Children can make a wonderful addition to any wedding but they also have the potential for livening up the wedding with unexpected antics. It is important to consider the age, maturity level and predictability of the child before deciding to include them in the wedding. If you wish to include children in your wedding as either a ring bearer, a flower girl or by assigning them a task that helps them to feel included, take care to follow these tips to help things run as smooth as possible and to make participating in your wedding a pleasurable experience for the child.
One tip for including children in your wedding is to understand that children under a certain age may not be capable of performing a role in the wedding ceremony and that even if the child is old enough to understand what is required of them; there are no guarantees that they will complete their task on the wedding day. Try to choose a ring bearer and flower girl who are over the age of four and while the adult participants may only need to run through their part once, allow extra time for the child to practice their part several times. If you choose a very young child or a child that is particularly shy you may want to consider having their parent accompany them down the aisle so that they are not overwhelmed on the day of the wedding. Also, be prepared for the child to completely forget what they are supposed to do and don't allow their mistakes to put a damper on your wedding day. The odds are that if the child does not perform well, the other guests will simply laugh so feel free to laugh along with them and enjoy the pleasure that comes with including a child in your wedding.
Another tip for including children in your wedding is to try to really make it an experience that the child is looking forward to. One way to do this is to ask the child to participate in your wedding a few weeks in advance so that the child has time to really get excited about the idea and has a chance to tell their friends about how they are going to be in a wedding and wear a special outfit. Another way to get the child excited is to take them shopping for their wedding attire instead of choosing an outfit for them without their input. This helps to make the child feel as though their opinions are valued plus it lets them choose an outfit that they like and will look forward to wearing.
Still another tip for including children in your wedding is to have the photographer take any pictures that will include the children early in the photography session. While it is true that many children enjoy having their picture taking, they may grow impatient and irritable if they have to wait a long time to have their photos taken. Additionally, children are not used to standing still for a long time and will probably want to run and play which may result in rips or wrinkles in their wedding attire.
If the parents of the child are not in the wedding party you may want to ask one of the bridesmaids to assume responsibility for the child before the wedding, during the wedding and during the photography session so that the parents do not have to stay nearby and can enjoy the wedding and the cocktail hour. You might want to supply the bridesmaid with a small bag containing snacks and toys that will be useful in keeping the child occupied during times that may seem boring to them.
If you have a number of children in your family and want to include many of them one useful tip is to give each child a specific job. You may not be able to include all of your young friends or relatives as ring bearers or flower girls but you can give them each a task such as handing out wedding programs or bags of birdseed or placing the favors on the table at the reception. The children will feel important and you get to include them without adding length to the ceremony.
When including children in a wedding, it is important to understand that they may not do everything perfectly but you shouldn't get upset with them and should instead enjoy the fun that they bring to the wedding with their spirit and enthusiasm. Including children in your wedding can be a lot of fun but there are some precautions that should be taken. Following the tips in this article will help to ensure that the children are excited to participate in your wedding and are well prepared to do so.
Friday, December 14, 2007
5 Tips for Including Children in a Wedding
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
10 Biggest Mistakes Wedding Guest Make
In the course of wedding planning, you'll probably come across a guest or two whose inappropriate actions, odd requests, or rude behavior seems appalling. Don't be shocked -- while you may know the ins and outs of wedding etiquette, some of your friends and family may not be aware of what's acceptable.
What can you do? Be proactive. Here's how.
1. Not Sending RSVPs
What they did: Anyone who's ever planned a wedding knows the importance of a punctual RSVP -- from plotting your seating chart to giving the caterer a final headcount, it's hard to proceed without a firm grasp of who's coming. Unfortunately, some of your guests may treat the RSVP as a novelty rather than a necessity.
How to deal: Give it a week. After that, it's time to give them a call. Recruit your maid of honor to help you with phone duties if you're really struggling with missing RSVPs. Or, better yet, send out a group email (use a blind CC) saying that you need to know by [insert deadline] if they're planning on attending. Keep the tone nice, but firm. Then, you only have to call those who don't reply to the email (which really is a double-duty foul).
Stop the cycle: Make the reply-by-date as early as possible, say two weeks from the date you intend to mail the invitations. That way, when your guests see that the deadline is quickly approaching, they'll (hopefully) stick the reply card in the mail right then and there.
2. Sending RSVPs With Extra Guests
What they did: The good news is that the guest has returned the RSVP. The bad news is that she'd love to attend . . . with a person you never invited -- maybe never heard of. Whether she believes every invite bestows the right to bring a date, or a child, adding a name on the RSVP puts everyone in an awkward position.
How to deal: To avoid potential hurt feelings, you need to establish a no-exceptions guest list policy (significant others only if engaged; no children under 18). Then, call the misguided guest to explain the circumstances. Apologize for the misunderstanding, and tell her that unfortunately the limitations (a small reception space or a tight budget) require a strict guest list. The person most likely didn't intend to thwart your list with the addition of another guest, and will gladly come to the wedding solo.
Stop the cycle: Tell your parents, wedding party, and other close relatives and friends, so that they can spread the word when asked. And, of course, address your invitations in a direct manner (don't write "Smith Family" unless they really are all invited). The earlier that a guest knows who's actually invited, the less painful the conversation will be.
3. Bombarding the Bride
What they did: As soon as they received the invite to your wedding, the phone calls began. Guests are treating you like their personal concierge, with questions about transportation, accommodations, and fun things to do while they're in town.
How to deal: Make sure every guest has all the info they need by creating a wedding website. Include a link to the hotel where you've reserved a block of rooms, local museums and restaurants, and driving directions. Put together a welcome basket for out-of-towners with the weekend's itinerary, so that no one feels the need to ask you about the wedding game plan.
Stop the cycle: Some technophobes might still pester you with questions. Go over the guest list with both sets of parents, and decide which key invitees, if any, are not likely to check your website. Print out a copy of the info listed on the site and mail it to them.
4. Buying a Non-registry Gift
What they did: Some guests feel that buying a present from the registry is impersonal. Instead, they go and purchase a gift with a little more -- er, imagination.
How to deal: Shopping off the registry can result in a pleasant surprise, or leave a couple cringing. You cannot, however, be anything but gracious for any gift you're given. While they're typically expected, wedding gifts are technically not required from a guest. If someone has eschewed the registry and bought you a present you know you won't use (or, even worse, they've given you a gift you know you'll have to hide), check whether they sent it with the receipt. If so, they may have realized their gift might not be your style, and it's fine to return the present. Otherwise, write a thank-you note for the thoughtful gesture, and keep the gift for as long as you can stand having it around.
Stop the cycle: Register at an off-the-beaten path store that offers unique gift options like a local museum shop or a boutique home store. That way, the guest can get you something a bit more personal that you actually love.
5. Showing Up Late
What they did: You know how some people show up late to movies because they know there will be 20 minutes of trailers? Some guests may have a similar notion for your ceremony. We know one maid of honor who saw a late guest stroll in directly behind the bride as she walked down the aisle with her father!
How to deal: For those who are really late, ask an usher or your day-of coordinator to hang out near the rear of the ceremony site so they can make sure your processional goes undisturbed, and to have them help any late guest quickly and quietly find a seat.
Stop the cycle: Give yourself a slight buffer for your friends and family who are never quite on time. If your invites say the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m., plan on walking down the aisle about 15 minutes after that.
Compliments of: Lady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events. Executing personal visions based on your own personal style.
mailto:ladydsweddingsyahoo.com?subject=Lady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007

Wedding Tips - Dressing Mother of the Bride
So you are getting married. You are so excited infact your whole family is so excited! What do you want as a present? What will your hair be like? Are you really going to wear that color of dress? All questions that may be fired at you during the course of the next few months. But one question can strike fear and trepidation into the strongest of brides. What is your mother going to wear?
The mother-of-the-bride outfit is probably the most talked about outfit other than what the bride is wearing. Not even the grooms choice of morning suit, kilt or sneakers and jeans will be talked about as much as what the mother-of-the-bride will be wearing.
Even if bride and mother-of-the-bride have a fantastic relationship outside of wedding planning, when it comes to what your mother is going to wear on your wedding day things can go horribly wrong!
She will have dreamed about this day from the moment you first opened your eyes and stared into hers. She will have planned and re-planned her outfit several times, over each decade that has passed, hopefully moving with the times!
She will have a definate idea of the image she wishes to project and how she wants to look on this wonderous day and hopefully that will coincide with your own ideas.
If you are lucky she will co-ordinate with the rest of the bridal party and your photographs will be a riot of harmonious color. If you fall into the not so lucky catergory then the photographer may experience diffculty placing her beside someone she doesnt clash with or horror of horrors the mother-of-the-groom turns up in the same dress!!!
If your parents have divorced and re-married then this situation can actually get worse. You only have one mother and she carries the mother-of-the-bride mantle but people, and its just human nature, will be looking at your fathers second wife's oufit almost as closely as the mother-of-the-bride's.
I did hear a story where a bride in this situation suddenly realised that the two women in question had indeed bought the same dress. Approaching her mother tactfully she mentioned that it might be an idea to take back the dress as she would have no other appropriate celebration to wear it to. Her mother smiled and replied that of course she would get another dress for her daughters big day but would be wearing the original dress to the wedding rehearsal dinner!
When is comes down to it the main thing is that everyone is happy and it would be foolish to let a disagreement over a mother-of-the-bride dress get in the way of your wedding. Always remember girls one day you may be the mother-of-the-bride!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Why You Need Me and I Adore You: Getting the Wedding Planner You Love and Can Afford
When people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them I am a wedding planner, you cannot imagine the look of elation and interest that immediately floods their faces. The most common response I receive is often "Just like J. Lo, right? I love that movie!" I do smile and agree that I loved the movie too.
When people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them I am a wedding planner, you cannot imagine the look of elation and interest that immediately floods their faces. The most common response I receive is often "Just like J. Lo, right? I love that movie!" I do smile and agree that I loved the movie too.
But, however much I may love "Law and Order", you will not see me out making citizens' arrests on the metropolitan streets. I know my boundaries. Watching a movie or a show doesn't necessarily make you qualified to do what it is you saw -- no matter how many times you've seen it or can quote from its leading actor.
What most brides don't understand is that this will hopefully be the only wedding they will ever plan. But I and my colleagues do this on a regular basis; so it is safe to say we've been around the block. I love meeting new brides, and especially newly engaged couples. It is great to see how you interact with each other and what your vision is for your beautiful wedding day. I will admit, there are times where a couple and I have spent hours just talking during our initial consultation that we actually forget that it is "business as usual". I try at this time to dispel the misconception that a wedding planner turns into a dictator that takes complete control of your wedding. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm going to share some things with you that may help you decide if a wedding planner is for you. Trust me, I will be the first to tell you if it is not; but if it is, you should definitely consider interviewing a few during your planning process. If your planner does not share these philosophies, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she is wrong, but you may want to consider what is important to you in the grand scheme of your event.
Ok, so let's get started, shall we?
- You should be treated like you are important. When I greet my potential and contracted clients, you would never know that I have other events or other things going on in my life. That is because when it comes to you -- I don't! Each client that walks through that door has on a sign that says, "Make me feel important". It is imperative that you feel very special and comfortable with your planner, and dare I say it, immediately. You should feel like you are meeting with an old friend to discuss the details of your upcoming wedding. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unsure, do speak up and ask questions. Gain as much clarity as possible.
- You are always the boss. You are paying for a service. Your planner should report to you in a courteous and professional manner. While your planner does have a level of expertise and savvy, if you feel like the reins are being yanked from your hand or you are made to feel inferior, thank them for their time and move on.
- Your wedding is your wedding. There are so many variables that can be thrown into the dynamics of planning a wedding. Your planner should not try to make your special day "cookie-cutter". Instead they should see and become intimately familiar with your vision for your wedding. As your personal liaison, your wedding planner will be the one to represent your needs and wants to other vendors, handle sticky situations with family and execute your plans during your event.
- Trust is important. Your wedding is an investment. Never again will you spend so much money at one time. You need to be able to entrust the details of your wedding to a consummate professional. Your wedding planner should explain everything to you at length and work within your budget and vision.
- Be accountable, organized and responsible. These are not only good character traits, but are required skills in this trade. All paperwork, dossiers, contracts, etc. pertaining to your account should be kept in an organized format and ready at all of your appointments. Any payments or decisions made on your behalf should be done under your watchful eye and with your approval. You should be able to trust all of the details of your wedding with your planner.
- Creative genius. You should be able to give some of your best ideas to your coordinator, and she can "sweeten the pot" with her creations and style. Also, your planner should have several types of resources and inspirations to pull from to create your ultimate wedding fantasy.
Remember these simple characteristics and you will be able to get the assistance you need for your wedding day. Knowing your dream wedding is in capable hands will allow you to be stress-free so that you can truly enjoy your family and friends.
Best Wishes,
Lady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events
http://www.ladydwedding.com
Monday, August 27, 2007

The Benefits of Having a Day of Wedding Coordinator
Have you considered the "day of" wedding coordinator? If you have planned out the majority of your wedding, a "day of" coordinator will serve as your total relief on your wedding day by tying up loose ends and finalizing dates and times with all vendors involved. Contrary to popular belief, a "day of" coordinator actually enters into the wedding planning during the final month of preparation.
There are a lot of details to worry about on your wedding day, so why not let a coordinator worry about the details instead of you? During the month leading up to your big day the coordinator will make sure that all contracts have been signed with all vendors, ensure that everything from the flower girl's dress to your dress will be ready, confirm the final itinerary with you and all of your vendors and, most important of all, take the stress off of you!
The "day of" ceremony services include making sure the flowers, decorators, cake, photographer, limousine and entertainment all arrive when they are supposed to, provide coordination for the ceremony so that it runs smoothly, acting as crowd control in between the ceremony and reception, and making sure that everything is taken care of so that you do not have to.
As you can see, the major benefit of having a "day of" coordinator is total relaxation. Wedding coordinators take pride in taking the weight off of your shoulders on your wedding day. That is what we live and breathe to do. Consider having a "day of" coordinator for your wedding day. Because, after all, don't you deserve to have maximum relaxation on your special day?


When people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them I am a wedding planner, you cannot imagine the look of elation and interest that immediately floods their faces. The most common response I receive is often "Just like J. Lo, right? I love that movie!" I do smile and agree that I loved the movie too.
But, however much I may love "Law and Order", you will not see me out making citizens' arrests on the metropolitan streets. I know my boundaries. Watching a movie or a show doesn't necessarily make you qualified to do what it is you saw -- no matter how many times you've seen it or can quote from its leading actor.
What most brides don't understand is that this will hopefully be the only wedding they will ever plan. But I and my colleagues do this on a regular basis; so it is safe to say we've been around the block. I love meeting new brides, and especially newly engaged couples. It is great to see how you interact with each other and what your vision is for your beautiful wedding day. I will admit, there are times where a couple and I have spent hours just talking during our initial consultation that we actually forget that it is "business as usual". I try at this time to dispel the misconception that a wedding planner turns into a dictator that takes complete control of your wedding. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm going to share some things with you that may help you decide if a wedding planner is for you. Trust me, I will be the first to tell you if it is not; but if it is, you should definitely consider interviewing a few during your planning process. If your planner does not share these philosophies, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she is wrong, but you may want to consider what is important to you in the grand scheme of your event.
Ok, so let's get started, shall we?
You should be treated like you are important. When I greet my potential and contracted clients, you would never know that I have other events or other things going on in my life. That is because when it comes to you -- I don't! Each client that walks through that door has on a sign that says, "Make me feel important". It is imperative that you feel very special and comfortable with your planner, and dare I say it, immediately. You should feel like you are meeting with an old friend to discuss the details of your upcoming wedding. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unsure, do speak up and ask questions. Gain as much clarity as possible.
You are always the boss. You are paying for a service. Your planner should report to you in a courteous and professional manner. While your planner does have a level of expertise and savvy, if you feel like the reins are being yanked from your hand or you are made to feel inferior, thank them for their time and move on.
Your wedding is your wedding. There are so many variables that can be thrown into the dynamics of planning a wedding. Your planner should not try to make your special day "cookie-cutter". Instead they should see and become intimately familiar with your vision for your wedding. As your personal liaison, your wedding planner will be the one to represent your needs and wants to other vendors, handle sticky situations with family and execute your plans during your event.
Trust is important. Your wedding is an investment. Never again will you spend so much money at one time. You need to be able to entrust the details of your wedding to a consummate professional. Your wedding planner should explain everything to you at length and work within your budget and vision.
Be accountable, organized and responsible. These are not only good character traits, but are required skills in this trade. All paperwork, dossiers, contracts, etc. pertaining to your account should be kept in an organized format and ready at all of your appointments. Any payments or decisions made on your behalf should be done under your watchful eye and with your approval. You should be able to trust all of the details of your wedding with your planner.
Creative genius. You should be able to give some of your best ideas to your coordinator, and she can "sweeten the pot" with her creations and style. Also, your planner should have several types of resources and inspirations to pull from to create your ultimate wedding fantasy.
Remember these simple characteristics and you will be able to get the assistance you need for your wedding day. Knowing your dream wedding is in capable hands will allow you to be stress-free so that you can truly enjoy your family and friends.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Not Everyone Is A Size Eight
Tips for the full-figured bride
One of the hardest tasks for any bride is finding the right dress. There are so many options: short sleeves or long, beaded or plain, white or off-white, detachable train or just plain full length.
Most women spend hours combing through all the bridal magazines they can get their hands on, comparing styles and fabrics. But when it comes time to start visiting bridal shops and trying on gowns, many plus-sized brides find the selection to be disappointing.
"Most shops only carry sizes up to 12 or 14, and a lot of brides-to-be are embarrassed to go in and look at dresses. Brides can select their gown online and try it on at home. If it doesn't fit, PlusSizeBridal.com will exchange it for another size, style, color, or refund the price.
Ordering a dress online has a number of advantages: it's convenient, easy to compare prices, and the available selection is much bigger than that of a typical store.
Here are some tips from PlusSizeBridal.com on how to select the perfect dress:
Set a budget right away. Decide how much you can afford to spend. This will help you avoid the wasted time and frustration of looking at gowns that are out of your price range.
Allow plenty of time. It's a big decision, and you don't want to have to rush into anything. You also want to leave enough time for any needed alterations.
Find your style. At first, all of the options will be overwhelming. But if you narrow your search down to styles that look flattering on you and emphasize your best attributes, you will find the right dress more easily.
Use the size charts. All wedding gowns are sized differently according to the manufacturer. Most women think that if they wear a size 14 in ready-to-wear, they are a 14 in bridal. Not the case.
In fact, bridal gowns are actually smaller. A size 14 in ready-to-wear usually is a size or two more in bridal attire. Using the size chart for the specific dress you are ordering is critical in saving time and money.
For more information visit www.plussizebridal.com or call (866) PLS-BRID. Using the size charts provided, customers can shop for a wide selection of gowns and accessories.
Most items can be shipped within three days, and any gown can be returned within five days if the customer is not satisfied.

Planning a Wedding Reception for Brides on a Budget
The reception is traditionally one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding.
However, by combining personal creativity and ingenuity -- with inexpensive, ready-made items available at discount retailers, brides-to-be and cash-strapped parents can host a beautiful wedding reception without blowing through the entire bridal budget.
"Creating a beautiful wedding environment on a budget is simple, "By putting a personal touch on everything from table centerpieces to wedding favors, brides and grooms can save while creating memories for years to come."
While June is still the most popular month for weddings, according to a recent study by Hallmark.com, September and October are quickly gaining in popularity. Lady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events offers some great last-minute planning tips for brides and grooms-to-be:
If renting a reception tent, create a romantic environment by purchasing sheering fabric and 2-inch ribbon from a local discount retailer to drape around the canopy. Create billows of fabric and hang from the ceiling, wrap around poles, and swag in the entryway.
Whether throwing an indoor or outdoor reception, flowers help set the tone but can quickly add up. A typical flower budget is 15 percent of the overall cost of a wedding. Consider using some of the beautiful and realistic-looking silk flowers available today intermingled with arrangements of fresh flowers to keep the romance high and the costs low. The bride and groom can use the silk flowers in the home for years to come.
Every bride wants to do something unique at her wedding. Create a dramatic, sweet-smelling entrance for guests by lining a walkway to the reception venue or reception tent with fresh rose petals. Also consider renting a bubble machine, available at retailers such as Wal-Mart, for some added ambiance and fun.
Renting both table settings and white linen tablecloths can get expensive. Instead, consider purchasing clear glass plates from a discount retailer. Stack the salad plate on top of the dinner plate and place a large leaf between the two for a very pretty place setting. Buying plates is often less expensive than renting and the bride and groom can keep them for the years (and dinner parties) ahead.
Remember to keep centerpieces either low enough or high enough so guests can see each other from across the table. A simple cake pedestal adorned with sugared fruits and a candle makes a beautiful and an inexpensive centerpiece. Add to the sugary sparkle by placing candles in votive candle holders to illuminate the centerpieces from underneath. Remember to place approximately half an inch of water in each candle holder or glass for easy removal of melted wax.
For more formal wedding receptions, assigning guests to tables is considered proper etiquette but that doesn't mean it has to be stuffy. Purchase large sugar cookies and pipe romantic words like 'joy,' 'hope,' 'love,' and 'forever' on each cookie. Place one cookie in each centerpiece to replace traditional numbered tables and have your place cards direct your guests to these romantically identified tables.
Wedding favors that double as place cards can be made by purchasing sugar cookies from a local bakery that are iced in white. Pipe each guest's names on the cookies in colored icing a day or two before the wedding. Place in cellophane bags, tied with a ribbon, and set at each guest's place setting so guests know where to sit.
Handmade keepsakes given out during the wedding reception are an easy and thoughtful way to thank the wedding party. Create beautiful, unique cards for the bridesmaids by purchasing simple white note cards, decorated with the wedding's theme colors embellished with different fabrics or small trinkets purchased from a craft department. Write a cherished memory or personal note inside the card, which bridesmaids can keep for the years to come.
And don't forget the wedding cake, which can be very expensive, depending on the number of guests attending. Consider purchasing a decorated sheet cake from a local bakery in addition to a smaller tiered cake. Then marry them together as one elaborate cake with piping and rose petals. Brides and grooms may find that bakeries like those at a Wal-Mart Supercenter can make unique and cost-conscious tiered wedding cakes that are beautiful as well as delicious.
Remember, all cakes are created equal -- flour, sugar, and butter --so there's no need to spend a fortune on one.
Thursday, June 14, 2007


October has become an increasingly popular month for weddings, and that's no surprise, given that the weather in most parts of the country is usually dry and cool. Brides-to-be can be relatively certain that their guests and members of the wedding party won't be dodging raindrops, or worrying about becoming hot and sticky in their formal clothing. Autumn is also a great time for selecting wedding bouquet flowers, with an abundant harvest of floral products, berries, and foliages readily available to your local retail florist.
Consider the versatile Montbretia (or, botanically, Crocosmia). This is a delicate flower which consists of a series of small individual, tubular florets arranged as a comb along the upper portion of a long, slim stem (similar to a freesia). Montbretia flowers run the range of colors from yellow-orange to brick red - prefect for the season - and lend an airy and colorful wispiness to a wedding bouquet. But they can also be had in their more mature stage, after the blossoms have gone to seed and have formed small rounded pods along the comb - a textural delight.

Another popular berry which is appearing in autumn bouquets is the hypericum (the botanical name for St. John's Wort). The small, waxy, egg-shaped fruits occur in clusters at the ends of their slender stems and provide a lovely accent of texture and tone. Hypericum's usual color is a raisin brown, but newer hybrid varieties include shades of yellow, green, red, orange, and salmon pink.

Roses will always be a popular choice for wedding bouquet flowers, and some of the best picks for the fall season include Leonidas (a bi-color chocolate brown), Terra Cotta (burnt orange), Star 2000 (a strong coral-orange), Black Magic (the darkest, velvet burgundy), Hocus Pocus (a small variety with dark burgundy petals flecked with cute yellow spots), Mambo (an tangerine-orange spray variety), Konfetti (deep yellow with a red-orange blaze on the edge), Red Berlin (tomato- red), and Sari (golden apricot-orange).
Fall is a time of rich, warm hues and bounteous textures, and the choices are virtually endless. The autumnal palettes of analogous colors - from burgundy to red to orange to golden yellow - is well represented in the blossoms of the season, which play beautifully against the fabrics of today's popular bridesmaids' dresses. Combined with textural materials such as grasses, small fruits, and seed pods, a skilled floral designer will have no trouble creating memorable wedding bouquets with flowers which are plentiful now.

Lady D’s Exquisite Weddings and Events ©2007
Saturday, February 03, 2007

The Perfect Wedding Flower Decoration
Orange blossoms, sunflowers, roses and dahlias; violets and lilies; orchids and tulips: all flowers are beautiful. They are also a symbol of love. And an inevitable part of all wedding ceremonies. So inevitable, that many couples go crazy when having to choose the flower decoration for their wedding party. Wedding flower decoration is vital for this red-letter day in everyone's life. Flower designs can be different and can translate various meanings to the guests of the wedding party.
Many things can be concluded about the bride and bridegroom's future marriage, depending on the choice of their wedding flower decorations. If your wedding ceremony is getting closer, perhaps it is time to choose your flower decoration that will make the celebration unforgettable.
Wedding flower decoration can be of various kinds. You can choose a large arch of flowers or a centre-piece, or both- everything is suitable depending on your taste. Use your own creative imagination and choose the best flower decoration for the great event.

It is important that you decide on flower arrangement that suits your wedding settings. Choose a color combination that appeals to you and is in harmony with the entire setting. The flower decoration can consist of seasonal and local flowers. You should as specifically as possible decide on the size, shape and color for the different flower arrangements. You may easily get some piece of advice from a magazine: there are large varieties of all kinds of flowers. Silk flowers and dried flowers can be an opportunity, too.
Remember: your wedding flower decoration is meant to express you and your personal style, but comply also with your loved one's taste. Additional factors should influence your choice: the season, the time of day for the party, the location atmosphere and so on. These weather conditions make a difference and you should have them in mind before deciding strongly on something. A cunning way to make wedding flower decoration suitable is color blocking. Color blocking is called the procedure of choosing a specific color or combination of several colors and using it as the leading nuance when you create all your wedding settings. For example, you may choose the classical white, and put white orchids on the white tablecloths, and prepare your wedding bouquet with white being the predominant color.
There are several types of flower arrangements that are used during the ceremony.

BOUQUETS. They are flower decorations for the bride. A wedding bouquet must be carefully chosen depending on the personal characteristics of the woman. Its color must stress on her individuality, and its shape must emphasize on her body silhouette, giving her the best possible looks. There are many different wedding bouquets, and their design depends on the bride's skin tone, body proportion, facial appearance and attire.
BOUTONNIERES. These flower decorations are worn by the groom and his attendance, also by the ushers, and the bride's and groom's fathers. They are made of small flower buds attached on the left lapel of the jacket.
CORSAGES. They can be worn in pin-on, wrists and hand-held styles. As a flower decoration they combine a small bloom or several blooms tied together.
WREATHS. This is a splendid flower decoration that has a round shape. The rings of flowers are used as centerpieces, headpieces or door hangers.
CANDELABRA. They are made of flowing greens in the shape of ribbons. They are put at the base, neck or top of multi-armed candelabra.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

HONORING A PARENT WHO HAS PASSED AWAY
Many brides and grooms want to include some type of remembrance during their wedding ceremony of a parent (or parents) that have passed away. It can be done tactfully and without making it too sad at the same time; here are some options:
A Lighting of candles can be done at the very beginning of the ceremony or during the lighting of the unity candle.

Presentation of single stemmed flowers for each parent at the altar.
A special reading which mentions their name) could also be done.
Before you decide, speak with your clergy and see what he or she thinks would be best. They know you better and are in a better position to make suggestions.
One final and important point: Don't get too sentimental during this time. This is your wedding day and you know your parents would want you to enjoy this celebration without becoming so choked up that you couldn't go on with the ceremony.

10 Most Asked Questions by Brides
1. How can I let people know where I am registered?
Word of mouth is really only the "proper" way to inform people where you are registered. You really must wait until they ask you or other family members. All friends and family members should be told where you are registered so they can inform others when asked.
Today, many brides are including cards from the department store where they are registered in their shower invitation. However, this is still never done in the wedding invitation.
2. How can I ask for money instead of a gift?
Actually, there is no way of wording the asking of money for wedding gifts in lieu of something else without being tacky. I'm afraid this is a cardinal rule of etiquette that must be taken seriously. The only thing you can do is tell your friends and relatives your preference. Then, when others ask, your family and friends can say that you would prefer money. Then, guests can do whatever they like. If they take the hint, great, but if they don't, accept the gift with a gracious thank you!
3. How can I let people know that I don't want children at the wedding?
The only thing you can do is not include the children's names on the invitations. However, you'll find that some people will still bring their children.
So you might want to be prepared with a "kids table" that includes crayons, coloring books, and candy. Some even hire a babysitter to look after the children at the "kids table". Some brides are now having "adult only" printed on their invitations but again, even at that, some people ignore the printing and assume their children are invited.
4. Who pays for what?
A growing trend today is for wedding expenses to be shared among the bride and groom, as well as each of their families, but, here is the traditional list of "Who Pays for What" (Contact Lady D's to provide you with a traditional "Who Pays For What List".
5. How many invited guests should I expect will actually attend my wedding?
The general rule of thumb is if you're having over 200 guests, then you can estimate that about 25-28% of your guests will be unable to attend. If you are having less 200 guests, then the percentage usually decreases to about 15-20% or less. Other factors include how many guests you invite that live out-of-town and the travel distance required to attend the wedding.
Remember, every family and guest list is different, so always be prepared in case everyone is able to come!
6. What are the Maid of Honor's responsibilities?
The main role of the Maid of Honor is to help the bride with the wedding planning. This can include shopping for dresses, addressing invitations, putting together favors and just being there when the bride needs some extra help, support or someone to talk to.
7. What is appropriate to wear for a second wedding?
No matter whether it is your first, second or third wedding… the focal point is still the wedding dress. Many second-time brides choose a simpler, more elegant or sophisticated wedding dress. Many choose a floor length or cocktail length dress in white, off-white or a pretty pastel.
Many "etiquette experts" advise second-time brides to not wear a veil or a long train for their second wedding. Don't listen to them! This is your day, wear what you want to wear! Maybe you had a very small first wedding and now you want to go all out! Wear what makes you feel beautiful! Learn more about second-time weddings.
8. How Do I Personalize my Wedding?
There are plenty of tips and ideas to make your wedding unique and personal. But, which ideas are right for you?
Only you can decide. Think about what is important to you and your fiancé. Think about special interests or hobbies that you share together. Or, maybe there is a special place, the beach or some quaint little Inn you went to when he proposed. Incorporate these elements and these "feelings" into your wedding and it will be truly unique and personal.
9. Should I Tip My Wedding Vendors?
Your caterer or reception site serving the food will include their gratuities with your bill. So, a tip is not necessarily expected.
As for your other vendors (wedding consultant, band or DJ, limo driver, photographer), again a tip is not required. However, if you feel a vendor went above and beyond the call of duty, then feel free to provide them with an extra tip. If you are concerned whether or not a vendor is expecting a tip, then discuss it with them.
10. What fee should I pay my clergy?
This can be a tough one, most clergy do not have a fee but instead ask for a donation. In this case, anywhere from $50 - $100 or more. A lot depends on how well you know them and whether or not counseling sessions were involved.
If you are still unsure what the appropriate amount should be, then talk to the church secretary and ask for an "acceptable range" for a donation.

LADY D'S SUGGESTED WAYS TO PANIC PROOF YOUR WEDDING
Avoid asking friends or family to provide food, flowers, or official photography. It will create an awkward situation if you're not pleased with the results. It's easier to expect perfection from someone being paid.
Avoid heavy cake tops or too many tiers. These can make the cake unstable.
Protect your bridal gown. Never iron it or attempt any kind of touch up. If it is badly wrinkled, contact the bridal shop for pressing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke after putting the gown on. Do not apply makeup and keep away from pets.
When you get your gown, practice putting it on, walking, turning, and moving like you will during the ceremony. Get a feel for how the dress moves and how much extra time you’ll need to handle the train.

Avoid having children under age three in the wedding party. If you do, let one of the attendants walk with the child or pair them with an older child.
Have a toy under the petals of the basket for the child to open once they have completed their walk.
Have a person from the parish ready to whisk the kids off to a Sunday school run ready with snacks and juice to keep the kids till the ceremony is over. Don't expect the kids to sit quietly for up to an hour just to have exiting pictures. Bring them back up for pictures later. The wedding is not about the perfect pictures you will have later; it is about the vows.
Or have an attendant or a groomsmen assigned the task of keeping an eye on the kids during the service. Should the child become unruly, their parent should be alerted to come and remove the child from this focal point of the ceremony.
Picture perfect? To get a child to get through the rehearsal dinner, sleep a good nights rest, alter their morning routine, put on scratchy strange clothes and hard new shoes, sit for their hairstyle, keep a "thing" on top of their head, get through per-ceremony pictures, hold a basket and not loose it, drop petals, walk slow, walk straight, and then two hours later be expect to be clean, still and quiet for more pictures? This is not possible for many adults!
A calm easygoing bride is the best medicine for the child and also helps to relax the mother as well. Keeping your expectations low and having a go with the flow attitude is the best strategy for the bride to be.
"Children need praise. Praise them for their performance and thank them for their cooperation. They will react accordingly. All they want is a little love!"

Don't start your wedding planning without a budget. One of the most stressful elements to wedding planning usually is money. Make sure you decide up front how much your total wedding budget is going to be and who will be contributing and how much.
Don't spend more than your budget or what you can afford. Your wedding day is an important day, but it is only one day. You don't want to start your new life together by going into "serious" debt from your wedding expenses and being strapped with that debt for the next five years.
Don't rely upon oral agreements with vendors. Get everything in writing!
Don't try and do everything yourself. Planning a wedding can be a full time job in itself. So, don't try and take on such an enormous project alone, delegate as much as you can! When it comes to weddings, everyone loves to help, so let them!
Don't insist on having it your way all the time! Come to an agreement on the things that are less important.
Don't skimp on your photography. Your wedding day goes by so fast, and after it's over, all you'll have left is your memories and your pictures.
Don't get crazy over every detail. It can really take the pleasure out of the wedding planning process. I mean, will it really matter that the ribbons for the favors are baby blue instead of ice blue?
Don't forget to thank everyone involved in your wedding and those that gave you gifts. Also, don't let those thank you notes pile up. Send them out promptly after you receive a gift.
Don't overload yourself the day before your wedding. This is not the time to put together 200 favors. Try to do only one or two small tasks and leave the rest of the day to relax and pamper yourself.
Don't expect perfection for your wedding day. Expect a "terrific" day and set reasonable expectations. Never forget, the main goal is to get married.
Thursday, January 25, 2007

Try on a variety of dresses. A completely different style just might surprise you!
Clip pictures from bridal magazines and shop online first. Find dresses that have features that you like and begin to form an image in your mind of what you might like: for example, if you narrow down the neckline, length and amount of beading before you set out to the stores, and you’ll be able to limit your selection to dresses that meet your needs.
If you're shopping at a bridal store, bring along a friend whose opinion you trust. Include your mother if appropriate.
Bring the same size heel you expect to wear at the wedding.
- Don't skip looking checking out "on-the-rack" stores, outlet stores or trunk shows. You could find the dress of your dreams and save a boatload of money.
- Take home a fabric swatch to match with your shoes, veil and accessories. Carry it with you in a baggy in your purse so you’ve always got it on hand. You never know when it might come in handy. Made to Order there are a variety of reasons why a bride would choose to have a dress custom made: she knows what she wants and apparently no one else does, she wants to design it herself or have someone she knows design it, she wants more control over the final outcome of the dress, she wants more flexibility in the construction of it, she appreciates the ability to customize any portion of it, etc. The reasons are endless, and they’re good!
- If you plan to have your dress made for you, be sure to allow at least six months for the process. Get in touch with the seamstress or designer as soon as possible to avoid last minute time crunches and panic.
- If you’re looking for a seamstress or designer, your best source of references is friends and family. Also, be sure to work out a payment policy and schedule up front and get it in writing to ensure that there is no confusion.
- Body Type Finding a dress that you love AND that flatters your body type is a battle and a half. But it’s one worth pursuing, because a dress that looks great on your will make you feel like a million dollars.This guide will help you determine your body shape, and what features can best flatter what you’ve got.Triangle - hips are wider than bust and shoulders. The goal: minimize lower body and create the illusion of additional upper body width.
- Create height with an elongated waistline.
Wear full sleeves to create the appearance of wider shoulders.
Full skirts hide heavy hips and legs.
Draw the eye upward by selecting a decorative bodice or details at the neckline. - Avoid bulky or straight skirts. Reverse Triangle - upper body is wider than the lower body. The goal: emphasize lower body width.
A simple bodice will minimize the upper body width, so will unadorned sleeves.
Avoid high necklines and narrow skirts.
Choose a detailed skirt to draw the eye downward.
Create additional height with an elongated waistline, for example, a dropwaist. Hourglass - larger bust and hips, small waist. The goal: balance.
Avoid high waistlines and necklines.
Emphasize a small waist with a fitted waistline.
Soft gathered skirts disguise hips and draw attention to the waistline; A-line dresses also work well.
Use details or embellishments wisely: bodice detail such as beading or lace will bring the eye upward and emphasize the upper body. - Consider an open neckline to flatter the shoulder line and bring the eye upwards. Rectangle - long and narrow without a strongly defined waistline. Emphasize width and avoid long vertical lines.
Detailed sleeves will draw the eye outward.
An open neckline or off the shoulder look will broaden the shoulder line. - A full skirt with horizontal details, for example horizontal ribbon trim from the waistline to the hem.
- Avoid high or drop waists, instead go with a fitted waist. Below the NeckThe neckline you choose should flatter your face and body shape. If your shoulders are narrow and you want them to appear wider you will want a wide neckline that will broaden.
- If you have broad shoulders that you would like to appear narrower then you should select a neckline that is narrow.
Here are some guidelines on the best necklines to suit the shape of your face:
- Square - Scoop, round or V-necklines are best.
Round - Scoop, angular or V-necklines. Avoid high necklines.
Oval - Any type of neckline works well.
Oblong - Round or square necklines. The objective is to widen the face.
Heart - Any type of neckline works well.
Diamond - Wide open necklines and rounded necklines. Avoid V-necks.
Pear - V-neck. The goal is to lengthen and narrow the bottom portion of the face. Other Figure-Flattering TricksIf you want to:
Appear taller - High neckline, empire waist, short-sleeved or sleeveless dress with gloves.
Appear slender - High waistlines such as princess style or A-line; utilize vertical lines in fabric or trim details; scoop necks are also affective. Avoid ruffles, puffy sleeves and clingy fabrics.
De-emphasize the bust line - Scoop necks, high necklines and v-necks. Avoid empire or cinched waists.
De-emphasize height - Drop waist, wide belt, waistline adornments. Your height enables you to wear a hat or dramatic veil without being overpowered.
Appear less slender - Heavier fabrics, bodice details, gathered, large sleeves. - Plus Size ConsiderationsPlus size women look their very best on their wedding day when they find a style of gown that flatters and fits their body type. Look for a style that slims the body. Don't worry about ordering a particular size.
- Order by measurements so that the dress doesn't pull or bind anywhere. When a gown pulls and forms wrinkles, it's a sign the dress is too tight and it will make you look larger.Princess seaming will elongate the body and lace placement will pull the eye away from problem areas. If your bustline is an asset, by all means, play it up with a sweetheart or V-neckline.
- If you have beautiful shoulders, consider an off-the-shoulder gown.
- If you’ve got a small waistline but large hips, try on some ball gowns with a basque waistline.
- A Note About Undergarments Searching out wedding day lingerie isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It can make or break how your dress fits you. This day, perhaps more than any other, calls for a properly fitted bra or complete underwear set to reduce unsightly bulges and pinches.
- And the wedding day is not a good day to first wear this lingerie. As silly as it might feel, wear it around in advance, so you know before the big day whether it feels comfortable and isn’t poking you somewhere.
- Oh yeah, and make sure it’s pretty. After the wedding, there’s always the “wedding night!”
Sunday, January 21, 2007

Your wedding photography is perhaps one of the most important and expensive aspects of your wedding day. Long after your wedding is over, your photographs will provide a way to remember your special day. Selecting the right photographer is an extremely important decision and one that you will want to spend a great deal of time investigating. The following list of questions to ask yourself and potential photographers will get you on the right track and will help you narrow down the many choices.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Examine the quality of the photographer's work. Are the pictures framed and well centered?
Does the photographer's work capture the moment?
Do the pictures express the romance and emotion of the day?
Do people look comfortable and relaxed?
Do the pictures tell a story?
Are the pictures posed, candid, or a combination of both?
Do you feel comfortable with the photographer? You will spend a great deal of time with this person on your wedding day and if you are not comfortable working with him/her it will show in your photographs.
Questions to Ask a Photographer:
What is his primary style of photography? Traditional posed photography, candid or photojournalistic photography, or a combination of both.
Does he take photos in color, black-and-white, or both?
What types or cameras does he use? Does he bring back-up equipment to the wedding in case of an emergency?
What percentage of his business is in wedding photography? You want to hire someone that has plenty of experience in capturing all of the important aspects of a wedding.
Will the person you are meeting with actually be the one taking your photographs or will it be someone else in the studio?
When viewing displays, ask whose work you're viewing and if this is who will actually be taking your wedding photographs. If not, ask to see sample work from the person who will be taking your photographs.
Does he prefer for you to describe exactly what you would like or does he prefer to have free rein to capture your big day?
Is he free on your wedding date?
What kinds of packages does he offer? Can you get a price list?
Does the contract price include a charge for the proofs?
Is there a time limit on how long the photographer is available included in the contract?
Is there an overtime charge? How much is it?
When and how do you receive your order once it has been placed?
How long does he keep negatives? What is the price to reorder later?
What is the deposit price and when is it due?

With all that is going on, it's no wonder you're asking yourself the age-old question-- "why didn't we elope?" Don't do anything rash, these feelings are completely normal, and trust me, you're not alone. The easiest way to keep from getting bogged down is to take a moment and admire your surroundings. No, I'm not crazy, but I've been there and know that the best medicine is sequestering yourself and remembering why you agreed to marry this person. Here are a few tips to making it over the hump into a blissful marriage.
If you can, start small. When wedding planning gets hectic take a few moments to focus on something non-wedding related. Call your cousin and ask how the kids are, or meet your best friend for the dish on her dating dilemmas. Simply removing yourself from the tumult for even just five minutes can rejuvenate even the weariest brides-to-be. If this doesn't work, or there doesn't appear to be time for speed-therapy, declare the next day (or weekend) to doing the things you did before you were engaged. Catch a movie, set a lavish dinner date with the object of your affection, or just lounge around on the couch watching "Friends" reruns and eating popcorn alone or with a good friend. Whatever it takes, remind yourself of what you have to look forward to once the planning is kaput.
If you're still pulling your hair out, say sayonara to the spouse-to-be (for the night, that is), and call up your closest chicas (or chicos) to celebrate your sanity. Don't go crazy, but do the things you and your girls (or boys) love to do, like getting a mani-pedi or sipping sangria by the pool. Hopefully your maid of honor knows that her commitment until you say "I Do" is to lend an ear and offer helping hand when the time is right. During this time the most important thing for a bride to do is focus on the upcoming dramatic change, and recruit faithful attendants to which you can delegate, delegate, delegate.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Monday, January 15, 2007
http://www.ladydwedding.comLady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events is a wedding consulting company
that designs and coordinates weddings that truly represent couples personal
styles. We specialize in executing on a vision. You bring us the vision ( or we
can help you create the vision.) and we do the legwork to make it happen.
Your wedding doesn't need to be like everyone else's. There are no rules. Well,
O.K. we admit we have one wedding rule that we live bu. Make It Yours.
Perhaps you're traditional - steeped on family customs dating back many years.
Or you may be an innovator --creating your own traditions as you go. And who's
to say you can't be a combination of the two? There are no right or wrong answers
let your style and intuition be your guides. And let Lady D's Exquisite Weddings
and Events help you create a wedding that is UNIQUELY YOURS.
Debra D. Lilly, certified wedding consultant, launched Lady D's in 2005 because she wanted to help couples create weddings that
truly represented their personal styles. She realized that it can sometimes be difficult to convince people of your vision if it
doesn't fall into the categories of "normal" or "traditional". Debra wants to help people to transform their visions into reality
with an impact that will leave your guest impressed for life. We've done a good job if your single friends now want a wedding
like yours, and your married friends wish they could turn back time and have their wedding all over again.
Her contemporary style, creative mind and "leave no stone unturned" attitude make for a fabulous wedding consultant.
With Lady D's heavy focus on client service and satisfaction, makes it work. She has an affinity for making her clients feel
relaxed and reassured. Her desire is to create those most stunning, signature weddings that Southwest Georgia has yet
to experience.
If you have a vision, a dream, a theme and would like to see it transformed into reality....give us a call.
We offer your first initial consultation ..free.
Lady D's Exquisite Weddings and Events has establish additional web presence at http://www.myspace.com.ladydswexquisiteweddings.com
Visit us online and sign up to be a friend of Lady D's.
Email us: ladydsweddings@yahoo.com


