A Wise Alternative - Antique Wedding Rings

For those that are looking for something different in the way of wedding rings

, there are several options. Professional jewelers can design any kind of ring you want with any kind of metal or stones. Something that is becoming popular in wedding ring trends is antique wedding rings.

There are a number of ways that you can get antique wedding rings-it doesn’t have to be the traditional family heirloom that is passed down through generations. In fact, you can buy heirloom quality antique wedding rings from estate sales, and some professional jewelers have actual antique wedding rings in their inventory that were taken in as trade or through jewelry auctions. They can also design antique replicas from anything you want.

Most couples that choose antique wedding rings are conservative by nature and want a more traditional wedding. Of course, the quality of antique wedding rings are usually better than many found today. Stones were selected for higher perfection and metals were heavier by carat weight. Antique wedding rings are a wise alternative to the modern, contemporary choices.
There are many websites on the Internet that are sources for antique wedding rings, you just need to be careful and do research on them first. You want to be sure you are dealing with a reputable source. If you are buying from an individual, you will want to see if they have a jewelry appraisal, diamond certification or any other paperwork that can vouch for the authenticity.

There are many choices of metals, stones and designs to choose from. It was not unusual for antique wedding rings to have rubies, emeralds and sapphires set with the diamonds and many of the bands were highly detailed and ornate, like antique filigree bands.

Antique wedding rings can be a wise alternative to contemporary ring choices, and you can also make an investment that will appreciate if you are purchasing a real antique that has some rarity by the nature of the design and the quality of the stones. An heirloom quality ring is what you should be looking for in actual antique wedding rings.

If you opt to have antique replica rings made, you will need to have some idea of the styles and stones you are looking for. A professional jeweler can give you ideas, and they can offer an array of metals, stones and settings that duplicate some of the qualities of antique wedding rings.

Take your time when you are deciding which option you want for your antique wedding rings, because if you choose to have a custom replica made only to decide you want an investment grade antique, you will regret the differences between the two, especially when it comes to an asset that can appreciate or be sought by collectors.

The important thing is that you are satisfied with whatever option you choose. Antique wedding rings are a wise alternative when you are looking for a different style of wedding rings that are unique and have history behind them, also. Of course, a replica can serve the purpose if you prefer to design your own, and don’t care that much about the antique quality as much as getting the appearance of antique wedding rings.

Dream Honeymoon

“Matches are made in heaven”, however getting married is no child’s play and ensuring that everything is picture perfect is certainly not an easy task. How perfect this saying is if you meet your Mr. or Miss perfect. Honeymoon is a traditional holiday taken by newlyweds to get to know each other, right after marriage. This is the most beautiful time in the life of a couple. This is time when two people get to know each other, connect to each other emotionally, can co-relate to each other’s thoughts and needs.

It doesn’t really matter where you are; it is being together that matters. You could be at a lonely beach, or in the woods or in an exotic location and enjoy your honeymoon. You would like to have planned and forget about the rest of the world and immerse yourself in each other as you embark on your new life together.

When planning your dream honeymoon, you definitely don’t want anything to go haywire or wrong. It is very common to hear from newly weds that we had gone to a hotel, where the rooms were not very clean or it was raining cats and dogs due to which we had to be confined to our rooms. Sometimes because couples don’t know the weather of the location, or the food was lousy where they stay and offered pathetic room service, couples get discouraged on honeymoons.

As a solution to all of the above stated most common problems, one can plan your dream honeymoon with professional travel agents who will help you make you travel arrangements, which is usually a once in a lifetime affair and make it the most cherish able and memorable one.
Well you could turn your better half’s dreams into reality by arranging for exotic honeymoon, and make this event into a very special one. There is huge list of options to choose for your exotic honeymoonke the Bahamas, to Brazil, to Sabah, and Langkawi, Galapgos and Eucador, Seychelles tailor made holidays.

A tropical honeymoon is another choice you could make for the most treasurable phase in your life, the most special phase of your life; let’s say Hawaii, popularly known as the Tropical Honeymoon Islands. The very best resorts, inns and villas are available in Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, Mexico, and Caribbean. Perhaps a luxurious villa or quaint cabin on a tropical South Pacific Island is what you have been dreaming of.

4 Spring Ideas for Planning your Nuptials

If you are a bride marrying this spring, you are not only just celebrating the birth of your married life together with your groom, but also the rebirth of nature. This gives you the opportunity to meld the two themes of matrimony and spring into a harmonious whole for your ceremony. The best part is that you plan it accordingly; you will not only have a wonderful wedding, but one that is not too costly. A wedding has many components that a bride has to go over as she begins her planning. Other than picking your spring theme, you will need to choose the decorations and floral arrangements, plan the ceremony and reception, and most importantly think of spring themed wedding favors to give to your guests, to thank them for coming to your ceremony. This sounds like a lot to do, but here are some great suggestions to help you get started as you plan your spring wedding.

Think about the locations for your ceremony and reception. As the saying goes “Location, Location, Location.” Where you hold your ceremony and reception can play a role in how successful your wedding is. First there are the practical needs that must be met. Look for a location that can easily and comfortably accommodate all your guests. A good way to know what to look for is to see who has RSVP’ed and compare the total number to the capacity of the venues that you are looking at. Next you need to see if the location has amenities that you can take advantage of for your wedding. For example if you choose a hotel with a kitchen for your reception, you can likely use the hotel as your caterer and save money in a package deal. Of course there also has to be impact. Play around with using dramatic locations for exchanging your vows such as a public garden.

Look for interesting wedding favors to give your guests. Wedding favors are a great way to say thank you to friends, family, and other guests for taking the time to come to your ceremony. When choosing spring wedding favors try to make the guest gifts match your theme. Try to comparison shop to find quality items at affordable prices. A great idea is to give something that not only matches your seasonal theme, but also has some useful or amusing feature. This can be a cup, keychain, or a money clip.

Think carefully about your floral arrangements. Flowers are one of the cornerstones of a beautiful wedding and if you are holding a spring ceremony, choosing the right flower becomes even more important. The interesting thing about flowers is the special meaning that have been attached to them over the centuries. A great way to convey a special message about what your wedding day means to you and your groom is to use the language of flowers to decide your floral arrangement. Each flower has a special meaning pertaining to love. For example a white rose can mean pure and eternal love.

Be creative with your reception menu and try to match it with your seasonal theme. For your reception a great idea is to serve spring salads or use garden vegetables in other dishes. This is not only healthy and delicious but adds a delicious and satisfying touch to your reception.

3 Fall Tips for How to Dress Up Your Bridal Party

One concern of many brides is dressing their bridal party. This is important because they are one of the most visible parts of the wedding. This makes it important to find clothes in styles and colors that not only match the autumn theme of the wedding but also help each member of the bridal party look their best. It is also a great opportunity for the bride to add unique touches to the her bridal party that will help make the ceremony look more spectacular and memorable. Here are some tips and ideas for doing just that.

The bridesmaids are the first people in the bridal party that the bride needs to focus on. They traditionally were dresses so their clothing is the most colorful and visible out of the entire bridal party. Since this is fall a bride should make sure the colors match the fall color palette such as oranges, reds, and yellows. Another way to approach the choice of colors is to go for deep and rich jewel tones. In either case take into account what suits each of your bridesmaids the best.

A creative solution is to use the variety in fall colors to your advantage and have each of bridesmaids dress in the color that best suits them. You end with each of them looking their best and your get the added bonus of the impression of many fall leaves given by the complementing colors of each dress. For dress style simple designs are always the best. Try to choose a simple cocktail dress or similar design that should look uniform on everyone and flatter each person’s figure.

The groomsmen also need some coordination but the job should be much simpler. The main concerns will be that everyone has similar style suits or tuxedos and that they fit. For the flare of fall color you should focus on the bowties, cravats, or ascots as well as the vests or cummerbunds. The same color palette that you used for the bridesmaids should apply. If you take care of these details then your groomsmen should be more than ready for their duties during the ceremony.

Now we focus on the flower girl. The flower girl is highly visible due to her role as the person who precedes the bride as she proceeds down the aisle. She will also have a couple more accessories than other members of the bridal party. The first thing to take into consideration is the age of the flower girl. Normally she will be in the age range 4 to 9 years old with some rare instance where she is slightly older. You want to choose a dress that is age appropriate and is easy for her to move in. Most children’s dress address these by making them come about at the shins or knees. The dress color should match that of the bridesmaids. Normally it is not unusual for a flower girl to wear a wreath of flowers. For a fall wedding used fall blossoms such as late roses and mums for the wreath. You should also use this rule of thumb for the bouquet if she carries one or for choice of petals if she is carrying the traditional basket of flower petals.

Asian Wedding Favors - Your Favors Options for a Wonderful Asian Wedding

Wedding themes are very popular at the moment and an Asian theme is one of the most popular choices amongst couples at the moment. So when it comes to Asian wedding favors you will be pleased to know there are many choices available to your for your wedding day.

Here are a few of the kind of Asian inspired favors your will find on the market today:

Chopsticks are probably the first to spring to mind. They are simple, stylish & above all inexpensive! There are many different designs and finishes to choose from including plain, painted and elaborate lacquered designs. Wedding favor stores even offer personalized chop sticks in a neat presentation box as an option. Combine your chopstick favors with a noodle recipe so your guests can have an excuse to use them!

Fortune cookies are possibly the most popular choice for an Asian inspired wedding and even non-Asian style weddings! These delightful treats area great way to wish your guests good fortune and let them have some fun at the reception looking at what fortune lays in store in each other! Try customized cookies that come indifferent flavors & different colors, which make them easy to coordinate with any wedding theme. You can also order personalized fortune cookies with your own fortunes inside or simply your names and wedding date - but then that would be boring!

Bamboo is an integral part of Japanese culture and is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Favor stores sell small potted bamboo shoots and you can personalize them with your thank you tags and some printed ribbon.

Treat your guests to some Tape - this is a fermented sticky rice or cassava and is a popular Indonesian dessert. Cassava cakes as wedding favors presented in small card boxes decorated with batik designs will surely delight your guests.

Cranes are a traditional symbol at Japanese weddings and are said to symbolize peace and a long life. In Japanese tradition the bride would make hundreds of paper cranes before the wedding so she could give one to each guest. You can easily make your own with pretty origami papers. Make plenty and you can use them as reception decorations too. There are also ceramic cranes in favor stores which can be also be used place card holders on your tables.

Fans are another great wedding favor idea and are inexpensive also. Look out for bamboo fans with intricate designs or ’silk’ painted paddle fans with their beautiful pictures. Paddle fans also give you the opportunity to have your wedding program printed on them giving them a dual purpose!

Find a Wedding Service Provider who Offers Wedding Packages

There are many reasons why people start to look at Hawaii wedding packages. Some people like the idea of getting married on a beach
, some people like the idea of getting married in a location that is close to paradise, and others simply like the fact that in all actuality sometimes Hawaii wedding packages can be actually cheaper to plan than other weddings making them a dream come true in another sense. If you are shaking your head trying to figure out how here are the reasons why before you discount the possibility of choosing Hawaii for your wedding.

First of all, you will need to pay for airfare and travel accommodations if you choose to purchase one of the many Hawaii wedding packages. This is an unavoidable fact of planning a vacation in Hawaii. However, the perks of the Hawaii wedding packages after you reach this first obstacle is that a lot of other considerations are already paid for. For example, you do not have to worry about booking a reception hall, a banquet hall, or any other facilities when you take a look at Hawaii wedding packages since everything is outdoors.

This in itself is a nice perk, but even better is the fact that with everything happening shore side on the beach it is much easier to plan everything else as well. For example, decorations for Hawaii wedding packages will also be simpler and more cost effective since the natural scenery and landscape of the area lends itself to the beauty of the land. Thus, you will save a bundle in paying for flowers and other items that normally you may need to purchase in order to spice up the look of the wedding. This in itself can be a major perk aside from others.

How to Choose Your Wedding Venue?

When you go out hunting for your perfect wedding venue, falling in love with the beauty of the place is inevitable. The more you look, more get confused. With a little knowledge about what to look for when deciding on a wedding venue, selecting one gets easier. At least the burden lessens if nothing else. Here are some useful tips on how to decide on your wedding venue and what to look for.

We begin with the requirement analysis. It’s now beginning to sound like a project. It is a project –project of a lifetime to say. Analysis begins with counting the number of guests you will be inviting. Once that is decided, next you need to figure out your finances. Now, you will need to decide on whether or not you want to host your wedding and your reception on the same venue. Once done, you may now begin considering the following options before finalizing on a venue that provides most facilities within your budget.

Facilities to look for in a venue
Most wedding venues provide an on-site wedding planner to assist you in your wedding arrangements. However, if you would like to personally make all arrangements, you will need to analyze and walk through each of the possible venues to look for these facilities.

Accommodation: Depending on the number of guests you are expecting you will have to analyze whether or not their facilities are big enough to accommodate your guests. Of the total number of invites that you sent out, count for only half the number of guests who will practically turn up for the event. This will give you a fir idea how suited will a venue be for housing your guests. You may also need to consider whether or not the facility has the furniture required for the event or will it be rented. Then estimate your costs accordingly. Next, look for whether or not is there a separate place for conducting ceremonies along with a place for the bride and groom to relax, or for more special weddings, for your closest friends and family too.

Décor: Examine the décor for whether or not it matches your taste and style. Also, consider the availability of the florist. That is one of the most critical factors. However, if you cannot find a venue that matches your style, you can enhance the appeal by using your own flowers and decorations. In some museums or private clubs there are limitations on decorations including limits on candles or open flames. Always enquire for the scope of permissible decorations on the venue before finalizing.

Catering: One of the most important and critical factors of the wedding is food. Most venues have an in-house caterer but also allow outside caterers. No matter what you choose, make sure you like their food and then pick your menu carefully keeping in mind your number of guests. The same rule applies here to. Count only for half of the invites. Also ask whether they have any limitations on specific caterers and they limit food and drinks to particular areas of the wedding venue.

Entertainment and Event Managers: Next most important part of a wedding is music and entertainment. Inspect the venue for the sound system and the speakers. You may have to rent them if the venue does not own one. Also make sure that there is enough room in the wedding venue for a band and dancing. Meet the event managers if available to ask about how they will ensure quality service during the wedding. No matter how small or big a venue is, it will always have an event manager.

Policies and Finances: Most crucial and important are the finances. Determine the payment schedules, f deposits required and the hidden costs along with the overtime charges. Also ask about the cancellation policies before you sign the deal.

Miscellaneous: After the basics have been worked out, look for what additional facilities the venues offer. Additional facilities can include photography, parking, transportation, licenses, emergency plans and more.

Having ensured these, choosing your wedding venue will no longer be a chore.

Whatever location you choose for your wedding

Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.
A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out across the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone,
Location, Location, Location...
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your to do list. This day should be perfect from start to finish that is why finding the right place should be first on your to do list. The place where you and your fiancée will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.
One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.
Helpful Tip sends invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans
Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk 1, 800, 545, 8193 and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.
Helpful Tip Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.
According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20 of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combining your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.
If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location check references and visit if possible beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and try them out. If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.
Before you go be sure to check on local marriage license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season.
Most brides choose an informal style wedding dress for destination weddings because they are easier to pack and wear. Many designers are offering bridal gowns made from light, easy to wear fabric like chiffon and silk crepe that are perfect for an island wedding. Ask your local bridal salon for additional ideas and on how to pack your gown for travel. Many of the resorts may have ironing services or they may be able to recommend a pressing service. If traveling to Europe, ask for a local tailor shop.
The Groo is Attire
for the groom. a popular option is the all ivory or all white tuxedo. Some of today's hottest tuxedo styles are designed in non traditional styles and shades.
Whatever location you choose for your wedding, remember to take time to enjoy the day

Top 10 Tips for Bridal Makeup

On her wedding day, a bride should look like herself but at her most beautiful. Her makeup should enhance her natural beauty, be long-lasting, tear-proof, kiss-proof, and look amazing in photographs. It should also be timeless, so that when a bride looks at her wedding photographs ten years after the event she feels as happy with the way she looks as she did on the day.

Here are 10 top tips to bear in mind for the day:

1. It’s advisable not to try out anything too radical.

2. If you are having your make up done professionally, make sure you have a trial before the wedding day.

3. Use waterproof mascara, as no doubt there will be tears!

4. Remember to bring your lipstick with you on the day for touch-ups.

5. Avoid using light reflecting products, as this will not photograph well.

6. Use a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly – match your foundation perfectly by applying it to your jaw line.

7. Apply powder after foundation to set it for long-lasting wear.

8. Use concealer to hide dark circles under your eyes and hide blemishes.

9. Ensure you eyebrows are beautifully groomed and plucked for the big day.

10. Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy the day!

Top 10 tips brought to you by Faye Lara, specialising in occasion, bridal and wedding makeup, Faye Lara is a qualified member of the International Make Up Association and a graduate of the London School of Beauty and Makeup. Faye Lara has worked on brides to help make their wedding day the most special day of their lives!

For more resources regarding bridal makeup or even about wedding make up artist

How To Select Wedding Shoes - How you Don’t Have To Spend A Fortune On Your Bridal Shoes

Wedding being an expensive affair, any proposal of saving even a paltry amount is welcome. Spending on shoes could give one such an opportunity, as one need not opt for costly designer bridal shoes to get a pair of attractive shoes. Its just a matter of knowing the right place and time for such purchase.


Inexpensive pair of bridal shoes should not be given a miss on presumption that they cannot possibly be comfortable or have classy appearance. One can certainly find many bridal shoes with looks of a designer pair because in fact these are inspired by the actual designer shoes.

The local bridal shops and departmental stores keep stocks of such inexpensive bridal shoes. Shoes designed by promising designers, having elegant looks with nice fitting that give cozy feeling to your feet, are kept at such stores. Without writing them off, one should go and look for a pair or two which might catch your fancy. The pairs found attractive are bound to be very easy on your pockets. Also the variety available for selection would range from sandals, peep toes, sling backs to pumps.

Purchasing affordable dye able white pair of bridal shoes is the second option. One could make the shoes look distinctively royal by using little imagination like copying the pattern of the gown in similar manner by sewing or pasting some sequins and beads on to the shoes. The pair would get looks of a designer

One can also search for the bargain deals online, and the lucky could get a designer pair at throw-away price. The auction sites too deserve a visit.

After getting a brief on the right place to look for a pair of bridal shoes, one needs to be aware of the right time too. Last minute shopping of the item is a strict no, as one may be forced to make compromises on quality, cost or both because of the time factor. Discount sales are offered by the department store or wedding store of one's locality during the year. One only needs to wait for this offer to make a killing.

Seasonal clearance sales too can offer opportunity to set the time of purchase. Seasons of fall/winter offer clearance sale of the spring/summer items and vice-versa. So purchases for next spring wedding should be made at clearance sale before this winter.

Mid-year sale around June too presents a chance for getting items cheap. One just needs to know the time of the event by displays or seeking information from the store itself to wait. This is crucial as during the mid-year sale there are bound to have lots of good offers as well as discount when it comes to selecting your items at a very cheap and affordable rate. You need to be well aware of such sale at all time.

The shoes purchased at the above sales for wedding scheduled after some months should be of neutral style, lest they go out of fashion by the time wedding day nears.


Discover more about low heeled bridal shoes as well as tips on making your own bridal shoes when you visit http://www.bridalweddingshoe.com, the premier resource portal on comfortable bridal wedding shoes.
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Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_1211798_41.html

Tips To Buy Gemstone Engagement Rings

Engagement is the most beautiful and memorable occasion of life but it is also an expensive event especially engagement rings are very expensive. Purchasing a diamond engagement ring
means two or three month’s salary. But if your budget is low and you want to save money then you can go for alternative of diamond rings. Gemstone engagement rings are the best alternative of traditional engagement rings. And they are not expensive also. These rings are the best for those couples who want to save money. Apart from being affordable you can find host of choices in them. You can find these rings in different color and style. If you are looking gemstone rings then here are few ways which can help you to save money on your purchase.

If you want to save money on your gemstone engagement ring then you must set your budget first because always remember that are few gems which are expensive more that traditional diamond engagement rings also. You must make sure that you have a specific budget for your ring so that you do not have to face hard time in managing your budget.

After considering your budget you must think of the preference of your sweetheart. It is quite possible that your partner does not like your choice. Therefore it is very essential that both of you must agree on the design and style of the engagement ring. The best way to select the ideal engagement ring is to take your partner when you are going for shopping so that both of you can select the best one.

Before selecting your gemstone engagement ring you must know that there are host of choices in gemstone. The most popular gemstones are rubies, pearl, sapphire and emerald. And always remember that the prices of these gemstone also differ hence you can select the gemstone you prefer the best according to your budget.

There are many places from where you can buy gemstone engagement ring but the best place is online jewelry stores especially for those couples who want to save money on their purchase. By surfing the internet you can find many online jewelry stores which offer engagement rings at very cheap prices. And the best advantage of purchasing your ring from online stores is that you do not have to worry about the quality of the stone. Always remember that by purchasing from online stores you will be assured that your engagement ring is the best.

Choose wedding gifts with ease

Selecting gifts for distinct occasions is one of the most hectic and tiring tasks in the world. It not just physically tiring but also mentally exhaustive to select the most appropriate gift based on the various factors such as the likes and the dislikes of the receiver, his relation to you and the occasion. All gifts have certain messages that they convey with them to the receiver and thus one needs to be very careful when selecting gifts for the various occasions. One such occasion which is one of the most waited occasions of our life is that of wedding.
Wedding, is the most sanctified and true relation on earth which brings together two people of different thoughts, ideas, living and culture together under one roof. It is one time when the life of two people merge together to create one single life. Thus, it gets extremely important that you select the best wedding gift for the newly wedded couple.
Today, there are numerous shops and stores in the market that offer you with the best options and choices to select the best

Choosing the Perfect & Right Wedding Music

I remember many years ago, I attended a wedding of a young lady who was marrying a recently divorced older man, amid quite a lot of acrimony. As she was walking down the aisle, the music started to play. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry, as the song, believe it or not, was “Don't Marry Her, Marry Me”, by the Beautiful South. It certainly created a buzz, and in fact was the most memorable thing about the wedding, although I'm not sure whether his grown up child ( the one who actually attended ) was amused!!
However, it perfectly illustrates how important Wedding Music is, when you want to set the tone of your big day.

Music is the life of your wedding. It sets the tone, creates the mood and speaks of your love for one another. Depending on what you choose, your music can greatly enhance your wedding. How do you go about choosing the kind of music for your big day? Follow these easy steps to flawlessly choosing the perfect music for you.

First, realize that different music will be played during different times throughout your wedding. What might be appropriate for your reception may not be for when guests are arriving, etc. While the music may be different, you might want to stick to the same musical theme. For example, if you hire a string quartet to play at your ceremony, it would probably be best to have a live band at your wedding instead of a DJ. But if you choose a compilation of prerecorded music, a DJ might work better for your reception.

You might want to create a feeling of solemnity while guests are arriving, to demonstrate the importance of the day. Or, you may wish to hear something more sentimental, such as your favorite songs as a couple. You may also consider something upbeat, that creates a feeling of excitement you can share with your guests, as in the case of my friends' wedding. There are so many choices you can make, it will take some time to decide what suits you best.

Whatever your musical choices, you will need to choose a specific piece of music to walk down the aisle with. Some traditional choices are the Wedding March
, or Pachabell Cannon, but nearly any piece of music that you find beautiful will work for you. Keep in mind that the music will cease when you get to the end of the aisle, so the length of the aisle is important. You don't want a piece of music with a long introduction, when the aisle is only 10 metres long! You can cue the music to start in a certain section so you hear the part you want while you walk down the aisle.

You also may choose to have shorter pieces of music played during your ceremony. This can create such a beautiful moment for you and your guests to reflect on your marriage and wedding, and allow you to take a moment to revel in the experience. You can choose pieces that have meaning for you, or you can ask family members that you wish to honor to choose something significant. This is particularly good during the signing of the register, which can generally be a bit boring for the guests, but if you have included them in the selection of music, then this can enhance their experience. Either way, it is a great way to add a personal touch to your ceremony.

For your reception, you will want to take the time to make a 'play' and 'do not play' list. Unless you want hardcore heavy metal or rap, you will need to make your choices clear to your DJ or band. No matter how confident you might feel about the choices your DJ or band might make, you really want to make these lists, as they communicate clearly what your expectations are. Don't forget that your guests will make requests, and it will be easier for your musicians or DJ to say no to these requests if you have created a definitive list.

Your music choices set the tone for your wedding, it is a chance to personalize and add the sentimental charm that makes your wedding uniquely your own. Have fun with your selections and don't forget to include music which suits all age groups at your wedding.
One last thing, at the reception it is always a good idea to choose songs which everybody knows, especially just after the first dance, when you want your guests dancing happily, not downing the champagne at your expense.

Planning a Wedding: Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

While most of the people involved in weddings are adults, there are two very important roles for little ones. What wedding is complete with out flower girls and ring bearers? Choosing flower girls and ring bearers is a great way to incorporate the younger members of your family in this special occasion. If you’re planning a wedding and looking for some ideas for your flower girls and ring bearers, take a look at this simple overview.

The Flower Girl

The flower girl is usually between three and eight years old. She walks up the aisle right before the bride, typically leaving a trail of flower petals behind her. Traditionally, the flower girl was a symbol of good luck. The more flower girls, the more luck was bestowed on the bridal couple.

The flower girl dress usually complements both the bridal gown and the bridesmaid dresses. Some flower girl dresses are even miniature versions of the bridal gown. The flower girl basket can be made out of a variety of fabrics and materials and is designed in a way that is fresh and dainty, with trailing ribbons, flowers and even butterflies.

The Ring Bearer

Another little show stealer is the ring bearer. Ring bearers play a very symbolic role in the wedding ceremony dating back to the Victorian era and beyond. The symbolism of the wedding rings speaks of the continuous flow of love with no beginning and no end.

Typically, the ring bearer is a little boy between four and eight years old. However, as wedding traditions and conventions fall to the wayside, a ring bearer can be a little girl, or there could be two, one from each side of the family and each carrying a ring. The ring is attached securely to a pretty cushion or pillow and the ring bearer walks ahead or next to the flower girl, but behind the bridesmaids.

Comfort, Practicality and Preparation

Considering their age, comfort and practicality for both the flower girl and ring bearer is crucial. Kids get agitated very easily, and if their outfits are scratchy, stiff or uncomfortable they won’t hesitate to let you know, no matter where they are. So it’s important to look for soft fabrics and suits and dresses that aren’t confining. In the case of the flower girl, the length of her dress should be appropriate for her age. Very young flower girls are apt to trip over a long dress while older girls can cope with them better.

Shoes should be comfortable too. It’s a good idea to have your flower girls and ring bearers wear the shoes the day before the wedding to get used to them. Of course, you’ll want to spot clean them before the little ones hit the aisle on the big day.

Most little girls and boys will be hugely excited about their role in your wedding, but it’s not uncommon for them to experience a case of nerves. That’s why it’s important to talk to them about the day and let them know what to expect. It’s also a good idea to let them know that they’ll be separated from their parents a few brief times throughout the day. They should both be included in the wedding rehearsal, and have their roles explained clearly. Many children have never been to a wedding and the grandeur and large crowd may intimidate them, so try to prepare them beforehand. Keep it fun and simple, and allow them to ask as many questions as possible.

At the rehearsals, allow them to practice walking down the aisle, the flower girl with a mock basket and the ring bearer with a mock pillow.

Remember that kids get bored easily, so before the ceremony they should not stand in the receiving line. Instead they should remain with their parents or under adult supervision until they are needed. You will also want to do this is for the sake of keeping their outfits pristine.

During the wedding ceremony itself, it is not necessary that they stand. They can be seated and rejoin the bridal party after the “I do’s” have been said. To cut down on fidgeting or nerves, get them excited about their role, but let them take a nap beforehand.

Thank You Gifts

It is not unusual to bestow your little attendants with a gift to say thank you. These gifts are usually presented by the bride and groom at the reception. Gifts should be age appropriate and something that serves as a keepsake later on. Giving a small girl a bunch of flowers may seem appropriate but she probably won’t appreciate them as much as someone older. Choose something you can personalize with an inscription, yet something that is functional and can be used.