For most people, a few glasses of good cheer play a central role in celebrating a festive occasion. At a wedding, this often involves a cocktail hour, Champagne toasts, and wine or beer with dinner, at the minimum. But not everyone is so keen on the idea of having a booze-laden wedding, which leads to the question: is a non-alcoholic wedding a do or a don’t?
There can be many reasons to have a “dry” wedding. They may be social, religious, or financial, and they all have validity. On the other hand, there is generally an expectation among wedding guests that the reception will feature a bar (never a cash bar!), unless the bride and groom are known to be from a religion which forbids alcohol. The question for couples can be how to balance out all of the various factors to have the best reception possible.
Some brides and grooms come from religions which either forbid or frown upon drinking to some degree. Obviously, the newlyweds will abstain from alcohol, but does that mean that they should not offer it to their guests? The first thing to weigh is whether or not serving others drinks is forbidden. For instance, some Baptists may choose to avoid consuming alcohol, but that does not necessarily mean that they condemn others for sipping a glass of Champagne at a wedding. In that case, go ahead and offer your guests at least a limited drinks menu. Certainly if your religion regards all alcohol as sinful, do not serve it. When most of the guests come from the same traditions, they will not expect it anyway. It would be nice if the bride or groom could casually mention to friends who may be unaware that your religious beliefs mean that your reception will be dry.
When money is a concern, some couples see the alcohol budget as a potential place to trim expenses. Tread lightly here, because most guests will expect to find a bar at a wedding, and will be mighty disappointed to find that there is no alcohol. Something else to keep in mind is the type of party you hope to have. The reality is that a few drinks tend to loosen up shy guests and get them out on the dance floor, so if the dancing part of your reception is important to you, keep this in mind before deciding not to serve alcohol. For a late afternoon or evening wedding, a good compromise can be to serve a limited menu of a signature cocktail, beer, and wine. This keeps the guests from getting grumpy and keeps your costs reasonable. If you decide that you just cannot swing a bar budget, opt for a morning ceremony followed by a brunch where liquor will be less expected.
Another concern that some people have about serving alcohol is the social aspects. If the groom is a recovering alcoholic, should all alcohol be banned from the wedding? What about the milder concern about guests having a few too many and getting rowdy? Take the specifics into consideration. Unless the recovering alcoholic in the family simply cannot be in the same room with liquor, serve it at the reception, just don’t make it a focus (no signature cocktails, Champagne fountains, or vodka luges, in other words). If your concern is Aunt Matilda in her fancy dress and wedding jewelry getting intoxicated and spoiling your wedding, you are better off assigning someone to keep an eye on her at the reception than canceling the bartender altogether. Keep in mind also that more formal locations will tend to inspire more restrained behavior in most guests than casual ones. To keep everyone on their best behavior, have them wear their finest jewelry and attire for a formal wedding in an elegant venue. This way, everyone can enjoy the wedding, including you.
Bridget Mora writes about wedding planning, etiquette, and style. For the best selection of wedding jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids, visit http://silverlandjewelry.com/. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
It is more and more common these days for people to marry outside of their faith. This means that there are also more guests attending weddings with customs which may be unfamiliar to them. Since many religions have very meaningful wedding traditions, becoming familiar with them can help guests have a better understanding and appreciation of what is taking place during the ceremony. This is everything you wanted to know about Jewish weddings but were afraid to ask.
Do all Jewish ceremonies take place under a canopy? Yes. It is called a Chuppah, and represents the bride and groom’s first Jewish home under God. The custom is believed to date back to Biblical times, and the open sides of a Chuppah are like the open sided tent of Abraham and Sarah, which was welcoming to visitors. The Chuppah can be made from any beautiful or meaningful material, including fabric, flowers, or even an old family quilt.
Why is the bride at a Jewish wedding dressed so conservatively? The strictness of the bridal dress code varies from Orthodox to Conservative to Reform Judaism, and may even vary from one synagogue to the next. In general, most Jewish brides will wear modest gowns which cover the shoulders, a bridal veil, and classic wedding jewelry. Orthodox brides will have the strictest requirements about their attire, while some Reform synagogues may have fewer specific rules. In any case, it is always in good taste for a bride to err on the traditional side for her gown and wedding jewelry when being wed in a house of worship.
Why are Jewish weddings frequently held on Sundays? This one is quite simple: a Jewish wedding may not take place on the Sabbath, which runs from sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday. That leaves Sunday as the logical choice.
Why does the groom break a glass with his foot at the end of the wedding ceremony? The breaking of the glass represents the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem; in other words, it is a reminder of the fragility of life and an instruction to appreciate every joyous moment. The breaking of the glass is also said to be a celebration of the covenant of marriage into which the newlyweds have just entered.
What is a Ketubah? The Ketubah is a special marriage contract signed by the bride and groom. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Ketubah is that it is designed to protect the interests of the bride, right down to requiring a witness that can attest to the fact that she has chosen to enter into the marriage willingly. The Ketubah is always very beautifully decorated, and may be displayed in the newlyweds’ home.
What does “Mazel Tov” mean? Mazel tov means “good luck”, and is also frequently used to mean “congratulations”. This is why you will hear it shouted joyfully at many points during a Jewish wedding, starting with the moment when the groom breaks the glass at the end of the marriage ceremony.
Bridget Mora writes about weddings, customs, and etiquette. For a beautiful selection of wedding jewelry for the entire bridal party, visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
A wedding, ofcourse, is one of the most special occasions in one’s lives. And weddings again are a lot about the jewelry you wear. This could be the wedding ring itself to the ornaments that add glamour to your wedding dress. Indeed when talking about weddings, jewelry has to be one of the things that have to be mentioned.
How does a groom go about finding the bride some wedding jewelry? The bracelet, the neck piece and of course the ring, you have to keep everything in mind when you are trying to think about wedding jewelry.
-You have to match the jewelry to the wedding theme. A traditional wedding requires a completely different brand of jewelry and the modern ones have third own distinct ornaments.
-Pearls are usually the favorites when it comes to wedding jewelry. The elegance is the main thing that comes with pearl jewelry. It has become very popular nowadays and the romantic effect which it brings along is indeed unique. But choose your pearls carefully, keeping in mind the design and the quality. The designer you employ should be consulted before buying pearl jewelry because it can often come across as too gaudy or too minimalist.
-Diamonds are also becoming really popular. But then for diamonds you have to have a suitable budget. They after all are quite expensive. The ring is often a diamond ring in a wedding and this has become a stable trend nowadays. But the other jewelry might also be diamond studded depending on your finances.
-The color and the size of whatever jewelry you are buying are also important. You have to know what the bride looks lie in them. The dress also has to match with what you are buying. The skin color has to be taken into consideration. Also everything has to fit and especially the ring and so you have to try everything on the bride well in advance or before buying them. Consult the bride’s designer for bets effects.
-We have to also warn you that before shopping for jewelry you have to keep the budget in mind. The calculations have to be in place lest you spend too much.
After you have bought the jewelry and worn it you also have to find ways of maintaining it. Here are a few way of doing that:
-After you have worn the jewelry you have to wipe off the make-up on it and also the skin oils or sebum that it might have collected on its surface. This has to be one gently. Use only a pure cotton cloth. Only the soft pads of your fingers should be used. After you are done you have to store the jewel in a clean bag with tissue.
-While washing clothes or dishes you should never be wearing jewelry of any kind. Neither while gardening should they be worn. Also try and void wearing two rings on the same finger because they scratch each other. Protect your jewelry from getting dull.
Some homegrown solutions are also pretty easy to adopt when you are trying to maintain your jewelry. If there is some spot on your jewelry then try using cotton dipped in lukewarm water to clean it.
Simon Johnnson is the director of content for Executive Gift Shoppe. They feature a large selection of products such as leather wallets for men , executive gifts and pocket watches.
Weddings are so much fun to decorate, and a great way to make your wedding feel special is to add in some unique accents which reflect your personal style. Why not begin by looking through the beautiful objects that you already have? This article will show you how to shop your own jewelry box for wedding decorations that go far beyond bridal jewelry.
Naturally, when you need jewelry, you go to your jewelry box. Of course, many brides will select new wedding jewelry to coordinate with their bridal gowns, so you might not even go to your jewelry box for that. However, if you start digging around, you might just find that you have some great pieces which you can use to add style to many parts of your wedding. Some of the jewelry might be sentimental, which is wonderful. Other pieces might be inexpensive but fun articles that you can use in unique ways.
Many brides are now choosing to bejewel their bridal bouquet wrap with something pretty, and the chances are strong that you have the perfect piece hiding in your very own jewelry collection. It could be a beautiful brooch handed down from your grandmother (great for your “something old”) or a new pin which happens to tie into your wedding colors. Another lovely bouquet wrap is something which many of us have kicking around in a drawer: a string of faux pearls or a crystal bead necklace. Have your florist secure the necklace around your bouquet handle for an easy way to add extra style to your wedding flowers without spending any money on new decorations.
What about that broken strand of crystals or pearls gathering dust in your jewelry box? Why not take it apart and find a new use for the gems? They can be individually wired into the wedding bouquets for a lovely accent. Or surprise your mother and mother-in-law with wedding corsages made from a pretty flower and your old jewelry. If you have enough random old beads, you can do all sorts of things with them. Fill the bottom of a small jar with pretty beads as a pen stand for the guest book table so the pen does not roll away. A low clear tray filled with pearls from broken necklaces would be a pretty base in which to display the escort cards. Certainly you would not use any pearls of high value for this purpose, but it would be a great use for inexpensive or faux pearls, which will look just as elegant as the expensive ones when used for decorations.
Vintage costume jewelry can be one of the best things to re-purpose into festive wedding decorations, especially if it is the cheap kind. A beautiful idea for the wedding favors would be to tie an eclectic assortment of old brooches or crystal button earrings to the tops of the boxes with ribbon. Many of the larger vintage “paste” or crystal earrings are the clip-on style with a backing which can be easily detached from the top of the earring (because it would look odd if the decoration still clearly looked like an earring). Glue a simple loop to the back of the newly liberated earring top, and slide a ribbon through it before wrapping around a favor box. The effect of all of the bejeweled favor boxes around the reception tables will be absolutely gorgeous!
How great you will feel to have finally found a good use for all of those mismatched old earrings, broken necklaces, and the brooches you never wear. And even better, they will add a unique personal touch to your wedding that will make it truly a one-of-a-kind event.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and decor. Learn more about wedding jewelry at http://www.silverlandjewelry.com/.
The seating chart is not anyone’s favorite part of wedding planning, but it is one of the keys to the success of the event. If done well, the seating chart will ensure that all of the guests have a wonderful time, that conversation flows easily, and maybe a romance or two will even blossom. If done carelessly, on the other hand, guests will remember your wedding as dull, too loud, or uncomfortable. These are the tricks to putting together excellent wedding seating charts.
The place to begin planning your wedding seating chart is with the head table, and then you can work outward from there. The fact of the matter is that if you are using traditional round tables for your reception, there is a pecking order; the seats closest to the head table are the premier spots, and should be designated for the most important guests. In addition, you will need to decide on the type of head table you prefer: sweetheart, traditional with entire bridal party, or family oriented with the newlyweds’ parents.
If your style is traditional in everything from your wedding vows to your gown and jewelry, you might prefer the classic head table with the entire bridal party. This table is often long or U-shaped, set to face the rest of the reception tables. The biggest dilemma with a traditional head table is what to do with the spouses or dates of the wedding party. This is something that has to be determined based on the specifics of your wedding. For instance, if you have a fairly small bridal party, you can seat the spouses of the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the head table with their significant others.
In some instances, though, seating dates with the wedding party would make for an unreasonably large number of people to fit at one table. Should that be the case, do your best to seat the wedding party’s dates at tables with their other family and friends, or at least at the nearest table to the head table so they do not feel completely abandoned. The reality is that the members of the wedding party will be tied up during the ceremony and dinner portion of the wedding, so they should be discouraged from bringing casual dates who will not know anyone else there. Obviously, the bridesmaids and groomsmen will bring their spouses or serious partners; if most of the bridal party will be bringing a guest, think about seating the bridesmaids and groomsmen among the rest of the guests so they can sit with their dates. The bride and groom can either sit at a sweetheart table or share a round table with their parents or other immediate family.
Beyond the head table, the most important people to seat at a wedding reception are the parents of the bride and groom. With so many blended families around today, this can be a dicey proposition, akin to walking a tightrope. The key is to make all of the parents feel equally important. The way to pull that off is by seating each group of parents at their own table which is equally close to the head table. That way, the groom’s mother and stepmother will not spend the entire evening giving each other dirty looks across the table while making snippy remarks about each other’s attire and wedding jewelry. Separate tables is the best way to maintain the peace amongst divorced parents and their new families.
Once the head table and parents have been addressed, start working your way out from the head table with siblings and grandparents, then aunts and uncles, and finally friends. Always take care to seat elderly guests away from loud speakers. Also keep in mind that the tables nearest the kitchen or restroom are considered the least desirable, so use those for guests who are unlikely to take offense, such as kids or your buddies. Never seat your boss back by the kitchen! Aim for a good mix of people who will have similar interests to keep conversation flowing, and do not relegate all of the singles to one table. They will feel less awkward if they are mixed in amongst a combination of other singles and some couples. As long as you remember that the number one goal of creating a seating chart is to ensure that all of your guests have the best time possible at your wedding, you will do just fine.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about wedding planning, etiquette, and style. Visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ to find the perfect wedding jewelry for everyone in your wedding. As our gift to you, all jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Looking for a way to add a shot of vivid color to your wedding? Why not try some brightly colored flowers? Orange flowers can make a really nice change of pace from the usual white or pink, and they have a boldness that can either be fun and casual or sophisticated and dramatic. Take a look at these great ideas for orange wedding bouquets for any season.
One of the nice things about orange flowers is that they come in a terrific variety, both in terms of depth of color and style. Let’s begin by exploring some wonderful options for orange spring wedding bouquets. Is your style sweet with a hint of vintage? Then try a romantic collection of ruffly sweet peas in a lush apricot color. The apricot hue combines marvelously with all shades of yellow flowers, as well. Tie it up with an antique moire ribbon for the perfect orange spring bouquet.
Another gorgeous option for orange spring wedding bouquets is a big bunch of tulips. The classic style of tulips is an interesting contrast with a bold color. If orange is your wedding theme, embrace it fully with a single color bouquet. Brides who are choosing to go a bit more traditional with their bridal gowns and wedding jewelry can use a mixture of tulip colors, with the orange adding punch to more typical pink blossoms.
Summer wedding flowers tend to be on the bright side, and orange is one of the best colors to choose. For a casual affair, you can’t beat a simple round bouquet of orange and fuchsia gerbera daisies. A jaunty striped ribbon will be the ideal accent. If your style is more dramatic, choose a grand bouquet of bright orange tiger lilies. This would be a fabulous addition to an otherwise white wedding attire and jewelry look. Very sophisticated. For mixed summer bouquets, combine apricot snapdragons with pink and orange roses to create a design with a romantic flair. A long trailing ribbon will be beautiful for the bouquet wrap.
In the autumn, orange is one of the top colors. For a classic fall bouquet, try combining a variety of orange hues, from vivid to rusty. Many of the most poplar flowers of the season come in a shade of orange. You can create gorgeous bouquets by combining zinnias, mum, and dahlias. Add some unique character with textural accents such as hanging Chinese lantern pods, berries, and even dried vines. A rustic burlap wrap would look great for an informal wedding, or dress things up a bit with a rich chocolate brown velvet ribbon.
Typical winter wedding colors are red and white, but why not try an orange bouquet for something less expected? One of the prettiest winter wedding bouquets I ever saw was a classic nosegay of terra cotta roses accented with hypericum berries. It was such a nice change from the usual red roses. Mango mini calla lilies would make a gorgeous sophisticated winter bouquet, as would exotic orange orchids arranged in a dramatic waterfall cascade. There are so many spectacular options for orange bridal bouquets that there is something to suit almost any bride’s taste.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, decor, and style. Let the friendly staff at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ help you select the perfect wedding jewelry for everyone in your bridal party. As our gift to you, all jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
Your wedding jewelry is the most special jewelry which you will ever own. The earrings, necklace, and bracelets which you wear on your wedding day will do so much in creating the perfect bridal look. And your engagement ring and wedding band will be the two pieces of jewelry that you wear every day for the rest of your life. Learn how to care for your precious wedding jewelry, both before and after the wedding, so that it will last you a lifetime.
In the months leading up to your wedding, you will select those special accessories which you will wear with your wedding gown. Some brides are also lucky enough to have family heirlooms to borrow for their wedding. All jewelry should be clean and shiny for the wedding ceremony, and antique or borrowed pieces may require some additional care to prepare them to be worn. For instance, older gemstone jewelry may have worn prongs or could be loose in their setting. Better to find out and have the piece repaired rather than risk losing a gem while wearing the jewelry at your wedding.
Pearl bridal jewelry is the most classic type of wedding jewelry. The nacre (mother of pearl coating) on the outside of a pearl is what gives a pearl its signature luminosity, but it is also very fragile and must be babied. If the nacre is damaged, the pearl will end up with a dull appearance, and it can never be restored to its former beauty. This is why preventing damage is key. Never get pearls wet, and use only a soft dry cloth for cleaning. Store pearls separately from other jewelry, so that they cannot be scratched. If you will be wearing your pearl bridal jewelry for other events before your wedding, remember this old rule of thumb: pearls should always be the last thing that you put on and the first thing that you take off. This helps protect the delicate luster from the ravages of agents like hairspray and perfume.
Brides who are wearing pearl necklaces and bracelets which have been worn before should take them to a jeweler several months before the wedding to be evaluated. It is not uncommon that a strand of pearls may need to be re-strung, either because the silk thread has become thin and weak or because the thread between the pearls has gotten dingy. Re-stringing is a very straightforward process, and not particularly expensive, but it can take some time, so be sure to plan ahead. You may also consider having pearls re-strung to a length that best complements the neckline of your wedding gown; remember that they can always be re-strung back to their original length after the wedding if need be.
Brides have always loved sparkly wedding jewelry, and if you have chosen crystal or diamond pieces, you will want to be sure that they shine brilliantly for your special day. The best way to care for fine Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry is gently, so as not to scratch the reflective surfaces (especially important for coated crystals, such as those with an aurora borealis finish). Wipe them with a soft cloth, and do not immerse them in water. If deeper cleaning is needed, a diluted glass cleaner can be gently brushed on with a cotton swab (not a toothbrush, which can scratch the surface). Most diamond jewelry can stand up to fairly vigorous professional cleaning by a jeweler. The usual method is to dip it in an ultrasonic device. Always check with the jeweler who sold you your jewelry before using any dips or ultrasonics at home, because some of the accent gems (like emeralds, for instance) may not be withstand such methods. A day or two before your wedding, have your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it shines like the sun.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about jewelry, design, and weddings. Visit us at http://silverlandjewelry.com/ to see our fabulous collection of wedding jewelry, and receive free shipping on your jewelry order over $99.
The purpose of a bridal registry is twofold: to help a young couple furnish their first home with the basics and to give guests some insight into the taste of the bride and groom, while preventing duplication of gifts. Yet these days, many couples are waiting to get married until they are older and already have a kitchen full of dishes and pans. These are some ideas on bridal registries for the couple who already “has everything”.
First of all, take stock of what the pair of you have to bring to your new household. You may have plenty of plain white dishes, but unless you inherited your grandmother’s china, you may be lacking in special occasion dishes. If fancy china is not your cup of tea, perhaps a special set of handmade earthenware dishes would be enjoyable. Take a look at your glasses, too. A couple who has a full set of basic clear glasses could add some spice to their table with festive colored wine glasses and goblets. These would be some items that you could build a bridal registry around.
For a bride and groom who have all of the basics covered, a bridal registry could also be a chance to indulge in some luxuries. Replace your cotton/poly blend sheets with Egyptian cotton or upgrade your dented old tea kettle with a shiny new copper kettle. Everyone has items in their house which are functional, but offer no pleasure in using. By including more special versions of household necessities on your wedding registry, you will be bringing more joy to everyday tasks around the house. Just be careful to register for a wide range of prices, as not all guests will be able to afford some of the pricier items.
Although a bridal registry is traditionally for household goods, the couple who has all of their needs can think about creating a different type of registry. Before her shower, the bride could register with her bridal salon for accessories like her wedding jewelry or a beaded handbag. Even stores which do not offer formal registry services will usually be happy to create wish lists for items like jewelry or other wedding accessories that have caught the bride’s eye.
Honeymoon registries are a rising trend among couples who do not need any of the basic household items. The bride and groom select a honeymoon package through a travel agency, and guests can contribute to it as their wedding gift. Be careful to read the fine print for a honeymoon registry, though, as there are often service charges and other clauses that may make it a bit more tricky than the usual wish list at a department store. In particular, be prepared to pay any shortfall on your honeymoon fund, as you are unlikely to get a cash refund from the travel agent if your guests do not contribute enough for your dream vacation. Also be aware that some guests may not like the idea of making a cash contribution in lieu of giving an actual item, so it is a good idea to set up at least a small traditional registry as well.
Ultimately, a bride and groom can create a bridal registry or wish list for virtually anything that appeals to them (although the more offbeat, the less likely your guests will shop from it). The wedding registry can be a great opportunity to add something special to your household or a fun experience to your life. Just keep in mind that in the end, your bridal registry is merely a guide for people who wish to use it, and that many guests may prefer to make their own selection rather than shop from a list.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, style, and gift ideas. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/ we offer a fabulous array of wedding jewelry for every member of the bridal party. As our gift to you, all jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.
There is no symbol more romantic than the heart shape, which is why it is a perfect symbol for a wedding. A lovely way to use a heart in a wedding is in the form of beautiful jewelry. Always romantic, and an enduring design which will be cherished for years, heart shaped wedding jewelry makes a wonderful gift for a bride or bridesmaids.
There are almost as many styles of heart shaped jewelry designs as there are types of women. Whether her style is classic, sparkly, or simply feminine, there will be a heart pendant, bracelet, or pair of earrings which is just her style and taste. A set of heart jewelry makes a thoughtful gift from the bride to her bridesmaids. A heart pendant and earring set would be a very romantic and sweet wedding jewelry gift to the bride, as well, especially from her intended.
For a casual heart theme gift, sterling silver wedding jewelry is great. A heavy silver link necklace or bracelet with a Tiffany inspired heart tag charm is a wonderful way to thank your bridesmaids for being such a special part of your wedding. This is the kind of wedding jewelry which your attendants can enjoy wearing every day after the wedding, which makes it as versatile as it is thoughtful. Naturally, you will want to personalize each piece of silver jewelry with the recipient’s initials or monogram on the heart charm.
Crystals are one of the most popular forms of wedding jewelry for everyone in the bridal party. The sparkle and style of Swarovski crystals is undeniably fabulous, and the down to earth price makes it very comfortable to purchase. This is one of the reasons why Swarovski crystal bridesmaid jewelry is such an enduring favorite: the balance of gorgeous sparkle with a cost that the bride can afford even for a large group. Not to mention which, bridesmaids adore receiving sparkly glamorous jewelry! Bring the spirit of love into your bridesmaid jewelry gifts with breathtaking Swarovski heart earrings and pendants.
A lovely wedding jewelry design is a simple Swarovski crystal heart pendant on a silver chain. If you wish to keep the look elegant but understated, opt for a petite heart in clear or “ab” finish crystal. Or opt for an extra dash of femininity and romance by selecting a rose pink crystal heart. That makes a very sweet gift for everyone in the bridal party, including the bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girl. Another fantastic option is to choose a bright Siam red crystal heart pendant, which is the perfect expression of passion. The red hearts are especially appropriate for the bridal party at a Valentine’s Day wedding. They also make a touching declaration of love from the groom to the bride at any time of the year.
Large crystal heart pendants are truly spectacular. Swarovski offers its signature crystal hearts as big as a silver dollar, which is a marvelous when you want your wedding jewelry to make a statement. The largest sizes of crystal hearts are particularly favored by brides, who need their jewelry to have a presence. They are generally created to have a clear finish, to maximize sparkle and brilliance. This is a stunning look with a strapless bridal gown or any other open neckline.
There is no doubt about it, hearts and weddings are a perfect match. Treat your bridesmaids, the bride, or even yourself to a fabulous piece of heart shaped wedding jewelry. The classic romantic style of heart jewelry ensures that it will become a favorite addition to her jewelry collection.
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, jewelry, and gift ideas. For the friendliest staff and the best selection of wedding jewelry for everyone in the bridal party, visit http://silverlandjewelry.com/. We offer free shipping on all jewelry orders over $99.
These days, many weddings are really weekend long events, rather than a single afternoon. There are numerous types of activities which a bride and groom may wish to plan, from the standard rehearsal dinner, to after parties, to golf outings. Take a look at this list of pre-wedding events and decide which ones to include in your own wedding weekend.
For some couples, the wedding fun actually begins a couple of days before they say their “I dos” when friends and family start to roll into town. Thursday afternoon before a Saturday wedding can be a good time to start the scheduled festivities. That would be a good time for the bride to host a ladies’ luncheon in honor of her bridesmaids and the mothers of the bride and groom. It is usually a tea or lunchtime affair which the bride throws in a cute little restaurant or inn to thank all the women who have helped her with her wedding. This is a good time to give the bridesmaids their gifts (wedding jewelry is the favorite), and to present any special pieces of jewelry which the bride and groom have selected for their mothers as wedding presents.
Thursday afternoon is also a great time for some pre-wedding pampering for all the ladies in the wedding. A few hours at the spa getting manis, pedis, and massages is sure to get everyone feeling relaxed and ready for the big day. Just skip the facial, as it is too close to the wedding, should there be a bad reaction. This would also be a good time for the groom to spend some bonding time with his attendants. No, we are not talking bachelor party (it is best to get that out of the way several weeks before the wedding day), but something like a golf outing would be a great idea.
Of course, the day before the wedding is the usual time to hold the wedding rehearsal, followed by the rehearsal. Before the rehearsal, the bride should also take some time that morning to make sure that she has everything she will need for her wedding awaiting her at the place where she plans to dress for the wedding (if possible). This would include everything from her gown, bridal veil, wedding jewelry, shoes, and undergarments to makeup and her going away outfit. By the way, if a large percentage of your guest list will be traveling in from another town for your wedding, it would be nice to opt for a wedding welcome party instead of a rehearsal dinner. The only difference is that all guests are welcome, instead of a select few. It is a nice gesture to all those who have gone to great effort to attend your wedding.
If you have a lively crowd attending your rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party, you may wish to plan an after party. This is a great time for the younger guests to go out dancing and have a fun night together. The after party can take place at someone’s home, a club, or a restaurant. Some after parties are spontaneous and others are pre-planned. If you do decide to throw a late night bash the evening before the wedding, there are two important tips to keep in mind. First of all, arrange for transportation to make sure that everyone makes it home safely, and second of all, the bride should probably sit this party out. You might be disappointed to miss out on the late night revelry, but you will sure be glad you got your beauty sleep when you wake up feeling refreshed on the morning of your wedding!
Finally, there is the wedding morning. When the ceremony does not begin until the late afternoon or evening, many couples plan activities for the early part of the day. Popular ideas include private yoga classes, golf outings, or sightseeing tours. Just be sure to end any wedding morning events in plenty of time for your guests to get changed and make it to the church on time!
Bridget Mora writes for Silverland Jewelry about weddings, society, and fashion. At http://silverlandjewelry.com/, we offer an exquisite collection of wedding jewelry for every member of the wedding party. All jewelry orders over $99 receive free shipping.