Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am planning on getting married may of 2010, having trouble finding marriage commissioners, my father wants a religious ceremony so just wondering if you know if ministers will come to hotels to do the ceremonies of a wedding and if they do how i can get ahold of them! Thank you so much Lisa

Celebration Advisor Reply: Some Edmonton ministers will perform marriage ceremonies in a non-church location.  I assume that you do not have a home church in Edmonton. So I would begin by checking with the local churches that are the same affiliation as your father.  If that isn't possible, look for churches with a non-denominational classification or community church classification.  This website Relocate Canada; has a list of local churches along with links to their websites. Another option is to find a marriage commissioner who will perform a religious ceremony.

Although the commissioner does not have religious credentials, he/she can incorporate religious aspects into the ceremony.  The Alberta government has a list of marriage commissioners with contact information.

Hopefully I have given you the resources needed to find the right person to perform your wedding ceremony.  Good Luck and keep us posted on the events of your wedding.

The Dilemma: To Serve Or Not To Serve Alcohol
I know a bride and groom with a dilemma: the bride comes from a family where wedding receptions a large joyous celebrations which include alcoholic beverages and champagne toasts. As tradition dictates, her family is paying for the wedding and reception.

The groom, on the other hand, is from a religious background that doesn’t include alcohol in their wedding receptions. Their wedding guests are mostly from the bride’s family and friends, but the couple feels they need to consider how to make their reception accommodating to both groups.

The Solution: BOTH

They have decided to host an early reception, with no alcohol, immediately following their wedding. All guests are invited to enjoy a great buffet, punch and wedding cake, dancing and the like. After two hours, they will have a champagne toast that will open the bar.

Making It Work:
They have appropriately informed their guests through their wedding program that no alcohol will be served during the first two hours of the reception, but will be served the final two hours.

As some of their relatives have strong beliefs about not drinking alcohol, I believe this is a really generous and considerate way of handling what could become a sticky situation. Those guests who have been told about the reception plans have expressed their gratitude to the bride and groom for thinking of them and the children who will be there.

I say, if this is how the bride and groom begin their marriage—by considerately adjusting their plans to accommodate others—theirs is a marriage that will be marked by unselfish love to one another and those important to them.

This wedding tip was brought to you by www.weddingandpartynetwork.com, your number 1 source for wedding planning.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I will be proposing to a Vietnamese girl within the next couple of months. While her family has been here since 1976; I would love to be able to perform the traditional betrothal ceremony for her parents. Any help or advice you could give would be greatly appreciated…Especially where to purchase the gift boxes, gifts, and red cloth coverings for the boxes. Thanks, Jeff in Minneapolis/Saint Paul Minnesota

The Celebration Advisor: Great question, Jeff. Respecting your future wife's heritage is an excellent idea and one that shows how much you love and respect her as well. We recently brought to light some interesting Vietnamese/Chinese wedding traditions. You obviously know some of the basics which will help you when you discuss which supplies you need.

I'm not sure where you are in Minnesota but here are a few places to look to get you started:

• A local or regional Vietnamese newspaper
• Chinese stores such as those in the China Town areas of major cities
• Large malls with unique outlet stores with International imports
• Borrow from another Vietnamese friend or ask her family if they have any / know where to look
• Order online from Vietnam (be prepared for shipping costs)

An excellent bakery in Owatonna Minnesota called The Perfect Day Cakes does a lot of interesting theme cakes. There are many bakeries in Minneapolis and bakeries in Saint Paul that would also be able to help make the sweet treats for the celebration and even the engagement party.

Good luck and congratulations!

Some of the most beautiful weddings in Kentucky take place in Lexington. The richness of the city and the wide availability of wedding supply rentals make Lexington weddings stand out above the rest. While other brides search for the best essential wedding supplies at the lowest price, Lexington brides know to start with wedding rentals.

Every wedding reception has a few essential supplies that must be acquired. These include tables and chairs where guests can rest; glassware, dinnerware and serving pieces for the reception dinner; tents to host the reception under; table linens such as napkins and tablecloths to keep the tables looking their best; chair covers for an elegant wedding reception and other crucial supplies.

Lexington brides do not get caught up in the length of this list. Instead, they begin marking them off one by one thanks to great party and wedding rental stores in Lexington!

Local brides do not have to look far to find the essentials for their wedding and wedding reception. Plus, they don't feel the pressure of having to buy these things which they aren't likely to use again in such a high quantity. Lexington KY brides begin and end their search for the basics of their wedding reception at the nearest party and wedding rental stores. All of the necessary wedding rentals can be found at these stores along with the experts who can help select the perfect fit for the wedding.

See why it's so easy to get excited about wedding rentals if you're a bride in Lexington?

Whether you've been to a wedding in Atlanta, thrown several, or planning your first one, you know that Atlanta Georgia weddings have to be special. Georgians pride themselves on their rich traditions and southern heritage. Incorporating these things into a fantastic wedding is all part of what makes Atlanta weddings so fun to attend.

If you're planning a wedding in Atlanta, you probably already know what guests expect and what will have them bragging about your stylish tastes for ages. However, many brides often overlook or wait til last to find the most simple but essential ingredients to any great wedding. What's that, you ask? Wedding rentals.

What would a wedding be without tables and chairs? It'd be a bunch of frustrated people standing around looking bored. What would a wedding be without glasses filled with delicious beverages or tables lined with food? It would be a bunch of frustrated people standing around looking bored and hungry. Do not let this happen to you!

The melodrama ceases here but the reality is that wedding rentals such as tables and chairs, silverware, dinnerware and glassware are important parts of what makes the wedding reception so fun. A lot of other things are added to the mix but the comfort and style of your wedding reception depends on the rentals that you choose. Wedding rentals can range from places to sit (tables and chairs) to where the reception is being held (tent rentals). One thing is for sure, the comfort of the night depends on your choice of wedding rentals.

Don't wait until the last minute to find the supplies that you need. The finest wedding Atlanta GA has ever seen is yours and will be forever etched in their memories thanks to the rarely renowned but always appreciated wedding rentals.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi, I have an important question and am looking for any help…The singer that was going to sing during the lighting of the Unity candle can't make it…We are thinking of playing a cd instead. We don't want a long song. Isn't kind of tacky to hear a cd player start and stop…I know mine clicks too loud…any suggestions? Juls

Celebration Advisor:
I'm sorry your singer can't be there to sing at your wedding ceremony. A live voice is always a beautiful way to celebrate the unity candle lighting. However, I have been to many weddings where the music was presented by cd instead of live.

The key is having the right equipment. You can rent portable sound equipment specially designed for these situations. The on/off features are silent and will not be heard by the guests. Using this type of equipment, rather than your cd player, will also ensure that the music is amplified correctly. With proper amplification all of your wedding guests will be able to hear and enjoy the music. Which brings me to a question you didn't ask, but may need to consider. Will your quests be able to hear you, your fiance and the minister? If not, the same audio equipment might help with the simple addition of a few wireless microphones.

To get your money's worth use this audio equipment during your wedding reception as well. With lapel microphones on the maid of honor and best man, their toasts will easily reach the back of the reception hall.

So check into audio equipment rentals as a way to solve your cd problem. Discuss you needs with a sound specialist who will able to determine what is best for your wedding ceremony.

Recorded music is a very acceptable and pleasant way to share special moments during your ceremony. Of course, you can always use an mp3 player. Most of the time, turning them on and off is a very quiet experience. Whatever you chose, I'm sure your wedding will be a lovely day for you and your guests.

There are many unique wedding photography ideas that can elevate the memories of your Provo wedding from "big day" to "best day ever." Depending on the location of your ceremony, the outdoors can be utilized for quality photos. Destination weddings offer many ideas for Provo UT wedding photographers, especially those who welcome a break from the traditional church and chapel scenery. Beach wedding photography enhances the bride and groom by reflecting the natural beauty of the sand, sun and sparkling water. These are fun pictures that capture the entertaining spirits of the happy couple.

Outdoor weddings in state parks, smoky canyon chapels, or even a grand backyard give Provo wedding photographers an edge. With the backdrop of mother nature at your disposal, you'll soon find that there isn't a better background to be had! Imagine the first kiss between bride and groom set against a fall sunset in Provo Utah. It's a beautiful portrait of the happy couple that can't be imitated or forgotten!

Unique wedding photography from Provo wedding photographers doesn't always have to rely on the backdrop. If a church wedding is the plan for your big day, consider asking about different poses or candid snapshots. Unique photography is as much about capturing a special side of the people in the photo as it is about a unique location. Your Provo UT wedding photographer can offer many suggestions for unique wedding pictures such as groomsmen jumping for joy in front of the church, bride and bridesmaids throwing their bouquets together, ring bearer and flower girl feeding ducks together and many other great snapshots.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Ok, so I'm starting to get a little bit manic because my wedding is happening in a month. My fiance and I picked a caterer who doesn't supply the tables and chairs and what not. I have NO idea where to look to rent that stuff. What do I do!? ~ Kaley L. in Los Angeles, CA

The Celebration Advisor: First, take a deep breath! It'll be ok! You came to the right place to find wedding rental stores in Los Angeles CA.

Second, make a list of the things that you need. This will help when you call/visit the wedding rental store. The clerk will be able to find the chairs, tables, linens and all of those things that you'll need. Since you are having a catered reception, consider renting things like these for your wedding:

• Tables & Chairs — Renting tables and chairs may save you a fee at the banquet hall.
• Crystal Glasses — Your guests have to drink from something!
• China & Silverware — Don't have guests eating off of paper plates at your wedding. It's unheard of in L.A.
• Linens — Linen rentals include napkins, tablecloths and other similar things.
• Chair Covers — Chair covers make those rental chairs look far better!

No matter what part of L.A. you are in, finding a place to rent wedding supplies is simple. Also, consider party rentals and party supplies stores in Los Angeles. They will have great wedding favors and may also have a different variety of rental items for your wedding.

Lastly, have a great time! You're only a click away from a wedding rental store. Relax! Have a great time and live itup!

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm looking for bulb-strand lights, with a candelabra base (similar to ones found and fairs and festivals, also on the Movie HOPE FLOATS) Anyone know where these can be rented? ~ Elly in Wichita KS

The Celebration Advisor: As luck would have it (or knowing a lot of cool lighting vendors), I do happen to know of a great place to find bulb strand lights with candelabra bases! Oogalights.com has pretty much all of the commercial and festival lights you could want. They give you several options of colors for the strand lights with candelabra bases as well. Choose from red, green and black. PartyLights.com also has strand lights with candelabra bases (view C7 Strings & Bulbs). While I'm not sure that either will rent, strand lights are a versatile purchase that can be used for other affairs or resold after the wedding.

The "Hope Floats" look is really popular for intimate outdoor weddings. In fact, we did the same thing for my friend's wedding a few years ago. Oogalights.com gives you a lot of options so that the wedding is celebrated with a bright and cheery atmosphere. I hope you find what you're looking for! Don't forget to stop back by Wedding And Party Network with photos to let us know how it went. Thanks Elly!

Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!

Wedding Budget Tip 1:  Avoid The Busy Season

The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they're not in great demand!

Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it's a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you'll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!

Wedding Budget Tip 2:  Pass Up The Dessert Tray

Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.

If a smaller version of your dream cake won't feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn't leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!

Wedding Budget Tip 3:  Go Green With The Wedding Flowers

Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won't know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.

Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations

In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You're breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)

Wedding Budget Tip 5:  Double Up With Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.

Wedding Budget Tip 6:  Opt For A Cocktail Reception

This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d'oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.

Wedding Budget Tip 7:  Buy The Music, Not The Band

A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you're paying for one person instead of multiple people.

Wedding Budget Tip 8:  Share The Menus

Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table's centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.