Wedding Layers

Done with the wedding ceremony preparations? Do not let the wedding reception be left unprepared!

Almost everybody knows what weddings are all about. It is no wonder since almost everybody will get married someday. Marriage has made love stronger between husband and wife and made it possible for life and families grow. It is a commitment to be taken seriously, and now, your time has come to be a part of the married society, and a celebration is only fit for such an event.

Preparing Your Wedding Reception

Before preparing your wedding reception, you should already have the number of guests who will be attending available so that you can properly choose the right venue that can accommodate all your guests. The couple may opt to have a formal, informal or themed wedding reception. They may have their reception adjacent to the wedding ceremony venue, back at their home or somewhere fancy and remarkable.

Once you have the list and venue taken care of, chose the cake and food caterer who will be preparing the meals and the cake. The decoration of the reception area should also be taken into consideration, so choose your florist wisely. It is better to choose a florist who understands your wishes and visions as to how the reception should look like. Before the reception takes place, have someone look over the area if these three things are already prepared.

Of course, no newlyweds would want a disastrous first dance. The perfect solution for this is a well-prepared wedding dance. They can take lessons from professional dancers who can teach them the basic steps in the wedding dance.

Since in every wedding celebration there are speeches and toasts told, it is a good idea if the bride and groom also come prepared with their own welcome and thank you speeches for the guests who have attended.

For a very organized and well-coordinated wedding reception, one can employ the services of a professional MC (Master of Ceremonies) who will oversee the whole wedding program.

Mark Clayson is a professional, home business entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit Start Work at Home for more information on starting or developing a home business or his official site to find out more.

Author: Dr. Mark Clayson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile device news

I am having my wedding reception on June 13,2009. My Fiance and I are planning a private ceremony with only immediate family prior to this date. Because I will be already married before this date would I still do the normal wedding reception timeline for example be introduced as the Mr. & Mrs, first dance, dance with father, cake cutting , toasting, and etc….

There are a couple ways you can handle music for your wedding day. You can either have live or recorded music. Live music has always been the preferred choice, although there is a lot to be said for recorded music.

Live music is more traditional and romantic and of course it is always a special thing to have live musicians to add to the ambiance of a special day such as a wedding. Recorded music at a wedding ceremony is very conmen, with live music at the reception.

Some couples will have very specific taste in music are really would rather have a DJ to play the music. This of course allows the opportunity to have all of the exact songs played at your wedding that you desire.

If you do opt for the live music, then it will be best to find the musicians that will be able to perform the kind of music that you will both enjoy. Do not allow yourself to hire musicians based on what you think is the “classy” thing to do is, but rather chose musicians that appeal to your taste in music. It is important to really enjoy the music at your wedding! As time marches on, you will want to reflect back at your wedding as something that was truly special to you. It is also important to strike a balance in consideration for your guests as well.

If you choose to go with the DJ, then you will absolutely want to discuss the songs you want played with the person who will be responsible for the music way before the wedding day. Do not make the mistake of thinking that they will know what to play. The music sets the tone and music means different things to different people. Do not forget that it is your wedding, so choose the music the two of you enjoy. Remember this, it is O.K. to go against tradition. In fact it is very chic to make your own statement and avoid the “cookie cutter” style in weddings.

It is a good idea to keep the music during dinner soft. It is just nicer to eat with relaxing music. You may ever want to keep your first dance song soft as well. Since the first dance is a dance that will be photographed by your wedding photographer and possibly video taped, as well it is nicer for the pictures is you are moving gently.

So take the time to think about what it is that you both want when it comes to the music for your wedding, and make sure you have clear communication.

Robin Buckley is a nationally known wedding photographer who has photographed hundreds of weddings and whose work has been published in countless wedding magazines. Robin has a passion for capturing the fleeting moments in life. The style and elegance that you find at weddings is something the Robin particularly enjoys photographing. You are invited to view the photographs of Robin Buckley at http://www.RobinBuckley.com

With her years of experience in the wedding business, Robin shares some very valuable wedding tips, trends and advice at http:http://www.buyingweddingdecorations.com and invites you go and gather valuable information for your dream wedding.

Author: Robin R. Buckley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Beading Necklace

Wedding Photographs – Expensive or Priceless? Here are 10 simple ways to get the best wedding photographs on your day.

1. Look at each other

Please remember you are marrying each other not the minister or the registrar. As a former church minister I just want to assure you its okay to face one another. You have spent a small fortune on wedding photography, but at the crucial moment all that anyone sees in your backs – talk to whoever is doing the wedding and TELL them you want to look at each other.

2. Do, do crazy things on the day

Please do act on the spur of the moment. Spontaneous things can work really great on wedding photographs and a good photographer will lap it up.

3. Colour or Black and White?

Some will say what goes around comes around. But the reality is that black and white and colour photography are very different. Black and white is much more atmospheric and dramatic. Look at samples of photography because colour photographs should be either subtle or vibrant never wishy washy. Make sure you get both in your album. Ask what the mix will be, i usually do 70% black and white for intimate shots and 70% colour for group shots. Ask the photographer which they prefer and why.

4. Do it for real NOT mock

Beware the part-time wedding photographer who will want to do MOCK cake cutting and MOCK first dance so they can get away. Don’t accept MOCK anything. If your photographer is not there when you actually cut the cake, then they’ve missed the speeches, and the meal and that special moment, and the… You want your photographer by your side all day.

5. Can you trust your photographer?

Trust is important. You have to feel you can trust your photographer, after all they will see you all made up and completely un-made. You have to feel you can trust your photographer so when they ask you to do something or pose in a particular way, its going to make a great photograph.

6. Style and approach

A photographer can’t be all things to all people. Ask what their photographic philosophy is – reportage, traditional, journalism. Does their approach agree with yours?

7. Listening

The first time you meet your photographer, check whether you feel they listened to you. At the end of the day you want to open your album and get the wow factor, that happens when the photographer gives you something of what you are expecting, with things your were never expecting.

8. Flexibility

“Customer is King” is a true saying, or in this case ” Queen” and being flexible is essential. I guess all wedding photographers go through the “Packages” stage in their career, I know I did. Here my package, take it or leave it. One thing to know about your wedding is that its UNIQUE. Therefore, you need a photographer who appreciates your uniqueness. If a photographer is not flexible to your desires before your wedding day, they will be even less flexible on your day.

9. To be seen or not to be seen

There’s a big difference between being seen and being noticed. Its your day so do you really want a photographer taking over? – And it happens in so many ways – from telling the couple what to do – to making everyone wait for their meal. I’ve even known a photographer stop the ceremony because he missed a shot. Remember its your day and your photographer is there to guide you NOT dictate to you. However the thing that annoys me most is the photographer with the big flashgun. With the right investment in high speed lenses and a proper understanding of exposure 95% of photography can and should be taken with available light. In the last 12 months I’ve only used flash once.

10. Know what’s going to happen in case of bad weather

You can never guarantee the weather, especially in the UK. When the sun is out photography is easier because there are usually lots of places to go with the bridal party to get great photographs. But when its raining its a different story. Space is usually limited and locations likewise. Without exception I always checkout the wedding and reception venues if i’ve never photographed there before. Because I try to use only available light I need to see where the light is good – but I also check out where we can photograph on a rainy day.

http://www.imaginethat.uk.net Keith Beesley BTh. (Oxon)

Author: Keith Beesley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Gadget reviews

So he’s popped the question. Let the games begin! Most wedding advisors urge you to begin planning your wedding anywhere from 12 to 18 months before the big day. To quote one online source; “We know it sounds simple but the key to successful, carefree weddings is planning ahead. The earlier the planning takes place, the more you can let go and relax closer to your wedding day. The end result of early wedding planning is that the bride and groom can have more fun, enjoy their guests and drink in that special day.”

Hmm…kind of makes it sound like the more your plan, the better your assurances of lifelong marital bliss. What if you don’t have that kind of time? Maybe you simply want to be married without all the stress of wedding planning. Still, though, it is a special day and you certainly don’t want it to look thrown together. How do you balance sanity, a reasonable timeline and budget and the desire for a beautiful wedding against high-priced vendors, year-long waiting lists and bridal magazines that urge you to begin the planning process up to 18 months in advance? (I’m assuming Vegas is not your style.)

Now, bear in mind that we are anything but “anti-planning,” but good heavens, do you really want 18 months of your life consumed with planning the festivities for one day? Granted, it is an important day, but so are the 547 involved in the aforementioned 18-month timeframe. Better for you (in our humble opinion) to enjoy that time being in love with your fianc than becoming embroiled in cake tastings, the color of your bridal party dresses (sage, mint or teal?) or the ever-critical choice of music for your first dance!

If the prospect of planning your wedding feels more like an arduous chore than a delight, don’t worry. The answer is simple. Just “do the never”. I can’t take credit for this bit of ingenious simplicity, for I believe the phrase was coined by Seth Godin in Small is the New Big. Forget the always and do the never. I like this philosophy so much that I made it my theme for the year. It’s wonderful. You look at how everybody else handles a situation and then entertain how you could handle the same issue in a totally opposite way.

So, in order to do the never in planning your wedding day in a more feasible time period, I offer the following:

1. Plan off-season. Late fall and winter can be breathtakingly beautiful in all 50 states and in most cases, you’ll have many more options. Many vendors cut their prices in the winter months, as well. Just picture an outdoor winter setting, complete with sleigh-rides and hot chocolate (spiked!) for your guests and thousands of twinkling white lights.
2. Get married on a Thursday–or any weekday. Who made the rule that weddings need to be on weekends? And don’t worry that people won’t attend if it’s during the week. All kinds of important events occur during the wee–births, deaths, Christmas, presidential inaugurations, the first day of pre-school. It’s your wedding day–they might grumble a little, but they’ll make it. Some of them will even thank you for an excuse to leave work early.
3. Keep your numbers low. It’s difficult to plan a wedding for 200 guests in 30 days or less, especially if folks are coming from out of town. Make it easy on yourself and keep the guest list to 75 or less.
4. Grocery stores have gorgeous flowers and talented arrangers who can make up bouquets and boutonnires in a day or two. Professional florists can also put something together for you quickly if you are ordering flowers in-season.
5. Ditto #4 with cakes. Large-chain grocery stores can put together something gorgeous and delicious in less than a week’s time.
6. Consider a non-traditional wedding venue. (Remember–do the never!) Traditional wedding venues are usually the first to be booked, so consider alternative options. The parlor of a B&B is an excellent idea (often they will let you use this for free if your wedding is small and your guests book their rooms there.) Consider recreational centers, restaurants with small private rooms (also free much of the time if you order off their menu), or how about a restaurant that is closed for the day (usually Mondays–a perfect win/win opportunity. Know any real estate agents? (Who doesn’t?) They may know of some vacant (even posh!) properties in the area that you could rent from the owner for an afternoon or evening. Consider out of the way lakes or parks. I performed a lovely wedding last month at a small local par–on an octagonal-shaped dock overlooking the lake. Breathtaking and arranged with two days notice. (Also free!). Think of private homes and gardens, as well. Aunt Millie may love the idea of hosting your wedding in her living room.
7. If you can’t find a photographer on such short notice (and if your wedding is on a weekday, this shouldn’t be a problem) then schedule a professional photo shoot at their studio–complete with your bridal attire–so that you have some professional-quality photos. Then, let the amateurs (i.e. your guests) handle the day of wedding shots. The new digital cameras are virtually foolproof and you’ll get some great photos. Or, contact one of the professors at the local college; they’ll recommend one of their students who will do a beautiful job on short notice.
8. Traditional bridal shops don’t always take forever to order your dress. Approach them with your request and ask what they can do for you. They may have something off the rack and their alterations department can work wonders. Also consider bridal consignment shops, and general formalwear stores. Of course, if you are truly “doing the never” you’d opt for something totally different to wear anyway. Throw a Great Gatsby wedding and wear vintage. Do Halloween and come in costume. Go outdoors on horseback wearing western attire.
9. As far as your bridesmaids go, simply pick a color (black is easiest, but any color will do) and tell them to buy a dress of their choosing in that color. Or be even more flexible and let them pick out their own dress in whatever color and style they wish. This lends interest and variety to your wedding. Besides, identical bridesmaids are so beige!
10. Plan an eBay afternoon at your computer (do it at work when the boss isn’t around in order to save your precious leisure time!) and completely blitz the task of shopping for favors, cake toppers, guest book, cake-cutter, bridal party gifts, place-card holders, garter, unity candle, disposable cameras, tiara, jewelry and any other wedding day accessories you might want.
11. Getting someone to marry you with 30 days notice might be a stretch (But again, not on a weekday, or in off-season). If all the ministers in town are booked, then consider writing your own ceremony (there are tons of resources available online or at your local library). Or consider hiring a professional wedding officiant to help you write your ceremony (it shouldn’t take more than an hour of their time) and then having a friend or family member read it. (Note: they will need to obtain an instant ordination to do this and this is not legal in all states, so check your laws before going this route!). A great chance for your fianc’s brother–the wannabe actor, or your jocular Uncle Ed to shine. If you’ve got your heart set on a church wedding, then approach your place of worship first (before booking other vendors) and be willing to work around their schedule.
12. Delegate. Delegate, Delegate. A brilliant and talented person like you has equally brilliant and talented friends and family members. Put your cousin in charge of flowers, enlist the help of your best friend to create your ceremony programs. Your future mother-in-law offers to find the wedding officiant. Let her! You can’t expect to handle all the details yourself in this timeframe. Let them have at it and refrain from micro-managing. We’ve found that grooms excel at getting the officiant and planning the honeymoon, so give him those two tasks for sure!
13. Hire a wedding coordinator for a few hours. Even during their busy time, they will be willing to work with you on the planning aspects of your wedding and they have wedding resources like you wouldn’t believe. They will find you a chocolate fountain in a day, a DJ in two.
14. Speaking of music–that shouldn’t be a time-consuming factor either. In addition to professional DJ’s and musicians (ask your other vendors for recommendations) contact the music departments of local colleges and private music schools. Anyone who travels in music circles will have contacts, so try high school music teachers as well. When I was married, I had my high school chorus teacher sing at the ceremony. It was beautiful. Don’t overlook the simple solution of an Ipod with some decent speakers; the sound quality will amaze you.
15. Invitations can be made easily on any computer with a decent printer. They do not have to be ordered months in advance. Delegate this project to your best friend, the graphic designer and let her creativity flow!
16. Pick out your wedding rings at any reputable jewelers (they can be sized) and have the engraving done after your wedding. No one will know.

After it’s all over, at the end of your wedding day when you (finally!) find yourselves alone, pop some Champagne and congratulate yourselves. You’ve pulled off the perfect day and remained best friends through the process! Cheers!

Author: Maureen Thomson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing