Monday, August 10, 2009

Wedding Theme

Picking the feel of your wedding can be a specifically daunting task for some brides. Maybe you love every color combo you've stumbled across. Or maybe you and your future husband disagree. Here are some tips to help set you in the right direction.

Getting the feel for your wedding.
I've mentioned before it's a good idea to pick three words that you want to describe your wedding. This can be very important. When looking and colors, and themes, and the general look of your wedding, you can go back to these three words to make sure what you pick is going to have the feel you want.

Getting inspired.
Try looking around all the time. Find what bedsheets, curtains, ties, clothes, appeal to you and see what it is that stands out. I know a bride who built her entire theme based around her husbands favorite tie. She used the color combo and went from there. There is a reason you like the things you like. Use that to help you branch out into your wedding.

Try implementing a theme that is based on your relationship. One couple met in a coffee shop, and took this theme into their wedding. Their main color was mocha, and they gave coffee favors. Or maybe you and your hunny are die hard baseball fans. Consider implementing this. Try looking for the inspiration within your own relationship.

Or use your backgrounds. Look to your history for colors and feels that describe you.


Use Pictures.
There are TONS of pictures and inspiration boards all over the internet. Try googling color combos. Or go to a website like sherwinwilliams.com and play with paint colors. (This can actually be very effective for seeing what colors you like together!)

And don't forget. Make a folder on your computer to stay organized and help you decide what you like the best!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Simple Wedding Planning

You're engaged, Congratulations! First, sit back and enjoy that for a minute. Now, let's get to the good stuff.

Wedding planning doesn't have to be stressful. With a few simple tips and ideas you can plan the wedding of your dreams, yourself, and without becoming overwhelmed.

Tip #1: First, get Organized!
My first suggestion is to start scouting the internet for wedding websites. - theknot.com and brides.com are some popular choices. These websites have great ideas and fantastic wedding planning tools and checklists to help you along the way.

Tip #2: Set a Budget.
This is very important, and although daunting, needs to be done. Set a REALISTIC budget. There's no reason you need to start your new life in debt, and also no reason you can't have an amazing wedding at an affordable price. Decide what you can make work, and then set the wheels in motion.

Tip #3: Make a "Rough-Draft" Guest List
This is important because the amount of people that will be attending will greatly effect the rest of your planning. Some venues only hold up to 50 people, where others can seat more than 1,000. Getting a rough idea of how many people will save you time and effort when finishing the rest of the steps.

Tip #4: Pick a location/Food
Depending on the venue you choose, food may not be much to think about. But if you're planning a nice beach wedding, or a small gathering at a park, you're going to have to think about catering or other food options. Many "stand alone" wedding venues include food in the price and typically include all courses. If you're going to rent a hall or have an outdoor wedding, you're going to have to scout caterers. For a small wedding, you may consider a cocktail-only reception. This will save a lot of money.

Tip #5: Decide How You Want Your Wedding to Feel
The theme/look is important and may come extremely natural to you. Some brides already have their colors, or their venue helps them set the feel they're looking for. For others, it can be harder. Look for inspiration everywhere. Maybe a bedset really jumps out at you, consider using the color pallette for your wedding. This will set the tone and feel of the rest of your planning.

A good TIP!* Pick three words that you want to describe your wedding. (ie; fun, bold, unique) or (ie; romantic, intimate, lavish) and when making any decision, go back to those words. This will help you choose the smaller details!

Tip #6: Don't Forget About the MUSIC!
It's a celebration! Whether you're using a band or a DJ, they should be able to get your guests on the floor! (They should also know how to transition throughout dinner and other parts of the wedding) Remember, you want to have a good time. And don't forget to make a must-play (and better yet, a must-not-play) list and give it to your music coordinator!