431 |
| Bridesmaid Dress Alterations | $56 |
| Hair Service | $65 |
| Hotel (per night) | $140 |
| Manicure (plus tips) | $32 |
| Outfit for Rehearsal Dinner | $71 |
| Pedicure | $30 |
| Plane Fare | $303 |
| Rental Car (per day) | $88 |
| Shoes for Bridesmaid | $49 |
| Wedding Gift from Bridesmaid | $117 |
Add these up to a whopping $1836! In tight economic times, it's good to know ahead of time all the costs you are likely to incur so you can budget and plan for them.
How much do you plan to spend? Do you have any money saving tips for other bridesmaids? Let us know!
--------------------
Save on bridesmaid accessories, bachelorette party items, and bridal shower favors at WhereBridesGo.com. Use coupon code BLOG to take 10% off your entire order, plus we offer free shipping on all orders over $100. Don't forget to share this coupon code with the bride too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)