Someday, I’ll be getting married and I want it to be at the beach. My partner and I love the beach and sand so much. We are planning to have our Big Day by the beach, well, I think that will happen two years from now! I can imagine a white wedding with a dash of blue/cyan, so lovely! I got an article from NJWedding.com and I want to share it here because it is very helpful.
1. Imagine your ceremony.
Do you see yourself and your friends in formal wear, strolling along the sand? Or do you have a handful of flowers, bare feet, and a short dress while your partner rolls up his pant legs and you get wet? How formal or informal your ceremony is will affect your choice of everything from ceremony location to invitations to bridal party wear. Keep guest comfort in mind and choose save-the-date cards and invitations that express the degree of casualness in their dress-you don’t want people showing up in floor-length silk dresses if they are going to be standing near the water line with their feet wet.
2. Establish a theme — or not.
Some beach weddings strive to retain a formal, elegant air-perhaps seashell or starfish motifs on the invitations, programs, and small touches during the reception will make the statement for you. Other beach weddings choose a theme-sailing, Hawaiian/tropical, New England clambake casual. Use this to determine the rest of your choices.
3. Think about how many guests you have.
If you have fewer than 50 guests, you may want to have them stand in a circle or semi-circle while you and your sweetheart exchange vows. More than 50 guests requires seating-it will take longer for everyone to arrive and guests grow restless and tired. Make sure you have chosen a location that will allow chairs on the beach, and don’t forget to check on rental costs.
4. Make sure guests are comfortable.
Larger, more formal weddings mean you need to rent flooring for people to walk on and to be seated. Remember that for people with disabilities or weakness, walking on the sand can be challenging, if not impossible. Remember to make arrangements so these guests can watch the ceremony, too. Parasols are also a thoughtful gesture, and they make for great photos.
5. Consider the roar of the waves.
The great thing about the ocean is that it provides background noise that helps drown out sounds of traffic or construction. The downside is, it can also drown out your ceremony. Look into renting a small public address system so your guests can hear your ceremony. Some wedding officiants have these available for a nominal fee-make sure to ask.
6. Decide upon the best time of day.
Morning weddings lead to brunch or luncheon receptions. The beach is usually quieter and more private, and the rising sun makes for preferred lighting. Guests appreciate the less-intense sun, too. Mid-day weddings on the beach should be kept shorter and shade should be provided, often in the form a tent for guests. Check with your ceremony site and your party rental provider for suggestions on the best way to accommodate your guests. Evening weddings also provide a break from intense sun, and the lighting can make for wonderful photographs. Some places will be still filled with beach-goers, though, so keep that in mind when you choose.
7. Mark a distinct location for the ceremony.
If you are having a small ceremony, you may wish to place large seashells, candles, or luminaries around the edge of the space so guests know where to stand. Consider raking the sand to smooth it out and create a strong visual impression. For larger ceremonies, the aisle can be marked with seashells, candles, luminaries, or torches (many party rental providers offer these and can guide you in the best choice). You may also want to rent a chuppah or an arbor for you and your partner to stand beneath for the ceremony itself.
8. Select music and readings that fit your beach style.
Consider how formal or informal you decided your ceremony and reception will be and fit the music and readings to those ideas. An instrumental version of “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid may be a good recessional choice if you are creating an informal, party atmosphere. Acoustic guitar or piano music may fit better if you have chosen a more formal affair. Readings can also be suited to the location: Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift From the Sea provides excellent choices in prose readings, and poetry such as “Enough” by Sara Teasdale, “Sonnet 75″ by Edmund Spenser, or “Dancing Toward Bethlehem” by Billy Collins. If you are not marrying in a particular faith, choose an officiant who can guide you toward appropriate readings.
9. Plan for the sea breeze.
While the ocean breeze is refreshing, it also blows sand. Seat your guests so the breeze it at their backs, if possible. Unity candle ceremonies, while lovely, tend to disappoint outside because it is hard to light the candles or to keep them lit. Sand ceremonies, where the bride and groom combine two small vials of sand into a single container, are appropriate to the beach theme and are less likely to be interrupted by the breeze.
10. Remember the environment.
Birdseed, while safe, will also encourage sea gulls to disrupt your wedding, much to your guests’ dismay. Consider bubbles or real flower petals (check with your ceremony site) instead. Make sure you send someone around to collect anything handed out to guests to be sure you don’t leave anything behind, including plastic bubble bottles.
Posted on 2008 under Wedding Gown |
24
Apr
This is also important in planning and choosing for your wedding gown, Be sure to ask the gown expert on what neckline best suits for your built.
Queen Anne Neckline features a high rising collar at the back of your neckline, cupping the sides of your neck, then sculpting low across your chest to outline a bare yoke.
Bateau (Boat) Neckline softly follows the curve of the collarbone, high in both the front and back, opening wide at the sides and ending in shoulder seams.
Contessa Neckline features an off-the-shoulder gown attached to sleeves which are cut approximately three inches below the shoulder and form a continuous line across the arms and chest when arms are to the side.
Halter Neckline features a deeply sleeveless gown, often displayed with a high choke neck.
Illusion High Neckline features a gown with a yoke of sheer net and an often ornately decorated satin band, fitting snugly on the neck creating a choker affect.
Off-the-Shoulder Neckline lies gently hovering across the top of your bustline. It may also be attached to a sheer yoke of net or organza and a high collar. The shoulders are uncovered or able to be seen through the sheer yoke.
Portrait Neckline features a shawl collar that wraps the shoulders.
Sabrina Neckline features a high scoop neck.
Scoop Neckline features a softly curved line gently sloping downward across the bodice.
Square Neckline features an open yoke shaped in the form of a half square.
Sweetheart Neckline features a graceful, open yoke shaped like the top half of a heart. One of the most popular necklines.
Tank Top Bodice features a sleeveless gown with a scoop neck.
U-Scalloped Neckline features an open yoke in the shape of a U, embellished with scalloped lace appliqués.
V-Neck line features an open yoke coming to a ‘V’ shape midway down the bodice.
Wedding Band Neckline features a gown where the yoke is either open or of sheer net with an ornate band fitting snugly on the neck creating a choker affect.
Open Sweetheart Back Yoke features a heart shaped opening, often fringed with beads. Also known as a Keyhole Back.
Source:Our Marriage
Posted on 2008 under Wedding Gown |
24
Apr
The length and train is very important when planning to have your wedding gown. Be sure that you are comfortable with your bridal gown and its length and train. This will be a helpful guide to the future bride in deciding for their gown on the special day!
Street Length styling features a hem just covering the knees.
Intermission Length features a hem falling between the knees and ankle.
Ballet Length features a gown softly flowing to the ankles.
Floor Length features a gown lightly touching the floor on all sides.
Hi-low Length features a gown of intermission length on the front and floor length or longer in the back.
Sweep Train features a gown with the shortest train, barely sweeping the floor.
Court Train features a gown with a train extending one foot beyond the sweep train.
Chapel Train features the most popular of all train lengths. It flows from three to four feet behind the gown.
Semi-Cathedral Train features a train extending four to six feet behind the gown.
Cathedral Train features a cascading train for the most formal of weddings. It extends from six to eight feet behind the gown. Also known as a Monarch Train.
Royal Cathedral Train unfolds to ten feet or more, reminiscent of Princess Diana’s voluminous train. Also known as a Traditional Royal Train.
Watteau Train (pronounced: “wa toe”) features a train falling from the shoulder blades to the hemline of the gown.
Posted on 2008 under Tips and Advices |
18
Feb
Weekday wedding
Just like train journeys and phone calls, weddings are cheaper off peak, so steer clear of Saturdays and the summer months, and set the date for a weekday between October and May. You’ll save on everything from your venue to your photographer – and your guests are less likely to miss the big day because of holidays.
Share and share alike
Okay, so the only people you want to share your special day with are the ones on your guest list, but have you thought of asking your ceremony venue if any other couples are tying the knot on the same day as you? If there are, you may be able to agree on a colour scheme and split the cost of flowers and decorations.
Play hard to get
You may have fallen in love with a venue/photographer/make-up artist, but don’t go with the first one that you see. Shop around and compare prices and services to make sure that you get the best deals. Ask other couples who they went with and ask photographers and the food supplier if you can see samples of their work before setting anything in stone.
Using friends’ skills
Come on, you must know someone who bakes a great cake, is a natural with a make-up brush or is a handy seamstress. Now’s the time to call in favours, and ask your nearest and dearest to share their amazing talents and help you save money. Chances are they’ll be delighted to help with your day, maybe in lieu of a wedding present?
Get crafty
Have you ever received a handmade wedding invitation and thought, ‘I could make those’? You’ll save a lot of money if you do. Stationery isn’t the only thing you can make yourself: you could assemble your own favours, fill paper cones with homemade dried-flower petals for gorgeous confetti, or teach yourself calligraphy and design a beautiful table plan. Visit a few arty stores like Hobbycraft www.hobbycraft.co.uk for lots of crafty accessories and materials.
Hire amateurs
It’s not as crazy as it sounds – many wannabe photographers, videographers, caterers and hair stylists are desperate to break into the wedding industry, but struggle to get bookings without experience. As a result, some talented people offer their services for free or at cost price in order to build up their portfolios. Contact your local college to see if any students are looking for work.
Eat on your feet
Opting for a buffet reception could keep your budget under control. Catering costs tend to be lower, and you won’t fork out for as many waiting staff. You can still have separate courses and a formal seating plan, and as an added bonus, you’re more likely to please your guests by offering a selection of dishes. To save even more, why not serve your wedding cake for dessert, instead of a separate pud? Your guests’ waistlines will thank you… and so will your bank manager.
Skip the evening reception…
Evening receptions are often seen as a way to keep costs down, but by the time you’ve paid for venue, buffet and entertainment, costs can mount up. Do your sums carefully – if you’re only inviting an extra 20 people in the evening, it may be cheaper to invite them all to the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and skip the evening do altogether. Which, of course, leaves the whole night free for you to spend with your new husband.
… Or just do it cheaply!
You needn’t spend a fortune on your evening do. Most venues will provide a room free of charge if you’ve held the main festivities there, or decamp to the village hall or the function room of the local pub. Don’t overdo the buffet – afternoon guests will have already dined like kings, and evening guests eat before going out, so catering for 60-70% of the final number is usually sufficient. And don’t book an expensive band if money is tight – a cheesy DJ is great entertainment and much cheaper.
Suits you
Encourage the men in your bridal party to get organised and pay for a group visit to the suit hire shop. Most menswear suppliers run ‘groom goes free’ deals if you order three or four wedding suits at the same time. That could add up to a tidy saving of £100 or more.
Share the cost
In the States, it’s customary for adult bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. The jury’s still out on whether it’s acceptable over here, but more British brides are taking the lead from our transatlantic neighbours. Only you know whether your bridesmaids will go for it, but if you choose dresses that flatter their figures and can be worn again they may be prepared to chip in. Likewise, don’t spend a fortune kitting ushers out in hired morning dress – they’ll look just as smart in their own suits with matching ties.
Go channel hopping
Daunted by your venue’s wine list? Then it may be worth nipping to France to stock up on bargain booze. You’ll need to check the venue’s corkage policy first, but with champagne from just 13.49 euros a bottle (around £9.30) at Tesco Vin Plus in Calais, and return ferry travel from around £50, you could be quids in. Visit www.tesco.com/vinplus for a price list, and www.ferrysavers.com for cheap channel crossings.
Brass in pocket
You’re not expected to pick up the tab for your guests’ drinks all night – it’s fine to have a pay bar for the evening reception. Just make sure you spread the word beforehand, either by word of mouth or by putting a note in the wedding invitations, to make sure your guests visit the cash machine en route.
Designer dreams
A designer dress on a shoestring budget? It’s more possible than you might think. Many wedding stores have designer days where they sell off last year’s designs to make way for the new ones coming in, and you may be able to pick up a bargain there. You could also pay a visit to Debenhams for a fantastic selection of off-the-peg wedding dresses by famous designers like Jasper Conran and Gharani Strok.
Be a fair lady
A wedding fair lady, that is. With hundreds of suppliers under one roof, they’ll all be touting for your business, which can mean big savings on everything from your dress to favours, especially if you book on the day (although you shouldn’t be pressured into a decision). Just don’t forget your cheque book!
Second time around
The very nature of weddings means that all those beautiful things – the dress, the veil, the bridesmaids’ gowns – only get used once. You could buy all or part of your outfit second hand. Or, if you don’t fancy wearing someone else’s dress and you aren’t the sentimental type, you could always sell your wedding dress after the big day and recoup some of the cost.
Weekday wedding
Just like train journeys and phone calls, weddings are cheaper off peak, so steer clear of Saturdays and the summer months, and set the date for a weekday between October and May. You’ll save on everything from your venue to your photographer – and your guests are less likely to miss the big day because of holidays.
Share and share alike
Okay, so the only people you want to share your special day with are the ones on your guest list, but have you thought of asking your ceremony venue if any other couples are tying the knot on the same day as you? If there are, you may be able to agree on a colour scheme and split the cost of flowers and decorations.
Play hard to get
You may have fallen in love with a venue/photographer/make-up artist, but don’t go with the first one that you see. Shop around and compare prices and services to make sure that you get the best deals. Ask other couples who they went with and ask photographers and the food supplier if you can see samples of their work before setting anything in stone.
Using friends’ skills
Come on, you must know someone who bakes a great cake, is a natural with a make-up brush or is a handy seamstress. Now’s the time to call in favours, and ask your nearest and dearest to share their amazing talents and help you save money. Chances are they’ll be delighted to help with your day, maybe in lieu of a wedding present?
Get crafty
Have you ever received a handmade wedding invitation and thought, ‘I could make those’? You’ll save a lot of money if you do. Stationery isn’t the only thing you can make yourself: you could assemble your own favours, fill paper cones with homemade dried-flower petals for gorgeous confetti, or teach yourself calligraphy and design a beautiful table plan. Visit a few arty stores like Hobbycraft www.hobbycraft.co.uk for lots of crafty accessories and materials.
Hire amateurs
It’s not as crazy as it sounds – many wannabe photographers, videographers, caterers and hair stylists are desperate to break into the wedding industry, but struggle to get bookings without experience. As a result, some talented people offer their services for free or at cost price in order to build up their portfolios. Contact your local college to see if any students are looking for work.
Eat on your feet
Opting for a buffet reception could keep your budget under control. Catering costs tend to be lower, and you won’t fork out for as many waiting staff. You can still have separate courses and a formal seating plan, and as an added bonus, you’re more likely to please your guests by offering a selection of dishes. To save even more, why not serve your wedding cake for dessert, instead of a separate pud? Your guests’ waistlines will thank you… and so will your bank manager.
Skip the evening reception…
Evening receptions are often seen as a way to keep costs down, but by the time you’ve paid for venue, buffet and entertainment, costs can mount up. Do your sums carefully – if you’re only inviting an extra 20 people in the evening, it may be cheaper to invite them all to the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and skip the evening do altogether. Which, of course, leaves the whole night free for you to spend with your new husband.
… Or just do it cheaply!
You needn’t spend a fortune on your evening do. Most venues will provide a room free of charge if you’ve held the main festivities there, or decamp to the village hall or the function room of the local pub. Don’t overdo the buffet – afternoon guests will have already dined like kings, and evening guests eat before going out, so catering for 60-70% of the final number is usually sufficient. And don’t book an expensive band if money is tight – a cheesy DJ is great entertainment and much cheaper.
Suits you
Encourage the men in your bridal party to get organised and pay for a group visit to the suit hire shop. Most menswear suppliers run ‘groom goes free’ deals if you order three or four wedding suits at the same time. That could add up to a tidy saving of £100 or more.
Share the cost
In the States, it’s customary for adult bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. The jury’s still out on whether it’s acceptable over here, but more British brides are taking the lead from our transatlantic neighbours. Only you know whether your bridesmaids will go for it, but if you choose dresses that flatter their figures and can be worn again they may be prepared to chip in. Likewise, don’t spend a fortune kitting ushers out in hired morning dress – they’ll look just as smart in their own suits with matching ties.
Go channel hopping
Daunted by your venue’s wine list? Then it may be worth nipping to France to stock up on bargain booze. You’ll need to check the venue’s corkage policy first, but with champagne from just 13.49 euros a bottle (around £9.30) at Tesco Vin Plus in Calais, and return ferry travel from around £50, you could be quids in. Visit www.tesco.com/vinplus for a price list, and www.ferrysavers.com for cheap channel crossings.
Brass in pocket
You’re not expected to pick up the tab for your guests’ drinks all night – it’s fine to have a pay bar for the evening reception. Just make sure you spread the word beforehand, either by word of mouth or by putting a note in the wedding invitations, to make sure your guests visit the cash machine en route.
Designer dreams
A designer dress on a shoestring budget? It’s more possible than you might think. Many wedding stores have designer days where they sell off last year’s designs to make way for the new ones coming in, and you may be able to pick up a bargain there. You could also pay a visit to Debenhams for a fantastic selection of off-the-peg wedding dresses by famous designers like Jasper Conran and Gharani Strok.
Be a fair lady
A wedding fair lady, that is. With hundreds of suppliers under one roof, they’ll all be touting for your business, which can mean big savings on everything from your dress to favours, especially if you book on the day (although you shouldn’t be pressured into a decision). Just don’t forget your cheque book!
Second time around
The very nature of weddings means that all those beautiful things – the dress, the veil, the bridesmaids’ gowns – only get used once. You could buy all or part of your outfit second hand. Or, if you don’t fancy wearing someone else’s dress and you aren’t the sentimental type, you could always sell your wedding dress after the big day and recoup some of the cost.
Shop around for bargains
Wedding products and services vary hugely in price, and paying over the odds won’t necessarily guarantee a better deal. Before shelling out for anything, phone around other companies and see how their prices compare, and what deals they can offer you. It’s a really good idea to talk to other local brides-to-be and newlyweds to see what they paid for their services and if they have any hints or tips for you. Even if you save £50, it’ll be worth it.
Hit the high street
Not all of your wedding purchases have to come from exclusive bridal boutiques. The high street is a great place to start looking for some real bargains – try BHS for inexpensive yet stunning tiaras, shoes, bags and veils, and Monsoon for cute bridesmaids’ dresses and gorgeous accessories. You can even get your wedding cake from Marks & Spencer – their plain white fruit cakes can be easily jazzed up with a sprig of fresh flowers for a fraction of the cost of a custom-made cake.
Go seasonal
You may dream of filling your venue with lily of the valley and dining on asparagus and fresh strawberries, but if they’re not in season, you’re going to have to pay over the odds to get them on your wedding day. Using seasonal produce and flowers can reduce your final bill, so do your research first and check it out. Your catering manager should be able to talk you through good menu choices. Find out about flower availability at www.flowers.org.uk/flowers/facts/by-month.htm
Don’t buy ‘wedding branded’
Stick the word ‘wedding’ in front of anything and you’re guaranteed to add a few pound signs to the price tag. Instead of buying ‘bridal shoes’, buy some sparkly summer sandals that’ll look just as good. And you can save a small fortune by choosing evening dresses from a department store.
Wedding products and services vary hugely in price, and paying over the odds won’t necessarily guarantee a better deal. Before shelling out for anything, phone around other companies and see how their prices compare, and what deals they can offer you. It’s a really good idea to talk to other local brides-to-be and newlyweds to see what they paid for their services and if they have any hints or tips for you. Even if you save £50, it’ll be worth it.
Hit the high street
Not all of your wedding purchases have to come from exclusive bridal boutiques. The high street is a great place to start looking for some real bargains – try BHS for inexpensive yet stunning tiaras, shoes, bags and veils, and Monsoon for cute bridesmaids’ dresses and gorgeous accessories. You can even get your wedding cake from Marks & Spencer – their plain white fruit cakes can be easily jazzed up with a sprig of fresh flowers for a fraction of the cost of a custom-made cake.
Go seasonal
You may dream of filling your venue with lily of the valley and dining on asparagus and fresh strawberries, but if they’re not in season, you’re going to have to pay over the odds to get them on your wedding day. Using seasonal produce and flowers can reduce your final bill, so do your research first and check it out. Your catering manager should be able to talk you through good menu choices. Find out about flower availability at www.flowers.org.uk/flowers/facts/by-month.htm
Don’t buy ‘wedding branded’
Stick the word ‘wedding’ in front of anything and you’re guaranteed to add a few pound signs to the price tag. Instead of buying ‘bridal shoes’, buy some sparkly summer sandals that’ll look just as good. And you can save a small fortune by choosing evening dresses from a department store.
Source: Wedding Ideas Magazine
