by Chris Morton
Planning your Chester wedding day is undoubtedly a truly special time in your life. Making sure that the arrangements are all perfect is crucial so that you can enjoy the experience with your partner.
A beautiful venue will make the Chester wedding photographer's job much easier and the result will be some spectacular pictures of your day.
Your decision on which Chester wedding venue to choose will reflect on your everlasting memories of your perfect day. Finding the perfect wedding venue in Chester may help you on your way to the best start for your new marriage so take your time to choose. It is a good idea to make sure that the wedding venue that you select can accommodate all your needs so that you can relax and enjoy the biggest celebration. Attending a Chester Wedding Show is a good use of your time and will help with your choices.
Some thought should be taken as to where you will have your Chester wedding venue - will you choose city centre or go slightly further afield into the beautiful surrounding Cheshire countryside? How far will your wedding guests have to travel? Does the venue have accommodation and plenty of parking?
Chester has a fantastic and romantic history and this can bring people from further away to experience their special day in a Chester wedding venue.
Inviting your friends and family to the city of Chester is brilliant because it is not just your Chester wedding and the excellent venue you have chosen that they will experience. There is plenty to entertain your guests throughout Chester and Cheshire.
Once you have reached the all important conclusion about which Chester wedding venue will host your special day a big chunk of your wedding planning will be arranged. Most wedding venues offer packages which may even include organising decorations, menus, catering, plans for the day's itinerary, right through to organising entertainment during the occasion for you and your guests.
Reading reviews, looking through photographs and visiting the hotels is a great idea before you book.
Here are just a few of the wedding venues which feature at the Directory of Chester:
De Vere Carden Park Hotel, Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa, Crabwall Manor Hotel, Mollington Banastre Hotel and Spa, Queen Hotel, Chester Ramada Hotel, Rowton Hall Country House Hotel
Showing posts with label plan of wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plan of wedding. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Planning Your Dream Wedding
ou�ve met the perfect man, and you have the perfect ring on your finger. How do you plan the perfect wedding? While wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming at times, there is a way for you to make things perfect for you and your husband-to-be. All it requires is a little communication and patience while you make w hat seems like a never-ending list of choices and decisions. Breaking your wedding planning down into sections and considering the following questions should have you well on your way to planning your perfect wedding.
First, you will need to choose the kind of reception you would like to have. Are you planning a large wedding, or a more intimate gathering of friends and family? Talk with your relatives and soon to be in-laws to get an idea of what their needs are, as their concept of small may be quite different than yours. Once you have a general idea of how many guests you will have, you can then visit reception possibilities and talk with them about what they offer. Remember that the places you choose to visit have most likely hosted many weddings before yours, and they present suggestions that you haven�t thought about. It is perfectly okay to not have all the answers immediately, and many reception sites will gladly let you take their information so you can spend time considering what they have to offer. If you have questions, be sure to ask them, as this is a great way to see how flexible the site and staff will be to meet your individual needs. Of course, you will need to determine your wedding budget, as the reception will be where you spend the most money.
The next item on your list is to choose the food and the wedding cake. It�s a great idea to sample the food at each reception site, preferably the same food you might choose for your wedding. The time of day that you choose to get married will also impact your food choice. If you choose a mid morning wedding, you might prefer to have a brunch buffet, while an evening wedding calls for more a more formal presentation. Whatever you choose, do not hesitate to ask for references from whoever will be providing the food at your reception. These references will take you beyond the food preparation and help you evaluate service and accuracy.
Flowers, invitations, music and photography are all personal choices you will make based on the style you desire for your wedding. These are also areas that you can trim your budget if you need to. Considering a simplified invitation and less formally arranged flowers can literally save you hundreds of dollars. The perfect wedding does not necessarily need to be the most expensive one! Use your creativity and you will find that your wedding is just as perfect as the man you�ve chosen to marry.
Article Source: http://www.free-wedding-articles.net
First, you will need to choose the kind of reception you would like to have. Are you planning a large wedding, or a more intimate gathering of friends and family? Talk with your relatives and soon to be in-laws to get an idea of what their needs are, as their concept of small may be quite different than yours. Once you have a general idea of how many guests you will have, you can then visit reception possibilities and talk with them about what they offer. Remember that the places you choose to visit have most likely hosted many weddings before yours, and they present suggestions that you haven�t thought about. It is perfectly okay to not have all the answers immediately, and many reception sites will gladly let you take their information so you can spend time considering what they have to offer. If you have questions, be sure to ask them, as this is a great way to see how flexible the site and staff will be to meet your individual needs. Of course, you will need to determine your wedding budget, as the reception will be where you spend the most money.
The next item on your list is to choose the food and the wedding cake. It�s a great idea to sample the food at each reception site, preferably the same food you might choose for your wedding. The time of day that you choose to get married will also impact your food choice. If you choose a mid morning wedding, you might prefer to have a brunch buffet, while an evening wedding calls for more a more formal presentation. Whatever you choose, do not hesitate to ask for references from whoever will be providing the food at your reception. These references will take you beyond the food preparation and help you evaluate service and accuracy.
Flowers, invitations, music and photography are all personal choices you will make based on the style you desire for your wedding. These are also areas that you can trim your budget if you need to. Considering a simplified invitation and less formally arranged flowers can literally save you hundreds of dollars. The perfect wedding does not necessarily need to be the most expensive one! Use your creativity and you will find that your wedding is just as perfect as the man you�ve chosen to marry.
Article Source: http://www.free-wedding-articles.net
How To Organize The Perfect Dream Wedding
By Alexander Marlin
That day is finally here, he just proposed to you and now, you have to set in motion the beginning of your new life together.
But, what exactly do you have to do to plan the dream wedding of your life?
Now, I know your anxious to do it all alone, but, you can't do it all alone, you have to get friends and family involved. You have to create a detailed plan for your wedding layout.
Get yourself a binder or a little planner and you and your husband should sit down and plan exactly how much you plan and to spend and exactly what you wish to have in your wedding, it should be very detailed, not leaving out anything.
Next thing to do now, is get family and friends involved, you want to share ideas and make sure you didn't skip anything, the more people you get involved after creating your draft, the more ideas you can add or make changes to your original plan.
Please do remember to stick to your budget.
It is not your job, to go out there and do anything on the day before, during or after your wedding, a dream wedding means you have to organize every detail and assign someone to do everything.
Many people mess up their wedding due to late planning and by not delegating every task, no matter how small.
You should have one family member take control, or just outsource the whole process, but still assign someone to make sure the caterers delivers on time.
If your planning to have bride maids, make sure everything is planned and arranged months ahead, you don't want to wait for dresses to be fitted one a couple days before the wedding, the fitting should be done one week ahead, sometime even ten days is better.
You will have to consider the following:
1) Wedding Ceremony Where will it be held, how much will it cost, who will take care of what, yes assign someone to take care of this part. Your task is to make sure everything is organized.
2) Guests List Something so simple, but yet so overlooked, will you be using a guest book, assign someone to make sure everyone signs the book, and that there is a pen available. You second list is the one you create together with both sides of the family, that is the list of who you will be inviting. Plan this together, you don't want Granny getting mad, because you forget to invite some long time friend of the family.
3) Wedding Reception You have to consider if your having a band, a singer or maybe a DJ. How many people are you catering for, you want everything to be just right. Do this one correct, it is the one most overlooked.
4) Organize The Venue Yes, make sure you know who will be adding the flowers and decorations. Make it a point that it will be done a day ahead of the ceremony, that way you can make any changes if needed.
5) Date Of The Wedding You won't believe how many people fail to plan a date that will fit within the planned schedule for getting organizing their wedding. Plan way ahead, and get invitations and stationary order in advance, that should be the first thing you organize.
6) Your Dream Wedding Cake Make sure to do this part yourself, go out and find your dream wedding cake maker and go over every detail that you wish this cake to have. Please state the time and date that you would like this cake to be delivered. The cake should be the last thing going to the venue.
7) Please do enjoy your wedding day Try to keep out of each others way, should you not agree with something, please have considerations for each other, your planning the dream wedding of your life. No need, to get mad on your wedding day.
And if you feel this is just too much for you to organize, the get yourself a wedding planner.
I wish you both, a long lasting life together, may you enjoy a dream wedding fit for a king and a queen.
That day is finally here, he just proposed to you and now, you have to set in motion the beginning of your new life together.
But, what exactly do you have to do to plan the dream wedding of your life?
Now, I know your anxious to do it all alone, but, you can't do it all alone, you have to get friends and family involved. You have to create a detailed plan for your wedding layout.
Get yourself a binder or a little planner and you and your husband should sit down and plan exactly how much you plan and to spend and exactly what you wish to have in your wedding, it should be very detailed, not leaving out anything.
Next thing to do now, is get family and friends involved, you want to share ideas and make sure you didn't skip anything, the more people you get involved after creating your draft, the more ideas you can add or make changes to your original plan.
Please do remember to stick to your budget.
It is not your job, to go out there and do anything on the day before, during or after your wedding, a dream wedding means you have to organize every detail and assign someone to do everything.
Many people mess up their wedding due to late planning and by not delegating every task, no matter how small.
You should have one family member take control, or just outsource the whole process, but still assign someone to make sure the caterers delivers on time.
If your planning to have bride maids, make sure everything is planned and arranged months ahead, you don't want to wait for dresses to be fitted one a couple days before the wedding, the fitting should be done one week ahead, sometime even ten days is better.
You will have to consider the following:
1) Wedding Ceremony Where will it be held, how much will it cost, who will take care of what, yes assign someone to take care of this part. Your task is to make sure everything is organized.
2) Guests List Something so simple, but yet so overlooked, will you be using a guest book, assign someone to make sure everyone signs the book, and that there is a pen available. You second list is the one you create together with both sides of the family, that is the list of who you will be inviting. Plan this together, you don't want Granny getting mad, because you forget to invite some long time friend of the family.
3) Wedding Reception You have to consider if your having a band, a singer or maybe a DJ. How many people are you catering for, you want everything to be just right. Do this one correct, it is the one most overlooked.
4) Organize The Venue Yes, make sure you know who will be adding the flowers and decorations. Make it a point that it will be done a day ahead of the ceremony, that way you can make any changes if needed.
5) Date Of The Wedding You won't believe how many people fail to plan a date that will fit within the planned schedule for getting organizing their wedding. Plan way ahead, and get invitations and stationary order in advance, that should be the first thing you organize.
6) Your Dream Wedding Cake Make sure to do this part yourself, go out and find your dream wedding cake maker and go over every detail that you wish this cake to have. Please state the time and date that you would like this cake to be delivered. The cake should be the last thing going to the venue.
7) Please do enjoy your wedding day Try to keep out of each others way, should you not agree with something, please have considerations for each other, your planning the dream wedding of your life. No need, to get mad on your wedding day.
And if you feel this is just too much for you to organize, the get yourself a wedding planner.
I wish you both, a long lasting life together, may you enjoy a dream wedding fit for a king and a queen.
Final Planning Tips for Your Wedding Day
Penny Olson
Recently, I went to my home town to help my Mother and my Sister with the final planning for my Sister�s wedding. Every member of my family is a "Do-It-Yourselfer", so we had an unbelievable amount of flower arrangements, pew decorations, garlands, candles, silver, you name it, we had to set it up. We were working with a total of four hours to decorate the church, a huge reception hall, a large lobby and two gazebos.
When I arrived at home I felt a little bit overwhelmed with the amount of time that was allotted and the sheer volume of decorating that we had to execute within the tiny window. But we were able to pull it off with time to relax and enjoy the beauty of all of the work that gone into it during the many, many months prior.
The first thing that had to happen was to figure out how many people were able to come and help us to decorate. It really helps, but it is not totally necessary to have a group of people that have an eye for design. Anyone that is willing is completely capable to come and lend a hand.
My mother and I set up all of the arrangements in my parents� basement, just as they would be set up in each of their locations around the hall and Church. With a digital camera, we snapped a photo of each so that if necessary, we had a visual reference for all of our helpers and our intentions for the finished product. A digital camera and a computer with a color printer are the handiest tools to have at this point. But regular, 4x6 photos are just as helpful, it will just cost a bit more and take a little longer to get them printed.
While everything was arranged in the basement, we numbered each piece with a small piece of masking tape and a number so that the set up on the big day of hustle and bustle always started at one and went from the left to the right.
Then we packed everything for transport in banana boxes that we got from the local grocery store. You may be saying, �Why banana boxes?� They are very strong and also very light, so you can fill them with just about anything and not have to worry about the bottom dropping out. The top of each box was labeled with the exact location of its contents, ie: On top of the piano in the lobby. We then loaded all the boxes in a logical order, with similar decorations grouped together, into a rented box truck.
When we arrived on the morning of decorating, there was crew of 12 waiting for us, so we hopped out of the truck and handed out instruction sheets to each person stating how everything was labeled, what the general layout would be, what to expect once they opened the boxes, and who they could come to if they had any questions at all. From that point, everyone was off and running. It went like clockwork, and everyone let us know that they were very thankful that we were all on the same page. Due to the extra time that we put into organizing before we arrived, we finished early and were able to enjoy all of the work that we had done and got a few photos of the venue that was decorated beautifully, before any of the guests arrived.
The day of the wedding was very relaxing since we didn�t have to go back for last minute touch ups. We could spend the time casually with our family and friends until it was time to get the show on the road that afternoon.
Recently, I went to my home town to help my Mother and my Sister with the final planning for my Sister�s wedding. Every member of my family is a "Do-It-Yourselfer", so we had an unbelievable amount of flower arrangements, pew decorations, garlands, candles, silver, you name it, we had to set it up. We were working with a total of four hours to decorate the church, a huge reception hall, a large lobby and two gazebos.
When I arrived at home I felt a little bit overwhelmed with the amount of time that was allotted and the sheer volume of decorating that we had to execute within the tiny window. But we were able to pull it off with time to relax and enjoy the beauty of all of the work that gone into it during the many, many months prior.
The first thing that had to happen was to figure out how many people were able to come and help us to decorate. It really helps, but it is not totally necessary to have a group of people that have an eye for design. Anyone that is willing is completely capable to come and lend a hand.
My mother and I set up all of the arrangements in my parents� basement, just as they would be set up in each of their locations around the hall and Church. With a digital camera, we snapped a photo of each so that if necessary, we had a visual reference for all of our helpers and our intentions for the finished product. A digital camera and a computer with a color printer are the handiest tools to have at this point. But regular, 4x6 photos are just as helpful, it will just cost a bit more and take a little longer to get them printed.
While everything was arranged in the basement, we numbered each piece with a small piece of masking tape and a number so that the set up on the big day of hustle and bustle always started at one and went from the left to the right.
Then we packed everything for transport in banana boxes that we got from the local grocery store. You may be saying, �Why banana boxes?� They are very strong and also very light, so you can fill them with just about anything and not have to worry about the bottom dropping out. The top of each box was labeled with the exact location of its contents, ie: On top of the piano in the lobby. We then loaded all the boxes in a logical order, with similar decorations grouped together, into a rented box truck.
When we arrived on the morning of decorating, there was crew of 12 waiting for us, so we hopped out of the truck and handed out instruction sheets to each person stating how everything was labeled, what the general layout would be, what to expect once they opened the boxes, and who they could come to if they had any questions at all. From that point, everyone was off and running. It went like clockwork, and everyone let us know that they were very thankful that we were all on the same page. Due to the extra time that we put into organizing before we arrived, we finished early and were able to enjoy all of the work that we had done and got a few photos of the venue that was decorated beautifully, before any of the guests arrived.
The day of the wedding was very relaxing since we didn�t have to go back for last minute touch ups. We could spend the time casually with our family and friends until it was time to get the show on the road that afternoon.
Secrets Of Planning The Perfect Weddings
by Nicola Driscall
Everybody dreams of having a perfect wedding, but like all planned events even the wedding ceremonies generally have one or more glitches, which need to be smoothed. Ultimately one has to remember that the day is for and of the bride and groom and the planned choices that they've made should be honored above the choices of others. Most important thing is to remain calm and cool and stay with your plans.
Before planning your wedding it's important to know exactly what you want before you start making those final decisions that many times can't be reversed. Talk about what you want with your finance. You'll more than likely have a budget that you need to stick to so you'll have to decide what's important to you that you won't give up versus what you're willing to part with.
Your first decision will be the wedding date. If the ceremony will take place in a church or some other heavily used building, confirm that the date is available. If it isn't you'll have to settle on another, so it's a good plan to have several possibilities when you are ready to book.
You'll need to plan your budget carefully. Use common sense when choosing some things for your wedding. Where possible think of ways where you can cut costs. For instance, if you want to hire a DJ to handle the music at your reception you might want to ask around to see if you know anyone who can do this for you at a low price.
When you start buying the things that you need for your wedding use a list that includes all costs and items that you need and make sure that you stick to it. Contact merchants in your area that offer the services that you need and see if you can negotiate a better price. After all, it never hurts to try.
Choosing the photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions that you'll make since your photos, like your memories, will last a life time. Take your time looking for the right photographer before making your final decision. Ask to see plenty of samples so that you can see the range of photos that the photographer can take. You want to be certain that the pictures that you want are possible.
You need to decide how many people that you're going to invite to your wedding. Be realistic when you're counting heads. If your budget doesn't allow you to have a huge guest list you'll have to start making cutbacks and limiting those family members and friends that will be getting an invite.
After you have your headcount, you'll need to find a caterer that you can afford and who will be able to prepare the foods that you plan to serve. Remember that there is more to choosing a caterer than cost alone.
So you have to decide on a number of things while planning for your wedding. And to be sure that you have taken care of all aspects get somebody - a friend or sister to help you with the planning. And it definitely pays to have some body help you decide on things like music for the reception, the decorations and the menu etc.
Above all you must enjoy the planning and the execution of one of the most special days of your life. Enjoy!
Everybody dreams of having a perfect wedding, but like all planned events even the wedding ceremonies generally have one or more glitches, which need to be smoothed. Ultimately one has to remember that the day is for and of the bride and groom and the planned choices that they've made should be honored above the choices of others. Most important thing is to remain calm and cool and stay with your plans.
Before planning your wedding it's important to know exactly what you want before you start making those final decisions that many times can't be reversed. Talk about what you want with your finance. You'll more than likely have a budget that you need to stick to so you'll have to decide what's important to you that you won't give up versus what you're willing to part with.
Your first decision will be the wedding date. If the ceremony will take place in a church or some other heavily used building, confirm that the date is available. If it isn't you'll have to settle on another, so it's a good plan to have several possibilities when you are ready to book.
You'll need to plan your budget carefully. Use common sense when choosing some things for your wedding. Where possible think of ways where you can cut costs. For instance, if you want to hire a DJ to handle the music at your reception you might want to ask around to see if you know anyone who can do this for you at a low price.
When you start buying the things that you need for your wedding use a list that includes all costs and items that you need and make sure that you stick to it. Contact merchants in your area that offer the services that you need and see if you can negotiate a better price. After all, it never hurts to try.
Choosing the photographer for your wedding is one of the most important decisions that you'll make since your photos, like your memories, will last a life time. Take your time looking for the right photographer before making your final decision. Ask to see plenty of samples so that you can see the range of photos that the photographer can take. You want to be certain that the pictures that you want are possible.
You need to decide how many people that you're going to invite to your wedding. Be realistic when you're counting heads. If your budget doesn't allow you to have a huge guest list you'll have to start making cutbacks and limiting those family members and friends that will be getting an invite.
After you have your headcount, you'll need to find a caterer that you can afford and who will be able to prepare the foods that you plan to serve. Remember that there is more to choosing a caterer than cost alone.
So you have to decide on a number of things while planning for your wedding. And to be sure that you have taken care of all aspects get somebody - a friend or sister to help you with the planning. And it definitely pays to have some body help you decide on things like music for the reception, the decorations and the menu etc.
Above all you must enjoy the planning and the execution of one of the most special days of your life. Enjoy!
Wedding Checklist: The month of your wedding
by Georgina Clayworthy
Finally you have reached the most important and exciting phase of your wedding planning. With just 4 weeks until the big day, it is time to make sure all arrangements are in place, all bookings are confirmed and the fine details in place.Wedding Checklist: 4 weeks to go!
- Submit your application for your marriage license. - Arrange a final fitting for your wedding dress. Take your chief bridesmaid along with you, particularly if you will need some help with your dress on the day. - Confirm with your attendants (bride's and groom's) that they have all the attire and accessories, know their duties and the schedule for the day. - Confirm details with all your vendors - caterers, florists, baker etc. - Write and print out your wedding program. - If you have out-of-town guests coming, make up some welcome baskets or bags for them. - If you will be living elsewhere after your wedding, send change of address information to the post office. - Write out your thank you cards for wedding gifts as you receive them. - If any guests have not yet confirmed, ask your mother or chief bridesmaid to contact them.
Wedding Checklist: One to Two Weeks Ahead
- Organize your seating plan and write your place cards. - Confirm the final guest numbers with your caterer and confirm any last minute details. - Prepare the wedding toasts for your rehearsal dinner and the reception. - Break in your wedding shoes by wear them around the house and on carpeted floors. - Arrange for someone to come in and take care of any houseplants/pets while you are away on honeymoon. - Collect your wedding dress. - Have fun at your hen/bachelorette/stag/bachelor parties. - Give your family your travel information and contact numbers in case they need to contact you. - Make the final revisions to your seating plan.
Wedding Checklist: The Day before Your Wedding
- Take some time out to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. - Delegate responsibilities to members of your wedding party including whole will hand out the button holes and corsages, greet the guests and check on vendors/suppliers. - Confirm your wedding transportation booking. - Get some pre-wedding pampering with a manicure. - Give your wedding party their gifts. - Attend your ceremony rehearsal. - Enjoy your rehearsal dinner.
Wedding Checklist: Day of the Wedding
- Present your parents with their thank you gifts. - Enjoy your wedding day and all your hard work!
Tips for Planning a Stag Party
by Nicholas Wilshire
Stag parties are, as far as the groom is concerned, one of the best bits about getting married. They get to spend quality time with their mates before saying the big “I do”. For some men its a last attempt at freedom and for others its merely an excuse to have an amazing time! Either way men on a stag do are a force to be reckoned with.
If you are planning a stag do for someone and are having trouble with ideas why not take inspiration here.
A track day.
All men love cars and most men adore fast cars. So why not spend the day racing one? You can race the car of your dreams and not have to pay the huge price tag! Just be careful when you drive home though.
Go karting.
Why not race against all the other members of your party and beat them hands down at go karting! This is ideal for large groups as you can have different heats and race the winners.
Clay pigeon shooting.
There's nothing more masculine than a man with a gun so why not try your aim at some clay pigeon shooting? Don't worry no animals will be harmed during this activity, maybe just a few dented ego's.
Surfing.
Dude! What could be more fun than learning to ride a wave with your friends? OK yes if it was in Hawaii it would me much nicer but newquay gets very warm in the summer!
Off roading.
Driving, getting dirty and having fun. Need I say more?
Paintballing.
Probably the most fun anyone can have with a mask on. Paintballing is brilliant for large groups and gives you the satisfaction of shooting at your friends when they don't know it's you! Just remember that being hit with a paintball will cause a bruise which could take a while to heal so whatever you do don't go paintballing the weekend before your big day!
Canoeing.
Water, canoes, adrenaline. Try to fight against the current whilst staying upright and staying in one piece. Not as easy as it looks!
Fishing.
For those who want a more quiet and peaceful stag do then try fishing. You can get on a boat, head out to sea and sit for hours chatting with your friends whilst waiting for a catch. Perfect.
If you're feeling really adventurous you could go abroad for your stag do. Nothing says “my last weekend of freedom” like Amsterdam. Or you could simply have a good pub crawl, possibly with the odd entertainment thrown in for good measure. Just make sure you are sober enough to walk down the aisle the next day. What ever you decide to do make sure that everyone is clear of what is expected of them. If you have delegated invitations to someone, make sure they've done it. If someone is in charge of hiring the transport e.g. coach service, bus or taxi's, remind them to do it. Good planning will make a perfect day and that's what a groom needs on his stag do.
Stag parties are, as far as the groom is concerned, one of the best bits about getting married. They get to spend quality time with their mates before saying the big “I do”. For some men its a last attempt at freedom and for others its merely an excuse to have an amazing time! Either way men on a stag do are a force to be reckoned with.
If you are planning a stag do for someone and are having trouble with ideas why not take inspiration here.
A track day.
All men love cars and most men adore fast cars. So why not spend the day racing one? You can race the car of your dreams and not have to pay the huge price tag! Just be careful when you drive home though.
Go karting.
Why not race against all the other members of your party and beat them hands down at go karting! This is ideal for large groups as you can have different heats and race the winners.
Clay pigeon shooting.
There's nothing more masculine than a man with a gun so why not try your aim at some clay pigeon shooting? Don't worry no animals will be harmed during this activity, maybe just a few dented ego's.
Surfing.
Dude! What could be more fun than learning to ride a wave with your friends? OK yes if it was in Hawaii it would me much nicer but newquay gets very warm in the summer!
Off roading.
Driving, getting dirty and having fun. Need I say more?
Paintballing.
Probably the most fun anyone can have with a mask on. Paintballing is brilliant for large groups and gives you the satisfaction of shooting at your friends when they don't know it's you! Just remember that being hit with a paintball will cause a bruise which could take a while to heal so whatever you do don't go paintballing the weekend before your big day!
Canoeing.
Water, canoes, adrenaline. Try to fight against the current whilst staying upright and staying in one piece. Not as easy as it looks!
Fishing.
For those who want a more quiet and peaceful stag do then try fishing. You can get on a boat, head out to sea and sit for hours chatting with your friends whilst waiting for a catch. Perfect.
If you're feeling really adventurous you could go abroad for your stag do. Nothing says “my last weekend of freedom” like Amsterdam. Or you could simply have a good pub crawl, possibly with the odd entertainment thrown in for good measure. Just make sure you are sober enough to walk down the aisle the next day. What ever you decide to do make sure that everyone is clear of what is expected of them. If you have delegated invitations to someone, make sure they've done it. If someone is in charge of hiring the transport e.g. coach service, bus or taxi's, remind them to do it. Good planning will make a perfect day and that's what a groom needs on his stag do.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
A-Z In Wedding Planning
by Amy nutt
Many brides become exhausted and nervous before the wedding, because they fear that things are not going to go as planned. They worry about tripping over their gown, falling on their shoes, messing up their make-up, but most of all, they worry that they have forgotten something in the planning stages. In order to alleviate those fears, the bride and anyone who is helping with the planning can follow some tips to prevent anything from going wrong.
• Invest in a wedding planner book - available in all bookstores.
• Make a list of everything you need to do and at what stage of the planning process. This will depend upon the amount of time between the commencement of your engagement and the wedding. The more time you have, the less stressful the planning will be.
• Don't make the mistake of thinking you can do everything. Enlist the help of any friends and family who offer. Encourage your fiancé to join you in the planning process, especially with the guest list. It is his wedding, too, so he should not be exempt from helping with the decision-making.
• As you complete each task, cross it off your list and go on to the next thing. Remember to have a list of things that need to be completed before the wedding, as well as a list for those things you wish to confirm a few days before the wedding.
• If you're planning to have a band instead of just a disc jockey, allow enough time for auditions, unless you have heard the band. You don't want to hire someone who advertises a good price and then find out they do not play the music you want or are amateurish and not quite ready for professional gigs. You want to pay for talent, not someone who is just learning to perform.
It is difficult work to plan a wedding, but the more time you have to plan it, the less stressful it will be. Even if you have been dating for a long time and are in a hurry to make everything legal, don't rush into marriage. Enjoy your engagement and allow yourselves an opportunity to carefully plan your wedding. By taking your time instead of rushing, you stand less chance of forgetting something, and you can take your time obtaining quotes and locating all of the things you need for your wedding.
For wedding planning ideas, the Internet is a great source of information. In lieu of a wedding planner, many sites offer complete wedding planning without the expense of someone planning the event for you. You can buy everything from invitations to decorations and even wedding attire. In addition, you can plan your wedding trip and not even have to leave your home. That makes the process more relaxing, less tiresome, and allows you to plan everything when you are free to do so without worrying about store hours. Planning your wedding online leaves you with little to do in person except for choosing your dress and confirming deliveries such as flowers, food, and even the photographer.
Many brides become exhausted and nervous before the wedding, because they fear that things are not going to go as planned. They worry about tripping over their gown, falling on their shoes, messing up their make-up, but most of all, they worry that they have forgotten something in the planning stages. In order to alleviate those fears, the bride and anyone who is helping with the planning can follow some tips to prevent anything from going wrong.
• Invest in a wedding planner book - available in all bookstores.
• Make a list of everything you need to do and at what stage of the planning process. This will depend upon the amount of time between the commencement of your engagement and the wedding. The more time you have, the less stressful the planning will be.
• Don't make the mistake of thinking you can do everything. Enlist the help of any friends and family who offer. Encourage your fiancé to join you in the planning process, especially with the guest list. It is his wedding, too, so he should not be exempt from helping with the decision-making.
• As you complete each task, cross it off your list and go on to the next thing. Remember to have a list of things that need to be completed before the wedding, as well as a list for those things you wish to confirm a few days before the wedding.
• If you're planning to have a band instead of just a disc jockey, allow enough time for auditions, unless you have heard the band. You don't want to hire someone who advertises a good price and then find out they do not play the music you want or are amateurish and not quite ready for professional gigs. You want to pay for talent, not someone who is just learning to perform.
It is difficult work to plan a wedding, but the more time you have to plan it, the less stressful it will be. Even if you have been dating for a long time and are in a hurry to make everything legal, don't rush into marriage. Enjoy your engagement and allow yourselves an opportunity to carefully plan your wedding. By taking your time instead of rushing, you stand less chance of forgetting something, and you can take your time obtaining quotes and locating all of the things you need for your wedding.
For wedding planning ideas, the Internet is a great source of information. In lieu of a wedding planner, many sites offer complete wedding planning without the expense of someone planning the event for you. You can buy everything from invitations to decorations and even wedding attire. In addition, you can plan your wedding trip and not even have to leave your home. That makes the process more relaxing, less tiresome, and allows you to plan everything when you are free to do so without worrying about store hours. Planning your wedding online leaves you with little to do in person except for choosing your dress and confirming deliveries such as flowers, food, and even the photographer.
Wedding Planning: A Must To Cherish The Memories Forever
Congratulations! Finally you are all set to enter into the wedlock. You have already finalized the date and now you are gearing up to plan your wedding ceremony. And I know, you want the occasion to be the best occasion of your life. For that you don't want to leave anything with imperfection. A wedding planning with assistance of a reputed wedding planner would be of great help in your quest to make your wedding an unforgettable event for not only you and your spouse but all guests.
The first and the foremost thing is to decide what kind of wedding you are planning for yourself. You must be clear about the theme that you would love to assign to your wedding.
Once you are clear about the theme of wedding you need to do your bridal preparation accordingly. Your wedding gown, your shoes and your make up all must gel with the theme. You can visit bridal stores to fetch out all that a bride needs on the occasion.
A theme wedding requires you to choose a venue that could be helpful in actualization of the theme that you have chosen for your wedding.
At the time of planning you would also decide on the type of floral arrangement on the venue. For that you may seek assistance of a florist having expertise in extending wedding services. For a theme wedding you are also needed to be very specific about the bridal bouquet. Orders must be given in advance.
Your groom's outfit preparations should also go hand in hand with your preparations. Your wedding planning also includes the number of guests that you would love to invite and accordingly you need to order invitation card. Seeing expected number of guests you should decide on reception and wedding return favors that you would offer to departing guests.
Decision on a wedding cake perfectly suited to the customized wedding is a difficult task. For that you will have to wander from one confectionery to another. Choose a cake that is in consonance with the personalized theme of wedding.
All wedding accessories must be shopped in advance at least two or three days prior the wedding.
However you must plan your wedding as per you budget so that you may not fall short of finances in the midst of preparations. If you really want the memory of your wedding to be cherished by your guests, you need to be very attentive towards pettiest things of the occasion. Music that goes well with the occasion and a beautiful wedding ambiance can add to the beauty and elegance of your marriage. A wedding poem or a beautifully sculpted wedding speech could turn on your guests.
I suggest you to plan out the best for your wedding. A well planned wedding would result in a perfect wedding ambiance with every thing perfect around. And I am sure you would love to get back to your past to enjoy beauty of your wedding moments.
The first and the foremost thing is to decide what kind of wedding you are planning for yourself. You must be clear about the theme that you would love to assign to your wedding.
Once you are clear about the theme of wedding you need to do your bridal preparation accordingly. Your wedding gown, your shoes and your make up all must gel with the theme. You can visit bridal stores to fetch out all that a bride needs on the occasion.
A theme wedding requires you to choose a venue that could be helpful in actualization of the theme that you have chosen for your wedding.
At the time of planning you would also decide on the type of floral arrangement on the venue. For that you may seek assistance of a florist having expertise in extending wedding services. For a theme wedding you are also needed to be very specific about the bridal bouquet. Orders must be given in advance.
Your groom's outfit preparations should also go hand in hand with your preparations. Your wedding planning also includes the number of guests that you would love to invite and accordingly you need to order invitation card. Seeing expected number of guests you should decide on reception and wedding return favors that you would offer to departing guests.
Decision on a wedding cake perfectly suited to the customized wedding is a difficult task. For that you will have to wander from one confectionery to another. Choose a cake that is in consonance with the personalized theme of wedding.
All wedding accessories must be shopped in advance at least two or three days prior the wedding.
However you must plan your wedding as per you budget so that you may not fall short of finances in the midst of preparations. If you really want the memory of your wedding to be cherished by your guests, you need to be very attentive towards pettiest things of the occasion. Music that goes well with the occasion and a beautiful wedding ambiance can add to the beauty and elegance of your marriage. A wedding poem or a beautifully sculpted wedding speech could turn on your guests.
I suggest you to plan out the best for your wedding. A well planned wedding would result in a perfect wedding ambiance with every thing perfect around. And I am sure you would love to get back to your past to enjoy beauty of your wedding moments.
Unique Wedding Venues - Wet, Wild & Wacky
By Shari Hearn
Want to get married in a unique wedding location that is as unique as the two of you? Forget the same-ol'-same-'ol venue and go for something wet, wild or wacky.
Wet
You have many choices when it comes to water weddings. You can have a submarine wedding in Hawaii, a snorkeling wedding in the Caribbean, or a wedding on a tall ship in Chicago. Or, you can push the envelope just a little bit further and go for something truly unique - a wedding in the world’s only underwater hotel.
The Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida is truly underwater, with guests having to scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea and enter through an opening in the bottom of the lodge. Wedding ceremonies are held inside the lodge, which consists of a wet room entrance area, two bedrooms and a common room, which is a combination kitchen, dining and living room area. Imagine having your honeymoon underwater, snuggled in your bed while watching the fish pass by your window.
Your wedding ceremony is conducted by a notary public, who dives down for the service, followed by a toast and the cutting of the cake, which, yes, has remained dry. For dinner you are offered a caviar appetizer and choice of two entrees, either lobster or steak and a hearts of palm salad and dessert. Your meal is prepared by a chef who scuba dives to the lodge. The chef will also scuba dive to the lodge the following morning and prepare breakfast. The Jules’ Undersea Lodge wedding is perfect for those who wish to elope to an unusual location.
The cost for the Jules’ Undersea Lodge is $1,495 plus tax. If you have any extra guests attending the wedding you will be charged an additional $60 per guest. Call (305) 451-2353 for more information.
Wild
What could be more wild than a shotgun wedding or a wedding at a haunted hotel?
With a wedding and honeymoon in Oatman, Arizona, you get both. Where's Oatman, you ask? It's an historic ghost town 20 miles southeast of Laughlin, Nevada, formerly a thriving mining town during the gold rush. Oatman today is a tourist town with daily wild west shootouts and shotgun weddings. Oatman is also where you'll find the Oatman Hotel, where, in 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night.
It's said the Oatman Hotel is haunted by numerous spirits, including, some say, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, a former chambermaid and an Irish miner who once lived there. It's said staff and guests of the hotel have heard the spirits of Gable and Lombard laughing from their honeymoon room. There are also reports of the sound of bagpipes coming from the room of the Irish miner, whose spirit is referred to as "Oatie"
For information regarding shotgun weddings, you can call 928-768-8063 or 928-768-3839. For reservations to The Oatman Hotel you can call 928-768-4408.
Another wedding venue which many consider haunted is Thayer's Historic Bed and Breakfast in Annandale, Minnesota, which is owned by a psychic, Sharon Gammell. Thayer's specializes in interactive mystery dinners, ghost huntings, psychic readings and small weddings, which, if you choose, can be officiated by Gammell. Built in 1895, Thayer's Historic Bed and Breakfast is said to be the home of several ghosts, including the original owners, Caroline and Gus Thayer and some of their friends. And, for you cat lovers, Thayer's is also the home of three resident ghost cats (as well as some living cats).
Annandale is just a little over an hour's drive from the Twin Cities International Airport. For more information call 800-944-6595.
Wacky
For one of the wackiest wedding experiences, try Star Trek the Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, where you can have your ceremony on the Bridge of the USS Enterprise 1701-D. You minister will perform your wedding ceremony dressed in Starfleet outfits while intergalactic wedding music plays in the background. Depending on the Wedding package you choose, you can have your choice of one to three Star Trek characters present at your wedding: Klingon, Ferengi or BORG.
You can also choose to have your wedding reception inside Quark's Bar or the Captain's Lounge, depending on the size of your wedding party. You can have your choice of different reception menus, but I'd definitely go for the Romulan Warbird, which is a marinated chicken breast served with wild rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. Wedding cakes come with the Star Trek logo on them.
Hopefully some of the above wedding ideas will either appeal to you, or get you thinking about other creative and unique ways to celebrate your wedding. Maybe wet, wild and wacky weddings aren't your thing. Maybe eloping to Hawaii or Las Vegas is what you want. Whatever you decide to do, make it special.
Want to get married in a unique wedding location that is as unique as the two of you? Forget the same-ol'-same-'ol venue and go for something wet, wild or wacky.
Wet
You have many choices when it comes to water weddings. You can have a submarine wedding in Hawaii, a snorkeling wedding in the Caribbean, or a wedding on a tall ship in Chicago. Or, you can push the envelope just a little bit further and go for something truly unique - a wedding in the world’s only underwater hotel.
The Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida is truly underwater, with guests having to scuba dive 21 feet beneath the surface of the sea and enter through an opening in the bottom of the lodge. Wedding ceremonies are held inside the lodge, which consists of a wet room entrance area, two bedrooms and a common room, which is a combination kitchen, dining and living room area. Imagine having your honeymoon underwater, snuggled in your bed while watching the fish pass by your window.
Your wedding ceremony is conducted by a notary public, who dives down for the service, followed by a toast and the cutting of the cake, which, yes, has remained dry. For dinner you are offered a caviar appetizer and choice of two entrees, either lobster or steak and a hearts of palm salad and dessert. Your meal is prepared by a chef who scuba dives to the lodge. The chef will also scuba dive to the lodge the following morning and prepare breakfast. The Jules’ Undersea Lodge wedding is perfect for those who wish to elope to an unusual location.
The cost for the Jules’ Undersea Lodge is $1,495 plus tax. If you have any extra guests attending the wedding you will be charged an additional $60 per guest. Call (305) 451-2353 for more information.
Wild
What could be more wild than a shotgun wedding or a wedding at a haunted hotel?
With a wedding and honeymoon in Oatman, Arizona, you get both. Where's Oatman, you ask? It's an historic ghost town 20 miles southeast of Laughlin, Nevada, formerly a thriving mining town during the gold rush. Oatman today is a tourist town with daily wild west shootouts and shotgun weddings. Oatman is also where you'll find the Oatman Hotel, where, in 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night.
It's said the Oatman Hotel is haunted by numerous spirits, including, some say, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, a former chambermaid and an Irish miner who once lived there. It's said staff and guests of the hotel have heard the spirits of Gable and Lombard laughing from their honeymoon room. There are also reports of the sound of bagpipes coming from the room of the Irish miner, whose spirit is referred to as "Oatie"
For information regarding shotgun weddings, you can call 928-768-8063 or 928-768-3839. For reservations to The Oatman Hotel you can call 928-768-4408.
Another wedding venue which many consider haunted is Thayer's Historic Bed and Breakfast in Annandale, Minnesota, which is owned by a psychic, Sharon Gammell. Thayer's specializes in interactive mystery dinners, ghost huntings, psychic readings and small weddings, which, if you choose, can be officiated by Gammell. Built in 1895, Thayer's Historic Bed and Breakfast is said to be the home of several ghosts, including the original owners, Caroline and Gus Thayer and some of their friends. And, for you cat lovers, Thayer's is also the home of three resident ghost cats (as well as some living cats).
Annandale is just a little over an hour's drive from the Twin Cities International Airport. For more information call 800-944-6595.
Wacky
For one of the wackiest wedding experiences, try Star Trek the Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton, where you can have your ceremony on the Bridge of the USS Enterprise 1701-D. You minister will perform your wedding ceremony dressed in Starfleet outfits while intergalactic wedding music plays in the background. Depending on the Wedding package you choose, you can have your choice of one to three Star Trek characters present at your wedding: Klingon, Ferengi or BORG.
You can also choose to have your wedding reception inside Quark's Bar or the Captain's Lounge, depending on the size of your wedding party. You can have your choice of different reception menus, but I'd definitely go for the Romulan Warbird, which is a marinated chicken breast served with wild rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables. Wedding cakes come with the Star Trek logo on them.
Hopefully some of the above wedding ideas will either appeal to you, or get you thinking about other creative and unique ways to celebrate your wedding. Maybe wet, wild and wacky weddings aren't your thing. Maybe eloping to Hawaii or Las Vegas is what you want. Whatever you decide to do, make it special.
Hawaii Weddings
Can you imagine anything more romantic than Hawaii weddings? Just thinking about tying the knot in paradise makes many people rush out to make it happen. How should you go about doing this? If you are interested in having a wedding in Hawaii than this is the article you need to read. In this article we will cover how to plan the perfect Hawaii weddings, and how to get the most out of having a wedding in Hawaii. Make no mistake after reading this article you will know everything you need to know about Hawaii weddings.
The Internet will provide you with all of the resources you need when it come to Hawaii weddings. You should first start with a search for a local wedding planner. They will have experience in booking reservations and flights to the island. If you are feeling adventurous you can always book the flight yourself online as well as the hotel reservations. Make sure that the hotel will have openings when you want to go, Hawaiian hotels book up months in advance so you may want to start your search there.
If you are budget conscious than maybe planning your nuptials around air fare deals and off-tourist times would be the best solution for you. Mid-April through Mid-June is considered off-season for Hawaii and is the prime time for deals on hotels and flights to the island. The weather is also the most beautiful during this time in Hawaii most tourist don’t get to experience this because they visit during the high season from mid-December to March. You can find great deals all over the island if you plan ahead. Who wouldn’t want a June wedding in Hawaii?
If you are taking a group of people with you, try and find a hotel that will give you a discount for the volume of your party. During the off-season you should have no trouble finding a hotel that can accommodate the number of guests in your party. You may have to book between to hotels depending on how many people are in your party. Whatever you do make it a point to find out in advance and have all confirmation emails well in advance of your trip. It would also be in a good idea to call the hotel and double-check your reservations while you’re at the airport.
Most hotels will have a “wedding package” including a place to hold the ceremony. This is the best option for many people, as the hotel will provide all of the food, beverages and even staff to make the day incredible. If this isn’t a concern for you, then perhaps a simple beach ceremony with a local justice of the peace is in order. Call in advance to find a J.O.P. that is willing to accommodate your request.
Hawaii weddings are truly special. This article covered how to plan the perfect Hawaii weddings, and how to get the most out of having a wedding in Hawaii. Now that you have read this article you know everything you need to know about Hawaii weddings.
BY Elle Wood
Friday, June 19, 2009
How to Plan a Green Wedding
Sure, green weddings are all the rage, but you'll need to go the extra mile to make yours stand apart from the rest.
Green Weddings – Things to Consider:
Simplify
The overarching theme here should be simplification. There are eco-friendly versions of most wedding products, but the best option is usually to forego the items altogether. Reuse wherever possible - and save not only resources, but cash too.
Weigh the expenses
That said, some items you just can't live without, and usually the green version is more expensive than the original. You'll need to factor this into your wedding budget. To keep your budget in check, determine which areas you're willing to spend more on for a good cause (i.e. organic cuisine), and where you can save to make up for that added expense (i.e. forego the wedding dress or favors). This wedding budget guide offers even more budgeting advice
Patronize
Many new companies have entered the growing green weddings market. Before booking your vendors, check out businesses that claim to provide green services and confirm that they really do.
Inform
One green turn deserves another. Let your guests know the steps you've taken to plan your green wedding, and show them that an elegant event doesn't have to be harmful to the environment. Who knows, many of your guests may be inspired to do the same.
All in the Details – Green Wedding Ideas
Invitations & Stationery
1. Recycle - use recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber – such as hemp or bamboo. Check out these resources for an array of custom, recycled papers: Custompaper.com or JamPaper.com
2. Splurge on calligraphy – calligraphy may cost more, but it saves inks, toners, solvents and chemicals involved in printing.
3. Condense – save trees by minimizing inserts and other paper products. Always print on front and back, and try to fit it all on one sheet.
4. Go completely green – send all correspondence via email. The etiquette gods may swoon – but if you're dead set on being green, electronic mailings are the most earth friendly way to go.
Location
1. Rent for a cause - find a venue that will benefit from your site rental fee – such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization. Confirm how that venue will use your fee.
2. Go outside - a beach, the woods, gardens – they all make an ideal setting for a green wedding (just be sure to leave it as you found it).
3. Find a green venue - some venues are demonstrating a commitment to saving water and energy, reducing waste, or serving locally grown/organic menus. Check out these resources for green minded venues:
- Green Hotels Association (www.greenhotels.com)
- Green Seal (www.greenseal.com)
Décor Elements
1. Use candlelight – not only are candles energy efficient, they also create a soft romantic glow for an elegant reception. Better yet, look for soy candles - they're cleaner and longer burning since they're made from a renewable resource.
2. Use bamboo – one of the most sustainable materials on earth, bamboo is an eco-friendly décor option with an organic, modern feel. Use bamboo stalks for centerpieces or other décor elements.
Flowers
1. Think double duty – invite your ceremony arrangements to the reception! You can use them to decorate your cake or gift table – you'll waste less and save money doing it.
2. Buy organic, locally grown blooms – organic flowers are grown in an environmentally friendly way, without pesticides.
Getting locally grown ones will save the fuel burned from transporting the flowers. If you can't find a local florist who can provide organic blooms, order yours from OrganicBouquet.com
3. Conserve cut flowers – using cut flowers just once is a waste. See if you can share yours with another wedding taking place on the same day.
4. Skip cut flowers altogether – top your tables with potted arrangements for guests to take and plant in their yards after the wedding.
Menu
1. Think organic – ensure that you, your guests and the staff won't be exposed to pesticides. Many caterers specialize in organic foods, and almost any caterer can provide an organic menu if you ask them.
2. Think local – if you're concerned about the cost involved in a completely organic menu, go local instead. Serving locally grown food eliminates fuel reliance and supports local farmers. Check out Localharvest.org or Localfoodworks.org to find farmers markets, farms and other sources of local food.
3. Reuse utensils – find a caterer who recycles materials and/or uses linen and china instead of disposables.
4. Donate the leftovers – work with your caterer to send leftovers to a food shelter or other organization.
Cake
1. Sub ingredients – have your baker use organic and/or local sugar, flour, butter and eggs. Some bakers even specialize in organic cakes.
Attire
1. Go secondhand – a used gown reduces fuels used in creating a new one.
2. Get green fibers – natural fibers like silk and organic cotton are better for the environment than synthetic ones.
3. Go couture – if your wallet can afford it, couture gowns are usually made from natural fabrics.
4. Donate – provide a green gown decision for another bride when you give or sell yours after the wedding.
Favors
Avoid wasteful trinkets - donate to a charity in the name of your guests
Transportation
1. Limit long distance travel – have the wedding in a location where few guests will have to fly to get there.
2.Walk - host your room block, ceremony and reception at the same site – or within walking distance
3. Carpool – organize car pools for your guests in hybrid vehicles
4. Getaway in low emission style – get creative and use a non-motorized vehicle for your final sendoff – bikes, horseback, sleds, skates, wagons, or any old school conveyance will do.
Other Green Ideas
The truth is – no matter how great your green intentions are, most weddings have a huge environmental impact from the fuel used transporting your guests – via car or plane – to your wedding. Since this is extremely difficult to avoid, the "greenest" brides are purchasing carbon offsets to reduce their wedding's footprint.
How it works: calculate the mileage guests will travel, and offset their carbon dioxide emissions by donating to programs that plant trees or preserve rain forests. TerraPass.com is a website that does this for you – you enter your wedding details, and the site calculates your footprint, charges you accordingly, and then invests the money for you in energy saving technologies.
Article Author:
Cori Russell of Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine
Green Weddings – Things to Consider:
Simplify
The overarching theme here should be simplification. There are eco-friendly versions of most wedding products, but the best option is usually to forego the items altogether. Reuse wherever possible - and save not only resources, but cash too.
Weigh the expenses
That said, some items you just can't live without, and usually the green version is more expensive than the original. You'll need to factor this into your wedding budget. To keep your budget in check, determine which areas you're willing to spend more on for a good cause (i.e. organic cuisine), and where you can save to make up for that added expense (i.e. forego the wedding dress or favors). This wedding budget guide offers even more budgeting advice
Patronize
Many new companies have entered the growing green weddings market. Before booking your vendors, check out businesses that claim to provide green services and confirm that they really do.
Inform
One green turn deserves another. Let your guests know the steps you've taken to plan your green wedding, and show them that an elegant event doesn't have to be harmful to the environment. Who knows, many of your guests may be inspired to do the same.
All in the Details – Green Wedding Ideas
Invitations & Stationery
1. Recycle - use recycled paper or paper made from alternative fiber – such as hemp or bamboo. Check out these resources for an array of custom, recycled papers: Custompaper.com or JamPaper.com
2. Splurge on calligraphy – calligraphy may cost more, but it saves inks, toners, solvents and chemicals involved in printing.
3. Condense – save trees by minimizing inserts and other paper products. Always print on front and back, and try to fit it all on one sheet.
4. Go completely green – send all correspondence via email. The etiquette gods may swoon – but if you're dead set on being green, electronic mailings are the most earth friendly way to go.
Location
1. Rent for a cause - find a venue that will benefit from your site rental fee – such as a museum, gallery or other cultural organization. Confirm how that venue will use your fee.
2. Go outside - a beach, the woods, gardens – they all make an ideal setting for a green wedding (just be sure to leave it as you found it).
3. Find a green venue - some venues are demonstrating a commitment to saving water and energy, reducing waste, or serving locally grown/organic menus. Check out these resources for green minded venues:
- Green Hotels Association (www.greenhotels.com)
- Green Seal (www.greenseal.com)
Décor Elements
1. Use candlelight – not only are candles energy efficient, they also create a soft romantic glow for an elegant reception. Better yet, look for soy candles - they're cleaner and longer burning since they're made from a renewable resource.
2. Use bamboo – one of the most sustainable materials on earth, bamboo is an eco-friendly décor option with an organic, modern feel. Use bamboo stalks for centerpieces or other décor elements.
Flowers
1. Think double duty – invite your ceremony arrangements to the reception! You can use them to decorate your cake or gift table – you'll waste less and save money doing it.
2. Buy organic, locally grown blooms – organic flowers are grown in an environmentally friendly way, without pesticides.
Getting locally grown ones will save the fuel burned from transporting the flowers. If you can't find a local florist who can provide organic blooms, order yours from OrganicBouquet.com
3. Conserve cut flowers – using cut flowers just once is a waste. See if you can share yours with another wedding taking place on the same day.
4. Skip cut flowers altogether – top your tables with potted arrangements for guests to take and plant in their yards after the wedding.
Menu
1. Think organic – ensure that you, your guests and the staff won't be exposed to pesticides. Many caterers specialize in organic foods, and almost any caterer can provide an organic menu if you ask them.
2. Think local – if you're concerned about the cost involved in a completely organic menu, go local instead. Serving locally grown food eliminates fuel reliance and supports local farmers. Check out Localharvest.org or Localfoodworks.org to find farmers markets, farms and other sources of local food.
3. Reuse utensils – find a caterer who recycles materials and/or uses linen and china instead of disposables.
4. Donate the leftovers – work with your caterer to send leftovers to a food shelter or other organization.
Cake
1. Sub ingredients – have your baker use organic and/or local sugar, flour, butter and eggs. Some bakers even specialize in organic cakes.
Attire
1. Go secondhand – a used gown reduces fuels used in creating a new one.
2. Get green fibers – natural fibers like silk and organic cotton are better for the environment than synthetic ones.
3. Go couture – if your wallet can afford it, couture gowns are usually made from natural fabrics.
4. Donate – provide a green gown decision for another bride when you give or sell yours after the wedding.
Favors
Avoid wasteful trinkets - donate to a charity in the name of your guests
Transportation
1. Limit long distance travel – have the wedding in a location where few guests will have to fly to get there.
2.Walk - host your room block, ceremony and reception at the same site – or within walking distance
3. Carpool – organize car pools for your guests in hybrid vehicles
4. Getaway in low emission style – get creative and use a non-motorized vehicle for your final sendoff – bikes, horseback, sleds, skates, wagons, or any old school conveyance will do.
Other Green Ideas
The truth is – no matter how great your green intentions are, most weddings have a huge environmental impact from the fuel used transporting your guests – via car or plane – to your wedding. Since this is extremely difficult to avoid, the "greenest" brides are purchasing carbon offsets to reduce their wedding's footprint.
How it works: calculate the mileage guests will travel, and offset their carbon dioxide emissions by donating to programs that plant trees or preserve rain forests. TerraPass.com
Article Author:
Cori Russell of Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
