DIY Cozy Votive Yarn Candles

Try these modern but cozy votive holders for a winter wedding. They look beautiful and sculputural when  illuminated.

Cost: approximately 50 cents a piece.

Supplies:

simple glass votive holders

votive candles

yarn (we used cashmere which was just $2 for a roll at Michael’s)

double stick tape

scissors

 

1. Wrap double stick tape around votive holders. We used about 2 -3 rows per votive and spaced them out.

2. Stick the yarn vertically across the tape and then start wrapping it horizontally around the candle, leaving the long strand visible.

3. Keep wrapping yarn around the candle until it’s covered almost all the glass. The yarn shouldn’t be in rows, just wrap it haphazardly around the votive holder.

4. When you are done wrapping the yarn, take the end and tie it to the first piece. Trim the ends off and tuck the knot.

 

Tips/Mistakes:
Don’t make the rows of yarn too symmetrical or perfect it looks best when it’s a little messy!

♥ Recommended Online Sites ♥

Are you a DIY bride? Save big with American Bridal’s do-it-yourself must-haves, including favor boxes, personalized tags and ribbon, invitation kits and more.

How to Choose an Outdoor Wedding Tent Size - Size does matter

By Ashlee Williams

When choosing the size of your tent, the standard guidelines are:

Dinner reception with dancing: 15 to 16 square feet per person

Reception with no dancing: 10 square feet per person

Stand up cocktail party: 6 square feet per person

Seating for a ceremony: 7 square feet per person; plus space for aisles and alter.

TIP: Ask for ten-foot high sides versus 8-foot-high side. This will literally raise the roof and open up your space.

One of my favorite ways to do a tent is with a clear ceiling, made out of clear vinyl that makes the sky and your surroundings part of your decore. Clear tents make a tent not feel as closed in, and are perfect for outdoor weddings that take place among beautiful foliage, sunsets, or natural backdrops

 

Please visit our sister sites for more great wedding advice DIY Merry Brides ♥ Merry Brides Twitters ♥ Merry Brides FAQ's

Father/Daughter Dance Song Ideas

Here are some non-cheesy songs you may want to consider for your dance with dad.

• "Father & Daughter" by Paul Simon
• "Daddy" by Beyoncé
• "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift
• "Daddy" by Kendall Payne
• "What a Wonderful World" by Eva Cassidy
• "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Amy Winehouse
• "Daughters" by John Mayer
• "Just the Way You Are" by Maggie Gyllenhaal
• "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright III
• "Modern Girl" by Sleater-Kinney
• "I Loved Her First" by Hearland
• "All-American Girl" by Carrie Underwood
• "Gracie" by Ben Folds
• "How You've Grown" by 10,000 Maniacs

For more great wedding advice follow us on Merry Brides Twitters

Wedding Catering Serving Styles Guide - Buffet, Seated Dinner, or Finger Food Reception

By: Cori Russell

Before you begin choosing between filet and chicken, consider how you´d like to serve them. The most common options include seated meal, buffet and passed-tray (appetizer) reception. To help you decide, we´ve compiled all you need to know about these serving styles.

Things to Consider:

The time of day during which your event takes place -
If your reception will be held during brunch or cocktail hours, a 5 course meal may not be necessary. If your reception will occur during dinner hour, you should serve more than just appetizers.

The formality of your event -
While it´s perfectly acceptable to have a buffet at even the most formal of events, tradition still tends to dictate that a sit-down meal is the most formal. If you envision guests dressed in white tie, sipping French champagne and serenaded by a full orchestra, a seated meal may be the way to go.

Your guests -
Always take into account the nature of your guest list. Elders or more traditional guests may feel more comfortable at a seated dinner, while younger guests may yawn at the idea of being forced to sit still for a few hours. Also remember that an extremely large guest list may not be conducive to a buffet, as hungry guests may be forced to wait in line for a turn at the table.

Personal preference -
That said, it´s your wedding. There really are no rules these days, so if you have your heart set on a particular serving style - go for it!

Serving Styles - An Overview:

Seated Meal -
Overview: At a seated meal, guests are seated and served by a waitstaff at tables 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 serve 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.

Buffet -
Overview: At a buffet, guests select their food from either one long table or stations strategically placed throughout the room. (think pasta station, seafood station, Chinese wok station) 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.

Finger Food Reception -
Overview: At this style of 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.

*Recommended Reading --Great menu ideas!!!!

Easy Parties and Wedding Celebrations: Tablescapes, Menus, Recipes

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings, Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photogalleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.

**Please be sure to check out our sister site for more great wedding advice: Fun Weddings

Cash Bars at Weddings: Tacky or Thrifty?

By: Cori Russell

Savvy couples are looking for any way to cut wedding costs - and rightfully so. Shelling out nearly $30,000 to host a party in these tough economic times just feels frivolous and wasteful. But sorry brides and grooms, a cash bar is never an acceptable money-saving solution. Think about it this way: would you ever charge your pals three dollars every time they grabbed another beer at your Superbowl party? People at your wedding reception are still your guests, even if the event is not held in your house (like said Superbowl party), so they shouldn't be asked to pay for anything while there. Also keep in mind that, unlike the Superbowl party, many guests will have likely traveled and paid for a hotel room - not to mention a wedding gift - in order to attend your wedding. While the wedding ceremony is all about you, the wedding reception is about thanking your guests for celebrating in your nuptials.

Some couples think providing non-alcoholic beverages gratis while charging guests who wish to upgrade to an alcoholic beverage is perfectly acceptable, but here's another analogy: Imagine serving all of your wedding guests free soup for dinner at your reception. Now imagine offering optional lobster tail, but forcing those who wish to eat lobster instead of soup to shell out $30 for their meal. Surely you can see why this shouldn't be done. You should never offer anything that you can't afford at a party you're hosting - and then expect your guest to purchase it.

If a four or five-hour open bar is not within your budget, there are plenty of less-costly alternatives that won't offend your guests:

• Offer beer, wine, and soft drinks only.


• Offer a full bar for cocktail hour, then switch to beer and wine.


• Decide on one type of drink to serve - either a specialty cocktail, champagne, or one type of beer or wine. Most venues will charge significantly less to serve only one type of alcoholic beverage.


• Choose a wedding venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. Believe it or not - there are plenty of venues that do not have liquor licenses and will allow couples to bring in their own. Anything unopened can be returned for a full refund after the wedding. You may need to get a little more creative with your venue with this option and choose a mansion, museum, or a facility who's main business is not generated from weddings and special events.


• Cut back on other wedding expenses. Lose the expensive designer wedding dress and shoes, do your own hair and makeup, consider less costly alternatives to floral arrangements, drive your own car rather than renting a limo, spin your own tunes instead of hiring a band or DJ... Cutting some of these expenses will free up enough of your budget to serve your guests properly. We've seen too many brides waltzing down the aisle in a Vera Wang gown carrying a bouquet of imported orchids with newly manicured nails - all while her guests are hitting up the ATM in the back so they can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.


• Invite less people to your wedding. This is the most effective way to cut wedding costs across the board. The significant savings you'll experience with a smaller guest list will allow you to treat those who you do invite with courtesy and respect.

**Recommended Online Wedding Sites**

• Honeymoon Cruise Save up to 75% from Cruise Direct


• 10% off your first purchase at Luxury Link with code LUX10OFF -- Offers dream vacations at huge discounts
  

About the Author: Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete Weddings, Wedding Planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, photo galleries, checklists, and expert advice to walk brides through every step of the wedding planning process.

27 Unique Ideas for Weddings

There is nothing wrong with the traditional white wedding, but sometimes it is nice to makes yours stand out from the rest…

Today’s weddings are all about options that reflect your personalities and style. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite non-traditional or unexpected wedding ideas to incorporate into every aspect of your big day.

Ceremony Ideas

1) Location -
If you don’t host your ceremony in a house of worship or in the same location as your reception, you can get creative with your ceremony location and exchange vows at sunrise on the beach or at sunset from the rooftop of the tallest building in your metropolitan area. Get more ideas for unique ceremony sites.

2) Refreshments -
Use the season or your location as an opportunity to greet guests with a refreshing drink. Lemonade and sweet tea will quench your guests’ thirst while gathering in the blazing sun, or serve hot apple cider to warm your guests during chiller months.

3) Grand Entrance -
Make your entrance especially grand by being escorted by your pet dog or by arriving on a white horse.

4) Vows and Readings -
Not a new concept, but speaking from the heart by writing your own wedding vows or incorporating personalized poems and weddings readings into your ceremony will surely grab the attention of your guests.

Flowers & Decor Ideas

5) Color Scheme -
Try pairing a few uncommon colors together or featuring varying shades of the same color throughout your space.

6) The Food Pyramid -
Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Oranges, lemons, and limes have been done so try a unique, more contemporary look with mangos or coconuts or tie it to the season with texture-rich earthy vegetables like husked corn, acorn squash, or artichokes.

7) Au Natural -
Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves, pinecones, even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or scatter amongst pillar candles for added ambiance.

8) Lighten Up -
Floating candles in a shallow bowl adds lighting and elegance to your tabletops. Or arrange multi-level candles on a mosaic of mirrors or tiles and surround them with seashells or flower petals. Placing coffee beans or red hot candies at the bottom of a vase or bowl to hold the candles steady also adds an aromatic effect.

9) Consult your Inner Child -
For the kid at heart, fill decorative bowls with your favorite candies – such as jellybeans and M&M’s - in your wedding colors.

Find even more inspiring ideas for unique wedding decorations in this complete guide to wedding flowers and decor

Entertainment Ideas

10) Ceremony Music -
If "Here Comes the Bride" doesn’t suit your style or personality, choose a song that does. There is no written rule that states you can’t make your grand entrance to a rendition of your favorite Beastie Boys’ song.

11) Non-traditional Instruments -
If you desire live music over a DJ, consider tying your musician selection to the theme or location of your event. A beachside bash naturally lends itself to the sound of steel drums, while a trumpet quartet will sound impressive in an elaborate cathedral.

12) Themed Music -
Take it one step further and zone in on the music that is indigenous to your wedding location. Guests attending a Mardi Gras-themed event in New Orleans will bask in a cocktail hour of Dixieland jazz.

13) DJ and a Band -
Can’t decide which you would rather have? Have both to ensure that all types of music are represented throughout your day to please both your 85-year-old grandmother and your 21-year-old cousin.

Photography Ideas

14) Photojournalism
More and more brides are leaning toward hiring a photographer who specialized in a photojournalistic style. These photographers shy away from posed shots and aim to capture all of the candid moments that you’ll always want to remember or may have never seen.

15) Creative Shots
Hire your photographer to follow you throughout your entire day (leading up to the "Do Not Disturb" sign, of course). While it may make you feel anxious to have someone photograph you as you get ready, these shots will help you to remember the joy and anticipation of every part of your big day. Read more ideas for creative wedding pictures

Cake Ideas

16) Minimal Adornments -
Some brides believe in the "less is more" adage. A simple cake minimally ornamented can make a bold statement.

17) Square Tiers -
Looking for a subtle way to break away from the ordinary? Square tiers make a modern presentation. Whoever said "it’s hip to be square" must have been in the cake business.

18) Cake-free -
If cake isn’t your favorite dessert, then don’t feel the need to serve it to your guests. Apple crisp, peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, cupcakes, or even glazed doughnuts are a hit at the dessert table.

19) Sugar-free -
The end-of-meal offering doesn’t have to be made of flour and frosting. Think savory instead, and visit your local cheese shop to have them construct wheels of cheese in tiers and stacked to look like traditional wedding cake.

You can browse hundreds of unique and unusual wedding cakes in this cake photo gallery.

Attire Ideas

20) Wardrobe Change -
Today’s brides are opting to wear not one dress, but two! Wear an elegant gown while you exchange vows, then slip into something a little more comfortable to round out the evening.

21) Anything but White -
A white wedding dress symbolizes innocence and purity, but if that’s not your style, feel free to bring out your colorful personality by adding a splash of color to your attire. You can be as subtle as a colored sash and jewels or as bold as a fuchsia-colored dress.

22) Something Borrowed -
Anything retro screams chic these days. So why not consider donning your mother’s vintage gown as a tribute to a family legacy. A few alterations can make it your own.

Stationery Ideas -

23) Ethnicity -
If your heritage is important for you to represent on your big day, do some research and find a stationer who offers multi-cultural invitations and announcements.

24) Creative Touch -
For more intimate, casual gatherings, request the honor of your guests’ presence in an innovative and entertaining way. Here’s an idea - have your invite printed on a balloon so guests have to blow them up to receive the message.

25) Programs -
Do something a little different with your programs by including personal photos or by printing them on something that serves a dual purpose - like a fan.

26) Storybook -
Get the most bang for your program buck by including stories of how the two of you met, who introduced you, and your relationship to everyone in the bridal party. Think of all the time you’ll save by not having to explain all of this to your husband’s childhood neighbor during the reception!

Transportation Ideas

27) Grand Entrance -
If the size of your bridal party doesn’t warrant a stretch limousine, consider arriving on horseback, on the back of your husband’s motorcycle, or in the passenger’s seat of your dad’s antique car.

RECOMMENDED ONLINE WEDDING SITES

• Personalized Wedding Favors & Unique Keepsakes by HansonEllis


• Always Me Offers Plus Size Bridal Lingerie


• Cooking.com Great site for your kitchen needs.

Plan a Spring Wedding - 29 Ways to Tie in the Season

Allison Wedding Gown - $ 599.00
Retail Price: 1399.00
You Save: $800.00


By Cori Russell

The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get started planning your spring themed wedding now with these inspiring ideas for spring weddings...

Spring Theme Weddings - Things to Consider

Daylight saving time -means the sun will set an hour later. Keep this in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony.

Prom factor - May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early.

Variable weather - spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.

All in the Details - Spring Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

1. Add a spring motif - such as a tulip or butterfly - to your stationery suite

2. Consider color - use paper or inks in a spring color palette - pastels, greens, etc.

3. Get whimsical - find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling

4. An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope

Location

5. Garden settings abound - take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.

6. Take it indoors - if an outdoor setting isn't possible - find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright airy ambiance.

Décor Elements

7. Color palette - 1) green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 2) yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing. 3) preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham). 4) chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.

8. Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes.

9. Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements

Flowers

10. Seasonal blooms - classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers

11. Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.

12. Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all -you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Menu

13. In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb

14. Fresh produce - round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes

15. Elegant sides - serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat

16. Bar favorites - a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Wedding Cake

17. Coconut Confection - coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat

18. Crazy for carrot - carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.

19. Light and fluffy - go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream

20. Whimsical adornments - decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots or swirl patterns.

Attire

21. Loosen up - feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside

22. Lighten up - lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look

23. Wedding gown - Add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery

24. Bridesmaids dresses - Pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango.

25. Avoid satin shoes - they don't hold up well under springtime showers

26. The guys - They'll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.

Favors

27. Keep love blooming - with packs of flower seeds

28. Plant it - give miniature potted plants or herbs

Getaway

29. Horse-drawn carriage - this Cinderella-like getaway make a fitting finale to an ethereal springtime wedding


Author: Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell

For some additional wedding planning ideas please be sure to visit one of our sister sites: Fun Weddings, Merry Bridals, Merry Brides, Weddings By Ashlee

Wedding Ideas to Go Green, And to Give Back

By: Linda Ellison

Are you a "bride-zilla"? Hopefully not. This term was of course coined for the bride who goes overboard in her demands for her wedding, even throwing temper tantrums when things aren't quite going her way.

Fortunately, not all brides are like this, and not only are they absolutely joyful during "their" day, but some couples even use the occasion of their wedding to express their concern for others, and concern for the environment. Any bride and groom can use their big day as an opportunity to give back to the community and to show respect for the earth, with the right socially conscious wedding ideas. Here are just a few:

Stay simple and as small as possible. More guests mean more transportation, more food, and more energy. Fewer guests mean less waste and less consumption. Keep all your wedding ideas tasteful but modest.

Cut down on the auto emissions by using fewer cars to and from the ceremony. If you must use limos, use just one for the men and one for the women. Better yet, skip the limousines and use compact cars. If you can find a horse-drawn carriage, consider this as an eco-friendly wedding idea, not just a romantic one!

Many brides are setting up websites to share with friends and family all the plans they're making for the wedding and to post photos, the story of how the couple met, and so on. Another eco-friendly wedding idea is to use this website as a means of getting your invitation RSVPs as well, to eliminate both the paper used for the cards and the gasoline used to deliver them.

Use recycled material as much as possible. This means napkins, place cards for the seating chart, matchbook covers, and whatever other paper wedding ideas you have at your reception. You can even shop for invitations that are made from recycled paper as well; many invitation companies offer this option.

Avoid the word "disposable." This only refers to something that's going to be used once and thrown away. For some years, a popular wedding idea has been to leave disposable cameras at each table of the reception hall for guests to take candid shots, but this means several dozen disposable cameras thrown away within a few days. Multiply that by the number of weddings that happen across the U.S. every weekend and you see why the landfills are so … full.

In addition to recycled material, cut down on WHAT you use as well. Have one main menu for each table placed attractively in the middle rather than a separate menu for each guest. This principle can apply for all your wedding ideas that are printed – forego so many of the inserts in your invitations that are unnecessary, such as the blotter sheet, the inner envelope, and so on.

And the decorations are another area where you can be simple to conserve and cut back on energy usage. Everyone wants a breathtaking venue and reception hall and your wedding ideas may be something grand in scale, but consider getting creative with decorations that can be reused. For example, stringing lights around artificial trees can add a beautiful touch to any wedding – both the lights and the trees can be taken home to reuse.

Potted plants are better than cut flowers, balloons, and crepe paper, all of which will just be thrown away. Speak with your florist about what wedding ideas there are for blooming plants that will add just the right color and style for your location; guests can then take the plants home afterward. Use candles for the ceremony and reception as much as possible (being mindful of safety of course). This wedding idea will not only add a romantic feel, it will cut back on energy usage from lights.

Making things simple can also apply to your menu. Many couples forego a full dinner because of budget reasons, but think about how much energy is used to make a multiple-course meal for hundreds. To save some energy, make your reception wedding ideas simple. By having a smaller wedding later in the evening you can offer a simple appetizer and dessert menu, saving not only energy but money as well. Speak to your caterer openly and candidly about what you're looking for.

And be mindful of your wedding ideas when it comes to favors as well. Make sure you're choosing items that will be used and appreciated; many brides have given up the option of bottled water with personalized labels, as some fail to recycle the bottles. Whatever your choice of favors, be sure that it's something that guests will keep and appreciate.

And the most responsible and conscientious thing that couples are doing today with their wedding ideas is making sure that not even the leftover food goes to waste. Before your ceremony, get in touch with a local soup kitchen and arrange to have any leftovers donated, if possible. You can even get your guests involved and ask that they donate to a favorite charity in lieu of gifts to you, or choose gifts that can be given to a local children's hospital, homeless shelter, and so on. These are great socially conscious wedding ideas for the couple that is getting married after having already established a household, meaning that they have little need for the typical blenders, toasters, and so on.

All of these socially conscious wedding ideas are just some ways that brides and grooms can show their concern and respect for the environment and for others. Many are keeping in mind that while it's "their" day, it's "our" planet, and there's no better time to show your appreciation for that than with your own generous and original wedding ideas.


RECOMMENDED WEDDING LINKS

Dream Honeymoons; Destination Weddings!

Free Personalized Wedding Website

Win a Free Wedding Dress

Additional Wedding Advice:
http://merrybrides.blog,com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com


Article by:
Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit www.FavorsAndWraps.com to read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.

The Bride Isn't Shy Anymore!

By Linda Ellison

Remember the phrase "blushing bride"? It was thought for centuries that brides were supposed to be demure, shy, quiet and reserved. This attitude was reflected in so many choices for her wedding – including the colors she chose for the bridesmaids' dresses, table linens, and everything else. Pastels were the norm, including soft pinks, pale blues, and mint greens. Everything, especially wedding colors, was subtle and seen as feminine.

Today's modern bride has redefined that word. She is probably someone that has worked, and worked hard. She juggles her own career ambitions while not giving up her desire for a home and family. A blushing bride she is not!

And this is being reflected in her choices for wedding colors, in accessories and other items. Over the past few years, colors have become stronger and deeper. Mint green has been traded for hunter or forest shades. Pale blue has given way to navy or royal. Everything has become bolder, deeper, stronger – just like the bride herself. It's not unusual to see the once taboo wedding colors choice of black or fire engine red to be worked into a wedding décor, and sometimes even those two colors together.

The choices for colors at a wedding are no greater indication of a bride's personality, and this trend of the strong and independent woman isn't going to go away anytime soon, and neither is the choice for stronger and bolder wedding colors.

However, this isn't to say that today's bride is so strong that she's become unapproachable, or that she is choosing strong colors just for the sake of how strong they are. One of the hottest trends in wedding colors today is shades of warm brown and tan. Even for wedding dresses, the bride herself may choose a sash or bow of russet or auburn shades.

The brown family of colors is closely associated with warm, nurturing foods– think of coffee, cocoa, and chocolate. Brown is often seen in nature, another element of nurturing and caring. Even in the application of feng shui, it's encouraged to use shades of brown in rooms where you want to feel relaxed and comforted, such as the living room or bedroom. By selecting wedding colors of these darker shades, the bride may be expressing her nurturing, caring, warm side.

The same could be said of the many shades of green that are fast becoming available. No longer does the bride only have the choice of mint or pale green, but now bridesmaids' dresses and table linens are being offered in stronger shades of celery, jade, and emerald. Hunter and forest greens are also popular, and also may be seen as strong but nurturing. These are two shades also abundantly available in nature, and the term "mother earth" was coined for a reason. When we think of nature or use shades found in nature, these are seen as warm and caring.

Jewel tones of any color are also very popular wedding colors, especially when planning a winter or holiday wedding. When choosing colors that are of a jewel tone, a bride can even mix up the shades for her table linens – emerald green and ruby red for a December wedding, for instance. Adding some sapphire blue and shades of gold can break up the colors and still keep the venue looking festive.

Of course, those brides who still prefer the softer wedding colors of the pastel family have a wealth of options for them. Softer colors never go out of style, and are still seen as being romantic and even passionate. Additionally, by choosing softer colors, the bride knows that they will not overwhelm the setting or theme of the wedding. If you have a large number of bridesmaids and a huge banquet hall, choosing colors such as red and black as your accent can be too powerful, and can even cause the bride herself to get lost in the pictures! The larger the venue and number of attendants, the softer the color shades should be. Of course, these wedding colors can be mixed and matched as well. A bride may opt for her attendants to be in soft pink while the maid of honor is in a darker shade of rose red or light purple. If opting for soft wedding colors, you don't want to make the mistake of having your venue or dresses look washed out or faded. A bride needs to make sure that there are some stronger accent colors to tie everything together.

In the end of course wedding colors are going to be a bride's choice and will no doubt reflect not just her personality but the prevailing trend at the time. Whatever her preferences for the wedding colors – shy and sweet pastels, bold and strong reds and blues, nurturing browns and greens – she has a wealth of options available to her today, and no longer needs to be shy about expressing her true personality in her wedding party!

Recommended Wedding Planning Links:

Wedding Registries at lnt.com

Create the custom wedding invitations of your dreams. Personalize your invitation online, view the preview, and order it on the spot!

Create the custom wedding invitations of your dreams. Personalize your invitation online, view the preview, and order it on the spot!

Additional Wedding Article--Advice

http://merrybrides.blogspot.com
http://funweddings.blogspot.com
http://windsor.weddingwindow.com
http://merrybrides.livejournal.com

AUTHOR: Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit www.FavorsAndWraps.com to read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.Article Source: Lady Pens

Wedding Favors — Ideas, Tips and Trends

By Cori Locklin

No, they’re not mandatory, but wedding favors are a great way to thank your guests for sharing in your celebration! They’re also a fun little extra to tie in the style of the occasion.

Today, almost anything goes. And just like the rest of the event, wedding favors should reflect the personality of the bride and groom. Not sure where to begin? Browse this wedding favor guide for everything you’ll need to know in presenting this wonderful little detail with the utmost of style.

What to Give

Some of my favorite wedding favor ideas and trends include:

Edible Treats
Everyone loves something to eat, so delight your guests with something sweet or savory. Chocolates, almonds and candies are always popular. Or give a regional favorite from your wedding location: peanuts in Georgia, Vermont maple syrup, or hot salsa in Texas.

Something Homemade
Along those lines, test your culinary skills and make a homemade jam or spread for your guests (package them in festive customized jars!).

Quench their thirst
If your budget allows it, wow your guests with a nice bottle of wine, whether a selection served at the wedding or from a local winery. If you’re really ambitious, consider making your own, and stamp it with a personalized label. This is one of my favorite wedding favor ideas, but plan ahead - this must be done at least 3 months in advance.

Entertain Them
Give your guests something that will forever remind them of your wedding day. Nothing brings a person back to a special moment quite like a song. So make a wedding playlist, and feature songs from the ceremony and reception. Getting married in a place known for a great music scene? Feature selections from local artists. Or if the two of you just love music and want to share your tastes with your guests, make a cd of your favorites. Every time they pop it into the player, they’ll think of you and what a great time they had at your celebration.

Personalize it
These days, almost any item or trinket can be personalized, so think of something creative that goes along with your wedding theme, and stamp it with your initials or wedding date. You name it; someone can customize it - golf balls, koozies, ornaments, seashells, matchbooks, candles
or soaps. You’re only limited by your imagination. I’ve even seen fortune cookies filled with personalized fortunes!

Give something back
Another one of my favorite wedding favor ideas: Some brides are foregoing the traditional favor altogether, instead making a donation to their favorite charity. You can print nice cards that read “in lieu of a favor, a donation has been made to xyz charity.” Just be sure your chosen charity is legitimate, and get a receipt for tax purposes.

How and When to Give Them

Wedding favors are all about presentation. A few M&M’s can be the epitome of panache when wrapped in a pretty package. Choose packaging that matches or complements your wedding colors and table decor. Matching ribbons and personalized logo stickers or favor labels always add a nice touch. Depending on the favor you choose to give, the choice of packaging may be obvious. If not, consider these fun options:

• Mini Chinese take-out boxes (or any miniature box decorated to reflect your wedding style)
• Miniature canvas bags (printed with your monogram or wedding logo!)
• A Seashell
• Customized bottles or jars
• Miniature baskets
• Small Julep cups
• Mini Terracotta pots

In determining just how and when to present them, you also have some options. Set up a table and display them along with a card that says “Please take one” or “Thank You.” (this makes for a lovely photo opp!). Or make your favors part of your table décor and place one at each place setting. A waiter or coatroom attendant can also hand them out at a designated time. Some couples even add the extra special personal touch of distributing them personally to their guests as they leave the reception. However, due to timing and logistics, this method is best saved for smaller weddings.

What They’ll Cost

Remember, favors are simply a nice gesture to cap off a successfully-planned and fully-considered event. They don’t need to drain your budget. Expect to spend around $1 per guest on the low end, and just like any other element of a wedding, costs can always creep up to suit your wildest imaginations (hmmm - the diamond-encrusted Tiffany picture frames sure sound nice…).

If budget is a concern, you don’t necessarily need to cross favors off of your expense list. Food and candy items are often inexpensive and always popular. Or round up your family or bridesmaids for a fun night of homemade favor-making. Even if you have your heart set on a high-end item, save by giving one gift per couple, placed between their dinner plates and tagged with the couples’ names (of course, your single friends will each still receive one). Or get two things for the price of one, and ask your florist to create centerpieces that can be split into tiny bouquets for your guests to take home.

Just like everything else in the wedding planning process, if you really want to give favors at your wedding, you can always find a way to make it fit within your budget.


Fun Wedding Links

Love Beyond Measure - Wedding Favors from MyWeddingFavors.com that show that love is truely beyond measure!

The Perfect Pair Candle Favor

Find an elegant selection of silver wedding favors at guaranteed low prices at My Wedding Favors.

Bridal Coffee Pack Wedding Favor


Wedding Planning Articles

http://merrybrides.blogsopt.com http://funweddings.blog.com

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit www.elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.

Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for 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 vendors, with the planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today’s wedding trends and styles.