Red, White, and Blue

Happy Memorial Day! Have a great one.

invitation
white card stock with red ink and blue ribbon. flag confetti.

bride
white dress with blue dyed carnations with red beads.

front of ceremony
two tress with red carnations in the base of the tree.

bridesmaids
blue dress with a red, white, and blue ribbon bouquet.

centerpiece
blue sand in a clear container.

cake
one layer star shaped cake. Place the last name and wedding date in blue.

special touch
patriotic poem during the ceremony
pie table
cocktail Popsicles

In Living Color

Color is everywhere this wedding season. Pink has become the new white. I love it. I wanted a red wedding dress but of course my budget did not accommodate it. Now, there is a rainbow of options for every style and every budget.



The Traditional
For a touch of color or a full colored gown, go to eBridalSuperStore.com

A little Asian
eCrater. They have a few options.

efashioncentral.com
They have a great selection of prom dresses.

modcloth.com
It is a great place to find the little mini dress for the wedding on the beach.

Happy Shopping!

In a Pot

As a little girl in the south, there was always a flower pot around me during the spring and summer months. My great aunt hung baskets from her front porch with colorful flowers. My mother kept them in the yard with the great hope she would grow something. My neighbor kept them as a source of food, growing beautiful herbs and vegetables.

Me? Not so much. Good luck plant.

the invitation
Write your guests a note in a blank note card that has a flower design on the front.

the bride
a pink dress with a basket filled with baby breath and peonies.

the bridesmaids
a white dress with one peony.

the flower girl
a pink dress with a white garden basket of wax flowers and baby breath.

the ring bearer
a small pot with a silk peonies. The ring attached the flower.

the front of ceremony
over sized pots filled wax flowers and pink carnations.

the menu
tea time. use lots of pink colors in your white foods.

the centerpiece
Use a wooden white frame with a watercolor painting. Do it yourself. Then use mini pots around the frame that has wax flowers.

the room decor
Use hanging baskets from the ceiling.

the cake
use a two tier white cake with a fountain. Use fresh flowers as a topper.

sources
wilton.com
watercolorpainting.com

Cinderella's Ride

There are many options to get Cinderella to the ball.

choose early
I would say book your transportation at least four months before your day. Now, if you decide to get married during wedding season and prom season. I would say book your transportation at least eight to six months in advance.

where to find it
yellow pages, wedding sites, and a friend(they may have a nice car you can use).

on the cheap
For the bride on a moment, there are several choices. You have the black limo. Speaking of black, consider the funeral home to save a bit. A large car could do the trick especially if you wearing a small dress. Classic cars is another option to consider.

the contract
Read contract carefully. Consider the time needed, the places, and overtime charges.

Sources
limo.org
classiccarhireworld.com
carsinamerica.com
Antique Automobile Clubs of America

Pearls

Pearls make a wonderful and timeless statement for a wedding. This a wonderful wedding theme for a classic bride.

invitation
A letter with perfume on the back.

the bride
An A line wedding gown with a white bead bracelet. Purse filled with pink roses.

the bridesmaids
A little pink dress with a purse filled with white bead stems.

the front of the ceremony
Wedding Canopy. DIY. Use white beads on the side of the wedding canopy.

the centerpiece
a bud vase on a mirror. One pink rose with white bead stems.

the wedding cake
two tier cake with pink dots on the side. Pink roses as a topper.

sign in
A silver bucket with white cards. Pearls of wisdom. Great advice for the new couple.

sources
do-it-yourself-wedding.com
jewlerysupply.com
vintagepearl.com

Miss Chicken

I had Miss Chicken at my own wedding. Southern style. My wedding guests love her. You can dress her up or down, be creative with texture or flavor. Every culture has its own version of her.

Either way, she is a lot cheaper than Mr. Steak.

menu one
bread with garlic butter
chicken bread with apricot glaze
roasted vegetables
fresh fruit

menu two
chicken fajitas
Spanish rice
black bean pasta
tropical fruit

menu three
salad
sweet and sour chicken pizza
spring rolls
glazed banana

The 1960s Moment

When I think of this decade, I think of my mother's old photographs when she was living in Chicago. Everyone looked so stylish. Fitted suits, beautiful shift dresses with the Hollywood shades.

If you want a wedding with style and grace, this is the theme for you.

invitation
A white panel invitation with yellow ink. Use a smiley face sticker on the envelope.

bride
An empire waist gown with a clutch purse that is filled with yellow tulips

bridesmaids
A black knee length dress with a wide brim hat and white bead necklace. One
yellow tulip in hand.

front of ceremony
2 six foot columns with ferns on the top

centerpiece
Glue white beads on a clear vase. Then use one yellow tulip.

sign in
Breakfast at Tiffany's Poster

music
Something by Beattles, Stand by Me Ben E King

menu
chicken dish, asparagus, green salad, and cheese

cake
red velvet cupcakes

special touch
ice cream bar decorated with smiley face confetti

sources
fifthtiesweb.com
fashion-era.com
orientaltrading.com

Father and Daughter Dance

Dance with my Father Luther Vandross

Unforgettable Natalie Cole

The Twist Chubby Checker

My Father's Eyes Amy Grant

Daughters John Mayers

Angels Among Us Alabama

My Girl Temptations

How Sweet It Is James Taylor

You Can

What can you do with a can? A million things for a wedding.

invitation
a letter with a fruit scent on the back.

bride
a simple dress with a pomander of white carnations.

bride maids
a simple knee length dress. Take a can. Punch two holes in the side. Then paint.
Use a ribbon for a handle. Fill with wild flowers.

front of ceremony
a garden arch with greenery.

the centerpiece
Take a soda can and paint it. Then fill with a carnation. Place sand or rocks inside the can to keep it stable.

sign in
Cover several cans in contact paper. Arrange the cans in shape of heart. Use slips of paper and pen.

cake
Cupcakes arrange in a shape of a heart. Use contact paper to decorate a few cans to place in the center. Fill the cans with mini carnations.

The Thank You Gift List

At the end of the wedding, there are plenty people to thank for all their love and hard work.

the mother of the bride
A wedding day basket. Fill a basket with a tea cup, assorted teas, snacks, hand creams, bubble bath, a handkerchief, and aspirin.

father of the bride
An after the wedding day tote. Fill it with his favorite magazines, a few movies, a bottle of wine, and wine glasses.

maid of honor
A letter with a gift certificate for shoes.

bridesmaids
A letter inside a book.

flower girl
An inexpensive Barbie.

ring bearer
Thomas the train.

best man
a wedding day snack. Fill a bag filled with popcorn, soda, chips, and various
candies.

groomsmen
cocktail candies with their favorite magazine.

Adults Only

With a little bit of planning, an adult only wedding can be great for all.

invitation
A letter with vanilla scent on the back. Place adult only on the invitation.

time
10:00 p.m.

the bride
white knee length dress with pink satin purse filled with red tea roses.

the bridesmaids
a little black dress with a pink rose.

the room decor
Everything in one space. For the front of the ceremony, use two black candle stands with a garland of pink carnations. Use two red pillar candles. Use cherries in a wine glass with tea candles for a centerpieces.

Sprinkle the rest of the tables with pink and red rose petals.

menu
salad with almonds, honey glazed chicken with sweet potato fries sprinkled with nutmeg, chocolate candies.

slushy cocktail table

sign in
book of poetry

parents
You can provide the parents with a list of baby sitters in the area.

white carpet moment

When a bride walks down the aisle, she has dreamt of this day since she was a little girl. All the Easter dresses, prom gowns are just a rehearsal to her a wedding day. To look great for this day, it does take a bit of planning.

the dress
Look for your wedding gown at least five months before your day. When you go to find your dress, bring the proper shoes, underwear, a bottle of water, and two people.

the workout
A workout should enhance what you have. It may not be the time for a miracle. Be realistic. Workout three to four times a week for 30 minutes.

hair
Pick out a style that will last the whole day. Sit down with hair dresser with any headpieces you have with the picture of the actual gown. You should do this at least four months before your wedding.

For an inexpensive look, consider hair pieces like a ponytail or hair bun.

makeup
Your guests should be able identify you without a photograph. Keep it natural. Marykay, Avon, or makeup counter person can help you on the cheap.

You should do a makeup trial at least 3 months before your wedding.

alteration
It is very important. So plan on it as soon as you get your wedding dress. See actual work of the person and make sure this person specializes in wedding alterations.

The Future Cocktail Weding

A new career, a home, or baby. What are your goals? Intertwine your hopes and dreams into a wedding theme.

guests
under 30 people.

Bride
little white dress with crystal bouquet

bridesmaids
black dress with white rose

the invitation
wedding invitation or greeting card with sound.

room decor
Have everything in one space. Front of ceremony-two gold candle stands with floral candles. Centerpieces-use wine glasses with glow ice cubes. Then sprinkle rose
petals on the tables.

drinks
name your drinks after your goals in life.

Sign In
An inspirational poem

Cake
Sheet cake that has your goals in writing.

source
partylightsonline.com
that'sthesprit.com
nibble.com

Day of Checklist

Earlier this year I had a friend to get married. They had a small family wedding. The day of the wedding, I called her. The groom had forgotten the ring. Her ring.

Nervousness at its finest.

A day of checklist is really important to ensure we don't forget the ring.

Day of List

call wedding organizer-vendors and participants are called.

wedding schedule
emergency kit
wedding rings
wedding licence
dress, shoes, underwear, headpieces
to eat
plan b list
hair and nails
makeup
Tums and aspirin
love letter to the groom(given to the best man)

The 1980s Prom Wedding

You may deny it, but some of us wore it. Neon colored clothing with a touch of rainbow hair. It was the 1980s.

For a great time, give your guests a touch of the 1980s for a prom wedding theme.

invitation
white card invite with blue ink. Sprinkle neon colored confetti in the invitation.

bride
white ankle length dress, white lace gloves, tiara, and satin white shoes.

bridesmaids
blue dresses with a corsage of baby breath, greenery, and a tea rose.

sign in
an album cover of your favorite artist

centerpiece
neon colored balloon in a white bud vase with neon colored confetti

front of ceremony
two rented four foot columns with greenery at the base of each column

a cake
a sheet cake with neon colors with a picture of you and the groom on the
cake.

special touch
costume contest

neon colored signature drink

Your First Dance

The first dance songs

sleeping beauty waltz tchaikovsky

Up Where We Belong Jennifer Warnes and Joe Croker

For Your Precious Love Otis Redding

Etta James At Last

Cant't Fight This Feeling Reo Speedwagon

Nothing Else Matter Metallicia

Through the Fire Chaka Khan

I Finally Found Someone Barbara Streisand

Forever Young

A kid theme wedding is a great idea for someone who wants to think inside the sandbox.

The Invitation
white panel invitation with a yellow ribbon

The Bride
A simple knee length white dress with a pail of yellow daises

The bridesmaids
A yellow skirt and white blouse with a yellow daisy

flower girl
cheerleader costume with a pail of daisy petals

ring bearer
football costume with a white painted football

sign in
chalkboard with markers

centerpiece
pictures of the bride and groom school photographs in a white wooden frames. Sprinkle daisy petals on the table.

Menu
Consider a lunch menu.

Cake
Two tier cake with yellow ribbon on the border. Fresh yellow flowers as toppers.

Special touches
Blow bubbles during the first dance

Cookies and milk. Cocktail flavors in the cookies.

dance contest

How do you set the tone?

The invitation sets the tone. Formal or informal. Traditional or playful.

For my own wedding, I sent out a white panel invitation with a red ink, a sheer bow, and silver foil confetti in shape of a rose. My invite said this is a simple wedding with creative touches.

Chicken not steak folks.


When should you plan for your invitation?
Six to four months before your day.

Options?
Endless. Business cards, letters, party invites, a traditional panel invitations for a more formal wedding. Newsletters, postcards, a drawing, and simple party invitations for a more casual day.

Where can you find a wedding invitation?
Catalogs, office supply stores, Target, Walmart, party stores, and online.

Creative touches?
Photographs on a formal invitation, scrap booking supplies on a letter, and rose petals in a creative party invitation.

What do you place on a invitation?
The main thing is the host, time, place, and time. If you having a nontraditional reception, tea or lunch, then you might want to include this information.

When do you mail your invitation?
Eight to six weeks before your wedding.

sources
rexcraft.com
vistaprint.com

something inexpensive

When David Bridal first came out, it was such a big deal. A wedding shop with inexpesive gowns brought to the masses. No longer you had to donate a kidney for a wedding dress.

Now, there are a million ways to get an inexpensive dress.

Something cute
dollycouture.com

something young
15dollarstore.com

something hand sewen
SewCity.com and Threadbanger.com

something old
antiquedress.com

something simple
In the bridesmaids section, bridemaids.com.

Happy Shopping!

It's your anniversary

An anniversary theme wedding is great for those that aspire to live happily ever after.

invitation
1st year paper. Use a single panel invitation with black ink. Then sprinkle photo confetti inside the envelope.

The bride
The brides wears a simple a line gown. Then she carries a silver dipped rose (25th silver).

the bridesmaids
They maids wear a knee length white dress with a single rose(4th year fruit, flowers).

the centerpiece
Vintage pictures in wooden frames(year 5 wood).

Sprinkle photo confetti on the honor tables.

favors
pewter tins filled with candies.(year 10 pewter)

sign in
Have your family send you recipes on index cards. Place these cards in a book. Then have the guests sign in the margins.

Say Cheese

When the flowers are in the trash and the dress is in the box, you have your pictures. At eight to six months before you say I do, you should look for a photographer.

Where?
The yellow pages or the bridal websites.

I found my photographer through the yellow pages. He worked out of his home. This made it even cheaper for me.

What to do?
Make an appointment. Does this person fit the personality of your wedding and your family? Then you should ask about charges: the time, the album, extra pictures, overtime, and restrictions.

You should see actual work. Flip through wedding albums and see actual pictures of portraits.

What else?
Write down your must have wedding list. Then pass it to the photographer a month ahead of your day. Then give a copy to your wedding organizer, parents, and maid of honor.

For the music lovers

For all those that love music, this is a great theme for you.

Invitation
Write down your favorite lyrics to a love song. Write it like a poem in the center of white paper. Then place the host, the place, and time at the bottom of the page.

The Bride
A little white dress with a silver tussy mussy filled with red roses.

The Bridesmaids
A black dress with a red rose in hair.

The Sign In
A poster of your favorite music artist.

The Entrance
When the wedding guests enter the ceremony, have a couple of singers to greet them.

The Centerpiece
A single silver bud vase with a red rose. Sprinkle black foil confetti on the table.

The Cake
Two tier white cake with black ribbon. For the topper, red roses.

Special Touch
Have a group high school students from the dance club to perform during the wedding ceremony.

Destination Plan B

It is two weeks before your wedding day. You have checked off all things on your very long to do list. So it is time to relax and read a book.

Not so fast.

Things happen. You have to be prepared when it does.

A Wedding Organizer
Who is running this ship for your day? It can be your maid of honor, a parent, or even a wedding planner for the day of. They can make the phone calls, make your dress is correct, and ensure everyuthing runs smoothly.

A Wedding Schedule
A wedding schedule is the map for your wedding. You should make it at least a month ahead. Then give copies of the schedule to your vendors, the wedding organizer, and parents.

The Plan B
The cake falls. Where is the local Walmart? Cupcakes for evryone.

For all the major things of your wedding, have a plan B. Rain plan, cake, food, officiants, and photography.

The Emergency Kit
Think about all the things that could happen. Then place these items in a small tool box.

The 1930s Moment

The 1930s is not a wedding period you often see as inspiration. It was a time period of faith and strength. A celebration of love and hope. From the small society wedding to the large pot luck country moment, it does have a common thread. A sweet moment shared wit close family and friends.

Invitation
A letter with a sweet scent of vanilla on the back.

The Bride
A simple wedding dress or dress suit with a hat.

The Bride carries a book of inspiration.

The Front of Ceremony
Two oversized pots filled with greenery and baby breath.

The Sign In
A poster from Georgia O'Keefe

Signature Drink
The Joe Louis

Reception Music
Cocktail music from Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller


The Centerpieces
Poetry in wooden frames. Sprinkle the table with wild flowers.

The Wedding Cake
One tier cake with an old fashion wedding cake topper.

The Special Touch
A twinkies table. Deep fried twinkies. Chocolate covered twinkies. Fondant covered twinkies. I am starting to sound like that guy from Forrest Gump. Well, you get the picture.

source
fashion-era.com
hostesscakes.com
weddingcollectibles.com

Top Processonal Songs

Wedding March Mozart

Trumpet Voluntary stanley

My Love, Sweet Love Patti LaBelle

The Wedding Song Kenny G

Ready for Love India Arie

The Vow Jeremy Lubbock

Tip: Consider the ages and lifestyles of your family and friends. Pick out your music at least four months before your big day.

The Recycled Wedding

Where is your wedding? It is in your home. It is the bottles that you throw out everyday. The newspaper that is in the recycle bin. Even your old clothes can be transformed into something for your moment.

The Fabric Invitation
Take an index card and cover it with fabric. Then place your information in fabric pen.

The Bridal Look
Go to the closet and be inspired. A little dress for a formal moment, a blouse and skirt for a seminformal day, and a pair of dark jeans and a blouse for an informal wedding. Use accessories and shoes to bring fashion life to the things you already have.

The Paper Mache Centerpiece
By using simple balloons, you can make little paper mache balls. Decorate the little balls with paint and little beads. Place them in little bowls.

Sign In
Use your favorite book

Bouquet for the Bride
Use a small cardboard box. Paint or cover the box in fabric from old clothes. Then use silk flowers. Attach a ribbon on each side the box for a handle.

Glass Bottles
Many places serve food from simple glass jars. A colorful salad. A sweet dessert.
Even a simple vegetarian main course.

Mother Day Gifts

So it is Saturday. Tick, tock, goes the clock. Don't sweat it. There are a lot of things you can do for mom.

Chocolate Cupcakes
With a trip of the grocery store, you can have a sweet gift in about an hour.

Spa Basket
Go online and make at home beauty cards. Then place the items from the cards in the basket.

Coupons
Give mom a little help. Offer to clean, cook, do the laundry. If she has kids, make baby sitting coupons.

Museums
If you have a great selection of museums in town, call and ask if they offer gift coupons you can give to your mom.

Cheese and Wine Basket
With another friendly trip to Publix, you can have a great gift.

Online Shopping
Get a prepaid card. Then make a small list of online stores that matches the budget of the card. Place a letter to mom as well thanking her for all many years of love and hard work with specific things she has done for you.

The Love Story

Invitation
A one page newsletter with how you met, first date(keep it rated G), the proposal, and common life goals. Place the host, the date, time, and place at the end of the newsletter.

The Bride
A simple white gown with a red tea roses with little clear crystals.

The Front of Ceremony
Two gold candle stands with red mini carnations, greenery, and blinking lights.

The Sign In
A simple journal.

The Centerpiece
A clear container of cherries with a light up rose. Votive candles all around the centerpiece.

The Menu
A simple salad, fettuccine alfredo with chicken meatballs, and cheesecake.

The cake
Sheet cake on gold tray with a picture of the bride and groom

the Dessert Table
champagne flavored mini cupcakes, chocolate pie, fresh strawberries, rose chocolate candies, and heart shaped cookies.

source
flashingblinkylights.com

Speaking Flower

Before Twitter and text message, there was flowers. A woman walked in the room and gave her message of love or hate. In modern times, it is a great way for a bride to add little messages throughout her day.

Invitation
sprinkle red rose petals inside your invite to tell your guests that you love them.

Front of Ceremony
Use ivy to show your dependence or fidelity to each other on a garden arch or heart shaped arch.

Centerpieces
Show your unity for each other by making balls of red and white roses.

Special Touch
Set up a lollipop cookie table in shape of flowers in little pots. Use little cards in front of the pot to give the meaning of each cookie flower.

source
Victorianbazaar.com

A Wedding with Hope

A hope theme wedding. I think everyone need a bit of luck and inspiration. This wedding with a dessert reception may do the trick.

The Invitation
white panel with blue ink

Bride
white gown with a halo of white roses, blue freesia, and baby breath.

Bridesmaid
White rose with a blue dress.

Centerpiece
A clear container filled with Hershey kisses. Beside the container in a small frame, write down an inspiration quote.

Sign In
An inspirational poster

Menu
orange flavored signature drink, cheese, fruit salad (use orange and grapes), fortune cookies, brown sugar bacon, rice pudding, orange cupcakes, peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches

Cake
One tier horseshoe shaped cake

special touches
A garden arch filled with ivy, carnations, and tea roses. Hang a horseshoe at the center of the arch.

Mixing of the rice
Instead of the unity candle, use two colored of rice. Two three clear containers for this task.

source
inspirational-quotation.com
fancyfortunecookies.com