One of the first, and most important, tasks that any bride to be can accomplish is taking planning their wedding invitations. Not only does this help you to know the number of guests to expect for the remainder of your big day, but it will also help you to develop a plan as to who you wish to celebrate your union with.
Continue reading The Importance of Wedding Invitation Etiquette
For many years, it has been the tradition at weddings to through rice at the bride and groom as they are departing for their honeymoon celebration. However, in recent years, this tradition has somewhat become boring and couples are constantly looking for new ways to celebrate their union.
Over the years, there have been many things that have been used to replace rice throwing at wedding. Below are some of the most popular items as well as a couple that are fun and unique.
Instead of throwing rice, many couples have decided to use small containers of bubbles instead. These are great because there is very little work involved with them; you simply throw them into a pretty basket. Also, they do not cause a huge mess as other options do and kids love taking them home for later. This means that there will be very few left over that must then be disposed of or cleaned up.
Although it may be more difficult to clean up, confetti can create a beautiful effect for the bride and groom’s departure. It can be created to match any wedding color theme and will be beautiful in pictures. Another fun idea would be to offer the guests party poppers instead that they can launch them as the bride and groom leave as well.
Balloons are not typically thought of as a wedding item, but they can make for a great way to celebrate as the bride and groom leave for their honeymoon. Each guest can be provided with a balloon that they will release as the bride and groom are exiting the building. Not only will this create some fantastic pictures, but it will be a nice memory of the wedding as well.
If you are looking for a unique and fun idea, silly string can also be a fun addition to a wedding reception. Keep in mind that it will be extremely messy, but is also an option that can be very fun. To add even more fun, the bride and groom should have a can or two to defend themselves with as they are leaving as well.
This is another option that is inexpensive and fun. You can easily find a good number of options at your local flower shops for relatively little money. You can also choose flowers that match your wedding bouquet or the flowers in your wedding as well.
Throwing things at the bride and groom while they are leaving the wedding venue for their honeymoon is a tradition that most couples include with their wedding planning process. It is a fun tradition that can create great pictures and enjoyable memories.
Best for Bride is a bridal shop that offers a great number of resources for brides and the wedding planning process. Brides can experience something special when they begin planning their wedding at this one stop shop bridal store that offers everything needed to plan a wedding.
There will be many vendors that you deal with on a regular basis throughout the planning of your wedding. While you will be paying each of these a certain amount of money, it is always best to consider offering them a gratuity for their services as well.
While most are not required, others are built into the contract and some people who are planning a wedding find it helpful to know what is customarily given to these vendors. Below you will find the gratuity amounts that you should expect to pay so that you can add them into your overall wedding budget.
This is one area that the gratuity is typically included in the contract when you first sign it; normally around 15% – 20%. However, some feel as though their caterer did an outstanding job in regards to handling their guests and offer an additional dollar or two per guest for this reason.
An additional 15 to 20% is also typically included in the contract, but if it is not you should offer the additional gratuity to the maître d’ with an additional 1% to 2%. Bartenders are also typically given 15 to 20% gratuity, but if they are not also accepting tips from your guests, it is best to add an additional 10% on top of this amount.
Neither of these vendors require a tip, but many people offer one if they have provided an exceptionally nice experience for the bride and groom or the guests. For DJs, the standard is to offer a 15% to 20% gratuity. For bands, the standard is $25 per band member.
Many couples choose to have a limo driver to transport them to the wedding venue, to the airport or other locations before and after the wedding. It is standard to offer this driver 15% to 20% after they have completed their services.
Other vendors that you may conduct business with throughout the wedding planning process are photographers, videographers, florists, and bakers. Each of these provide something special to your wedding and it is usually typical to provide them each with a 15% to 20% gratuity.
While this is not required, nor will it be added into the contract, some feel as though these vendors have done an amazing job and wish to reward them for their hard work.
This is one of the main vendors that typically receive a gratuity after the wedding. They are usually in charge of many aspects of the wedding planning process and help make sure that everything comes together as planned. The customary gratuity for the wedding planner is 10% to 20%, but an additional 10% to 20% is sometimes offered for an exceptionally good job.
Gratuity may be one area of your budget that gets overlooked when you are setting up funds for your wedding. While most of these areas are not required, it is still standard to offer a gratuity to the vendors after the wedding.
In order to make sure you have the funds available, you should make sure that you add the proper amounts to your budget so that you can properly thank your staff for their hard work.
Best For Bride
Best for Bride can help you plan your perfect day from start to finish. They specialize in the perfect gown, décor, and accessories that any bride will need to feel beautiful on her big day.
One of the most romantic times of the year to hold a wedding is on Valentine’s Day. It is the day that we devote to love every year and the perfect occasion to become married. Since the holiday is such a romantic occasion, there are many different design schemes to choose from and brides will find an endless amount of décor and attire options to choose from.
Choosing a specific theme for your Valentine Day wedding can also be something fun. Just as you will find many different styles of Valentine Day wedding dresses and décor, you will also find many different themes to choose from as well. Below are some options that are fun and romantic and that will fit nicely with Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to hold a wedding around the story of your love. Every couple has special moments in their relationship and planning a wedding around that story is a great idea for any couple. If you met on the ski slopes or in Paris, there are some perfect decorations and attire ideas that can best showcase this history. You can also add to the occasion by including photos of your time together as well.
Instead of sending traditional wedding invitations or save the date cards, dress up the theme by creating Valentine card styled invitations instead. It can even be fun to include Valentine cards for your guests to fill out for you instead of a wedding book. Then, you will have something fun to remember your wedding with and guests can provide a personal note to the happy couple. You can even use Valentine’s as place cards as well.
Another great idea is to create a wedding reception area that is filled with romance. Add soft lighting and colors that will make the room feel romantic and glamorous. Adding lots of candlelight to the room is also a great addition. If you have a space that allows a fireplace or fire pit, this can also create a romantic flow. Instead of champagne or wine for toasts, you can offer pink cosmopolitans or chocolate martinis instead. Decorating the tables with conversation hearts or red cinnamon hearts is also a nice touch.
Make sure that you include your wedding cake design with the theme as well. Keep in mind that you can change the filling to be something that fits with the theme as well. Red velvet and strawberry are fantastic options. Chocolate covered fruits are also a romantic item to include as well.
There are so many ways that you can create a romantic Valentine’s Day wedding. Whether you are looking to add some simple romantic touches or go all out in the love department, you can easily create a wedding with a theme that fits perfectly with the holiday.
Best for Bride will help you to find all the right supplies for your Valentine Day Wedding. They offer convenient locations as well as a large supply of dresses and wedding décor. You will be able to make one stop when you choose this store for your wedding day planning.
