Wedding Planning

Wedding Reception Basics

2009-02-17T19:09:00.002-05:00

However tempting it might be to run off after your wedding ceremony with your new spouse to sip champagne, pose for hours of wedding photos, or just get a burger, remember that your wedding guests are waiting for you! The wedding reception is one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding for the people who love you most, and part of their enjoyment hinges upon getting to see you in all your finery up close.

If you're going to be late to your wedding reception because posing for wedding photographs is going to take a while, be generous and have sumptuous treats to greet your wedding guests. Cocktail hour creates an environment conducive to mingling and conversation, especially when you have soft music playing in the background and plenty of drinks to go around.

Having a cocktail hour at your wedding reception gives your wedding guests an opportunity to get to know each other and talk. To set the mood, opt for jazz classics piping through your reception venue's sound system. Jazz classics are enjoyable, but at the same time set an elegant mood that reminds people that they are in attendance at a solemn and important event.

Consider springing for extra wait staff at the reception venue. It is quite a hassle to have to repeatedly go to the bar, and once there, wait in line. It also adds a sense of refinement to your event to have butlered drinks being passed. Here is a chance to incorporate your personality by having a signature drink passed and available at the bar. Put up a little sign in a silver plated frame explaining the significance of your custom wedding cocktail.

Trust us when we say that it's little touches like that that make a wedding feel truly special... even if the bride and groom haven't yet arrived!

Click to learn more about planning a wedding reception

Wedding Themes

2009-02-16T19:09:00.002-05:00

When a bride comes to us here at Smart Wedding Planning, the first question out of our mouths is usually "What's your wedding theme?" If they answer that they haven't chosen a wedding theme (or a wedding color scheme) we usually let out a collective sign.

Wedding themes and wedding color schemes are so much more important than most brides imagine! Unless you've been envisioning the perfect wedding since you were a little girl, you're probably going to need something to guide you as you choose wedding invitations, wedding favors, a wedding gown, a reception venue, and all of the other elements of a modern wedding.

If you don't have a wedding theme, you may just find yourself with five different unrelated things in your wedding, which can look messy and uncoordinated. So pick a wedding theme! A wedding theme doesn't have to be big or overt -- look at who you and your fiancé are. What are your hobbies? What do you do for a living? How about these wedding themes: Golden Age of Hollywood, Mardi Gras Masquerade, Country, Mediterranean, etc.

The possibilities are endless! And just to simplify things, your wedding colors can be your wedding theme. However, you must be consistent. If your "theme" is going to be green and pink, decide on shades and stick to them. Don't have forest, chartreuse, lime, and mint all over the place. Also, try to pick a maximum of three wedding colors and make sure that they complement each other. Try to pick "in-season" colors as well -- pastel pink at a November/December wedding is a bit off.

Remember, your wedding theme will pull your whole event together, from food to favors to flowers.

Click to read more about choosing a wedding theme

Something Old, Something New

2009-02-15T19:09:00.002-05:00

While some religions like are very strict when it comes to wedding gowns and bridal accessories, you can still bend the rules and honor the wedding traditions of your culture. It's not always easy, however, which means you should dedicate a little time to researching your heritage before you get too creative.

For example, when Tina (a recent bride from Norway living in New York) decided it was time for her to find a traditional wedding headpiece, she went with the herb wreath common in her culture but wore a stylish updo for her wedding hairstyle.

Michelle, a Chinese bride, decided to add a modern spin to her wedding by wearing red and gold crystal hairpins in her wedding hairstyle to match her ceremonial red wedding gown.

"I knew I wanted to incorporate the colors from the tartan kilt my fiancé was wearing," said Jennifer, a Scottish bride, "so I used blue and green flowers and used those colors in my bridal tiara."

Catherine, a Spanish bride, wanted to remember her heritage by wearing a bridal tiara with colored stones to match the embroidery on her Flamenco-style wedding gown. "I wanted a different twist on the white wedding dress and bridal veil."

How did they honor tradition and get the wedding day look they wanted? Here's a tip that will help you emulate these creative brides:

Use traditional colors or patterns in non-traditional ways, like using flowers or colored stones in your bridal headpiece or tiara. Use accents of jade if want to include some green, rose quartz to capture the look of cherry blossoms, or tanzanite stones to capture the look of African violets.

Click to learn more about wedding traditions and weddings in different countries

Red Wedding Favors

2009-02-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, we have compiled a list of five of our absolute favorite red wedding favors. If you're not one of the many brides who have chosen some shade of red or pink as their wedding colors, these wedding favors may inspire you to find similar gifts for guests that match your chosen color scheme.

"Chinese Tapestry" votive candles are a beautiful accent for your wedding reception or bridal shower tables, adding a sophisticated touch to any Asian-themed (or red hued) event.

Personalized wedding mints are a chic and practical wedding favor that almost all of your guests will appreciate.

Two darling red-and-black ladybug magnets have sweet, smiling faces and tiny, black hearts on their plump, red backs. These wedding favors compliment a number of different wedding themes, from ladybugs to red and black color schemes.

Charming snow cone bath salts look like festive and colorful red and white edible cone desserts, but they actually hold skin softening salts that are guaranteed to help wedding guests relax after a long day.

Practical and whimsical, these exquisite apple themed salt and pepper shakers add an amusing touch to your guests’ kitchen tables. While these are wonderful for fall weddings, they make a great wedding favor all year long.

Enjoy, and happy shopping! One of the most fun parts of wedding planning is shopping for wedding favors, so take your time and let your true self shine through in your gifts for guests.

Click to shop for red wedding favors

Wedding Videography Advice

2009-02-13T08:30:00.004-05:00

Wedding photography can eat up a huge chunk of your overall wedding budget, simply because the best wedding photographers tend to charge both for their time and their services. When you're creating your wedding budget, keep in mind that your attitude toward snapshots and home videos should determine how much money you end up dropping on your wedding photographer and wedding videographer.

So how do you decide how much to spend on your wedding photographer (or videographer)? Consider your preferences and your lifestyle. Are you the kind of person who regularly pulls out photo albums to browse through your well-organized and cataloged photograph collection? Or do your family photos sit unloved in boxes that haven't seen the outside of your attic for a decade? How would you feel about sitting down to watch someone else's wedding video?

If pictures mean the world to you, hire the best shutterbug you can afford-cut back on the hors d'oeuvres if that's what it takes. On the other hand, if the thought of looking through your photos bores you to tears, you may want to consider stocking your reception tables with disposables and calling it a day. The same goes for wedding videography -- if you think that you (or your spouse-to-be) will treasure your wedding video for the rest of your days, spend more money on it so you get a superior product.

Click to read more about wedding photography and wedding videography

Black Bridesmaids Dresses

2009-02-12T08:29:00.002-05:00

We here at Smart Wedding planning despair for those brides who have to hear over and over again how "a wedding is not a funeral" and "isn't that a little morbid?" when they choose to dress their bridal attendants in black dresses. Black bridesmaids dresses have traditionally not been in vogue because black was seen as being inappropriate for the occasion. That, however, has changed in recent years, leading to an upswing in the number of black bridesmaids dresses for sale in bridal salons.

If your wedding colors include black -- and don't be afraid to choose a wedding color scheme that includes it -- you will soon discover that there are benefits to dressing your bridesmaids in black. The little black dress never goes out of style, which means that your bridesmaids will likely be able to wear the dress you have chosen again in the future. Black is slimming, and we've yet to meet a bridesmaid who wouldn't like to appear just a tad skinnier. Black also looks good on many complexions so you don't have to worry about one of your gals looking greenish at the altar.

Are there downsides to choosing black bridesmaids dresses? Well, yes. Older and more traditional wedding guests may wonder just what your color choice means, even though it likely means nothing at all. Expect to hear from friends and family that Aunt So-and-So said your ceremony looked like a funeral. But we say ignore the haters! Black is a chic and elegant choice for bridesmaids dresses, and it doesn't look like it will be going away any time soon.

Click to read more about dressing bridesmaids or wedding attendants

Free Wedding Newsletters

2009-02-11T04:37:00.002-05:00

Planning a wedding can go from difficult to overwhelming in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, the only way to stave off stress is to consult with experts. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to call up an experienced wedding planner every time the wedding planning process goes awry.

That's why we love Smart Wedding Planning's free wedding newsletters! The site's experts compile daily wedding planning tips that deal with everything from bridal fashion to wedding favors to wedding etiquette. Instead of having to search, you get expert advice delivered right to your e-mail inbox every day. The best part is that it won't cost you a cent!

Click here to sign up for Smart Wedding Planning's free wedding newsletter today!

Silk Shantung Wedding Gowns

2009-02-10T04:37:00.003-05:00

When it comes to luxury wedding gowns, it doesn't get much better than silk shantung. For those brides looking for a more unusual wedding gown, this beautiful frock from Emerald Bridal should fit the bill. A dramatic silk shantung and cheetah print glamour tulle dress sheaths brides in pure wedding gown couture.

Yes, we said cheetah print... definitely not something your wedding guests will have seen on any other bride. The bodice features Swarovski beading on a tank top bodice whose low waist is gently curved, hiding even the most irksome figure flaws. Rows and rows of ruffles complete the look, falling into an extended cathedral train.

Click to shop for gorgeous wedding gowns

Wedding Risk Management Pt. II

2009-02-09T04:37:00.002-05:00

(Note: See yesterday's post for Pt. I)

The hosts of the wedding -- e.g., the bride, the groom, the parents, or anyone whose names appear on the wedding invitation -- have both a legal responsibility to the guests to plan and maintain a safe and secure wedding environment. Also, the more assets the hosts own, for example a home, a car, a business, or investments, the greater the risk when hosting an event.

That puts a whole new spin on planning a wedding, right? Who knew there was so much potential for disaster! The good news is that liability coverage will protect you and your assets. Within the general liability coverage, you should consider what's called "Broad Form Comprehensive General Liability Endorsement." This is an amendment to your general liability policy that provides extensions or varies the terms of coverage provided. It also expands your general liability policy to cover other areas you think you'll need protection in, like fire legal liability (if you're using fireworks or candles), which protects against claims for fire damage to the wedding venue caused by your negligence.

However, Joyce added that if your wedding reception is at a venue that requires a "Certificate of Insurance," this is different from general liability and may be required in your wedding venue contract. Sometimes venue contracts will detail the type and limits of insurance that must be in force by both parties. And some wedding venue contracts will require copies of "Certificate of Insurance" naming the wedding reception site as insured up to $2 million per occurrence. However, keep in mind that many venues do not require their clients to obtain this type of insurance.

Click to learn more about wedding planning and troubleshooting a wedding

Wedding Risk Management Pt. I

2009-02-08T04:37:00.002-05:00

So you have your wedding insurance, but that doesn't mean you're entirely protected! First, you need to ensure that you have solid vendor contracts you can turn to if any of your wedding vendors fail to provide the services you've reserved. Then, you need to look into a little something called general liability coverage.

General liability insurance offers protection against claims involving bodily injury or property damage related to your wedding. Think nothing can happen? Think again! Basically, if anyone at your wedding gets hurt or some part of your reception venue is damaged during the wedding, there is nothing to prevent others from seeking monetary reimbursement from YOU.

If you currently have homeowners or renters insurance, you can obtain a one day umbrella policy under your homeowner or renter insurance policy that will cover the day of your wedding. Depending on your insurance carrier, there may or may not be an additional fee for this policy. If you do not already have insurance, you can obtain a one day special event insurance policy through Fireman's Fund or WedSafe. The premiums range from $150 to $300 and, like wedding insurance, you will pay a one-time premium.

How important is this type of coverage? Joyce Scardina Becker, certified wedding planner, owner of Events of Distinction (www.eventsofdistinction.com), and Director of the Wedding Consultant Certificate Program California State University East Bay, thinks that it is extremely important to protect yourself.

"Weddings today have the potential for negligent activity that unfortunately can lead to long and costly litigation due to our litigious society," she says. "As the number of professionally managed weddings has increased, so has the concern for risk management. Gone are the days of doing business with a handshake. The importance of legal compliance such as signing written contracts and securing proper permits, insurance and licenses are a must."

Click to learn more about wedding planning and troubleshooting a wedding

Wedding Budget Basics

2009-02-07T04:37:00.002-05:00

It can be hard to set aside the romance of your wedding to think carefully about dollars and cents. After all, picking out a wedding gown and a bridal bouquet is fun... writing up a list of wedding expenses and figuring out how much you have to spend is not. Still, creating a wedding budget is an important part of planning a wedding, so make it a priority and get it over with!

To create a wedding budget, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Who will pay for the wedding? How much money do you have to spend? And what are the elements of your dream wedding that are most important to you. Answer these three questions and you're haldway toward planning a beautiful wedding.

The traditional rule of the bride's family paying for the entire wedding is fast becoming history. Today, the bride's family, the groom's family, and the bride and groom themselves usually share the cost of the wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Many couples are getting married later in life and are well established with their own careers, thus they feel inclined to pay for some or all of their own weddings.

Once you know who pays for the wedding, the bride and groom should discuss which elements of the wedding are most important to them. For instance, is it the reception venue, the bridal gown, or the entertainment that is most important? Maybe it's the wedding cake! You should choose roughly three or four items that are your top priorities and set the rest of your budget from there.

Click to learn more about wedding budgets or creating a wedding budget

Wedding Dress of the Week (2/6/09)

2009-02-06T08:12:00.002-05:00

Today's wedding gown of the week is a combination of delicate ruffles and beautiful tailored structuring that adds drama to an otherwise traditional look. This wedding gown is for the bride who wants to put forth a demure image without giving up her ability to flirt. The just-low-enough plunging V-neckline features a double ruffle of organza that is designed to stand up behind the neck, giving a definite designer touch of elegance. We think this wedding gown looks like it costs a whole lot more than it actually does for that very reason! Finally, the cross-over bodice ends at the natural waistline with a pleated sash and a handmade organza flower. The best part? The pockets! Because no bride should be without lip balm and a breath mint on her wedding day.

Click to read more about choosing a wedding gown or to shop for wedding dresses

Choosing Wedding Shoes

2009-02-05T08:04:00.002-05:00

We're going to guess that you haven't spent all that much time thinking about you wedding shoes. That's okay -- unless your wedding gown is so distinctive and unusual that it screams out for a certain kind of wedding shoe, why would you think about something that should be as simple as choosing wedding shoes. Well, if only it were that simple. Wedding shoes come in every possible color and configuration these days. If you were picturing plain white pumps in the same fabric as your wedding gown, you can probably find them. But don't limit yourself to the most basic option! Here are some tips to help you when you're choosing wedding shoes:

Some brides feel the shoes are the least important of the wedding day attire, and they choose to wear decorated tennis shoes. If that's too much shoe for you, think about bridal flip flops!

Other brides hardly think of wedding shoes at all except as something to cover their tired feet and so they choose pretty, dainty ballet slippers.

Still others want the most ornate wedding shoe with the highest heel ever, making them feel more regal and more elegant. If this sounds like you, just be sure to break them in well!

One of the most important things a bride-to-be must realize is that their wedding shoes are important when the altering the wedding dress. Once you've established the height of the heel, you must have the shoes in order to have your wedding gown fitted properly. Changing the height will change the hem of the dress.

We recommend that once you've found your wedding dress you start looking for the right wedding shoes immediately. You should have your shoes by the time your gown is delivered and ready to be altered because you will need to bring them to every fitting.

Click to read more about bridal accessories

Wedding Accessories

2009-02-04T08:00:00.003-05:00

One of the most overlooked bridal accessories is the bridal tiara. Most brides-to-be picture themselves wearing a veil and not a tiara on their wedding days. What they don't know is that when they are choosing their wedding accessories (e.g., bridal jewelry sets, wedding shoes, and bridal hairstyles) they don't have to limit themselves! You can wear a veil that clips into a bridal tiara. That way, if you're so inclined, you can wear a traditional wedding veil to your wedding ceremony and remove it before the wedding reception so it isn't in the way.

How do you choose your wedding tiara? Here are some tips to get you started:

The tiara should flatter your face by framing it, not draw attention to dominant aspects of your face's shape. When you choose your tiara, follow these simple guidelines:

For a round face, select a tiara that has height and will draw the eye upward, giving the illusion that your face is longer.

For a long face, use a tiara that is flat and sits close to the top of your head. It should also extend over the sides of your head to draw the eye horizontally, rather than vertically. This will make a long, thin face appear fuller.

For an oval face, try a headpiece that either sits on the forehead, or an ornamentation that sits on the back of your head to make your face appear less oval.

For a full face, wear a tiara that has height and forms a "V' shape to draw the eye up for the illusion of length and out for the illusion of a thinner face.

Your hairstyle will also dictate how "heavy" a tiara you will wear. Short hairstyles look best with a light tiara that has subtle ornamentation, while a large amount of hair can carry a bigger tiara that is amply encrusted with gemstones.

Click to read more about wedding accessories and bridal beauty

Choosing a Wedding Dress

2009-02-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

We've talked about choosing a wedding dress in the past, but it's definitely a topic that never gets old. Let's say you already have the wedding gown you'll wear as you walk down the aisle... congratulations! That doesn't mean, however, that you can't keep collecting wedding dress tips for your engaged girlfriends. There's always someone who needs help choosing a wedding gown, so we try never to be without a few helpful tips up our sleeves. For those brides-to-be who know absolutely nothing about choosing a gown, here are some basics:

If you're going to be trying on wedding dresses, wear undergarments that are close to those you imagine you'll be wearing on your wedding day.

Let bridal salon employees make suggestions -- they deal with brides of all shapes and sizes, and they usually have a good idea of what will look good on you.

That said, don't let any salespeople (or loved ones) bully you into choosing a wedding gown you don't like. It's your dress, and you're the one who has to wear it!

Explore colors other than white. There are lots of shades of this traditional matrimonial color, but colored wedding gowns are also popular right now.

Read those bridal magazines. Even if you're just checking them out at the library, scanning the ads will give you an idea of what wedding gowns are in stores right now.

Finally, if you don't buy your accessories at the bridal shop, take home a fabric swatch to match your accessories.

Click to shop for the perfect wedding gown

Cheap Wedding Gift Ideas

2009-02-02T08:00:00.002-05:00

With the economy being what it is, it's no wonder that everyone from brides and grooms to wedding guests are scaling back when it comes to spending money. That means that newlyweds can't expect to get as many wedding gifts as they might have gotten in days past, and wedding guests won't be spending as much as wedding gifts as they did, say, ten years ago. But as we all know, money isn't everything! You can get great inexpensive wedding gifts that are useful and beautiful.

Here are three wonderful, meaningful wedding gift ideas that are based on wedding gifts employees at Smart Wedding Planning received:

A Simple Note
Kim said: "After all of the adrenaline from the day faded, I truly enjoyed the lovely thoughts that people had imparted in their cards to me and my husband. Some offered tried and true advice on marriage. Others related some inside jokes from high school and college which I am sure will completely perplex us 10 years from now, but which reminded us of our special bonds with these particular guests."

An Invitation to My Own Wedding
Jackie said: "One guest who gave us our invitation back. Only she had matted it and painted a beautiful design around it that meshed so well with the invitation's colors." If you are not skilled with a framing kit, you can always take the invitation to a framer who will do the trick for you.

Lend Me a Tenor or a Calligrapher
Mike said: "We had a DIY wedding, and most of our wedding vendors were our friends and relatives! My mom cooked all the food for our rehearsal dinner, and my dad's college friends who get together to jam were our wedding reception band. A bunch of my wife's girlfriends created the bridal bouquets and floral arrangements. It was all beautiful, and I swear you wouldn't know that we didn't hire professionals. All that help was the best gift we could have gotten."

Click to read more about wedding gifts or to shop for wedding favors and wedding accessories

Wedding Reception Checklist

2009-02-01T08:57:00.002-05:00

Once you've said your "I dos," it's time to party! While there are many ways you can format your wedding reception, most wedding receptions involve certain must-have elements. You can't, after all, have a wedding reception without a reception venue, and it is the obligation of every bride and groom to feed and entertain their wedding guests. Most wedding receptions are somewhat formal, but yours can be anything from pizza and beer at the bowling ally where you met your spouse-to-be to a English-style garden party complete with finger sandwiches.

No matter what kind of wedding reception you choose to have, you'll need to be familiar with certain elements of reception planning. Here's a helpful (albeit short) checklist to get you started:

__ Book your wedding reception venue at least six months in advance. Ask for discounts if you feel like it -- the worst the site manager can say is no.

__ Ask about special wedding packages before you book your wedding date or sign any contracts. Many venues will give you freebies or perks because you're the bride.

__ If you don't understand the fees you're paying, a second pair of eyes (your intended, your mom, etc.) can ensure you don't get scammed or overcharged.

__ Make sure your preferred venue will accommodate all your guests.

__ Don't forget that your reception venue will have its own color scheme. Consider whether your wedding colors will clash with the walls, the carpets, or the linens.

__ Ask the reception site manager whether you can use your own caterer or are obligated to use the house service providers. If you can, make sure your baker and caterer are familiar with the site.

Click to see our complete wedding reception checklist

Bridal Weight Loss

2009-01-31T10:55:00.003-05:00

Most brides-to-be want to lose a few pounds before the wedding, even if they don't really need to. It's just a fact of life for brides -- everything they look at, from movies to bridal magazines to wedding web sites is encouraging them to be (or become) a certain size. Losing weight or toning up requires aerobic exercise, but you shouldn't neglect your diet! After all, working out doesn't mean you can go nuts at the buffer table.

Here are five bridal diet tips that you can use for the rest of your life. Remember, you should always think of pre-wedding diets in terms of simple lifestyle changes instead of excessive changes that could be unhealthy. To clarify, we don't want to see you starving yourself or exercising four hours a day!

1. Drink plenty of water. Sometimes we feel hungry when we're actually thirsty. When we don't address that thirst, we keep feeling unfulfilled even after having a snack. Hint: Brides should be drinking water anyway, so their skin looks beautiful on the wedding day.

2. Up your fruit and veggie intake. It seems simple enough, but most of us still do not get enough produce. Why? It spoils quickly, it can be boring, and it costs money. Makes sense to me! So look for ways to sneak more veggies and fruit into your diet. Roasted Brussels sprouts are awesome. Make a pumpkin pie without crust and omit some of the sugar. Yum!

3. Focus on health. Even if you are looking forward to your wedding, dieting sucks. If you're obsessed with depriving yourself, you're going to fall off the wagon. Think about healthy choices you can make now and keep making after the wedding, like cutting out trans fats or eating less processed food.

4. Join a farm share (if you can). Supermarket produce gets boring. Apples and oranges, apples and oranges, right? A farm share will introduce you to foods you wouldn't try otherwise. Burdock root, anyone? How about kale? Expanding your horizons can shrink your waistline!

5. Get supportive to get support. Join a weight loss group. Ask your sister, mom, or best friend if she wants to diet with you. That way, when you're jonesing for a chocolate chip cookie you know you aren't actually hungry for, you can call your weight loss buddies and they'll talk you down from the fridge.

Click to learn more about bridal fitness

Wedding Blogs and Wedding Websites

2009-01-30T10:55:00.006-05:00

Getting a little bored reading the usual wedding websites? We feel your pain, and we'd like to suggest a novel solution: Make your own! A personal wedding blog or wedding website is a great way to make wedding planning a lot more fun and accessible to the important people in your wedding, like mothers, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Oh, and your future spouse, too!

There are plenty of free wedding website hosting services online, or you can use a free blog program like Blogger to set up a simple collaborative wedding blog. We like both options, having tried each, though both have different utilities.

A wedding website is great if you're looking to share wedding information with your wedding guests. For example, you can put directions to the ceremony and reception on your wedding website, as well as links to the stores you're registered at. You can share the story of your courtship and pictures of you and your fiance on your wedding web site, and pretty much anything else you want to show people.

A wedding blog, on the other hand, can be a place where you share your wedding ideas (like we do) or a place for you to communicate with your bridesmaids. You can make both a wedding website and a wedding blog that link back to each other so wedding guests and wedding VIPs can keep track of your wedding planning progress.

Connect with other brides-to-be on our awesome wedding forum -- it's free!

Avoiding Wedding Risk

2009-01-29T14:47:00.002-05:00

How can you protect yourself from unknowns like sick vendors, really bad weather, and fire damage when planning a wedding? You, bride, need some wedding insurance.

Wedding insurance (also known as event insurance) is a type of property and causality policy that originated in Great Britain in 1988, but has only been available in the U.S. since the mid 90s. It typically covers cancellation or postponement of a wedding if a member of the bridal party dies or gets sick. Keep in mind that if the wedding party member becomes sick or dies because of a pre-existing medical condition your wedding insurance probably won't cover it.

Wedding insurance also covers a bridal party member's failure to show because they are injured or are called up to active military duty or there is a shutdown of commercial transportation. Additionally, it will help pay for the reassembling of the bridal party in the event another photo session is necessary because the photographer lost the film or it's damaged at the lab. Finally, it will provide money for new wedding rings if the originals are lost and the replacement of damaged, stolen, or lost wedding gifts.

What isn't covered? Changes of heart! If you or the groom gets cold feet, your wedding insurance will not reimburse your expenses.

The typical cost for a basic policy is between $125 and $350 (with a $25 deductible). Like any other insurance coverage, the premium varies depending on the amount of coverage needed. But unlike other coverages, the premium is a one-time payment even if the policy is purchased well in advance of your wedding date. In most instances, a policy can be purchased from two weeks to two years prior to the event.

Wedding DJ or Wedding Band

2009-01-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

The question that every bride and groom must answer is this: Wedding DJ or wedding band? If you aren't getting married anywhere near a big city, the answer may be clear. In less densely populated areas, you'll find more wedding disc jockeys and fewer wedding bands, simply because demand for the latter won't be as high. If, on the other hand, you live in New York or Boston or some other musically inclined metropolis, you'll probably have a ton of wedding entertainment options to choose from!

Oh boy, another decision to make... To make it easier, let's lay out some pros and cons. A wedding disc jockey is less expensive, able to play selections by original artists, generally does not take up much space, and travels just as far as a wedding band. On the other hand, people who make a living studying, writing, singing, recording, and performing music are more apt to have a better foundation of music presentation.

But selecting a wedding band can be a frustrating and time consuming process -- just ask some of your married friends who opted for bands over DJs.

Videos of live performances can sometimes be helpful, but you should know that 99% of them are lip-synched and are seldom a true representation. People also tend to hear with their eyes and not focus on the music. After the fifth video the eyes can get a bit blurred from all those tuxedos. A very basic band video costs about $5,000 to produce and can quickly become outdated depending on its content of current music selections. With a CD you can really hear the care that a band puts into their product. You can listen to it in many different situations, and if it's any good, you should hear a wide range of material. If a demo has a great variety of songs sung well by different people and features decent horn playing, guitar work and strong background vocals you are headed in the right direction. Having an excellent song list is also a good indicator that can help in the selection process.

If you find a wedding band that you think is the one for you, and are having a Saturday evening reception on a popular wedding date, don't put off hiring them. There is a very high likelihood that others are inquiring about the same date, unless your wedding falls between January and the end of March. Bands generally can't "hold" these dates due to the high number of Saturday calls they get. It is very normal to book a band with a good name from a promotional package instead of risking waiting for the perfect opportunity to see them live.

Click to read more about choosing wedding entertainment

Wedding Reception Itinerary

2009-01-27T05:03:00.002-05:00

No joke: I have actually attended weddings during which the father-of-the-bride approached me (the family wedding expert) to ask when they should cut the wedding cake! Not that there's anything wrong with that, of course, but it did strike me as somewhat odd that neither the bride nor the groom had taken the time to research a sample wedding reception itinerary! After all, it was their own wedding ceremony and wedding reception. They had a vested interest while I did not.

To ensure that your loved ones never have to do the same at your wedding reception, here is a sample wedding reception timeline that will give you a rough guide you can modify based on your own needs and wants.

First Hour of Reception

5:00 Wedding guests arrive. Cocktail hour begins. Waiters may serve trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres to guests.
5:15 Bride and groom arrive. Photographs may or may not be taken at this time. If not, bride and groom may mingle with guests or retire to a private bridal chamber for some quiet time.

Second Hour of Reception

6:00 Wedding party and guests of honor line up to be announced by the emcee or wedding disc jockey.
6:05 Wedding DJ makes formal announcements.
6:10 Bride and groom's first dance. Caterer begins serving champagne to the tables for the champagne toast.
6:20 Cocktail hour ends. Cash bar may begin here. The wedding disc jockey may announce dinner and introduce the wedding officiant if he or she is saying a blessing.
6:25 Wedding DJ introduces the best man for his toast.
6:30 Dinner is served.

Third Hour of Reception

7:00 Bride and groom cut the cake.
7:15 Father-daughter dance.
7:25 Mother-son dance.
7:35 Wedding party dance.
7:40 Wedding DJ invites all wedding guests to hit the dance floor.
7:45 Wedding cake and coffee are served.

Fourth Hour of Reception

8:00 Wedding DJ announces the Bride's bouquet toss.
8:15 Garter toss.
8:45 Bride and Groom's last dance.
9:00 Bride and Groom say goodnight and leave for honeymoon destination or hotel.
9:15 Parents of the bride (or other designated persons) gather all the wedding presents and other items (see After the Reception Checklist for more details).

Wedding Music Order of Events

2009-01-26T05:03:00.002-05:00

If you can afford to have live musicians at your wedding ceremony, we say "Go for it!" Live music adds a special touch to a wedding ceremony that cannot be replicated with a CD in a boombox or a wedding disc jockey playing Here Comes the Bride. Live wedding ceremony music is not only a nod to wedding traditions of days gone by; it's also extremely elegant and entertaining for wedding guests waiting for the bride to make her grand entrance.

Of course, once you have hired live musicians to play at your wedding ceremony -- we recommend a classical quartet -- you still need to know what music happens when. Your musicians may or may not be familiar with the usual order of wedding ceremony events, which means it's your job to know everything you can about wedding ceremony music. Here's a primer to start you off:

The Prelude
As guests are arriving and being escorted down the aisle to their seats, a mix of classical pieces and soft contemporary songs lets them know that something special is about to happen.

The Pre-processional
Wedding music helps build emotion as family members and other honored guests who are not members of the wedding party are escorted down the aisle. The mother of the bride is usually the last to be seated before the wedding party comes down the aisle.

The Processional
This is the point in the ceremony when the groomsmen, best man, groom, bridesmaids, maid of honor, ring bearer, and flower girl walk down the aisle. The bride and father of the bride are the last ones to walk down the aisle in the most dramatic part of the ceremony.

The Ceremony
In a traditional Christian church wedding, hymns, calls to worship, or other wedding music that is part of the order of the wedding service can be performed by your wedding musicians as the ceremony unfolds. This is also the appropriate time for an instrumental or vocal solo.

Recessional
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the wedding officiant announces that the bride and groom are married and music is usually played at this point. This is when many couples let their personalities shine through with their music selection. During the recessional, the bride and groom are first, followed by the wedding party and the officiant.

Interlude or Postlude
This is when the guests exit the church. Wedding music can be played until the guests are out of the ceremony area.

With a few modifications, this order is appropriate for a quicker or less traditional ceremony. It's always a good idea to have wedding music as guests arrive, as the wedding party enters, and as the bride and groom exit together.

Click to learn more about choosing wedding musicians or the order of wedding ceremony events

Out of Town Wedding Guests

2009-01-25T09:01:00.002-05:00

Nowadays, it's unusual for a bride or groom to live in the town or city where their parents, relatives, and friends live. You might have some family nearby and some family in a different country, while your friends are spread out throughout the nation. That means that at least some of your wedding guests will be traveling to attend your wedding ceremony and reception.

We've put together a list of tips that will help you make out of town wedding guests more comfortable. While you don't have to arrange everything for your out of town wedding guests, you can make it easier for them to make it to your wedding!

Hotels and Accommodations
Choose an affordable hotel located near the site of the wedding ceremony or reception. Out of town wedding guests will then have an easy time finding their way to the big event. Out of town wedding guests are sure to appreciate amenities included in their stay, such as pool use, a complimentary breakfast, and free Internet access. A hotel is also a refuge from all the wedding activities and can be a place of relaxation. Make sure the one you choose is quiet and well managed.

Dining
Eating is something that can be fun when your out of town wedding guests travel to your locale, but as they flip through the local directory they might be overwhelmed by the large number of options. One useful item for out of town wedding guests is a list of local restaurants that you enjoy, including a general description of food and menu prices. Choose low to mid level restaurants and consider providing coupons to any local favorites. Also, if you know there will be vegetarians, vegans, or gluten intolerant guests at your wedding, include some appropriate restaurants on your list.

Transportation
Providing out of town wedding guests with telephone numbers of car rental companies can help save them time and frustration. Some companies give coupons for groups traveling to a celebration, so consider talking to the company prior to the event. And don't forget about public transportation! Providing bus, cab, train, and subway information can save time and money for wedding guests. Finally, if many guests are staying in one hotel, consider arranging a hotel shuttle to and from your wedding.

Click to read more about wedding guests

Jewish Wedding Traditions

2009-01-24T09:59:00.002-05:00

Cultural wedding traditions are truly wonderful! The best part about cultural wedding traditions is that anyone can integrate them into their nuptials, whether or not they belong to a particular culture or religious group. However, that said, many cultural wedding traditions require that brides and grooms go above and beyond the usual wedding planning checklist! Here, for example, is just part of a Jewish wedding planning checklist that defines all the essential elements of a Jewish wedding:

__Announce your engagement to local newspapers

__Select the appropriate date as certain wedding dates are off-limits as per Jewish law

__Choose an ideal location for your Jewish wedding ceremony and reception

__Send the save-the-date cards

__Decide on a caterer

__Book a photographer and a videographer

__Select a rabbi or cantor to preside over your Jewish wedding

__Check if the bride needs to cover her shoulders or the groom needs a white ceremonial robe called a kittel

__Order the wedding dress and veil

__Choose attendants

__Select a florist

__Compose the guest list

__Book musicians for the wedding ceremony and disc jockey or band for the reception.

__Order your wedding cake

__Order thank-you notes with wedding cards

__Order Kippahs and benchers

__Purchase attire for the groom

__Select a Ketubah for your Jewish wedding

__Choose gifts for bridal side

__Reserve hotel rooms for people coming from out of the town

__Prepare a guest book

__Choose your reception dinner menu

__Decide who will hold the Chuppah and read the seven wedding blessings

__Select appropriate chairs for the bride and the groom

__Arrange Jewish wedding ceremony details using rabbi and/or cantor.

__Mail invitations and design the program

__Obtain a marriage license

__Buy wedding bands

__Workout plans to contribute your wedding dress as offerings, if desired.

__Wrap neatly the wine glass for breaking

__Organize candy for aufruf.

__Ask one of your best friends to handle the ritual elements Ketubah, Chuppah, Kiddush cups, wedding rings, and glass for breaking

__Confirm the seating, and study the Jewish wedding processionals and seating rituals.

__Begin fasting to purify yourself at sunset, only if you desire.

Click to read more about Jewish weddings

Choosing a Bridal Bouquet

2009-01-23T12:08:00.002-05:00

Where did the tradition of the bridal bouquet come from? The first bridal bouquets weren't actually bouquets at all -- they were gatherings of herbs carried by brides to ward off evil.

It was the Victorians who really raised the tradition of wedding flowers having a symbolic meaning to new heights. A shy suitor, raised in a tradition of the decorousness of emotional reserve, really had to say it with flowers to get his feelings across to his ladylove. Each time he gave her a bouquet, she found out where their relationship was going: If he gave her red roses, it was love, but if he gave her yellow ones, he only wanted to be friends. And when he gave her red tulips, his love for her was ardent.

We may have forgotten those meanings over time, but we still follow the tradition of carrying a bridal bouquet. However like most traditions, it has undergone some tweaking to give it our own personal touch.

In addition to choosing the flowers that will go into your bridal bouquet, you have the option of adding a wide range of embellishments that will change the look of your bouquet. Gold and bronze bullion wire, crystals and rhinestones, bouquet jewelry like butterflies or initials, feathers and beads all add pizazz to bridal bouquets. If that sounds too flashy for you, why not customize your bridal bouquet with fruits, vegetables, greenery, or even wood?

Today's brides are breaking away from the standard rose domes and educating themselves on specific designs such as biedemeyers, waterfall cascades, and composition bouquets. Yes, there are plenty of different bridal bouquet styles, so ask your wedding florist for a rundown of the types she or he is able to make.

Click to see our comprehensive wedding flower checklist or find a wedding florist in your area

Planning a Honeymoon in Italy

2009-01-22T12:08:00.002-05:00

Here are five excellent reasons to consider planning a honeymoon in Italy:

The Food
Honeymooners in Italy should always sample the delicious regional cuisine. Hearty game and other rustic specialities are enjoyed in the north of Italy, while the south of Italy is best-known for its seafood and vegetable dishes. Additionally, Bologna is known as the country's gastronomic capital.

The Wine
Those who choose a honeymoon in Italy are in luck! Italy cultivates more grape varieties than anyone else and almost every region produces memorable wines. Reds include Tuscany's popular Chianti and Piedmont's robust Barolo, while Verdicchio and Gavi are among Italy's distinctive whites.

The Art
Newlyweds honeymooning in Italy should know that the land of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci reputedly has 60% of the world's most important works of art and half of these are in Florence. Galleries in every main city display stunning Renaissance works and many, such as the Guggenheim in Venice, have amazing modern collections.

The Nature
Honeymooners can enjoy the fabulous scenery and wildlife of the national parks, such as those in Abruzzo and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Sicily has two parks and Mount Etna to explore. If you're mountain-minded, try inland Sardinia or head north into the Alps.

The Shopping
Fashionistas on their honeymoons should head for Milan, but most cities have stores selling the latest from Prada, Armani, and Versace. Bargains can be found in designer outlets, particularly in Tuscany, and at street markets around the country. If you can't afford designer duds, you can always look!

A honeymoon in Italy is a wonderful choice year 'round! There are almost always bargain flights to be had by those brides and grooms who are willing to shop around and if you work with a travel agent, you may just be able to get great deals on hotels, car rental, tours, and honeymoon perks like free champagne and upgrades.

Click to read more about planning a honeymoon

Bridal Bouquet Basics

2009-01-21T12:08:00.002-05:00

Think of your bridal bouquet as just another one of your bridal accessories. It is no less important than your earrings, your necklace, and your wedding veil considering that it will likely appear in at least half of your wedding photos! When your wedding flower wishes go awry, it can be a disaster, so brush up on your knowledge of bridal bouquets, and get ready for some great tips from Smart Wedding Planning.

The big potential bridal bouquet issues are flowers not being delivered on time, flowers that aren't fresh, and flowers that aren't the flowers the bride ordered. To ensure that none of these happen to you, choose a wedding florist with a good reputation and sign an iron-clad vendor contract. Make sure your florist knows your wedding color scheme and your chosen bouquet design inside and out!

Be definite about the colors and types of flowers you want in your bridal bouquet and in your bridesmaids' bouquets. Include this information in your vendor contract! Some flowers are available in just about every color, while others are limited. Even though, nowadays, many flowers are available all year long, you need to take the season of your wedding into account when you are choosing your flowers. Sunflowers in the middle of winter may not convey the tone you want, plus out of season flowers arel probably be more expensive.

When you are planning the budget for your bridal bouquet, keep your total wedding budget in mind. Discuss your budget and its limitations honestly with your florist at the very beginning. He or she can work with you to explore different ideas that will make your day perfect while making sure that your bouquets don't break the bank.

You also have to consider the size of the bouquets for both you and your bridesmaids, the shade of your gown, if you are going to have an additional bouquet to toss, and the temperature of the ceremony and reception venues, if you will be outdoors for any length of time. (Many flowers react badly to very cold temperatures.) And as if that is not enough to worry about, you need to worry about pollen that may stain your gown. For example, lilies should have stamens removed because of this problem. Be flexible, and make sure you take the advice of your florist, who wants your day to be perfect, too.

Click to read more about bridal bouquets and wedding flowers

Wedding Glossary Pt. VI

2009-01-20T09:09:00.002-05:00

Is your brain full yet? Here's Pt. VI of our comprehensive wedding glossary:

Lace
A decorative mesh of interlaced threadwork that is plaited, knotted, looped and turned to make either simple or complicated patterns and raised work. Alencon, Chantilly, Spanish and Venise are just a few of the many lacework types available.

Latticework
An icing adornment on a wedding cake that zigzags. It is often made of gum paste or other forms of wedding cake icing.

Maid Of Honor
Known as the chief bridesmaid in some countries, she is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride herself. If the couple are exchanging wedding rings, then it is her duty to hold the ring destined for the groom, and hand it over to the bride at the right time, as the best man does in reverse. She will also hold onto the bouquets during the vows, and see that the bride's dress is properly turned out.

Man Of Honor
Some brides prefer to have a male friend attending to the duties of the maid of honor. If so, this is his title.

Mantilla
This is a Spanish word literally meaning "little cloak." It is a lace or tulle shawl that the bride can wear around her head and shoulders.

Marzipan
Made of sugar, egg whites and almonds, this substance can be used as a base for icing, or to mold decorative forms such as flowers from, on the wedding cake.

Matron Of Honor
This is the proper title given where the maid of honor is herself married.

MOH
This abbreviation stands for maid / man / matron of honor. See entries on wedding attendants.

Nosegay (bouquet)
See Posies.

Oasis
This is the name of a specialist hard foam used by florists in bouquet holders or vases. Holes are made in it for the flower stems to fit into, as an oasis (as its name suggests) will preserve water for a long time. This will naturally allow for fresher looking flowers at the wedding.

Officiant
This is the cleric or secular wedding official that carries out the ceremony. For non religious weddings, he or she might be a justice of the peace, magistrate or even the Captain of a ship (when onboard).

Pageant Bouquet
See Presentation (bouquet).

Pages or Page Boys
These are small children (usually boys) who follow the bride down the aisle carrying some of her train. They can also be known as train bearers. (See Train).

Click to see the entire wedding glossary

Wedding Glossary Pt. V

2009-01-19T09:08:00.003-05:00

Wow, we're almost halfway through our comprehensive wedding glossary! Hopefully, you're finding it helpful to get a handle on the jargon that wedding vendors and other wedding professionals use to confuse brides and grooms who aren't already wedding experts. Never fear! By the time you've worked your way through our great glossary, you'll BE a wedding expert.

Here's Pt. V:

Gum Paste
This is a mixture of sugar, starch, and gelatin used to decorate wedding cakes. It's what many of those realistic looking flowers, fruits and ribbons are made of. Note that it doesn't taste particularly nice.

Half Crown
An ornate headpiece for the bride that lies between a crown and tiara in size and weight.

Hattabin
These are the male friends and family of the groom at a Muslim wedding.

Honor Attendants
The best man (or woman) and the maid (or matron or man) of honor. You can have no honor attendants or all honor attendants in your wedding party.

Hora
A dance at a Jewish wedding where the bride and groom are lifted high on chairs. This is seen in movies a lot.

Huppah
A flower bedecked canopy that is an essential part of a Jewish wedding.

Ikebana
This is an extremely dramatic and artistic form of flower arranging that originated in Japan, but is now popular all over the world and often seen at weddings.

Imam Zamin
This is a good luck tradition at a Muslim wedding in which the mother of the bride ties a coin that is wrapped in silk around her daughter's arm.

Juliet Cap
This is a close fitting cap that is often decorated with precious stones and is sometimes worn as a bride's headpiece. Not at all common.

Ketubah
In Jewish weddings, this is the wedding contract between the bride and groom. It is usually highly decorated and often framed and put on a wall in the couple's home.

Koumbaro
This is the title of the best man in Eastern Orthodox Christian weddings.

Click to see the entire wedding glossary

Last Minute Wedding Details

2009-01-18T14:47:00.002-05:00

As tempting as it is to assume that everything is taken care of in the two weeks before your wedding, you can't rely on older confirmations from your wedding vendors. For all you know, your details have gotten lost on a messy desk somewhere or your florist has come down with a case of the flu.

Better safe than sorry, we always say here at Smart Wedding Planning! If you confirm your last minute wedding details with each and every one of your vendors, you can be 99.9% sure they will show up at your wedding ceremony or wedding reception on time. Here are just some of the details you should confirm before taking a much needed pre-wedding break:

Wedding Limo Company: Confirm pick up time, location & directions.

Wedding Florist: Confirm flower order, drop off time and discuss any last minute details.

Caterer: Confirm head counts and any last minute details.

Wedding DJ or Wedding Band: Confirm, time, location and special song selections for special dances.

Baker or Cake Designer: Confirm cake order, drop-off time & location.

Photographer: Confirm start time and location.

Videographer: Confirm start time and location.

Officiant: Confirm rehearsal time and marriage license.

Organist or Ceremony Musicians: Confirm music selections.

Honeymoon: Confirm reservations with your travel agent.

Selling A Wedding Gown

2009-01-17T14:47:00.002-05:00

There are lots of ways to sell your wedding dress after your wedding is over... if selling your dress is what you want to do. Many brides can't imagine selling their wedding gowns, until it's seven months after the wedding and they're moving into a new apartment with tiny closets! If you're not sure what you want to do with your precious wedding gown, have it professionally cleaned and put it away for a few months. After the glow of newlywed life fades a little, you may be surprised how sensible selling your wedding dress seems.

There are many consignment shops and secondhand shops that you can take your dress to. If it is one of the latest styles or a designer wedding gown, it won't last a day on the racks. You can also place an ad in the newspaper or in a local trade magazine. Some post offices and supermarkets will allow people to place items for sale on their bulletin boards. Even local daycare centers often have bulletin boards that you can advertise on.

Another way to sell your wedding dress is on the Internet. You can either post an ad on a local web site (like Craiglist) or look for a web site that sells used wedding dresses (like Preownedweddingdresses.com). You will sometimes have to pay them a fee for listing your wedding gown. eBay is another very popular method of selling things, but you won't get much for your gown there because there is so much traffic from custom dressmakers.

If your wedding dress is taking up space in your room or sitting on your ironing board, then do consider selling it. Your life will not be over if you let go of your dress, and it's doubtful that your future daughter will want to wear an outdated wedding gown. Your marriage will not be cursed because you sold your gown. Concentrate on your marriage and not a box that will more than likely languish in the closet. If you sell your wedding gown, it will bring someone else as much happiness as it brought you.

Click to read more about how to sell a wedding gown or to shop for a wedding gown

Fun Wedding Favors

2009-01-16T05:03:00.002-05:00

Just because your wedding is a solemn event doesn't mean that your wedding favors have to be super serious. Remember, wedding favors are a gift you give to your wedding guests... you want them to love and use your wedding favors, not be afraid of them because they're delicate or breakable or look too expensive to touch!

That said, we've recently come across five wedding favors that we think are super fun:

Our personal favorite is the keyboard magnet wedding favors, which are sets of five magnets that resemble keyboard keys and spell out LOVE. The fifth key is an enter key emblazoned with a tiny heart!

Of course, this is just what we like -- you should choose your wedding favors based on your preferences, interests, and your wedding theme. Let's say you and your intended are big Nascar fans... why not give each wedding guest a Matchbox car in your wedding colors? If you're ig foodies, then give the gift of something nice to eat! Or if wine is your thing, a playful wine stopper will round out your reception decor nicely.

Click to read more about choosing wedding favors or to shop for wedding favors

Budget Wedding Gowns

2009-01-15T09:59:00.002-05:00

When you are looking for your wedding dress, make sure you discuss your wedding budget with your family or whoever is paying for your gown. If you are footing the bill yourself, then it's time to consider how much you want to spend on this most important piece of clothing. Knowing how much you can spend on your wedding gown will ensure that you don't inadvertently go over budget when you find a dress you love. Wedding gowns can be really expensive, and it helps to have a defined limit written into your wedding budget.

Designer wedding gowns, for example, are almost always going to cost more than machine-made wedding dresses from department stores. Both are lovely -- which you choose just depends on what it is that you are looking for and how much you can spend. There is a third option! Having a gown custom made by a seamstress is often less expensive than designer or mass-market wedding gowns, so check in local tailor shops for the names of dressmakers in your area.

When you go shopping -- whatever option you choose -- let your helpers and the sales associate know what your price range is. You don't want everyone handing you $5,000 dresses to try on when all you can afford are $2,000 ones.

Finally, it's a good idea to know what it is you're looking for, even if the mental sketch of your future wedding gown is vague. Pick up bridal magazines from your local grocery or book store and look through them. Cut out the pictures of the ones that interest you. Look at all the wedding dresses online that are for sale. Print out the ones that you are most attracted to. There are many styles of wedding dresses. After you have compiled all the pictures, go through them and see if there is a common theme. You may realize that you have picked out several that look the same!

Click to read more about choosing a wedding gown

Choosing A Wedding DJ

2009-01-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

Your wedding entertainment can make or break your reception! It may seem like a less than important detail, but the wedding disc jockey or wedding band you choose will wield a great deal of influence over your guests and reception. Why? Because great wedding DJs and band leaders are trained to read and influence the mood of the crowd to ensure that everyone is having a great time.

So let's say you've decided to opt for a wedding disc jockey over a band (or a wedding band just isn't in your wedding budget). How do you hire the best wedding DJ you can afford? Here are some tips we've put together so brides and grooms don't get burned on their wedding entertainment:

You'll have to hire a wedding disc jockey, unless you are related to one or have one as a close friend. This isn't merely the less expansive option! A wedding DJ is an advantage in terms of space and flexibility. With the professional overheads being lower, a wedding DJs can bring more music that satisfies more tastes than a wedding band can.

Hiring the right wedding disc jockey is vital. To start with, you need to decide on where the wedding DJ fits in your reception plans. What is the role the DJ will fill? Will the DJ just be spinning music or are you expecting him or her to also be the master of ceremonies (emcee)? What kind of music would you prefer to hear -- will the DJ be able to accommodate that? Your choice of guests may also play a role in the kind of music you choose.

First, look at Yellow Pages listings, then ask around for recommendations. Check with local dance clubs and radio stations -- they can often provide good leads. Your wedding vendors may know a great wedding DJ. Magazines and newspapers sometimes have advertisements for companies that provide DJ services. Check into as many leads as possible. This will give you a broad picture of the prices involved and will also help narrow down the list to fit your budget.

Click to read more about choosing a wedding DJ

Wedding Dress of the Week

2009-01-13T09:22:00.000-05:00

Rum pink is a color that many brides find confusing as they search for the wedding gowns they will eventually wear down the aisle. Why? Because rum pink wedding gowns aren't exactly pink and don't really bring to mind anything resembling rum. Rum pink wedding gowns are pink... ish and sometimes more golden than not. What I'm trying to say is that if you're looking for a pink wedding gown, search for pink wedding gowns. Rum pink wedding gowns are a whole different animal.

Which brings me to the latest wedding dress of the week! We're loving this silky shantung rum pink wedding gown adorned with handmade roses in shantung and organza. The unique accent vines and leaves are created with hundreds of tiny glass beads, and the flowers and beading flow down the center front to the left side of the V-shaped dropped waist where the skirt is draped and pulled up to create a dramatic effect.

Drama is right! This is a wedding gown for the bride who isn't afraid to make a big impression!

DIY Wedding Favors

2009-01-12T10:03:00.004-05:00

Every couple starts out believing their wedding will be an elegant affair. And it will, no matter how much money the couple has to spend on their nuptials. It's not always easy to believe that, however, especially when brides and grooms see just how much things like ceremony accessories, reception decor, and wedding favors actually cost. They frequently start wondering if they'll even be able to afford to have a wedding at all!

The good news is that when it comes to saving money, wedding favors are a great place to start. There are plenty of tools that let brides (and grooms and bridesmaids and the mother-of-the-bride) create perfect wedding favors from scratch! It's actually pretty easy to craft professional looking wedding favors at home, with supplies that don't cost much at all. Here's a list of some of the basic supplies brides and their helpers use when creating DIY wedding favors:

There are a ton of other DIY wedding favor supplies out there, shaped like everything from chairs to cars to palm trees! You can fill your wedding favors with candy or some other remembrance of your special day... anything goes. Since you're at most putting candy (or whatever) in your favor boxes and tying a ribbon around the whole works, you don't have to worry about not being the perfect crafter. Anyone can make DIY wedding favors!

Remember that there are some very well-known craft chains that have wedding departments with the materials to make everything from bridal bouquets to reception centerpieces to bridal headpieces. Of course, you can also find the makings for some pretty nifty wedding favors there, too.

Click to read more DIY wedding favor tips

Best Man's Toast

2009-01-11T09:08:00.002-05:00

Ah, the best man's toast. They can be absolutely lovely -- so moving that there's not a dry eye in the house. They can also be excruciating to sit through, especially if the best man has had one too many glasses of champagne punch. If you're worried that your man's best man will give a toast that falls into the latter camp, pass this best man's toast how-to onto him.

First off, the most beautiful sentiment you can express is the positive change you've seen in the couple since they met. If you're having trouble coming up with the right words, ask yourself how the groom has grown and evolved since meeting his future wife. How has he changed overall since you first met him? If you were kids together, choose an anecdote from your youth to share.

When you think about adding humor, remember that everyone has a different idea about what's funny and what isn't. Keep in mind that you are speaking to a wide demographic and some people will take what you say very seriously. It's best to always remain proper and gracious. Don't share any embarrassing stories or talk about sex.

But be yourself. Don't look for a very formal script from a book if you aren't a formal person. Make sure your toast sounds like you. There are lots of ways to personalize your toast to keep the audience engaged.

Above all, remember to keep your toast very, very short. When you're done toasting, thank the audience for coming even though you aren't the host. Being the best man, you had a vested interest in your good friend's wedding turning out perfectly, so you're well within your rights to do so.

(By the way, if the maid-of-honor is giving a toast, these guidelines will apply to her as well!)

Click to read more about giving the perfect toast

Receiving Line Etiquette

2009-01-10T09:08:00.003-05:00

The receiving line developed from the ancient belief that brides and grooms had the power to spread good luck among wedding guests on the day of the ceremony. Specifically, they shared that good luck through touch. Each wedding guest was given a chance to press hands with the bride and groom.

In modern times, many brides and grooms wonder who's in the receiving line. This can vary, depending on who hosted the wedding and who participated in the wedding. Some receiving lines are made up only of females with the exception of the groom, so you might have a receiving line like this: MOB, bride, groom, bridesmaid, bridesmaid, bridesmaid. If nothing else, the bride and groom must take part. The most common receiving lines are made up of the parents of the bride and groom, the bride and groom themselves, and their attendants. Sometimes attendants do not participate -- this is for the best, we think, as longer receiving lines can eat into the reception!

Why have a receiving line? Many couples often pass on this and prefer to "make the rounds" greeting their guests during the wedding dinner. A receiving line gives you and your new spouse a chance to greet each and every one of your wedding guests and gives your guests a chance to hug and congratulate you on your new life status. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of greeting each of your guests, just remember that they have come to your wedding to honor you, and saying hello to each of them is the least you can do in return.

Click to read more about wedding traditions and wedding etiquette

Blue Wedding Favors

2009-01-09T09:08:00.002-05:00

Blue remains a popular wedding color, and it doesn't look like blue will be going anywhere anytime soon. Brides can buy blue wedding gowns, blue wedding cakes, and blue bridesmaids' dresses... there's never a shortage of "something blue!" Today we want to take a look at some blue wedding favors that may just complement your wedding color scheme perfectly. Enjoy!

Wedding cake cookies are a perfect favor for wedding showers and weddings receptions. Each wedding cake cookie comes package in a clear cellophane bag with matching blue ribbons. Put one at each place setting so wedding guests have something to nosh on while they wait for dinner!

These wedding presents are perfectly sized and practical wedding favors. What's the gift? Incognito sticky note pads are cleverly disguised as gift boxes, wrapped in pretty turquoise blue ribbons to match your wedding color scheme perfectly.

Something Blue gift box candles instantly add the right color accents to your wedding reception tables and double as wedding gift keepsakes. For a little easy aromatherapy, group these blue scented candles in your table centerpieces.

If value is what you're after in wedding favors, personalized pillow candy wedding favors are for you. Elegant clear containers filled with coordinating candy let you coordinate with your wedding colors... in this case, blue!

Share your love of the ocean with your wedding guests with glass sailboat favors. Create the magic ambiance of sail boats moving across the horizon with on your reception tables or simply add them to the existing nautical decor at a restaurant by a bay, harbor, or marina.

Click to shop for the best wedding favors around

Cultural Wedding Traditions

2009-01-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

We here at Smart Wedding Planning love learning about new and different wedding traditions. While we might not incorporate all of them into our own weddings, it's still nice to know how our sister brides in other parts of the world are celebrating their nuptials!

We've shared interesting and unique wedding traditions in the past, but here are a few more unusual wedding traditions from around the world to inspire you as you plan your own ceremonies and receptions!

The Greek bride will often tuck a sugar cube in her glove to "sweeten the union."

According to Hindu beliefs, rain on your wedding day is good luck. On the other hand, some western cultures believe rain is unlucky, so check those wedding forecasts!

In Holland, it is traditional to plant a tree outside the newlyweds' home as a symbol of fertility.

Finnish brides traditionally carried a pillowcase door to door, collecting gifts. (Trick or treat, anyone?) An older married man went with her, symbolizing a long marriage.

Korean brides wear red and yellow outfits for their weddings.

Danish brides and grooms used to confound the evil spirits by cross-dressing!

Egyptian parents traditionally do all the cooking for a week, so that the couple can relax. Lucky them, right?

In many cultures -- including the Hindu, Egypt, and Celtic peoples -- the hand of a bride and groom are tied together as a symbol of their new bond and commitment to the marriage. This is the origin of the expression "Tying then knot."

African-American weddings often hold to the tradition of "jumping the broom." Slaves in the United States were not allowed to marry, so they would exhibit their love by jumping over a broom to the beat of drums. It now is symbol of the couple's intention to set up a home together.

Japanese couples become man and wife when they take the first of nine sips of sake. Wow!

In the Irish tradition, once the bride and groom were in the church, the guests would lock the doors to make sure the groom couldn't back out. It was also important that a male and not a female be the first to wish joy to the newly married bride.

Click to read more about unique wedding traditions in other parts of the world

Why Are Wedding Dresses White?

2009-01-07T09:08:00.003-05:00

Brides have always worn white, right? Not so much.

In ancient times brides wore brightly hued wedding dresses to signify their joy. In ancient Rome, yellow and red were popular colors. In other places and times, brides wore blue, as blue was associated with purity. Even now, many cultures do not see white as a color appropriate for weddings -- in much of Asia, white is a funeral color, while red is the color of weddings!

In the western world "back in the day," many brides simply wore their Sunday best -- unless she or her family was very wealthy, that meant a wedding gown that could be worn again. It might be white on her wedding day, but that dress would later be dyed (and perhaps altered) so it could be worn for other formal occasions.

White for western brides didn't become fashionable until Queen Victoria wore it at her wedding to signify her status. White wedding dresses did not signify purity until the Christian churches put that label on them.

What's that mean for you? If you are one of the unlucky gals who just doesn't look good in white -- like me -- or you simply don't care for it, you should feel free to wear any color wedding gown under the sun. Yellow wedding gowns are going to be popular in 2009, as are silver wedding gowns. But that doesn't mean you can't rock a pink wedding gown or a purple wedding gown or even a black wedding gown. It's up to you!

Click to read more about the history of the white wedding gown

Wedding Blog Roundup For 1/6/09

2009-01-06T12:12:00.003-05:00

It's a whole new year, and that means plenty of new wedding blogs for us to read! Naturally, we're still committed to sharing all the best wedding blog posts with you on a weekly basis so you don't have to spend your lunch hour clicking through blogs. Here's what we're loving this week:

Fair trade wedding gifts
Give the gift of green, says Ethical Weddings. They recommend that wedding guests check out Fairgift, a social enterprise set up in 2006 that offers hundreds of beautiful and original Fair Trade items for your home. Sign us up!

Vintage bridal ads
Who'd have thought that yesterday's ads for wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses would be so like today's? Manolo for the Brides recently highlighted two adverts that demonstrate that the more things change, the more they stay the same... especially when it comes to weddings!

The dress of the day
Need bridesmaids' dress inspiration? AisleDash's dress-of-the-day is a gorgeous number from Watters. It's seriously delish!

Woodsy family wedding photos
Check out That Bride's awesome pre-wedding family wedding portraits! They're making us wish we'd been just a tad more creative with our wedding photos. Next to these, ours look positively pedestrian!

Click to read more about planning a wedding and wedding blogs

Wedding Glossary Pt. IV

2009-01-05T11:20:00.002-05:00

Like we said, knowing your stuff when planning a wedding is incredibly important. What you don't know can hurt you in this case because unscrupulous wedding vendors will look for any way to scam a bride or groom who isn't up on the common wedding jargon. You can protect yourself from most wedding scams by educating yourself -- knowing how much things cost, the way vendors handle bills, and the common vocabulary wedding professionals use.

Here is part IV of our comprehensive wedding glossary. Stay tuned for the rest, which will appear in upcoming entries!

Father of the Bride
Dad used to pay for everything, but these days brides and grooms are footing more of the bill. He will still typically escort the bride down the aisle, but he may not... it depends on the bride.

Favors
These are small, inexpensive gifts that are frequently given to all guests at a wedding reception as a thank you for attendance. They can also to serve as a souvenir.

Fiancé
This is the title of the groom or husband-to-be between the engagement and the wedding.

Fiancée
This is the title of the bride between her engagement to her betrothed and the wedding day.

Finger Tip (veil)
One of the most popular lengths of veil, which as the name suggests, extends to the fingertips.

Fish Bowl
A reception centerpiece in which flowers are arranged together in an ornate or otherwise low and broad glass bowl.

Flower Girls or Flower Children
These are small children (usually girls) who pave the way down the aisle for the bride by holding a pomander or scattering flower petals from a small basket. (See Pomander).

Flyaway (veil)
This is a many layered veil that will barely brush the shoulder.

Fondant
This is a sweet icing made from sugar, syrup, and gelatin that has supple qualities that enable a layer to be draped over the wedding cake like fabric. It is then used as the base for other elaborate decorations and designs. 3D cake decor (bows, birds, etc.) is also frequently made of fondant.

Fountain (veil)
This is the name of a veil style in which part is gathered up atop the bride's head and the remainder is set loose to fall around her face. A fountain veil will reach to either the shoulder or the elbow, depending on preference.

Ganache
This is a mixture of chocolate and cream, used either to fill or garnish a wedding cake.

Garlands
These are flower and/or green leaves twirled into ropes or loops that can be hung from doorways, stairs, and railings. A garland may also be worn by the bride as a headpiece. (See Wreath).

Groom's Cake
A smaller, second cake that may or may not be included in the wedding ceremony. If it is, then it may be served at the rehearsal dinner instead of at the reception. Groom's cakes are often more whimsical than traditional wedding cakes and can reflect the interests of the groom.

DIY Wedding Guestbook Tips

2009-01-04T10:47:00.002-05:00

Most brides- and grooms-to-be have so much to do that the wedding guestbook ends up being an afterthought. Hastily purchased from the nearest stationery store, the wedding guestbook is usually just a blank book with a pretty cover. Sometimes the cover has a slot where the couple can stash a photo of themselves. Most of the time, the wedding guestbook is nothing memorable.

That's kind of sad, right? The newlyweds will someday have nothing more than the photos they collected and the words their guests shared with them with which to remember their nuptials. That's precisely why we think wedding guestbooks should be memorable in and of themselves!

That said, here are three DIY wedding guestbook ideas that are guaranteed to impress your guests and to delight you for years to come.

1. Take paper that coordinates with your wedding colors and cut out a bunch of "clothing." Ask guests to share their well wishes and advice by writing them on a shirt or some pants or a skirt. Then have a volunteer (e.g., a bridesmaid or the MOB) hang each greeting on a makeshift clothesline using real clothespins. After the wedding, you can paste each greeting into a book you buy or make specifically for this purpose. This wedding guestbook is a lot of fun, especially at an outdoor wedding.

2. Buy a coffee table photography book that has a lot of whitespace in addition to beautiful pictures. Make sure it's light on text, lest guests spend too much time reading and not enough time writing. Better yet, use of one of the online services that lets you make your own hardbound book and turn that into your wedding guestbook. You can fill it with pictures of your and your intended, photographs of your favorite places, and even snippets of poems or songs that are meaningful to you.

3. Okay... regardless of what we wrote above, blank books aren't all bad. Go down to your local art supply shop and pick up a large hardbound sketch book. Use anything and everything to decorate -- hot glue buttons, feathers, sequins, photos, etc. onto the cover, making sure that your original creation will coordinate with your wedding colors. This is where your personality will shine. Do you love all things frilly and fem? Let it show with lace and flowers! Are you as quirky as all get out? Decorate your wedding guestbook with army men and toy cars. Don't be shy -- anything goes!

Click to read more wedding DIY ideas

Wedding Photography Tips

2009-01-03T10:47:00.003-05:00

Here are five tips to help you look your best in front of the camera on your wedding day:

1. The bride is under a lot of pressure to look perfect on her wedding day. As a consequence, you may be tempted to overdo your makeup. DON'T! The best wedding photos feature a bride who looks naturally beautiful, not made up. Slather on the cosmetics if you want, just make sure you choose natural shades that will highlight your unique features.

2. Give a designated helper a list of your must-have posed wedding photographs so you don't forget any of the important ones. Even if your wedding photographer has a list, there's no guarantee he or she will remember to bring it along! Your helper can get everyone together and remind the photographer of the shots you want, leaving you free to fuss with your bridal bouquet or hair style.

3. Take your wedding photographer's suggestions to heart. He or she has probably shot scores of weddings, so they have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. That said, if you really want photos of you and your new spouse in the atrium, but it's too dark, have your wedding photographer take the shots anyway. They may turn out all arty and cool, or they may not turn out at all. Nowadays, photogs shoot digital, so it's not like you're wasting film.

4. Relax! You're going to look great in your wedding photos no matter what, so don't put a lot of pressure on yourself to mug for the camera or pose. Some of the most beautiful photographs of the bride and groom are candid shots in which the couple hasn't had a chance to pose or put on a staged smile. Just do your thing and let your photog do his or her thing. Your photos will be all the more memorable for it.

5. That said, smile! If you do feel nervous on your wedding day, smile anyway. Smiling releases feel-good hormones that will make you happy, thus causing you to smile more. It's a happy cycle, and one that can contribute to great wedding photographs!

Click to read more about wedding photography or to find a wedding photographer in your area

Wedding Glossary Pt. III

2009-01-02T08:05:00.002-05:00

(Looking for Pt. I or Pt. II of our wedding glossary?)

If we've learned anything in the past few days, it's that weddings can be confusing! You thought you left studying behind in college, right? Us, too, but twas not to be. Knowing the terminology of wedding planning can help you make good decisions when you're buying wedding accessories and get the best deal when dealing with your wedding vendors. After all, no one can scam a bride-to-be who knows her stuff! We want to make sure that you have all the knowledge you need to plan the perfect wedding, which is exactly why we've put together a comprehensive wedding glossary for you to refer back to when things get confusing. This is Part III:

Cornelli
A complicated decorative form of wedding cake icing that resembles ornate lacework.

Corsage
A single flower bloom or a small spray of blooms that are attached to lace (or greenery) and pinned to the front of a woman's dress or worn at her wrist. Orchids are among the most popular flower choices for wedding corsages, and at weddings they are usually only worn by female relatives of the bride and groom.

Crown
One of the things a bride may choose to wear, the crown is a fully circular gemstone or bead adorned head piece that is larger than both a half crown and tiara. In Greek Orthodox Christian weddings both the bride and groom have crowns placed on their head by the Koumbaro, who then swaps the crowns between the couple three times. (See Koumbaro)

Cummerbund
This is a broad sash worn around a man's waist on top of his shirt but under the jacket. They are usually black, but may match the wedding colors.

Dais
This is a podium or platform raised from the floor. In wedding receptions, it is where the bride and groom are seated. The word is also used to indicate the flower display on the happy couple's table.

Damask
This is a linen or other fabric with raised patterns woven into it. Brocade is similar but of a heavier weight. The word is derived from Damascus, the capitol of Syria.

Dotted Swiss
A method of decorating the wedding cake that involves small random dots of icing.

Double Tier (veil)
A two layered veil. Usually one layer will be longer than the other.

Dragees
These are the edible and brightly colored balls of sugar seen on wedding cakes.

Elbow (veil)
A length of veil that reaches down to the bride's elbows.

Embellishments
These are extra adornments either sewn or glued onto a bridal gown. The additions may include embroidery, lace, glass or crystal beads, ribbons, bows, shiny plastic circular pieces called sequins, fringes, pearls, and other things.

Euro Tie
Often worn with a spread collar, this is a long tie that is more formal than a regular necktie, but less formal than an ascot. (See Ascot).

Click to access the entire wedding glossary

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T08:54:00.001-05:00

From all of us here at Smart Wedding Planning, here's hoping that you and yours have a beautiful and auspicious 2009! If you're getting married, we wish you all the best... and we're always here to help.

So what better way to ring in the new year than with a beautiful wedding gown from Emerald Bridal? This bridal frock features a plunging V-neckline with a double ruffle of organza that is designed to stand up behind the neck, giving this gown a touch of elegance seldom seen these days. The cross-over bodice ends at the natural waistline with a pleated sash and a handmade organza flower. Lovely, no?

Click to shop for your wedding dress

Wedding Glossary Pt. II

2008-12-31T07:29:00.003-05:00

(Looking for Pt. I of our wedding glossary?)

Many brides-to-be begin planning their weddings thinking it will be as easy as planning any other party. If only it were! When you're dealing with wedding vendors, special clothing like wedding gowns, and multiple guests of honor, things are bound to get complicated. Because we like to think of ourselves a premier wedding planning resource, we decided that it's time we got back to basics. To help brides-to-be (and grooms-to-be) who are feeling a little overwhelmed by all the wedding wisdom out there, we put together a comprehensive wedding glossary. This is Part II:

Bridal Procession
This is the march undertaken by wedding attendants (bridesmaids and groomsmen), the groom, the bride, and anyone else participating in the wedding ceremony. Typically, music is played during the processional, and it is followed by the recessional.

Bridesmaids
These are the gals who are good friends with the bride, supporting her emotionally both before and on her big day. They may pay for their own dresses or not, and some bridesmaids are even given the freedom to pick out their own dresses.

Buffet
A self service style of meal at a wedding reception, where the food and drinks are presented on a long table, or a series of tables, and the guests collect a plate and help themselves whenever they wish (queues permitting). A buffet is usually the most affordable option as considerably less waiters are needed (if any), but the costs can rise as less control over food portions can be exercised.

Buttercream
A soft and creamy butter-based icing that can be colored, flavored and used for decoration or filling for a wedding cake

Calligraphy
This is an ornate highly stylized form of handwriting seen on expensive wedding invitations and on other wedding stationery.

Candle Lighters
These are children (hopefully responsible ones) who light candles at the altar when the bride's mother (who is the official hostess of the ceremony) takes her seat. Sometimes the flower girl or ring bearer will fulfill this role.

Cascade (bouquet)
A type of bridal bouquet that begins as a wide gathering of flowers and then tapers down as it arches toward the floor. It may be almost floor length or just over a few feet long.

Cathedral (veil)
The longest of veils, this is three and a half yards in length.

Chapel
This is the name for a length of bridal veil that will reach the floor, extending two and a half yards from the headpiece.

Chief Bridesmaid
See Maid Of Honor.

Columns
See Pillars.

Comb
A bridal headpiece attached to the bride's hair with teeth like a comb. May be as ornate as the bride wishes it to be and can be used to anchor the veil.

Click to access the entire wedding glossary

Wedding Glossary Pt. I

2008-12-30T07:04:00.002-05:00

Every wedding is different, which means that brides-to-be who are planning weddings have a lot to learn. You can't just rely on a template that you find in a bridal magazine or a wedding web site. To make your wedding your own, you have to learn the ins and outs of wedding planning until you could beat Martha Stewart at Wedding Jeopardy!

Luckily, we're here to help you better understand the basics of wedding planning. While it's not always easy to keep everything straight, starting with the basic wedding terminology can mean the difference between a stress-free wedding and a chaotic one.

Here's Part I of our comprehensive wedding glossary:

Ascot
This is a wide type of necktie that is reserved for the most formal of daytime weddings and occasions. It is worn with a gray cutaway (morning) coat that is longer in the back than at the front and gray striped trousers.

Backpiece
This is a highly decorated comb that sits on the back of a bride's head and is used for attaching her veil.

Ballet (veil)
Also known as a waltz, this is a veil length that drops below the bride's knees, but above her ankles.

Ballet (hemline)
A hemline that falls just above the ankles.

Basket Weave
A type of decorative piping on the wedding cake which features interlinked horizontal and vertical lines of icing.

Best Man
The best man will have numerous duties, the most important of which is to keep the bride's ring safe until it's time for the vows, when he hands it to the groom for putting on her finger. His other duties include announcing speeches at the reception and making his own. He will also sign the marriage license, and make sure the groom gets to the wedding.

Biedermeier
A type of posy (bridal bouquet) where the flowers are arranged in rings according to their color. (See posies).

Blusher (veil)
A short, single layered veil that covers the bride's face before the ceremony.

Bomboniere
This is an Italian word which is sometimes used to refer to wedding favors. (See wedding favors).

Boutonnière
This is a single flower or flower bud or a small group of flowers or buds that is worn by the groom, best man, ushers, and the male relatives of the bride and groom. It is worn on the left (over the heart) lapel of their jackets.

Bow Tie
The most popular choice of tie to wear with a tuxedo. May also be known as a "dickey bow."

Bridal Bouquet or Bride's Bouquet
The bunch of flowers given by the groom to his bride, or the gathered flowers carried by the bride during the ceremony.

Click to access the entire wedding glossary

First Dance Songs for Weddings

2008-12-29T11:53:00.003-05:00

The first dance is many couples' favorite part of the wedding reception. Besides the fact that the bride and groom are in the spotlight during the dance, being on the dance floor all alone gives the newlyweds some time to chat in private. Seriously... so much of a wedding reception is spent schmoozing with seldom-seen relatives or graciously accepting congratulations that the bride and groom may never get another opportunity to spend a few quiet moments exchanging sweet nothings. Thank heavens for the first dance!

But choosing a first dance song can be complicated. You and your sweetie may not have ever dubbed any song "your song." Your favorite songs may have adult themes or bad language hidden in otherwise loving lyrics. And if neither of you is particularly into music, you may not even know where to begin! This is where your wedding DJ can help you -- he or she will have helped a lot of couples choose a first dance song and will likely have a huge list of possibilities for you to choose from. However, before you run off and call your wedding disc jockey, we here at Smart Wedding Planning have put together a short list of the most popular first dance songs for weddings. Here's a taste:

"God Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
"Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton)
"Inside Your Heaven" (Carrie Underwood)
"The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra)
"Amazing" (Aerosmith)
"Always" (Shania Twain)
"I Cross My Heart" (George Strait)
"It's Your Love" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"I Need You" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"Lost in This Moment" (Big and Rich)
"Don't Take The Girl" (Tim McGraw)
"I Don't Want to Miss A Thing" (Aerosmith)
"A Whole New World" (Peabo Bryson)
"Breathe" (Faith Hill)
"Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)

Click to see the whole list of popular first dance songs for weddings

Wedding Corsages

2008-12-28T11:40:00.001-05:00

Ah, the wedding corsage! When you're choosing your wedding flowers, it's easy to overlook these small tokens most often given to the mothers and grandmothers of both the bride and groom. Corsages are small groupings of flowers mounted on pins or on a wrist band, and corsages are an easy way to honor your female relatives who are not otherwise participating in the wedding.

Choosing corsages for the MOB and others isn't always easy... should you coordinate the corsages with your bridal bouquet? With the wedding colors? With the dresses your bridesmaids are wearing? How much should you budget for wedding corsages? Don't worry -- we're here to help! Smart Wedding Planning has put together a helpful list of tips that will guide you as you ready yourself to buy corsages.

The price of corsages can range anywhere from $15.00 to $30.00 or more, depending on the size and type of flowers. If you are on a budget, stay with a simple corsage. You can also DIY if you have the time.

Be careful not to make the corsage so elaborate that it becomes large and heavy. Today, there are many delicate fabrics, such as silk, that can not withstand the weight of a heavy corsage mounted on a pin. In most cases, when it comes to corsages smaller is better.

Corsages can be worn in many different ways. They can be pinned to the dress, attached to a purse, or worn around the wrist. It's a good idea to ask the person who will be wearing the corsage which style they prefer to wear. You might also ask about the color of their dress in order to help you choose flowers for the corsage that best compliments their wedding attire. Then, give all this information to your florist.

A great alternative to the corsage (and cost effective, too) is to give that special person a single rose or very small bouquet tied with tulle and ribbon. The hand held flower or bouquet looks great in the wedding pictures and when the mothers are escorted down the aisle.

Corsages are meant to designate special family members. However, you may also give corsages to special friends or those participating in your wedding ceremony, such as your readers, your soloist, or your musicians.

Click to read more about wedding flowers

Wedding Boutonnières

2008-12-27T11:40:00.004-05:00

Wedding flowers for the men? But of course! While most men are not going to carry a bridal bouquet (or is that a grooms bouquet?), the men participating in weddings usually do wear flowers in the form of the boutonnière.

Boutonnières are typically used to identify your ushers, best man, groomsmen, and special male family members. Often, the father and grandfather of both the bride and the groom wear boutonnières.

So how do you choose your boutonnières? Here are four boutonnière tips to help you give your guys a touch of class.

Boutonnières can range in price anywhere from $3.00 to $15.00 each, depending on the type of flower(s) and the intricacy of the design. If you are on a budget, stick with a simple style... or make your own!

The groom's boutonnière should be different in style, color, or type of flower to differentiate him from his groomsmen. For example, a white rose can be used for the groom and a colored rose (to match bridesmaid attire) can be used for the best man and groomsmen.

The most popular flower used for boutonnières is roses. Other flowers that can be used include small orchids, stephanotis, freesia, or carnations. Sometimes a great deal of greenery is used, and some boutonnières even feature embellishments like crystals.

The flowers featured in the bride's bouquet often appear in the groom's boutonnière, and the styles may complement each other.

Click to read more about the various kinds of wedding flowers

Groomsmen Gifts

2008-12-26T09:16:00.002-05:00

Selecting a great gift for your groomsmen and best man, especially if you have known them forever, is important. What ever gift you decide to purchase, it should signify the bond of friendship that you and your groomsmen have. Most grooms elect to give gifts that suit the personality of their groomsmen. Some groomsmen may be into sports, cars, or music, while others are into reading, cooking, or movies.

Remember when choosing groomsmen gifts that it is not how much you spend on your groomsmen gifts that matters; rather, it really is the thought that counts. When you give a groomsman a gift, it should be something that you would want to have received as a groomsman from your guy friends.

Here are four potential groomsmen gifts to get you started:

Smokers (QUIT, WILL YA?) will definitely like this personalized cigarette case. Based on the design of vintage cigarette cases, this attractive accessory is perfect for smokers and non-smokers alike! Sleek and sophisticated, it can accommodate up to 16 100s, but it’s also great for stowing cash, credit cards, business cards, gum, condoms, and even a car or house key.

How about a personalized pub sign? The perfect groomsman gift, this sign will look great in his home bar, by his pool table, or in the recreation room. Your groomsman will be proud to show it off every time his buddies come over.

This cool leather-wrapped flask will delight any groomsmen who has caught the pirate bug. The eye-catching design of the skull and crossbones sets this groomsmen hip flask apart from the crowd! Perfect for unleashing their inner pirates on the guys’ night out, this leather flask holds a generous quantity of rum…or any fine liquor.

You can't go wrong with a chic pocket watch! You can personalize this handsome pocket watch thus making it truly a timeless and classic gift. Each pocket watch includes 2 engravable metal plates with self adhesive backing, one plate is for the exterior cover of the pocket watch, and the other plate can be affix to the interior of the pocket watch.

Click to shop for groomsmen gifts or to read about groomsmen

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SMART WEDDING PLANNING!

2008-12-25T08:27:00.004-05:00

Looking for a great gown for your 2009 holiday wedding? How about this strapless organza ball gown, which features an exquisitely beaded bodice, a fashionable waist sash, and bow with hanging tails. The full, decorated skirt ends in a semi-cathedral train that is easily picked up in the case of sleet, snow, or slush. And that sash? For those brides who aren't into Christmas, it comes in a variety of colors, from Hanukkah blue to Kwanzaa orange or green.

We're not, of course, suggesting that you go all out with a Christmas themed wedding -- though you can if that's your thing -- but if your wedding is taking place in the dead of winter, why not give a little shout out to the holidays in your choice of wedding color scheme or wedding gown?

Click to read more about planning a wintertime wedding or to shop for your wedding gown

Bridesmaids Gift Suggestions

2008-12-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

Shopping for bridesmaids gifts and groomsmen gifts can be one of the most harrowing parts of wedding planning. Why? Because it's usually left until the very last minute and there are a lot of expectations attached to what would otherwise be a perfectly ordinary present. To make the whole process less stressful, give yourself plenty of time to shop for bridesmaids gifts and think about what your bridesmaids would really like. Don't worry about what the bridal magazines say you should get!

Still stymied? We have some tips that will help you pick out the best bridesmaids gifts:

Don't worry about price, i.e., do not be concerned that what you're buying costs too much (if you can afford it) or costs too little. An expensive bridesmaids gift does not necessarily mean a great one! You do not need to prove your love to your bridesmaids by getting them something that cost you a lot of money -- you should buy them something that shows that you care.

One idea is to get your bridesmaids some stationary. Stationary is not expensive, but is something that is useful and everyone can use. Another idea is getting each bridesmaid their wedding day jewelry. If you are really tight on cash, you can always write them a personal thank you note. Just remember that you do not need to buy the love of your bridesmaids with your gift.

Remember to keep it tasteful if you do go the 'thank you card' route. Those cards that say "Maybe next time it will be you, but probably not" or "You don't look good in white anyway" get old real fast. And steer clear of gag bridesmaid gifts unless you know for sure that your bridesmaids will really appreciate it.

The bridesmaid gift is part of your wedding and you want it to be tasteful and appropriate to the occasion. Remember, however, that each of your bridesmaids is an individual, and they may not appreciate the same things. One might love a gag gift, while another would much rather have a heartfelt thank you.

Click to shop for the perfect bridesmaids gifts or beautiful bridal jewelry

Questions to Ask Your Baker

2008-12-23T08:27:00.006-05:00

As easy as it is to overlook something as secondary as dessert, you should treat your wedding cake baker like you would treat any other wedding vendor. That means looking for a reputable baker or bakery, asking for references, and getting all of the pertinent details in before you put a deposit down on a wedding cake or dessert package.

When you're thinking of hiring a specific baker to create your wedding cake, have a list of questions handy so you aren't wowed by the flavors and pretty icings during your cake tasting. We've put together a short list of queries below, but it is by no means comprehensive. You can find more at SWP's guide to questions to ask your wedding baker.

Do you use all fresh ingredients? Can you accommodate special dietary needs like gluten allergies or veganism?
What flavors of cake, icings, and fillings do you offer?
When can we come in for a tasting? Is there a fee for this?
Can we see photographs of wedding cakes you have created in the past?
Are there extra charges for decorative items like pillars or structural items like tier supports?
If we are renting those things, when do they need to be returned?
What are your delivery and set-up fees, if any? Is this included in the price of the cake?
Who will be setting up the cake and at what time?
Can you decorate the cake for us with fresh flowers or some other non-edible embellishments if we provide them?
What is the price per serving? Does this depend on the number of tiers or the intricacy of design?
Will you draw up a contract?
When is the first deposit due and when must we pay the balance?

Click to read more about wedding cake and choosing wedding vendors

Wedding Blog Roundup for 12/22/08

2008-12-22T07:34:00.001-05:00

It's time for the Monday morning wedding blog round-up where we find the coolest, cutest, and best wedding blog posts from around the Internet. If you're planning a wedding right now, wedding blogs are a great (and underused) resource... particularly for those who are planning their own weddings or paying for a wedding.

We here at Smart Wedding Planning try to follow all the great wedding blogs out there. It's not always easy to read all of them every day, but we read as many as we can. Here are four blog posts from some of our favorite wedding bloggers:

Beautiful (but faux) bridal jewelry
Every Thursday, Never teh Bride of Manolo for the Brides writes a post asking brides and wedding enthusiasts to tell her whether they love or hate certain nuptial accessories. Last week, she asked brides whether they love or hate rhinestone wedding jewelry. Personally? We love it! Bring on the sparkle!

Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday windows 2008
Luzel of iDiY posted her very own pictures of the Bergdorf Goodman's holiday windows. The dresses are gorgeous, and the French macarons are just as tasty looking as you might imagine. The old school glamour is practically flying through the air, and we are jealous that we won't have the chance to go look at the windows.

The biggest love?
Lisa of Bridal Party recently wrote a post describing all of the wonderful ways brides and grooms can give back while planning their weddings. She worked with her maid-of-honor to plan a charity bridal shower, and her wedding favors benefited charity. Talk about sharing the love -- go, Lisa!

Gorgeous and green
Emily of Eco-Chic Weddings posted a wonderful recap of the Martha Stewart Weddings Special on the Style channel, "Gorgeous and Green." She offers up amazing green tips like "Skip petroleum based, toxic parrafin candles. Everytime you light them, you're basically breathing in burning petroleum. Yuck! Soy and beeswax candles are readily available, so make the switch." Will do!

Click to read more about planning a wedding and wedding blogs

Mother Son Dance Songs

2008-12-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

Everyone is familiar with the tradition of the father daughter dance that takes place at most wedding receptions. In recent years, the mother-of-the-groom has decided she wanted to get in on the act, and the mother son dance was born. While not yet as popular as the father daughter dance, the number of songs for mothers and sons to choose from is definitely growing.

If the groom has more than one mom in his life -- common, these days -- he can begin dancing with one, and the other can cut in part way through the dance. If the groom doesn't have a mom, an aunt, grandma, or sister can stand in if she's had a hand in raising him. Some couples combine the mother son and father daughter dances to save time during the wedding reception, since wedding guests are usually eager to get to the wedding cake!

Below you'll find a list of the most popular mother son dance songs.

I'm With You -- Joan Baez

In My Life -- The Beatles

In This Life -- Collin Raye

Mama -- B.J. Thomas

Memories -- Elvis Presley

Memory -- Barbara Streisand

My Son -- Brendan Shine

A Song For Mama --Boyz II Men

As Time Goes By -- Ray Anthony Orchestra

Because You Loved Me -- Celine Dion

Blessed -- Elton John

Boy of Mine --Good Time Singers

Butterfly Kisses --Bob Carlisle

Close To You -- The Carpenters

Do You Remember -- Phil Collins

Don't Know Much -- L. Ronstadt & A. Neville

Ebb Tide -- Righteous Brothers

Edelweiss -- The Sound Of Music

For the Good Times -- Ray Price

Forever Young -- Rod Stewart

Glory of Love -- Peter Cetera

Greatest Love of All -- Whitney Houston

God Bless The Child -- Tony Bennett

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You -- Rod Stewart

Hero -- Mariah Carey

I Am Your Child -- Barry Manilow

I.O.U. (I Owe You Mother) -- Jimmy Dean

I Remember You -- Bette Midler

I Will Remain Your Little Boy -- Chris Taylor

I Wish You Love -- Natalie Cole

I'll Have To Say I Love You In a Song -- Jim Croce

I'm With You -- Joan Baez

Click to read more about wedding traditions and wedding receptions

Wedding Invitation Timelines

2008-12-20T10:21:00.004-05:00

Carrie wrote to ask:

When should I send out my wedding invitations? My mom says I should wait until just six weeks before, but my fiance thinks we should send them out as soon as possible so people have plenty of time to make travel arrangements. Did I mention that we're getting married in a city far away from where most of our friends and family live? People will need to get hotel rooms and travel by air, so I understand his concerns.

Well, Carrie, it sounds like you need save-the-date cards. You didn't say how soon your wedding actually is, but if it's more than two months away, then definitely look into these useful pieces of wedding stationery. If you do opt to send save-the-date cards (at least to those guests who must travel a long way) prepare and send them out ASAP. If you've arranged for hotel discounts, include any pertinent information on the cards.

As far as your wedding invitations go, your mom is right. Wait until about six weeks before sending those out.

Click to learn more about wedding stationery

Bridal Weight Loss Tips

2008-12-19T13:07:00.006-05:00

Feeling flabby? Here are eight great bridal weight loss tips that will help you shape up before you don your wedding dress:

1. Work out with your future husband or wife. Pumping iron alone can be boring -- it's way more fun when you have a partner. This way, you'll both look your best on your wedding day.

2. Stop eating so much sugar. Even if you're not big on desserts or sweets, incidental sugars like the sugar in your morning coffee can add up fast.

3. Lift weights! We promise you won't bulk up and look like Aaaaahnold. You will, however, get firm and tight.

4. Walking is exercise, too. You don't have to break a sweat and do hundreds of reps to lose a little weight or tighten your butt before the wedding. Just make an effort to walk instead of driving a couple of times a week.

5. Forget dieting -- depriving yourself isn't going to help your wedding planning stress levels. Just drink plenty of water and eat plenty of healthy foods. This is great for your skin, too!

6. Start a fitness journal. This can be anything from a food diary to a motivational collection of workouts from magazines. Whatever helps you make working out and eating right a part of your life!

7. Set reasonably pre-wedding fitness goals. Don't buy a wedding gown that's three sizes too small or starve yourself. Plan on making life changes, not taking temporary drastic action.

8. Play! Exercise doesn't have to be boring. Join a soccer team, take a dance class, or run around with your nieces and nephews. It all burns calories and gets those muscles pumping!

Click to learn more about bridal fitness

Wedding Statistics from American Bridal

2008-12-18T09:32:00.003-05:00

If you haven't already guessed by now, we're serious wedding voyeurs over at Smart Wedding Planning. If someone invites us to a wedding, we go. If someone asks us to look at their wedding photos, we do. Slides? We'll watch them gladly? You want us to have a copy of your wedding DVD? Yes, please! Basically, we're interested in anything and everything having to do with weddings, from who is having them to how much money they're spending. Hey, everyone has a hobby, right? Weddings are just our thing.

So imagine how tickled pink we were when we received word that American Bridal's yearly wedding survey results were finally in! Now we could see just how the weddings we've been to lately measure up to the average. When it came to excerpting it, we just couldn't decide what to include, so the full results are below:

Most (90%) are doing the planning themselves, with help from family and friends, and not hiring a professional wedding planner.

Since budgets are a concern for many, It looks like there’s a major spread in wedding budgets. About 25% are planning a wedding on a budget of less than $10,000, while 25% have wedding budgets over $25,001. The remaining 50% are somewhere in between, with 38% reporting in the range of $10,001 to $20,000.

“Location, location, location” as the saying goes, and roughly a quarter (25%) are having the reception at a hotel, and 10% have opted to host their nuptials at a country club. About 6% of couples selected a destination wedding, while a majority (55%) reported they are finding another type of venue to rent for the event and reception.

Size matters for this year’s brides, and by that we mean the size of the wedding party. Most couples (48%) will have between 5 to 8 people, while 37% of respondents have 9 or more bridesmaids and attendants. The trend seems to lean toward larger, more inclusive wedding parties, which leads us to the number of invited guests. Nearly 40% report they will have a guest count of more than 200 and 14% say their total guest count is under 100. A good 34% are inviting 100 to 150 guests.

As for cutting costs and wedding budgets, 68% said they’ve lowered their budgets by $1,000 or less. However, the small cuts they are making may not have a big impact on the actual wedding. Items that brides generally won’t skimp on are wedding gowns, photography and wedding rings.

When asked more specifically about what they would and would not change, most are not significantly altering music, location, reception style, or dress. Instead, they are more likely to adjust the cost of invitations, wedding favors, bridal accessories and gifts for the bridal party (combined, 46% of respondents said they would make changes in these 3 areas).

Click to shop for wedding favors and more at American Bridal

Wedding Insurance -- Do You Need It?

2008-12-17T09:16:00.002-05:00

As the bride-to-be you've thought about your gown, weighed the pros and cons of various venues and looked at photographers' portfolios until you just couldn't turn another page. You're doing great so far! However, you may have ignored a very important part of planning a wedding. We're talking about wedding risk management, more commonly known as wedding insurance or event insurance. After all, when it comes right down to it, there's plenty that can go wrong when you're trying to put together the perfect wedding.

With the average costs of weddings pegged at about $30,000 (and this number is expected to continue to climb, even in the current economic climate) insuring your big day against all kinds of glitches just makes good sense. Event insurance typically covers cancellation or postponement of a wedding if a member of the bridal party dies or gets sick... as long as they didn't have a pre-existing condition.

Wedding insurance also covers a bridal party member's failure to show because they are injured or are called up to active military duty or there is a shutdown of commercial transportation. The insurance policy also kicks in if one of your wedding vendors can't make the wedding or you need to reassemble the entire wedding party for a second photo shoot because the original photos were lost or damaged by the wedding photographer. Finally, your wedding insurance will cover the cost of the wedding bands if they are stolen or lost, and the value of wedding gifts that are stolen or lost.

The typical cost for a basic policy is between $125 and $350 with a $25 deductible. Like any other insurance coverage, the premium varies depending on the amount of coverage needed. But unlike other coverages, the premium is a one-time payment even if the policy is purchased well in advance of your date. In most instances, a policy can be purchased two weeks to two years prior to the event.

The only thing it definitely won't cover? A change of heart by the bride- or groom-to-be.

Click to read more about wedding insurance and planning a wedding

Budget Wedding Tips

2008-12-16T08:51:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, saving money on a wedding can feel like a chore not worth undertaking. After all, how much money can a bride and groom possibly save when they're buying wedding favors, wedding stationery, and all of the other stuff they need when planning a wedding. Budgeting is hard... we won't deny that. But we also won't deny that it can be sooooo worth it, especially when you're paying for your wedding using your very own money.

So what does a budget wedding look like? The good news is that a budget wedding can look like every other wedding out there. Saving money on your wedding does not mean serving a cake made of Twinkies or wearing an outdated polyester wedding gown you found at a garage sale! Saving money on your wedding just means getting a little creative. If you love puzzles, you'll love finding new ways to keep cash in your pocket when planning your ceremony and reception.

To get you started, we've compiled the ten best (and easiest) ways to save money on your wedding.

1. Get married in the morning, on a Friday or a Sunday. Getting married in the winter months can also save you money.

2. Keep the guest list small. You can always have a second, larger party after the wedding to celebrate with friends and acquaintances.

3. Make your own veil. Most craft stores sell how-to books and supplies. You can save hundreds of dollars by making your own, and as DIY wedding projects go, this one is pretty easy.

4. Purchase your wedding gown at a place other than a bridal salon. Check out the prom section of the department store, or buy a gown online!

5. Supply your own alcohol if you're able to.

6. Consider not having a dinner reception. Opt instead for a brunch or afternoon tea, or try a cocktail or dessert party. You have to feed guests something, but it doesn't have to be a complete meal.

7. Use silk flowers. They always cost less than fresh flowers, plus they can be rented. Making your own bridal bouquet is easy, too.

8. Decorate with more greenery and baby's breath, and less flower blooms.

9. Make your own invitations. There are software programs available that can help you with this task, and you can purchase wedding desktop publishing paper at any office supply shop. Some stationery companies even sell easy-to-use wedding invitation kits!

10. Check out local universities for qualified and inexpensive musicians, photographers, and videographers. Professors will be able to point you to the best students in the program.

Don't forget to check out Talk About Weddings, a great new wedding forum, and to sign up for free wedding planning advice from Daily Wedding Tip!

Flower Girl Dresses

2008-12-15T10:43:00.004-05:00

The flower girl tradition began a long time ago in Europe and has now become a popular trend in Europe and other parts of the world as well. A flower girl is perhaps the most vibrant participant in a wedding procession. She naturally draws the attention of the guests and adds her energy to the joyous occasion as she and her group prepares the way for the bride.

That said, your flower girl will be all the more vibrant and beautiful if you clothe her in the right dress! Here are three wonderful flower girl dresses from Emerald Bridal that are sure to delight your littlest attendant.

Here we have a gorgeous blue sleeveless dress made of two colors of organza. The bodice is trimmed with matte satin piping, and the dress features a matte satin sash trimmed with dainty flowers. This dress is perfect for the younger flower girl who wants to feel like a princess!

This flower girl dress is made of matte satin and has a sweetheart neckline, princess seams, a drop waist, and a full skirt. A flower cluster accents the front, making it perfect for the feminine flower girl.

A sleeveless dress of new taffeta with a full, gathered skirt is great for the more mature flower girl. The sash is trimmed with three fabric flowers.

Click to shop for flower girl dresses or to learn more about wedding planning

Unique Wedding Ceremonies

2008-12-14T07:17:00.002-05:00

Traditional wedding ceremonies aren't going anywhere anytime soon, but a growing number of brides and grooms are choosing to invent their own traditions. If this sounds like you, know that you don't have to toss tradition in the trash to put your own spin on your wedding. Most couples simply augment the traditional wedding ceremony with their own rituals and wedding vows.

Unique and personally meaningful weddings reflect a more innovative spirit. Ceremonies involving combined liturgy, or for example, both a priest and a rabbi, are now fairly common because interfaith couples are now a mainstream sight. Fifty years ago, this combination would have been taboo among most people! We've come a long way, baby!

The gathering of witnesses is a part of almost every wedding ceremony, if only because most states' marriage laws require at least two witnesses to declare a marriage legal. Sometimes, however, a the community of the bride and/or the groom falls outside of the usual church groups, family units, or neighborhoods. As long as you have the requisite number of witnesses as required by your locale, your larger body of witnesses can be anyone, from strangers on the beach to Internet friends watching your wedding web cast.

Some couples have chosen to create beautiful ceremonies that go farther back in time... to the goddess and earth religions that predate the patriarchy altogether. Ceremonies held at sacred sites, scheduled according to the lunar calendar, and incorporating a respect for the powers of nature are growing in popularity. Sometimes these marriage ceremonies are conducted by modern-day shamans or priestesses.

Sometimes, brides and grooms who desire an innovative wedding get married legally by a local magistrate at the county courthouse, then hold a more alternative ceremony among family and friends. This is a great way to compromise when it feels like there is no way to avoid having a traditional wedding ceremony.

Remember that anything goes! It's your wedding, and you deserve to have the wedding you want, whether that means a big church affair, a private exchange of vows at Stonehenge, or any other kind of ceremony you can think of.

Click to read more about wedding traditions and wedding etiquette

Floral Wedding Favors

2008-12-13T07:12:00.002-05:00

Where we live, the weather has been yucky lately. Long story short, it's cold and I'm dreaming of summertime. While I can't get the warm weather to come back any more quickly, I can spend as much time as possible looking at summery, floral wedding favors in bright colors and fun shapes. Whether you're having a springtime wedding, a summertime wedding, or a summer themed wedding, you may just find the perfect wedding favors in the quatro of favors below!

A modern take on a traditional wedding sentiment, these personalized cherry blossom candy jar wedding favors impart classic Asian appeal with contemporary flair. This adorably practical wedding favor takes the form of a antique-look candy cache your guests will certainly savor.

A breathtaking addition to any springtime wedding ceremony or bridal shower, butterfly felt ring candle holder wedding favors reflect the subtle grace of fluttering butterflies. Doubling as wedding decorations… and as wedding favors for your guests… these lovely votive holders add a hint of stylish color to your event.

For your garden wedding, these beautiful butterfly wedding favors are a practical way to express your thanks, assign seating, and decorate your tables. Butterfly wedding favors can also be the cheerful couriers of decadent chocolates, floral arrangements, traditional wedding mints, or any treats you can imagine.

Gracefully mirroring the effect of your flower girl sprinkling petals at your wedding ceremony, these glass flower wedding favors create an elegant, petal-strewn look on the tables at your wedding reception. Your guests will be delighted by the ethereal effect of these beautiful wedding decorations.

Click to read more about choosing wedding favors

Advice for Brides / Advice for Bridesmaids

2008-12-12T11:51:00.002-05:00

When it comes time to choose the bridesmaids' dresses, many brides choke. Sure, the bride-to-be knows what she wants and what she likes, but how can she translate that into dresses for bridesmaids of different shapes, sizes, and styles? When it comes to bridesmaids' dresses, compromise is the key. It's the bride's wedding, so she ultimately has the final say when it comes to what her wedding attendants will be wearing. At the same time, bridesmaids shouldn't let themselves be suckered into wearing hot pink polyester!

We've compiled a shortlist of advice for brides and advice for bridesmaids that will help stave off conflicts over dresses and hopefully ensure that everyone is happy with what they are wearing when the wedding day rolls around.

Brides:
When selecting your bridesmaids' dresses, it is always best to try to keep your bridesmaids' tastes in mind. As the bride, when you look back on your wedding, you probably won't care all that much about what your bridesmaid dresses looked like. Their budgets, personalities, shapes, sizes and opinions should all be factored in to your decision. Try not to forget that the reason they are standing up in your wedding is because they are the ones that have been there for you in your life. You don't want to embarrass them or make them uncomfortable just for your happiness. Although some dresses are more reusable than others, eventually all styles go out of fashion. However, your friends and family never will go out of style and will always be needed.

Bridesmaids:
As a bridesmaid, try to be flexible and be willing to compromise to a certain extent. This is your dear friend's or relative's special day and you want her to be happy. Don't let a dress that you may only wear for one day get in the way of a long-time friendship that will hopefully last a lifetime. If you really don't like the dress, take it to a local consignment store soon after the wedding while it is still in style. Otherwise you can donate it to a local charity. Someone else out there will love the dress and be thrilled to get a bargain. Then you will have made another person happy, too!

Click to read more advice for brides

Bridal Shower Invitations

2008-12-11T12:08:00.002-05:00

Maids-of-honors and bridesmaids, this post is for you. If you're the bride-to-be, feel free to e-mail your best gal pals a link to the blog because it's their job (not yours) to plan your bridal shower. Once the hostess knows when and where the bridal shower will be, and the theme if any, it's time for her to think about the shower invitations. We've often been asked what the maid-of-honor or bridesmaids should include on the invitation. Here's a short list of necessary info that will help you create a basic bridal shower invitation:

The date, time, and length of the wedding shower

The address and specific location of the party

The name of the bride, and the correct spelling of the groom's full name

The intended shower guests, listed by name

The location of the couple's wedding gift registry or registries

Directions or even a map to the party venue

The theme, if it is to be a themed wedding shower

Indicate whether cocktails and snacks, tea and cake, or a full meal will be served

In the case of a potluck party, suggest dishes guests can bring

What guests should wear, if this is appropriate

RSVP information, and an RSVP deadline

That's it, unless you want to include other information on your bridal shower invitations. If you're planning a bridal shower that will have a specific theme, consider choosing invitations that highlight that theme, e.g., invitations with a vintage kitchen pattern for a kitchen shower. Remember, however, that how your bridal shower invitations look is less important than ensuring that everyone has a good time. If guests enjoy themselves, they'll forgive almost any breach in etiquette!

Click to shop for bridal shower favors or to read more about bridal shower etiquette

Wedding Day Transportation Pt. II

2008-12-10T11:51:00.002-05:00

(Looking for Wedding Day Transportation Pt. I?)

Yesterday, we talked about choosing your wedding day limo. Today we're going to talk about actually booking your transportation to and from the ceremony and reception. The more you know when you meet with your limousine or car company, the more confident you will be when negotiating and nailing down a price. If you have a huge wedding budget, feel free to pay whatever you're asked to pay.

If, on the other hand, you only have so much money to devote to a limo, don't be shy about asking a manager or the owner what they can do for you. Remember, they want your business! Here are some of the things you should think about when it comes time to book your wedding day transportation.

Price
Ask how the company calculates its charges. Some will provide an itemized list of costs. Are you being charged for a block of time or per hour? Is the price based on distance? What if you go overtime or your destination changes? Does the final bill include extras like champagne or a red carpet?

Tipping
Ask about tipping. Is it already included in the price? If not, 15% of the total bill is customary and 20% can be given for great service.

Discounts
Ask about any available discounts, if any. Many companies will offer discounts to the bride and groom when they reserve additional vehicles for their wedding attendants or book a limo for their pre-wedding parties.

Wedding Specials or Packages
Some companies offer various wedding packages including super-stretch limousines, customized "Just Married" signs with the bride and groom's names, or decorations to match the wedding colors. The worst they can say is that they don't provide these types of services!

Check References
As with all of your wedding vendors, it is always important to check references. The company should be happy to share this information with you. If they aren't, move on. They don't deserve your business!

Don't forget to check out Talk About Weddings, an awesome wedding forum where your fellow brides-to-be and wedding experts can answer all of your wedding planning questions!

Wedding Day Transportation Pt. I

2008-12-09T10:51:00.003-05:00

Most couples spend a great deal of time pouring over the details of their upcoming weddings but don't get around to choosing their wedding day transportation until the last minute. It's not surprising! Your guests will eat the wedding cake and gaze at your wedding gown, but few will even see the limo (or other car) you use to get to and from your wedding ceremony and reception. Still, a lot of brides and grooms opt for photographs with their limousines, so it makes sense to look into your options instead of just looking through the yellow pages.

Note: In some cases, the least expensive option may not be the most reliable -- what would happen if your wedding limo (or party bus) is late, or worse, if it didn't show up at all?

Here are some important considerations and questions to ask when selecting your wedding day transportation company. If you're careful and choosy, you will have a dependable and enjoyable ride on your wedding day.

Type of Vehicles
Ask about the types of cars or limousines that the company offers. There are six, eight and ten+ passenger (super stretch) limos. There are also classic cars and party buses. Ask how many passengers each car can hold comfortably. Make sure the vehicle you inspect is actually the vehicle that will arrive at your ceremony location.

Color and Style
Don't just assume that your limousine will be white! Limousines come in white, gray, navy and black, so it's important that you specify exactly what you want. Ask about other types of cars that are available. Some companies offer custom vehicles or vintage cars like Rolls Royces.

Condition of Vehicles
Ask the year and model of the cars you are interested in. If it is an older car, is it in good condition? Will it look dated or tacky? Try to visit the limo company before you book them and ask to see the type of limo that will be picking you up. Be sure to inspect both the inside and outside of the car.

Chauffeurs
Ask the company about its chauffeurs. Choose a company that places a high value and emphasis on the quality and professionalism of their chauffeurs. References will help here, especially if they mention drivers by name. Finally, ask how the chauffeur will be dressed. Will he or she be wearing a tuxedo? Some companies will even send their drivers with top hats and white gloves, so if you like the sound of that, ask for it.

Click to learn more about wedding limos

Wedding Blog Roundup

2008-12-08T09:27:00.002-05:00

We here at Smart Wedding Planning try to follow all the great wedding blogs out there. It's not always easy to read all of them every day, but we read as many as we can. Here are four blog posts from some of our favorite wedding bloggers:

Create the perfect candy buffet
Never teh Bride of Manolo for the Brides posted a bunch of pictures of beautiful candy buffets and dessert tables created by wedding planner Amy Atlas. All of the wedding sweets look as beautiful as they are delicious when Atlas and her team work their magic!

Wedding invitations and Miss Manners
Bride in Exile, creator of Wedding Planning in Exile, shared her wedding invitation woes with us. She and her intended clashed over the "right" way to address envelopes, and she got a shock when she looked up proper invitation etiquette.

Talking about wedding cake
Busy Bride of Laptop Bride clears up the most common wedding cake questions in her recent post about all things cakey. For example, did you know that the average wedding cake costs between $500 and $700?

Pretty in plaid
No pattern is off limits, according to Blake of WedSmack. She posted a whole bunch of pictures of plaid wedding inspiration to give gals with Scotsmen on their minds ideas. We love the plaid Lynn Lugo bridesmaids!

Click to read more about wedding planning and tying the knot

Wedding Shower Ideas

2008-12-07T13:53:00.002-05:00

Hey, brides! This post is for your maid-of-honor and your bridesmaids, so pass it along to them via e-mail when they're not looking so they have plenty of wedding shower ideas to work with when they're planning your pre-wedding bash! Remember that you, the bride, shouldn't have any part in planning your bridal shower, but that doesn't mean you can't drop all kinds of hints about the shower you might like to have.

Here are three bridal shower ideas to get you started:

The most popular wedding shower idea is the kitchen shower, and it's really the most practical as well. After all, no one can have too many kitchen utensils or appliances, and there is also a host of nice little gourmet treats that the bride may love. If, however, the bride-t0-be has been living on her own for 10 years, it's likely that she has everything she needs for the kitchen. Check with her before planning this kind of shower.

A personal shower is also nice, with everyone giving the bride a gift of lingerie or accessories such as inexpensive jewelry. Should you decide to choose to include lingerie in the gift list you give to guests, please be sure that your friend will enjoy opening packages of undies and teddies in front of her relatives. Sometimes bridal showers involving lingerie are best kept 'friends only.'

Alternately, call a local day spa and ask if you can book an afternoon for pedicures and manicures for the whole crew. No cake, no boring gift-opening sessions, and no awkward small talk. You can all chat and giggle and feel spoiled, then duck out for a drink and dinner. No muss, no fuss, no clean-up or decorating for you. It's perfect for busy bridesmaids.

Have fun!

Click to learn more about planning a wedding shower

DIY Wedding Favors

2008-12-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

If you're going to go the DIY route when it comes to your wedding favors (or shower favors), you have to start with the right supplies. Whether or not you have a local craft store close by, consider buying your wedding favor supplies online like we did. The benefits to buying online are awesome -- you can do price comparisons of ribbon, favor boxes, and the favors themselves, and you don't have to brave the crush of the holiday shopping crowd. It's a win all around, we think!

For those brides and bridesmaids who are still looking for ideas, we've put together a little DIY wedding favor boxes primer to help you figure out just what kind of wedding favors you want. All of the favor supplies below come from American Bridal, though feel free to shop around.

Miniature metal pail favors are a blank canvas for your very own creative wedding favor ideas, but here are a few to get you started. Stylish and simple, these mini galvanized buckets can be used as candy containers, as shown, offering your guests a handful of treats to share the sweetness of your wedding day.

Miniature gold chair wedding favor boxes add intriguing appeal to a formal wedding reception. Cleverly concealing small soaps, scrumptious candies, or other tantalizing treats, these gold favor boxes double as place card holders. Awaiting your guests at their place settings, these elegant miniature chairs are a warm welcome to your wedding reception!

Brilliant presentation for a number of small treats -- not just salt and pepper -- these vintage-inspired, diner-style shakers make a whimsical impression. Practical wedding favors are all the rage, and this cute salt and pepper set is right on point!

Palm tree favor boxes are the perfect way to surprise your guests with a tasty treat! A delightful gift for your bridal shower or wedding guests, this fun favor box celebrates your wedding with a tribute to the sandy shore.

Golden Wedding Gowns

2008-12-05T13:52:00.003-05:00

Gold is a wonderful wedding gown color for those who would rather not wear the traditional white wedding dress. Why do some brides choose to wear gold gowns? Many make this choice because they simply don't look good in white or ivory -- people with certain skin tones look better in richer colors. Wedding gowns can be any color under the sun, from deep purple to emerald green. If you've never considered wear a gold wedding dress, have a look at the beautiful dresses below!

Lustrous French metallic brocade fabric is fashioned into a sweetheart strapless gown with an empire cut and soft flare bias cut skirt. A sash of champagne silk blend organza can tie in the front or back. This gown was designed to be worn for many social occasions and by women of every age.

Haute Couture in a fabulous metallic-blend French taffeta gown! Roses and exquisitely beaded re-embroidered Alencon lace accent this strapless straight across bodice and embellish the two-tiered bubble skirt and chapel train. The bodice lace is heavily beaded with Swarovski crystals and other glass beads.

An absolutely gorgeous French metallic brocade is tailored into a halter gown with a stand-up collar. A sash of champagne silk blend organza is tied around the waist to complete the floor length bias cut circular skirt. This dress may be ordered in this fantastic brocade fabric or in a white, ivory or champagne organza over matte satin.

Beautiful, no? So go for the gold!

Click to shop for your wedding dress

Wedding Dress Accessories

2008-12-04T09:57:00.003-05:00

When shopping for your bridal accessories you need to keep your wedding gown in mind. Unless you're basing your entire look on one accessory that you absolutely adore -- like your grandmother's emerald necklace -- it is your dress that will determine what else you will wear.

There is much more to a wedding dress than just the dress itself. It is said that accessories make the woman... well, in this case, it's the wedding dress accessories that make the bride! Look at pictures on the Internet or look in bridal magazines to see what type of accessories others are wearing and what sort of wedding gowns they are wearing them with.

Then, look at the type of dress you have and the neck line. This will help when deciding what kind of necklace you want to wear. Do you want to wear a simple pearl necklace, or do you want a luxurious diamond necklace? Do you want stud earrings or drop? You don't have to decide right this second, but knowing what you like will help you better understand what your options are.

There are a lot of decisions to be made when deciding on all the frills and trimmings of your dress. If you are planning on wearing your mother's pearl necklace, you need to discuss this well in advance. Maybe she lost it. Maybe it's in the safe deposit box she lost the key for. You never know. Your husband-to-be may have bought you a heart shaped necklace at one time and it is the perfect wedding day accessory. Then again, don't feel like you HAVE to wear a gift or heirloom. It's up to you!

Make sure you decide on your earrings too. If you are planning on wearing your bridal hairstyle as an updo, then everyone will see your ears. Drop earrings are elegant. Stud earrings are sophisticated. If you don't have pierced ears, ask your jeweler if she or he can modify an existing design for clip-on earrings. What about a bracelet? Are you going to wear one? There are so many options for your wedding day. Making sure that you have all the little details in place at least a few days before your ceremony will make your day go a lot smoother.

Finally, don't obsess! If your wedding day accessories aren't perfect, it's not the end of the world. We promise you will look absolutely stunning no matter what!

Click to learn more about wedding dresses or to shop for your wedding gown

Wedding Band or Wedding DJ?

2008-12-03T11:04:00.002-05:00

If you or your spouse-to-be are music lovers and you have a good sized wedding budget, you may face quite the dilemma when you're planning your wedding reception! Do you hire a wedding disc jockey or a wedding band?

There are pros and cons to both, of course, which means there is no perfect option. It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a final decision. Luckily, we're here to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of the options on the table.

DJ PROS: Disc jockeys have hundreds or even thousands of songs at their fingertips and can usually find any songs they don't already have. Their repertoire will bridge styles and eras, so you can please everyone at your wedding reception. They typically cost less than live wedding bands to hire, and they get the crowd excited in addition to just playing music. Finally, they won't take as many breaks.

DJ CONS: When getting the party going, your DJ may play music you don't like. Additionally, larger entertainment companies can make it difficult to pin down who will actually be working at your wedding. Some people also think that DJs are too casual for formal events like weddings.

BAND PROS: Few forms of entertainment are as engaging as live music. You can choose a wedding band that matches your tastes (swing, classic rock, etc.) so you're less likely to hear music you dislike. Bands get people dancing!

BAND CONS: The price... A wedding band's repertoire will always be limited because they simply cannot learn every song out there. Live musicians need to take breaks between sets, which means your music goes bye-bye. Live music can make a wedding reception feel more like a concert.

That's about it! No matter what you choose -- a wedding band or a wedding DJ -- be sure that you hire musicians or entertainers from a reputable company and you have a satisfactory vendor contract in your hands before you hand over any money.

Click to learn more about choosing wedding music

Wedding Gown Hemlines

2008-12-02T11:38:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's post described some of the most popular wedding gown necklines, so today we're switching it up a bit and defining some of the most popular wedding gown hemlines. Memorize both before you go shopping for your wedding dress, and you'll end up being a beautiful bride from top to bottom!

Full Length
This is by far the most sought-after hemline among those brides who want to wear a traditional white wedding gown. If the hemline isn't actually touching the floor, it should look like it is. Shoes only make an appearance when the bride kicks up her heels on the wedding reception dance floor! This length works on almost all kinds of wedding gown skirts, whether they are slim (like a pencil skirt) or wide (like the skirt of a ballgown).

Ankle Length
Many brides who fear tripping as they walk down the aisle opt for this length of skirt when choosing their wedding gowns. It is a practical option in more ways than one. Moving around is much easier in gowns sporting this hemline, and brides who plan on keeping their wedding gowns don't have to worry about stains on the hem.

Ballerina
While thoughts of ballet can bring tutus and tulle to mind, this hemline is all about length, not materials. Falling at about 2" above the ankle, this style of hemline is fun and flirty and feminine without being overwhelmingly so. In recent years, more brides have chosen ballerina length wedding dresses, though this option remains only somewhat popular.

Tea Length
If you're a semi-casual bride, this may be the gown length you're looking for. Tea length wedding dresses fall somewhere between the knee and mid-calf and are usually worn by those brides whose weddings are elegant but not pretentious. Good for garden parties and daytime weddings, this hemline is frequently seen at destination weddings.

Click to learn more about choosing a wedding gown or to shop for a wedding gown

Wedding Gown Necklines

2008-12-01T13:51:00.003-05:00

Confused about all the wedding gown styles out there? We were, too, until we compiled this little guide that explains some of the more common wedding gown necklines.

STRAPLESS
No sleeves, shoulders are completely bare.

V-NECK
The neckline is in the shape of a v, may have long or short sleeves.

QUEEN ANNE
High collar at the back of the neck that curves down into a rounded neckline.

SABRINA
Neckline curves from shoulder to shoulder just below the collarbone, may have long or short sleeves.

SWEETHEART
Neckline (often strapless) forms a heart shape above the décolletage.

SCOOP
A u-shaped neckline, may have long or short sleeves.

SQUARE
Angular neckline.

BATEAU
Shallow scooping neckline that follows the line of the collarbone.

HALTER
Neckline curves around and fastens at the back of the neck leaving the shoulders and back bare, may dip low in the front.

OFF THE SHOULDER
Neckline falls below collarbone with straps resting off the shoulders.

PORTRAIT
Neckline rests off the shoulders, with fabric folded thickly over the arms, under the shoulders.

JEWEL
Round neckline that curves along the base of the neck.

Click to learn more about wedding dress styles

Honeymoons That Are Heavenly

2008-11-30T11:43:00.004-05:00

How can you plan the perfect honeymoon? The first step is remembering that there should be a bride and a groom involved in the decision. As much as you want to travel to Mexico, your future spouse may be thinking that Iceland would be the perfect honeymoon destination. Before you book a trip only one of you may enjoy, sit down and talk about your honeymoon wants and wishes.

Questions to ask: Do you want to go around the block, or around the world? Do you want the honeymoon to be exciting and adventurous or lazy and relaxing? Do you want to save money, or really splurge on a big ticket vacation? Do you want sunshine or snow? Do you want to marry in the same place you plan to honeymoon?

Even if your answers to these questions are less than specific, having a general idea of what each of you wants out of your honeymoon is a good start! Remember that the best reason to go on a honeymoon is to rest, relax and regroup after the stresses and rigors of planning and conducting your wedding. Sure, planning a honeymoon is stressful in and of itself, but the end result is more than worth the trouble.

Even if you and your future spouse are already living together, you should try to get away and relax after all the work you have done to get to this point...even if all you can swing is a weekend honeymoon at a bed and breakfast. One word of caution, however! Do not treat your honeymoon like another vacation, because it is a time to bond, to set new directions, lay out goals as a married couple, and to renew your romance.

PS -- Don't forget that there's a great place to talk to other brides-to-be (and wedding vendors) at Talk About Weddings! You can even learn a thing or two about planning a honeymoon there!

Bridal Shops We Love

2008-11-29T11:42:00.003-05:00

In some cities, there are hundreds of bridal salons where brides-to-be can buy everything from their wedding gowns to wedding accessories like bridal jewelry sets. In other cities, there are hardly any wedding shops to choose from. Being that we at Smart Wedding Planning spend A LOT of time thinking about weddings and brides and grooms, we obviously have our favorites, and it's not hard to see why! In today's post, I want to profile three of the bridal salons that have given us (and our friends) great deals over the years.

The Rose Dress
This great wedding shop offers a large selection of beautiful designs, fast shipping, and the best customer service and price. If you're the kind of bride who isn't afraid to buy her wedding gown or bridesmaids' dresses online, this might just be the bridal salon for you! Shipping is immediate, so you won't even have to wait too long to try on your perfect wedding dress.

As You Like It
If you're looking for a bridal salon experience that combines custom dressmaking and the elegance of bridal boutiques, look no further. Shop from a gorgeous collection of styles that you can actually try on in your size, hand-select every detail of your dress, and have the perfect fit and unmatchable beauty of a custom-made gown.

Blush Couture
Whether you prefer a classic and sophisticated look or a chic and glamorous style, this bridal salon's exquisite collection caters to all tastes and offers only the finest in couture bridal fashion. Every design we carry can be personalized to your individuality.

PS -- Don't forget that there's a great resource out there for finding wedding vendors called Wedding Planning Links! New cities are being added all the time, so if you don't see yours, check back!

Bridesmaid Dress Trends

2008-11-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

How do you, the bride-to-be, choose the perfect bridesmaids dresses? Hopefully, the same way you decide on anything else having to do with your wedding... You research, listen to wedding experts like us, and follow your heart. Honestly, your bridesmaids' dresses aren't going to make or break your wedding, but they might just compromise your friendships! Be careful and be nice, and make sure you know what's in and what's out before you outfit your bridesmaids.

Here's a basic bridesmaid dress primer:

Styles: Sleeveless styles continue to outsell dresses with sleeves, even in the dead of winter, so think about buying matching pashminas for your bridesmaids. Tea and ballet length dresses are gaining in popularity for bridesmaids and brides alike!

Colors: Two tone dresses are hot right now, so you don't have to choose just one color. Platinum is in style at the moment, as well as pale colors like yellows, sand, and taupe. There is also a trend toward burgundy and hunter for autumn weddings, and black is always in style (though your older female relatives may not really get that it's okay to choose black).

Hemlines: The old rule that states that the bridesmaids' hemlines must match the bride's hemline have gone out the window. If you're wearing a floor-length bridal gown, you can still dress your bridesmaids in tea length dresses or knee length dresses. If you love a bridesmaid dress, don't worry about the hem. Better yet, switch up your hemlines!

Fabric: Many of the designers today are also using better quality fabrics like dupioni silk, silk chiffon and satin, velvet, and crepe. Note that these don't always come cheap, so don't be shy about asking for volume discounts or buying last season's styles.

Although today there is less tradition around colors, styles and seasons, it is always wise to use common sense. For example, it would not be wise to choose a short cut and strapless bridesmaid dress during the winter, while a heavy material during the summer in an outdoor ceremony may cause fainting, or worse.

Click to learn more about bridesmaid dresses and choosing your bridesmaids

Wedding Caterer Tips

2008-11-27T10:43:00.003-05:00

Hiring a wedding caterer isn't always easy, particularly because there are a lot of caterers out there. Then there are the people who call themselves caterers, but are actually not very experienced when it comes to creating a menu, accommodating special dietary needs, or sourcing ingredients. How can you find the best wedding caterer you can afford and make the best use of all they have to offer? We have even more tips we think will help!

When determining a final head count for your caterer, you should include a meal for your entertainer (DJ or Band), wedding photographer, and Wedding Day Coordinator. Note: Always confirm with your wedding vendors that they want a meal before you include them in your head count. It is up to you whether you'll serve them a less expensive vendor meal 0r let them eat what your wedding guests are eating.

Ask your caterer to prepare a "leftover basket" that is a sampling of all the food at your reception. That's for you, i.e., the bride and the groom. It's likely that you and your new spouse will not get a chance to really sit down and eat (and enjoy all of the wonderful food at the wedding reception). Even if you're leaving the next day on your honeymoon, a leftover basket makes for a great late night snack!

Be sure to ask your wedding caterer about "guaranteed numbers." Many caterers will quote prices based upon a minimum or "guaranteed" number of guests, but these counts don't always correspond with reality. Many base their figures on a minimum of 100 guests, for example. If your final guest count is less than a hundred, there may be an additional fee.

Find out what decorations, tableware, and linens (if any) are included in the caterer's price. Ask to see pictures of their table displays if they do include some decorations in their price. If your wedding caterer provides these services, talk to them about your color theme so that all your beautiful decorations and floral arrangements will coordinate.

Be careful as to how many hors d'oeuvres you order. It is so tempting to get one of everything, but waste is never nice. Do you really need eight different varieties of puff, cake, and roll? You'd be surprised -- some wedding caterers will suggest that you need a ton of nibbles, even if you're serving a full meal. If you are doing hors d'oeuvres, four different varieties is usually sufficient.

Click to learn more about choosing a caterer and planning a wedding reception

Wedding Officiants

2008-11-26T10:43:00.003-05:00

Unless you've been a member of a church or other religious institution for some time, you're going to have to find your own wedding officiant. This could be a priest or pastor, a rabbi, a justice of the peace, a Muslim officiant, a non-denominational officiant, a Wiccan officiant, or even (in some states) a friend who is ordained for a day specifically to perform your wedding ceremony.

If you're interviewing officiants in preparation for the big day, there are some questions you MUST ask before settling on the one who will eventually perform your wedding ceremony. Here are some highlights, and a link to the full list will follow.

Will the officiant be available on your wedding date?
Do you have to travel to their house or worship or will they come to you?
Will this officiant allow you to write your own vows or recite contemporary readings?
Are there photography or videography restrictions in his/her ceremony?
Can this officiant recommend musicians?
Does this officiant have rules about which music can be played at the wedding ceremony?
Can a second officiant also take part in the ceremony?
Will this officiant marry you and your fiance even if you're of different faiths?
Does this officiant require that you attend premarital counseling?
Is there an officiant fee or suggested donation we have to pay in advance?

Click for more tips on interviewing your wedding officiant or to shop for ceremony accessories

Save Money On a Wedding Dress

2008-11-25T10:43:00.002-05:00

When your wedding budget it tight, shopping for a wedding gown can be a less than pleasant experience. If the dresses you truly love are priced so as to be available to only the most well-to-do brides, you're going to feel disappointed and maybe even a little angry. After all, everything from wedding movies to wedding magazines has been telling you that you deserve the perfect fairy tale wedding dress.

The reality is, however, that real life often gets in the way of even the most well-established bridal fantasies. You, the bride-to-be, have to work within the realms of your wedding budget even when it comes to your wedding gown. Don't think that means that you have to give up your dream of looking like a princess or wear a shapeless sack! No way! Having a tight budget just means you have to be a little more clever than other brides.

When it comes time to shop for your wedding gown, don't forget to factor in the cost of your:

- Headpiece and/or veil
- Jewelry
- Shoes
- Lingerie
- Alterations
- Garter

Now, if you don't have a vision of the perfect wedding gown lurking in the back of your consciousness, you can start off by looking for wedding dresses that DON'T have lacework, hand beading, or very long trains, as these will almost always be more expensive. Plain sheaths, a-line gowns, and ball gowns will tend to be less expensive. Don't overlook the prom section of your local department store, as many carry beautiful white gowns or can order them if you request they do so.

Next, shop with an open mind. Shopping with an open mind involves trying everything in the salon. Do not eliminate any style. And even if you find a wedding gown that you detest on the hanger, you can try it on just so you can have a better idea of more unique styles and how they will look on you. Do not settle for the first wedding dress you see! Always try on many styles and when you find one you love, go home and sleep on it. If it's a one-of-a-kind wedding gown, ask a manager if he or she will set it aside for you.

Good luck!

Click for more tips on choosing a wedding dress or to shop for your wedding gown

Wintertime Wedding Gowns

2008-11-24T09:58:00.003-05:00

Brrrrr! As the weather turns colder -- if you live in that sort of clime -- brides' thoughts turn to wedding gowns that are more appropriate for wintertime weather. So long, strapless dresses! Sorry, tea length dresses! Long wedding gowns are in, and sleeves are de rigueur for all but the bravest brides. We've chosen three gowns that are perfect for those brides getting married in snowy locales, and we hope you love them as much as we do!

This chic silk chiffon sheath dress with its chapel train is entirely beaded and features a matching jacket with detachable fox collar. The overall look is one of true elegance and toasty warmth.

This off-the-shoulder a-line gown of Alencon lace and silk taffeta features three-quarter length sleeves and a gathered waistband. The bodice and waist band are adorned with pearls and tiny crystals. The full, gathered skirt extends into a semi-cathedral train with a bouquet centered at the back.

Elegance, beauty and grace are combined in this spectacular long sleeved bridal gown. The waist features a diamond pattern of Swarovski crystal beaded metallic embroidery, and the cut of the skirt and cathedral train gives fabulous volume and presence to this matte satin dress. The best part? No goose bumps!

Click to learn more about choosing a wedding gown or to shop for a wedding gown

Wedding Blog Roundup

2008-11-23T07:46:00.002-05:00

We at Smart Wedding Planning try to follow all the great wedding blogs out there. It's not always easy to read all of them every day, but we read as many as we can. Here are four blog posts from some of our favorite wedding bloggers:

Want to plan an eco-friendly wedding?
Emily Anderson of Eco-Chic Weddings finds the most beautiful earth-friendly wedding accessories, like this week's gorgeous necklace from eco-fabulous Lucina Jewelry.

A wedding planner is a financial investment
Kelly of Tidbits on Weddings reminds us that even though hiring a wedding planning or wedding coordinator costs money, it can save you money in the long run. Look in the potential cost savings before you discount it it as an option.

Plan a bird-themed wedding
Never teh Bride of Manolo for the Brides posted a tutorial from Martha Stewart Weddings that teaches brides-to-be how to create beautiful bird-themed wedding stationery, from invitations to napkin rings to place cards. The directions are totally easy to follow and the materials are inexpensive, so check it out.

Drink up: Cranberry Bellini
Annette of Swanky Tables found a delish recipe for a cranberry bellini that includes cranberry syrup, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and Prosecco. Yum!

Click to read more about wedding planning and tying the knot

Honeymoon Cruises

2008-11-22T13:46:00.004-05:00

What is it about honeymoons? Planning a honeymoon can be just as stressful is planning a wedding... mostly because you're planning your honeymoon smack dab in the middle of planning your wedding. Right about when you're trying to make sure that your caterer understands just what a vegetarian is, you have to decide whether to go skiing, go to Hawaii, go to Europe or stay home for a week of relaxation.

There are also hundreds of different types of cruises to choose from for those brides and grooms who are comfortable on boats. Here are some things to mull over if you think a honeymoon cruise might be in your future:

Cruising is considered one of the best vacation values, as it is almost all-inclusive. Your fare usually includes meals, your cabin, on board activities, parties and entertainment. Additional costs can include drinks, shore excursions, photographs, spa services, and of course, shopping. Expect to spend some money in port, even if you don't usually bring home souvenirs. At the very least, you'll probably want to sample the local food and drinks.

There are cruises that take you to just about everywhere. There are warm weather cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Panama Canal, which are always popular. Cooler climate destinations, such as Alaska, are offered between May and September. European cruises are between April and November and to Bermuda, between April and October. You can even cruise to Antarctica between December and March!

The most affordable cruise times are non-holidays and during school sessions. However, with so many new ships and cabins to fill, there are excellent values to all destinations available year-round, including summers and holidays. You may get a better deal if you book your cruise through a travel agent, but don't be afraid to try your hand at booking your own trip if you have the time.

Finally, there is a wide selection of cruise ships to select from to suit all tastes, including size of ship, number of passengers and onboard ambiance, such as casual and casual elegance. You may choose from an intimate yacht to the latest floating resort. Some cruises even have themes, so if you love Disney or fine cuisine or reading, consider choosing a cruise that revolves around your passions.

So if you're thinking about cruising into the sunset with your new spouse, how do you choose which is the right honeymoon cruise for you? To help you make a decision, you should take into consideration the price of the cruise, the itinerary of the cruise, the size and age of the ship, the accommodations and amenities onboard, the other sorts of passengers you may encounter, the length of the cruise, and the destination.

Happy cruising!

Click to learn more about honeymoons and planning your honeymoon

Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremonies

2008-11-21T10:00:00.003-05:00

Maybe you adhere to the beliefs of the Greek Orthodox church. Maybe not. But whatever your religion or belief system or lack thereof, the wedding traditions of other cultures and faiths can give you some great ideas when you're planning your own wedding ceremony. You may notice that the Greek Orthodox wedding is a bit different than other weddings you've attended in the past -- that's because the traditional wedding ceremony is less about the bride and groom and more about the church itself.

The Beginning
Guests wait with the groom outside of the church until the bride arrives, though sometimes sneaky wedding guests do manage to get in. Some of the guests may actually be there to watch an earlier or later wedding, as the church can host many weddings in a single day. Those who love to look at the wedding gown will often get a treat in the form of seeing multiple brides!

Meanwhile, the groom waits for the bride at the entrance to the church, often with her bridal bouquet in hand. He gives it to her as they enter the church, where the guests sit down or stand where they like. There is no separation between the bride's side and the groom's side.

The Service
The wedding ceremony itself is comprised of two parts, the Service of Betrothal and the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage.

The exchanging of rings is the focus of the Service of Betrothal. The priest blesses the rings by holding them in his right hand and making the sign of the cross over the heads of the bride and groom. The rings are then placed on the third fingers of their right hands. The Koumbaro, the couple's religious sponsor, then swaps the rings over between the bride and groom's fingers, three times.

The Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage consists of several key parts. First, several prayers are said and then as they come to an end, the priest joins the right hands of the bride and groom. Their hands remain joined until the end of the wedding ceremony, which symbolizes the couple's union.

The Crowning
The bride and groom are crowned with lovely thin crowns called stefana, which are joined by a white ribbon and have been blessed by the priest. The crowns symbolize the glory and honor that is being bestowed on them by God, and the the ribbon symbolizes their unity. The koumbaro then exchanges the crowns between the heads of the couple, three times.

The Common Cup
The crowning is followed by a reading of the Gospel, which tells of the marriage of Cana at Galilee. Wine is given to the couple and they each drink from it three times.

The Ceremonial Walk
The priest the leads the couple, who are still wearing their stefana, three times around the altar on their first steps as a married couple. The Koumbaro follows close behind the couple holding the stefana place. At this point the couple (and anyone standing nearby) is usually showered with rice, which was earlier handed out to the wedding guests. The priest will often make use of the bible he is holding to give himself some protection!

The Removal of the Crowns
When the ceremonial walk has ended, the priest blesses the couple, the crowns are removed, and he then separates their previously joined hands with the bible, reminding them that only God can break the union which they have just entered into.

Click to learn more about Greek Orthodox weddings and other wedding traditions

Saving On Wedding Decor

2008-11-20T10:28:00.004-05:00

If you haven't been touched by these tough economic times, we here at Smart Wedding Planning envy you! But if you're like most people and you're feeling the pinch, you may be looking for ways to save money on your wedding. It's not easy -- many ceremony accessories and reception accessories are heavily marked up by vendors who know that brides- and grooms-to-be are willing to pay a premium for "the best."

One way to save money on your wedding is to embrace the do it yourself spirit. Yes, putting together wedding favors or making your own bridal bouquet takes time, but the end product is often more beautiful and more interesting than anything you might buy in a shop. We've put together a short list of ways you can save money on your ceremony and reception decor without having to become a master crafter.

1. Use candles for centerpieces instead of flowers. DIY is easy with candles.

2. Decorate with balloons -- this is fun if you're having kids at your wedding. Let each child take home one or more balloons at the end of the evening.

3. Use silk flowers. They always cost less than fresh flowers, plus they can be rented. If you want to make your own bouquets, it's a lot easier to do so with silks.

4. Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets can double during the reception as decoration for the head table, cake or gift tables. Just make sure you have vases ready.

5. To really save costs, have each bridesmaid carry a single bloom.

6. Make your own pew bows instead of purchasing them. See Making Pew Bows.

7. Use more greenery, tulle, and baby's breath for decorating, and less actual flower blooms. Green bouquets and centerpieces are hot right now!

8. Use only flowers that are in season, and consider choosing less expensive flowers like carnations.

9. If your ceremony site is having more than one wedding that day, contact the other bride-to-be and talk about sharing decoration expenses. The worst she can say is no!

10. Purchase candles, white lights, and other white and silver decorations after the holidays when everything goes on sale.

Click to learn more ways to plan an inexpensive wedding

Wedding Planning Books

2008-11-19T12:55:00.007-05:00

Planning a wedding isn't easy and, let's face it, those magazines with all the pretty pictures don't do much to actually help you plan your wedding from start to finish. Wedding planning books, on the other hand, are a lot more useful...especially the ones that take you through the entire process from start to finish or help you put a unique touch on your wedding.

Here are four of our favorites:

In Style: Weddings (In Style)helps you create your unique expression of what is a timeless ritual. A world of inspiring options is shown in exquisite detail, from invitations to dresses to flowers to music to cakes. Tips from today's top wedding planners on how to make it all come together in a way that's personal, meaningful, and just right tie everything together. If you're looking for inspiration, this is the book for you.

Offbeat Bride: Taffeta-Free Alternatives for Independent Bridesserves as inspiration for those who are interested in a vegan buffet, avoiding bouquet tossing, doing away with the elitist guest list and being a control freak without becoming a Bridezilla. Filled with sidebars, tips, tricks and planner encouragement (all taffeta-free) to help you figure out your special day, this book is perfect for those who think the traditional wedding is a little bit tired.

iDo: Planning Your Wedding with Nothing But 'Net is great. From venues to videographers, from bouquets to boutonnières, author Christa Terry has put together a treasure trove of resources that give you the freedom to plan a wedding from anywhere, at any time, using your computer. This guide is much more than a list of links, though -- it will help you plan your entire wedding, it addresses issues of wedding etiquette, and it offers reassurance to eclectic brides-to-be.

The Everything Wedding Organizer; Checklists, calendars, and worksheets for planning the perfect wedding features everything a frazzled bride-or groom-needs to get organized. Complete with dozens of worksheets, checklists, pockets, and loads of helpful hints, this handy planner can help you develop a working strategy to create the wedding of your dreams. This wedding planning book is especially good for less organized brides-to-be!

Click to learn more about wedding planning

Wedding Gowns ... With Flair

2008-11-18T08:12:00.001-05:00

Sick and tired of seeing the same old wedding gowns in wedding magazines and on wedding web sites? So are we! It's all strapless A-line dresses and princess pouf skirts and beads, beads, beads. Choosing a wedding gown can become positively boring when you're confronted by the same choices over and over again, so sometimes it's good to check out some wedding dresses that defy the stereotypes.

Here are three gowns from Emerald Bridal that are unlike anything you're going to see in the pages of your wedding magazines:

Get shorty! Richly embroidered lace on organza, completely sprinkled with crystals and tiny glass beads, forms the bodice and the two tiered ruffled skirt that ends above the knee. A gathered ruffle of illusion peeks from under the bottom tier and adds both style and youthful appeal. This is obviously a gown that can be used for multiple social occasions.

How about sexy? This three piece silk crepe set takes you from the ceremony to the reception in true fashionista style! The off-the-shoulder midriff top features long sleeves with deep lace bell ruffles. An inset panel of lace creates a fabulous train on the skirt and lace panels accent each pant leg.

Forget the beads and lace! Handmade camellias trim this matte satin mermaid gown where the organza skirt meets the modified sweetheart long torso bodice. Separate organza arm bands with camellias give an off-the-shoulder look. A matching cathedral veil is included to give the final touch.

Click to shop for wedding dresses and flower girl dresses

Wedding Invitation Wording

2008-11-17T10:34:00.002-05:00

When it comes right down to it, very few people on your guest list will notice if you flub your wedding invitation wording and include someone who shouldn't be included or forget to spell out dates or times. The fact is that wedding invitation wording used to be a lot simpler -- the bride's family hosted (read: paid for) the wedding, which meant their names were on the invitation and the groom's parents' names were not.

Nowadays anything goes when it comes to who pays for the wedding. Sometimes the bride's parents pay, sometimes the groom's parents pay, sometimes the couple pays, and sometimes so many people contribute to the cost of the wedding that it's hard to say who actually hosted the event! It's not always easy to know what to write on wedding stationery, even if your family is relatively small and not marred by divorces. But if your family is anything like mine, there are a whole lot of moms and dads involved in the planning.

Below you'll find some traditional etiquette wording for invitations along with some less formal and contemporary wording, too. If you don't see any wording that applies to your particular situation, you can find a more comprehensive list of wedding invitation wording over at Smart Wedding Planning.

General Invitation Wording:

When Hosted by the Bride's Family:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Brooks
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Melissa Ann
to
William James Russo
on Saturday, the sixth of June
nineteen hundred and ninety-seven
at three o'clock
Saint Anne's Church
Manchester, Massachusetts

When Hosted by the Groom's Family:

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Thomas Russo
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
Miss (or Ms.) Melissa Ann Brooks
to their son
Mr. William James Russo
on Saturday, the sixth of June
nineteen hundred and ninety-seven
at three o'clock
Saint Anne's Church
Manchester, Massachusetts

When Hosted by Bride and Groom:

Melissa Ann Brooks
and
Mr. William James Russo
request the honour of your presence
at their marriage
etc.

Hosted by Both the Bride and Groom's family:

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Brooks
and
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Thomas Russo
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Melissa Ann
and William James
etc.

When Hosted by the Groom's family:

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Thomas Russo
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of
Ms. (or Miss) Melissa Ann Brooks
to their son
Mr. William James Russo
etc.

Out of Town Wedding Guests

2008-11-16T12:04:00.001-05:00

Chances are there will be guests coming to your wedding that live hours or even entire states away. At my own wedding, at least one of the guests came from as far as Germany! Here's the deal: Out of town wedding guests know what they are getting into when they decide to travel to a wedding, so you are under no obligation to provide them with goodie bags, care packages, or other presents. Don't feel like you haaaaave to splurge on your wedding guests.

But if you want to go above and beyond helping with travel arrangements and accommodations, go nuts!

Send out a wedding newsletter early on, via e-mail or snail mail. Make sure your wedding newsletter includes information like the date of your wedding, the location of your wedding, the names and phone numbers of local hotels, restaurant suggestions, and stuff to do around town if you expect they'll be staying for a few days before or after the wedding.

You may also want to include rental car information for those traveling by air, as they will have to leave their cars at home. If you can afford it, arrange to have a car service pick them up at the airport. It's a nice way to welcome them, and helps your wedding guests avoid getting lost.

Provide your wedding guests with transportation to and from the wedding, e.g., a hotel shuttle bus or van. You can even rent a charter bus if it's in your budget! This is a really nice gesture for your out-of-town guests that don't know their way around your city or town. It is also good for any elderly guests that might have trouble driving.

Place wedding-themed gift baskets or gift bags in your wedding guests' rooms before they arrive. You can work this out with the hotel fairly easily. Include food, candy, any local "delicacies," a bottle of wine or mineral water, tourist information, a map, and a special thank you from the bride and groom. Some brides and grooms include fun stuff like rubber duckies!

Consider inviting your out of town wedding guests to the rehearsal dinner or a post-wedding brunch. It is a nice way to make them feel included in the proceedings, and it keeps them from spending too much time locked away in hotel rooms.

Click to read more about taking care of your wedding guests

Diamond Engagement Rings

2008-11-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

(Looking for our first article about engagement rings?)

Much like we do today, people from cultures throughout history have paused before saying "I do" after saying "Yes, I will." For thousands of years, couples were betrothed before tying the knot. Sometimes the bride and groom were promised to one another by parents long before the wedding... sometimes before they were even born!

Whether the marriage in questions was an arranged marriage or a marriage of choice born out of love or convenience, the engagement provided time for the members of the larger tribe or community to react to the betrothal and to plan the wedding.

Engagement rings, however, didn't hit the scene until much later, and in fact, historians aren't even sure when the practice came into vogue! Yes, engagements were almost always marked by an exchange of some kind of wealth, whether in the form of oxen or precious metals or money, but the practice of giving a gift to the bride-to-be, rather than to her family, is fairly new. But of course once grooms started giving their brides engagement rings, a new tradition was born.

Many different types of engagement rings were given as symbols of binding promise, including rings made of every metal from gold to iron, set with no gems at all, or emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and of course diamonds. Yet diamonds weren't always a girl's best friend -- for quite a long time, they were considered inferior to gems like sapphires and pearls.

The prevalence of the tradition of diamond engagement rings dates to the 1800s in Europe and America. Diamonds were at first exceedingly rare, and their hardness, brilliance, and value lent an extravagant air to the act of proposal. As the 1800's unfolded, more diamond veins were discovered and the gem became more widely accessible. Smaller diamonds became relatively affordable even among less wealthy members of society. The near-indestructibility of diamonds, combined with their crystalline purity and light-reflecting dazzle, makes them the perfect stone to symbolize the serious commitment to marry.

Click to learn more about engagement rings and wedding rings

Pink Wedding Favors

2008-11-14T13:30:00.002-05:00

What do you think the newest wedding favors are? There are tons of great ideas out there and lots of hot products that work well as wedding favors. In fact there are so many different wedding favor types that it can quickly become overwhelming for the uninitiated. One of the easiest ways to choose your wedding favors is to base your selection on your wedding color scheme. Pink is a very popular wedding color choice because it is feminine and pink represents love. We've put together a selection of beautiful pink wedding favors from American Bridal. Maybe one of them will help you choose your own wedding favors!

Adorable “Love Notes” Sticky Note wedding favors are perfectly suited for wedding day gift giving. They are engagingly presented in a white box sprinkled with pink hearts and enduring sentiments, like “Hold Me Tonight,” “One Heart, One Soul, One Kiss,” and “Do You Know How Much I Love You?” If you're buying one hundred or more, they're only $1.95 each.

These clever Mini Heart-Shaped Hand Warmer wedding favors spice up a snowy ceremony with comfy creativity. These reusable handwarmers are the perfect solution for your winter wedding favors, adding a welcome note of good cheer…and cozy warmth to your winter wonderland. These favors are great for skiers and cost $2.98 per piece if you're buying seventy-two or more.

Contemporary Hearts Hand Fan wedding favors are excellent additions to a summer wedding ceremony. These elegant wedding fans are decked out in romantic colors, making them perfect for your garden nuptials. Guests will enjoy the lovely breeze created by these beautiful keepsake fans, which are sold in sets of six.

"We Clicked" Mouse Pad wedding favors pay trendy homage to the technological age! Your guests will be delighted to receive these perfectly practical wedding favors and use them for their daily surf through their favorite web sites. These romantic and handy favors are sold in sets of six.

Having a Vegas themed wedding? Why not give your guests mini slot machine wedding favors? If you buy more than seventy-two of these cute wedding favors, they are a mere $2.98 per piece.

Click to shop for wedding favors or to learn more about wedding gifts

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

2008-11-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

When it comes time to choose your wedding photographer, you should think about more than just the eventual photographs. Yes, you should love the pictures your chosen wedding photographer takes, but if they're sketchy in other ways or they simply disappear without ever giving you your prints, you're out of luck. It's better to protect yourself from the very beginning, by getting a vendor contract and choosing a photographer with great references.

That said, there's nothing wrong with wanting to save a little money. After all, the wedding photographer you love more than any other might just be out of your price range, forcing you to compromise by choosing a second or third favorite. Here are some tips that will help you get the best wedding photography possible for the least amount of money.

Ask your photographer to limit the time they spend taking pictures. Consider a "ceremony only" package where the photographer takes pictures before and during the ceremony, but not at the reception. Your wedding photographer will take all of the formal pictures of the bride and groom, family and wedding party, and photograph the ceremony. How many pictures of Aunt Edna eating cake do you need, anyhow?

If you go that route, ask friends and relatives to take candid photographs at the reception. Some brides and grooms even provide a laptop with memory card readers at the reception venue so wedding guests can download their photographs before they leave.

When using disposable cameras or rented digital cameras, think twice before placing one at every table. The film cameras themselves are inexpensive, but the cost to develop 20-30 roles of film is not! And while digital photos are all but free, renting a camera for each table can get pricey.

Choose a photography package rather than purchasing individual shots and print sizes separately. If there is something that you really want that is not included in a package, ask the photographer if something can be swapped without increasing the price.

Sometimes choosing the smallest or least expensive photography package is not the most cost effective option. One bride chose the least expensive package and afterwards spent $700 to buy additional prints that were not included in her original package. A more comprehensive package would have cost her only an additional $250 more if purchased up front.

Click to read more about wedding photography and choosing a wedding photographer

Memorable Weddings

2008-11-12T08:03:00.001-05:00

Imagine not being able to see your spouse as they speak their wedding vows. Now imagine you have only so long before you'll lose the ability to see your spouse. That was the fate Paul Jenkinson of North Wales was facing. A rare eye condition slowly robbing him of the ability to see threatened to prevent him from ever seeing his bride in her wedding gown.

“When I proposed to Angela I wanted us to marry quickly before I lost my eyesight but I only thought we would have a small do.

“I don’t know how long my sight will last. I have had some treatment to improve it but doctors can’t seem to give me any answers. I just wanted to be able to see Angela in her wedding dress.”

The couple didn't have a lot of money, but neither did they have all the time in the world to save up and plan the perfect wedding. Paul's mother, seeing a possible solution to that conundrum, entered Paul into a national competition to win a fairytale wedding worth over £20,000 from Diane Roberts, owner of bridal store Wedding Belles.

Amazingly, he won. This meant that everything from the transportation to the reception venue to the men's suits were paid for. Everything was taken care of...including the bride's wedding gown.

Paul got wish and more...he was able to buy his bride the lavish wedding he felt she deserved, and he was able to see her clearly as she revealed herself at the foot of the aisle. (source)

Click to read about wedding planning basics and romantic weddings

Jewish Wedding Rings

2008-11-11T09:12:00.002-05:00

Incorporating wedding rituals and wedding traditions from different cultures into a wedding or into the wedding vows can make your wedding that much more special. Even if you're not Jewish, consider co-opting some or all of the Jewish wedding ring ceremony into your own nuptials.

I wouldn't suggest that you go the Orthodox route and skip the double ring ceremony (unless you're into that) but consider the merits of the traditional gold band and all it represents before you opt for something flashier!

Now, onto the ceremony...

The Jewish wedding ring ceremony consists of the groom placing the ring on the bride's right index finger. Afterwards, most women move it to the customary "ring finger" of the left hand. You can modernize the ceremony by also placing a ring on your groom-to-be's right hand.

The reason the ring is placed on the right index finger is that in the time of the Talmud, it was commonly believed among Jewish people that the right index finger was more closely connected to the heart. The Christians, on the other hand, believed that the left index finger was more closely connected.

In most Jewish wedding ring ceremonies, with the giving of the ring, the bridegroom repeats a Hebrew vow after the Rabbi. The bridegroom declares, "Behold, thou art consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel." In Hebrew, this phrase is Hare at mekudeshet li betaba' at zo k'dat Moshe v' Yisrael. With a little practice, you can easily learn to roll this phrase off of your tongue in no time at all, but don't worry if you or your spouse-to-be would rather say it in English. It's just as meaningful.

This statement signifies that husband and wife are holy to each other. It is as if they were saying, "As Shabbat is to Jewish time and as Jerusalem is to Jewish space, you will be to me."

Beautiful, no?

Click to learn more about wedding etiquette and wedding traditions

First Dance Songs

2008-11-10T08:04:00.004-05:00

There are so many wonderful love songs out there today that choosing a first dance song can be more stressful than fun. It is especially difficult when you and your intended like different kinds of music or don't see eye to eye when it comes to different artists. How can you get past an impasse? Compromise, compromise, compromise!

You are going to have to learn to do this a lot over the years, so you two might as well learn how to do it right now. Do your best to find something that has relevance to your relationship and try to pick one that you both agree upon. Maybe you can look back into your past to find the perfect first dance song -- did you ever dance on a date or go to a concert early on in your relationship? That can help you choose a song.

Here are some of the most popular first dance songs chosen by brides and grooms:

"At Last" (Ella Fitzgerald)
"God Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
"Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton)
"Inside Your Heaven" (Carrie Underwood)
"The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra)
"Amazing" (Aerosmith)
"Thank God I Found You" (Mariah Carey)
"Ain't No Other Man" (Christina Aguilera)
"Always" (Shania Twain)
"I Cross My Heart" (George Strait)
"It's Your Love" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"I Need You" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"Lost in This Moment" (Big and Rich)
"Just Like Heaven" (The Cure)
"Don't Take The Girl" (Tim McGraw)
"I Don't Want to Miss A Thing" (Aerosmith)
"Angel" (Aerosmith)
"When I'm With You" (Sheriff)
"A Whole New World" (Peabo Bryson)
"Angel Eyes" (Jeff Healy Band)
"Breathe" (Faith Hill)
"Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)
"Amazed" (Lonestar)
"Could Not Ask For More" (Edwin McCain)
"Don't Know Much" (Aaron Neville)
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (Elton John)
"Endless Love" (Lionel Richie and Diana Ross)
"Everything I Do" (Bryan Adams)
"Faithfully" (Journey)
"From This Moment" (Shania Twain)
"How Do I Live Without You" (LeAnn Rimes)
"I Swear" (All 4 One)
"I'll Be" (Edwin McCain)
"Love of a Lifetime" (Firehouse)
"Unchained Melody" (Righteous Brothers)

Click to check out some cool wedding resources:
Wedding Planning Help
Daily Wedding Tip
Talk About Weddings