Tips And Ideas For Creating A Memorable Wedding

If you are planning a wedding in the near future, you may want to incorporate the advice of this article, to get the wedding just right. There are themes, speeches, and even professional services that could be needed and you want to be sure to have the whole day planned perfectly.

Budget

Prioritize your wedding budget. Decide what you must have and what you can skimp on. If you have your heart set on a certain location take it, but realize that you are going to spend less on everything else. Deciding what means the most to you allows you to stay within budget and get what you really want.

If you’re getting married on a budget, ask your guests for wedding help instead of gifts. Guests can make cash donations to help you pay for the costs associated with your big day. Some service providers might even be willing to set up an account that your guests can pay in to.

If you are concerned with your wedding budget, keep your bridal party small. This means there will be less gifts to buy for your attendants and less bouquets to purchase. If it is too difficult for you to decide which people to include, consider just having a best man and a maid of honor to make things easier.

Set a budget. Research how much you think you will spend in each wedding category and do your best to stick to it. If you go over in one area, reduce the amount of money you have allocated for another area. If you don’t pay attention to what you are spending, you can get into monetary trouble very quickly.

If you use the advice found in this article, you could easily find yourself planning a great wedding that is fail-proof. Sure, there is anxiety associated with any wedding, but you could put it all to rest with these tips in mind, as you set forth in planning the perfect wedding.

Bridal Budget Planning by Bellacroft

 

Even a small wedding these days can cost a fortune, which is why most brides and grooms opt to plan their wedding based on a strict budget. Don’t let the word “budget” scare you.  It can simply mean thinking “outside of the box” to get the most bang for your buck! Bring your ideas back down to basics and try to focus on your guest to make sure that you accommodate them.

The first step is to create your budget, even before you select a venue or guest list. You must know your limits before you decide on how many guests will be It is important that you set a budget before making a list of who to invite. You need to know what you can spend so that you know how many people you can have at your wedding.

The next step is to decide what you can do yourself. If you are pretty skilled with crafts, you may want to tackle the favors and décor on your own. If you have a friend or family member that knows photography, see if they will do your photo shoot pro-bono (or for a reduced cost). All of these tiny details will help you to keep your budget for other aspects, such as food and venue.

If you can’t afford certain things, try to find help or resources that will make them within your reach, allowing your budget money to be spent elsewhere. A great idea is to buy a used or pre-owned wedding gown. If you think about it, this dress has most likely been only worn for an hour or two. The cost will be reduced in half, a great savings for most brides!

Begin your wedding planning well in advance so that you can shop around and find the best resources available.

Cheap Wedding Accessories

Planning a Winter Wonderland Wedding

 

Generally, couples select the spring and summer months to say their vows because the weather is nice and warm. This year, change things up a little and say “I do” in the winter! This winter season is a popular one for wedding ceremonies!

When you think about it, the bride is dressed in a beautiful white gown – perfectly matching the winter wonderland wedding theme. Having said that, you can create a beautiful atmosphere in the winter time, especially if it will be snowing at that time.

The winter wonderland theme can be simple. You can base it off of color scheme alone by incorporating light blues, whites and silvers. Snowflakes match perfectly and create a magical evening.

If you are saying your vows in the middle of the winter, plan on selecting an indoor venue and serving plenty of warm cocoa, tea and beverages to keep your guests warm. Many online wedding sites offer personalized cocoa packages as favors which will tie nicely into your theme.

With any wedding planning, begin booking your reservations and shopping in advance as many things become unavailable as your wedding date approaches. Plan ahead and enjoy your winter wonderland wedding!

Winter Wonderland Wedding Essentials

Wedding Flowers & Arrangements

 

Flowers are one of the most significant decorative aspects of a wedding celebration. Not only do they give visual appeal, but they also contribute true elegance to the love of the special couple. Because of this, it’s hard not to incorporate the orchid into your wedding.

Aside from the traditional rose, orchids are one of the most popular bridal flowers. The orchid’s structure is delicate, intricate and luxurious. Beautiful in bunches, even a single orchid flower looks stunning. Picture the exceptional beauty of a selection of these tropical flowers and their delightful colors complementing your wedding ceremony and reception.

Orchids have attained such favor as wedding day flower is because they keep their fresh look for a long time without having to add water. This is particularly important if your wedding takes place in an air-conditioned venue or during hot dry weather. Orchids can be found in shades of pink, white, yellow and light green. Their flower petals are full-bodied and bendable, they are very resistant to drying out.

Orchid can be used in several ways, such as in a bouquet, as a cut flower or floated in a crystal bowl. While orchids appear delicate and fragile, they are actually firm and sturdy.

If you’re in love with orchids but want something a little more original, consider pairing them with roses or lilies. This contrast is extremely attractive and unique, creating a floral appearance that any bride looks forward to. Whatever your wedding ideas might be, orchids will easily accommodate the special effects that you are looking for and life up to your expectations of the most beautiful of all your wedding blossoms.

After your wedding event your orchids can live for up to two to three weeks. The combination of orchids and weddings is an instinctive match. The beauty and enchantment of both the bride and the orchids are an invincible combination for an everlasting cherished marriage ceremony memory.

Weddingstar Single Flower Tube Vase

Bellacroft Answers: What’s an “Effective” Wedding Favor?

 

When you receive a wedding favor, chances are you may be impressed by its meaning but is it “effective"? Brides spend countless hours finding the “perfect” wedding favor but how often do they consider if the favor is “effective” enough? If you follow the below guide to selecting a wedding favor your guests will go home impressed and amazed with the wedding favor that you have selected:

• Complements Your Theme or color Scheme
Most brides begin their wedding planning by selecting a wedding theme or color scheme. Generally this theme has a significant meaning or connection for the bride and groom. These days, its easy to tie a favor into your theme as there are so many possibilities. Fairy tale weddings have endless favor options as well as wine lovers, french bistro weddings, love birds, etc.

• Gives Pizzaz to Your Table Decor
Your wedding favor will generally be placed on your table. If your table theme is elegant, you’ll want your favors to follow suit. It’s important to coordinate this so that the favors don’t throw the entire thing off. Candle favors are a great favor because they come in so many shapes and sizes. You will almost always find a great candle favor to match your table décor!

• Conveys Heartfelt Meaning and Gratitude
The whole point of a wedding favor is to thank your guests and show them gratitude for coming to your special day. Your favor should be all of the above as well as meaningful! Guests will appreciate a personalized favor that just says “Thank You”. Personalized favors are also great for giving your guests keepsakes as they can remember you every time they light the candle, or use the bottle opener, etc.

Discount Wedding Favors

First Wedding Dance Basics by Bellacroft

Just like the cake cutting ceremony and the toasting ceremony, the first dance is a huge part of any wedding. It gives the bride and groom a few minutes to really enjoy their first few moments as husband and wife while giving the guests a good show as well.

If your browse the internet, you’ll find hundreds of thousands of first dance variations that can give you ideas and inspiration, but if you’re still stumped, here are 3 ideas that will never fail.

1. Follow Tradition

Traditionally, the bride and groom do a formal waltz. As a matter of fact, many brides and grooms take dance lessons to learn a formal dance to really put on a beautiful show.

Traditionally, the bride and groom slow dance to their favorite love song while their guests stand around them, watch and then join in later on.

If you’re not known as a great dancer or don’t have a great rhythm, this option might not be ideal for you. If you don’t catch on quickly or aren’t taking dance lessons, we recommend a more laid back approach!

2. Swaying and Hugging

Don’t worry about preparing for the wedding.  Just wing it!

Lately, this has been the dance method of choice as it allows the most intimacy during the first dance and requires no skill. The preparations are minimal, there’s no pressure to perform and you can even have some fun with it if you want. The only downside is it can become terribly boring to watch.

If you find that your guests are getting bored, tell the DJ to allow only a minute or two of this dance and then encourage guests to join in or tune up the tempo a little bit.

3. Put on a Show

This option makes the biggest commotion. Turn on your favorite pop song or bootie mix and dance your hearts out. This option requires hours of planning and choreography but is well worth it in the end if you’re willing to make the effort!

Tip: this is an especially good idea if you’re typically a more conservative couple.

Remember, right after the big dance comes the garter toss ceremony as well as the reception! Stock up on your wedding accessories by visiting Bellacroft’s bridal shop!

Country Wedding Ideas by Bellacroft

 

This Fall Season has many brides dreaming of Southern or Country themed weddings. Of course, the Southern Charm can be brought into your wedding planning no matter how you plan on celebrating. Aside from the obvious country music and Southern cake toppers, Bellacroft has a unique idea that will certainly add some charm to your wedding ceremony and reception.

If you’re a fan of mason jars, begin a collection of different and unique mason jars. Place them strategically on your wedding tables as centerpieces and fill with water. These mason jars can simply be decorated with a few drops of food coloring as well as Water Activated Diamond Lights. These work perfectly with evening ceremonies!

Bellacroft also features jars of strawberry jam which are perfect favors for country themed weddings!

Weddingstar Western "Roped" Groom Cake Topper

Customized Wedding Guest Books

 

The “in” thing this year for the 2011 Fall Bridal Season is the opportunity to customize your wedding accessories to fit in with your theme or color scheme. The Beverly Clark Nostalgia collection does just that. You can select from pen sets, garters, guest book and other wedding ceremony accessories. Bellacroft gives you the opportunity to customize these items by selecting your accessory (pearl or faux diamond) as well as the top ribbon color and the bottom ribbon color.

Brides are excited to be able to customize all of their ceremony accessories in one store with affordable shipping as well! Bellacroft features $5 ground shipping and FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75.

For a limited time you can save even more by using coupon code: bellafallsale upon checkout!

Customized Wedding Guest Books

Perfect Outdoor Wedding Planning

 

It’s difficult to plan a wedding – and most people only think of indoor weddings. What about an outdoor wedding? These are light and relaxed – the perfect way to begin your life as husband and wife.

What do you want?

· Size and style: Big or small? Do you want dozens of people seated around you as you say your vows, or do you want a few close friends and family members gathered around? These are the key elements in deciding how large your wedding will be (and how your budget will look as well)

· Location: Many people enjoy the intimacy of a wedding at home with family, others seek spectacular locations overlooking a lake or the beach.  A quiet garden can provide the perfect backdrop to your celebration. All of these are great ideas; you just need to establish what is most important to you and find a place that reflects that.

· Time of year: Think of the weather. If you’re in South Florida, you most certainly don’t want a summer wedding when your guests will be outside sweating. Pick a time of year that is cool and breezy.

If your wedding and reception will be outdoors there are a few things to keep in mind such as:

• Seating
• Flowers
• Weather (Put only heavy items on your table)
• Shade
• Lighting (for evening receptions)

Weddingstar Mini Lanterns with Hanger

Honeymoon Planning Tips

 

How can you plan a honeymoon on a budget? Simple! With some early planning and price comparisons, you’ll find that you can take a luxurious and exotic honeymoon vacation and save hundreds of dollars! Here are some ideas:

Florida: Dubbed the Sunshine State, Florida is simply that. Florida has many sights to see including Walt Disney World!

Stay In Your Own State Sometimes the best getaways are not too far from home. Have you ever explored your own home state? What better way to start a new life than getting to know more about where you live? A honeymoon spent traveling around your home state can be a very affordable option that is still a lot of fun.

Bed and Breakfast Head to a Bed & Breakfast for your honeymoon. You get a cozy atmosphere that gives you an exceptional savings over a hotel. These relaxing venues feature a staff that is aiming to please!

Take a Honeymoon Cruise Cruises are one of the most affordable vacations because food in included in the bill. You can travel and explore many places for just the price of one!

Mexico A short trip south of the border puts you in an ideal honeymoon spot. Mexico is not too far to travel and has some great resorts at prices that will amaze you. You can take in the beaches and the explore the local attractions for a budget price.

Thailand If you want something that is more of an adventure then consider Thailand. Again, you get beautiful beaches, but with an exotic flair. Thailand is very affordable with budget friendly resorts and spectacular deals on airfare.

Jamaica Don’t immediately assume this popular destination is too expensive. You really can get a budget honeymoon deal in Jamaica. Explore the Caribbean, go shopping, enjoy golf and hang out on the beach on this budget honeymoon.

Have Your Honeymoon Outdoors Camping is a wonderful way to spend your honeymoon if you are a nature loving couple. This is most likely the most affordable option on this list. When camping, you list of necessities are very small – keeping your budget right on track.

Whatever your decide on, document these special memories in Weddingstar’s Honeymoon Memory Book! This makes for a wonderful gift for the bride and groom!

Weddingstar Honeymoon Memory Book