How Do I Include My Child into My Wedding?

This question is asked a lot. I mean.. A LOT. If you are getting married with a child, it's only natural that you want that child (or children) to feel as though they can participate in the wedding. It makes it special for both the couple AND the child. My advice? Incorporate a Unity Sand Ceremony into your wedding. The Weddingstar Heart Shaped Sand Ceremony Set even comes with an accessory vase for your child to help pour.
 

Adding a child (or as I mentioned, children) into the sand ceremony set symbolizes the "blending" of family into one solid unit. The final product is a keepsake that can be cherished forever. Weddingstar, in fact, offers the accessory vase as an additional product so you can purchase as many as you need.

Another added bonus is that you can purchase as much sand as you'd like, and you can pick colors to coordinate with your wedding theme or color scheme.

I'd also appoint my child with some duties that make him/her feel special. For example, they can show the guests to the dance floor or help take coats (if they want to). While this is a very special day for the husband and wife, it's also a special day for the children that are included, so make it fun and memorable for them too!

Weddingstar Heart Shaped Sand Ceremony Vase Set

Avoiding Family Wedding Drama

I have met many couples that absolutely adore their in-laws. I have met other couples, however, that can't stand the families of their soon-to-be spouses. How do you plan a special day, such as a wedding, without having any family drama? It's simple, nip it before it happens.

The best way to avoid any family drama during your wedding is to allow an open seating setting. If you spend time and hours worrying about who will sit where, you are bound to end up with complaints and irritations. Make sure that your venue or location offers round tables to initiate conversation (you don't want awkward silence) and let your family, friends and guests pick their own table companions.

I have also heard many couples say "I don't want to invite her, she will cause drama." My solution is the opposite. NOT inviting a family member can create even more drama with other family members. It is best to just be the bigger person and invite everybody. If they come, they come - and you don't have the stress of being blamed.

Allocating jobs to parents and other important family members is also a way to keep the peace. If you assign your mother a job, your mother in law a job and all of your sisters (and sister in laws), they may feel important and not worry what the others will be doing.

My most important advice is to be HAPPY. If you don't allow yourself to worry about "nonsense". It is YOUR day and nobody else should be the center of attention!

Bridal Accessories

Ring Bearer Suits

The ring bearer is usually a very important part of a wedding ceremony. His job, to bring the rings to the groom, is very important. Let's be honest, he's not really carrying the REAL rings. Typically the best man has the rings, however the ring bearer's job is traditional, therefore very important.

I have witnessed children of all ages as the ring bearer. Heck, I have even seen dogs walk down the ring pillow! (And YES, I think that's adorable too!) The fact of the matter is that many children are younger as the ring bearer and flower girl, so how do you find a comfortable suit to accommodate the young bridal party member?

Recently, the Baby Boy's 5 Piece Suit with Vest and Tie have been extremely popular. So popular, in fact, that I used one for my little man for my 2012 wedding! The nice part about these suits? They are the BEST quality and extremely affordable. I know this because I was looking at triple the price just to rent a suit for my 1 year old, and I wouldn't have been able to keep it as a keepsake either!

The 5 pieces include:

• Slacks
• Jacket
• Vest
• Long Sleeve White Shirt
• Tie

And you can most likely find a color to coordinate with your wedding too. Lito makes these suits in

• Dark Gray
• Light Gray
• Khaki
• Navy
• Black

Baby Ring Bearer Suit

Wedding Planning: Letting Loved Ones Help

If you don't have the money or simply don't want to hire a wedding planner, then a DIY wedding is best for you. The only issue? If you aren't used to planning large events, such as weddings, you may end up feeling very frustrated. DIY weddings are also easier on the wallet, helping to save some cash for a honeymoon! 

How did I make my DIY wedding work? Well, luckily I have friends and family that actually wanted to help. I took them up on this offer, for sure! Here are some good ideas: 

Do you know of anybody musical? If you have a friend that can sing or play an instrument,  consider letting them do their thing while you walk down the aisle. Many brides pay hundreds of dollars for this! 

Do any of your friends have a garden? You can make your own floral arrangements, and they will mean so much more knowing that somebody that you love helped to make them! 

Any artistic friends? They can put their skills to the test by carving ice sculptures, pumpkins, design mason jars, the possibilities are endless!

If you have a friend that really wants to help, but doesn't exactly have anything to contribute, try assigning a task. For example, you can have somebody direct guests in the right direction for seating. Somebody can overlook the decorations to make sure that they look perfect. These types of things should be done and can help take a load of stress off of the bride! 

While you will be saving a ton of money, you will also be bonding with your friends and family members who will most likely be honored to take part in your wedding preparations! 

Weddingstar Wedding Supplies

Honoring the Mother of the Bride

All brides would like to honor their mother during their wedding. The question is, however, how would you like to do so? If you are close with your mother you may want to do a few of these memorable traditions!

1) The Dress or Veil - Many brides honor their mother by wearing her dress or veil. If the dress is too old fashioned, ask if it can be altered. If the dress doesn't work, you can also incorporate her veil into your dress.

2) Dress the Mother or Mother In Law - If you have already picked out your wedding dress as well as your bridesmaids gowns, you may want to select dresses for the mother of the bride (and the mother of the groom as well!). This helps them feel as though they are part of the wedding party.

3) Ceremony Seating - The mother of the bride is usually the last person seated before the ceremony begins. In Christian wedding ceremonies, she sits on the left side in the front row. In Jewish ceremonies, it's tradition for the bride's mother and father to process up the aisle with their daughter. These days, it's not uncommon for ANY religion to have the mother AND father walk the bride down the aisle. 

There are many other ways that brides can honor their mother during the wedding and reception. The mother can be presented with flowers and a personalized handkerchief. A toast can be given during the reception to honor and thank her for all that she has done.

Wedding Essentials

Tips for Cheap and Easy Wedding Centerpieces

 

Your wedding centerpiece is the first thing that catches the eye of your guests (aside from the gorgeous bride, of course!). You may want to make these centerpieces lavish, however your budget doesn't cover them. Here are some great tips to creating amazing centerpieces without spending your entire budget. 

 

Select Good Flowers: 

If you want more bang for your buck, select a stunning flower that only needs one or two blooms in order to make a huge statement. A Hydrangea, for example, is a beautiful, long and elegant flower that can transform a table with just one or two buds. 

Layer Flowers: 

If you have your heart set on expensive flowers, you can consider lowering the cost by spacing the flowers with cheaper items, such as babies breath. This will make very full centerpieces that aren't very expensive, but LOOK expensive because of the more expensive flowers in the center. 

Table Color: 

Aside from the actual centerpiece, your entire table should "flow" with the rest of your wedding to create the ultimate reception. Little accessories, such as table cloths, favors, napkins, etc., can all play a huge role in the centerpiece that you select. 

Select a Vase: 

Should you opt for a floral centerpiece, you should also consider the types of vase that you are displaying. Many options are inexpensive yet so chic. I think a mason jar is a perfect centerpiece for a shorter display. In fact, mason jars are so versatile, you can skip the flowers all together! Add a candle, water activated diamond light - get creative!

Wedding Essentials

Many cheap wedding centerpieces have excellent use of flowers and space. Less expensive flowers and better use of flowers and vases can allow you to spread that beautiful flower color out.
The hydrangea is a perfect example and a gorgeous wedding flower all on its own! One or two blooms can easily fill a vase. Multiply that times four or five displays on a large or long table and you can very cheaply and easily decorate that table.
- See more at: http://www.easy-wedding-centerpieces.com/cheap-wedding-centerpieces.html#sthash.W4M1J2sw.dpuf

Many cheap wedding centerpieces have excellent use of flowers and space. Less expensive flowers and better use of flowers and vases can allow you to spread that beautiful flower color out.
The hydrangea is a perfect example and a gorgeous wedding flower all on its own! One or two blooms can easily fill a vase. Multiply that times four or five displays on a large or long table and you can very cheaply and easily decorate that table.
- See more at: http://www.easy-wedding-centerpieces.com/cheap-wedding-centerpieces.html#sthash.W4M1J2sw.dpuf

The Grooms Cake - A Fun Twist on the Wedding Cake

 

Originating in the south, he grooms cake is a fun way to celebrate the groom during the wedding reception.  It was intended to be a surprise present from the bride to the groom. Generally, it's something that the groom absolutely loves! A sport, TV show, hobby, etc. It was traditionally dark, and had 'masculine' themes such as sports, hunting, etc. Over time, as weddings became less extravagant, the cake began to be seen as an unnecessary expense and was phased out from wedding ceremonies.

As usual with these types of thing, this old tradition is coming back with a vengence. Brides are getting more and more creative with their surprise grooms cakes. Couples with disposable incomes are splurging big time on a day that will come once in their lifetime, and are experimenting with their ceremonies. The groom's cake, thus, becomes a good idea to invest in, adding a layer of 'awesome' to the ceremony.

The purpose of the groom's cake can be endless. Some brides serve it as a dessert at the rehearsal dinner, or can be an alternative choice to the main bridal cake at the wedding. Custom dictates that the cake be placed next to the bride's cake at the ceremony. It is then cut into wedges and placed in boxes to be given out to guests. Such slices can even serve as a wedding favor (thus eliminating one expense!). You can have the cake placed in stylized boxes and add a further layer of 'chutzpah' to the ceremony.

Legend has it that single women who sleep with a slice of the groom's cake under their pillows dream of their future husband that night. While you of course don't have to compel the single women to take this course, it can make for a wonderful excuse to have this cake at your wedding!

Fun Cake Toppers

Bellacroft’s Wedding Budget Advice

 

Weddings these days are very expensive, which is why most brides and grooms choose to plan their wedding based on a budget. You don’t need to look at your budget as the end of your wedding world, however. It can simply mean thinking “outside of the box” to get the most bang for your buck! Bring your ideas back down to basics and try to focus on your guest to make sure that you accommodate them.

The first step is to create your budget, even before you select a venue or guest list. You must know your limits before you decide on how many guests will be It is important that you set a budget before making a list of who to invite. You need to know what you can spend so that you know how many people you can have at your wedding.

The next step is to decide what you can do yourself. If you are pretty skilled with crafts, you may want to tackle the favors and décor on your own. If you have a friend or family member that knows photography, see if they will do your photo shoot pro-bono (or for a reduced cost). All of these tiny details will help you to keep your budget for other aspects, such as food and venue.

If you can’t afford certain things, try to find help or resources that will make them within your reach, allowing your budget money to be spent elsewhere. A great idea is to buy a used or pre-owned wedding gown. If you think about it, this dress has most likely been only worn for an hour or two. The cost will be reduced in half, a great savings for most brides!

Remember that you should spend time planning a wedding so that cost do not get out of hand. If you being your planning well in advance, you will find that you aren’t feeling rushed and overwhelmed, you will have plenty of time to research your wedding essentials and stay within your desired budget.

Affordable Wedding Accessories

Wedding Flowers: The Orchid

 

Flowers are considered a main part of the wedding décor. In fact, if you’re not careful, they can take up a huge portion of the budget.  Flowers omit elegance, beauty and symbolism. Because of this, it’s hard not to incorporate the orchid into your wedding.

Aside from the traditional rose, orchids are one of the most popular bridal flowers. The orchid's structure is delicate, intricate and luxurious. Beautiful in bunches, even a single orchid flower looks stunning. Picture the exceptional beauty of a selection of these tropical flowers and their delightful colors complementing your wedding ceremony and reception.

Orchids have attained such favor as wedding day flower is because they keep their fresh look for a long time without having to add water. This is particularly important if your wedding takes place in an air-conditioned venue or during hot dry weather. Orchids can be found in shades of pink, white, yellow and light green. Their flower petals are full-bodied and bendable, they are very resistant to drying out.

Orchid can be used in several ways, such as in a bouquet, as a cut flower or floated in a crystal bowl. While orchids appear delicate and fragile, they are actually firm and sturdy.

If you’re in love with orchids but want something a little more original, consider pairing them with roses or lilies. This contrast is extremely attractive and unique, creating a floral appearance that any bride looks forward to. Whatever your wedding ideas might be, orchids will easily accommodate the special effects that you are looking for and life up to your expectations of the most beautiful of all your wedding blossoms.

After your wedding event your orchids can live for up to two to three weeks. The combination of orchids and weddings is an instinctive match. The beauty and enchantment of both the bride and the orchids are an invincible combination for an everlasting cherished marriage ceremony memory.

Cathy's Concepts Affinity Wedding Reception Vase

Planning a Spring Wedding

 

Many brides opt for Spring weddings because they are known for “rebirth” and starting life anew. It’s no surprise that couples say their vows during this time. Not only is Spring a spiritual time, it’s also one of the prettiest seasons. Perfect, cool weather. Fresh, wild flower galore. One downside of Spring: “April showers bring May flowers” was written for a purpose: rain is very common in all of the United States during the Spring months. If you’re planning a Spring wedding, make sure you have a backup plan which is indoors.

Similar to summer, another advantage of a spring wedding is the extra daylight. This gives you a few extra hours of sunshine, fresh air and wedding activities. Your wedding will last longer with the cooler temperatures and you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes, which tend to harass guests when the weather is more humid.

If you’re planning on fresh spring flowers, consider these popular favorites: tulips, daffodils, freesia, birds of paradise, orchids and more.

Wedding colors this year are making their rounds – I have seen many sites using white and apple green. Light pink and chocolate brown are very romantic as well. Spring is a light, fun time of the year.

Weddingstar Spring Colors Floral Oval Base with Pen

Wedding Bouquet Jewelry

 

I have done a lot of research on the 2013 bridal trends – and the one trend that is standing out to me is wedding bouquet jewelry.

When a bride is thinking of her bouquet, she typically thinks of the flowers and the wedding colors. This goes for the actual brides bouquet, the flower girls bouquet or any of the bridesmaids.  I have learned, however, that if you want to take your bouquet up a notch, you might want to look into bouquet jewelry or brooches.  

Wedding Bouquet Jewelry is a fun way to add your own style to your bouquet, but it also helps the bouquet stand out in your photographs.

Brooches and buckles are one of the most common ways to add a little pizzaz to your bouquet. These are typically wrapped around the stem of your bouquet. Generally these are inexpensive – yet the impact that they make is massive.

Decorative picks or “needles” are a huge benefit to your bouquet because they take a simple flower, such as a rose, and transform it into a unique flower that makes a beautiful statement.

Lillian Rose Peacock Bouquet

Bellacroft’s #1 Winter Wedding Color Scheme

 

Brides have gone back and forth – but Bellacroft has made the decision! The top color scheme for the 2012/2013 winter wedding is: Chocolate and blue!

These colors were a match  made in heaven. The light blue plays perfectly on the deep, rich chocolate color. Luckily, you can coordinate with this theme perfectly.

Chocolate and blue weddings colors allow various different options because of the color shade options and the way that these colors blend together. Vibrant shades of blue such as “Tiffany blue,” go well with the richness of chocolate brown. Incorporate this wedding color scheme into your upcoming winter wedding so they add to the freshness of traditional white.

Cathy's Concepts Decorative Table Runner, Damask

Groom Advice: Selecting the Ring

Our blog isn't just for the brides, we're here to support the grooms as well! The groom has a very important role in the wedding tradition - in fact, he typically initializes the whole thing by the proposal. What is the key ingredient in a proposal? The ring, of course!

If this is your first time picking a ring for your bride-to-be, you might have some feelings of nervousness and intimidation.

The Basic Raid

Take a look in your girlfriend's jewelry before you even step foot in a store. Get an idea for her "style" and what she likes and doesn't like. If almost all of her jewelry is smaller and "dainty", don't purchase a huge, thick ring that takes up half of her hand. Is she simple and "solitaire"? Or is she unique and colorful? If you can, bring some of her jewelry into your jeweler as they can help you pick something out based on her current taste and style.

The 4 Cs

You should also probably research the basic diamond knowledge: the 4 C's. If you need help, just ask your favorite jeweler. The 4 C's stand for cut, clarity, color and carat.
The cut of the diamond now only refers to the shape, but also the precision behind the cut of the diamond.  not only to shape of the diamond, but also to the precision behind the cut. The color of the diamond does not refer to the color of the diamond itself, rather the lack of color.
The diamond’s clarity is rated based on how many imperfections can be seen under a microscope.
The carat simply is the term that refers to the weight of the diamond.

The Price

This part of the guide is solely based on you and your budget. Sit down and think of what you have in mind to sell. Let your jeweler know ahead of time so that he doesn't waste your time showing you rings that are too expensive.

Good luck and happy shopping!

 Wedding Essentials

Letting Your Guests Create Bridal Memories

 

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, you might understand the stress that many brides feel. Let’s be honest: planning a wedding is expensive. When you think about the costs such as the dress, venue, food, décor, cake, etc. Then you have to factor in the outside resources such as limo services, rental companies, DJ’s, and even the photographer.

For my wedding, I cut costs when it came to the photographer. I did this for a reason. I knew that I have a very nice camera which takes high quality photos. Of course I wanted several pictures to put in frames, albums and give to family members. I was not about to compromise this. I just simply couldn’t afford a professional photographer (because I opted for the stretch Hummer limo, of course!).

So I gave my uncle my camera and appointed him the “camera man”. I also scattered beautiful disposable cameras around the tables for my guests to use. Guess what? I loved these candid pictures more than the actual wedding photos!

Once all of these were developed, after all of the wedding bliss, I gathered my closest friends and family members and we had a photo “viewing” with some wine and snacks. These small cameras were a great choice! I saved money and ended up getting some beautiful shots! The fact that they blended with my wedding theme were a bonus as well!

Weddingstar Disposable Camera

Adding Illumination to Your Wedding

Weddings are a time for celebration and laughter, but the romance aspect can't be left out. It's hard to really capture how romantic a wedding can be if you don't have the right "mood". I find that you can really create a nice atmosphere with simple lighting and illumination.

Anybody can light some candles. Really, I can't knock the candles because there are so many beautiful candles out there. In fact, I encourage the use of candles. Just think outside the box for how you display them. Take the above Vellum Shades by Kate Aspen. These inexpensive decorations totally mask the candle by creating a lamp. All you need is a standard wine glass and a white votive candle. These shades dim the lights and really turn this simple votive candle into a premium wedding decoration.

If you want some light but don't want the candle effect, try the water activated diamond lights by Weddingstar. These versatile accessories can be used as centerpieces or as decorations around your reception area. My favorite part? The light can shine a different color with just a few drops of inexpensive food coloring. That means you can coordinate these with your color scheme or wedding theme - very cheap!

 

We have mentioned how illumination and lighting can enhance your reception, but don't forget that they can also be used in your ceremony. Many brides and grooms incorporate the unity candle ceremony into their ceremony. This light really shines at the altar where the bride and groom are exchanging vows. There are so many unity candle sets on the market - some can be personalized or coordinated with your wedding theme. The great thing about the unity candle ceremony is that these items can be kept as keepsakes.

Wedding Accessories

New! Customize Weddingstar Cake Toppers

 

Earlier this year, Weddingstar began customizing their cake toppers. Brides and grooms were able to customize by changing hair color and in some cases, even shoe color! This month, they have made a huge announcement! You can now customize skin tone also! 

This is a huge change in the wedding industry as brides have always been asking for cake toppers that match their own style. The following Cake Toppers now come in Fair, Medium and Dark skin tones:
 

• True Romance
• Playful Football Couple
• A Kiss and We're Off!
• A Cinderella Moment
• Motorcycle Get-Away Couple
• Cheeky Couple
• Kissing Couple
• Picture Perfect

Now that cake toppers can truly resemble the bride and groom, these wedding essentials can now become long-lasting keepsakes for years to come! 

Cake Toppers