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Wedding Theme Ideas

  • August 25, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Selecting a wedding theme is a very personal decision for a couple. A wedding theme is typically a reflection of something about the couple and can be over the top or just simple, creative details. Whether a couple would like to have a unique theme or a traditional feel, there are many different options for wedding themes that can fit the personality of any couple.

Beach Themes

Beach themes are some of the most traditional themes but it is not all about beach balls and sand. Classy ocean blues and greens for your colors, along with white candles sitting in hurricane glass with sand and tiny shells and attire that matches this relaxed theme is often a favorite. Using unique décor appropriate to your venue is important. If your wedding is in a traditional church, your beach theme is best carried out in your reception. If you have selected a seaside outdoor venue, then sandals, simple, breezy bridesmaids dresses and tropical flowers wrapped with tulle ribbons is a great place to start your theme.

Alma Mater

Many couples who meet in college often wish to have their alma mater play a strong part in their wedding day. Doing this tactfully when your mascot is a possum and your colors may be brown and gold can be tough, but there are lots of options for adding a little piece of your history as a couple in to your special day. Consider not destroying the color pallet you’ve had in mind since day one of wedding planning by using alma mater colors at a minimum, such as an insignia of the schools name written in white on your cake or using the school song as your entry song to your reception.

Environmentally Friendly

Going green is a trend growing in popularity. It is incredibly versatile and customizable to any bride and groom. From selecting environmentally friendly bird seed to throw on the happy couple as they exit the church to only using locally grown flowers and food, the options for going green can make a statement or be an underlying intent by the couple. An additional benefit to going green is that at times there can be a cost benefit to the products you select by choosing environmentally conscious, local resources.

Color Themes

Using a favorite color sprinkled on each and everything including drinks, napkins, dessert and tableware, can be a unique way to express something that is a signature to you. If you’re known to friends and family as being the queen of pink, it might not be your husband-to-be’s favorite way to celebrate his wedding day so be conscious of this. If you are set on tinting the frosting of your cake pink, then a chocolate frosted grooms cake may be a great compromise.

Selecting a wedding theme idea should be one of the more exciting parts of your wedding planning process that should definitely involve both the bride and the groom. Much of the remaining planning hinges from this single decision. Whether you are planning to go traditional with your wedding theme or you wish to show off your personality, there are many creative wedding theme ideas to choose from.

Puzzle Wedding Rings

  • August 25, 2009 at 2:29 pm

Couples who are looking for a unique ring style should consider puzzle wedding rings. These rings are typically created from multiple interlocking bands that can only be re-assembled one way. Puzzle wedding rings have an old history of being given by grooms to their new brides as reassurance that they would never take their rings off without being caught because the ring was thought to be far too complicated to be put back together. Today the rings are more of a unique and elegant option- and they also fortunately come with written or even video instructions for re-assembling the bands.

Choosing and Purchasing Puzzle Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

When shopping for puzzle wedding rings, a couple can choose to have puzzle wedding bands or even a puzzle engagement ring. The engagement ring can come in options that range from delicate and elegant looking rings that hardly look as if they are separate, interlocking pieces to ones that have more modern, clean lines which will make someone look twice at how the ring is designed. The wedding bands can be designed to match with sleek, shiny metals, or etched designs. How complicated the puzzle is can also vary, from three or four bands, all the way up to as much as sixteen bands.

Many ring settings are available for purchase through the internet. Some of the engagement ring settings will require specific shapes and sizes for the selected gemstone so if a bride has her heart set on particular stone; it would be advisable to consult with a jeweler prior to making a purchase.

Styles of Puzzle Wedding rings

Puzzle wedding rings come in the same metal types, sizes and colors as most other engagement ring or wedding band set. What makes them unique is the variety of shapes and colors that can be used in the ring design. A sterling silver ring with two bands and a band of yellow gold through the middle is a simple option while still integrating multiple metals. Selecting a ring designed with white gold and a

Couples can find puzzle wedding ring styles that integrate multiple metals, such as yellow gold, sterling silver and gold that is colored to appear darker or lighter than the yellow gold band, creating an interesting and unique look. Bands can have gemstones incorporated into their design. Some ring styles also have symbolic figures that may be important to a couple, such as interlocking hands or linked hearts. Depending on the jeweler, a customized option may be possible if there is a specific item a couple would like to incorporate in their ring design.

For couples that would like to capture their unique relationship, selecting puzzle wedding rings is a perfect choice. Puzzle rings can be customized and designed to suit a couple’s individual style while there are many other varieties readily available from a jeweler. One thing to keep in mind is to inquire about the care and maintenance of the rings which will vary depending on the style, as well as knowing where you can get duplicate instructions for re-assembling your rings in the event you misplace the original directions.

Western Wedding Dresses

  • August 25, 2009 at 2:28 pm

When a couple chooses a western theme for their wedding and reception, the options for a bridal gown can range from the unexpected denim cut to the corseted version that looks like it’s straight out of an antique old west photograph. The availability and wide range of western wedding dresses has created many different options for a bride. Whether the ceremony will be traditional or all out western, the perfect gown with a flattering cut will make the theme more authentic and genuine.

Western Elements

Finding elements of a dress that makes it western can be difficult, especially if a bride is trying to describe her western wedding gown request to a retail bridal clerk or a professional dress maker. Western wedding gowns typically have silhouettes marked with a fitted bodice and long skirt that is often straight or flared at the bottom. Corset styled bodices are some of the most popular western versions, along with halter necklines. The use of beading and lace primarily on the bodice and near the neckline is also a hallmark of western style wedding dresses. A waistline marked with beading, rhinestones or lace trim is also typical for western gowns.

The use of lace is popular in western wedding gowns. A wide brimmed hat accompanied with a traditional lace gown that is off the shoulder or long sleeved offers a perfect western look. A gown not quite floor length or one which is ankle length with a short, gathered train is typical of traditional western gowns. Also, cutouts near the neckline are traditional for western dress styles.

Untraditional Cowgirls

Going for an untraditional western look can be easier than you think. For the cowgirls that hate to break from their denim jeans, entire lines of bridal looks are available in denim. These gowns can be studded with rhinestones, silver embellishments or lace, just like any other wedding gown, but with denim material, the relaxed but hardworking feeling of the west shines through.

Western Accessories

Adding a veil to a cowgirl hat isn’t unique but it isn’t necessarily required for a western look. Western veils are typically fingertip length or shorter and very full. Accompanying the tulle veil with a nice embellished hair comb, tiara or headpiece will complete the look of your western wedding gown. Cowgirl boots are a must have- but nobody said they had to be white. There are hundreds of colors and designs to select from including rhinestone studded or purple colored leather. A fun pair of boots can be a great purchase that can be used after your western wedding as well.

Choosing a western wedding theme can show off the fun and relaxed side of any couple. Carrying out a western theme with a perfect wedding dress will make the atmosphere more authentic for you and your guests. Finding a traditional dress with several of the usual western elements such as lace or a fitted bodice can also be an understated and elegant way to carry out a western theme.

Ethnic Wedding Rings

  • August 25, 2009 at 2:27 pm

With the many cultural backgrounds throughout the world, the use of ethnic wedding rings for couples is an option to honor a particular ancestry or even a way to highlight a culture that is of interest to a couple. The detailing in various ethnic wedding rings creates a unique design for a couple that can also depict meaning and tradition. Whether a couple would like to honor their heritage or simply choose a meaningful ring, there are many styles, designs and cultural traditions that can be featured with ethnic wedding bands.

History of Ethnic Rings

The expectation of nearly any wedding ring regardless of the ethnicity is that it represents the commitment of a couple. Most wedding ring traditions originated in Europe. Wedding rings are primarily worn on the left hand but some cultures use their right handed ring fingers including countries such as Germany, Poland and Peru. In some countries the appropriate hand depends on the religious denomination, such as in the Netherlands, most couples wear their wedding bands on their right hand except for Catholic couples who wear the rings on their left hand. The Hindu religion actually forgoes a ring on any finger, and instead, women wear a toe ring.

Features of Ethnic Rings

The use of three is very common in ethnic rings. For example, Russian wedding bands are typically created from multiple bands using different metals such as yellow gold, white and a rose colored metal. The French often featured woven bands that can range from plain to ornate. The rings are intended to stand for faith, love and hope, the traditional virtues of the Christian faith.

Turkey is said to be the country originating puzzle wedding rings. The idea was to make multiple rings assemble in to a single ring. The reassembly was intended to be so difficult, that should wife remove her ring while her husband was away from home, she would easily be caught because of her inability to re-assemble the rings.  Today’s puzzle rings are actually sold with instructions and sometimes a video format as well.

The United States, Canada and other English speaking countries have helped to popularize the Celtic styled ethnic wedding rings. This can be in part traced to a greater number of Irish or Scottish descendants, but can also be in part due to the symbolic nature of Celtic designs. There are specific Celtic designs to denote popular marital virtues such as unity and fidelity. The rings are usually etched or embossed on silver, white silver or platinum colors.

Ethnic wedding ring traditions can vary significantly throughout even a single country, but the main tenants of unification, faithfulness and commitment are typically portrayed. The principle idea that is universally behind any wedding ring regardless of ethnicity is to symbolize the faith and commitment involved with a couple uniting which can be translated regardless of ethnic tradition. If a couple wishes to feature a particular ethnicity, consulting a knowledgeable jeweler can help provide details as well as background information for a selected culture.

Wedding Planning For Mothers and Daughters

  • August 25, 2009 at 2:26 pm

By Patty Fleming

A wedding can be one of the most celebrated moments in a woman’s life, but it can also create needless tension and stress – especially between mothers and daughters. Now more than ever, communication will be a key in a smooth planning process.

It doesn’t take long after an engagement for brides-to-be to begin to scour magazines and wedding websites for ideas and trends on the latest decor and fashions. Their mind is often times darting from one idea to another, not sure which most accurately reflects their own style. Mothers, on the other hand, are thinking of budgets, guest lists and the long to-do list ahead of them. Maybe they are recalling their own wedding and wishing they had done things a little differently. This is the perfect opportunity for mothers and daughters to take some time to share memories and dreams with each other.

Before you talk about the budget, it’s important for everyone to express what’s on their mind and what the dream wedding looks like. Moms, try not to discourage ideas at this point – times have changed and if you were married twenty-five years ago, weddings look very different today! Fashion trends have given the thumbs up on colored wedding dresses, museums have become popular venues for holding receptions and the traditions of the past have been replaced with the uniqueness of the couple (if you don’t want wedding cake, try a crepe station instead!). Brides are wise to remember that their mothers usually want to play a vital role, so try not to keep your dreams a secret.

Once you’ve had a chance to ooh and aah over the multitude of ideas, then sit down for a gentle conversation about how much everyone can contribute to the cost of the wedding. Although tradition has the brides parents picking up the majority of the tab, common sense now prevails with everyone agreeing “what can we afford”. Your guest count will be one of the major factors in your overall spending, so if you would like to upscale your wedding, you might consider downsizing your guest count. Make a list of what is most important to the bride and groom – that will help you decide where to spend your money. For instance, you might choose to have a DJ instead of a live band in order to have the beef wellington on menu – it’s all about what YOUR dream wedding looks like.

As you continue through the planning process, the best advice is to do everything as much ahead of time as possible. Running out on the morning of the wedding to get the programs printed is not a good idea! Use some of the planning books available as a resource for staying on top of your to-do list and enlist the help of family and friends who can take on some of the tasks involved. In the end, what is most important is that the mother-daughter relationship has grown deeper and the ultimate celebration is about a marriage, not a wedding.

Patricia Fleming is the former owner of Festivities, an award winning event rental and design company located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is married to her wonderful husband, Steve of twenty-five years and is mother of two children – Sarah and Matt. You can follow Patty’s wedding blog at http://www.desiredjourney.blogspot.com for extensive tips on planning the perfect wedding with your daughter.

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