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Wedding Transportation - How to Arrive in Style on a Budget




Every girl dreams of making a grand Cinderella-like entrance to the ball – and her wedding day is the perfect excuse. Although not the most exciting task on your wedding to do list, planning your wedding transportation represents yet another opportunity to show off your creativity and personality. But at what cost should you be willing to sacrifice your wedding budget for glamour? With my sound advice, you can save and still arrive in posh style. Make an impression on a budget with these top five ways to save on wedding transportation:

Downsize Your Ride

You don’t necessarily need a stretch limo for an intimate bridal party. Traditional limos seat 6 passengers and are a perfect budget friendly alternative to their stretch counterparts. If scaling back the size of your bridal party isn’t an option, consider having a close friend or relative transport them to the wedding, and save the hired ride for you and your hubby.

Save the Drama

Determine what point in the day your mode of transportation will have the greatest effect – and hire the fancy ride for that one way trip. Do you really need a chauffeured limo if you’re showing up in a t-shirt and jeans? Perhaps you would rather make a dramatic getaway at the end of your reception. Sign up for the hourly rate instead of the entire evening, and enjoy considerable savings.

Designate a Driver

Ditch the chauffeured ride, and opt for a rental car that is equally as glamorous. Recruit someone reliable (and sober) to drive your rental.

Omit the Amenities

A television and sunroof might seem like an enticing add-on when booking your wedding transportation. But consider the circumstances - just how much TV are you going to watch on your wedding day? Take our advice – lose the pricey extras – and put the savings towards more noticeable wedding details.

Have an Off-Peak Gala

Again, there is no rule that states that your wedding has to be held on a Saturday in June. If you hold your event on a day when rental vehicles are in less demand, chances are you can negotiate a considerable discount.


Useful Links:
Wedding Articles, Advice, Planning:

For more articles and advice to help you plan your wedding transportation, visit Elegala.com's complete Wedding Transportation Planning Guide.Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles.For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit , your ultimate wedding planning resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin

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Wedding Reception - 42 Questions to ask the Reception Site Manager



By Cori Locklin

When reviewing wedding reception sites, it helps to come equipped with the questions you need answered before making your decision. Here is what you will need to find out from your reception site manager:

Costs Involved

First and foremost—you will need to determine the cost of holding your wedding reception at the site. Sounds like a given, right? You will discover that most reception sites break down their costs differently, and what may seem to be less expensive may wind up more costly once all of the figures are totaled. Avoid confusion by requesting an itemized list of fees—or take this one with you—and tally the costs of each fee and service you will most likely use for your event. (Have an idea of your guest count beforehand—this will influence the estimated costs) Then you can compare your lists to accurately determine which site is the most cost effective for your needs.

Already confused? Not to worry—we have compiled a complete list of typical costs and fees charged by wedding reception sites. If the facility does not provide one of these services, such as an onsite caterer, factor in the estimated cost of contracting the service from an outside vendor when tallying your total expenses.

Questions to ask:

• What is the facility rental fee?

• What is the cost—for food? (sites typically offer more than one menu package; determine which menu package you will most likely utilize for your wedding reception—and use that amount in determining your estimate.)

• What is the cost—for beverage? (save time by having an idea of what beverage package you would like to serve, whether a full bar, limited bar or non-alcoholic bar)

• If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the ceremony fee?

• What is the set-up/break-down fee? (some sites charge per chair, others charge a lump sum)

• What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)

• What is the overtime fee?

• Is there a fee for security personnel?

• Is there a fee for parking or valets?

Packages

Just when you think you've got a handle on the costs involved in renting a reception site, a facility offers a complete wedding package. Wedding packages can be both cost-effective and convenient, as long as you take care to inquire about exactly what is and what is not included in the package.

Also remember to inquire about the exact descriptions of the items included in the package. For instance—if you have your heart set on an elaborately adorned 5 tiered fondant cake and the package only offers your basic buttercream—the package may not be for you - no matter what the potential savings.

Ask the site manager:

• What is included in the wedding package? Make sure all the basics are included:

• Facility Rental?

• Food and Beverage?

• Ceremony on site?

• Set up and Break down?

• Staffing?

Other items that may or may not be included:

• Cake? (if so, how many does it serve? Can you customize the design?)

• Flowers? (does the package include all floral, or just buffet arrangements or bouquets? Can you customize the arrangements or do they only come in standard varieties?)

• Linens? (what do they look like? How many?)

• Is purchasing the wedding package a requirement? (Many facilities allow brides the option of purchasing the entire package, purchasing a partial package and eliminating specific items or foregoing the wedding package altogether.)

Services

Determine what essential services the reception site provides and what you must contract from an outside vendor:

• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own?

• Are there on-site kitchen facilities? (off-site caterers will charge extra if they have to bring their own stoves and refrigerators)

• Does the reception site have a list of recommended vendors?

• Can you hold your ceremony on site? If not, are there suitable locations nearby?

• Does the reception site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator, waiters and bartenders?

• Does the reception site provide items such as tables, chairs, plates and glasses? (remember, renting these things yourself can drive up costs)

• Does the reception site provide adequate parking space or valets? What are the costs involved?

• Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved?

Amenities

Some important extras that may help you determine the perfect venue for your wedding reception:

• Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?

• Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby?

• Is there a bar area or can one be set up?

• Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out?

• Is there a dance floor?

• Are there sufficient restroom facilities?

• Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?

• Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? (keep your guests entertained for the entire weekend!)

Terms

Don't forget the conditions of the contract! Make sure it meets your needs.

• What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer?

• Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not - what areas can your party use?

• What is the deposit and when is the remainder due?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?

• Are there any decorating restrictions?

• Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?

Recommended Sites

For a cpmplete checklist you can take with you when reviewing reception sites, please visit http://www.elegala.com/reception-questions.html, and download the reception site questions pdf.
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com/ and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles. For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com/ , your ultimate wedding planning resource. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin
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Catering - Budgeting Tips for Every Serving Style

JewelryWeb.com Inc

By Cori Locklin

Before you begin choosing between filet and chicken, you'll need to consider how you'd like to serve them. The most common serving options include seated meal, buffet and passed-tray reception. When it comes to budget, each style has it's own important budgeting considerations and tips:

Seated Meal:

At a seated meal, guests are seated and served by a waitstaff at tables usually pre-assigned by you. This style is the most traditional and typically the most formal. The types of sit-down services include:

1. plated service - where the full meal is pre-arranged on individual plates before served to guests.

2. Russian service - where wait staff serves courses from platters onto plates already on the table.

3. French service - where two waiters serve guests from the platter, one holding the platter and the other serving.

Budget Tips: Don't assume a seated meal is a drain on your wedding budget. Costs are moderated by the fact that guests eat what they're served and cannot go back for seconds, making the amount of food consumed easier to manage. Costs also depend almost completely on what you choose to serve. One way to save cash is to decrease the number of courses. For instance, serve either soup or salad, not both. Chicken tends to be the most inexpensive of the proteins, and although beef is typically the priciest, you can cut down on cost by serving a triangle-cut sirloin. If you prefer seafood, consider farm-raised salmon which tends to be the most reasonably priced fish with the widest appeal. Other options include pork, lamb, pasta and vegetarian. If you must, rely on dinner rolls and other inexpensive sides to satisfy your guests' appetites.

Buffet:

At a buffet, guests select their food from either one long table or stations strategically placed throughout the room. An advantage is that you can serve a varied menu from which guests can choose what they like. Having a buffet-style meal does not mean that you have to sacrifice sophistication. A buffet can be formal when served by stylish wait-staff or more relaxed with self-serve stations.

Budget Tips: Although you will save on the cost of wait staff by presenting your meal buffet-style, the total cost may not be less. People tend to eat more because they can return to the buffet as often as they wish, so you may have to order more food, which can cut into your wedding budget. Again, costs depend almost entirely on what you choose to serve.

Passed-Tray:

At this style of wedding reception, there is no full meal. Instead waiters circulate the room, offering trays of hors d'oeuvres to standing guests. This style of service is ideal for a cocktail reception, which is often a shorter duration than a full reception.

Budget Tips: If cost and time are major considerations in your wedding planning, then a passed-tray reception consisting entirely of cocktails and appetizers may be the perfect option for your wedding budget. This style is typically the least stressful and the most wallet-friendly. Since these events typically run for only two hours, in addition to savings on food and beverage - location, staffing and other rental fees are also considerably reduced.


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Wedding Advice, Planning, Tips:
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Invite On A Dime - 8 Tips For Budget Friendly Wedding Invitations and Stationery

EasyClickTravel.com


By Cori Locklin

Your wedding stationery is your first opportunity to wow your guests and give them a prelude for fabulous things to come. This is your chance to foreshadow the style of your wedding, so take advantage. But don’t let memorable wedding invitations and stationery spell the end to your carefully planned wedding budget. With these simple suggestions, you can make an impressive impact without breaking the bank.

Cut That Guest List!

You’ve heard it before, and you’ll hear it again…downsize the number of invitees. Forget inviting every person you’ve ever known; your stationery costs increase exponentially by the number you need to print. So for every guest deemed unnecessary, voila – instant savings!

K.I.S.S.

When selecting a design, remember to Keep It Simple, Sister (no, not stupid). Custom graphics and colored inks all increase the bottom line. Try to stick to one color, and select a classic design that is clean and elegant.

Learn your Lingo

The printing method you choose impacts the price, so go ahead and familiarize yourself with the common printing methods and their costs. Engraving, which results in raised print that is pressed through the back, is the most formal and elegant printing technique - but it will cost you. If your wedding budget is extremely tight, laser printing is your least expensive option. For a complete list of printing methods and their costs, visit the wedding invitation guide at Elegala.com

Lighten Up

A stationery rule of thumb - the more your wedding invitation weighs, the more it costs. Not only are bulky papers more expensive, but heavier invitations cost more at the postage meter. So if you found a design you love but can’t afford, re-create it on lighter weight papers and include less inserts. Consider losing the inner envelope, and use response postcards instead of cards with envelopes.

Mind the Meter

When multiplied by hundreds, postage costs add up quickly. Beyond using light paper and eliminating extraneous inserts, there are other tricks to keep postage costs at a minimum. Bring your wedding invitations and other mailings to the post office and have them metered for the exact amount, instead of buying stacks of stamp books and rounding up to the nearest 39 cent mark. Also keep in mind that square or any oddly shaped envelopes incur an extra charge at the meter, so choose a design that fits in a standard envelope.

Eliminate the Extras

While it can be fun to go wild with your wedding invitations and stationery, superfluous extras come with a cost. So choose only those stationery items that apply to your event. Save-the-date cards are not mandatory; consider skipping them if most of your guests are in town and your wedding date doesn’t fall during a peak holiday time. If your reception and ceremony will take place at the same location, you can eliminate the separate reception card from your wedding invitation. A map and directional may be unnecessary if the reception is across the street from the ceremony.

Shop Savvy

You may be surprised to find the very same wedding invitation or other stationery item offered for a number of different prices. That’s right – some retailers have higher markups than others – big shocker. While paper boutiques often have beautiful merchandise, mail-order outlets or online retailers may offer better deals (the boutiques have to cover higher overhead costs). So be a savvy shopper - find a design you like, then shop around to get it at the best price.

Make Like Martha

Calling all Martha Stewart wannabes! If you’ve got the creative knack, we say go for it and make your own wedding stationery. Sure, it’s time consuming, but the end result can be priceless. Not only will you cherish a one-of-a-kind keepsake customized to the style and theme of your event, but chances are you’ll save a pretty penny too.



Fun Links




Sponsors:
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    For more ideas and advice to help you plan your Wedding Invitations visit Elegala.com's complete Wedding Invitations and Stationery Guide. Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles.
    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin
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    Wedding Music - DJ vs Band

    Bare Necessities

    By Cori Locklin

    Every bride worth her weight in tulle knows - when all is said and done your guests may not quite recall the centerpieces, but all will remember whether (or not) they had a good time. That elusive "fun factor" rides undeniably on the quality of your wedding entertainment. Of course, like everything having to do with weddings, the high price tag of wedding entertainment can intimidate the budget conscious bride. I don't recommend sacrificing the vibe in the name of savings, so I've uncovered some creative budget saving tips that will ensure your guests dance the night away:

    DJ Vs. Band -

    It's the age-old argument, but when it comes to your entertainment budget the DJ usually wins the price war (unless of course DJ AM is on your vendor list). That said, if your ideal wedding reception includes drums and a wedding singer, you can still fit live music into your budget. Limit the number of pieces in your band, and save about $150 per musician. Or hire a band for cocktail hour and the first dances, then switch to a DJ for the final foot stomping moments of your reception a budget-friendly best of both worlds!

    Be an Off-Peak Bride -

    A wedding does not necessarily have to take place on a Saturday night in the spring or summer, and if you're willing to be flexible with your date and time, you can drastically cut the costs of almost all wedding services - including wedding music. Most bands and DJs offer discounts for off-peak times.

    Beware the Overtime -

    Most entertainment books for a four hour time block. Think your reception might run longer? Book 'em for five, and be on the safe side. An extra hour of wedding music in advance is usually cheaper than a steep overtime fee

    Ceremony Savings -

    Ceremony musicians can tack on an extra $500-$1000 to your entertainment costs. Consider some musical alternatives, and pocket the extra cash. If your ceremony site boasts a respectable sound system, round up some classical CDs and someone reliable to cue the music and voila instant background music. Or better yet, ask a talented friend or family member to perform during the ceremony (a perfect job for that cousin you couldn't quite squeeze into your wedding party). You'll cut costs and give a special person a significant role on your special day.

    Go Amateur -

    Check out local universities for qualified and inexpensive musicians. Music professors and department heads can recommend the best students in the program. We do say this with caution because a bad band can kill the party. Talented amateur musicians do exist, but be sure to hear them in person before making the hire.


    Fun Links:



    Sponsors
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    Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_74554_41.html
    Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering a comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and their recommended vendors, along with planning articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries. www.Elegala.com is the only online resource to offer site-specific tools to help brides plan events at their chosen wedding venue.For a complete guide to Wedding Planning visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource. http://www.elegala.com
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    Brides and Bloating Prevent bloating before your wedding day

    Personal Creations


    Theirarticles.com
    By: Gail Young

    Your big day is just two weeks away and with your crazy schedule at work and at home and the fact that youve been eating poorly and are all stressed out it suddenly occurs to youwhat if I retain water and end up all bloated and feeling like a soggy marshmallow in my dream wedding dress?

    You have spent countless hours planning and dreaming about your wedding day which is now fast approaching. As you count down the days the panic begins to set in. How do I prevent the all too familiar pre-wedding bloating experienced by so many brides on their wedding day?

    Naturally, we as women may think, I will simply starve myself and not drink a lot of liquids for a few days before my wedding. If I do so perhaps this will help drop a bit of weight and reduce some of that nasty cellulite on my bodyright? Wrong!

    Did you know that water retention is directly linked to what you eat, drink and your daily habits?

    Bloating is caused primarily by dehydration. The loss of water in the body can cause constipation. And the corresponding lack of bowel movements creates the tummy bulge.

    Here are six tips to follow for at least 1-2 weeks prior to your big day:

    1. Drink 8 10 glasses of water a day. Drinking less fluid will not cure water retention and can actually make it worse. So drink plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body. Cellulite is a form of fat with retained water. When the body cannot get rid of the wastes and toxins it tends to store cellulite.

    2. Try to eliminate salts and refined sugars from your diet. If you cant eliminate these types of foods then at least cut down on their use as much as you possible can.
    3. Get some exercise. Go for a brisk walk, even if it is just 10 minutes. Movement helps you lymphatic system drain and gets the blood pumping which increases circulation. Did you know poor circulation can cause water retention?

    4. Dont skip meals. Much as you may think this is wise, low calorie diets have been shown to increase water retention. But do avoid high fat foods. Incorporate protein in your daily routine. While you are running around getting all the last minute details finished remember to reach for a yogurt, some cottage cheese or make yourself a protein shake. One of the most important nutrients to prevent water retention is protein.
    5. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. These liquids cause dehydration, plus they are empty calories.

    6. Take a good multivitamin. Find one that has a high content of Vitamin B (12 and 6). Stress robs your body of essential vitamins, plus you are probably not eating as healthy as you should. Vitamin B is especially good to take when you are under stress, or have bloating. I always take a daily multivitamin but supplement them with a good B vitamin.

    Of course it goes without saying that you should also try your best to get proper and sufficient sleep during this stressful period.

    If you can follow these six simple, natural yet highly effective guidelines then you'll look better, feel better and be as radiant as a bride should be on her wedding day. Take charge and eliminate that unnecessary and unwelcome pre-wedding bloating!


    Recommended Links


    Sponsors: Merry Brides Ultimate Wedding Guide Fun Weddings Weddings Galore Weddings by Ashlee Wedding Window - Create your very own Wedding Website BareNecessities.com - over 100 Brands for Every Body
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    6 Tips on Writing Thank You Notes for Wedding Gifts




    By Lisa Gunther

    A wedding is the biggest party of your life. Several hundred guests may also be giving you hundreds of gifts. You must thank people for their generosity. Here are some helpful tips to make this monumental job easier. You need to be organized to keep this process as efficient as possible.

    1. Order your thank you cards (with envelopes) when you order your invitations. Order 25 extra just in case you get some unexpected gifts or you make a mistake and need to re-write a thank you.

    2. Write the return envelopes when you are writing out addresses for the wedding invitations. Whether it’s a calligrapher or you and all the bridesmaids writing out the invitation envelopes with addresses, this is the time to write out the thank you envelopes too. File these in a box in alphabetical order by last name.

    3. Use your wedding guest master list when opening presents. This is the computer age, so you probably have your master list of guests in a Microsoft Word or Excel spreadsheet document. Print this out (sorted by last name) and have it handy on a clipboard. Every shower or wedding I’ve ever been to scribbled down guest names and what was given as a gift on the backs of napkins or loose paper. If you’re opening gifts in front of others, have your maid of honor or trusted friend be in charge of recording who gave what on this master list. If just you and your new husband are opening gifts, you can take turns opening gifts and being the recorder. The huge benefit of having your master list already printed out is that you don’t have to try to figure out how to spell anyone’s name. It will all be right in front of you.

    4. Write out two or three generic templates you can use. I would recommend writing one to two sentences on each thank you so that your guests don’t feel that you rushed through the thank you’s. You really need to write more than “Thank you for the nice wedding gift. Love, Amy and Robert” for instance. Let’s go with a better example: “Thank you so much for coming to the wedding. It meant a lot to us that you were there. The (fill in the blank) will come in handy in our new kitchen (home) and we will think of you each time we use it. Love, Amy and Robert.” Something like this. Mix it up a little. The first couple thank you cards will go slowly but you’ll get into a groove once you get going.

    5. As soon as you get back from your honeymoon, do 10 thank you cards a day until you are done. Some days you’ll be on a roll and do more than 10. Other days you might only crank out 5. But think about it. If you had 200 thank you cards to write, it will take you 20 days. That isn’t even a month. Your guests will be impressed to get their thank you cards so quickly and it will make you and your husband look organized, responsible and grateful. Might as well start off your married life together on an organized front!

    6. Keep track of who you’ve sent thank you’s to. Be sure to make a mark (like a “T”) next to each name as you write the thank you. Otherwise, you won’t be able to remember who you’ve sent thank you’s out to. And that would be embarrassing! Drop off your sealed thank you envelopes each day at the post office or leave in your mail box with the flag up so the mailman knows you have a pickup. The job is not done until these thank you’s are in the mail and on their way.

    Congratulations on your wedding. I hope you find the above tips helpful. Don’t delay in sending out your thank you notes. It will only stress you out. There is nothing worse than your mom calling you up and saying something like “Aunt Susie said she didn’t get a thank you card yet. I’m just calling to make sure Amy got the gift.” Don’t go there. Get your thank you notes done and over with. Then you and your husband will have more time to enjoy married life.

    Useful Links

    Sponsors: Fun Weddings Weddings By Ashlee Create Your Own Wedding Website Wedding Advice Wedding Invitations Jewelry up to 75% off List "Newlywed Name Change Kit" Merry Brides figleaves.com - Lingerie

    Lisa Gunther is a freelance writer and product reviewer. She loves to give advice to young couples. Gunther Invitations is the perfect place for your Save the Date, Wedding Invitations and Thank You note needs: http://www.guntherinvitations.com. If you need bridesmaid gifts try ttp://www.gunthergifts.com/groomgifid.html for groomsmen gifts. Gunther Gifts has engraved and personalized gifts for all occasions such as weddings, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduation, holiday or "just because." Visit Gunther Gifts today at http://www.gunthergifts.com.
    Article Source:     http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Gunther
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    Golf Themed Wedding Favors

    Personalized Wedding Favors at My Wedding Favors

    By Sarah Freeland

    If you are planning a golf themed wedding then there are a lot of simple touches that you can add to your wedding’s design to tie in the golf theme. Using golf themed guest favors, golf themed decorations, and golf themed wedding party gifts can really add a unique touch your wedding event. While adding golf themed items to your weddings design is important, you want to make sure that you don’t over do it.

    The first thing that you think about when planning your golf themed wedding is what wedding decorations you need. Golf themed centerpieces can be a great touch to add to each of the tables at your reception. For example use a glass bowl filled with personalized golf balls with the bride and groom’s names on them and their wedding date. After the reception is over your guests can take these balls home as a souvenir of the day. Or use personalized golf balls as place holders.

    Guest favors are another element of your wedding that you can give a golf twist. You may want to replace the traditional candy coated almonds in pretty bags with a netted bag with personalized golf balls and tees. Golf themed candy is another guest favor that you can hand out. Think white chocolate golf balls and dark chocolate putters.

    In addition to creating a golf theme for your guest favors you also can create a golf theme for the gifts that you hand out to your wedding party. For your groomsmen gifts think about golf themed cuff links or a pass for a round of golf at a local golf course. For the bridesmaids think about golf themed cookie bouquets or a pass for a round of golf at a local golf course.

    As you continue to plan for your wedding, don’t forget about your spouse-to-be. You already know that you each love the game of golf, otherwise why would you be planning a golf themed wedding, so why not give your significant other unique golf themed wedding gifts. Here you don’t want to be cheap. Think about buying your spouse-to-be the golf set of their dreams, or surprise them with a honeymoon to an exclusive golfing destination.


    Useful Links

    Sponsors:
    Fun Weddings Weddings By Ashlee Create Your Own Wedding Website Wedding Advice Wedding Invitations Jewelry up to 75% off List "Newlywed Name Change Kit" Merry Brides figleaves.com - Lingerie
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    Planning a Military Wedding

    By Ashlee

    Any man or woman who is an active member of the military may have a military wedding.

    A military ceremony is conducted according to the religion and traditions of the couple but with a few twists. A military wedding is different from a civilian wedding in the following ways.

    ATTIRE

    Formal attire must be worn. Any man in the military must wear his full-dress uniform including white gloves and sword/saber. Men in uniform do not wear boutonnieres.

    If the bride is a military member, she may wear her uniform if she so chooses.

    Since this is a formal wedding the bride should wear an appropriate gown - no low-cut necklines or backs, and nothing strapless. A long elegant gown with a flowing train would be ideal.

    All non-military attendants must wear formal attire.

    If a bride wears her uniform, she cannot wear flowers or a corsage.

    An American flag should be displayed along with the standards (colors) of the couple’s military unit(s) during the ceremony.

    RECESSIONAL

    The bride and groom pass under an arch of drawn swords or sabers. The arch is formed by an honor guard (made up of commissioned officers), and symbolizes a safe passage into marriage.

    On command swords or sabers are raised with the sharp edge facing up. The couple enters the arch, stops to kiss, then pass through. The newlywed(s) in uniform salutes the honor guard. The officers then return the swords/sabers to the carry position.

    RECEPTION

    At a seated reception, military guests are shown to their places in order of rank.

    The bride and groom cut the wedding cake with a sword/saber.

    DECORATING IDEAS

    The reception hall can be decorated in military style. You can use the standars of the couples military unit(s) for the color scheme.

    Feature regimental decoations. Display the American flag and place mini flags on tables.

    Green wreaths with white flowers would make lovely centerpieces.

    Special touch: Play the theme song of the groom’s and/or bride’s branch of service.

    MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

    A military wedding can be held in the couple’s own church, synagogue, or the chapel at a military base. You can also marry at a military academy if you are a graduate (active, or retired); a child of a graduate or a member of the staff.

    Only someone who is wearing a full-dress uniform can carry a sword or saber.

    Naval officers carry swords, while Army, Air force, and Marine Officers carry sabers.




    Recommended Sites


    Sponsors: Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Fun Weddings Ultimate Wedding Guide Discount Wedding Gowns Weddings By Ashlee

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          Wedding Etiquette - Your Most Common Wedding Etiquette Dilemmas Solved!

          SmartBargains.com


          By: Cori Locklin

          As one of the biggest and most potentially stressful events of your life, getting engaged and subsequently planning a wedding brings with it an onslaught of questions. As times change and weddings evolve, traditional rules of etiquette have followed suit, only adding to the confusion.

          To gain perspective, first understand that "etiquette" is above all about treating people with courtesy and making them feel comfortable. When an etiquette question arises, consider the feelings of those who will be affected. To steer you through the fog of questions, I've compiled a quick look at the top five most common wedding etiquette dilemmas: Family Etiquette, Invitation Etiquette, Gift Etiquette, Attire Etiquette and The Cash Bar Issue.

          Family Etiquette:

          Introducing Your Parents - If the bride and groom's parents have not met prior to the engagement, tradition dictates that the groom's family calls and introduces themselves to the bride's family and arranges a meeting. If the groom's parents do not make the first introduction, then the bride's parents should. Nowadays, who makes the first call is irrelevant; all that really matters is that the parents meet. If meeting face to face is impossible, a letter or phone call will suffice.

          Introducing Divorced Parents - If the groom's parents are divorced, the parent with the closest relationship to the groom should take the first step in meeting the bride's parents. If both sets are divorced, the parent closest to the groom should first contact the bride's suggested parent. If no one begins the introduction process, the couple should step in and ensure that everyone meets, while refraining from forcing potentially awkward situations.

          Your In-Laws - The groom's parents often feel left out of the planning process. To avoid this, invite your future in-laws into the initial dialogue. You should immediately inform them of your ideas regarding location, date, size and style of the wedding. Take queues on their desired level of involvement and include them accordingly. Let them make offers to pitch in with finances or planning. Above all, keep them informed throughout your engagement.

          Invitation Etiquette:

          Inviting partners and guests - If an invited guest is married, engaged or living with a significant other, that partner must be included in the invitation. A single invitation addressed to both individuals should be sent to spouses or couples who live together, while separate invitations should be sent to each member of an engaged or long term couple who don't live together. Inviting single guests with a date is a thoughtful gesture, but one that is not required. If you are inviting a single guest with a date, try to find out the name of your friend's intended date and include that person's name on the invitation. Otherwise, inner envelopes may include "And Guest," indicating that he or she may bring any chosen escort or friend.

          Guests Who Ask to Bring a Guest - Your guests should know better! It is never appropriate for a guest to ask to bring a date, and you have every right to politely say no. However, if you discover that a guest is engaged or living with a significant other, you should extend a written or verbal invitation.

          Invitations to out-of-town guests - Many brides ponder whether or not it's appropriate to invite long distance guests for whom it may be impossible to attend. Use your best judgment. Is this person truly a close friend who would want to attend your celebration? If so, failing to extend an invitation may be insulting. Remember, these days friends and family are often spread all over the country, and people are accustomed to traveling. On the other hand, if you haven't spoken in years, an invitation may look like no more than a request for a gift. In those cases, send a wedding announcement instead, which carries no gift-giving obligation.

          Gift-giving Etiquette:

          Yes, we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion for gift-giving. Friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment of the newly betrothed by showering them with gifts. As the happy couple, just remember to always feel privileged—not entitled. So, let's review a bit of etiquette as it relates to wedding gifts...

          1) Never mention gifts (gift choices or gift registry) on the invitation.

          2) Publicize your registry information by word of mouth. It's also acceptable to include it on a wedding website or shower invitation (since showers are not typically hosted by the bride or groom)

          3) There is no polite way to ask for cash gifts. This can only be done through word of mouth.

          4) Honeymoon registries are appropriate.

          5) Do not use any gifts until after a wedding.

          6) All gifts, even shower gifts, must be returned if the wedding is cancelled or annulled before living together as a married couple.

          7) Gift giving for vow renewal, reaffirmation ceremonies or encore weddings is not mandatory, but is a nice gesture.

          8) There is no special formula for determining the appropriate amount a guest should spend on a gift. The idea that each gift should cost as much as one plate at the reception is an impractical misconception.

          Attire Etiquette:

          While rules for modern wedding attire have evolved with the times, there are still traditional standards for fabrics, lengths and styles. Here are some guidelines:

          The formality of your bridesmaids' dresses should match that of your wedding dress. Although traditionally the dresses were the same length as the wedding gown, the rise in popularity of tea- and knee-length bridesmaids' dresses has relaxed that rule. As long as the fabric and overall style matches the formality of your floor-length gown, shorter bridesmaids' dresses are perfectly acceptable.

          For evening weddings, guests should dress for a nice dinner or event - which includes suits (or black tie) for men and dresses or skirts in sophisticated colors and fabrics for women. Lengths can vary according to the style of the event and location. Female guests may now wear black, but never white.

          The Cash Bar Issue:

          Yes, weddings are expensive. Yes, couples should be on the lookout for budget saving tips. Yes, weddings are expensive - we know. But never - under any circumstances - should you ever consider hosting a cash bar at your reception. Think about it - you would never ask anyone to pay for a cocktail in your own home. People at your reception are still your guests, even if the event is not held in your house. That said, if a full bar is not within your budget, consider these alternatives:

          Host a soft bar, in which guests can order champagne, beer and wine.

          Find a reception site that allows you to bring in your own alcohol; you will save serious cash, and anything unopened can be returned for a full refund.

          Cut down the size of your guest list - the only significant way to reduce costs in the first place.



          Recommended Sites:


          Sponsors: Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Fun Weddings Ultimate Wedding Guide Discount Wedding Gowns

          Article Directory: Http://www.articledashboard.com Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for www.elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding vendors.

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