Honeymoon Do's and Don'ts~!!

Planning the wedding is time consuming and hectic. Planning the Honeymoon doesn’t have to be. While the wedding is really the Bride’s forte, the Honeymoon should be left up to the Groom. Depending on the age of the couple and whether or not it’s a first or second, or daresay a third marriage really will dictate a lot of what you plan but for grins we are going to deal with a second marriage here. However, it should be noted the basic rules are the same. And the gift at the end of this column will also be the same.

A Honeymoon does not have to be expensive but it will cost more than you planned. The Honeymoon should be done in two parts; 1) the wedding night, 2) the trip. The first is extremely important and few people get it right but the most important thing to remember, believe it or not, is how far you travel for the wedding night.  

Resist the temptation to start the honeymoon by driving to the dock and getting on a ship for your cruise. Resist the temptation to jump on a plane that first night and fly to Hawaii. Resist the temptation to party late and drive two hours to the hotel. Above all stay locally for the first night. The reasons are many and so simple but the biggest one is you will have your entire lives together. You only get ONE Wedding Night. Even if you’ve been together for some time the wedding night itself remains special.

Driving two hours after a big party takes a lot out of you and puts a damper on the excitement. Jumping on a ship after waiting in line and getting luggage on board will kill any wedding night and a long plane ride is not ideal for that special evening you will spend with your new spouse.

Spend the first night in a local hotel and plan on staying just one, maybe two nights. The drive will be short and therefore not tiresome. Most local hotels above a Motel grade will have some sort of special suite for such occasions. Pick a really nice hotel no more than 30 minutes away you’ve never been to before except maybe for dinner. If it is close to the water, an ocean or a river or lake, even better. The sound of waves makes for a wonderful night.

A week beforehand visit Target or another nice chain store and head directly to the candle’s department. Pick out a nice selection of scented candles with smooth smells. It will cost you less than $20 and the romantic rewards will comeback to you ten fold.

Next visit the music department. Resist selecting something hot and hip but rather find some old romantic standards. A CD of Barry White is incredible. The movie “Ten” highlighted Ravel’s Bolero which is wonderfully erotic and anything today by Andréa Bocelli is as romantic as it gets. If your lady likes Sinatra, Jack Jones or others from before 1970, go for it. If more modern music is called for then reach into that group. The bottom line is the music should be smooth, warm, erotic to a degree and romantic. Nothing by Michael Bolton. I’ve yet to find a woman who says he’s romantic.

Champagne is okay but for a somewhat better mood setter try a smaller bottle of a sweet sparkling wine. Asti Spumante is a favorite. The Groom should get a small carrying case and pack the wine but ask for an ice bucket when you arrive. The key to a small bottle is it chills very quickly in an ice bucket, mere minutes. You should also pack the candles with holders (something nice not plain), two champagne flutes, matches, fresh fruit including berries (strawberries if possible), whipped cream (can is fine and can be fun later) and a selection of nuts, chocolates, two water bottles (if not provided in the room) and fruit juice. You won’t be drinking wine all night long and you will get dehydrated. And don’t forget the toothpaste and your toothbrush. Get a second one in case she forgot hers. She’ll love your for it.

While most of the rest should be left up to your imagination there are some things which you will want to think about ahead of time. The Groom should purchase some small piece of jewelry. Yes, you just gave her a diamond wedding ring. She expected that. Do you really want to make sure she remembers this night fondly? The best choice is a necklace. You can put it on her right away and you can be sure she’ll still be wearing it in the morning.

The important thing is to be creative, caring and aware of your partner’s desires and fears. Allow things to come naturally and keep it romantic. The fun has just begun.

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Wedding Cupcake Ideas

Image from Murnahan

When I think about my forthcoming wedding, I get a bit nervous; my heart pounds faster and my brain goes into overdrive!  I guess it’s a normal mix of feelings between excitement and stress!  

I still have so much to organise, but, today I’ve decided to focus on the positive and fun side... cake!

Since I began living in Britain I’ve discovered those beautiful scrumptious cupcakes all in different flavours and colours, it’s just a guilty pleasure I can’t resist!

I’ve come to a conclusion and I think I’ll be having cupcakes for the reception. I’ll break the traditional French rules of brioche and flans with British fairy cakes!

However, I still have to decide which cupcakes to choose? First let’s start with the basics...

How to make plain cupcakes
This recipe will be the base for most cupcakes...before you start panicking - trust me it’s a piece of cake!

To start – In a bowl add 50g of softened butter , 250g of caster sugar, 250g of self-raising flour, a pinch of salt, 4 medium free-range eggs, 4 tablespoons of milk and mix together until you get a smooth mixture.

Next grab a muffin tin, and pour your lovely mix into the holes lined with paper cases. Bake for about 15 minutes (with the oven set to 190°C).

After removing them from the oven, leave those lovely gems cooling down before decorating.

Time to get creative
There are tons of flavour variations: vanilla butter cream, lemon zests, coco kick, romantic rose water or even cheeky coffee. I’ve just selected a few of my favs that I could demolish without stopping for a breath!

Turquoise Douceur

Image from Belisacup

I fell in love with these ones as there are just so pretty. Each cupcake can be decorated with a swirl of delicious vanilla butter cream frosting. All you need to do is fill up a piping bag with a butter cream mix and vanilla extract in order to get a lovely little peak. The toppings are pretty simple too, a tasteful selection of edible blue flowers with some edible silver glitter stars!

Add a silky turquoise ribbon at the base for a touch of style. You can find tons of cake decorations and plenty more party supplies uk online!

Chocolate Temptation
As a chocolate addict, the dark chocolate cupcakes are definitely one of my top 3 favourites!  
All you’ll need to do is add a few teaspoons of cocoa powder into the original mix, and then spread a layer of chocolate espresso ganache with vanilla butter cream icing. Sprinkle espresso grounds and a decorate with a thin slice of dark chocolate.  A few mint leaves would also combine beautifully with the bitterness of the chocolate and the exotic vanilla.      
         
Purple Velvet 

Image from Catbeurnier

Lavender is such an amazing smell that reminds me of my childhood holidays in Provence therefore I have picked these beautiful Purple Velvet cupcakes as another one of my favourites. The harmonious mix of lavender butter cream and earl grey flavoured cupcake is the ultimate combo for any romantic wedding!

What do you think about my choices?  Do you have any of your own?

Elise Lévêque is a bubbly lucky bride-to-be who left her beloved Paris after falling for the quirkiness of Great Britain... and a Geordie lad! Always full of beans, she is a keen blogger for Wedding & Party Store and is well known for throwing the most eccentric parties in town.

Bridal Party Ideas: A Bridal Shower Planning Guide

One of the most important tasks of the Maid of Honor is to plan a bridal shower or a bridal tea party for the bride, hopefully the help of the bridesmaids. Although it’s fun, planning a bridal party is no mean feat. You, as the maid of honor or bridesmaid, have to come up with unique bridal shower ideas that will make the party a memorable event. However, planning a bridal shower becomes significantly easier when you know what factors are important and what factors aren’t.

• Date

The wedding shower is ideally held anywhere between two months and a few weeks prior to the wedding. Holding the party too close to the wedding can be very stressing to the bride as she is likely to have a lot to attend to. Also, when sending the date, allow enough time for guests who may be coming in from out of town to make travel arrangements.

• Venue

The choice of venue will be dictated by the guests whom you wish to invite. If you are only planning to invite a few of the bride’s friends and family, then you can have the bridal tea party at home. Otherwise, you may have to find an external venue which, needless to say, can be costly.

• Bridal Shower Themes

This is arguably the most important part of planning a wedding shower. You should take the bride’s likes and dislikes into consideration when picking the theme as it will most likely influence the guests’ choice of gifts. Some popular themes include lingerie, spa and beauty, tea party travel and honeymoon themes. If the bride and groom have a gift registry for the shower, do not forget to mention it in the invitation.

• Budget

Since, it is the responsibility of the bridesmaids to throw the bride a shower, each of the maids is supposed contribute to the cost of the party. Determine how much the party is going to cost and decide who pays for what. It’s always best to get all the money in advance.

• Invitations

A typical wedding shower guest list includes the bride and groom’s female friends and family members. Find out from the bride whether she prefers an intimate event with 10-20 guests or a much larger party. Also, do not forget to consult the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom when deciding whom to invite.

• Bridal Party Games

Games are a popular activity in wedding showers. They break the ice and get everyone into the spirit of the party. Games can be simple such as bridal bingo, words of wisdom, I never or two truths & a lie as long as everyone has fun.

• Bridals Party Favors

It is important to appreciate the guests for coming and thank them for making the bride’s day special. The easiest and most reasonable way to do this is to give the guest some bridal party favors. They don’t necessarily have to be expensive; it’s the thought that counts.

Are you planning a bridal tea party? Get unique, thoughtful bridal tea party favors for your guests with the help of Ashley Nelson, the author of this article.

The Best Bachelorette Party Supplies and Games

Bachelor parties are synonymous with wild fun and crazy times. But there's no reason why the guys should have all the fun when it comes to celebrating an upcoming marriage. The rules have changed and things aren’t limited to boring bridal showers anymore. You don't have to settle for sitting in someone's home while sipping tea and reminiscing about childhood memories. If it's your job to plan your best friend’s bachelorette party,  you can let your imagination run loose with some truly creative ideas. Make it a night where there are no rules and give the bride-to-be a reason to celebrate. She's about to have the most important day in her life, but before that you can give her a party filled with good friends, laughter, and just a few moments you might have to keep secret. Here are some suggestions for great bachelorette party games to get you started.

Truth or Dare - this is a classic game that most people haven't played since they were back in high school. But it's time to dust off your truth or dare skills because it's going to be a lot more interesting now that you have more experiences. This is an easy game to play because you don't have to buy any supplies or extra accessories. If you want to be truly prepared, you might want to come up with a list of questions beforehand. You can also find offshoots of this game designed specifically for bachelor parties at any general party shop.

The Wishlist - this is a great activity that serves as a warm-up for events to come. It basically involves every member of the party coming up with a list of certain celebrities that they would like to “spend time with”. Whether it's going on a date, a trip to the library, or something much more romantic, it's fun to learn about the secret crushes of all your friends. If you want to make it just a bit naughtier, you can extend the rules beyond celebrities into people in real life.

Drinking Games – you’ve probably already played a classic drinking game before. It's easy to organize and that goes with any type of activity. You can play it while watching television or listening to a particular song. You might also find that some of the best romantic movies make a great accompaniment for this game as well. Make sure to amp-up the fun level by having plenty of drinks on hand with enough variety so things don't get boring.

Karaoke Carousel - all you need to play this game is a good karaoke machine, and it's something that you can use long after the party is over. It basically involves loading up the machine with different songs and then singing whatever comes up. Most modern machines will come with this feature and it's a nice way to incorporate music and crazy times into the night. You can even purchase a horrible model that allows you to take this game anywhere you happen to go.

Crazy Bridal Dress - this is perhaps the most traditional game on the list, and it's definitely a must-have. It basically involves dressing up the bride-to-be in a crazy costume design by other members of the party. You can join her by dressing up yourself while turning into a contest or fashion show. Of course the game isn't complete until you go out into the city to show off among the general public.

Extras and Toys - these are just a few simple selections and there are plenty more available. There are some websites that specialize in bachelorette party supplies and toys and you can usually get a good deal on shipping if you buy everything all at once. It's actually quite fun to take a look at some of these games because they can be quite raunchy. Just make sure that you keep the bride in mind and you don't purchase anything that will make her feel uncomfortable.

This look at bachelorette party supplies comes to us from our friends at 2cities2soulmates.com where you can find more information on all things related to love ranging from wedding tips to online dating.

Charles and Diana’s Wedding: A Retrospective

Arguably one of the most celebrated and anticipated events in modern history, the wedding of Prince Charles to the then Lady Diana Spencer was viewed by an estimated 750 million people worldwide on television. The congregation at St. Paul’s Cathedral itself comprised three and a half thousand people, whilst the throng of gatherers outside on the streets reached around two million people. Interestingly, the cathedral was chosen as the setting for wedding ceremony due to the fact that is much larger, a break from tradition since typically most royal weddings were conducted at Westminster Abbey.

At around 11:20, Lady Diana concluded her journey to the cathedral with her father, the late 8th Earl Spencer, and walked up the aisle, showing off her 8m long train, which has become one of the most enduring and iconic images within the fashion world today.

The Ceremony
At the time, Charles and Diana’s decision to omit the obeisance vow sparked intrigue in the media and arguably nodded towards the couple’s future troubles to come. What also raised one or two eyebrows was the fact that Diana accidentally listed her future husband’s name in the wrong order, offering herself to a Philip Charles rather than Charles Philip.

Among the clergy carrying out the service were former Archbishop of Canterbury Coggan, Cardinal Hume, the Right Reverend Doig and the Reverend Williams, all of whom led prayers and carried out the various components of the ceremony. Once the couple were wedded, the sound of the jubilatory crowds from outside the cathedral could be heard and the future king and queen boarded their carriage to make for Buckingham Palace, where they were to hold a banquet for 120 members of the Royal Family, friends, and VIP guests. But before they could sit down and ‘tuck in’, Charles and Diana went out to face the crowds that had now filled The Mall leading up to the palace, and in front of the nation and the world they shared a brief, but romantic kiss. The crowds roared with glee.

For the reception, head baker for the Royal Naval cooking school, David Avery and his team, baked a gargantuan twenty seven wedding cakes. According to reports, the official cake itself took 24 hours to bake- 12 hours for the ‘real’ cake, and 12 hours for the ‘backup’. Luckily there was no damage sustained during its journey to Buckingham Palace's banqueting venue, and the substitute was divided amongst the trainee cooks afterwards.

With a glorious day behind them, the following morning the couple hosted a breakfast for the same 120 guests. Soon afterwards, the Prince and Princess of Wales were driven to Waterloo Station where they then travelled onto Hampshire to begin their honeymoon. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Fun and Creative Wedding Themes

While traditional weddings are beautiful in every way, there is something magical about having a wedding with a creative theme. Whether as a guest or a member of the entourage, you are whisked away even for a few hours into a different world where you can lose yourself and simply enjoy. If you are mulling over having a wedding with a creative theme, here are some examples you can consider and choose from to help you prepare for the wedding of your dreams:

1. Vintage or Victorian Wedding. This is the perfect choice for the old-fashioned or classic bride. Intricate lace, antique decor and floral designs are all fitting for a Victorian or vintage wedding. Muted colors, lace and pearls should be used generously within the venue and jazz and swing should be kept playing in the background during the reception.

2. Garden Wedding. If the time of year and the weather are right, a garden wedding can truly be one of the most beautiful wedding themes. Flowers and an abundance of butterflies and birds are ideal for a garden wedding. If the reception is at night, glowing table lanterns would be a wonderful touch for use as a centrepiece. It is essential that the caterer you will be hiring has had experience with outdoor weddings. Some heat-sensitive foods such as those prepared with mayonnaise will not do well in a garden wedding.

3. 80’s Wedding. If you grew up in the 80’s and want your wedding to be an unforgettable one for you and your guests alike, then this is the way to go. Deck everything in 80’s style. Try to rent a DeLorean for your wedding car and dress your groomsmen up in pastel colored jackets with the sleeves rolled up all the way to the elbow. Via the invitations, encourage your guests to come in 80’s themed attire as well. This means bleached and torn up jeans, neon legwarmers, and big gold chains and sunglasses.

4. Royal Wedding. The choice of color scheme is everything if you want to pull off a true ‘royal’ wedding. White and shades of pink (for summer or spring) or purple and royal blue (for winter or fall) with a touch of gold would work well together. Go the extra mile with greenery and flowers. However, keep it simple with the rest of the decorations. Remember that less is more and that there is so much elegance in simplicity.

5. Beach Wedding. Beach weddings are a great option for couples who prefer a more relaxed, less traditional and laidback atmosphere for their special day. In order to make your guests truly feel the beach vibe, the ambiance will need to be perfect. This means putting on the right music, having the right decors such as palm trees, seashells visible at all times. You can ask your guests to come in beach attire to truly make them feel like they are at the beach. You can use a bowl filled with sand, pebbles, and starfish with a candle in the middle as a centrepiece. Favors can include a paperweight shell or rock with the names of the couple engraved or embossed on it.

6. Las Vegas Wedding. A Las Vegas wedding is one of the easier wedding themes to pull off. This theme also guarantees a night of fun for the bride and groom and guests alike given the loose, free free-spirited and risqué atmosphere and feelings it evokes. Tables can be named after the different hotels in Las Vegas. Use neon lights and rent a mobile casino. Some ideas for favors include chocolate coins or gambling chips tied with ribbon and dice beads. You can also hire a cabaret singer for entertainment during the reception.

7. Christmas Wedding. If your wedding is in December, consider having a Christmas theme. It’s called the most wonderful time of the year for a reason, and a Christmas wedding is sure to leave a mark in the hearts of you and your loved ones throughout the years. Bridesmaids can wear red, green or silver dresses while the groomsmen can don white tuxedos with silver bowties and vests. Don’t scrimp on red flowers such as red calla lilies, poinsettias or red and white roses. Decorate the venue with holly, pine, ivy and ornamental berries.

8. Renaissance or Medieval Wedding. The location or venue is absolutely critical in order to pull off an authentic renaissance or medieval themed wedding. If it permits, look for a castle or a building that resembles one and hold the ceremony and reception there. Go all out with the ivy and use large baskets of flowers and flowered garlands. Brides need to be dressed in dark and regal velvet dresses. You can use hunter green, deep purple and burgundy wine for your color palate. Men can wear boots, pirate shirts, tight and laced vests.

9. Jamaican Wedding. Jamaican weddings are always a delight to attend and participate in as they are often very relaxing and fun. First off, a Jamaican wedding isn’t an authentic one if beef patties, curry goat and jerk chicken or pork aren’t served. Rum punch is also a staple drink at Jamaican parties. Pick up some tropical decor or ask your wedding planner to, if you have one. What is important is to make your guests feel like they are actually at the Caribbean when it comes to the music, the decors, the invites and the ambience in general.

10. Backyard or BBQ Wedding. This is actually one of the less challenging creative wedding themes as it doesn’t entail that much creativity at all. You can ask your guests to come in casual attire or whatever they feel comfortable in and prepare a typical barbecue menu with items such as burgers, fries, hot dogs, chips and potato salad. Add in some gourmet food like gourmet sausages and skirt steak with mixed veggies and coleslaw on the sides. You can rent a big white tent for your guests to eat under during the reception. Dancing and some good music are good entertainment and you can cap off the night with a surprise fireworks show for your guests.

There are countless creative wedding themes out there which you can choose from and customize according to your personal taste and preference. What is important is that you and your groom are comfortable and happy with your choice because after all, it is your special day.

Citations:

• Photo Credit

Olivia Nicholas is a writer and blogger with Storkie. She has been writing articles and blogging for the wedding industry over 10 years.

Vintage Inspired Wedding Color Combinations

Whether you call it vintage, retro, or nostalgic, everything old is new again for weddings. Color palettes with an old fashioned vibe are the ideal way to infuse your wedding with the feeling of times gone by. These are some of the most beautiful vintage inspired wedding color combinations from which to choose.

Mint, robin's egg blue, and apricot: This is a delicate and feminine color palette which would be absolutely divine for a vintage style garden wedding. Set the tables with organza linens and dress them with fine china with an intricate floral design. Super romantic centerpieces created from apricot garden roses with trailing vines would be beautiful flowing from elegant footed vases. The bridesmaids for this style of wedding will be lovely in pleated organza dresses and pearl bridesmaid jewelry. For a special detail, consider having your attendants carry handpainted fans instead of bouquets.

Lilac, purple, and butter: Pale purple and yellow are delightful hues for a spring or early summer wedding with a vintage flavor. Deeper purple accents will add depth and keep the palette from being too sweet. It is easy to picture little tea cups with lilac, purple, and yellow violets on the guest book table or sugar violets on a buttercream wedding cake. For the larger centerpieces and bouquets, use old fashioned blossoms like sweet peas, lisianthus, and roses tied in shades of butter yellow, lilac, and purple. Add a unique accent like a cameo to the handle of the bride's bouquet wrap to play up the nostalgic nature of these hues. This color palette would work well for an afternoon or morning wedding in a Victorian style inn.

Turquoise and peach: Try this cheerful color combination for a whimsical retro style wedding. It is brighter than some of the other vintage color schemes, which makes turquoise and peach great for a more relaxed celebration. These would be fantastic colors to use in a tented wedding; the basic white tent will be transformed with such lively hues. Introduce your color palette with letterpress wedding invitations using your signature colors in a sweet bird or floral design. The bride and bridesmaids can carry peach flowers in loose arrangements; turquoise dresses and simple gold bridesmaid jewelry will be ideal to complete the look. In the reception space, the easiest way to combine the two bright colors is by using some printed fabrics which have both shades in the design. Charming faded florals will be ideal.

Burgundy, mauve, and hunter green: This would be an excellent color combo for a winter vintage wedding. It is definitely a more strong and masculine color palette than the other examples, and has a strong Victorian flair. It would be easy to imagine these colors for a reception in a private club or a wood paneled library. Add some gold accents and rich velvet to turn it into a luxurious holiday wedding color scheme. Choose hunter green velvet bridesmaid dresses and burgundy and mauve bouquets for a gorgeous look at the ceremony. Bold stripes in this color combination would be stunning for tablecloths at the reception, as would heavy burgundy silk tablecloths with a diamond quilted pattern. Choose this color palette for a sophisticated and bold take on a vintage inspired wedding.

Get more inspiring ideas for your wedding in Bridget Mora's other articles about wedding planning. Visit Silverland Jewelry to find the most beautiful bridesmaid jewelry for any style of wedding, from vintage to classic to modern.

Wedding Cakes: A Brief History

From 3-tiered wonders to bespoke creations, the wedding cake is arguably the single most important component of a wedding, besides the wedding dress. But where did the tradition come from?

The idea of using cake to confirm the marriage vows goes back to Roman times, where a small bread cake was broken above the head of the bride, symbolising good fortune. Similarly, it referred to the bride’s transformation from virgin to child-bearing property of her groom. And it also had its practical use; children born of couples who didn’t carry out the tradition during their ceremony were not allowed to take high office, a sign that the wedding cake was of particular importance for the future wellbeing of the couple’s ancestors.

As traditions evolved and the cakes began to become more elaborate in their design, the ritual of breaking the cake slowly faded as it became increasingly impractical. However, the meaning still endured, and during the mediaeval times, cakes still represented fertility and prosperity. According to some records, instead of breaking the cake, it was ritualistically thrown at the bride as a gesture of good luck. Perhaps not so lucky for the bride, however.

Photo Credit

It wasn’t until the Victorian era that wedding cakes started to be used for their aesthetic and decorative qualities as the wedding banqueting venue become more elaborate. The white wedding cake was a sign of purity and therefore a reference to the bride, reinforcing that she was the star attraction of the day. Interestingly, the cake was also a sign of affluence, since only the finest sugars could be used to create the white icing that surrounded the cake. As a result, this was a turning point in its use; from a symbol of virtue to a symbol of status.

Photo Credit

In the 1950s, the tradition of having a wedding cake topper to depict the bride and groom was seen as a symbol of togetherness. For the United Kingdom, in particular, a royal wedding usually involves very elaborate cake designs. In order to accommodate the hundreds of guests attending the wedding, the cake is usually cut into small portions and put into little boxes.  Today, wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes and with that the meanings behind them are a mixture of old and new. In particular, there is a trend recently to make several batches of cupcakes and position them on a cake stand to mimic the idea of a traditional cake, which seems related to the arts and crafts renaissance that permeates lifestyle trends at the moment.

Holmewood Hall is a wedding, conference, and reception venue located in Cambridgeshire and serving the UK.

The Romantic Bride

Are you in love with love? Do you like loads of flowers and soft wedding décor? Do you envision you and your groom riding off into the sunset? If so, you are a romantic bride. Many wedding dress designers have bridal gowns that fit the romantic theme. However, there are some designers that are the queen or king of the romantic craft. Below is a list of designers to keep in mind if you are a romantic bride looking for the perfect dress to fit your personality and wedding theme.

Maggie Sottero: Maggie has so many romantic styles at affordable prices. Most of her dresses are specifically designed for a romantic-themed wedding, whether it be casual or formal. Maggie's designs focus on layering of ruffles, floral beaded embellishments, and sweetheart necklines. If you are having a casual ceremony, there are beautiful A-line choices adorned with lots of lace for that touch of romance without going over the top. There are also understated mermaid styles that could work. If it is more formal wedding, Maggie has some over-the-top ball gowns with rolling fabrics, soft floral touches and gorgeous beaded tops, including tons of pearls.

Monique Lhuillier: Monique is a top wedding gown designer who also specializes in romantic designs. Monique Lhuillier is not for the bride on a budget, but if you want the best, she is the way to go. The wedding gown designs are simple and amazing. Monique has recently been designing romantic colored wedding dresses. Soft pinks are popping up everywhere. How romantic is that? A soft color can really set the mood for your wedding theme, not to mention the amazing attention to detail and sumptuous fabrics that are front and center. Monique is fan of soft tulle… layers and layers of it. When looking at her designs, keep your eye out for stunning sheath, A-line and ball gown silhouettes. Look for draped cap sleeves, one shoulder shear styles, and plenty of layered ruffles.

Henry Roth: Henry Roth is a wonderful wedding dress designer that is a great compromise between Maggie Sottero and Monique Lhuillier. The pricing is a little more than Maggie’s, but much less that Monique’s. And the romantic looks of Roth dresses are simply beautiful. The detailing on these gowns are just perfect… intricate lace, higher necklines, and a look of whimsy. The bodice of Henry Roth’s romantic gown line seems to be the focus. However, he does offer the traditional romantic sweetheart neckline. There is truly something for everyone.

If you are getting married soon, buying your dress is likely at the top of your list of things to do, so make your way over to BridePower.com, where you will find discount wedding gowns provided from all major wedding gown designers.

Fun Bouquet Alternatives for Bridesmaids

The classic image of bridesmaids is a line of lovely ladies walking gown the aisle in matching dresses carrying identical bouquets of flowers. While bridesmaid bouquets are certainly pretty, they are not particularly original or unique. If you are the type of bride who wants to include some interesting details in her wedding, consider choosing a fun alternative to the standard bouquet. These charming ideas will get you started.

I recently saw pictures from a wedding in which the bridesmaids carried wreaths instead of bouquets. It looked fantastic! They carried simple small green wreaths suspended from satin ribbons, which were both unexpected yet still utterly classic. It would be great to have your attendants carry small square boxwood wreaths for a holiday wedding. Imagine how pretty they would look if your bridesmaids were wearing deep red satin dresses and crystal bridesmaid jewelry. A silver or gold ribbon wreath hanger would complete the effect. You could do something similar for a spring wedding with floral wreaths or create a French inspired effect by making little lavender bouquets. Ooh la la!

If you are having a Winter Wonderland wedding, fur muffs are a delightful alternative to bridesmaid bouquets. Choose a bridesmaid dress with a plain skirt so that the muffs do not have to compete with voluminous ruffles or ruching. It will look best if the muffs contrast with the color of the bridesmaid dresses, so choose white muffs to pair with deep jewel tones like emerald or deep brown muffs with a champagne colored dress. You can add a bit of character to the muffs by adorning them with either a crystal brooch or a sprig of holly.

One of my favorite bouquet alternatives is the floral pomander. They are round balls of flowers which hang from ribbons, and they add a wonderful pop of color to any bridesmaid ensemble. Pomanders are most often made with flowers like roses, mums, and daisies, because the round shape of the blossoms gives the best coverage to the foam form below. They are a fairly easy DIY project, if you are a crafty bride. Pomanders can be embellished with special touches to make them even more beautiful. If your attendants will be wearing pearl bridesmaid jewelry, it looks great to push a pearl tipped pin through the center of each flower (this works particularly well with mums) or to use a strand of faux pearls for the pomander handle instead of a ribbon. A simple way to dress up pomanders is by choosing a special ribbon for the handle. Ideas include velvet for winter weddings, gingham for spring, or striped grosgrain for a preppy wedding.

If you are having a very whimsical wedding, why not extend that treatment to your bridesmaids? Instead of carrying traditional flowers, give them large paper pinwheels to carry. It is a really fun idea for an outdoor wedding, because the pinwheels will spin in the breeze. They are best suited to a wedding in which each bridesmaid will wear a slightly different dress. Pair the eclectic assortment of dresses with paper pinwheels in a few different colors.

Everyone will be pleasantly surprised when your bridesmaids walk down the aisle carrying such a fun bouquet alternative!

Bridget Mora writes about wedding planning ideas, wedding style, and etiquette for Silverland Jewelry. If you are looking for unique and affordable bridesmaid jewelry for your wedding, visit Silverland Jewelry today. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to receive exclusive discounts on our fabulous wedding jewelry!

Five Ideas For a Perfect Honeymoon With a Difference

The best way to settle into wedded bliss is a restful and romantic honeymoon. A gorgeous getaway is the perfect start to years of happy marriage and will provide some wonderful memories. But lovely as they may be, perhaps you want to do something a bit different from candlelit dinners in Paris streets or sipping cocktails on a white sand beach. There's a whole world out there, with a million opportunities for romance without resorting to cliché...

Picture this – a day spent on the slopes, skiing through snow. Bright sun and blue skies amidst rugged mountains make a picture perfect afternoon. You come out of the cold to a warm fire and a relaxing cup of hot chocolate, and when you've settled you soak in a pool with the mountains jagged on the horizon. Swizerland is a country with class, and Adelboden is its sunniest resort. The Cambrian is an excellent hotel and offers everything you want in a romantic mountain retreat.


Sometimes luxury is subjective; we travel to escape and what we are trying to escape comes along with us. What we really need in our lives is not always another stamp on the passport but true peace of mind. You don't have to travel to Tibet or Nepal to start releasing the stresses of everyday life. Dzogchen Beara is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat in West Cork. The scenery is outstanding and inspiring, but what is most inspiring is the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche, writer of the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, an update of the spiritual book the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Rinpoche teaches his pupils to tackle the central problems of existence, and to begin to truly let go, laying the foundations for true happiness.


If that sounds a bit worthy maybe an arty honeymoon is more up your stencilled street. Berlin is a vibrant and creative city and a capital of culture. With many galleries and boutique hotels you can spend your days ambling and emotively documenting the urban environment and spend your evenings in one of the myriad excellent restaurants. Berlin is a European city with a difference and a unique place for lovers.


Marakesh in Morocco is a bustling city full of colour and life. If you enjoy exploring souks and haggling with the locals you and your partner could have a great time in Marakesh. Visit the Bahi Palace and the Saadian tombs, and stay in majestic Moroccan surroundings at the Riad Noir d'Ivoire, but be prepared to improvise, Morocco is about controlled chaos and you can't put an itenerie on your stay easily. There's a lot to see and flanerie is the way to get around (a map just makes sure you get back!) Taking photographs of the alleys is a breadcrumb trail to finding your hotel again.


If you like sand and sun but want to experience a different culture at the same time Mexico could be a dream location. There's great fishing at Puerto Escondido, and Brad's Split Coconut restaurants runs a brilliant barbecue. The Quinta Lili is a superb hotel close to the beach and you could learn to surf or simply read in the sun. A boat tour through Chacahua national park reveals some astounding nature and is a romantic way to get in touch with the outdoors. Hopefully for honeymooners, some of these appeal, or maybe trigger an idea of your own. Either way, you'll be in for a truly memorable time, and one that will be with you both forever.

Omar is a keen travel blogger working for spa break specialist Hotelshop UK. He loves to travel all around the world in his spare time, and enjoys writing about it on his personal blog.

Quick and Easy Table Decoration Ideas for Your Wedding

The table decorations at your wedding do not have to be a chore. They can be quick and easy without having to sacrifice beauty or style. On your special day, you're bound to be quite busy and won't appreciate having to spend hours on the centrepieces. With these ideas, your reception tables will match the theme of your unique wedding without breaking the bank or causing a migraine.

Place a bowl or basket of seasonal fruit on each table. Find some inexpensive containers on clearance or at a discount store, and spray paint them to match your personal colour scheme. For example, if your wedding is in the fall, you can fill the bowls with apples or pears. A winter wedding could include fresh cut greenery, candy canes, and figs. These beautiful centrepieces will give the guests something to look at and something to eat!

Tulle table runners with floral arrangements can be as elaborate or simple as you choose. You can simply lay the piece of tulle across the table and sprinkle the flowers across, or you could create elaborate floral bouquets and layered tulle. By using the same flowers as the bridal party bouquets, you do not have to worry about straying from the theme. To make this idea even simpler, skip the tulle. Just find some pre-made floral arrangements to spruce up the table. Just be careful of tall, slender pieces that may tip if the table is bumped or if the wedding is outdoors.

Don't think that flowers are the only option. Shells, sand, and candles are soothing and unique pieces to display. In the middle of each table, sprinkle a mound of sand. Arrange the shells and candles to your own liking. Even some polished rocks could add a touch of natural beauty. They could then be returned to nature or kept as mementos with inspirational words of love painted on them. To light up this display, you could have a large pillar candle or several tea lights. Do a practice run before the day of the wedding so that you and your helpers know exactly how to lay out the elements so the tables match.

This same technique can be used with petals. Sand and shells may not work well if the wedding is not beach-themed, but flowers are fool proof. Arrange the petals, buds, or whole flowers into swirls, hearts, or randomly and adorn with tea lights.

Don't underestimate the power of the simplicity of "going green." Stemware, wine bottles, sparkling cider, and folded napkins can be arranged beautifully on the tables, and will be practical as the night wears on.

Another "go green" option that may be cheaper would be to create a type of tank for each table. Fill a clear bowl with water, layer coloured rocks on the bottom, and sprinkle flowers to float on top.

If you're the type of bride that wants something more "fun" than romantic, there are options. Mirrors, confetti, and balloon bunches are cheap and easy to set up. Lay some mirrors flat on the tables, sprinkle the confetti, and place a balloon bunch in the centre. By scattering a few candles on the mirror, the reflection will come to life.

For the ultimate simple centrepiece, purchase pre-made wreaths to lay out flat and place a candle in the middle. Wreaths are not just for the Christmas season. They can be made to match any colour scheme or theme. They also make great keepsakes for the bridal party when the night is over.

With everything else you have to stress about, table decorations should not extend that list. Use one of these quick and easy ideas, or modify them to make them more uniquely you.

Searching for inspiration for your wedding decor? If you have a particular colour theme in mind, find coordinating wedding favour boxes and accessories at Wedding Favours Delight.