after party jam

My heart Jennifer Hudson

Have a great weekend!

Wine Tasting Pot Luck

A wine tasting pot luck is a great at home wedding.

guests
under 30

ceremony
small table with a candles.

bride
a halter white dress

invitation
a purple colored paper with black ink.

In a letter, ask your guests to bring a bottle of wine. You provide finger foods and few bottles of your own.

centerpiece
a bowl of grapes

i need Love

Try these tunes for your wedding reception.

You're my Best Friend Queen
Kool and Gang Celebration
Love All Over Me Monica
I Need Love LL Cool J
Crazy Pasty Cline
Feels So Right Alabama
Whitney Houston Greatest Hits
If You Had my Love Jennifer Lopez
Vision of Love Mariah Carey

Y2K

It was the best of times.

It is a great theme for an over top at home wedding.

guests
under 40

invitation
Silver invitation with black ink.

bride
white short dress with silver boots.

crystal bouquet.

centerpiece
glass flowers in a silver container

sign in
play money place in a silver kids cash register

music
Who is Jill Scott? Jill Scott

cake
Two tier silver cake with a light up cake topper.

cocktail hour
Have the servers dress in costumes.Favorite stars from 2000.

sweet table
Over sized candy rings, mini cupcakes with sugar diamonds, silver chocolate roses,
and champagne shaped cookies.

Fiesta

Small at home weddings are great for a bride's budget. You can have a blank canvas for too many ideas.

I love the idea of fiesta especially during the summer time.

invitation
a travel postcard

bride
A red dress, a hat, and flower pinned to the hat.

centerpiece
Colorful peppers in a clear container.

decor
colorful hats hanging from the ceiling

drink
Devil cocktail
about.com

song
Fiesta by R. Kelly

food ideas
fietamarta.com

cake
two tier cake with dessert plant on top.

favor
red hot candies

Thank you Antonine Henrich.

the list

A list exchange can improve your relationship. It is a list of five things you want, more dates, improve family quality time, certain household chores, and etc.

It can truly help your communication skills in your marriage.

After Party Jam

Superstar by Usher

A little Wild

If you want something creative for your bridal look, consider animal print.

a little something animal
It can be something as simple as a bit of leopard as a ribbion of your dress.

two piece
You can have a solid white skirt with a animal print top.

prom look
There are many prom looks in animal print.

sources
tjformal.com
frenchnovelty.com
OneStopPlus.com

Eat It

Consider these tunes for your wedding day.

Sweet Thang Chakkah Khan
Mother Popcorn James Brown
Lady Marmalade LaBelle
Sugar Sugar The Archies
Eat It Al Yankovic
Shake, Rattle, and Roll Big Joe Turner
D'Angelo Brown Sugar
Domestic Light and Cold Dieks Bently
A Song for Mama Boyz II Men from the soulfood soundtrack

Thank you Graeme Weatherston

Stoneage Living

Costumes parties always add a little fun to a moment. Be inspired with this stone age party for your day.

invitation
brown invite with a leopard ribbon at the top.

bride
white mini dress with flip flops. Baseball bat covered in silk flowers

flower girl
costume as stone age girl with a wooden basket with greenery

centerpiece
rocks in clear container

cocktail hour
Eat like the stone age with lentils, pork, beans, and nuts.

cake
two tier cake with a toy dinosaur topper.

favors
candy with insects in them

First Date Meal

Food was always around us. My dad cooked everyday when he came home from work. On Sunday we go to my aunt Viola's home for a buffet. Then there was church, school, and friends.

Food makes for great memories.

It is the bite of your first date, the smells of your courtship, and the taste of your engagement meal.

Be inspired by this wedding theme.

the invitation
red card stock with black ink. Peppermint scent on the back.

Or a scent from your first date.

the bride
A white dress with basket of red roses with baby breath.

the centerpiece
Red colored eggs in a black wire basket.

ring bearer
chef costume with a spoon for the rings

flower girl
chef costume with a little pot for petals

cocktail hour
Recreate the foods from your first date.

sign in
a poster of French Chef by Theoudule Ribot

group dance
Mash Potatoes, USA James Brown

Thank you healingdream for picture.

The After Party Jam

StoptheWorld by Maxwell. It is a nice cut for your after party.

Have a great weekend!

Dress under $1000

You have to pay a fortune to be fabulous on your day.

the wedding dress
bestfordess.com
scarletcloset.com
inweddingdress.com
weddingdressonline.com

your hair and nails
go to the local beauty schools

makeup
I used Marykay. The representative came to my mother's house to do my makeup the day of the wedding.

shoes
Try the local consignment shops before you pay retail.

Exhale Tea Menu

Try this tea menu for your wedding guests.


Signature cocktail tea
spring rolls
vegetable dumplings
turkey wrapped asparagus
almond cookies
mini banana pudding
Green tea
Oolong tea

Thank you free digital photo.

Zen Tea Party

Relaxation and wedding seem like mixing oil and water.

Bring a little serenity to your day with this wedding theme.

invitation
brown card stock with black ink. Peppermint oil on the back of the invite.

bride
A white dress with an orchid in your hair.

centerpiece
Clear containers with black rocks on a patch of green grass.

cake
Two tier green cake with a fountain.

One orchid wedding topper.

sign in
A simple piece of paper with a wooden brown pen.

sources
Zen Flowers Brenda Berkley Anula Kitamura
globalgourmet.com
zenhabits.com

Relax

Take a wedding book break.

I Ain't Scare of You: Bernie Mac on How Life Is by the great Bernie Mac

Thank you Ahmet Guler.

Tea and Hats

Sometimes my mom's church put on a hat and tea fashion show. The local stores donate hats and clothing to the cause which is worn by the members.

To me I like to see what hats are being worn. It gets very creative.

invitation
fashion postcard

bride
A simple white dress with hat. Attach the flower to the hat.

centerpiece
Photographs of the bride and groom

guests
You tell everyone to wear a hat for the wedding.

cake
one tier cake with a hat topper

sign in
Copy of your favorite fashion magazine

fashion show
Get the kids in the family to put on a fashion show during the meal.

wedding party dance
Vogue by MaDonna

Tea Music

Jazz, classical or oldies but goodies are great selections for a tea party.

For my crowd, I always go r and b with a little bit of oldies and goodies. It is always a great conversation starter.



Greatest Hits Otis Redding
Happily Ever After Case
Forever in Love Kenny G
Vivaldi The Four Seasons Anne Mother, Trundheim Solists
Greatest Hits Dave Koz
But For the Grace of God Keith Urban

Tea Party like the 1600s

During the 1600s, tea parties were popping up everywhere.

Be inspired by this wedding theme.

invitation
a ivory colored letter in black ink.

bride
A line or ballroom gown with a crown. Carry a bouquet of wild flowers.

bridesmaids
A line dress with a bouquet of greenery, baby breath, and herbs.

centerpiece
Gold painted angels with baby breath and wild flowers.

cake
one tier cake with gold crown.

menu
assorted bread
assorted cheeses
banana mini cupcakes
pineapple chicken

song
Canon D Johann Pachelbel

sign in
A poster from the Baroque period

special touch
cocktail tea table

Saving on a Tea

A tea is really a great blank canvas for a wedding. You can add a fashion show, your culture, or even a fun historical costume party.

It can take place at your bed and breakfast, a park, or even at home.

There are several ways to save on your tea reception

Your local deli
With a little notice you can pull many sweet treats and great sandwiches at your local deli.

a pastry student
There are many students out there with great and creative ideas.

do it yourself
Get a cookbook

decor
Keep it simple. Rose petals, confetti, or simple flowers in a vase.

rentals
A rental store can be your best friend for your tea reception.

thrift
You can find great items at your local thrift store.

Tea with a Asian Touch

Something red.

If you want to save a bit of green, consider a tea with an Asian touch.

invitation
A white invitation with black ink in a red envelope.

bride
A white dress with a red parasol.

bridesmaids
A red dress with a wooden fan.

centerpiece
A wooden box with a black silk fabric. Fill with red tea roses.

cake
A red one tier in shape of a gift box with a black bow.

special touches

red aisle runner for the ceremony

candles on the guest sign in table. Use a piece of art from an Asian artist.

Honor your parents and serve them their tea.

Have a hour of karaoke.

sources
asianideas.com
shindigz.com

What is a wedding dress?

At times like these, a wedding dress is defined by you.

If I look at my own family wedding photographs, a wedding dress was many things. It was a simple dress worn by my grandmother. A knee length white dress at a home wedding for my cousin Jean during the 1970s. A traditional gown by cousin Theresa.

I wore a big ballroom gown, but my sister decided to wear a pair of nice dress slacks, a blouse, and cute high heels.

Consider these looks for your moment

something traditional
weddingdresssearch.com

something simple
LaneBryant.com
Newportnews.com

something different
tk-designs.com
utsavsarees.com

Happy Shopping!

Lunch Menu

A lunch reception is a great way to save money especially during the peak of wedding season.

Lemon Chicken
Black Eye Pea Salad
Corn Muffins
Spiced Pears


source
eatingwell.com
food network.com

Thank you Suat Aman

Jumping the Broom

This is the one regret of my wedding.

I did not add the jumping of the broom to end of the ceremony. Honestly, I thought big dress, four inch heels, accident prone personality.

I did not think I was going to make it.

Jumping over the broom dates back to the days of slavery when it was illegal for African Americans to marry.

You simply place a beautiful decorated broom on the floor and jump over it into your new life as husband and wife.

Be inspired by this wedding theme.

invitation
Ivory invite with black ink with a gold bow

bride
White dress with a tea rose bouquet with gold cowie shell

bridesmaids
white knee length sundress with a gold cowie decorated fan

centerpiece
A clear container of lemons. Sprinkle cowie shells on the table.

sign in
A family cookbook. Get everyone to send in their favorite recipes.

cake
Two tier white cake with henna designs on the side of it.

dessert
mini honey flavored cupcakes.

favors
hot pepper candies.

song
You are the Sunshine of my Life Stevie Wonder

special touch
Together with the groom, decorate your groom. Add little charms that reflect your relationship.

The Irish Brunch

For the bride who wants a little good luck for her day, consider the Irish brunch.

invitation
white card stock with green writing and orange bow

bride
orange dress with greenery bouquet with horseshoe charms

bridesmaids
green dress with a bouquet of wild flowers

centerpiece
beer mug filled with wild flowers

menu
omelets, sausages, salmon cakes, potato pancakes, cabbage wrapped in bacon

cake
Two tier white cake. Orange ribbion. Green wedding bell as a topper.

sources
ireland-information.com
bridalvillage.com
weddinghankies.com

Thank you free digital photo.

The Sweet Union

I think interconnecting different belief systems would baffle anyone. My sister is Baptist while her husband's family practices the Muslim faith.

For their wedding, they kept it simple. They went to the courthouse and took the intermediate family to their favorite restaurant. Next year, they are having a wedding reception.

interfaith tips

one ceremony
Sometimes it is possible to blend both faiths into one ceremony especially if it is a Jewish and Christian ceremony. You just focus on the things you have in common.

three day affair
For this type day, keep it intermediate family with close family and friends. Celebrate the groom's faith the first day, the bride's faith the second day, and have a huge party on the third.

non religious
When you cannot come up with a compromise, consider the non religious route. Make a family affair by incorporating favorite family recipes, genealogy, parent favorite music into your day.

source
Interaith Wedding Ceremonies by Joan C. Haxhurst

Saturday Night Fever

Saturday Night Fever. I have watched this movie a million times. I think it is a great theme for a wedding.

invitation
postcard of bride and groom dancing

bride
Red dress with gold shoes. Pomander of red beads.

bridesmaids
black bell bottoms with silk shirt with heels. Holding a red rose.

front of ceremony
Garland of red carnation. Disco ball in the center.

menu
cocktail
sclamurecil shooters, Italian meat balls, mini pizza, lemon sorbet, and
mini lemon drop cookies

cake
sheet cake of the bride and groom dancing

centerpiece
mirror tile a container. Then place red roses in it.

sign in
Bee Gee album

group wedding party dance
Disco Inferno Trammps

first dance
How Deep Is Your Love Bee Gees

sources
reasontoparty.com
heels.com
italienfood.about.com

Sweet Home Alabama

Group dancing. Group dancing always took place in the living room or the front yard as I attempt to learn the latest dance moves. The key word here is attempt.

Consider these selections for your wedding party dance.

Sweet Home Alabama Lynrd Skynrd
Devil Went Down to Georgia Charlie Daniel Band
Crazy in Love Beyonce Featuring Jay Z
Crank That Soulja Boy
Dance, Dance Fall Out Boy
This Is How We Do It Montell Jordan
Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus
Soul Man Blues Brothers
Don't Stop Till Get Enough Micheal Jackson
When Doves Cry Prince
We are Family Sister Sledge
Cha Cha Slide Mr C

Thank you Graeme Weatherston

The Sweet Tooth

I have a huge sweet tooth. In our neighborhood, we would have several people who sold candy. I knew them all. I am sure I sent a few of their children to college.

For a great wedding reception on a budget, consider the sweet tooth wedding reception.

time
late evening

invitation
pink business card with the information in black

bride
pink knee length wedding dress with a bouquet of pink carnations with red beads.

ceremony
Exchange candy necklace.

centerpiece
a pink or red candy rose in a clear bud vase filled with white beads. Sprinkle the table with pink carnation petals.

the flower girl ring bearer dance
choose a fun song for them.

menu
candy table-assorted candies. Go to Sams Club or oriental trading.

the cupcake table-large, small, or mini. Rum flavored, chocolate, and vanilla.

Pie table-Key lime, lemon, apple, and blueberry.

cheese cake table-assorted flavors

wedding cake
One tier wedding cake that looks like a cake box with the last name of the couple
and wedding date

sources
southernfood.com
eweddingcake.com

history of cake
foodmuseum.com

Cookie Baking 101

I see a lot of brides out there with big inspirations to make a wedding cake.

But can you pass cookie baking 101?

I watched my godmother make many wedding cakes. It takes a lot of love and patience.

Me? I am cupcake kind of girl. I have the lopsided cake pictures to prove it.


diy for the Benita's out there

three tier cake pan
You pour and bake without having to stack.

amazon.com
target.com

cupcakes
Buy or make these sweet treats.

wilton.com

plain and white
Go to a cake baker and order a plain white cake.

Then add your own decorations from a craft store or fresh flowers from a florist.

oreintatltrading.com

First Date Look

It has been over a decade since I had a first date. So if this thing does not work out, I am totally out of practice.

I do remember what I wore.

I really liked this guy so I went downtown to find something to wear. I purchased this little two piece black dress suit with a pleather collar. It really showed off my legs without being too short.

With a little imagination, you take the first date look and make it bridal for your moment.

the little black dress
More brides back in the day wore what they had. Maybe it would have been black. So for cute cocktail reception, consider a little black dress.

bannarepublic.com

the cute dress
Take a simple dress and pair it with a short veil.

Unlike me, you can actually wear it more than once.

shopmissrubyboutique.com

vintage style
Be inspired by the past and find the perfect bridal look.

pinupgirlclothing.com

Happy Shopping!

Get Your Groove Back

When I was a student too many years ago, I would sit on the train and read. How Stella Got Her Groove Back was one of my favorite books.

The movie is wonderful and once again, it is a great date in movie on a Friday night.

It is also gives a tropical touch to a wedding. Get your groove back with this wedding theme.

invitation
clear invitation with blue ink.

bride
simple wedding dress with a basket filled with orchids

bridesmaids
a blue short set with silver high heels

front of ceremony
heart shaped silver arch with a shell gardland. Orientaltrading.com.

sign in
poster of the movie

first dance
Beautiful by Mary J. Blidge

centerpiece
over sized champagne glasses with floating roses.

signature drink
Shakespeare Rum

cake
two tier blue wedding cake with silver monogram as a topper

special touch
cocktail cookie table

The Sweet and Spicy Menu

Give your guests this sweet and spicy menu.

Nutty Tropical Salad
food network, Emeril Lagassse

Pina Colda Chicken with Rice
koccakitchen.com

Chilli Candy
candy.com

keylime chupcakes
wilton.com