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Wedding Planning Is Up To You

SkyAuction.com,Inc.

By Sher

Deciding the menu is a pretty simple affair. Once you’ve chosen your menu items, you can move on to organizing the wedding reception. By organizing I mean planning how people will sit, what your tables will look like, types of glasses. All the fine details.

Now don’t let this stress you out – it actually can be a lot of fun! Here’s some tips to help get you on the right track. These tips assume you're not having your meal catered and are doing all your own planning.

Decide what time you're going to have your meal. This will tie to the time of your wedding to some degree. If you're getting married in the morning; are you having lunch, brunch, or a mid afternoon meal? Afternoon wedding, are you having a regular evening meal, or later on?

Are you going to rent your dishes? Borrow from family? Use disposable plates? Same goes for glassware and flatware. If you are having a smaller wedding you can often find good pricing on sets at discount department stores.

If you are purchasing your dishes, what is your theme? Color? Style?

What type of glasses are you going to use? Wine glasses for certain, what about coffee cups, water glasses? Again either borrow or visit a discount department store.

I recommend renting your dishes, flatware, and glasses from a catering company. The prices is usually very nominal. Everything matches, plus they deliver the clean dishes, and pick up the dirty ones after your party.

If you supply your own dishes, then somebody has to be prepared to do clean up. Renting dishes is simple, affordable, and lets your guests focus on enjoying your wedding.

You will also need to decide what the theme for your tables will be, what type of flowers you want and whether you will purchase locally grown flowers or hire a florist. If you choose flowers in season you can make beautiful flower arrangements for a fraction of the cost.

What about your tables and chairs? Does the hall or facility you’ve rented provide them? If yes, what is the charge. If they do not, then you’ll need to rent them yourself. If your wedding reception is small you may be able to borrow enough chairs and tables to accommodate your guests.

Tablecloths and table coverings – you’ll need to decide color and style. Also, you’ll have to decide what type of decorations you need. Your decorating and colors will have a lot to do with your general wedding theme. Fun, romantic, tropical?

The quickest way to get organized is to grab some paper and a pencil. Draw a rough diagram of the room layout, then begin sketching in your tables, how you will seat people, where you want your flowers and decorations. Once you have a visual the rest will fall into place.

Ask some friends to give you a hand with decorating. Most halls will let you visit the day before to complete your decorating and set up. In fact, before you rent the hall make this a pre-requisite.

Most important! Enjoy the planning – this is your wedding, one of the biggest events of your life. There is no right or wrong, there is only what makes you happy. When your happy, your guests will relax and enjoy themselves.


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About the Author
Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/ Source: www.ArticleTrader.com

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Officiant's Gratuity


By WeddingSolutions.com


The officiant's gratuity is a discretionary amount of money given to the officiant.

Things To Consider: This amount should depend on your relationship with the officiant and the amount of time s/he has spent with you prior to the ceremony. The groom puts this fee in a sealed envelope and gives it to his best man or wedding consultant, who gives it to the officiant either before or immediately after the ceremony.


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Bartending/Bar Set-up Fee, Corkage Fee


Article Source: Wedding Solutions


BARTENDING / BAR SET-UP FEE
Some reception sites and caterers charge an extra fee for bartending and for setting up the bar.

CORKAGE FEE
Many reception sites and caterers make money by marking up the food and alcohol they sell. You may wish to provide your own alcohol for several reasons. First, it is more cost effective. Second, you may want to serve an exotic wine or champagne that the reception site or caterer does not offer. In either case, and if your reception site or caterer allows it, be prepared to pay a corkage fee. This is the fee for each bottle brought into the reception and opened by a member of their staff.

Things To Consider:
You need to consider whether the expenses saved after paying the corkage fee justify the hassle and liability of bringing in your own alcohol.

FEE TO POUR COFFEE
In addition to the corkage and cake-cutting fees, some facilities also charge extra to pour coffee with the wedding cake.

Things To Consider:
Again, when comparing the cost of various reception sites, don't forget to add up all the extra miscellaneous costs, such as the fee for pouring coffee.

SERVICE PROVIDERS' MEALS

Things To Consider:
It is considered a courtesy to feed your photographer, videographer, and any other "service provider" at the reception. Check options and prices with your caterer or reception site manager. Make sure you allocate a place for your service providers to eat. You may want them to eat with your guests, or you may prefer setting a place outside the main room for them to eat. Your service providers may be more comfortable with the latter.

GRATUITY
It is customary to pay a gratuity fee to your caterer. The average gratuity is 15% to 18% of your food and beverage bill.


This article can be found in it's entirety at: www.weddingsolutions.com - Your one stop Bridal Guide
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Bridal Jewelry - Fulfilling a Wedding Tradition

Limoges Jewelry


By L Hayes

If you looked at traditional weddings, whites and creams dominated the scene and you would always see the bride resplendent in white with jewelry to match. This is for traditional weddings, but of course even today, a lot of us like to uphold family tradition that gives a sense of continuity in weddings. Be it the wedding dress, the wedding trousseau, or the wedding jewelry, we like to be firmly rooted in tradition.

What is really interesting to note today is, even in modern times many of us honor our wedding traditions by wearing a piece that is handed down by someone in the family. Often times, a grandmother would give a bride her wedding jewelry such as a necklace, a bracelet and earrings. They would shimmer with a mix of iridescent mother-of-pearl and big white pearls with little diamonds encrusted on them. Brides would wear these for her wedding and preserve them for their daughter. Brides would find it hard to describe the feeling that these family heirlooms would give her on her wedding day! Nothing could compare to the fact that the women in the brides family, the ones you grew up with and admire, are with you. So, this was about wearing family keepsakes and the perfect way of paying your respects to elders generations of the family.

If you don’t have that option, wearing something new is obviously what you have to do. You will be amazed at the choices you have, considering the vast array of stores that you can find either near you or through the internet which brings the whole world near you. You will definitely find a sparkling something that will interest you and also fit within your budget. If possible, find something that will also compliment your bridesmaids jewelry.

A host of light-colored gemstones, precious and semi-precious, are quickly gaining center stage alongside diamonds. Even colored diamonds in various hues of rose, champagne and azure tones are becoming wedding ceremony favorites.

A much more practical solution for budget brides is to borrow jewelry. While this may be a strange option for brides who want to be dressed to the nines in things brand new, but this is an option you must consider if you are not one to spend thousands of dollars for certain accessories that they will never wear again. Borrow the jewelry for your nuptials by paying a small rental fee. Most jewelers will also ask for a refundable deposit for insurance purposes. You can always treat yourself to jewelry of your own tastes and preferences after the wedding, instead of being pressurized at the time you are already stressed about a million other choices.

Finally, whatever you decide, make sure the jewelry you choose is in keeping with the wedding dress, the ambiance, the time of the wedding reception, and the year your wedding will take place. Also, consider the location. The less, the better if you are getting married outdoors in the hot summer. Show your beauty with tasteful and limited jewelry, instead of going all blitz and bling. Wedding jewelry is not just something you wear for your wedding ceremony, but something that you will cherish and treasure all your life in remembrance of your special day.


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Wedding Planning Advice:

L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors. They offer many popular gift ideas such as place card holders, silver and chrome favors, and bridesmaid gifts. For more information about discount wedding favors, wedding planning, or wedding reception ideas, visit their website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L_Hayes
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Inexpensive Centerpiece Decorations


When planning a wedding, most brides focus first on the church, lining it with flowers and ribbons. By the time costs for the wedding are taken care of many couple’s find that they are skimming close to their budget. It’s good know that the centerpiece decorations at your reception can not only be inexpensive, but tasteful and original.

Try this idea and score a perfect ten for creativity when planning your centerpiece decorations. Start by buying cute small frames as you see them on sale. Insert photos of you and your groom growing up through the years. Guests will not only love the originality of the idea but they will also get to see what you both looked like when you were younger. Of course, if they have known you your entire life, then this will give them a chance to reminisce about you.

If you are planning on a fall wedding use baskets and terra cotta pots to add a fall touch to your centerpiece decorations. Fill the baskets and pots with tiny pumpkins, apples, corn stalk and gourds. This will add that little extra touch to the season while filling your table with inexpensive decorations.

For a more romantic look, use inexpensive single fish bowls. Fill these centerpiece decorations with water, which can be colored with liquid dye, and add a floating candle. You may also find inexpensive artificial flowers that can be snipped at the tops and laid around the candles. This will create the mood of romance and add candlelight to each of your tables.

For a Christmas time wedding, use poinsettias and gold ribbons for centerpiece decorations. If you have extra money to spend, buy miniature Christmas trees and decorate them with lights and wedding charms for ornaments, which can be found at most bridal decoration stores. Place the trees in the middle of the table and let the guests try and guess what meaning each of the charms hold!

Let your guests get involved in your first day as man and wife by using paper and pens as a centerpiece decoration. Buy decorated paper and pens, placing them at each sitting. Leave instructions for the guests to give you the best marital advice they can. You may also have the guest make up a love poem to give you. This will get them involved and also give you a keepsake to read on your honeymoon. You may also add a long-stemmed rose at each place setting that they can take home with them.

A popular trend added to centerpiece decorations are disposable cameras with ribbons and bows tied around them. You can also type a note to hang from the camera letting guests know to take pictures throughout the night and then place the cameras inside a designated box as they leave. Just imagine the different photos you will have once the film is all developed.

No matter what you choose as centerpiece decorations, you can create a mood and atmosphere that represents your style, at an inexpensive price. So, hang balloons from the ceiling, let the cameras start clicking and begin your life together with friends, family and a lot of good times.


Useful Links


Wedding Advice

Merry Brides
Bridal Guide
Merry Weddings
Fun Weddings
Wedding Planning
Weddings by Ashlee
Create A Wedding Website

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Bridal Shower - 6 Ways to Create an Unforgettable Invitation



*Author: Anthony Lee

Here are the ways to create an unforgettable bridal shower invitation.

1. Use pop-ups - Hey, it's not just for kids and pre-teens. Pop-ups make a nice statement and a pleasant surprise. Use an ordinary paper-folded pop-up or a wire pop-up that springs into position when the envelope or invitation is opened. Pick an element taken from your shower theme such as a pair of hearts, a church, wedding bells, flowers or a pair of doves for the pop-up.

2. Ticket to the shower - Why not make give your bridal shower invitation a different flavor by making it look like a concert or theater ticket? Print the title of your invite on one side and include the details (place, time and dress code) on the other side. When guests come in through the door, assign a 'ticket taker' to tear a portion of the invitation and let the guests keep the rest.

3. Use natural materials - Go green with your bridal shower invitation and use recycled paper and bio-degradable materials. Use pressed leaves and dried flowers to decorate the invitation. To make a nice-smelling card, use dried fragrant flowers like roses, gardenias and lavender.

4. A sparkling affair - Why not include rhinestones in your bridal shower invitation? Rhinestones shine and sparkle even when used in small quantities. If your invitation has a drawing of a rose in front, glue a rhinestone in the middle or on one of the petals. Rhinestone can also shine inside an illustration of a martini glass or between two hearts.

5. Go handmade - Handmade bridal invitation cards are a smart and beautiful way to send out invites to a special occasion. Since they are handmade, no two invitations are exactly alike. Plus, you can also customize to include your favorite design elements.

6. The scent of things to come - Want to make your bridal shower invitation memorable? Using your favorite cologne or perfume, lightly spray or dab the invitation before sealing it in an envelope. The scent will stay on for several days and will still smell as good even if your guest opened it a few days later.


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    How To Completely Mess Up Your Wedding

    Personal Creations

    Author: Simon Ekizian

    Are you as sick and tired as me of boring weddings where everything goes off without a hitch and everyone involved looks like something out of a made for TV movie? Whatever happened to a good old fashioned wedding day catastrophe? You know, the kind where the fire sprinklers blow, the groomsmen are wearing light blue tuxedos and the dog eats the wedding cake? Not to worry, here are some tips on completely botching every last detail on your big day.

    First things first, you'll need to decide where to hold the ceremony. There are many obvious choices here that I could go with. The justice of the peace, town hall, or even a local park (hopefully it will rain.) These aren't bad enough. What you'll need to do is plan the ceremony at a church or synagogue, depending on your religious affiliation, that is nowhere near where anyone involved lives, ever lived, or would ever consider living. It should be at least a two hour drive for everyone. The fact that it is nobodies hometown, nobodies current residence and nobodies future residence will not go unnoticed by anyone.

    Next, you'll need to choose the worst possible venue to host your wedding. Your backyard you say? That won't do unless you live in a rented high rise apartment. Your local men's club possibly? Again, that's way out of our league. We need a venue that is going to disgust both side of the family, both the groom's and brides, as well as all of the guests over the age of 6 months. The only answer is your local bowling alley. They have a lounge out back and you'll only need room for 30 or so guests (the acceptance rate on your invitations won't be too high when it says "Reception to follow at King Pin Bowling Lanes".) Top it off by making it a cash bar that prominently features a "Tips for the bride and groom" jar.

    Once you have this locked up, you'll want to make sure that the invitations are sent out hand written and without return postage. Your positive response rate wasn't going to be high anyway, but this will help clear out the riff raff. Actually, this will clear out the quality people and insure the riff raff make it!

    Next, you'll want to plan the menu. This is easy enough, salad bar and pizza. This will probably be the only thing the bowling alley can handle anyway. As you can see, if you start this correctly from the beginning, everything will fall into line. Oh, and don't forget the bowl of cashews on each table for appetizers.

    How about your first song? There are many choices here. "Used to love her" by Guns & Roses is great for all you cynics out there. Looking for something cheesy? How about "Islands in the Stream" by the great Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton? There are definitely different ways to go on this one. For my money, there is only one choice on this crucial piece of the puzzle, "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye. While by itself a great song, this is sure to subtly offend everyone involved.

    We're now onto the bride's and groom's attire. Of course, you'll need to go light blue for the guy's. While some might argue that this is too obvious, there really is no other choice. For the girls dresses, we have one word - sequins.

    The final piece of the puzzle is the wedding cake. You can't be so obvious here as to go with a store bought cake like a crumb cake or a pound cake but you would certainly be on the right track. These would actually taste too good. What you'll want to do is make this yourself or have a baker make it but under no circumstances are you to add sugar. This will create a nice buzz at the end of the evening ensuring that your disastrous wedding will be talked about for years to come.

    I tried not to talk about the obvious choices for a disastrous wedding such as car breakdowns on the way to the church or bachelor party confessions during the best man speech. We all know that these types of things will certainly add to a terrible wedding day so feel free to add any or all of them.


    Useful Links

    Wedding Advice

      About the Author: Simon Brady is the head of content for Executive Gift Shoppe which offers gifts such as personalized cufflinks, money clips, tie bars and other unique groomsmen gifts


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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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      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:
      Merry Brides Sweetheart Weddings Wedding Planning Guide Fun Weddings Weddings on a Budget Ashlee Weddings Wedding Window - Create your own Wedding Website


        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
        Merry Brides Fun Weddings Wedding Guide Sweetheart Weddings Weddings By Ashlee http://www.elegala.com

        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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