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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.



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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.


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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


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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

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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


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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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          Bridesmaid Gift Guide - Gift Ideas, Cost Considerations and Etiquette

          PersonalizationMall.com


          Author: Cori Locklin

          Gifts for your bridesmaids - always a stickler. They have done so much for you, not only as a part of your wedding party but also as a friend and confidant over the years. How to even begin to say thanks? Start by presenting your wedding attendants with heartfelt gifts to express your gratitude. This bridesmaids gift guide will steer you through the gift-giving process with gift ideas, budget considerations and etiquette.

          What to Spend

          Consider both your budget and the amount that each attendant must spend to be in your wedding. In the end, it's always the thought that counts, but giving movie passes may seem a tad ungrateful if your maids had to shell out $500 each for those couture dresses you insisted upon. Get something that lets your attendants know how much you appreciate them. Generally, spending $50-$150 is a good amount.
          Consider also giving a little extra something to your maid/matron of honor, especially if she hosted a shower or engagement party for you.

          When to Give

          You can present the gifts during any private moment with your 'maids. Many brides give them during the bridesmaids' luncheon or tea. You can also hand them out at the rehearsal dinner, when your closest friends and family are gathered together. Consider presenting them along with a toast, thanking each bridesmaid for their support and friendship over the years.

          Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

          Stumped on what to give; here are some hot attendant gift ideas:

          Monogrammed Robe/Pajamas - a great idea especially if you and your girls are planning a slumber party right before the wedding.

          Spa Certificates - or pop for a trip to the spa, and treat everyone to a massage or other treatment. Your maids will appreciate the special pampering.

          Personalized Picture Frames - including an individual photo of you with each bridesmaid.

          Jewelry - it can be something to wear at the wedding - but also try to choose something they will wear again. You want a gift they will enjoy that will often remind them of you!

          A Container Filled with Goodies - Can't decide on one thing? Give it all! Find a creative container and fill it with goodies and mementos. A monogrammed canvas bag or a pretty decorated box will work nicely. If your budget allows, splurge on a nice designer handbag! Be as creative as you want.

          Fur (or fake fur) Wraps?a great idea, especially for a winter wedding.

          Makeup - have their makeup done for the wedding, and then purchase a few items for them to keep. They will feel fabulous for the big day and will also have something to take with them that they picked out.

          Mixed CD's full of tunes that hold special meaning, a great extra that can add a personalized touch to another gift.


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          3 Things to Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Reception Site

          ryan-sarah 046


          Author: Cori Locklin

          The reception site without a doubt the most important piece of the wedding planning puzzle. No other element can reflect a desired mood or style quite like the setting in which the event is held. The reception site should be the first major decision in your planning process. Once you have selected your site, you will find that everything else begins to fall into place.

          Daunted by the task? Don't be. For while you must approach your reception site selection with care, a little pre-planning will help narrow down the options. Before meeting with the first facility manager, consider three important factors to determine the type of venue that is perfect for you.

          1. Theme and Style of Event -

          Beyond the basic banquet hall, an overwhelming array of reception site options exists. From country clubs to mansions to museums, each set the stage for a specific style of event. Before deciding, determine the type of reception you would like to host.

          Today's wedding receptions are about personality and creativity. Your wedding is not your mother's or your grandmother's. It's not your best friend's wedding either. This is your once in a lifetime event and a costly one at that. Take advantage of your time in the spotlight to put together an event that really shines. Consider your personal style. Do you want your wedding to be a reflection or a departure from that? Just because you tend to be more city-chic does not mean you can't throw a country-style foot stomping hoe down of a wedding (it can be done in an equally fabulous manner!)

          Put some thought into this, and envision your perfect wedding reception. The theme and style you wish to reflect will help dictate the type of reception site you choose. Remember that options abound beyond hotel ballrooms, banquet halls and country clubs. Also consider mansions and historic sites, museums or parks. The sky is the limit!

          2. Geographic Location -

          Where do you want to get married? In your hometown? In your fiance's home town? In the town where you currently live? Or even on a Caribbean island? With today's jet set couples, the possibilities really are endless. Don't be afraid to consider something different or unexpected. Perhaps the style or theme of your event will dictate the locationa tiki-style hut by the beach, a rustic farmhouse in the country, a posh ballroom overlooking a metropolitan cityscape. You get the idea

          3. Size -

          OK so you have decided to get married in an historic mansion near your hometown. Great you're almost there! But before you get in your car and start touring reception sites, there is one major factor to consider. Capacity one of the most important criteria in finding the perfect wedding venue. No matter how beautiful a place may be, if you anticipate a guest list of 300, cramming them into a facility that seats 150 will quickly turn an elegant affair into a mob of angry guests we promise. Most reception sites make setting capacity information readily available. If not, give a quick call to the general phone number and find out. Make sure to differentiate the capacities for the type of reception you envision (seated dinner, buffet, cocktail reception etc.) There may also be different capacity based on the setting with or without a dance floor.

          Now Find Your Site!

          Find as many reception sites that meet these initial criteria as you can. Use the Elegala.com online wedding reception site search to find venues in your area, and narrow down your list. Then schedule appointments to tour each wedding venue and meet with the manager. After that it's decision making time!


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          For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit www.Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource. Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_81572_41.html
          Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for           and www.Elegala.com Magazine (and a recent bride!).

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          Unity Sand Ceremony - A Hot, New Wedding Trend



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          By: Sharon Vaz

          If you've attended many weddings lately, or read trendy magazines or newspapers, you've undoubtedly noticed that the ceremonies are no longer just your Grandmother's and Grandfather's typical church wedding.

          The Unity Sand Ceremony, a celebration that is usually two to three minutes in length, is a meaningful joining of two lives. In this timeless ritual of marriage, the couple ceremoniously pours various colors of sand from a container, such as a seashell, into one special container symbolizing their coming together as one.

          This unique celebration was recently brought into the public eye with the marriage of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter of the TV series, "The Bachelorette." Rather than the time-honored ritual of the Unity Candle Ceremony, the famous couple chose the alternative, Unity Sand Ceremony. Their decision has sparked a craze in weddings across the country.

          The ceremony has controversial origins, some believing that it began with the Native Americans and some insisting the Hawaiians were the ancestors of the legend. Whatever its origin, the Unity Sand Ceremony is fast becoming a nationwide wedding ceremony trend.

          The flowing sand and blending of the colors symbolize the bringing together of two lives into one. Some couples prefer to leave a small amount of sand in their respective container to show that even though they now function as one, they remain individuals.

          A staple in marriages everywhere, The Unity Candle
          icon Ceremony has long been a tradition for marriages both elaborate and simple. Usually, there is a single candle that both bride and groom light from a flame of their own single candle. Parents or other members of the wedding party often join in the candle lighting ceremony.

          The Unity Sand Ceremony can also be altered in many ways to include family and friends. Besides the bride and groom, various colors of sand are given to wedding members who will add their sand to the couple's sand, all flowing into the container, creating a colorful and one-of-a kind symbol of unity.

          In an age where couples are planning weddings that are unique to their beliefs and lifestyle, the sand ceremony can be personalized many different ways to fit the occasion. After the ceremony, the couple has a unique keepsake to remember their wedding day.

          Hawaii has been a popular destination for weddings since airplanes became the preferred mode of travel. Its mild weather and sandy beaches create a perfect environment for the entire wedding party to be barefoot on the beach while witnessing the Unity Sand Ceremony - a tradition as old and exceptional as the islands themselves.

          Not going to have a wedding on a beach? Don't worry. Sand is available online, or the couple can use sand from a destination they've visited or that has a special meaning in their lives. Distinctive containers designed to fit any religion or lifestyle can also be purchased online.

          Many couples write their own vows for the ceremony, but passages from ancient Hawaiian or Native American weddings can easily be found on the Internet for the portion of your wedding relating to the Unity Sand Ceremony.

          Whatever your dream wedding entails, consider incorporating the Unity Sand Ceremony into the celebration. You'll be sure to create memories that your guests will talk about for a long time to come.


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          Sponsors: Merry Brides Wedding Advice Wedding Planning Articles Fun Weddings Weddings By Ashlee

          Source:           http://www.wedding-wisdom.com
          Sharon Vaz is founder of           www.mydivinewedding.com          . Every bride dreams of having the perfect celebration on the day she gets married. At My Divine Wedding, we provide accessories and enhancements that add a personalized touch to your unforgettable event. Everything you need for your special day – from wedding favors to elegant unity sand ceremony kits – is here at your fingertips.
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