Archives for September 2009

September 29, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Curious About Bridesmaids Duties? Try This Checklist!

Keeping up with who-does-what at a wedding can be very tedious. Instead of worrying about what your bridesmaid duties are and threatening your enjoyment of the wedding, use this checklist instead! This wedding checklist of bridesmaids duties is the fastest and easiest way to recognize your part in helping things run smoothly. Wedding planning has never been so simple!

Pre-Wedding Bridesmaids Duties:

May assist in shopping for dress
Attend at least one bridesmaid dress shopping event (unless an out-of-town attendant)
Get fittings and alterations as needed
Help with wedding planning errands
Help plan wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
Attend the parties!

Bridesmaids Duties At The Ceremony:

Walk in the processional (might be with groomsman)
Stand at the altar or stage throughout the ceremony
Walk with a groomsman in the recessional
Help bride dress and prepare for the wedding

Bridesmaids Duties At The Reception:

Might be announced at the reception
Sit at head table (if reserved)
Take part in first dance (if wedding party is asked to participate)

Now you're just a few short steps away from being the best bridesmaid in history! Simply help your friend shine on her wedding day and you're both off to a good start!

September 28, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

The Top 5 Short Wedding Reception Centerpieces Photos

Last month we featured the top five photos of tall wedding reception centerpieces. Each photo displayed one unique quality that made those tall centerpieces fun for any reception. This month we're switching it up ever so slightly by bringing you the opposite. Now it's time to give you some ideas for short and medium floral centerpieces for your wedding reception! When you're discussing your wedding reception centerpieces with your florist, keep these photos in mind (or take a print-out of your favorites with you!)

*marching band fanfare*

Contemporary Wedding Reception Centerpiece

#5 — Give It A Whirl: Contemporary Centerpiece

This is a beautiful centerpiece perfect for a contemporary wedding reception. It's elegant, fun, stylish, sleek and sophisticated. In other words, the perfect decorations for the modern bride! These flowers have all of the components of a great wedding reception centerpiece. You have height with the foliage. You have color with the cool red roses. Plus, your eye is drawn to the cool angles formed by the grasses used to create width. Beautiful and intricate!

This contemporary wedding reception centerpiece was created by Ginkgo Floral Design, a flower shop in Toronto, Ontario specializing in wedding flowers.

Small Bowl Floral Centerpiece

#4 — Another Whirlwind Wedding Reception: Centerpiece of Elegance

This is a very beautiful and elegant centerpiece which is why it's making the top 5 wedding reception centerpiece list this month. This is a picturesque centerpiece made using just three components: a small round vase, a single orchid (similar flowers will work), and a few shoots of long grass. The way they mesh together so beautifully makes it hard to imagine the careful creation of the centerpiece. Definitely a favorite!

This beautiful photo of a contemporary centerpiece in a round vase was submitted by The Enchanted Florist, a flower shop in Mount Vernon Washington specializing in wedding flowers.

Mirror Underneath Centerpiece

#3 — Come Together To Reflect: Mirrored Centerpieces in Square Vases

The mirror at the bottom of these centerpieces make it perfect for a classy wedding reception. Light shimmers and bounces off of the mirrors and the square vases of the centerpieces for a beautiful and eye-catching appearance. The flowers in each centerpiece complement each other masterfully. Candles add a great touch whether lit or not. Tiny glass crystals (glass rocks will do also) add extra shimmer and sparkle. After all, what's a girl without her accessories?

This centerpiece on a mirror base photo was submitted by Perfect Presentations, a wedding coordinator and florist in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Poolside Wreath Reception Centerpiece

#2 — Take A Dive: Poolside Table Centerpiece For An Outdoor Reception

Time for a dip? Not yet! First guests have to stop and enjoy the way the table centerpieces play off of the floating flower arrangements at this wedding reception. Centerpieces like these are beautiful because they really pop against a black tablecloth plus they look great with all of the other decorations. If you're in the mood for an outdoor wedding reception, consider centerpieces like these that have stand-out and blend-in appeal.

This poolside table centerpiece photo was submitted by Apple Blossoms Floral Design & Gifts, a wedding florist in Tampa Florida.

Elegant Contemporary Tulip Centerpiece

#1 — These Two Lips Long To Kiss You: Contemporary Tulip Reception Centerpiece

When you think of contemporary centerpieces for a wedding reception, this is one that quickly comes to mind. Red tulips form the bulk of the centerpiece (or at least the most eye-catching part). Their stems are swirled around in the standing vase along with some long grass shoots. Add a little water and you have yourself the #1 table centerpiece for the month! This arrangement is great for any wedding reception because red is the color of passionate love. Red tulips? … it's just like whispering sweet nothings in someone's ear.

This contemporary tulip centerpiece photo was submitted by Nanz & Kraft Florists Inc., a wedding florist in Louisville Kentucky.

September 25, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Ultimate Rap Party: A Teenage's Dream

Do you have a teen who wants to be a rap artist? Then this is the party you need to throw them, so

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they can experience their inner rapper. To have the ultimate rap party, you will need to do a few things:

Rent a space to hold the party.
Although you could hold the parties outside, I recommend an indoor space. Why? Because you will be using a lot of electrical equipment. Outdoor locations are great but they make it more complicated with the chance of weather. Electronics and bad weather do not mix well.

You will need to rent a stage
All rappers need a stage. If the place you have secured for the party does not have one, you'll need to rent one. The stage rental place should also be able to help you with the lighting and a sound system, as well. Remember this is the Ultimate Rap Party and every rap artist needs the right atmosphere. So, you’ll want lots of lights and a great sound system for the rap artist to work their rap skills on.

Gotta Have The Lingo
Print of some rap lyrics from the Internet. Have your teenager help you pick out the songs from their favorite rapper. Have them printed on some colorful paper to hand out to the party goers. They can choose a rap lyric sheet to take to the stage to show off their skills or even free style. Don’t forget a video camera or hire a videographer. You’ll want to catch all the rapping action!

Party Decoration: Gotta Have The Bling
Flashy – that's the goal of the decorations. So bling is a must. Use any type of bling like item you can think of as the room's decor. Take a que from Rappers who like styling cars. Giant posters of cars and maybe posters of your teens favorite rappers can be used to decorate the party room. Don't forget strobe lights. A stage, lights and a rapper atmosphere will have the party goers flowing with their own rap lyrics about this ultimate rap party.

September 24, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Did You Know That Bread Is Part Of A Wedding Tradition?

Throughout history food has been used to symbolize many different things in different cultures. In Polish tradition you have the Bread and Salt blessing. In Russian weddings the use of bread helped determine who the head of the family would be. Two different cultures but each use bread in their wedding tradition.

Polish Wedding Tradition- Bread and Salt Blessing

The Polish wedding tradition of The Bread and Salt Blessing is a sweet tradition that can be incorporated into today's modern weddings. At the wedding reception the bride and groom are met by both sets of parents. The parents have a loaf of bread sprinkled with salt and a goblet of wine. The parents then say "According to our Old Polish tradition, we greet you with bread and salt so that your home might always enjoy abundance."

The bread is given in hopes that the bride and groom will never go hungry or be in need. The salt conveys that time may be difficult but they must learn to cope with the struggles in their life and marriage. The wine, as with the bread, give hope that the couple never goes thirsty and their lives be filled with joy and happiness.

The bride and groom each take a piece of the bread and a drink of the wine and then break the plate and the glass by throwing them to the ground. The parents then give a kiss to the couple and the reception begins.

Russian Bread Tradition

The Russians have a unique way to determine who the head of the household is. During the wedding ceremony or at the reception, the bride and groom are given a loaf of karavay (a small round loaf of bread). Someone holds the bread for them as they each take a bite from the loaf. Whomever takes the bigger bite is the considered the head of the family.

As with the Polish tradition the bread is also a symbol for health, long life and wealth. And after the bites are taken, the bride and groom take a drink as well and then break the glasses from which they drank.

Even though each culture has different ways to use bread in their ceremonies, the bread still has the same symbolization. That symbolization is what makes this these traditions so great. The Polish and Russians probably got the ideas and varied the ways the breads are used from the Romans. This shows us that the tradition, even if changed slightly, goes on forever, passed down from generation to generation.

How lovely that we can enjoy all the cultural traditions and differences and incorporate them into our modern days weddings.

September 23, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Celebrating 40 – Better With Age

40th Birthday – You're Not Old – You're Like Fine Wine & Cheese – Better With Age

Having reached my fortieth year (a milestone birthday), my sister threw me a great party. It was subdued, yet a fantastically wonderful party. My Sister invited my husband and a few of my dearest friends over to celebrate my birthday. The black and white invitation arrived by mail, asking us to attend a wine and cheese party, and to dress in evening wear attire.

She decorated her home with flowers that coordinated with the wines we were going to taste. The serving table was decorated with flowers such as red roses behind a Merlot wine, white roses for a Chardonnay wine. It was fragrant and beautiful, her home looked like a fine restaurant. The food was delicious yet simple, the rich cheese, the fresh fruits all served by a waiter dressed in a purple shirt with black pants (purple is my favorite color). The best part was the most decadent seven layer chocolate cake she served for desert.

My sister, always the best hostess, hired a wonderful singer/guitar player who softy played through out the night. As we drank the wines and sampled the cheeses, we swayed to the music even singing along occasionally. This party is a relaxing way to celebrate a 40^th birthday.

Sometimes we think a milestone birthday party means big and grand, but big is not what every 40-year-old wants. Some like a more subdued party that is rich in food, drink and close friends and family. My sister gave me what I needed a relaxing celebration of my birthday. Keep this idea in mind you may have a friend or family member that wants to quietly celebrate their age. This allows you to celebrate their milestone without stressing them out with big party.

September 22, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

8 Unique Ways To Personalize Your Wedding

Want to add a personal touch to your wedding? Feel like making yours different and less traditional? If you're in the mood for a wedding that everyone will remember, try some of these ideas when you're planning your wedding.

Personal & Memorable — write your own wedding vows

Exchanging Personalized Wedding Vows

Writing your own wedding vows allows you to say how you really feel. Personalizing your vows also makes each word matter. You may not be able to recite them with the same rote intonation, but you will remember every word for the rest of your life.

It's hard to forget the sweetest words you've ever heard and that's exactly what these will be. Standing there looking into your groom's eyes, you know that he means exactly what he's saying. Every word you speak to one another floats through the air and somehow manages to stay with you through the memory fog that the excitement of the day creates.

Create A Romantic Atmosphere — have a reading and get guests involved

Some of your friends may not be in the wedding party. Some of your favorite relatives may not have positions in the wedding party either. Having a reading at your wedding ceremony will help involve close friends and family.

So what do they read? Many couples choose romantic poems that read like vows. An extra personal touch for the creative couple is to write their own poem(s) and have honored guests read stanzas from that. Each guest reads one stanza until the poem has ended. Once it is over, the whole room feels unified.

Homage & Honor — Set up memorial tables for deceased loved ones

Many brides and grooms feel strongly bonded to people that have passed. The wedding becomes somewhat bittersweet when they realize that something so important will not be witnessed by their deceased loved one. To honor that person (usually a relative), a table with their picture and a few small mementos is a wonderful way to pay homage to these special people. The table can be set up near the sign-in table, where the couple's picture is displayed, or at the wedding reception where they would have sat.

Mementos for the memorial table can include a small poem with the theme of "gone but not forgotten, not here but here in our hearts", a small flower arrangement to accent the pictures, a unique picture frame to hold the pictures, and other items.

Trendy & Different — personalize your wedding decorations

Personalized Table Decorations

Your wedding decorations reflect your personality. Many couples highlight their table centerpieces with engagement photos. Take that thought a step further by using decorations such as photo cubes on the reception tables.

Also consider the color of your wedding decorations. Many contemporary weddings feature colors that are a far stray from the traditional pinks and creams. Instead, modern brides are personalizing their wedding by including fancy colors such as silver, gold, ruby, and black or bright colors such as lime green, orange, yellow, and hot pink. An instant "wow" factor comes from using color in your wedding.

Fun & Humorous — choose a unique wedding cake & cake topper

Colorful Wedding Cake

There are some wedding cakes that guests cannot take their eyes off of once they hit the reception hall. Sometimes it's the height of multiple tiers that makes the wedding cake unique. Four or five tiers of buttercream delight is enough to turn heads of both young and old. Fountain wedding cakes with unique platforms also get the neck turning.

Sometimes it's the design of the wedding cake itself that gets attention. Uniquely shaped wedding cakes, specific icing patterns, colorful wedding cakes–these are all examples of personalized wedding cakes designed with the bride's tastes in mind.

Another example is something shocking. Cakes with a little personality of their own let guests know that the bride is one-of-a-kind with a great sense of humor. For example, brides wanting an esoteric wedding cake can ask for a cake decorated with girly skulls. Why not? The groom gets a cake that shows off his personality and interests. Why not bring the same feeling to the wedding cake?

Sexy Cake Topper

Monogrammed cake toppers help personalize the wedding cake. The initial of your new surname is a wonderful addition to the cake. You could also choose the initial of your married surname surrounded by smaller initials of your name and your groom's.

Speaking of unique cake toppers, the style of cake topper where the bride and groom are arm-in-arm as if in motion down the aisle is going out the window quickly with modern brides. It's not unique or original. Instead, try a unique cake topper like a licensed character set. Or, go back to the "shocking" and try something very different that will garner a laugh faster than the best man's toast.

Altruistic & Generous — choose personalized wedding favors or charitable donations

Many couples are opting for personalized wedding favors. These are the same great favors but they feature the couple's name and wedding date. They also think about what they would want if they attended a wedding. This helps them choose a unique wedding favor for their guests. Anything that newlyweds can put their names or faces on is a great way to personalize the wedding.

Charitable donations are also being requested by newlyweds in lieu of wedding favors. Small envelopes with the announcement "a donation to (your favorite charity) has been made in your name" are becoming huge with environmentally friendly or activist couples.

Respectful & Classy — incorporate your parents wedding accents

This idea may seem a bit traditional but there's still a way to make your parent's stuff help your wedding feel personal. It also helps that it's YOUR parents stuff which means that no one else has had it or used it or will use it with maybe the exception of your siblings.

To personalize your wedding by using things your parents wedding accessories, make sure that you use these things where they enhance your personality. Your mother's bouquet may not be what you carry but it can be the inspiration for the bouquet centerpieces at the wedding reception. Perhaps your mother wore her mother's necklace during the ceremony. You may have something else in mind for your neck but many florists can secure the jewelry to your bouquet which means that you'll have it the entire time. Just find a twist for these items and it's the same good old feeling with a personal touch.

Furry & Faithful — include your pet(s) in the ceremony

Some couples are very attached to their pets. If you have a small dog or other trained pet, consider making them part of your wedding party. Attach the wedding ring to a pillow on the dog's collar. Of course, you have to keep in mind the personality of your pet. If they are nervous or excitable, consider a smaller role.

The more you plan your wedding the easier it will be to find unique ways to personalize it. Whatever you choose to do, make sure that it is a reflection of you and of your groom. It's your big day! Make it special and something that everyone will remember with great tips on wedding planning from Wedding And Party Network!!

Special thanks to:

Bake My Day, a wedding cake bakery in Louisville Kentucky, for the use of their polka dotted contemporary wedding cake photo.

Beautiful Weddings On A Budget, wedding coordinators in Fort Campbell Kentucky, for the use of their personalized photo cube table decorations photo.

Briar Rose Cottage Flowers, a wedding florist in Jesup Georgia, for the use of their wedding ceremony photo.

Escape Concepts, a wedding supplier in Charlotte North Carolina, for the use of their cake topper photo.

September 21, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Is This Appropriate Rehearsal Dinner Attire?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm the father of the groom, the wedding will be in formal attire and the rehearsal dinner will be semi-formal. Is it appropriate for me to wear a dinner jacket to the rehearsal dinner? If not, what do you recommend? Thank you for your advise!! ~ FV

The Celebration Advisor: Yes, a dinner jacket is appropriate attire. For a semi-formal rehearsal dinner, consider lightweight fabrics in standard colors such as navy blue, black and charcoal gray. Dinner jackets in these colors conform to most formal and semi-formal standards of rehearsal dinner attire. We're sure you'll look dapper!

Something to consider is the type of pants that you will be wearing. Jeans/denim are NOT appropriate for a semi-formal occasion. Semi-formal rehearsal dinners call for a more formal fabric such as khaki or cotton slacks.

A simple suit would be the best attire for a rehearsal dinner. It doesn't have to be your best suit (save that for the wedding) but it can be the runner up. The rehearsal dinner is where you can don your best khaki colored suit, gray suit, or some other neutral color that you are not likely to wear to a very formal occasion. Stray from tuxedos. They're too ritzy for a semi-formal rehearsal dinner.

You'll look great for certain. If you need help picking out appropriate formal wear, contact a local formal wear shop near you. The experts there will be happy to help you create a smooth and refined look.

September 18, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Top 5 Traditional Wedding Cakes Photos – Part One

Traditional is the name of the game for September. For those interested in traditional wedding cakes with a hint of personality, these wedding cake photos are for you! I've included some pointers on putting a personalized spin on traditional wedding cakes so sit down, relax, let your mouth water and enjoy some wedding cake photos!

*Game show countdown music*

Wedding Cake With Green Ribbons

#5 Traditional Wedding Cake With Green Ribbon

All it takes is a small touch to make a traditional wedding cake come to life. Each of the three tiers on this wedding cake is wrapped at the base with beautiful green ribbon. It's a simple touch but it adds so much to the feel of the reception. Also, green drew out the color of the leaves used in the floral decorations.

Another great touch makes this wedding cake a favorite. The top outer edge of each tier is lined with pearl drops of buttercream icing. On top of layers of flavor, this is a beautiful look and an even better taste.

This colorful wedding cake was submitted by G. Elliot Catering, talented caterers in Tampa Florida.

Buttercream Wedding Cake with Scarlet Ribbon

#4 Wedding Cake With Red Ribbon On Unique Platter

Not only is this a stand-out cake because of the scarlet ribbon used on each tier, it's also a favorite because of the unique platter on which it rests. Small or larger, elaborate cake platters make a world of difference to a traditional wedding cake which typically does not feature the kind of across-the-room eye-catching designs of other wedding cakes.

This beautiful wedding cake on a unique silver cake platter was submitted by Krazy Ladies Catering, fun-spirited caterers in Meridian Mississippi.

Four Tier Fondant Wedding Cake

#3 Four Tiers Fondant Wedding Cake

Many tiers are always a helpful way to personalize the wedding cake because the sheer height of the cake grabs attention quickly. This four tiered round wedding cake is completely covered in white rolled fondant. Each tier has pearl icing accents for an extra touch. Another stand-out feature are the edible wedding cake flowers used as a cake topper. What a neat addition!

This fondant wedding cake with edible flowers was submitted by Designs In Sugar, creater of gumpaste flowers for wedding cakes in Collierville Tennessee.

Wedding Cake With Pearl Icing

#2 Wedding Cake With Pearl Icing Accents

"Beautiful" is the only way to describe this fantastic traditional wedding cake. It's not color or height that draws the eye to this cake. It's not a unique platter or cake topper. It's the design all of it's own and that's why it is a favorite traditional wedding cake for September. Each of the three tiers is covered in a delicious buttercream icing and given extra appeal with pearl icing designs up and down the sides of each tier. How beautiful!

This buttercream wedding cake featuring pearl icing style was submitted by Toria Dolce Fine Desserts & Wedding Cakes, a wedding cake bakery in Ashaway Rhode Island.

Precious Moments Wedding Cake

#1 Precious Moments Wedding Cake

If ever there were a moment for fanfare, this would be it. This traditional wedding cake veers a bit from the most traditional and uses a few classic accents to give it a personal touch. For starters, there are four tiers of wedding cake covered in buttercream icing. Yum! Next a different icing pattern is used on each layer.

To top it all off and make this cake #1 on the list, this cake has a Precious Moments cake topper. Talk about a fun way to personalize any wedding cake! Brides marrying now are very familiar with Precious Moments and other unique licensed characters. Adding their likeness to the wedding cake topper is a great way to make the cake truly feel like it belongs to you..

This sweet wedding cake was submitted by A Social Event Caterers, brilliant caterers in Montgomery Alabama.

September 18, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Want A Bossier City Wedding Planner That Does It All?

Sit back and relax. All you have to do is say what you want and contact Weddings By Custom Creations in Bossier City Louisiana makes it happen. Whether you're in the mood for a formal wedding or an intimate affair, you can find practically everything you need in their expansive bridal store measuring over 19,000 square feet.

What could they possibly have in their bridal shop? You'd be surprised, rather, awed by the impressive selection of wedding supplies, wedding gowns and other things necessary for throwing the perfect wedding. (Heads up: they do parties as well.)

Beverly is a sweetheart who is all about making your day special. The pride of her heart is her wedding gown selection which fills a huge space in the bridal shop. If you have a beautiful wedding dress in mind, she'll help you find it. You won't have to look far because it's probably already inside the Weddings By Custom Creations bridal shop.

Steve is the eyes behind the wedding photographs. His talent is unmatched by most. Magazine quality photos so rich and beautiful that you'd swear they were for royalty are the only kinds of wedding photos that he knows how to take. If you want to look a-m-a-z-i-n-g, call Steve.

The really fun thing about Weddings By Custom Creations is that they recently acquired a HUGE ballroom that they rent for wedding receptions, proms and other special events.

Wow! They literally go above and beyond to make sure that you're not stressed about the wedding day but rather enjoying the wedding planning process. Why? Because you're in the most capable hands in Bossier City, Louisiana. Relax. Your dream wedding is just a chat with Beverly away.

September 17, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Etiquette Matters: Who Is Invited To The Rehearsal Dinner

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I'm planning the rehearsal dinner with my fiancee and we are not sure who should be invited. We need to give the caterer and banquet hall a head count but can't because we don't know who to invite. Who do we invite?

The Celebration Advisor: Unfortunately for your caterer, there is no magic number of guests at the rehearsal dinner. Fortunately, there are a few hard and fast wedding etiquette rules that will help you narrow that number down for your vendors. First, your wedding party and their dates/families are definitely invited to the rehearsal dinner. This includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man and their respective dates. Unless otherwise specified, families are usually accepted. Most of the time this is an adult-only gathering but that preference is completely yours.

Out of town guests are often invited to the rehearsal dinner also. This gives them a chance to visit with the bride and groom before the ceremony. Since there is no time after the wedding and little time on the day of, this is a great chance to keep out of town guests from feeling slighted.

Aside from the wedding party and guests, most couples want their parents and grandparents there. Immediate family is a definite if they are available to attend.

Rehearsal dinners can be anywhere from 5-50 people. Just keep in mind that, according to traditional wedding etiquette, the people invited to the wedding rehearsal will always include: