Wedding Advice South Wales
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
Now that the excitement of the engagement and marriage announcement has died down, it's time to start planning for the big day. Choosing your wedding venue should be something the two of you should consider together when planning the wedding. This location will be important as it will be remembered as the place where the two of you began your commitment to share your lives together forever. You want it to be a meaningful place for you but also be able to accommodate your wedding guests comfortably. The following are wedding venues you may want to consider when deciding where to hold the big event.
Church - A traditional wedding venue, holding your wedding at a church is the customary location to exchange wedding vows. This may be especially meaningful to the both of you if you plan to be married in the church you regularly attend. If you are not regular church members but would like to be married in a church, find one that you feel comfortable with and ask the ministry staff at the church about performing weddings for non-church members. You may also want to consider holding your reception at the church if it has the facilities to be able to accommodate your wedding guests.
Hotel - Usually a wedding reception venue, you may want to consider holding your wedding ceremony at the hotel where you are having your wedding reception. Most hotels have a small chapel or gazebo on-site where wedding ceremonies can be performed and guests can walk over into the hotel for the reception afterwards.
Private Home - Some couples want the intimacy or significance that a private home provides as a wedding venue. Getting married in your parents' home, for example, may carry special meaning for both the wedding couple and the parents. If you are considering using a home as a wedding venue, you need to take into account the number of guests attending your wedding and the size of the home. If the house is not large enough to accommodate your wedding guests, then you may want to consider holding the ceremony outside in the yard if it is large enough to hold your guests.
Restaurant - Some restaurants have facilities to hold wedding ceremonies as well as wedding receptions. If you are considering a restaurant as a wedding and reception venue, make sure you find out if it is large enough to accommodate all your wedding guests. Also, make sure you are comfortable with the atmosphere of the restaurant where you will be holding your wedding ceremony.
Parks and other Outdoor Venues - Holding your wedding ceremony out in the park, at the beach, or on top of a mountain is a wonderful way to get married. Just make sure you take into consideration weather-related factors that may affect your wedding day for the worst -- such as rain or bad weather. If you use an outdoor wedding venue, always make sure you have a backup venue in case the weather turns bad that day.
College or School - Some schools and colleges have small chapels on campus where alumni are able to use for wedding ceremonies for a very nominal fee. If the thought of getting married at your alma mater sounds appealing, you may want to consider it as a possible wedding venue.
The above is just a short list of the many places you may want to consider for wedding venues. Just be sure that wherever you choose as your wedding venue, it has meaning to the both of you, you feel comfortable saying your vows there and it is able to accommodate all your wedding guests.
Good luck and happy planning!
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue for Your Big DayChoose the Perfect Wedding Invitations
How many people to invite. You may not have specific numbers yet, but you should be able to set a number range of guests you expect to invite, such as fewer than 100 or between 200 to 300. The bride and groom each may have different ideas of how they picture their wedding day so it is very important to communicate your wishes and ideas regarding a large wedding (with many guests) or small wedding (family and a few close friends). With this guest estimate in mind, you will be able to decide on a budget for your wedding invitations.
Budget. When estimating the cost of wedding invitations, setting aside about 3% of your total wedding budget would be an adequate amount. This means if you have budgeted $20,000 for your wedding, you are able to spend up to $600 for your wedding invitations. Costs for wedding invitations can range anywhere from $1,000 and up per 100 invitations on the high end or as little as $70 per 100 invitations on the low end.
Plan ahead, order early. It's good to start early when choosing wedding invitations. You and your partner will need time to research and discuss the various choices available for your invitations. If you look early enough, you may even have time to request samples from various companies. Ordering your wedding invitations at least 6 months in advance will give you a cushion of time to allow for printing of the invitations and correction of any errors that may occur in printing. You also need to account for the time it takes to assemble your invitations and mailing them out to give sufficient time for a response. Plan on ordering 20 to 25 extra invitations in case they are needed because of mistakes in addressing the invitations or if you find you need to add additional guests to the list.
Wedding invitation types. There are three or four different types of stationery that are popular with most couples choosing wedding invitations. Prices for these various types of stationery vary widely because of the way the invitations are made. The following are some common types of stationery used for wedding invitations:
Thermography. This type of wedding invitation is relatively inexpensive, popular and easy to find. This type of invitation can be used for a casual wedding. Thermography creates the illusion of raised text through a printing process that heats the ink and resin chemical in a combination that causes the printed text to appear raised while the paper beneath it looks smooth. Because of the heating process involved in creating this type of invitation, the proper combination of paper and ink must be used.
Offset Printing. This type of wedding invitation uses normal, everyday print. Although the print may seem common, this type of invitation will still announce your wedding in an elegant manner.
Engraved. This type of wedding invitation is usually very expensive and reserved for very formal weddings. Engraved invitations are usually used to annouce a very traditional style of wedding. This type of invitation is costly because an engraver must first carve the image or message into a copper plate, ink the plate, and then push the plate down onto the paper. This creates the raised lettering on the paper. Because of all the steps needed to create this type of wedding invitation, this method is time consuming and you will need to wait weeks for your invitations to be ready.
Embossed. Embossed invitations are very classy but also very expensive. Similar to engraved invitations, the raised print on this type of wedding invitation looks impressive but may be hard on your budget because of the technique used to create this type of invitation.
Calligraphy. This handcrafted invitation is elegant and refined but needs to be done by a skilled calligrapher who may be difficult to find. You can also look for a printer who creates the look of calligraphy on printed invitations. Obviously, the printed calligraphy is more affordable than the hand-written calligraphy but may not be as elegant as the hand-written one.
Once you have decided on your wedding invitations, make sure you order all the wedding stationery you will need, such as response cards and thank you cards, together for uniformity.
Choosing your wedding invitations should be an exciting and fun task in preparation for your big day. Keep in mind some of the ideas discussed above and choosing your invitations will be a bit easier.
Chanda - About the Author:
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Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress
Short and Slim Brides
A shirtwaist or natural waist wedding dress with a bouffant skirt will create the illusion of a taller, rounder figure. You may want to consider a slight A-line look with princess seams to create the illusion of height. The best shape is a slight A-line with a not-too-full skirt. A full skirt can make you look lost in the dress. An exception would be a Cinderella-type gown, but this style will not match every petite bride. Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses, scooped necklines and spaghetti straps also look well on you. Small collars and cuffs, short sleeves or sleeveless with long gloves, or a dress with trim at the neckline and shoulders to draw eye upward also work well for the petite bride. Consider fabrics such as chiffon, velvet, lace and Schiffli net for your wedding dress. Stay away from gowns with too much fabric, frills and excessive detailing. Do not choose full or puffed sleeves, they will make you look wider and shorter. Avoid gathered skirts or tiered skirts as they make you look shorter.
Short and Heavy Brides
Wear styles to give the image of a longer and leaner look such as A-line, princess, or straight wedding dress styles. Do not choose a wedding dress made out of knit or that is clingy or too tight. Your wedding dress should skim the body and flow down without hugging your curves. Chiffon would probably be the best fabric choice as it produces a floating effect and hides weight. Avoid large prints, heavy and shiny fabrics for your wedding dress. Do not choose bouffant or tiered wedding dress styles, or a very full veil, as they give the illusion of bulk.
Tall and Slim Brides
Consider styles such sheath, mermaid, A-line or ballgown for your wedding dress. A shirtwaist or natural waist style with a full skirt also works well. V-neck, sweetheart, scoop, jewel, and halter necklines all work well for you. Consider choosing tiered skirts, French bustles, ruffles and beaded laces, as these all add some illusion of fullness. Puffed sleeves and flowing fabrics that don't hug your figure make you look fuller and shorter. Satin and lace are your best fabrics.
Tall and Heavy Brides
A princess or A-line wedding dress style creates the image of a slimmer figure. An empire waist style will hide your waistline. Avoid anything that adds bulk such as full skirts and veils, puffled sleeves or gathered waists. Very heavy and heavily beaded fabrics make you look large, shiny fabrics will draw attention to unwanted areas. Satin, chiffon and lace are good choices for your wedding dress.
Pear-Shaped
A full ballgown style with accented waist, to minimize hips and bring focus to your upper body, and a simple skirt to emphasize your waist is a good look for your wedding dress. You may want to consider strapless, off-the-shoulder, scooped or V-neckline styles with an A-line skirt to help balance your figure. A two-piece wedding dress is also a good choice. Draping or ruching with an A-line skirt silhouette can also be attractive as long as the draping option is diagonal draping. Go for detailing in the bodice to serve as a focus for your wedding dress. Do not choose straight, bias-cut, sheath, mermaid, or empire styles. Avoid halter-neck gowns and full gathered or pleated skirts that add bulk to your hips.
Broad Shoulders
Consider spaghetti straps or scoop neckline for your wedding dress to shorten the width of your shoulder. Low V-necklines or high, covered necks also work well for your body type. Do not choose oversized sleeves or off-the-shoulder sleeves with accents as they add the illusion of width to your shoulders.
Plus-Size Bride
Look for simple designs that hide bulk. Avoid overly frilly, shiny or heavily beaded wedding dresses. Choose designs with minimal detailing, the less fuss the better. Princess seams and A-line styles help to hide curves. An empire waist wedding dress that flows from under the bust instead of the waist can hide a lot. A scooped, off-the-shoulder neckline, fitted to the hips with a slight A-line skirt with or without a train is another good choice for a the plus-size bride. A V-neckline style and small cap sleeves is also a nice look. If you prefer a two-piece wedding dress, beware of style. The best option would be one that has a fitted bodice with some detailing, light beading or light all over lace, and an A-line skirt. Avoid tight fitting wedding dresses or clingy fabrics. Gathered skirts or full skirts will make you look larger. Avoid strapless styles as it will make you look top heavy. Avoid textured or printed fabrics as they add more weight. Choose plain matte satin or luster-free fabric for your wedding dress.
Chanda - About the Author:
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/how-to-look-fantastic-on-your-wedding-day-finding-the-perfect-wedding-dress-957283.html
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Balloons for your Celebrations
We can’t think of any birthday parties, get together, proms,
anniversaries, or any such events without those lovely colorful
balloons hanging around. Gone are those days where people used only
one kind of round or sphere shaped balloons! Now balloons come in
so many different shapes and colors. It even carries lovely
messages, based on the theme or the party. If it is a birthday
party or a bash, you can have the person’s name and age printed
over the balloons. Balloons actually impress the people who are
using them and make them happy! This is why people give balloons to
those who are sick, hoping that they will recover soon!
Today making, designing, blowing, decorating and sculpturing
balloons has become an art and also a great business. Now people
call up the balloon sculptures or designers to make fancy displays
for their programs. You will find such amazing balloon sculpturing
if you visit any parties, corporate conferences, weddings, schools
and college programs. You will be able to find balloons in the form
of arches, centerpieces, Bar Mitzvah, columns, pillars, walls, back
drops and even used for releasing. They are very beautifully done
using different kinds of colors combinations and twisting them
together. This is not a very easy task to make such things,
therefore this balloon artistry is considered to be a real
art!
If you look at the varieties of balloons, the collection is
endless. All balloons come in both foil and latex materials.
Everyone loves to decorate their homes with balloons for occasions
like Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Christmas. We can’t think of
having such celebrations without these balloons. Balloons which are
highly in demand are star and heart shaped ones. Sometimes balloons
with alphabetical shapes are also in demand, as it can be used to
display the name of a person or the name of the event. It is very
much attention grabbing to use such alphabetical balloons. When you
buy balloons, make sure that you buy the necessary accessories
along with it. Try using matching curling ribbon threads, weights
to anchor your balloons if they are filled with gas. You should
also include balloon inflators as they are very much essential to
inflate the balloons when you have large number of balloons and in
bigger sizes. If you are having a smaller party, a hand pump is
more than enough to inflate. If you’re inflating hundreds of
balloons, then you definitely need an electronic motored pump.
Choosing Your Wedding Car
The right wedding cars can add a touch of magic and class to
your special day, infact one of the most special days of your life.
The journey to your wedding ceremony is the most significant ride
you will ever make.
The wedding car is more than just a means of transporting you to
and from the ceremony – after all it will be the last place you
gather your thoughts as an excited and beautiful bride to be and
the first intimate space you will share as newlyweds.
Selecting a wedding car should be a fun but serious exercise. Visit
each prospective car supplier or chauffeur and ask for a test ride.
You wouldn’t get married in a dress you’ve never tried on and the
same should go for your wedding car!
Check the interior. Is it spacious, will it accommodate the bridal
gown (especially important if the dress has an elegant but delicate
train), is there plenty of room to egress gracefully? Wear the same
size heels as your wedding shoes and practice getting in and out of
the car. You want to be poised and elegant on the day, especially
as cameras will be documenting your every move! The last few
minutes before the ceremony can be a little tense so ensure that
the wedding car is comfortable and a relaxing space.
Reliability is obviously essential. When you visit your chauffeur
or wedding car specialist pay attention to their premises not just
the car. A company or chauffeur that looks after their premises
will also look after their car! You don’t want to risk a breakdown
on the day do you?
Finally you will want to decide what style and age of car will best
compliment your dress and the wedding ceremony itself. You can get
a very modern model, something as sleek an elegant as a traditional
Rolls Royce or you can opt for a vintage car. It all depends on the
theme of your wedding, and of course, your budget. Most wedding car
suppliers have several models so don’t restrict you choice.
Traditionally most wedding cars are white but don’t let that
dictate your final choice. An elegant cream may best compliment
your dress, silver wedding cars are timeless and classical. Lastly,
ensure that your chauffeur dresses both himself and the car in a
style that compliments the theme of your day! As with every other
aspect of planning a wedding, it’s the details that frequently add
that final sparkle to your wedding day.
Marquee Hire
Marquees are for every occasion
Whether it’s for a wedding, a party, a gathering, or a family occasion, marquees are a beautiful and extravagant way to celebrate in style and bring people together in a lovely setting.
How to choose the right marquee?
With all the options how are you suppose to choose the right marquee for you and your occasion?
First of all different marquees are better suited for different occasions. For example you’ll probably want a more flamboyant marquee for a wedding than you would for a children’s 5 year old birthday! Look at photographs of the marquees available so you can really get a feel for how the marquee will look.
Go and visit the marquee companies in person
If you are looking at companies online or are chatting to them over the phone it is a good idea to go and visit them so you can really get across your ideas for your occasion and what it is you are expecting. There are many marquee hiring companies across the UK.
The best way to get an idea of a marquee company is to read their customer testimonials many people today have these available on their website, or you can ask the sales person directly for them. If you know someone who has already used a marquee company in your area or county you can go to them with a little more confidence knowing they have already delivered a good service.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Marquee Hire - How to Choose the Marquee for You