Cut Your Budget, Start From F&B

Cut Your Budget, Start From F&B - Replace the wedding cake with a stack of cup cake or a party is not the end of the week, are a few tips that you can possibly use to cut wedding costs. Here are tips to minimize the cost of starting from the Food & Beverages.

 

• Use a champagne toast at the wedding ceremony just for the couple alone. Guests can use any available drinks in their glasses. 
• Choose a small wedding cake for the cake ceremony. 
• Serving food in a buffet form is more efficient than sitting dinner. 
• Consider choosing fish and chicken instead of lobster or steak. 
• Use of food ingredients such as lobster or shrimp as an hors d'ouevres, rather than a main meal. 
• Plan a cocktail-style party outside of meal times, for example, starting at 13:30 or 14:00 and finished around 17:00, so you only need to provide snacks, rather than a full buffet. 
• Limit your selection of alcoholic beverages, wine and beer is enough to satisfy guests. 
• Be sure to get a price guarantee of Caterers, if at any time of the rise in food prices does not change the price agreed upon in accordance with the agreement. 
• Piles of bias into the cake snacks unique ideas wedding cake substitute.

Couture Wedding Gowns: Worth Their Weight in Gold

Couture Wedding Gowns: Worth Their Weight in Gold - Many brides will tell you that they would opt for couture wedding gowns if their budgets would allow, but they just cost too much! But that's simply not always the case - "too much", after all, is simply a matter of perspective. Sure, made-to-order dresses may be priced higher than their off-the-rack counterparts, but not always, especially if the off-the-rack option has a designer's name attached to it.

These days, there are many talented creators of couture wedding gowns that may not quite be as famous as the ones we see in the high-fashion magazines, but whose works are well-designed, well-made, and most of all, flattering, fashionable and as perfect as any bride could want! What's more, the benefits of having couture wedding gowns far outweighs the additional cost over ready to wear bridal dresses. Not only do these practical advantages valuable in terms of money, but the benefits in terms of time, confidence and emotions can be priceless.

Fit and Form

While ready-to-wear wedding dresses do come in various styles and sizes, the fact remains that no two brides are alike. Not only do body sizes or measurements differ, so do personalities. Even more importantly, not everyone is built to manufacturers' standards. In fact, many brides who have top or bottom heavy figures have a hard time finding clothes that fit in regular sizes. Couture wedding gowns, on the other hand, measured specifically to flatter the body may end up cheaper than a ready-made dress that will need added cost to altar.

Exactly The Way You Want

Admit it; there's an exact style of dress you already have in mind for the wedding of your dreams. And chances are, you probably won't be finding it on the rack in a shop. After all, it does exist only in your mind! With a one-off dress, the dream can be a reality. A couturier can help you get the exact style you're looking for, help you express your individuality and personal style and make sure that what you're wearing is all "you".

One of A Kind

Couture wedding gowns are unique, so you can be sure that the dress you'll be wearing is the only one of its kind. How much more special will your nuptial be knowing that the way you look is all your own (and your designer's!) creation - nobody else will ever be seen in the same dress. Consider spending that little extra on your dream dress - you will definitely find it worth the cost!

Looking for couture wedding gowns? Tatiana Porembova is one of the leading wedding dress designers in London and her work spans a range of styles and influences. Based in Richmond, she creates beautiful couture wedding gowns and bridesmaids outfits to provide the perfect garments for the perfect day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6994708

Ideas for Planning a Beach Wedding Theme

Ideas for Planning a Beach Wedding Theme - Are you planning a beach wedding theme for your upcoming wedding? Not sure how to plan your wedding around this theme?

You don't have to get married on the beach to create a beautiful beach wedding theme. My nephew was married in Buffalo, NY in June. Not exactly a city with white sandy beaches but this was our hometown. He and his fiance had been living in California but married where the family was. He and his bride loved the beach so they tied a beach theme into their wedding even in the midst of downtown Buffalo. You can do this too!

When we arrived at the reception, every chair had a Hawaiian lei draped over one corner. The wedding cake had palm trees and beach scenes as you can see in the photo. Snow was also incorporated because they also love the mountains and snow (being in California you can be at the beach one day and in the mountains the next!) My sister, mother of the groom, had made this creation to match the bride and grooms styles. My sister was a professional cake decorator. You should be able to share your likes with your decorator and see what ideas they can come up with for your cake.

The flowers that you use to decorate your reception site can be tropical and your wedding favors can be beach themed or tropical to go along with your cake and create the right image for your theme. Your favors can incorporate palm tree designs, flip-flops, tropical flowers, shells, beach chairs, mini beach buckets with candies or simply create favors in the beach themed colors you may be using like aqua, sand color, white, etc.
So, when planning a beach wedding theme these are the things you want to focus on to help create your theme.

First of all, do you want to create a beach wedding theme at the wedding ceremony or just at the reception? Decide how much you want to incorporate it and then consider these things:

1. What is your theme? You have decided on beach wedding theme but do you want to focus on shell designs, flip-flops theme, tropical or a mixture? It is best to limit the theme to one or two main ideas.

2. Consider your flower types - tropical, palm branch greens, daisies for your bouquets and reception decorations. Talk to your florist about your theme.

3. Reception Decorations - table decorations, centerpieces, any hanging decorations. Will you be decorating your own reception venue? Check out the internet or your local party supply stores to see what you can find. Maybe you want a lighthouse beach theme. Search for things that focus on this area. If shells are what you have in mind, look for real shells to display around your cake table, head table and other areas in the reception area. Tie in tropical flowers and ferns or potted palm trees.

4. Wedding Favors - stick to the same theme you are using for your decorations. Don't veer off from the shell theme or whatever you decide on. Keep your theme consistent.

5. Attendants Gifts - you may even want to theme the gifts for your attendants to help give them lasting memories of your wedding
If you follow these basic ideas when planning a beach wedding theme and remember to relax and have fun your day should be perfect!

This article is brought to you by Beth Brawn, creator of www.perfect-wedding-ideas.com You can visit her website for many more beach theme wedding ideas.

Second Hand or Factory Outlet For Cheap Wedding Dresses

Second Hand or Factory Outlet For Cheap Wedding Dresses - We all like to save money and pick up at a bargain. From saving a few pounds at the local supermarket on a buy one get one free off, to hitting the end of season sales at your favorite department store or several thousand pounds off a shiny new car you've been saving up for. When you are planning your wedding it is likely that you and your partner are working to a fairly strict budget. Saving money where you can, getting discounts and special package deals is a priority as weddings don't come cheap!

Bridal wear can be an expensive purchase, especially when you factor in all the accessories you will need such as your lingerie, shoes, jewellery and headwear (tiaras, veils, fascinators). If you are looking to purchase a wedding gown cheaply you might think your options are limited to buying a second hand pre-loved dress from an auction site online. Maybe you've considered hunting down a vintage gown in your local charity shops or attending a sample wedding dress sale from a bridal boutique.

These are all options but your choice will be limited. Purchasing your dress this way may mean you have to settle for one they have in stock rather than making sure it is the dress of your dreams. You will then have the costs to have it dry cleaned and fitting costs which can prove pricey. This can be particularly true of vintage wedding gowns as not only were women's figures a different shape back then, they often received a lot of help from corsetry!

If you have seen some wedding dresses available to purchase on the internet at extremely low prices from the far east then think very wisely. Having heard many sad stories from devastated brides who have bought their gowns this way it appears they often are simply not worth the risk. The wedding gowns they ordered arrived damaged, the incorrect colour, the wrong style, and faulty. It is rare they resemble anything like the picture shown and are often a counterfeit copy.

As these companies have no refund or return policy these brides to be are left heartbroken without a dress and a dent in the wedding budget. Buying a wedding dress online is also a risk as you have no idea what it is going to look like on you. Different bodies look very different in wedding dresses and you have no idea if you're actually going to like it. Either way before you know it that bargain of a wedding dress has doubled if not tripled in price.

Another alternative way of purchasing a discount dress is to visit a factory outlet stocked with a vast array of wedding dresses. These warehouse type stores offer a huge selection of cheap wedding dresses at very competitive prices. Many of the gowns are brand new and have come direct from the manufacturer or designer. They could be a discontinued line, excess stock or a cancelled order. That dream gown of yours could even be a unique one off wedding dress design that only you and you alone will get to wear!

The Benefits of Wedding Aromatherapy

The Benefits of Wedding Aromatherapy - Getting prepared for your wedding day can cause tons of stress, anxiety and sleepless/restlessness. With all the planning and excitement of the pending nuptials, it's no wonder there are funny home videos of wedding catastrophes. Unless that your goal, you will want to do all you can to make your wedding an event to remember.

In order to be your best, inside and out, relieving stress and getting restful sleep in the week or weeks before will make a helpful and positive difference. The following evening aromatherapy use will help meet that goal. To ease anxiety, insomnia, restlessness irritability and/or nervous tension, I recommend trying a diffuser of lavender, ylang ylang, geranium, palma rosa, jonquil, bergamot, chamomile, basil, cypress, frankincense, juniper, neroli, marjoram, lemon, rose, sandalwood, cedarwood, cinnamon or jasmine. Which one to use, comes down to which fragrance(s) you find most pleasing. You will want to make sure to smell the essential oil prior to using it in order to select the best fragrance for you. It is also helpful to dilute the oil with water, at a measure of ¼ water to ¾ oil.

On your big day, you obviously want to feel refreshed, energized and focused. Essential oils that are spicy or have a citrus scent are the most effective at combatting fatigue and promoting a sense of well-being. These fragrances stimulate nerves and positive emotions. Options to consider include grapefruit, lime, mint, basil, ginger, frankincense, orange, cedar and rosewood. You can also combine different fragrances to make a unique pick me up. Just like the evening fragrances, you will want to choose the one(s) that you find most favorable and dilute with water so the aroma won't become overwhelming. The key to aromatherapy is not to assault the senses but to entice them.

It doesn't stop at the door to the chapel either. During the wedding, it's a good idea to consider the use of aromatherapy bouquets. The aroma lifting up will enhance the overall atmosphere. The best flora, for stimulating the senses, are roses, gardenias, lilies, lily-of-the-valley, hyancinths and hydrangeas. When selecting your bouquet composition, remember, if you're going to have more than one type of flower, put them together and make sure the culmination of smells is pleasing.

It's not just enough to look good, but to feel good and positive throughout the day. It's guaranteed to make your wedding even more memorable and provide a simply amazing photo array.

Planning Successful Summer Weddings

Planning Successful Summer Weddings  - Next to fall, summer is one of the most popular seasons to host a weeding. The warm air, sunshine and scenery make for a terrific environment to exchange vows with the one you love. However, when planning a summer wedding there are several important details one needs to keep in mind to ensure the ceremony is successful and enjoyed by all. Though summer is an enjoyable season you do have to factor in excessive heat, insects and sudden rain that could disrupt your wedding. When you plan ahead you can be prepared for outdoor hazards and provide the necessary cover to make your wedding a memorable event.

While many people anticipate a bright and sunny day for their wedding in June, July or August summer is known for sudden rain squalls. If you are planning a wedding during these months and will be having it outdoors make sure to have canopy tents set up. Tents not only can protect guests from sudden rain but will also provide necessary shade for guests who need relief from the heat. You will also want canopy tents set up for the wedding DJ and bar and food stations so people working the event don't suffer from too much sun exposure.

Another thing to keep in mind when setting up for the big wedding day is the possibility guests may suffer from heat exhaustion. Weddings are full of dancing and partying and it's common for guests to work up a sweat while celebrating. This is often not a problem in the fall or winter but outside in 80 degree heat with a burning sun bearing down it can be a major concern. Plan on having plenty of bottled water in buckets of ice or coolers strategically placed around the wedding facility so guests can stay hydrated. You may even want to consider setting up fans and mist sprayers that can provide instant relief from the heat.

Lastly, a summer wedding can easily be ruined with the sudden arrival of gnats, mosquitoes and other bothersome insects. These bugs smell food miles away and when you're throwing a big outdoor wedding expect these uninvited guests to make themselves right at home. While you can't erect a shield around the entire surrounding you can outfit canopy tents with side panels and clear plastic windows that will provide a comfortable shelter for guests while they eat. You can also find canopy tents with mesh screens that allow a cool breeze to blow in while keeping all the bugs away. When you plan a summer wedding properly you can rest easy knowing everyone will be comfortable and have a good time.

Planning A Wedding With A Limited Budget

Planning A Wedding With A Limited Budget  - Do you find yourself organizing a wedding on a modest budget? You may find it is usually not as difficult than you expect. Weddings are notoriously expensive but if you continue an eye on the cost, you'll be able to save a bundle.

This means that the first rule of thumb of planning a wedding with a limited budget is to have a note of all the things you spend or decide to spend. You might need to develop a spreadsheet on your laptop with all the current headings on the left, associated with a ballpark budget figure for each one that you can set at the moment, and then a closer estimate of the actual cost when you've information from caterers etc.

When you are planning a wedding on a small budget, remember that the only essential expense for a wedding is the marriage license. Anything further than that is what you choose to spend. It is matter of setting your priorities and deciding it is important to you.

Of course, most people will have at least a few wedding guests and offer them with a meal. If you are on a very tight budget, this could be done at somebody's house. But you will most likely have it catered by professionals.

Make sure you comparison shop to find who can supply a good tasty meal for a low cost, but don't forget that with catering you frequently get what you pay for. Explain to the caterers that you will be on a strict budget and ask for less costly menu options. Consider limiting the choice of alcoholic drinks, for instance by offering only wine and beer instead of a full bar.

Be ruthless with the guest list because this is the biggest cost of most weddings. Never feel obligated to invite everybody. In fact in most cases, the fewer people you invite, the less you will hurt anybody's feelings. If you cannot invite all of your work colleagues it may be best to invite none.

The wedding dress can be an expensive item so this is another thing you'll want to consider when you are planning a wedding on a small wedding budget. Does the gown have to be new? Would you consider hiring?
How about asking mothers, aunts and grandmothers whether anybody has an heirloom dress from their own wedding that could be tailored to fit the younger generation bride? A classic 1950s, 60s or 70s dress could be beautiful, and you can theme your wedding day around it.

Many other costs can be cut or avoided. Many people probably have twice as many flowers as they need at weddings, for instance. You don't need to provide expensive wedding mementos, centerpieces or have heavy printed invitations. You can make many of these things yourself or ask them to be made by friends when you are planning a wedding with a small budget.