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February 2009
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Archives for February 2009

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“Favorite Things” Theme for Teen Birthday Party

A great party idea for a teen party or a kids party is to make it a “favorite things” party. This idea works whether they’re 12 or 18, boy or girl. Although, this idea might be best for a 13th, 16th or 18th birthday party.

Have the event on their favorite day of the week, choose invitations in their favorite color, decorate with their favorite team colors or theme. For example, if they really love a particular baseball team, decorate with those colors and set up the site to look like a stadium. Serve their favorite baseball foods, beverages and dessert. For activities, choose their favorite games and movies, along with their favorite movie snacks.

Another party idea is to have your guests dress in accordance with the theme. You can also do this if the birthday boy or girl is really into a particular hobby or if they love a certain vacation destination, like music or the beach.

The important thing with this teen party idea is knowing your guest of honor. So if it is a surprise, enlist the help of his or her friends. This way you can really tailor the party tho their favorite things. Including their interests will make this an unforgettable birthday party that truly reflects their unique personality and style. What would be an ordinary party will become a fabulous celebration.

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Honeymoon Time? You Need This Airport Security Tip Checklist!

You Can’t Take It With You, Or Can You?

We all know what it’s like to spend countless boring minutes in line at the airport. However, when we’re traveling with our sweetie en route to our honeymoon destinations, we don’t want to be stuck in line delaying the celebration. Well instead of buttering up the people ahead in line for cutsies, think of these helpful tips when packing your suitcases.

What’s That In Your Pocket?
You’ve heard of dressing to impress, right? Well this time dress to keep the lines moving. Start by placing your wallet, keys, cell phones and similar items in outer pockets of your jacket. This makes them easily accessible so that taking them out and putting them back is really easy. After standing in line for that long, you’ll be happy with how fast a few extra seconds seems to be. Also consider wearing shoes that slip on and off easily. Don’t forget socks! Standing in bare feet on a dirty airport floor is about as inviting an idea as it seems. (Not one!)

I’m Thirsty. Got 3 Ounces of Something Tasty?
Don’t forget about the 3-1-1 rule. The rule states that you must carry all liquids and gels in containers not exceeding three ounces. These containers must be sealed in a one-quart plastic baggy, and only one bag is allowed per person. Think travel toothpaste, shampoo and the like for this little baggy as these are more easily recognized. Sure, security may open them anyway but it’ll be worth it to keep from having to explain exactly what is in which unmarked bottle. Keep this bag at the top of your carry on because having fast access to it will greatly expediate the process of going through security.

Another good idea is to bring along some extra Ziploc baggies. Just in case some forgotten items slip into your bag, having an extra plastic bag can prevent those items from being confiscated.

That News Cuts Me Like A Fingernail Clipper
Of course, items like scissors, pocketknives, fingernail clippers and golf clubs are definite no-no’s. Steer clear of these kinds of things when packing. Items like this can be bought at a local store, so why go through the hassle of having them confiscated?

Honey, The Toaster Just Won’t Fit!
Thinking about bringing electronics along? Now while you’re probably not porting along your DVD player, you may be thinking about bringing along your mp3 player and docking station. Try calling ahead to see if your hotel accommodations include a docking station and speakers. Not only are these items large, tangled wires can be a hassle. If bringing your laptop, take it out of its case and put it on the security belt.

The Pretty Bow Must Go
Bringing a wedding night gift for your hubby? Forget the bows and ribbons until landing. Security may unwrap any wrapped packages so try to be sneaky about how you conceal the gift from your husband while making sure security has no issue with it.

No More “They Lost My Luggage” Blues
Pre-wedding jitters tend to put a damper on the mood to pack for the honeymoon. Even if you are happy as a lark about making the plans, nervous excitement may keep a few necessities from making it to the baggage. One good suggestion is to look into sending the bags ahead via FedEx, UPS, or the USPS. This could wind up saving you time and money. Remember to check the TSA’s website for regulation changes a few days prior to your departure.

You’re now pretty ahead of the game as far as honeymoon planning goes, but we want to make this even simpler. Print the following for a quick checklist of things to remember when packing your luggage.

Remember This When Packing Your Suitcase:

  • Buy travel sized toiletries, liquids in containers not exceeding three ounces.
  • Keep all liquid containers (i.e. toiletries) in one clear plastic bag.
  • Keep your plastic bag toward the top of the suitcase for easy removal.
  • Don’t carry wrapped gift items. Security will probably unwrap them in front of your honey.

Remember This When Packing Your Carry-On Bag:

  • No fingernail clippers, nail files, pocket knives, scissors or similar items.
  • Opt to buy beverages and snacks on the plane. Most will not pass inspection and will be confiscated.
  • Ipods and mp3 players are fine, but have the cords neatly wound.
  • Call the hotel ahead of time for information about mp3 player docking stations and speakers.

Remember This When Dressing For Travel:

  • Wear slip on shoes or easily removable shoes along with socks.
  • Keep items to be removed in outside pockets that can be quickly and easily accessed. These items should include wallets, keys, cell phones, coins, etc.

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Selecting Locations For Your Wedding Photo Shoot

Your ceremony and reception location usually determine where your wedding photographs are taken. However, skilled wedding photographers also have an eye for detail and can see beautiful shots in many different locations.

Outdoor wedding photography is very popular with modern couples. These photos can capture many unique occasions such as strolling through an elaborate garden, enjoying the architecture in front of a cityscape, and exploring quiet streets together. Discussing alternative locations with your wedding photographer is a great way to get fun photos of the wedding party and romantic photos with your groom.

Indoor wedding ceremonies also produce excellent photos. Thanks to digital wedding photography, amazing wedding photos are just a few clicks away! Many photography techniques enhance indoor photos as well. For instance, black and white wedding photos have a uniquely soft appeal. This is just one of many ways that wedding photographers make the most of the location and the event.

Destination weddings produce some of the most amazing wedding photos. Destination wedding photographers use the unique landmarks at the ceremony and reception to enhance the joy of the day. Churches adorned in gothic architecture can be as beautiful as tropical cabanas. Highly famous landmarks also make for truly unique wedding photography. Imagine kissing your groom with the St. Louis arch gracing the background or showing off your wedding gown in front of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. What a trip!

Depending on the style of photos that you want, discuss the location of your wedding photo shoot with your photographer. This will ensure that you get unique wedding photos and have fun taking them!

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Wedding Tradition: Tying Shoes To The Bumper

Where Did The Tradition Of Tying Shoes To The Bridal Vehicle Come From?

Some people believe the tradition stems from the Egyptians.  It is said that Egyptians once exchanged sandals after exchanging goods. As a result, it is thought that the father would give the groom his daughter’s sandals (bride’s shoes), symbolizing that they were the grooms property now.

Another  idea of shoes and wedding traditions comes from the bible.  In Ruth 4:7 it states that ; Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel.

Both ideas show how shoes can be part of commitment to a contract.  Incorporating shoes into the tradition of weddings seems natural, since wedding vows and ceremonies are contracts of commitments between a bride and groom.  But how did the old tradition turn to shoes being tied to bumpers?

During the Anglo-Saxon years( 5th century), people took to throwing shoes at the bride and groom as a way to wish them luck on their journey, as well as fertility. It could be that maybe, just maybe, someone threw a shoe just a bit to hard and bit to precise. Possibly knocking either the bride or groom out thus resulting in a change of tradition at the next wedding. Instead of throwing shoes, they tied them to the carriage. After all the point of a tradition is merely symbolization. Tied shoes symbolizes the husband and wife being “tied” together (committed to one another) and tying baby shoes to the bumper certainly symbolizes fertility.

We can’t be certain of when the tradition changed; but even in today’s time, you will see many different countries still carrying on the “tying of the shoes” wedding tradition to the couples car.

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How To Become Your Wedding Photographer’s Best Work

Discussing The Wedding Photos That You Want

Modern brides are intelligent women that have been to many wedding in their lifetime. Having peered through the wedding photos after the ceremonies of friends, these brides have a pretty good idea of what they’d like to see in their own photo album. It’s perfectly acceptable (and advisable) to discuss your favorite poses with your wedding photographer whether it’s something standard like wedding cake pictures that show off its intricate designs and detail or less traditional wedding photos like groomsmen jumping together in their tuxedos.

Politely Reviewing Your Photographer’s Previous Work

Your photographer’s portfolio is an excellent representation of the types of wedding photos that he or she will shoot for your big day. Wedding photography isn’t an exact science, so asking about different tones and poses is a great way to get ideas that will lead to the perfect wedding photo album.

When reviewing your photographer’s portfolio, note the use of various tones such as sepia and black and white. Consider superimposed images and other techniques. A very popular style is wedding photos with a single bouquet or other feature enhanced while surrounded by a neutral tone over the rest of the photo. There are many techniques that your wedding photographer can use to make your pictures fabulous. Noting the ideas that you like and discussing these with your photographer will also go far toward quality wedding photos.

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Ask The Expert: I’m Getting Married. How Do I Tell My Family?

Ask The Expert: I recently became engaged to a wonderful guy that I’ve been dating for a couple years. My family knows him well, and his knows me. They’ve kind of suspected for a while but aren’t really sure. What is the proper way to go about announcing our engagement and who do I tell first?  ~ Sarah

Brynn @ Wedding and Party Network says: What a great question, Sarah! First of all, congratulations are in order so congratulations on your engagement. How cool! Now to the meat and potatoes.

Announcing your engagement to your family is a bit easier than writing up an engagement announcement for your local paper but can often be just as tedious. Who should be told first is asked a lot because no one wants to step on toes. In my family, we all know to tell just one person and it’ll eventually get around to the rest of the family. Assuming yours isn’t this way, let’s talk about what’s traditional. [Read more…]

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Take Advantage of Natural Beauty… Outdoor Wedding Table Decorations

I love outdoor weddings. There’s just something about the natural beauty of the greenery that makes them so fabulous. Outdoor wedding reception decorations and table centerpieces can be somewhat tricky though, because you don’t want to take away from the natural scenery. The new overall wedding decoration idea trend is “earthy glamorous” and this theme is even more beautiful outdoors.

This can be done using twigs, leaves, containers of grass, and several other resources. Table decorations and centerpiece options are endless with this theme. Long low containers of grass with a [Read more…]

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Which Popular Wedding Cake Theme Fits You?

Let Your Heritage Add Spice To Your Wedding Cake

Cultural wedding cake themes are seeing a big rise in popularity as wedding ceremonies reflect the ethnic traditions of the bride and groom. As more and more couples tap into their heritage to inspire their celebration, wedding cakes are also following suit with an increase in cultural wedding cakes. This could include a red and white wedding cake for Chinese couples following the traditions of lucky colors and other similar practices. When heritage and ethnicity play an important role at the wedding, discuss how to incorporate many of these traditions with your wedding cake bakery.

A Seasonal Theme Deserves A Seasonal Wedding Cake

Seasonal themed wedding cakes are also very popular. Fall wedding cakes make excellent use of bronze, amber, burnt reds and similar colors. Falling fondant leaves cascading down tiers of colorful wedding cake is a portion of the wedding reception that no autumn bride should be without.

Seasonal wedding cakes are also appropriate and beautiful for the other seasons of the year. Winter wedding cakes, summer wedding cakes, and spring wedding cakes each bring their own unique set of shades to the palette but every pairing is as beautiful as the next. Each hue creates a unique dimension that brings to life the season of the wedding. What a great way to celebrate the day and the time of year!

Make It Funky-Unusual Wedding Cakes Are In Now

Unusual wedding cakes are also becoming very popular. Tiers that appear to be skewed are a fun alternative to traditional pieces. Heart shaped wedding cakes add an extra dose of romance and flair to the reception. Whatever the shape and style, unusual wedding cakes are seeing a big boost among brides wishing to have a truly unique wedding.

Celebrate Your Roots With A Location-Specific Wedding Cake

Don’t forget location specific themes for the wedding cake! Everyone loves a good bit of dessert, but themed wedding cakes stand out with their fun and quirky appearance. Beach destination weddings are very popular as are the beach wedding cakes that come with them. Another popular style remains with western wedding cakes. A fondant cowboy boot atop buttercream delight is a tasty way for everyone to celebrate nuptials. Don’t be scared to contact your local wedding cake bakery about the many different location-specific themes for your cake.

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Wedding Hairstyles: How To Choose The Right One For Your Wedding Day

Next to choosing a dress, choosing a wedding hairstyle for your wedding day is the biggest decision a bride must make. It is not exactly rocket science; up, down, or half up are the three basic hairstyles. With bridal tiaras, hair pins, wedding jewelry, and veils, we must use the wedding hairstyle to tie in all of the accessories in a classic fashion.

Up Swept Hair With Wedding TiaraWedding Hairstyles Meet Fashion and Accessories

When deciding how to wear your hair on your wedding day there are many different variables to consider.  First, and most important, is the style of wedding dress you have chosen and the neckline that it portrays. Depending on whether the dress is strapless, sweetheart cut, v-neck, or scoop neck, the hairstyle you choose for your wedding day may be changed.

If you are wearing a strapless wedding dress on your wedding day, and want to expose the collarbone and neckline of the dress, an up-do would be the best option to present the silhouette of the shoulders. Although up-do’s are great for strapless dresses, wearing the hair down is very classic and also looks fabulous against the strapless neckline.

Sweetheart necklines are romantic and elegant in nature and look fabulous with a hairstyle that eludes soft curls falling from a half-up hairstyle. This hairstyle is very natural and when done with loose curls is very loving and romantic; perfect for the wedding day! Dresses with straps or sleeves are most elegantly accompanied by a classic up-do. In this case it all depends on how much of the fabric is detailed around the shoulders and neckline of the dress.

Plan Ahead For An Incredibly Beautiful Wedding Hairstyle

Flowing Locks On your wedding day, a bride wants to feel as though she stepped out of a fairytale storybook, where everything, including her hair, is perfect. This is why it is so important to meet with your hair stylist in advance and discuss ideas and have a few practice runs before the big day. This ensures that everything on the day of the wedding runs smoothly and you are not disappointed with the final result.

Coming to a final decision on what hairstyle to go with on the wedding day may take quite a bit of thinking and coordinating with other bridal accessories such as the bridal veil and wedding jewelry. The most important thing to remember is when choosing a wedding hairstyle, it is best to look as natural as possible. Find a hairstyle that is similar to how you wear your hair day to day. The key is to look like a more beautiful, you on your wedding day; not someone who you aren’t.

Coordination Is Key To Great Wedding Hairstyles

At your first appointment with the hairstylist, it is suggested that all brides bring a picture of flowers, the dress, any accessories you may be wearing, and maybe a few pictures of the ceremony decorations so the stylist can get an idea of the overall style of the wedding scenery.

Perfect Hair for the Perfect DayThe wedding hair stylist will be the most help to you in deciding which hairstyle is best suited for you. However, it is always best to take a friend or family member to the first hair appointment for advice in making a decision.

The wedding theme plays a large factor in selecting a wedding hairstyle and personal wedding accessories. Whimsical wedding decorations with flowing fabrics, delicate flowers, and feminine touches bring out a romantic ambiance that calls for simple but elegant wedding hairstyles and wedding accessories. More modern wedding decorations with bold colors and inventive décor call for more modern, edgy wedding accessories and up-do’s. With pictures of the wedding décor, flowers, and wedding accessories, the hair stylist will be able to help you figure out which hair style is best for your wedding day.

Practice Makes Perfect Wedding Day Hair

You never see an athlete run a race without at least one practice run beforehand, or an opera singer bring down the house without rehearsing several times. To make sure everything runs smoothly on the actual wedding day, it is suggested that every bride have a trial run a few weeks before the wedding day. This means going through all the preparation phases: hair, make-up, and getting the dress on.

First of all, you want to make sure that the bobby pins and hair spray will be able to hold your wedding hairstyle for the length of time that the ceremony and wedding festivities will last. It would be terrible for you to arrive at the ceremony with your up-do unraveling as fast as you can say “I do”. Secondly, you want to make sure you are comfortable. You may love a hairstyle the first few minutes of it being fixed, but after four hours of bobby pins pulling your hair in a million different directions you may have second thoughts. To make sure you are comfortable on your wedding day, have a trial run.

Pre-Wedding Pictures Are A Snap (And Helpful!)

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought “Wow, I look good!” and then reflected on pictures of that same night and hated them? Photos don’t always capture what you want them to which is why the pre-wedding picture session is so necessary. Pictures are a very important part of your wedding day. This is why it is so important to make sure wedding hair and accessories are perfect. What better way to assure your wedding photos are fabulous than to have a pre-wedding picture party? This could be done when bridal photos are taken, or just as a simple trial wedding photo session. By doing this you can rearrange wedding accessories, flowers, tiaras, and any other hair décor that might need to be adjusted for photos on the actual wedding day.

Selecting a wedding hairstyle can be a stressor, but as long as you follow these simple suggestions, you are sure to be confidently stunning on your big day. Choosing your wedding day hairstyle is the hardest part of the process, so when the big day comes, just sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered on your wedding day!

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Etiquette Issue: Including Wedding Registry Info on Bridal Luncheon Invitation

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am giving a bridal luncheon/shower.  The invitation only says bridal luncheon.  On the enclosure about the bridal registry, can I say “You may choose your shower gift from the bridal registry” and list the bridal registry or just have the bridal registries listed.  I think most people know this is also a shower, but I want to make sure and I want to do it properly.  Thanks! Anne

The Celebration Advisor:

Anne,

A bridal luncheon when held in conjunction with a shower must follow the same etiquette as a bridal shower.  Etiquette dictates that registry information should be included with the invitation.  However, the wedding registry information must NOT be on the invitation itself.  It must be on a separate note and [Read more…]

Wedding Flowers: From Palette to Petals

Flowers set the stage for a wedding by adding color, texture, and personality to every detail. The right blooms complement your color palette and help create the mood, whether soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or fresh and modern. With thoughtful floral choices, your wedding can feel personal and beautifully reflective of your style!