Most people have come to associate the word “bride” to a picture of a woman in a white gown, her face silhouetted by a translucent veil while making her way down the aisle. Wearing a bridal veil goes back as far as the ancient times, and it is steeped in symbolism and tradition.

The Greeks and Romans used it to conceal the bride’s face from her groom until the wedding ceremony. In Europe during the Middle Ages, the veil was believed to protect the bride against curses and evil spirits. Most other cultures have a superstition that it is bad luck for the bride to see herself in full attire until the time of the wedding, thus a veil is necessary to ward off misfortune.

These days however, the veil is no longer just an excuse to conform to tradition. It has become a fashion statement and an essential accessory that completes the overall look of the bride. It adds a touch of romance and formality to the occasion and lends more style and elegance to the wedding dress. It is usually worn over the bride’s face during the formal ceremony. However, in many modern weddings, the veil does not cover the whole face, rather just a portion of the head or even just attached to the back of the head.

When choosing the veil, it is necessary to consider the style of the wedding gown, the bride’s hairstyle, and the location of the ceremony and reception. Here are some of the most popular choices of modern brides when it comes to bridal veils.

• Birdcage veil

This super chic veil was very famous during the sixties, and now it is making a huge comeback. It is made from tulle or French netting and is often embellished with crystals, feathers, or flowers. Its style is very short, often just covering half of the face. The actual comb of the veil can sit at the back of the head, or to the side for extra drama.

The veil itself can fall just up to the chin, lips, nose, or under the eyes. It can even cover only the forehead! This type of veil will look gorgeous with your hair held up in a half-bun, but it also works well with short hair. It is sure to lend a classy and sophisticated beat to just about any kind of wedding look.

• Blusher veil

The blusher is not the actual veil itself but just the shorter layer of the veil that falls over the bride’s face. You can wear it during the wedding procession but it is usually lifted up from the face during or after the ceremony.

• Flyaway veil

This multi-layered veil falls just up to the shoulders to give an unobstructed view of the back of your gown. It is great when you want to show off the details behind your dress. It goes best with an ankle-length gown at a less formal wedding.

• Fountain veil

This veil sits at the crown of the head and cascades around your face. It is usually shoulder or elbow length and complements a semi-formal gown.

Whatever kind of wedding veils you decide to have on your wedding, it will surely add more style and personality to your bridal look, as long as you choose wisely. So what is the best part about wearing a veil? Of course, it is the time when it will be lovingly flipped back by your groom, to share your first kiss as husband and wife.

Do you want something unique for the decoration of your reception? Look no further. What you are looking for may just come in the form of a little favor box that you might have otherwise overlooked.

Unique favor boxes make great adornment to dress up reception tables because they are stunning, affordable, practical, and very easy to use. They come in a wide variety of styles and motifs that will suit most types of wedding themes. They are also not that expensive, and in fact, you would be saving a lot because these items double as wedding favors.

You also won’t have any difficulty in decorating the reception tables with these decorative elements because all you have to do is to arrange them around the table centerpiece, and voila, you have put an extra wonderful touch to the table decoration. Alternatively, you can place them in a tiered stand and they can end up being the spectacular centerpiece.

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Do you want to know more about these fabulous favor boxes?

Here are few of the many options you may want to choose from:

1.  Miniature Wooden Box with Lid – exclusive “Tree Design”

This wedding favor box, which comes with an exquisite tree design on its lid, is both eco-friendly and elegant. To add a special touch, you can keep a personal message for your guests inside the box, as well as some delectable treats or a memorable jewelry gift that would remind them of the wonderful event of your wedding day.

2.  Miniature Beveled Mirror Box with Lid

Glamour and style can come in one small box such as this miniature beveled mirror box with lid. You can even have it personalized by sticking a personalized sticker on this magnificent favor box. You would really love this type of wedding favor class, as it can surely add class to your big day.

3.  Miniature Travel Suitcase Container

Perfect for the travel aficionados, this type of favor box is a versatile miniature suitcase container that can carry anything from candies, small gifts, trinkets, beads, jewelry, bubble gums, shells, chocolates, and all sorts of little items. This is ideal for any type of wedding but is most suitable for destination weddings. Show your love for traveling with this type of wedding favor that would definitely be an eye-candy to most of your guests.

4.  Mini Treasure Chest

Having a treasure island beach theme? If so, then there is no better favor box to give away and decorate your tables with than these beautiful mini treasure chests that come with rustic design, a miniature metal latch, a rugged map finish and is constructed with real wood. Inside you can put all sorts of treasures like coins, jewelry, and whatever little item you can think of.

5.  Novelty Popcorn Cartons

Whether you are having a Hollywood glam type of wedding or you and your beau just cannot get enough of the flicks, you can use novelty popcorn cartons to add fun and whimsy to your special day. These old-fashioned popcorn boxes come with little rows or heart designs to add some romantic ambiance to your wedding day. You can even use funny and delightful stickers to add some personality to the carton box. You can use the “He popped the question” or “Topped with love” stickers.

Any guests would love these fantastic favor boxes. You and your future spouse would also delight in these wondrous favors boxes that are not only beautiful to use as decorative elements for the tables but are also very practical as they double as wedding favors.

Wedding table centerpieces are going beyond the basic floral arrangements. Interested in stepping out of that box? Take inspiration from these decorating trends:

1. Go natural

Create a tabletop botanical garden. Hit the local nursery or go online to purchase small potted plants, or if there is time to spare, seedlings. If want to showcase flowers, consider Gerber daisies, tulips, daffodils or orchids in terracotta pots. You can also take the green route with herbs and ferns. Cacti would be perfect for a Mexican or cowboy theme wedding. Another popular option is wheatgrass grown in flat, shallow boxes. The plus side to all this? The plants can double as wedding favors. Just leave a sign next to the centerpiece asking guests to “Please pick one”. Or incorporate a “For you” label on every pot.

2. Dazzle with lights

Make each table shine with a light fixture centerpiece. Use a structural shaded lamp surrounded with flowers at the base (to hide the cords) or studded with blooms around the stem for added visual interest. Place metal-framed lanterns to create a rustic appeal. Or go ultrachic with square paper lanterns. Want something more high-tech? LED lights in water-filled vessels will do the trick.

3. Cast a glow

If your venue is dimly lit, a “candlescape” can imbue drama and enchantment to any dinner reception. Combine votives, pillars and tapers on a single table. Consider mounting them on top of a round mirror for a reflective light effect. You can also float candles on stemmed glasses of varying shapes and heights.

4. Submerge them flowers

Aiming for a serene but stunning look? Push in calla lilies or orchids in a tall-enough glass vessel so they appear submerged underwater. For a beach wedding, create an aquarium-like centerpiece by using a rectangular or bowl-shaped container with corals nestled onto a sand base. Budget-wise, this kind of display will cost you less because it requires fewer stems.

5. Break container conventions

Arrange flowers in martini glasses or soup bowls instead of traditional vases. Coffee pot creamers, sugar holders and teacups would be great for country weddings. Pails dressed up as planters suit outdoor receptions. Mix and match the containers for aesthetic appeal. You can buy them at thrift stores, flea markets or garage sales.

6. Be Zen-inspired

If you’re a minimalist at heart, go with Zen-inspired centerpieces. One option is a willow or cherry blossom branch display. Leave the stems as is or spray-paint them in silver or gold. Embellish with beads, ribbons, or handmade paper birds and blooms. You may even ask guests to hang tags on which they have written down their well wishes. You can also incorporate bonsai trees, battery-powered water fountains, bamboo, origami creations and mini sandboxes.

7. Pick fruits

Try using fruits as the focal point of your table centerpiece. Their rich colors will surely make for vibrant displays. Lemons, limes or clementines packed in a glass vessel are wonderful for summer outdoor receptions. Clusters of apples, pears and gourds would work with autumn weddings, and pomegranates or cranberries at winter celebrations. To add height to arrangements, leave the fruits on their vines or branches.

8. Satisfy sweet cravings

Sweet treats add a fun and light touch to your table décor. To give guests something to munch on throughout the evening, fill in glassware with your candy of choice. Or create an edible topiary using round chocolate pieces. Another trend is to have cupcakes or smaller versions of the wedding cake arranged on a multi-tier serving tray.

9. Pile up gift boxes

To add a surprising element to your centerpiece, stack up gift boxes atop cake stands. Make sure to pick out boxes of different sizes and have them dressed up with ribbons or flowers. Fill in each with candy, soap, candle or any other goodies you want to give away at your wedding.

10. Create an activity area

If you want to see interaction within each table, consider items that guests can play with. Take your pick from board games, glass chess sets or colorful checkerboards. Surround these with glitter or confetti for a decorative touch. You can also have decks of cards and puzzles personalized with you and your husband-to-be’s photo.

Play with the decorations as much as you want to. Remember you can turn your table centerpiece spectacular and memorable with just a little creativity, resourcefulness and imagination.

Bridesmaid Gifts

Before the advent of wedding registry, a newly wedded couple is bound to receive a couple of flower vases, various sets of glassware, and a dozen of photo frames. Oftentimes, they end up giving away these gifts even if they don’t like to do that because they really cannot make use over a dozen of the same item.

Couples today are luckier, not only because the wedding registry makes gift buying a lot easier but also because guests today are more willing to go the extra mile to come up with unique and special gifts that would truly be appreciated by the couple tying the knot. If you are this kind of guest, you would definitely love this practical list of wedding gift ideas for the different kinds of modern couples.

For the artsy-fartsy

Art lovers would love a gift of a painting or a sculpture especially if it is made by their favorite artist. They would also probably adore a portrait of them, which they can hang in their new home. Another great idea is for you to bequeath sophisticated couples with tickets to a ballet performance, an opera or any other similar event.

For the homebodies

Couples who love to stay at home and do home activities like cooking and gardening would love practical kitchen gadgets and garden tools. A DVD player or a set of their favorite DVD movies would also be great gift choices. You can also give them a heart-shaped fondue set that they can use for their home cooking activities.

Compact Mirrors

For the party people

For the party-loving couple, who love to organize and host social events, play items like dartboards, and mini slot machines are unique present ideas. You can also choose to give glassware or beer steins.

For the hopeless romantics

Romantic couples love any item that has to do with love and romance. You can give them DVDs of top romantic movies of all times like Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Romeo and Juliet, Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity, Titanic, Jerry Maguire, and When Harry Met Sally, among many others. You can also give them a vacation trip to a romantic destination if money is no object for you. A love letter ceremony box set would be a lesser expensive but just as memorable gift idea.

For the sports fanatics

For the couple who loves to play or watch sports together, the best gift option would be a pair of sports tickets to their favorite game, sports team or player. You can also give them sports equipment for their favorite sports. Like if they are golf aficionados, hand them with a pair of golf clubs with inscriptions of their names for a personal touch.

For the health buffs

Gym equipment, exercise machine, health and fitness magazine subscription, health recipe book—these are just some of the gift items you can consider for a couple who are health buffs.

Stainless Steel Outdoor Torch

For the globe trotters

For couples who love to travel, you would want to give them a Honeymoon Memory Book, along with other travel items like a luggage, a document holder, and a photo book.

Now, if the couple just doesn’t fall under any of this category, you may just as well categorize them as the hard-to-buy couple. For this type of couple, great gift ideas include anything that come in a personalized pair like the Mr. and Mrs. Bathrobe or the Mr. and Mrs. Towels. Just let your imagination fly, and you would surely find a gift that would leave a lasting impression.

Coordination is key when it comes to planning weddings. With all the different elements such as gown, flowers, and reception, you’ll want to make sure that each element enhances the other. Flowers are the most common and popular type of centerpieces at wedding receptions. Matching your wedding flowers with your centerpiece not only makes sense, it will also add harmony to your wedding. If you would like to match your wedding flowers with spectacular centerpieces, read on for some cool tips.

Buy in bulk
Choose your favorite flower and decide which colors to use in your wedding. Remember to match your flowers to your wedding theme, if you have one. Once you’ve made your decision, buy in bulk. This way, you’ll get a better deal from the florist. You should also ask about the blooming period of your chosen flowers. Some flowers may need to be bought and delivered a few days before the ceremony in order to be in perfect full bloom for your wedding. If your chosen flowers have a strong scent, think twice before adding these to centerpieces. The strong odors may clash with the food.

Be consistent
To match your wedding flowers and your centerpiece, use the same flowers in decorating the church, the bridal bouquet, and the centerpieces. Be sure to choose a versatile flower that will look good in many different arrangements.

Be creative
You can move beyond exact flower matches and choose different colors of the same type of flower for church decorations, the bridal bouquet, and the centerpieces. You can also opt for different flowers in the same color palette. Still another alternative is to choose flowers by theme, such as spring, English garden, or tropical. If you want to use the same flowers for your wedding decorations and centerpieces, experiment with creative containers. Outdoor adventurers might use miniature lanterns instead of vases.

Add other elements
Avoid overwhelming guests with flowers by adding other elements to your centerpieces, such as fruit or candles. Make sure that your chosen items will complement and enhance the flowers, not overpower them. You can also opt for a personal touch and use copies of cherished pictures or other mementos along with your chosen flowers in your centerpieces.

Hang it up
Instead of putting your flower centerpieces on the table, why not hang these above the table? Dangling flowers will be a creative and unexpected touch that will be sure to wow your guests.

Use flowers for numbers
One fun way to coordinate your wedding flowers with your centerpieces is to use flowers instead of table numbers. Use a different type of flower for each table. Make sure that the flower is easily recognizable to most people.

Incorporate your wedding favors
Your flowers can do double duty as centerpieces and wedding favors. Once you have matched your wedding flowers to your centerpiece, arrange bunches of a single type of flower as your centerpiece. Engrave the vases with the newlyweds’ initials or a special message. Request guests to take a vase of flowers home as a wedding favor.

Go silk.
If your budget can’t accommodate a lot of fresh flowers, you can use fresh flowers only in your bouquet and buy or rent matching silk flowers to decorate the church and use as centerpieces. You can also scour garage sales for old vases that fit your wedding theme. Centerpieces don’t have to be large and costly. A single flower with greenery in a simple vase is elegant and affordable.

Coordinating your wedding flowers to your centerpieces will ensure a complementary wedding that will leave a sweet scent in the minds of your guests.

What do people love about the spring? Is it the warm temperature, the fresh ambiance, the blossoming flowers, or the fact that so many couples tie the knot during this season? The answer may just be all of the above.

Spring weddings have always been a favorite of many couples and wedding experts. The vibrancy and freshness of the season is a great complement to the celebration of love and union. For couples getting married this spring, check out these wonderful wedding favor ideas that would surely make people feel that love has truly bloomed between the two of you.

Organza Drawstring Bags with Decorative Bow

One look at these favors and you would instantly say wow. The shimmer of the organza and the whimsy of the miniature drawstring pouches give a classic and yet fun look for the wedding favors. Inside, you can put in little treasures like candies, trinkets, beads, shells, flower petals, flower seeds, jewelry or any other small item that can really express your sincere gratitude to your guests. Guests would surely adore the fact that these items can be used even after the wedding, as these are both practical and fashionable.

Botanical Garden Votive Candle Holders

You can’t have a spring wedding without these beautiful pieces of botanical votive candle holders! These decorative glass holders come with visually appealing botanical design made extra special with the application of green flocking. They can be perfect as favor and decoration for a garden wedding or even an indoor celebration. They can be used to hold not only candles but other decorative elements like flowers as well. Be sure to add in a note that says, “Take me home” so guests would know that these decors are also wedding favors.

Hand Painted Butterflies

The intricacy and detail of these favors are the first things that would catch the guest’s attention. They can add color, appeal, and natural sophistication to your wedding favor. Not only that, you can also add them to the table decoration for a spectacular effect.

Miniature Metal Watering Cans

Fun and whimsical—these are what these galvanized miniature watering cans are all about. You can fill them up with flowers, gardening tools, foliage, or whatever element that can remind guests of your elegant and wonderful spring wedding celebration.

With these options in line, it may be easier for you to pick your choice. However, don’t be limited to these, as there are other more options to choose from. Be sure to incorporate your personal style, taste, and preference, and those of your beau’s when picking favors for your spring wedding.

It would also be a great idea to include different kinds of wedding favors and not to limit yourself in giving away only one type. For example, for the entourage, you can opt to hand out mini flower pots, for the little kids you can give away flower magnets, and for the family, you can give them hand painted butterfly boxes containing precious jewelry. Whatever way you go for, you can be sure that these gifts would be surely be loved and appreciated by your guests.

Cheers To A Great Combination

Shopping is always a fun activity. However, if you are going to shop for your wedding, there is some additional pressure because you want to see to it that every item you buy would contribute to the success of the wedding. Even the wedding favors, you want to get the perfect ones. These 50 fabulous ideas will help you with this matter.

1.  Choose favors that serve multiple purpose

Mini flower pots that double as table centerpiece are always a hit!

2.  Why not do it yourself?

DIY favor projects give you the opportunity to express your talent and creativity. You get to save a lot of money too!

3.  Yummy sweet treats for the sweet tooth

Who does not love chocolates and candy bars? For once, forget about your diet and celebrate with these delectable wedding favors!

4.  Go wild with the favor boxes

Even the simplest kinds of wedding favors can be spiced up with the use of decorative favor boxes that are truly wonderful and adorable.

5.  Save the earth!

Go for eco-friendly items such as the eco-friendly bamboo ballpoint pen with inscription, “Be green, just write,” eco folding multi-use tote made of natural cotton, and eco mini drawstring bag made of 100% organic cotton.

6.  Soaps and bath salts, anyone?

Soaps and bath salts are great wedding favors because everyone takes a bath, right? Not to mention, these favors smell great too.

7.  Intricate designs for visual appeal

The laser carved glass snowflake tea light holders creates a beautiful glow with its laser carved details

8.  Practical and functional favors

Bottle openers, wine openers, tool kits—these are just few of the many items that can be used in people’s everyday lives.

9.  Classic and timeless items

Photo frames and candles—these wedding favors never get old!

10.  Theme, theme, and theme!

Nautical favors for a beach wedding, a fancy Cinderella wedding carriage candle for a fairy tale wedding. The important thing here is to match the theme of the event.

11.  Personalize it

Give more meaning to the gift by scribbling some personal message.

12.  Shop the cyber way

Shop online and get your hands on some of the most beautiful wedding favors ever created!

13.  Miniature versions of everyday items

Miniature travel suitcase containers and miniature tote bags are great and cute wedding giveaways.

14.  The bargain hunt

Shop at bargain or discount wedding stores to save money.

15.  Who does not love love birds?

Give away mini love bird house as a way of saying thank you to guests.

16.  Fancy playful items

Receiving mini slot machines would make you feel like you hit the jackpot!

17.  Adorn the favor with special ribbons and bows

Use these items to make even the simplest wedding favors beautiful and elegant.

18.  Musical CD collection

Buy blank CDs and then ask your techie brother to burn some music CDs for the favors

19.  Go regional

Asian themed wedding favors would complement an Asian themed wedding event.

20.  Some word of advice

Get ideas, tips and advice from family and friends

21.  Something for luck

Horseshoes and miniature “good luck” wooden elephants would be appreciated by anyone who can use some extra luck.

22.  Feed your fantasy

Fantasy favors perfect for a fairy tale themed wedding are great ideas too.

23.  Beachy, beachy

Tropical flip flop candles and nautical sailboats are wonderful options even if you are not going to have a beach wedding.

24.  Artsy and craftsy

Poster colors or mini craft punches—whatever your choice is, any artsy farsty would surely love these items.

25.  Go creative with the favor cards

Match with the theme or make your own!

26.  Personalized ribbons with an attitude

Use personalized ribbons to make the wedding favors more stunning.

27.  Silver items for elegance

Silver-plated bottle or wine openers truly spell class and elegance.

28.  Wines and spirits

Give away mini wine bottles.

29.  Color code it!

Instead of giving away the same item for everyone, why not give away different kinds of wedding favors that carry the same color?

30.  Customized candy bar wrappers

If you are going to give away chocolate bars, cover them up with fantastic custom covers.

31.  Suitability

Choose appropriate wedding favors that are suitable for the theme of the wedding and the majority of the guests attending your event.

32.  Soft and fluffy

Cotton items and mini pillows are soft, fluffy, and wonderful wedding favors

33.  Child’s play

Give away mini children toys that any kid at heart would love and enjoy.

34.  Garden items

Flower seed packets and garden tools are also excellent choices.

35.  Romance is in the air

Give wedding favors that echo your love and devotion for each other.

36.  Aromatherapy

Any guest would love a gift of aromatherapy candles, essential oils or incense.

37.  A hole in one!

Golf related wedding favors are perfect for golf weddings and for golf fanatic couples.

38.  Big and grand

Wedding favors are usually small items but if you want to make a statement, you can try going for medium or large sized wedding favors if you have enough budget for it.

39.  Love quotes

Include some love quotes on the wedding favor.

40.  Sticker happy

Instead of using favor tags, you can use stickers for the wedding favors.

41.  Monogram glam

It has become a trend to include the couple’s initials in invites and wedding favors instead of their complete names.

42.  Handmade paper

Go rustic by using handmade paper to wrap the favor, add pressed flowers and dried leaves for an added spectacular touch.

43.  Rainbow colors

Choose wedding flavors that come in a myriad of bright colors so that they can also be used as decoration for the venue.

44.  Clear glasses filled with trinkets

Fill up clear glasses or small vases with trinkets like candies, shells, crystals, or any other small items. Then wrap the clear glass with ribbon.

45.  Ready, set, go!

Items for people who are always on the go are ideal in this modern fast paced society of today.

46.  Go out of the box

Lollipops, mints, and salt and pepper jars are not typical wedding favors but guests would delight at the fun and novelty of these items.

47.  Sew it

Buy wedding favors online and make it extra special by sewing a cloth packet as its container.

48.  The font

Use stylized or handwritten fonts for the wedding favor cards.

49.  Discount alert

Watch out for discount sales and get excellent deals from wedding favor suppliers.

50.  Know who to trust

If buying online, make sure you go for a reliable and trustworthy store that can provide a secure system for online transactions, good quality products and excellent service.

Keep these tips and ideas in mind for a wonderful wedding favor shopping activity!

Colour Wheel

Spring! It is the season of rebirth and growth. It is no wonder many couples prefer to get married during this time. Of course, you would want to have a beautiful spring wedding that would best reflect the cool and refreshing look of the season.

Decorating this type of event should not be too much of a challenge, as there are various spring colors from pastels to neutral to bright vivid colors that are perfect for this wedding. Are you not sure what colors to choose for your spring wedding? Here are some ideas to think about.

Spring Colors

Some of the most popular tones for spring weddings are lavender, baby blue, pink, green, yellow, and mint green. These shades can be used a single color motif, which would be the dominant color to be used in the decoration of your wedding. These colors can also be paired with another color for a two-tone combination or mixed with two more colors for a three-tone combination. Many fabulous combinations are enumerated below to give you some ideas on these.

Two-Color Combinations

Spring colors are usually light and airy so pairing them up need not be difficult. Try some of these two-tone combinations:

1. Pastel green and ivory
2. Pastel green and light pink
3. Light blue and pastel green
4. Light blue and white
5. Light blue and chocolate brown
6. Light blue and ivory
7. Lavender and yellow
8. Lavender and butter yellow
9. Lavender and lime green
10. Lavender and silver
11. Pink and melon
12. Sage green and creamy white
13. Chocolate brown and petal pink
14. Chocolate brown and baby blue
15. Chocolate brown and lavender
16. Orange and chartreuse
17. Petal pink and mint green
18. Cornflower blue and silver
19. Lilac and chocolate brown
20. Chocolate brown and yellow gold

Three-Color Combinations

You can also choose to have three-color combinations such as:

1. Pale pink, ivory and peach
2. Ivory, lavender and mint green
3. Ivory, pink and sage green
4. Pastel green, light pink and lavender
5. Chocolate brown, white and pink
6. Chocolate brown, cream, and peach
7. Chocolate brown, ivory, and sage green
8. Yellow, mint green, and tan
9. Yellow, mint green and cream
10. Lavender, baby blue, and white

Tips on Choosing Spring Hues

1. Incorporate some patterns – You do not have to limit yourself to plain colors! Patterns such as floral, stripes, plaids, and Swiss dots are just some of the pretty patterns that you can use for the decoration of your wedding.
2. Use colors in different creative ways – One way to do this is to go monochrome. Choose one spring color and then use the different shades of that color of your choice. Another idea would be to use one bright color like fuchsia and then tone it down a little with some neutrals like white, cream, light brown, and/or ivory.

Spring is certainly one of the best times to hold a wedding. Just make sure that you choose the right colors that would reflect freshness, growth, and rebirth so you can end up with a special and meaningful wedding day.

When embarrassing things happen to you, don’t you just wish the earth would open up and swallow you whole? Doing stupid things, making mistakes, and blurting out words that later cause you to turn into every shade of red are not that big of a deal. Yes, you feel embarrassed for a while but you actually get over them after some time.

However, this might not be the same if it happened during such a special occasion like your wedding. Not only would more than a hundred people be there to witness your mishap, it would also be forever commemorated in photos and videos. To make sure nothing embarrassing happens to you on your big day, here are some embarrassing things that commonly happen during wedding ceremonies that you should watch out for.

Flat as a Pancake

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white—wait, where is the bride? Oh, right she’s right there on the floor! Making that nerve-racking walk down the aisle is difficult for many brides not only because they are feeling giddy and nervous but also because the shoes and clothes may make it hard for them to walk comfortably! To avoid this problem, break in your shoes several weeks before your wedding and practice walking on them around the house. Moreover, be sure that the length of your dress is something that you can manage comfortably.

The Name Game

You are just getting started with the vow as you say, “I take you, Rob, as my lawful husband—”  when oops, you remember that you are marrying John! You catch the glimpse of stricken horror in your groom’s face and that of his parents and you realize that it is too late to do anything except to repeat the vow. Rest assured, this is something that your husband would never forget in your lifetime. It may even leave a dent in your relationship. Moral of the story? Marry the right guy! This way you won’t have to make a conscious effort not to blurt out other guy’s names.

The Strange Case of the Bride and the Bridezilla

The bride is a pleasant and lovely lady all dressed in white. But she can morph into this monstrous bridezilla without her even knowing it! If you are a bride, watch out for this alter-ego that may suddenly appear. Your alter-ego may make you say things that you would regret after the wedding is over. Be nice to everyone and that includes not only your guests but everyone who was part of the wedding celebration such as the caterer, musician, florists, food servers, and many more.

There is no such thing as a perfect wedding. Even if you have carefully planned your wedding down to the smallest detail, it is still possible for some mishaps to happen. Don’t sweat the small stuff! The important thing is that you do not end up doing embarrassing things that would make you run into hiding for the next couple of years.

Are you going to have a wedding this 2010? If you are like most brides, you would probably be looking for new wedding trends as well as unique concepts and ideas to turn your big day into something that is out of the box. This list of 50 marvelous wedding ideas for 2010 would help you achieve that.

1. Wear a red wedding gown. Colored wedding gowns have become the latest trend in wedding fashion. It is bold, daring, and the perfect way to make a statement.
2. Have an intimate wedding affair. Invite only close family and friends. Nowadays, big extravagant weddings are not anymore expected or seen as practical.
3. Fly off to an exotic location to say your “I do.” Barbados, Bora-Bora, Phuket, Bali, or the Bahamas—take your pick!
4. Skip the veil and wear another kind of headpiece. Opt for a wide brimmed hat, a floral headwear, or a princess tiara.
5. Hold a fun lottery game during the reception.
6. Have a honeymoon registry. This can be used in lieu of the regular wedding registry.
7. Opt for a breakfast reception. This is something new, and something that would give your pockets a relief.
8. Give disposable cameras to family and friends so they can capture priceless candid moments during the event.
9. Sing while walking down the aisle. Who said that only the wedding singer could sing during this event?
10. Do something new with the wedding traditions. Instead of tossing the bouquet, why not have a “pass the bouquet” game for more fun and excitement?
11. Serve vegetarian dishes during the reception. Vegetarian dishes need not be exotic vegetable dishes that guests would not enjoy. You can serve delectable carrot cakes, stir-fried vegetables, green salad, artichokes, pasta with marinara sauce, and so many more.
12. Go green! Reduce consumption of energy by opting for a day time outdoor wedding and give away eco-favors like flower packet seeds and mini potted plants.
13. Wow the guests by having a unique entrance by riding a helicopter or a jet ski.
14. Hold the wedding at night. The night provides a romantic ambience for your wedding ceremony.
15. Have a 1940’s or 1950’s wedding theme that would transport you back in time.
16. Choose an exotic venue. Not often do you see couples get married in a safari or on a mountain cliff.
17. Give souvenir invites. These are invitations and souvenirs rolled into one. Even if the guest would not be able to attend, he/she would still have something to remember your big day with.
18. Have a scrapbook guest book that you made yourself instead of the regular one.
19. Pass around a journal book in lieu of the guest book where guests can jot down their fondest memory of the bride and groom.
20. Decorate the whole wedding venue yourself with the help of your family and friends. DIY weddings are still very big this year.
21. Send e-vites instead of paper invitations to save paper, ink, and energy.
22. Make a musical video presentation to be played during the reception.
23. Decorate tables with centerpieces that can double as wedding favors. A tiered stand with mini potted plants is a good example.
24. Make a documentary film on your love story and play this during the reception program.
25. Hire a caricaturist to draw your guests. Sign the artwork and give this as a wedding favor.
26. Scribble personal notes on each of the wedding favors. The personal touch would make the favor more meaningful.
27. Have an assortment of cupcakes to stand in for the wedding cake.
28. Serve cocktails or finger foods during the reception. This is a delicious way to give your pockets a break.
29. Hire a face painter to paint your guests’ faces according to the theme.
30. Have a dessert or tea reception in the middle of the afternoon.
31. Invite your guests to a surprise wedding reception. This works great if you had a secret destination wedding.
32. Create a website for your wedding to keep family and friends updated regarding the wedding details.
33. Don’t keep the kids out. Weddings usually try to ban the kids. Make your event more youthful and fun by including the children.
34. Write an online blog where guests can keep track of planning and preparations for your wedding.
35. Use a cake topper with a funny twist.
36. Give away homemade cookies or cupcakes as favors.
37. Let the bridesmaids choose the style for their dress. As long as they keep up with the theme and color motif, it’s all good!
38. Say no to vanilla and chocolate. Choose a unique flavor for your wedding cake such as carrot, cranberry, or pumpkin.
39. Shop for wedding items online. This would save you time, energy, and money!
40. Wear a mini wedding dress. Super short dresses are making their way to wedding fashion this year.
41. Pick bright and vivid colors for your motif.
42. Hold the wedding ceremony in your own backyard or garden.
43. Enter the ceremony venue through a non-linear wedding aisle. It can be a circular aisle or a multiple-aisle.
44. Give out practical wedding favors and thank you gifts that the guests could actually use in their everyday lives.
45. Go for a rock and roll theme and hire rock bands to play during your wedding. This is perfect for a young couple with high spirits. Warn the elderly guests prior to the event.
46. Opt for balloon decorations in lieu of flower decors
47. Decorate the table with an edible centerpiece that guests can devour during or after the meal.
48. Sing your wedding vows.
49. Recite your wedding vows as poems.
50. Wear your hair down. Not only literally. Don’t stress yourself too much, let loose, enjoy, relax, and have a blast!

Having a wedding 2010 is all about elegance, simplicity, drama, fun, and unique ideas that would help make this event something that people would never forget. You do not have to do all the ideas mentioned in this article, but you would surely want to include a bit of these and then use the others as inspiration to come up with your own unique wedding ideas.

Beach Wedding Favors

Having a fancy wedding is what many brides dream of. But if you have ever helped plan a wedding, you know that you cannot have the perfect wedding day if you do not exert much effort and time into the planning and preparation. In fact, even the smallest details like the wedding favors require proper attention.

You cannot just say, “Oh, I don’t know anything about wedding favors, let us just skip that part.” Even the clueless bride needs to wield some extra effort to find out what she has to know in order to end up with the perfect tokens of appreciation. Fortunately, this guide will provide you most of what you need to know regarding this detail.

Wedding favor choices

• Themed wedding favors – Themed wedding favors are very popular these days. Going for this type of favor is easy because you can easily narrow down your choices according to what is relevant to the theme of your wedding. One good example of these are beach favors, which are perfect for weddings held at the beach or indoor weddings that have beach themes (nautical, tropical, Hawaiian, and so on.) You would not need to look at other themed favors anymore and thus, save you time and energy.

• DIY projects – These favors are ideal for the crafty bride who wants to make personalized gifts for the guests, showcase her craftiness, and/or save some money on the wedding budget. DIY projects, which may include scented soaps, candles, beaded accessories, music CDs, and hand painted boxes, are beautiful, creative, unique, and very cheap!

• Edible sweet treats – Edible goodies such as chocolate bars, candies, brownies, cupcakes, and so on are great for satisfying the guest’s sweet tooth. Just make sure that you wrap these treats in personalized or customized cover or packaging, which the guests can keep these as souvenir after eating up the edible wedding favor.

• Eco-friendly giveaways – In the desire to help the environment, some wedding experts have started the fad of giving away eco-friendly favors such as seed packets, gardening tools, mini potted plants, and anything that has to do with going green.

Some Tips on Choosing Wedding Favors

• Shop around so you can compare products, prices, and services of different stores.

• Buy online. The Internet market is always bustling with good discount deals on products such as wedding favors.

• Choose an online store that has a safe and efficient system for credit card transactions.

• Consult your future spouse about this matter. Let him have a say on what wedding favours to give away to the guests.

• If you are going for the DIY projects, see to it that you still have the time to finish the wedding favors. It would also be best to round up some of your family and friends to help you out on these.

Even if you are clueless about table guest gifts, you can easily learn so many things about them by researching and asking around. Remember, even though favors are just a small part of the wedding, they are still very important.

The wedding is over but your life together has just begun. But before you go back to life’s reality, you are still entitled to a romantic getaway, also known as the “honeymoon” where you can have fun, relax, and enjoy yourselves. To help make your honeymoon a perfect one, here are 12 essential items to keep in mind.

1. Perfect destination – A perfect honeymoon needs a perfect destination. Take your pick among the top honeymoon destinations all over the world: Aruba, Barbados, France, Italy, Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius, Bahamas, Bora Bora, Hawaii, and so many more. Choose according to your preferences and budget.
2. Trip itinerary – A trip calls for some planning and it is not any different with honeymoons. Even if you want to simply “go with the flow,” you may still need to organize some things like hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and so on.
3. Guidebook and Map – A guidebook can let in you some secrets of the place you choose to head off. It would be great to know where the best attractions are, where the best cuisines are located, and how to speak some local words (if you are in a foreign land). A good old map helps you find your way.
4. Travel documents – You literally cannot leave home without these: airline tickets, passport, visa, identification cards, and vaccination certificates (where applicable).
5. Money, money, money – Take a sufficient amount of cash but bring also with you credit cards and traveler’s checks. You do not want to be stuck in a foreign place with no money, right?
6. Clothes and personal items – Packing clothes and personal items can be quite tricky. Bring a lot and you will exceed allowed weight for luggage. Bring a little and you will find yourself at loss for clothes by the middle of the vacation. Making a packing checklist will help prevent these scenarios. Bring only the basics. Bring travel-sized items to save space. Some items that should be on your list include clothes, shoes, toothbrush, deodorant, cosmetics, toothpaste, comb, razors, and so on.
7. In case of emergency – Prescription medicines (in original bottles), phone numbers of doctors, medical insurance, insect repellent, sunscreen, band-aids, aspirin, antacid, antihistamine, diarrhea medicine, motion sickness medicine are just some of the things that should be found in your first aid kit.
8. For keepsakes – Make sure you have every memory etched by bringing a reliable digital still camera (for endless shots) and a video camera. Do not forget to bring spare batteries and/or a battery charger.
9. Things to leave behind – Before you leave the house, leave these items to family and friends: your itinerary and hotel phone numbers, photocopies of passport, credit cards, and traveler’s check receipts, sealed copy of wills, life insurance policy numbers, and important financial information.
10. Electronics/gadgets – Some of the things you need include cellular phone, GPS, MP3 player, and electrical converter/adapter.
11. Useful items – You may also find it handy to have items like a Swiss army knife, compact umbrella, rain poncho, and a small backpack.
12. Romantic stuff – Of course, do not forget the romantic items that would make this honeymoon trip unforgettable. Bring some scented candles, massage kit, sexy lingerie, romantic tunes, and romantic DVDs.

This trip is something that you would remember for the rest of your lives. After all, this is your first trip together as husband and wife. Make sure that everything goes smoothly by ensuring all these honeymoon accessories are well taken care of.

Setting a wedding budget is a great way to start your lives together. You should both be part of setting up finances and the choices involved. By having a plan, you won’t exceed your financial means while including all the elements you really want for your special day.

Decide who will pay for the wedding. In days gone by, the parents of the bride and the bride paid. Today, brides sometimes pay themselves but often the bride-to-be and her fiancée share the expenses. The groom’s family traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner and part of the honeymoon but may choose to offer additional financial support. Be upfront with your parents and find out how much they are willing to contribute. Gently let them know you will be making the final decisions about your wedding and be prepared to pay for your day yourselves if strings are attached to money offered by your families.

Once you know who will pay for the wedding, determine the funds available to cover the costs. Write down this figure and develop your wedding day around your budget. Discuss your dreams, themes and ideas then work within your designated budget to make them happen. The longer you have, the more bargains you will be able to find. Planning a last minute wedding often incurs larger expenses because you simply don’t have time to shop around.

Maintain a wedding binder to write down expenses and keep receipts. Use receipts as proof deposits were paid and to keep track of ongoing expenses. You can also keep on online ledger and comparison sheets on a computer program such as Excel. Compare vendors and maintain a record of what you’ve paid out for your wedding on the computer if it’s easier for you. Have a folder for physical receipts and store it in a safe place.

Get price quotes from vendors. There are several vendors that are likely to be part of your wedding day including a florist, caterer, photographer, music, entertainment and limousine driver. Find out if the vendor has a minimum charge and the estimated cost for your event. Keep the quotes organized in a folder or binder so you can easily refer to them when making your final decision. Shop around for wedding rings, a bridal gown, bridesmaid gowns and tuxedos.

Decide your guest list so you know how many people to budget for. If you want a large wedding, you may have to choose a buffet over a four-course meal. On the other hand, you may decide to have fewer guests and have the lavish dinner. Remember the number of guests also impacts the number of invitations, thank you cards and wedding favors.

It’s your wedding day and you should both be able to have it your way. Discuss your priorities so you can make sure they are covered as you are setting a wedding budget. Review your purchases and decide what is most important. Consider the lasting moments of your wedding that will be with you long after the party ends, such as your wedding rings and photographs. You made decide to spend a bit more on these items and make your own wedding invitations and centerpieces. Avoid trying to keep up with friends or family and make decisions based on your own finances and preferences.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for referrals from friends or family. Often people are willing to recommend someone they had a great experience with and you may enjoy a discount. Sometimes people have friends or family who are willing to offer their services for less. Even when you deal with vendors you don’t know, barter to get the best deal.

Setting a wedding budget also ensures you are not interfering with your long-term financial goals as a couple. If you max out your credit cards before you even get married, you are already starting with money stresses. Plan a realistic wedding in accordance with your financial circumstances. This type of organization and discipline will help you plan for a house and family in the future.

Remember, setting up a financial plan gives you the experience to handle the larger financial situations awaiting you as a married couple.

Canadian brides, for the first time in internet history, can do all of their wedding planning online with certified wedding planners guiding their every step. No longer do modern brides have to search around outdated websites for out-of-date wedding information. The first wedding planning membership site in North America, TheBridalCoach.ca opens its door on November 10th, 2009, combining cutting edge technology with experience and expertise of certified wedding planners.

(PRWEB) November 5, 2009 — The old paradigm is still alive and well on the internet. Bride’s are going online to search for information to help them plan their wedding. What they find is outdated wedding planning checklists, vague promises of wedding solution ebooks, online wedding magazines full of beautiful wedding gown pictures, forums where they can get answers from other brides, and funny YouTube entrance dance wedding videos. But none of this gets them any closer to planning their wedding—mostly it gets them more confused and plants the seeds for bridezillas to emerge.

Angela Fiebelkorn states that the membership site offers a unique combination of cutting edge technology and years of wedding planning expertise.

TheBridalCoach.ca is opening its door as a response to this disfunctionality in the online wedding market. It is the first and only wedding planning membership site in North America. Their stated mission is to provide the modern bride and groom one place on the internet to find everything they need to plan their wedding the right way, in a timely manner, with the least effort and from the comfort of their home. This entrepreneurial group of wedding planners is launching its membership site on November 10, 2009, just at the beginning of the wedding planning season for most brides and grooms.

Read the rest of the press release about the wedding planning membership site.

Here Is A Brief Summary Of All The Benefits That Await You Inside TheBridalCoach.ca

This one-of-a-kind Wedding Planning and Coaching Membership site (www.thebridalcoach.ca) is all about you and your perfect wedding.  Everything here will support your dream and help you to really get there.  Our team of virtual wedding planners is committed to provide you with what you need every step of the way, with your vision, with your theme, how to get things done, how to deal with your relatives and friends, and so much more.  You have everything in one place and you can do it all from the comfort of your home.

Click Here to Learn More!

We will keep you up-to-date with newest wedding trends through our weekly webinars, and we connect you through our members’ forum with other brides and wedding planners so you aren’t doing this alone.  The wedding planning checklists accompanied by how-to videos will get you organized, which in turn reduces all the stress brides report when planning their wedding.  You will be confident that you will have done everything on-time and in the most creative way, and best of all, the money you spend for our membership site will be put back into your pocket many times over by following our time-proven money saving tips with vendors.

Click Here to Learn More!

Here is what you will receive when you order a membership with TheBridalCoach.ca TODAY!

Time-proven wedding planning checklists

The first cluster of information in the members only area called Start Here explains through text, videos, and checklists the following: engagment, wedding vision, wedding budget, legal stuff, reception site, ceremony site, photographer, videographer, bridal party, wedding gown and encore weddings.

Comprehensive wedding planning videos covering every aspect of your wedding

The second cluster Build On It includes bridal party attire, honeymoon, stationary, guest list, florist, wedding cake, personal grooming, bridal registries, ceremony musicians, reception musicians, wedding rings, and bridal suite.

Daily answers to your questions by our wedding planners in the members’ forum

The third cluster called Finalize explains through text, videos, and checklists the following:  transportation, reception and catering, ceremony and vows, rental items, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, parties, guest accommodation, finalize contracts, and spousal gifts.

Weekly webinars with the latest trends, ideas, and information

Virtual wedding planners in the forums and on the weekly coaching calls

Almost There is the 4th cluster of modules where you will be guided through topics like wedding invitations, decorations, wedding favours, itineraries, music selection, toast to parents, wedding announcements, thank you gifts, more legal stuff and attire tryouts.

Wedding planning timeline to keep you on-track

Money saving video series for every part of your wedding—gowns, caterer, flowers, musicians, wedding favors, and much more

The final cluster is called Countdown and that’s where we coach you through topics like seating plan, task assignments, bridesmaids’ luncheon, groomsmen outing, vendor payments, wedding day kit, rehearsal, decorating, and final confirmations.

Click Here to Learn More!

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