Archive for the ‘Planning’ Category

Wedding Colors by Season

January 3rd, 2012 | Rss Feed

Brides and grooms choose their wedding theme for many reasons.  Maybe they have favorite colors that they want to incorporate into their theme, like purple and teal.  Maybe they have a special time of year they prefer, like Halloween or Christmas.  They also may have a special theme in mind, like the roaring 20′s or antiques.  There are many way of incorporating these things into your wedding day.  You can incorporate them into your flowers, linens, centerpieces, invitations, etc.  If you are choosing a color, or colors, into your theme, why not choose colors that are associated with the season you are getting married?

wedding season colors

If you are getting married in springtime, you may want to choose pastel colors.  Think about pastel pink flowers, accented with yellow, wrapped in a baby blue ribbon.  You can choose white chair covers tied with large pastel green ribbons.  You can also select to have more than one color or you can stay with a single color within the color range.

Getting married in the summer?  We suggest to brighten up your color pallet.  Look for vibrant blues, purples, greens, pinks, etc.  Think about cream colored invitations with royal blue lettering.  Centerpieces are a good place to add color into your wedding also.  How about large white mums and deep greenery in a clear vase that is wrapped in a brightly colored ribbon.

Want to have a Halloween/Fall wedding?  The best colors for this time of year are deep reds, rust, orange and golden yellow.  Although there are plenty of flowers in those colors, don’t forget that fall foliage can be incorporated also.  Since the season is fall, which is when the leaves fall off the trees, think about using twigs and leaves.  Twigs in a large vase look very nice as a centerpiece.  Instead of sprinkling confetti or glitter on the table, try placing different colored leaves around.

Last but not least is a winter wedding.  This can be a very beautiful time of year.  There are two ways to look at winter weddings; look at it as winter, cold and snowy, or as Christmas themed.  If choosing the winter wonderland theme, go with blues, whites, silvers and crystals.  You can take bare branches painted white and place them into a vase.  Wrap the vase with a white ribbon with silver glitter throughout.  Now hang crystals from the branches.  You can also do this same option with snowflakes hanging from the twigs.  Another idea to incorporate winter wonderland into your wedding is by adding snowflakes to your wedding invitations.  If choosing Christmas as your theme, you may want to think of reds, greens and even black.  When thinking of flowers, think of poinsettias and holly.

No matter what you choose, use any opportunity you can to add your own touch of personality to your wedding.  Keep in mind that if you get plants and flowers in season, it will be less expensive to buy them at that time they are in season.

 

Social Wedding Posts – December 2011 in Review

January 1st, 2012 | Rss Feed

WeddingMuseum.com makes daily posts to our Facebook account.  We post about wedding fun facts, videos and ideas for planning a wedding.  Want to join the conversation?  Join us at facebook.com/ThinkWeddingPlaning.

December 1 - Bring to the florist – list of who gets flowers, photo of ceremony and reception locations, photos of decor inspiration, wedding color swatches, pics of dress and bridesmaid dresses, and detailed list of what you want decorated.

December 1 - Interesting news story – Better to be cautious than sorry – Wedding Crashers Plead Guilty To Stealing From Newlyweds -http://yhoo.it/v8NM2H

December 2 - Something blue ideas? Brooch, ribbon, garter, nail polish, sapphire ring, temporary/permanent tattoo, bouquet, charm, and blue shoeshttp://amzn.to/tjqpH8

December 5 – Great news story – Wedded Blitz: The Month in the New York Times Wedding Section – A highly scientific analysis - http://es.pn/tt1pco

December 5 - Great story on MSN – 15 unusual celeb wedding venues with pics -http://on-msn.com/tlFfQQ

December 6 - 6 months before the wedding – Order wedding invitations. DIY? Get started early. Visit Etsy’s wedding invitations section for ideashttp://etsy.me/w4zZky

December 7 - We found a money saving wedding article on Bargaineering – How to be a Wedding Guest on a Budget - http://bit.ly/tDjISh

December  8 - A great way to have personality at your wedding reception is to have a custom money card box. Visit Enamorweddings http://etsy.me/vvkECl

December 11 - We attended the wedding of a co-worker’s son. Because we did not know the bride and groom, we decided to send them a practical household gift, a fire extinguisher. Apparently, the couple mass-produced their thank-you notes because we received a card saying: Thank you very much for the nice wedding gift. We look forward to using it soon.

December 11 - After the royal wedding, there has been a significant increase in the desire to have a horse-and-carriage entrance http://bit.ly/sAgF8y

December 12 - Question: $2,097. Answer: The average amount spent on wedding photos.

December 13 - Hot Wedding News & Debate – Wedding Photographers Sued for Using Music Online - http://abcn.ws/tPgcDj

December 13 - Want to add personality to your wedding program? Include your favorite cartoon, create a crossword puzzle or tell how you met.http://bit.ly/tQrglK

December 14 - ?10 months before the wedding – Sign contracts with wedding vendors – DJ, Photo, Video, Food, Officiant. Find vendors - http://bit.ly/rGWb3s

December 15 - Wedding Saving Tip – Most smartphones now have video recording. A new age save-the-date invite – Record your invite and post it on YoutTube. Then, email family and friends a link to the special save-the-date video invites.

December 16 - Superstitious? Add a little luck to your wedding – 4-leaf clover, rabbit’s foot, dream catcher, horseshoe, bamboo, wishbone and more.

December 18 - Beginning of January we will be updating our song lists with new songs. Be sure to comment in your favorite songs http://bit.ly/azwT7h

December 19 - According to the WSJ – Fewer Americans Are Tying the Knot - http://on.wsj.com/vpnSto

December 21 - Looking for a cake topper that speaks your story? Etsy has their own wedding cake topper section - http://etsy.me/uNMxpv

December 22 - Looking for a great groomsmen gifts? We suggest sun glasses. Select by color or type – aviator, retro, sport and more http://bit.ly/tXlYhT

December 22 - People’s Best of 2011 – Star Weddings of the Year with stories and pictures - http://bit.ly/uMzU9M

December 26 - ?10 months before the wedding – Start compiling your guest list. Utilize our guest list manager: http://bit.ly/sBSoae

December 27 Follower’s Post - How did you ask her (or him) to marry you? Our contest is back.  Tell us your story using the contact link at the left, the two favorite stories will be published 01.31.2012 and voting will take place for that next week. Winner receives an engagement or family portrait session with a beautiful custom designed layflat book. Runner-up wins a portrait session with a complimentary 11×14 of their favorite image! Whether it was 2 days ago, or 20 years…we want to hear about your proposal! NE Indiana / NW Ohio and traveling worldwide!

December 27 - Think about having a unique wedding pic? This couple did. Already viewed by 260k+ people in 6 days. http://bit.ly/rP8o0h

December 27 - Wedding Planning Tip – Who to ask for a vendor biz referral? First, ask recently married friends. Then, ask vendors who see it all – venue mgr, photographer, wedding planner, DJ, etc.

December 28 - Looking for a perfect gift for the groom before the wedding day? We suggest a book – A Gentleman Walks Down The Aislehttp://amzn.to/vwt2uw

December 29 - Wedding Planning Tip – Select music for your surroundings – Swing for black tie, reggae for the beach, country for the backyard or park, christian for a church. Most of all, play what you like!

December 30 - Great wedding dress pic – Bride makes her own Manchester City wedding dress - http://yhoo.it/tvkay3

December 30 - Wedding Money Saving Tip – Lilly of the Valley less expensive alternatives include white lilacs, andromedas and mini calla lilies. Talk to your florist about less expensive options to more expensive flowers.http://bit.ly/tUOINH

December 30 - Article on MSN – Guess How Much the Average Wedding Cost in 2011! How Will Yours Stack Up? http://on-msn.com/vbImiD

 

Wedding Timeline Countdown

December 21st, 2011 | Rss Feed

There is a timeline tradition for any wedding.  This is a suggestion of when you should have particular details of your wedding completed (or at least started) by month.  Here is a guideline for your consideration:

wedding timeline

12 Months – Announce your engagement, choose a wedding theme, work out a budget, research wedding professionals (caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer) and venues.  You can also set appointments with the wedding pros at this time.

11 Months – Select a wedding consultant (if you are using one), meet with caterers and arrange tastings, select and book the caterer, select and book the music entertainment (band/DJ), decide on music selections, select and reserve your venue, (ceremony and reception), start thinking about your wedding dress.  If you are choosing a destination wedding, now would be the best time to send save the date cards.

10 Months – Choose and purchase your wedding dress and veil.  Choose attendants and discuss with them their duties and what you expect of them.  If choosing a park or recreational area for the venue, secure the proper permits.

9 Months – Register for your wedding gifts, decide on food for the reception, choose whether you will have an open bar, limited bar or no alcohol at your reception, make a playlist for your music, research places for guests to stay, reserve blocks of rooms at a local hotel for guests.

8 Months – Go to your first gown fitting, order bridesmaid dresses and accessories, look at wedding rings, confirm florist and discuss wedding theme and flower arrangements, start making a decision regarding invitations (style, color, font, etc),

7 Months – Review and finalize your wedding details with your consultant, set fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses, choose tux styles for groomsmen,  select a flower girl and ring bearer, choose and purchase wedding rings, finalize invitations.

6 Months – Review invitation proofs and make changes if needed, finalize invitations, discuss honeymoon ideas, meet with travel agent, work on wedding decorations (table decorations, favors, etc).

5 Months – Order place cards and programs, finalize honeymoon arrangements, make reservations for rehearsal dinner and menu.

4 Months – Get groom to try on tuxedos and purchase accessories, work on vow’s, make appoint with stylist regarding hair and makeup, address wedding invitations.

3 Months – Approve anything that is being printed for the wedding (programs, place cards, etc), decide about rehearsal dinner, next day brunch and reserve restaurants, discuss bachelorette party, review registry and make any adjustments.

2 Months – Mail invitations, purchase wedding gifts for wedding party members, go to second (possibly final) gown fitting, have groom make final decision regarding tux and reserve, arrange transportation for bride and groom to reception from ceremony site, purchase ceremony accessories (unity candle, wine glasses, etc).

6 Weeks – Send rehearsal dinner invitations, write thank you notes as you receive gifts, confirm music playlist with music entertainment, purchase any remaining wedding favors or table decorations, purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be, meet with stylist again for a practice run (take veil with you).

4 Weeks – Confirm with florist and arrange delivery times, meet with officiant to discuss details, determine any seating arrangements and reception layout, placement of cake table, placement of DJ or band, schedule an appointment for a mani/pedi  just before the wedding, schedule pick up of grooms tux, finalize photographer and videographer.

3 Weeks – Go over RSVP’s and finalize head count with caterer, call anyone who has not responded to get accurate count.

1 Week – Confirm honeymoon arrangements and start packing, pick up wedding dress and tux.

WEDDING DAY – Eat a good breakfast, attend hairstyle appointment and make up appointment.  RELAX and ENJOY  yourself!!

 

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue

December 15th, 2011 | Rss Feed

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue!  What does this mean?  Where did this saying come from?  Actually, it is an old English saying from the Victorian era that ended with “And a silver sixpence in her shoe”.  It was said that if a bride followed this saying on her wedding day it would bring her good luck.  Each saying has its own meaning.  “Something old” is meant to signify continuity with the brides’ family.  “Something new” means optimism and hope.  “Something borrowed” is typically from a happily married family member and is meant to carry that happiness into your marriage.  “Something blue” has been used as far back as ancient Rome to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity.

something blue

The “something new” is an easy one.  Usually the wedding dress itself will cover that.  If you are wearing your mothers wedding dress, then there are plenty of other things in your wedding that will cover the “something new”.

“Something old” can be a little harder to incorporate.  In this case if you are wearing your mother’s wedding dress ,you have it covered.  Including antique jewelry is another way to incorporate something old into your wedding.  If you are keeping with tradition, in order for the bride to have good luck she has to carry these components with her on the wedding day.

“Something borrowed” can fit in just about anywhere within the wedding attire.  Moms’ wedding dress, grandmas pearl necklace or earrings, Aunt Sophies’ diamond bracelet.  Just use your imagination.

“Something blue” is were you can have a little fun.  Why is it that the first thing people think of for something blue in their wedding is the garter?  There are plenty of other things that can be blue that do not affect your wedding theme.  Have you thought about fancy blue shoes or converse tennis shoes?  What a great way to add a touch of color, fun and whimsy into your wedding.  If you cannot find that perfect shoe to suit your fancy, then what about a hairpiece that has blue in it.  This doesn’t mean that your hair has to be done up in all blue, but you could consider adding a fancy blue comb at the top of a beautiful bun.  Brides could also use a bejeweled bobby pin in blue crystals.  Wearing your hair down?  What about blue sapphire earrings, necklace or ring?  Want to kill two birds with one stone?  Consider borrowing sapphire earrings from a friend or relative.  That will take care of something borrowed, something blue .  Find a friend or relative with an antique blue sapphire necklace that you can borrow and you have now covered something old, something borrowed and something blue.  You can also add a touch of blue to your bouquet.  The main theme doesn’t have to be blue but you can always sneak in a blue flower or blue ribbon if you want.  You may also consider painting your fingernails blue.  You can do a French manicure with just the tips blue, or you may decide to paint the whole nail a shade of blue.  You can also wear some fancy blue lingerie if you choose.

The best advise we can offer is have fun with it!  For the superstitious bride, what items will you have in your wedding to have “extra” luck?  Comment below.

 

Wedding Sheet Music Theme

December 14th, 2011 | Rss Feed

What is sheet music?  Sheet music is a music composition on sheets of paper.  Sheet music is important to your music performers so that the can perform the music notes to your desired music composition.  A music composer can include a harpist, guitarist and pianist.  Brides and grooms can also have ensembles compose music pieces during the wedding ceremony or reception entrances.  Ensembles, like a quartet, can include musical artists and instruments such as a piano, string and wind instruments.

wedding sheet music

Sheet music can be easily found by searching Google.   However, a vast collection of sheet music can be found on the website MusicNotes.com.  Musicnotes.com is the leading Internet-based sheet music store offering nearly 200,000 pieces of digital sheet music and guitar tablature.

Are the bride and groom music fans?  Bridal couples can create their own music themed wedding receptions.

  • Print sheet music and roll them up into cones.  Then, fill them with Hershey kisses or confetti.
  • Use sheet music as table place mats or table names.
  • Have your favorite song’s sheet music printed on edible paper.  Then, create a unique wedding cake by covering the cake with the edible paper.
  • Fold sheet music into creative origami to accent reception tables.
  • Fold sheet music into useful wedding accessories such as flowers and pin wheels.
  • Print sheet music as a watermark.  Then, create your very own customized wedding guest book.
  • Wrap votive candles with printed sheet music as a favor.
  • Use concert tickets as save the date cards.

 

Having a music themed reception?  We would recommend classic colors such as black, white and silver.  Having a photo booth?  Consider blow-up musical instruments as props such as guitars and saxophones.  Add a music theme to any wedding cake with enlarged musical notes as a cake topper.  Also consider incorporating guitar picks as wedding favors.

Music is a great way to set the desired mood and atmosphere at any wedding ceremony and reception.  You can also include it into a music theme.