It's the start of a new year and you may have a big event coming up, like your wedding day! Congratulations on that holiday engagement and get ready to start planning your wedding. It's an overwhelming process, yet it should be absolutely fun. This is one of the biggest moments of your life. However, don't feel as if you have to stick to a strict planning process. It's all about making this day your own. Wedding and Party Network is providing you with a list of rules that you DON'T have to follow. Make your wedding day represent you!

Rule #1 – The walk down the aisle is not reserved for Dads only. Yes, it is tradition and most brides wouldn't have it any other way. However, it may be more complicated for the bride's dad to walk her down the aisle for whatever reasons. Choose someone who has been a strong and supportive role in your life. A person in your life that would make you ecstatic sharing that walk down the aisle with.

Rule #2 – Seeing the bride before the ceremony is an absolute no. However, that's not the case anymore. It's been considered bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, and if you're wanting to stick with tradition than that's great. Some brides are wanting to capture that "first look" on camera. It's a cute moment and a private moment shared between the bride and groom, instead of all their guests. Plus, it gives brides more time to capture photos before the ceremony instead of after.

Rule #3 – Your wedding party must all match. Not the case anymore. While matching bridesmaid dresses are great, think out-of-the-box and have your bridesmaids where different styled bridesmaid dresses or different colored dresses that are in the same color family. Some dresses look better on some bridesmaids, while not so great on others. This gives them the option to feel comfortable and even wear their dress again. Plus, your wedding will stand out and everyone will look great.

Rule #4 – You absolutely must have a garter and bouquet toss. Not so much. Your single friends are not a fan of being singled out and ushered to the middle of the dance floor to try to catch the wedding bouquet or garter. You can still play a game, like the Newlywed Shoe Game.

Rule #5 – Honeymoons must be taken right after the wedding. Again, a lot of couples are opting to take their honeymoon a few weeks after, if not months after. All that stress of the wedding and then hurrying around trying to clean up and say bye to guests is a lot. So, some couples are taking it all in and enjoying it minute by minute by not having to be on a time constraint. Plus, you can save your money longer to take a better honeymoon.

Remember, don't feel confined to tradition. Plan your wedding for what works best for you and put your own personality in it.

If you are planning a wedding, let Wedding and Party Network help!

Proposals Based On Personality
Are you thinking about proposing? If you are, you already know that you want to find the perfect proposal idea. You want to share your story with family and friends and get that "awww" response. The proposal should represent you as a couple. Read more about Proposals Based On Personality

Color Your Wedding Right
Just like anything else, there are trends in the wedding industry. Even with colors. When choosing your wedding colors, you must choose wisely since they are incorporated into just about every element of your wedding. So, it's important you choose colors that pair well together and won't be overbearing when incorporated into the rest of your elements. Read more About Color Trends

4 tiered wedding cake(Brittany Flowers Of Kirkland), Wedding gown(Absolute Haven The Bridal Boutique), Wedding rings(Alamo Photographic), Limousines(Limo Quest), Wedding reception(Scott Studio), Wedding shoes(Charis Photography), Elegant wedding reception(Paper Moon Event Specialists)

For more vendors in your area, visit Wedding And Party Network for all of your wedding and party planning needs!

With a new year, comes along new wedding trends. For each season, things change. It could be something extravagant to the changing of the simplest detail. Colors change, themes change and so do wedding dress styles. So, what's in trend for 2012? There are various styles that capture every bride's personality. The new wedding gown trends are just simply amazing and Wedding and Party Network has the latest styles.

Illusionary Necklines - A gorgeous and unique trend that is starting to take shape is dresses that feature illusionary necklines. This is created with sheer fabric. Imagine a one shoulder gown, off the shoulder or a higher neckline created with sheer fabric.

Exposed - Another big trend we're seeing a lot of is having the underlay fabric exposed. Most gowns have some sort of underlay underneath the gown, which is then hidden by fabric that lies on top of it to create a beautiful dress. Exposing some of that fabric underneath creates a unique contrast between the two fabrics. It gives it an edge, yet keeps it soft and romantic.

Blush - Instead of the traditional white, brides and switching it up and actually leaning towards color. Nude or blush are a great alternative to the traditional white wedding gown. When you think of color, it doesn't have to be full-blown, in your face color. Taking on a neutral hue for your wedding dress will add something unique to your wedding, yet not make it over the top.

Lace Sleeves – Taking a style note from the royal wedding, lace sleeves are a big trend. It adds a sense of elegance and royalty to the gown. You'll find different styles of lace that can best represent your style. This dress is great, especially if your wedding is in the cooler months.

Two-In-One - The trend lately has been for brides to wear their wedding gown and then change into another dress for her wedding reception. So, why not choose a dress that is two-in-one? Some gowns are now being made where you can take the longer layer off and you'll end up with a shorter version of your dress. You don't get to wear your wedding gown as long as you'd like to, so some brides are hesitant on buying a reception gown because they want to wear their wedding dress as long as they can. Plus, it might not be in your budget. A two-in-one wedding dress solves both these problems. You'll get more use out of your wedding dress and it'll help with your budget.

Open Backs - A great way to show off some skin in your wedding gown is with an open back dress that is absolutely stunning. A beautiful circle open back or even a low-cut back adds a great accent to a simple gown. It adds just enough to create romantic, whimsical and elegant dress.

These bridal gowns are sure to make an amazing statement at your wedding. All of the beautiful details make these dresses truly stand out.

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Wedding Dress Shops.
Not in Philadelphia, PA? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

When planning your event, what's one of the first things you think about? What will you wear? Besides focusing on all the little details of your wedding or special event, planning on what you will wear is just as important. You want to stand out at your wedding or any occasion for that matter. Finding your dream wedding dress, prom dress or cocktail dress will just make every that much more perfect. So, if you're in the Pensacola, Florida area, Two Times A Lady Bridal & Formal Wear wants to help you find your ideal formal wear dress for your next event.

Strapless Wedding Gown

Your Ideal Wedding Dress

Their friendly and skilled staff is anxiously awaiting to help serve you in finding the right dress that you've always dreamed about. They especially would love to help you in finding the wedding dress that you've always dreamed about since you were a little girl. You'll find absolutely everything that you need. Choose from beautiful strapless gowns, halter, sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, shorter lengths, longer lengths with trains and fuller gowns.

Whatever you've always imagined, they will have it. If you are looking for a more traditional wedding gown, a beautiful strapless wedding gown featuring tiers of lace with a lace up back and train would be stunning.

However, if you are planning something a little different, they have various choices that include a red wedding dress, long-sleeved gowns or shorter bridal gowns. Each one makes it unique from the others, whether it be great beaded detailing, train length or even a touch of color. These dresses are just waiting to be worn by you.

Not only will you find exquisite wedding gowns, but you can find all the accessories as well, including bodysuits, sashes, detachable straps for gowns, fur accessories, body shapers, lingerie, shoes, tiaras and veils. Your look will truly be complete.

Don't forget about the bridal party! Two Times A Lady & Formal Wear even offers amazing bridesmaid dresses, flower girl dresses and tuxedos for the ring bearers. Everyone will look absolutely amazing!

Special Night Out On The Town

Not only do they offer amazing wedding gowns and bridal party attire, you'll also find amazing evening wear. Gowns come in all different styles and colors. Always up-to-date on top of the latest trends, therefore, you'll definitely stand out from everyone else.

If you are looking to stand out at your next event or find your dream wedding gown, visit Two Times A Lady Bridal & Formal Wear. Amazing dresses where you're sure to find the one perfect for you!

Every Friday, Wedding and Party Network will be choosing a theme or color and give you inspirational photos. We want to help give you inspiration for your next event, wedding or party. So, take a look and we hope to give you a bit of inspiration when planning your wedding or party. Our inspirational board will give everyone inspiration on wedding gowns! 2011 wedding gowns have taken a turn for the botanical gardens. Capturing the delicateness of the flower petals and elegance of chiffon in every detail, fall 2011 wedding gowns are truly blooming!

Between Vera Wang, Prina Tornai, Rivini, Watters & Watters and more, the fall 2011 wedding gown catwalks were covered in blooms, blossoms and buds, over-sized cabbage roses, silk petals and lace. Each dress taking a new spin on the essence of flowers. Not only is the bride carrying flowers, but now she is wearing them in an elegant and romantic new way. The look for fall 2011 is  form-fitting bodices, defined waists and voluptuous skirts. Tulle, chiffon, light weight taffeta and organza flow seamlessly down the bodice of each gown. The look is airy, sheer and delicate with special attention to details.

Another big influence on the cat walk is chic head wear. Brides are clad in sparkling tiaras, headbands with super-sized chiffon flowers, half veils and eccentric hats. A vintage shape with luxe textures such as lace, feathers, and beads hug the brides curves as they seem to float down the aisle. Now, it's your turn to embrace the beauty and elegance of this Fall fashion trend with your very own botanical inspired wedding gown.

Thank you to Absolute Haven The Bridal Boutique, andyleophotography and lee ann belter bridal for their inspirational photos via flower shop network and flickr.

Every Friday, Wedding and Party Network will be choosing a theme or color and give you inspirational photos. We want to help give you inspiration for your next event, wedding or party. So, take a look and we hope to give you a bit of inspiration when planning your wedding or party. Our inspirational board will give everyone inspiration on rainbow weddings! Who doesn't love a rainbow? Your wedding day is a day to celebrate the bond between you and your spouse. A day to celebrate your new journey together. So, what better way than to include vibrant colors to express your happiness? Between the invitations, food, decor, cake and clothing – you can arrange for a multi-faceted, one-of-a-kind wedding that reflects you and your bright personality.

Here are some great ideas to turn your Fall Wedding into a rainbow of delight.

Meshing together different colors can easily get out of hand, but knowing just the right amount can turn an average wedding into something your guests will never forget! You don't have to use every color in the rainbow, you can choose three or four colors, bright and vibrant colors. Then, just run with it.

Invitations: You will want your wedding invitations to look a little bohemian, with lightly muted, yet vibrant colors. Alternate the color of the writing with the color of the patterns and find a subtle but exciting in-between.

The Dress: You want your wedding dress magical for your perfect day. So, find a beautiful white or off-white dress and accent it with one of the colors from your scheme. A bright scarf around your waist, rainbow feathered hair clips, bright nail polish or beautiful rainbow jewelry will add just the right amount of flair. A bright pair of shoes will look fabulous peeking out from under your dress.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Different color dresses will look great when matching the groomsmen ties or suspenders! Multi-colored sunglasses will add a nice touch for the groomsmen as well.

Flowers: Your flowers will tie everything together, especially when using all the colors from your theme. You can create lavish and vibrant centerpieces and wedding bouquets that will leave everyone with a smile.

Reception: If you are having an indoor reception, you can use different colored lights for the dance floor or have them shining on the walls to create a fun and bright atmosphere.

Menu: When choosing your rainbow menu, use brightly colored foods. Your desert and appetizers can include fresh fruit or a serve yourself candy buffet.

The Cake: If a rainbow cake is too much for you, you can create a beautiful and traditional wedding cake. However, the key will be to dye the inside of the cake with your wedding colors. No one will see the rainbow inside until you cut the first piece.

Music: A great version of Some Where Over The Rainbow will bring everything together.

Butterfly Release: Top it all off with a butterfly release. Release beautiful, bright, and vibrant colored butterflies to represent a new beginning for the happy couple.

Special thank you to nattywoohoo, james p wells, dalboz17, manue_aka_crazeecrafteez, jiggs images, ex.libres, concubine, conner keller, janierry, and jj_judes for their inspiring rainbow photos via Flickr.

Finding a color scheme for your wedding day can be tricky. The best way to start is by picking two colors that compliment each other and then adding accent colors as you go. However, have you ever wondered what the meaning behind the colors of your wedding might symbolize? You should! Each color represents a specific character trait. You want your wedding colors to show your personality and to inspire and shine.
So, make sure your wedding colors express you!

Of course, you have to consider the place and timing of your wedding when choosing a color palette. You don't want to have bright springy colors at your fall wedding or warm fall colors at your beach wedding! There are a few limits, but for the most part, your imagination and creativity are the only limit you have. Take a look at the meanings behind your wedding colors.

Wedding colors and the meanings behind them

• Red: Traditionally the color of love and passion.
• Pink: The color of universal love, romance and acceptance. Pink is delicate and caring.
• Orange: The color of healing, vitality and sincerity.
• Brown: Represents simplicity, warmth and comfort.
• Yellow: A cheerful color that expresses joy and happiness.
• Green: The color of fertility, harmony and balance.
• Blue: Represents peace, spirituality and inspiration.
• Purple: The color of royalty, showing elegance, inspiration and sophistication.
• Lavender: Expresses grace and elegance.
• Gold: The symbol of wealth, tradition and optimism.
• White: The color of perfection, purity, wholeness and kindness.
• Black: Represents sophistication, boldness and elegance.
• Silver: Is formal, conservative, glamorous and sophisticated.
• Ivory: Expresses pleasantness, elegance and sincerity.

Whatever colors you choose, they need to be a representation of you and what you love. The colors of your wedding have a large impact on your wedding. Take your time and widen your imagination. In these times, nothing is off-limits. So, have fun and express yourself!

This post is brought to you by Miami Wedding Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a wedding planner near you!

Something Borrowed, Something Blue…

Yes, we all know the tradition, even if you are not having a traditional wedding, this is a fun one to keep!

The saying itself derives from an old English poem. The old representing the bride's past, the new representing the bride's new journey with her husband, the borrowed representing the bond between the bride and her family and the blue symbolizes the love between the bride and groom.

Here are some creative ideas..

The Old

• Your grandmother's veil
• Antique lace around the stem of your wedding bouquet
• A locket with your grandparents picture inside
• A family rosary
• Your grandfather's handkerchief
• Your grandfathers Military tags around the stem of your bouquet

The New

• A new lingerie set under your wedding dress
• A sparkling piece of jewelry
• Your bouquet
• A penny or coin minted the year of your wedding (hide it in your shoe!)
• Your fabulous wedding dress can pass as the "new" too!
• All new makeup! How fun!

The Borrowed

• A family Heirloom (necklace, ring or charm hung from your bouquet)
• Your mother's necklace or bracelet
• A piece of your friend's jewelry that you have had your eye on
• Your sister's or best friends shoes from her wedding
• Your mother's perfume

The Blue

• Garnish your garter with blue lace
• Sky blue toe nail polish
• A sapphire hair pin
• Blue earrings
• Blue flowers in your bouquet
• Go all out with beautiful blue silk shoes

Chose what suits and reflects your personality. Have fun and get creative – the only limit is your imagination!

This post is brought to you by Miami Wedding Planners.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find wedding planners near you!

 

Finding The Perfect Atmosphere

Every bride-to-be dreams of putting her own unique stamp on her wedding day. Blending her chosen wedding colors into many of the occasion's elements is just the first step toward a creative and beautiful event. Brides in gorgeous wedding gowns, bridesmaids and groomsmen decked out in the wedding party's colors and striking flowers are the perfect accompaniment to the colorful landscape of the summer and fall wedding seasons.

The warm weather gives great opportunities to take advantage of outdoor settings. Picture your self reciting your vows on an ocean bay, in a beautiful park or amidst the trees in an enchanted forest surrounding. With so many options in the summer and fall months, your only limit is your own imagination.

Personalize The Details

Selecting the perfect ways to feature wedding colors is a very personal representation of the bride and the groom. If you're a bride-to-be, picture homemade jewelry embellishing your wedding dress, table decorations that match your wedding theme and colors perfectly or all your guests looking over unique programs that you made at your kitchen table.

Flowers are the focal point of any wedding; bringing personalized, unique self-describing fantasies to life. Wedding cakes have evolved from what used to be a small treat to offer guests at a wedding into pieces of art that can include traits of your personality and flare. Your wedding can and should be just as individual as yourself.

Make Your Dream Day A Reality

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and is most likely one you've spent hours, days or even years dreaming about. When the time finally comes to start planning the big day, you don't want to cut corners or settle for a run-of-the-mill, impersonal event. Weddings can vary from traditional old fashion romantic themes all the way to modern non-traditional styles.

When it comes to your wedding, the first thing you should consider is your own personal style, your likes and dislikes. Your wedding is about you and who you are. You can incorporate anything into your wedding to make it stand out and scream your name!

With the help of event coordinators and Wedding And Party Network, you can be sure your wedding day will be one that is remembered by all. You can lay out your canvas and start brushing away. Event coordinators will offer much help when it comes to creating a day that is nothing short of your perfect vision. They will take your ideas and transform them into a reality.

If you're on the fence about a wedding or event coordinator, it never costs anything to talk, to ask questions, and to indulge your curiosity of what it would really be like to transform your special day without making a dent in your way of life!

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Florists.
Not in Philadelphia, PA? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy wedding planning directory to help you find a florists near you!

Every Friday, Wedding and Party Network will be choosing a theme or color and give you inspirational photos. We want to help give you inspiration for your next event, wedding or party. So, take a look and we hope to give you a bit of inspiration when planning your wedding or party. Our inspirational board this week features the beautiful color purple. This color is such an elegant and royal color to feature in weddings. Plus, you can do so much with it! So, receive inspiration this week through the color purple.

The color purple is such a beautiful color. You can use it in the spring, summer, fall and winter! Plus, it pairs so nicely with a variety of colors. If you're planning a spring wedding, use pastels. For a summer wedding, you can use bright and bold purple colors. Also, for the fall and winter months, choose a deep colored hue that will set the tone within these months. You can incorporate these colors into your bridesmaid dresses, wedding cake, wedding reception and basically anywhere you'd like! This color is just simply amazing! So, go ahead and gather inspiration from the color purple.

Standing out for a special occasion is a must. You don't want to blend in with everyone else, you want to stand out from them. One of the most important dresses of your life is your wedding dress. You most definitely want to stand out in that. So, find a formal wear shop that understands exactly this with Bridal Elegance.Their friendly and skilled staff will make sure that you look simply breathtaking for any major event coming up in your life.

Dressing For Your Wedding

You've had the perfect proposal, now the first thing you want checked off your wedding list is your wedding dress. You want to find something that tells your story, fits you perfectly and makes you look amazing. Well, Bridal Elegance wants to do just that. For almost 3 decades, they have dressed gorgeous brides-to-be in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area and making their wedding day a true vision.

Wedding dresses set the tone of your wedding, and they understand that. You will find everything you need and more for your wedding day with them. A beautiful bridal gown, accessories, bridal veils, jewelery, tiaras, sashes, belts and anything else you need on your wedding day will all be at your fingertips. A gorgeous wedding location, flowers and your wedding dress are the perfect combination for a memorable day.

Whether you are wanting a traditional wedding gown or a princess styled gown; they have it. Do you want a beautiful sweetheart neckline with a cathedral train? Well, you will find it. They understand that no brides are the same. Therefore, they offer a large choice of beautiful wedding gowns so everyone's style is achieved.

Along with your wedding dress, bridesmaids, flower girls and mothers will be able to find a beautiful dresses to go along with yours. You will look like you always pictured you would.

Standing Out

If you have a special event coming up, Bridal Elegance would love to dress you for that as well. Always staying on trend with prom dresses, homecoming dresses and cocktail dresses, you'll find gorgeous styles that are always in style. Beautiful bold colors, crazy prints or an elegant black dress are the array of dresses they feature to fit everyone's style.

Everyone will fall in love with your dress and think you look absolutely stunning. Bridal Elegance will make sure you have all the right accessories to make you stand out.

When finding "the" dress for your wedding day, visit Bridal Elegance. They'll always make sure that you stand out from the crowd in any dress for any occasion. You'll be simply breath-taking.