Love Jones

Love Jones is a great date in movie. It has a romantic story background in which you just sit and cuddle a little closer.

It also can be turned into inspiration for a wedding.

My advice is to keep rated G for everyone because your grandmother is sitting there.

invitation
black invite with blue ink. Sprinkle red rose petals inside the invite.

bride
A white short dress with blue dyed tea roses and black ribbion.

ceremony
Incoporate romantic poetry during the wedding ceremony.

sign in
A book of photography.

centerpiece
A clear container filled with deep blue dyed carnations. Use candles all around the centerpiece.


cocktail hour
Fill the hour with romantic jazz tunes.

Serve breakfast inspired items.

signature drink
The Nina

first dance
In Sentimental Mood Duke Ellington and John Coltrane

cake
A sheet cake with a picture of the couple.

cake cutting music
The Sweetest Thing Refugee Camp All Stars Staring The Great Lauryn Hill



source
poemhunter.com
romancelovepoetry.com
smoothjazz.com

Lights Out

Turn down the light and add candles to your day.

ideas

floating candles
Floating candles are great. You can place them in over sized champagne glasses with a sprinkle of rose petals for a romantic look.

candelabra
A candlebra is great for a formal wedding. You can dress it up with a little beading.

Add tapers with roses in them for a romantic look.

Pillar candles
A grouping of pillar candles on a framed mirror can be great look. You can find these candles anywhere from discount to a craft store. To save, look for them after Christmas, Easter, and valentine day.

sources
chandlercandle.com
amercianbridal.com

The Time of my Life

Dirty Dancing brings the 1960s to life with fashion and music. I am sure I had to sneak to watch this movie with those moves.

Consider this theme for your moment.

invitation
White panel with blue ink

the bride
Below knee length wedding dress with short veil. Add a little brooch.

Carry a bouquet of white tea roses with blue freesia.

bridesmaids
white shirt, white dressy capri pants with silver high heels

sign in
Nobody puts Baby in the Corner t shirt

cocktail
the watermelon cocktail

music
These Arms of Mine Otis Redding
Love Man Otis Redding
The Time of my Life Bill Meledy and Jennifer Warner

wedding party dance
The Samba

centerpiece
Mini cupcakes with blue icing

Cake
two tier cake with white columns with an old fashion couple topper

sources
weddingdressesgallery.com
emitations.com
birdcageveils.com

Slow Jam

When I think of a slow jam, my mind goes back to the skating rink. The music would slow down, you would find the right person. It gave you opportunity to hold hands and hope for a date.

Consider these songs for your wedding reception.

Here and Now Luther Vandross
Lady in my Life Micheal Jackson
Slow Jam Atlantic Star
When You Look Me in the Eyes Jonas Brothers
Breath Faith Hill
You're Still the One Shania Twain
Wait for Me Elliot Yamin
When You Need Me Aaron Hall
Share my World Mary J. Blidge
There You Go Johnny Gill
You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This Toby Keith
Let's Chill Guy
I Just Can't Stop Loving You Micheal Jackson

Summer Nights

I love the movie Grease. My sister and I have spent several New Year Eve nights singing off key.

This is a great and fun inspiration for a wedding.

invitation
A letter with perfume sprayed on the back.

bride
A 1950s dress with a pony tail. A pink rose bouquet.

bridesmaids
A pink shirt, a narrow black skirt. A pink rose in hand.

the sign in
A movie poster

the centerpiece
Toy cars and motorcycles on a dummy tier covered in roses.

cocktail hour
soda shop theme with mini burgers and fries with a root beer float.

signature cocktail
the frenchie

music
Tutti Frutti Little Richard
You Send Me Sam Cooke

cake
sheet cake with picture of the bride and groom in 1950s outfit

special touches

Make your own Rydell High from gingerbread. Use a kit. Place it on your cake table.

take an hour for karaoke

The Date

When we went to Stone Mountain Park, we were surrounded by couples. Young people and old with picnic baskets, blankets, enjoying the music and each other.

Not me. I had my child. It was a mess. Welcome to motherhood.

Anyway, it made me think of my cousin. She is youthful 70 year old and looks as if she is 40. She still dates her husband. Every week they go out to dinner. Sometimes it is cheap, sometimes it is not.

They have been married for over 40 years. So the secret: keep that date night.

source: cooldate.com

Too Hot

When I was married, I wore a big ballroom gown in October, but even in this fall month, it is hot in Macon, Georgia.

So by the time, I arrived at my reception, I was ready strip that big dress off. I could have used a little cocktail dress.

for the summer
This is great little dress for the summer wedding especially for a destination moment.

for the reception
If you need to party the night away, you can find a little white dress or just something within your wedding colors.

for the cost
You can find a nice cocktail dress for under $200. You can save that money for the honeymoon.

sources
NewYorkDress.com
renttherunway.com
syndneyscloset.com
onlygowns.com

Happy Shopping!

Beer Run

Add a little country with this wedding theme.

invitation
cow boy art note cards

bride
Plaid dress with white cowboy boots. Wildflower bouquet.

bridesmaids
white shirt, dark jeans, and cowboy boots. baby breath and greenery bouquet.

sign in
A guitar

centerpieces
Grass in faux suede containers.

cake
two tier cake with plaid ribbion. A bronze microphone topper.

special touches
name your tables after your favorite country music artists

wedding party line dance

incorporate country music lyrics in your wedding vows

beer mugs filled with flowers on your sign in table, cake table.

beer bar

Cocktail Menu

A cocktail menu is a great way to save money.

inform the guests
Place it on your invitation

consider the time
Take into consideration the time of day. If it early, you can away with less, but for a later wedding, serve more and something more substantial.

be creative
This does not have to be boring. A tropical theme for a summer wedding, a chocolate theme for the winter holiday, and even pull inspiration for your local town.

menu ideas
Go to foodnetwork.com and find ideas there.

i Love rock n roll

For the bride who wants to rock it out, consider the rock n roll theme.

invitation
black invitation with silver leather bow at the top

bride
short white dress with a leather bouquet

bridesmaids
white shirt, plaid skirt and high heels. Small red rose.

sign in
Your favorite rock magazine.

centerpiece
Spray paint a skull silver. Then place it on a bed of red rose petals.

cake
two tier white cake with black leather ribbon around each tier.

A silver microphone as a topper.

special touch

sports car groom cake

Cocktail Time

If an invitation sets the tone for your wedding, a cocktail can get the party started.

this is not a buffet
Wine and beer with a signature cocktail will do. You have a bridal party tasting party to get ideas.

cash bar
Most people do not like the unexpected. So make sure you inform your guests on your wedding invitation. If you can, offer soft drinks and water with at least a wine for free.

plan ahead
At least three months ahead, make sure you have an idea what you are serving.

servers
Have a plan at least a month ahead. For a large wedding, I would invest in a bartender even a student one is better than nothing.

diy
Figure if you can do it yourself especially if you are having a small wedding.

get the rules
Different sites have different rules and regulations. So get the rules ahead of time.

drinkmixer.com
supercocktail.com
cocktailtimes.com
drinknation.com

Hip Hop Horray

For those who love hip hop, this theme is for you.

invitation
black card stock with gold writing

bride
short white dress with white ankle boots. A pomander of white crystals.

bridesmaids
a short black dress with gold high heels. A gold dipped rose.

centerpiece
faux leather covered contained filled with white roses

sign in
old run dmc album cover, search on ebay.

cake
one tier heart shaped black cake with a gold microphone topper.

special touches

boom box cookie table

wedding party dance to a hip hop song

Yeah

Here a few tunes for your reception.

Pink Get the Party Started
Rude Boy Rhianna
Hey Ya Outkast
Temperature Sean Paul
3 AM Matchbox 20
All The Small Things Blink 182
Run DMC Greatest Hits
Just Dance Lady GaGa
Planet Rock Afrika Bambaataa
Cowboy Casanova Carrie Underwodd
Wild at Heart Gloriana
I want a Cowboy Reba
Yeah Usher
Lo Flo Rida
You Shook Me All Night Long AD/DC

Cheers

For a fun wedding, consider the cocktail theme.

invitation
A black business card with blue ink.

bride
A blue dress with glass bouquet.

bridesmaids
A black dress with a blue mini carnation bouquet.

centerpiece
Take an over sized wine glass. Put it upside down. Place flowers under the glass.
At the top, hang little clear crystal beads.

cake
cocktail blue iced cupcakes with little sugar beads.

special touches
signature drink named after your favorite date place

candy cocktail bar

The After Party

Suggestive music is nothing new under the sun. I know I sneaked and listened to enough of it with my sister. Prince, anyone?

How can you play it with your grandmother sitting there?

You can't.

The solution: the after party. It is the great compromise to keep it classy for your grandmother but allow you to play something else later on.

inform
On your wedding invitations, you should inform your wedding guests.

the place
You can have it at your wedding reception or choose a smaller room for later. I had a friend who had a wedding and lunch at the church. Then the next day she had a party for her younger guests.

the transition
You definitely should make an announcement.

You can also have a wedding party dance or change clothes for your after party.

Summer Dress

Consider the summer dress for your beach wedding.

summerbeachdress.com

dessy.com

hawaiianweddingshop.com

ever-pretty.com

happy shoping!

Clue

Give your guests a clue with a mystery wedding theme.


invitation
Newsletter that sets the tone and the stage for your wedding.

the bride
A red dress with a red and black round bouquet with wedding charms.

the bride maids
the black dress with the red rose.

the room decor
One room wedding. The front of the ceremony, two four ft columns with a gold candelabra on each column. Round tables with a white table cloth. A centerpiece of gold candlesticks with black candles. Sprinkle the table with red rose petals.

On the table, give the guest a set of the cards with clues and suspects.

Make sure your person is the member of the wedding party.

the cake
A red velvet cake with black icing. The topper of red roses.

special touches

a blood Mary signature drink

a weapon cookie table

give the winner a gift basket

sources

hostaparty.com
partyproducts.com

Fairy Tale

When you take a wedding break, consider these great books.

Diary of a Mad Bride Laura Wolf

Any Way the Wind Blows E. Lynn Harris

Fairy Tale Natasha Usher

Second Chance Danielle Steel

A Night Song

I love historical romance novels, especially now in the hot summer months in Georgia. So for the bride who wants to add a little romance to her day, consider the historical romance wedding theme.

invitation
Write a letter to your wedding guests in calligraphy pen.

Gather a few friends for this project.

the bride
A ballroom gown with a bouquet of wild flowers.

the bridesmaids
An A line dress with a small train with a bouquet of baby breath and greenery.

ceremony
Add a little romance.

With your wedding vows, tell your love story. Start with when we first met....keep it rated G for everyone.

At the end of the ceremony, exchange roses.

sign in
Rent or buy costumes and make your own romance cover.

reception
old fashion jars filled with candies. Add rose petals to the tables.

cake table

Use a one layer heart shape cake in the center decorated with roses. Then on one side for the groom, have a pie decorated with roses. Then on the other side use a simple small white one layer cake for the maids with wedding charms.

sources

historicalcamdencounty.com
Beverlyjenkins.com
weddingcharms.com

blogs to love

Here are three blogs to help you with your wedding planning.

Brooklyn Bride
She has great and unique ideas at all price points. bklynbrideonline.com

Fish out of Water
I always have a great laugh with this blog as this young lady goes through the process of planning her wedding. Her honesty is really refreshing.
fishoutofwater-sam.blogspot.com

One Wed
For a wealth of wedding tips, go on onewed.com.

Parisian Events
For a sophisticated touch, follow the wedding planner in Paris.
parsianevents.com

1920s Moment

If you want a show a little leg, this is the era for you.

invitation
art deco postcards

the bride
A short dress with pearls. A big bouquet of greenery, baby breath, and tea roses.

the bridesmaids
A little black dress with a bead handled purse filled with tea roses.

the centerpiece
You and the groom should take square wooden container and create an art deco masterpiece using metal.
Fill the container with simple greenery and baby breath.

the music
jazz

the sign in
art deco poster

the cake
Two tiers. White bottom, black top tier. A metal cake topper.

special touches
gin inspired cupcake as dessert.

A dance marathon after party

baseball theme groom cake

I Got You

First Dance. From soul to country, there is something for everyone.

To Make You Feel My Love Garth Brooks

Hero Mariah Carey

I Will Always Love You Dolly Parton

I Got You James Brown

Three O'clock John McComrmack

LoveYou Maxwell

Literary Affair

A sophisticated cocktail with a literary twist is great theme.

invitation
a love poem such as Love Is by Nikki Giovanni. Print it in the center of the paper and then wedding details in the corner.

the bride
a little white dress with a bouquet of a few gardenia in the center surrounded by tea roses.

the bridesmaids
The little black dress with the gardenia in the hair.

the bridal processional
Have the groom to recite a poem as the bride walks down the aisle.

the sign in
Your favorite book.

the centerpiece
tea roses in a wine glass on a gold spray painted book.

the cake
A sheet cake with the bride's favorite poem on it.

Beach Read

For the bride on the moment, here are some great books for you.

Bridal Bargins Denise and Alan Fields

Hello Cupcake Karen Tack, Alan Richardson

Beautiful Wedding Receptions Donna Kooler

Creative Wedding Forals you can make Terry L. Rye

Groovy

Where can you find a dress for under $500? A costume store. You can be anyone from Cinderella to a Flinstone. Play around with the ideas for a unique wedding.

Rent
You can a dress from a local store or online.
costumesgalore.com

Used
Ebay.com and Deal.com are two spots in which you find the dream costume for a dream price.

New
buycostume.com, costumesupercenter.com are two sites for a costume.

Happy Shopping!

Art Day

Do you love art? Bring a little art to your day.

invitation
A photograph of the bride and groom on a postcard.

bride
An a little white dress with a pomander of black and purple beads.

bridesmaids
A purple dress with baby breath and greenery.

flower girl
A purple dress. Then have a carry a tote that you and the groom customized. Take fabric markers and draw a picture together.

sign in
An over sized poster of your favorite piece of art.

centerpiece
Have your guests paint a picture and send it in. Frame them. Then sprinkle white and purple flowers on each table.

cake
white cake with grapes as a topper.

special touches

frame postcard art work in small frames on the cake table.

cookie drawing table with food color markers.

Waiting to Exhale

Some weddings would make a great soap. The in laws want control. The bride wants to run away to the court house. The groom is drinking.

Inhale, Exhale

the journal
My wedding journal was like my best friend. It was better than yelling at my family and friends.

funny movie
Father of the Bride, Tyler Perry, or just an comedy tape. Have a laugh.

wedding break
sometimes you need to take break in order to put things in prospective. I say you work on a wedding 5 days a week and take two days off.

stay organized
Get a binder with pocket protective. Make sure you keep everything in one space.

yoga
When the stress is too much, I turn to my yoga for dummies book.

source
yoga.com

Go Animal!

If you want something a little more unique, consider a zoo theme wedding.

invitation
white invitation with a animal print ribbon

the bride
a white knee length dress with a bouquet of greenery and baby breath with a zebra print ribbon

the bridesmaids
a little black dress with animal print shoes. An animal print fan.

the centerpiece
stacked cheetah print or zebra print hat boxes. Sprinkle table with greenery.

the dessert
animal crackers with a fruit based or chocolate based dipping sauce.

the cake
two tier cake with animal print ribbion on the side. Clear cake topper in shape of a zoo animal.

grocery store wedding

Many brides at times like these are looking for ways to stretch their wedding dollars. Consider the grocery store. From the deli to everything in between, there is inspirational right in your neibghborhood.

the deili
Finger foods are great for a cocktail.

the bakery
You can find cupcakes, donuts, and some may be even do a simple wedding cake theat you can jazz up with cake decoratiing supplies.

food items
Colorful pasta in clear containers, fruits and vegetables in baskets, and even stacked spray painted can goods are all great for centerpieces.

flowers
I ordered my flowers from a local grocery stoere. Then I used a how to book to put together all our wedding flowers.

other
blank cards for invitations, magazine pages that can be framed for centerpieces, and even things like candles you can give out as wedding party gifts.

1990s Movie Moment

Sneakers under a huge dress to the sinking of a big ship. The 1990's had lots of inspiration for a bride.

the invitation
white card stock with black ink.

the bride
A little red dress with a match purse filled with red roses.

the bridesmaids
A black tuxedo pantsuit with a corsage of tea roses and baby breath.

front of ceremony
Two over sized gold spray painted pots. Inside each pot, plant one person. Have them to wear a black tux. Then paint their face gold.

Once the person is in the pot, plant greenery and mini carnations.

centerpiece
Gold colored popcorn in a clear container. Name your tables after the 1990s movie.

the cake
one tier cake with a gold Oscar as a topper.

special touches

Use music from the Father of the Bride and Titanic.

Have a cocktail hour inspired by Forrest Gump. Shrimp, anyone?

Give each guest a sparkler inspired by Independence Day.


source

gotparty.com

Love Train

Consider these recessional music selections for your love train.

Love Train O' Jays

The Wedding March Mendelesson

Trumpet Voluntary Clark

Everything I Do Bryan Adams

Crazy Pasty Cline

Step in the Name Love R. Kelly

The Vision

When I was a little, I knew I wanted a wedding. Too many Easter dresses with little white lace gloves. Big dress, sweet cake, and great food.

So I wrote it down in a wedding journal.

Thank God, I did. It was year of ideas in 2001-2002. Wedding cupcakes, donuts, and cookies. Big dresses of all colors and sizes. Old fashion A line gowns.

Then there is the family. The family with a million and one ideas. Well meaning, but sometimes it just does not fit what you want.

So write it all down. Close your eyes and remember what you truly want.

Under the Sea

The acquarium theme for the water babies out there.


invitation
Clear invitation with blue ink.

bride
A blue dress with silver shoes. A bouquet of blue dyed carnations with tiny silver painted beach shells.

bridesmaids
a white dress with a single blue dyed carnation

front of ceremony
silver painted garden arch with an garland of blue dyed carnations, white star fishes embellished with white crystals.

centerpiece
A bud vase with blue water and silver beads. Sprinkle a few silver sprayed painted star fish around the centerpiece.

sign in
Fish bowls. Have the guest sign the outside of it.

cake
A two tier cake in shape of a heart with a fountain below.

Say Yes to Something Else

From the beach to the park, there are many options for bridal wear.


the little white dress
I love the idea of a little white dress especially here in the south.
davidbridal.com

the white bathing suit
A great idea for the bride beside the pool or on the beach. A little white bathing suit with an embellished cover up.

AdvantageBridal.com

the linen shorts
The linen shorts with an off shoulder top with a pair of high heels. You can dance the night away.

Gap.com

sundress
For an outdoor wedding, a sundress can do the trick. Try whitehouseblackmarket.com or edressme.com for options.

Happy Shopping!

Wanted

If you want to be a little bit country, this is the theme for you.

invitation
A light brown card stock with black ink. Use a plaid ribbon at the top.

the bride
A white sundress with high heels. Carry a fabric horseshoe covered in silk roses.

the bridesmaids
A white cotton shirt with dark jeans and high heels. Have them to carry wildflowers in a bucket.

sign in
A picture of the bride and groom in western wear.

front of ceremony
Several cow boy hats hanging from a green garland from the ceiling.

centerpiece
A vase filled with trail mix. Place a few little cactus plants around the vase.

flower girl
cow girl with a wicker basket.

ring bearer
the little sheriff with rings attached to a cow boy hat.

cake
A wanted poster with a picture of the bride and groom on a sheet cake.

A Place

For most people place seating seems like a archaic concept. I like place seating. It makes everyone feel comfortable. At my own wedding with the personalities I have on both sides of the family, it was necessity.

Get help. Ask a couple of a family members or members of your bridal party to assist.

Do it early. Try to sit down with at least a month before your wedding.

Formality. For a formal wedding, try to assign seats. If you have an informal day, just assign tables.

Personality. Consider the traits of each guest. Mix up the old with the young. The single with the married couples. People who like to talk with a patient listener. The person who would tell the dirty joke with an open minded person. With my family I am not shocked by much.

The Inside Beach Moment

invitation
a newsletter that includes great fun facts about the city. Include fun places to visit and shop.

bride
A knee length dress with a halo of orchids.

bridesmaids
Linen shorts with an off shoulder shirt. Have them hold a pomander of shells.

centerpiece
Blue decorating ice in a wine glass. Sprinkle sand dollars on the table.

front of ceremony
buy or make a huge sand box. Paint the outside white. Then decorate with shells and flowers. During the ceremony, you and the groom stand in the box.

flower girl
a small beach tote bag filled with white rose petals.

ring bearer
A big shell with the rings

cake
A sheet cake in shape of a shell.

favor
A local snack.

source
islandweddingshop.com

orientaltrading.com

The Day After

I wish I could tell you that premarital counseling is the panacea for divorce. It's not. It does give you a reality check.


How do you get it?
Spiritual advisor, therapist, a happily married couple or a book.

What should it include?
Household duties, fiances, children, spiritual beliefs, future goals, and dating plan.

Keep It Fun
Write it all down in a contract. You can frame it and point to it when you have your first argument. Just kidding.

The Gilded Age

It was roaring before the 1920s. It was time of great wealth in this county. For a bride who wants an over top wedding theme. This is the one for you.

guest list
less than 40

invitation
A letter on gold paper with black ink.

Ask your wedding guests to bring a can good for the local food pantry.

bride
A white wedding dress with a high collar. Then carry a lace umbrella.

bridesmaids
A simple white dress with a lace fan.

front of ceremony
two four foot columns sprayed painted in gold. Use a garland of white roses and lemon leaves on each column.

centerpiece
Gold dipped rose in a clear vase.

Surround the centerpiece with a lemon leaf wreath.

Sign In
Gold paper with black pen

Menu
soup, fish, chicken, main dish, salad, cheese, and dessert

cake
A two tier white cake with gold sugared flowers.

Special touches

music by Scott Joplin for your wedding recession music

glass cups with the guest name on them

dessert table dusted in gold

Our Song

Have a moment during your ceremony with these songs.

I Believe in You and Me Whitney Houston

Time after Time Cyndi Lauper

Always on my Mind Willie Nelson

Chapel of Love Dixie Cups

A Whole New World Peabo Bryson and Reginna Belle