Wheat Stalks Make A Great Wedding Centerpiece for A Rustic Wedding

I love the sort of down home rustic look for weddings that many brides are choosing these days. Maybe this is something you would like to do and here are some inexpensive ideas to help you along as you plan your centerpieces.

When planning to do DIY rustic centerpieces gather items such as wood, pine cones, grain stalks, bare-birch branches, wonderful leaves, dried grasses, small gourds and fruit (apples, pears, cranberries, citruses).

These things can be incorporated in so many different ways and all so gorgeous for your tables.

 The beauty of this centerpieces is that they can be inexpensive when compared to florist arranged centerpieces.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices running.

A Mason Jar Looks Lovely With Weddings Flowers

1. Mason jars make a great container when filled with wildflowers, sunflowers, daisies or daffodils. and around the top of the jar tie twine or burlap with a little bow.

2. Mason jars also make great candle holders. Place sand or decorative small rocks in the jar as a way of anchoring the candle. Mason jars are made to withstand heat so that the candle burning should be just fine.

To give the candles a finished look, cut a two or three inch strip of burlap and wrap it around the jar and tie a bow in your theme color around the jar.

An almost elegant look is to cover the jar with paper doilies on the outside using a can of Spray Mount. Tie some strands of raffia around the jar. When lit it gives a magical glow through the doilies.

3. Take stalks of dried wheat and/or lavender and just tie a ribbon in theme colors tightly around them and set them up in the center of the table and scatter pinecones, berries or whatever you think looks good around the stalks.

4. Create a wreath of burlap to place around a large candle holder or hurricane vase. You can find the  styrofoam wreaths at craft stores, or perhaps hobby or art supply shops.

5. Bare-birch branches arranged in terracotta pots and secured with Quik-crete is a dramatic idea and hang LED votives from the bare branches.

6. Here’s an idea I really like if you can get attractive large pine cones, is to get pots or round tins or small pails. Put Spanish moss in them and secure the pine cone in the center in an upright position. Scatter any choice of country rustic things around the container.

A Wedding Fruit And Vegetable Centerpiece to Grace Your Wedding Table

7. An arrangement of beautiful and colorful fruits and vegetables that are non perishable in a rustic basket or cornucopia is another wonderful table centerpiece.

8. Buy 4″  pots of flowers or herbs and depending on the size of your tables arrange a group of them in the center of the table on a bed of spanish moss like florists use. Decorate the pots by tying raffia around them or covering them with burlap.

These are some of the ideas I like for a chic rustic wedding centerpiece. The best part about them is they are fun to do and inexpensive and look simply stunning on your guest tables.

Would love to hear from you with a comment below if you had or have seen any wonderful rustic wedding centerpieces and thanks.

Bride So Happy to go Wedding Dress Shopping

One of the most exciting things a bride does is shop for her wedding dress.

Fortunately, the designers of wedding dresses realize that the plus size wedding dress must be stylish, have beautiful detailing, and flatter the figure.

When you are a plus size there is more to consider than just a plus size.

For example, is it a formal or informal affair? Or is it an indoors or outdoors wedding?

Your wedding is the perfect time to embrace your curves and show them off, not to hide them.

When choosing a dress your silhouette is the most important consideration.

Are you busty? Is your waistline a bit thick? Do you have large hips?

Whatever your body style, stay away from wedding gowns that tend to silhouette your least favorite feature.

You have many wonderful and lovely features, so shop for a dress that shows them off to the fullest…

So let’s go shopping!!

Before we start, a few general things to keep in mind.

A lighter fabric will be more flattering, as heavy fabrics will tend to make you look heavier.

So, check out taffeta, silk, organza, lace, soft cotton and chiffon as an example of a lighter softer look.

Many people feel that they have a “little more” where they don’t think they need it and plus size women have the same concerns.

Here are some ideas that will help you with these problem areas when looking for your wedding dress.

What to Do If You Have Large Breasts

It is better to skip the strapless and tiny strap dress and opt for a halter-type dress as the halter gown helps to boost the breasts by lifting up and out.

But… avoid frills, fluff and extra decoration at the neckline.

Be sure that your undergarment has the proper support for the dress you select and it’s best to wear a straight line slip under your dress for a smoother look.

A square or v-neck is good to go with if you also have broader shoulders.

A-line dresses also do a lot to minimize a larger bust and it’s a very elegant silhouette as well.

What to Do If You Have a Thick Waist

If you have a thick waist you will want to emphasize another body area such as the bust.

Choose a dramatic style like a criss-cross draping or a fold over look; an empire dress is very complementary to the figure.

An a-line dress is also very flattering too is but don’t choose one that has a too tight or figure hugging style.

What to Do If You Have Wide Hips

Low-waisted dresses are not flattering to a body with wide hips.

Choose a empire-waist dress or a Renaissance style that lets the fabric folds of the hip to gracefully fall from the waistline.

With heavy hips and a small waist, try on a a fuller skirt that will complement the small waist and disguise the bigger hips.

If you have a smaller top, a princess style dress will look lovely and help to cover the larger hips.

A-Line silhouettes, basque waistlines, open necklines (e.g., “v” and square), ornamentation around the neck (which guide the eye to the face) are all good.

What to Do If You Have Large Upper Arms

Long or short simple lacy sleeves can do a lot to camouflage a larger arm.

Go with a smooth but not too tightly fitted long sleeve; perfect would be the bell sleeves which are coming back into popularity and can be found in 3/4 or long sleeves

A lovely stole would be attractive depending on when, where and what kind of wedding you are planning.

Just steer away from strapless, cqap sleeves or strappy styles if you do not want to emphasize your heavyy upper arms.

What to Do If You are Short

Try a shorter dress as a pretty alternative; try some different lengths until you find the one that’s right for you.

 When you are short  try an empire-waist gown as it helps to minimize your waistline, thus giving you a longer and leaner look.

A sheath or A-line silhouette is a better style  than a big elaborate gown which could make you look consummed by the dress.

Tips for Additional Help

Perfect Veil for a Perfect Dress

The most important thing is to start your shopping early so you have time and can be relaxed and have fun.

• Take a close friend or relative along for input and an honest opinion.
• Do not buy a dress hoping you will lose weight as this can be just another added stress at a time when there is already stress.
• Try your wedding dress on with the undergarments you plan to wear on that day.
• Walk around in it, sit down, bend down and just make sure you are comfortable doing the same things you’re likely to do that day.
• Also, be sure and try the dresses on with the exact shoes you will be wearing that day; you want an overall picture of how it will look. Then when you do choose your dress the hemline can be properly measured for alteration.
• You can have a beautiful long veil as it helps to carry a person’s eye down as does a dress with an embroidered or decorated train.
• When choosing your wedding bouquet don’t choose a too small one. At the florist hold different sizes and shapes until one of them says “That’s it.”
• David’s Bridal Shop and Alfred Angelo have wonderful selection of size 14W to 26W as place you might want to start your shopping adventure. There are other shops where you might look and it is best to ask about those in your particular area.

I hope this has helped you as you shop for your plus size wedding dress. Let your inner and outer beauty and style show through and you will be a most beautiful bride on that most imprtant of days.

I would love to hear from you if you have anything to add about a plus size wedding dress and thanks so much.

A Lovely Easter Wedding-Themed Centerpiece

A wedding being planned with an Easter theme combines the beauty and joy of the season with the wonders and happiness of your wedding day.

Easter was named for the Saxon goddess Eastre who was the goddess of dawn, the shining light arising from the East.

An often asked question about Easter Day is why does the date change so much year by year?

The reason is because Easter is calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21.

You can have spring flowers and colors, Easter decorations and the many things that say “today we start a new life together.” Let me show you what I mean…

There are many ideas for this theme and I will suggest some of the things that are lovely and hopefully keep you within your budget.

The first advantage you have is that if you are being married in a church it should already be decorated with flowers and candles and such for the Easter season; this in itself is a big cost saver.

You may not need anything more than an aisle runner and decorations for the aisle pews and if you are having a unity ceremony, a set-up for that.

There are so many fun and lovely things I enjoy at this special time let me give you some ideas and you can take it from there.

Easter Colors

A lovely Choice of Colors for Your Easter-Themed Wedding

Easter colors include colors are soft pastels in shades of yellow, Tiffany blue, cream, white, green, pink, rose, lilac, blue and apricot; combinations of 2 or 3 of these would work very well.

Here are some combinations to help get you started on deciding on theme colors that are just right for an Easter themed wedding.

• Cream, green, lilac or apricot
• Tiffany blue and white
• Pink, rose and cream
• Yellow and blue or Tiffany blue
• Green, yellow and/or white

Use those color ideas or expand on them to suit your own personal style.

Easter Flowers

Traditional Easter Lily for Your Wedding

The traditional Easter Flower is the lily.

The white lily is a symbol of purity and is a single flower stem coming up from a bulb which represents, to Christians, Christ coming back to life 3 days after his crucifixion.

Other countries have other traditional Easter flowers.

Russia and the UK have the pussy willow as “their Easter flower”.

Actually the narcissus was the flower associated with Easter in most ancient countries and in parts of Europe it is still the traditional flower.

A wonderful and simple centerpiece is a potted tulip, daffodil or daisy plant on a bed of Easter grass with small stuffed bunny rabbits and/or decorated Easter eggs surrounding it.

Use seasonal flowers abundantly for the fresh and cheerful look of your wedding and the Easter theme you have chosen.

The Origins of Easter

Beautiful Decorated Easter Eggs in a Basket for a Centerpiece

Easter Baskets

The celebration of Easter the season of spring, new beginnings and renewal.

It was said that Eastre carried a basket of eggs to signify new beginnings and new life.

Baskets can be used in a number of ways such as table centerpieces and filled with a variety of things.

Small ones as wedding favor containers and a name tag for each guest tied to them as place cards does double duty.

Buy inexpensive baskets and either spray them white or spray paint your colors and fill with Easter straw.

Dye hard-cooked eggs with your colors or a variety of colors and then you might decorate with glitter or colored faux gems.

These same baskets filled with candy or fruit or small living spring plants and decorated with lovely tulle bows make dynamite looking centerpieces at a low cost.

For a less formal and sort of whimsical thing arrange on a bed of Easter grass a few small stuffed Easter toys in a basket with a handle and tie a festive bow on the handle.

Easter Eggs

The most elaborate Easter egg traditions seems to have started in Eastern Europe and the eggs were painted gold and silver.

Buy inexpensive Easter egg cups and fill each one with small candy eggs then tie a ribbon with a name tag attached around the thin part of the cup stem for a great favor and place card.

Arrange a runner of wheat grass down the table or arrange a bed of it in the center of the table; you can then place pretty Easter eggs and flowers attractively on top of it.

A Centerpiece of Easter Eggs and A Bunny for a Just Right Centerpiece

Elegant and simple is to take clear glass bowls and do nothing more than arrange beautifully decorated Easter eggs in them and place them on florist moss for a stunning table centerpiece.

For added beauty, light a theme colored pillar candle on each side of the bowl but be careful about placing anything flammable nearby.

This wonderful theme can be carried out starting with the invitations, through the table linens, decorating the wedding cake table and the wedding cake itself.

Well, there you are and may this Easter wedding theme make your wedding day just a bit more special as you start a new beginning together.

Please comment below on any Easter wedding theme ideas you might add to this article and thanks so much.

A Beautiful Spring Wedding Centerpiece for Your Tables

Spring is coming soon and the deadline for spring weddings are drawing near. It’s time to seriously be thinking about your wedding decorations particularly your reception centerpieces. Here are some great new ideas for spring wedding centerpieces and flowers in keeping with the bright and lovely coming of the season.

As you choose your theme and colors, the pretty pastels and seasonal flowers come to mind.

Flower such as tulips, peonies, daffodils, lilies and daisies are perfect for a bright, light spring centerpiece; and, of course, using seasonal flowers will save you a pretty penny as well.

There are so many kinds of flower containers you can use, other than vases, and below are 9 new ideas for you to use or to inspire your own creative ideas.

Umbrellas

You can use umbrellas in various ways depending upon your theme but here are some general things you can do.

Get some child size umbrellas and turn them over and fill them with real or silk flowers.

Then, wrap flowers around the handle and stretch out strings of clear teardrop beads from the top of the handle to the edges to look like drops of rain.

Another idea is to get some large lace, or themed related fabric — umbrellas with long handles and set it up on the table to open above the guests heads — make it high enough so people aren’t banging their heads — and you can do so many things with the handle and the area around the base of the umbrella.

You can use tiny umbrellas surrounded by flowers and other interesting, theme-related, things can bring a really interesting element to the center of your table.

Using Watering Cans as Wedding Centerpieces

Watering Cans

You can get some interesting looking watering cans with a pretty mixed bouquet of flowers overflowing over the top and place them in the center of the table surround with silk flower petals.

They can also be used as a great accent piece for spring/summer weddings; for example, like on the buffet table at the right.

And don’t think that watering cans should only be used with a rustic type of wedding.

The range of watering cans available online now means you can use them in everything from the most informal wedding to a ritzy, formal wedding.

Terra Cotta Pots

You can make a theme-specific painted terra cotta pots and fill them with plants, flowers, clear or colored glass beads, or any number of things.

You can also use them as centerpiece snack bars, just get a small lazy Susan and 5-6 smaller pots on it then put a selection of candies, dried fruit, nuts, and other tasty snacks.

Terra cotta pots can even  double as a wedding favors.

You can either have the favors — seed packets, framed photos, etc., even several selections — in the pots and tell your guests to take one.

Alternatively, you can use the pots themselves as favors by having enough for each guest at the table and fill them with great gifts; then each guest can just pick up a pot to take with them.

Using Bird Nests as Wedding Centerpieces (MarthaStewart.com)

Bird Nests

Nests can be filled with all kinds of things:

• Colorful faux eggs
• Stemless, or very short-stemmed, flowers
• Christmas balls
• White or colored lights
• Glass beads
• Even a nice vase filled with flowers or other things
• Use your imagination

You can also use votive candles around the nests for a nice romantic atmosphere just be sure they are not to close to the nest for fire safety.

Small Bird Houses

Small bird houses can be painted or wallpapered and decorated in your wedding colors and set on a bed of florist moss with scattered flowers or petals around is a really pretty spring look.

You can also give your guests some adorable miniature birdhouses for their own “Love Nests”, these are particularly nice if you are planning around a outdoor or garden theme wedding.

An Edible Fruit Basket Spring Centerpiece

Baskets

Fill an attractive basket with colorful garden vegetables and/or fresh fruit.

You can even use this as your appetizer course or dessert course to save money on your food costs.

Make sure they are fresh and not very perishable if you will be doing the centerpiece a few days ahead of time.

Mason Jars

For a informal wedding centerpiece that is really fun and looks great, fill a mason jar with the flowers of your choice.

Tie a satin or lace bow in your theme colors around the top of the jar and place a small pillar candle on each side to add romantic soft glow to the table.

You can also use these centerpieces as favors in a similar fashion to some of the other ideas above.

Pastel Bowls

You can get some inexpensive pastel bowls and use them to create some very interesting wedding centerpieces.

You can get them at the mall, online or find vintage pastel bowls at swap meets and yard sales.

When you have the bowls just fill them with a nice selection of wrapped candy.

Then places some round mirrors on the tables and put the bowls on them;they will be slippery so, depending upon the bowl, tape or glue some inexpensive rubber pads to the bottom of them to help them from sliding all around.

You would then top it off by scattering more candies around it, some glass beads, some metallic confetti, or other theme-related things on the mirrors.

Be sure to make the centerpieces look bountiful!

Herbs and Mint Plants

Get some small pots of herbs and mint and arrange the pots on some florist moss and use it as a centerpiece.

The look is amazing although it doesn’t fit in all situations and, as a bonus, you get the wonderful scent of the herbs!

Be sure to invite each guest to take a pot from the centerpiece as a wedding favor when they leave.

Spring Wedding Table Decor

The Wedding Table with A Pastel Tablecloth

This can be done in a number of ways such as:

• Table runners in pastel shades of your theme colors.
• Pastel cloths with petals scattered across the cloth.
• Matched napkins with a single long stem flower nestled in it.
• Matching chair covers in the theme  and centerpiece colors make a very coordinated table for the guests to enjoy.
• You may even choose to use gingham or lace runners if they would fit your style and theme.

You can follow the lead of the spring newly blooming flowers, all the lovely pastel colors and of course, your theme and your imagination to make your spring-time wedding centerpieces something to remember for a long time.

I would love to hear your ideas for  lovely spring wedding centerpieces. Please comment below!!

Almost every bride whether contemporary, country, casual, formal or anywhere in-between usually follows the tradition of having something  old, new, borrowed, blue and a penny in her shoe.

The poem is an old English rhyme and the origin is not exactly known but was, however, recited quite often during the Victorian era.

Each item refers to a good luck token for a bride and was thought to be that if the bride carried each of the items on her wedding day that’s she’d have a happy marriage.

In the 1894 edition of The Warren Ledger, a Pennsylvania newspaper, listed it and called it a Puritan  Marriage Custom.

As the poem suggests, the bride must collect the five items herself from family or friends. So, here we go, as we “collect” them one by one…

Something Old

This symbolizes continuity with the bride’s family and her past; most frequently it was from her mother or grandmother though it could be from anyone on her side of the family.

A Beautiful Antique Cameo Pin is Something Old

Sometimes it was even an heirloom wedding dress the bride chose to wear but it was always some family “treasure” that she’d carry that meant something special to her family.

Some ideas are:

• For jewelry, you could wear antique (heirloom) earrings or a bracelet, a locket with photographs of your parents (or your grandparents) or even an engagement (or wedding) ring/band that’s been passed down.
• A veil or other headpiece that your mother, grandmother or other ancestors wore at their wedding
• Some lace or other fabric, from an ancestor, that you add to your dress, veil or just tied around your bouquet
• You could also add some vintage buttons to your own wedding dress

If you can’t find anything else you could always use something from your own childhood to symbolize that continuity.

Something New

Something New is Your Perfect Wedding Dress

This represents optimism, good fortune and success in your wonderful new life.

This is the easiest one because the “something new” could be your wedding dress!

Other ideas include:

• Your “oh so perfect” wedding shoes
• Your wedding ring, tiara or other jewelry (a nice touch is to wear some new jewelry given to you from the groom and then passed on to your daughter as her something old!)
• Some beautiful lingerie under your dress
• Another part of your wedding attire like your gloves, veil or shawl
• The fresh, new flowers that you use for your bouquet
• In a pinch, just wearing a newly purchased lipstick or other makeup would work

Remember. the “new” item is meant to convey the message that you and your husband are creating a new union, one that will forever be happy and wonderful.

Something Borrowed

A Lovely Borrowed Vintage Bag

This symbolizes love and the support of family and friends, especially in those times when you really need them.

This is the hardest one because everybody will want you to carry their “borrowed” item and then you have to choose and some people will be disappointed.

This item should be from a happily married (women) friend or family member so that the good fortune in their happy marriage will carry over to you.

Some ideas are:

• A piece of jewelry like your grandmother’s earrings, your mother’s pearls or even that necklace your BFF has worn since grade school (and that she wore are her own wedding!)
• Some clothing like you’re mother-in-laws veil, your favorite aunt’s elegant little bag, your cousin’s wedding shoes… the ideas are endless
• Other things including some honeymoon spending cash your mother slipped you that you slip into your bra or carry the cherished book of poetry that you great grandmother carried at her wedding

Remember though that anything can be borrowed but it must be returned afterwards.

Something Blue

This represents faithfulness, purity, fidelity and loyalty and has been carried over in weddings since ancient Rome times.

As recent as about 100 years ago, blue was a very popular color for wedding gowns; the saying at the time was “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

Something Blue Beautiful Wedding Garter

For this, most brides go for a blue garter, a lovely blue satin ribbon, or have a blue flower in their bouquet, but there are lots of other choices:

• Blue thread in your wedding gown, sash, veil, shoes, or anything else you’ll be wearing
• Other lingerie, either blue or with touches of it
• Something blue in your hair or headpiece; maybe some blue stones in your tiara, blue flowers in your hair or lace one sewn onto your veil, even a blue barrette or streak of blue hair
• One of those vintage late 1800′s/early 1900′s blue wedding dresses
• Blue in jewelry like earrings or other piercings, bracelets or anklets, finger or toe rings, lockets, brooches and pins; some fantastic choices are aquamarine, sapphires, topaz, even some beautiful crystal like Swarovski
• If you’re more daring, how about wearing ice blue toenail polish or neon blue fingernail polish, maybe some dramatic blue (or blue-red) lipstick, even get a blue tattoo (it can be temporary!)

A Silver Sixpence In Her Shoe

And A six Pence in Her Left Shoe

This custom is thought to be an old tradition originating in Scotland where the groom put a silver coin under his foot for good luck.

It quickly became a tradition that the bride place a coin in her left shoe; it must be the left shoe.

This is, of course, a blessing of wealth and financial security for the couple as they start their life together.

Nowadays, a silver sixpence is pretty hard to come by for most people, so you can substitute a copper penny or a dime (hey, it looks silver); you do want it to be a very small coin so it isn’t bothering you all day.

And, in this time of modern salesmanship, there are even companies that will sell you a keepsake silver sixpences for you to put in your (left) shoe at your wedding.

On to My Next Hundred!

I hope these wonderful traditions last forever and that this quick look at historic bridal symbols (and why we continue to do them) remind you of how really beautiful and special a wedding day is and will always be.

I would love to hear from you with any comments on this below and, now, I start my next 100 articles

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A Very Happy Bridal Party

An important part of any wedding planning is to make sure your bridal party is happy; they need to be taken care of both on your wedding day and leading up to it.

While the two of you and your families are stressed as your big day approaches, don’t forget that your bridal party is often anxious as well.

You might wonder why?

Well, your bridal party has a number of duties as well as some expenses both during the wedding planning and the actual wedding.

Below are some great ideas on how you can help your bridal party feel less stress and how you all can work together to make the day that perfect special wedding day.

A good rule of thumb is for you and your fiance to think back on the experiences you’ve had as a part of a friend’s or family’s wedding.

Such as, were you left out of a fun time, maybe wedding dress shopping?

Did you feel like the groom neglected his ushers and you were one of them?

If you think about how you felt, both good and bad, it will help you to be more thoughtful of your own wedding attendants and make their experience amazing.

Bridal Party Member Duties

From the very beginning, make sure that your bridal party knows what you’d like them to do from pitching in on decorating through choosing of the wedding day attire.

This will save any misunderstanding and future stress.

A good thing to do is to write out a wedding planning list for each attendant with their duties and don’t forget to include your events that they would be included in.

This way they know well in advance and feel a part of the whole thing.

Because you’ve asked them to stand up with you shows them that they hold a very special place in your heart so honor that by asking for ideas and advice as you go along in the wedding planning process.

As busy as you will be, it is very important to keep your wedding party happy; that will certainly help make your wedding go more smoothly.

Another thing to consider is to try and keep the costs down for your wedding attendants while having what you want for your wedding.

Typically, the bridal party members pay for:

• Bachelor and bachelorette party
• Wedding Showers
• Their attire including special shoes or other request from the bride and groom
• Bridesmaid hairstyles
• Transportation to and from the wedding
• Accommodations for the wedding if required
• Gifts for the showers and the wedding

These costs can add up quickly, so try to help them by recommending nice but inexpensive options like hotels and discount tuxedo rentals.

It seems like a simple thing but do remember to say please and thank you when working with your wedding attendants; it will mean so much to each and every one of them.

And never forget that your bridal party still have their own lives and responsibilities and be sure to check with them especially your maid of honor and best man as to if a certain day and time works for them.

If you take these ideas and use them then you and your bridal party will arrive on your wedding day happy and excited and full of joy.

IF you have any pleasant experience (or horror stories) about being part of a bridal party just share them with me and everyone else who reads this. Thanks.

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A Dreamy Beach Setting at Sunset

More and more, couples are planning their wedding day at the beach. Fortunately, for you there are many beautiful and unique decorations for you to choose from when you decide to have a beach wedding.

Whether you’re looking to have a Caribbean beach wedding, a Hawaiian or other tropical beach wedding, or just a fantasy beach wedding there are so many different ways you can go.

For example, maybe you want a romantic wedding ideas then a dawn or dusk seaside ceremony; a fabulous sunrise or beautiful sunset can provide a truly spectacular background for your ceremony and wedding photographs.

But, the thing that causes problems is finding the right decorations.

Don’t worry, your beach wedding will be less stressful and a lot more fun with these helpful beach wedding decoration ideas…

Beach Wedding Aisle Runner

Wedding aisle runners help make your grand entrance memorable but finding one that works well on a beach is harder than finding one for an indoor or even a wedding on a surface harder than sand.

You need on than uses a tougher, water and sand proof material that is also soft and beautiful enough for your wedding; rayon is one fabric that works well.

Fortunately, the Internet comes to the rescue as there are a number of choices for beach wedding aisle runners and they come in a wide variety of colors and can even be personalized just for you.

Then scatter real or silk petals down the sides of the runner or have your flower girl do the job for you.

Ceremony and Reception Guest Chairs

When you have a beach wedding you need to match your guest chairs to the venue so here are a couple of ideas to dress up your guest chairs.

Tie a length of theme colored tulle around the chair and tie a huge bow in the back. Then, add a lovely flower and a six to eight inch palm leaf to the center of the bow.

As an alternative, you can tie a ribbon around the back of the chairs and than a bow you can tie a cluster of seashells to the middle of the ribbon.

Ceremony Arch or Canopy

Dreamy Beach Wedding Arch

Many brides want a ceremony arch or canopy, they serve as an wonderfully touch when getting married by the sea.

An arch shouldn’t look too imposing, even a simple one will powerfully frame you as you’re standing against the giant sweep of the ocean.

Here are a couple of ideas for you to use with your arch or canopy:

Cover the arch with tulle in your theme colors and decorate with small seashell and starfish for an almost magical look.

If you are having a canopy, drape strings of simulated pearls along with small tropical flowers to make a perfectly dreamy place to exchange your vows.

Beach Wedding Photo Backdrop

You can find a huge number of really nice backdrops for beach weddings on the Internet.

You can set one up and a beach pail of disposable cameras where guests can grab one and take pictures; you can use then as fun wedding favors.

Reception Area Decorations

For the reception area, put flaming tiki torches around the perimeter of the reception area (assuming it’s fire safe); and what is more beach and romance than the glow of tiki torches.

For a retro look, you can drape nets from the walls or ceiling and hang tropical flowers or seashells and starfish from the netting.

Wedding Table Centerpieces

In keeping with your dreamy beach theme, how about filling a clear glass bowl with sand and add small seashells, glass marbles, faux pearls and small starfish.

Place a glass votive in the center and see how the light from the candle reflects beautifully off the shells, marbles and whatever else you have put in the sand.

Miniature lanterns are available in black or white and arrange in the middle of your tables with either a candle or seashells, starfish and other beach items.

Use a reflective mirror or sand under the lanterns for a finished look.

Dreamy Beach Wedding Cake

Beach Wedding Cakes

A beach themed wedding cake is a way you can use your personality and creativity in a tasty way.

Look through the Internet sites and wedding books for ideas and then you need to find a baker that will turn your dream wedding cake into a cake to celebrate your day.

It might take time but will really be worth it.

Beach Wedding Music

As you plan your beach wedding music, the two of you should sit down and discuss the music you like and means the most to both of you.

Your wedding is the perfect time to choose those songs you want for your beach theme and your wedding day. If you are using a DJ make sure he knows all your desires well before the day.

A gorgeous rendition for your first dance music might be Sam Harris doing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Take a listen to it on this YouTube video; I bet it gives you goose bumps.

Check out this list of 54 songs picked just for a beach wedding.

That’s it, I truly hope these dreamy beach wedding ideas are helpful and ay the two of you enjoy your day with family, friends, the sea and the soft warm sand.

If you have any tips of comments on beach weddings please leave them below. Thanks so much…

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Wedding Head Table for A Beautiful Look

At your wedding reception the focus will be on you and your bridal party sitting at the bridal head table. That is the reason special thought should be given to the table decorations.

A large number of photos will usually be taken there  and your guest will want to greet you there also.

While the head table decorations often mimic the guest table decorations there are usually some differences to make the table special and stand out.

With this in mind here are some ideas to make it your special place for your  wedding celebration.

LET’S DO IT!!!!

The Tablecloth

Start with the right cloth and be sure it reaches the floor. Choose a different color than the guest tables as it will show off the head table as being something special.

If you have more than one theme color use one of those colors on the head table and the other color for the guest tables.

Decorating Your Bridal Head Table

Bridal Head Table With Beautifully Draped Tulle

Tulle and organza have become a lovely, easy and inexpensive way to make your table elegant and look great for photos.

Use it draped behind the head table if possible and it will make a wonderful picture frame for the table.

Now use it to drape the 3 edges of the table that show.

Lighting

There is truly nothing like candlelight to make something very magical.
Place a tall candelabra at each end of the table.

If that is too formal, votives or floatng candles  set a few inches from the edge of the table and about a foot and a half apart is an amazingly wonderful look.

If your wedding reception is outdoors in the evening or in a dimly lit room a string of LED lights placed along the edge of the table is also very lovely.

Other Decorations for the Bridal Head Table

If you have a theme, incorporate this into the centerpieces and make them a larger version of what you have chosen to use at the guest tables.

Clip bouquet holders to the table and let your bouquets carried at the ceremony do double duty by filling vases that will fit in the holder with water and marbles or stones and arrange the stems of the bouquets in the vases.

You may scatter silk or real flower petals down the length of the table.

Don’t Forget the Head Table Chairs

Cover the chairs with coordinatiing colors and tie a lovely bow to the bride and groom’s chairs to make them even more special.

Tips

Try to stay away from very tall centerpieces that will get in the way of people wanting to visit with you and also because they might get in the way of your treasured wedding photos.

You might also want to be sure there is a microphone available when the bride and groom wish to speak or a toast by any of the bridal party is made.

Finally, this it your day and your moment and the bridal head table should be decorated to honor that and make you feel so very special.

Please let me know of any ideas for bridal head tables that you have seen or you had at your wedding.  Comment below and thanks a million.
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Love and Valentine Hearts for A Wedding Shower

What better time to have a Valentine-theme bridal shower than Valentine’s Day?

So here are some ideas to help you plan this very special day for your friend’s bridal party.

Let’s start with an inviting and pretty color scheme which should be carried on from the invitations, to table decor, food, drinks and guest favors.

So here we go with some neat ideas to make your bride know this was all done especially for her and her pending wedding.

Read on!!! 

Color Scheme Suggestions

Try all the shades of pink from the softest powder to a lovely fushia.

With it use hints of lilac, baby blue or soft yellow for a stunning color theme and a nice white or ivory to really set it off.

If you want a more elegant look add gold and silver.

Shower Invitations

To introduce the Valentine theme to your guests, your invitations are the perfect way to do it; here’s a few ideas to get you going:

1. Mix and match your envelopes and invitations in the shower’s color theme.
2. Sprinkled heart-shaped confetti inside the envelopes.
3. Punch a heart-shaped hole in the envelope alongside the guest’s name showing the contrasting color of the card placed inside.

Hope that gets your creative juices going!

Guest Favors

What A Lovely Shower Favor for Yuor Guests

Here are some easy and inexpensive ideas:

1. For a scented favor, use heart-shaped silk or satin sachets
2. Heart-shaped votive candles wrapped in organza or tulle and tied with a satin ribbon
3. Chocolates in heart shapes or just nicely boxed is always perfect for a Valentine’s Day shower
4. A heart-shaped cookie cutter with a favorite recipe of the bride’s and again tied in tulle

Additional ideas include personalized lollipops, M&Ms, and candy bars, heart red fortune cookies, love charm bracelets, and much more.

Table Decor

For your table decor, a tablecloth of pink or red with an overlay of a lace cloth is gorgeous, or a red cloth and adding a table runner in a soft pink looks stunning.

Your napkins should match your tablecloth and decor and your plates and flatware should also match the Valentine theme.

Table Centerpiece Ideas

Find a — not too tall — vase around your house and fill it with red and pink carnations, or tulips or splurge on roses, and drape a lovely satin and lace ribbon down the sides to cover the vase.

Buy clear votive holders and candles in the theme colors you’re using.

Get red and white sprinkles and pour some in each votive holder, then place the candle on top and make an attractive arrangement in the center of the table and light the candles when it is time to serve the food.

Either of these ideas are really lovely and rather inexpensive.

Valentine Shower Food Suggestions

A Tasty Valentine Shower Dessert Treat

Shower food should be light and attractive.

You might have finger sandwiches cut with a heart shaped cookie cutter for a special touch.

Crab filled mushroom or cherry tomatoes are also very nice and good finger food.

For something more substantial, a light salad of romaine lettuce mixed with mandarin oranges and candied walnuts and a splash of raspberry vinaigrette is very refreshing.

For your dessert try a heart-shaped decorated cake, red velvet and pink iced cupcakes, heart-shaped decorated cookies, or anything else that might be a favorite of the bride’s.

For your beverage, a champagne or non-alcoholic punch, freshly brewed coffee, and assorted teas can be served.

Here’s a Simple Party Game

Sure your guests may not want to play involved games, but who doesn’t love a present?

As your guests enter, have them write down their birthdays or wedding anniversaries, whichever they wish — just the month and day of course!

The guest whose date is closest to the wedding date wins a prize.

The hostess can then copy down the birthdays and anniversaries in a nice birthday book for the bride, so she’ll always know when to send a thoughtful card.

Prize Ideas for Game Winners

A Lovely Candle Wedding Shower Prize Gift

If you have games you need prizes! Here are some ideas:

• Spa Gift Baskets
• Bottles of Wines
• Fine Chocolates
• Mini Hearts Photo Frames
• Aromatic Candles
• Photo Albums

I had to stop myself there as I could have went on and on

Gifts for the Couple

Since a Valentine Shower is romantic and personal you might want to have it a lingerie and/or personal gift shower.

Another idea is to have the guests bring things that you and your groom can enjoy as you start your life together such as gift cards for a favorite CD or video of a favorite movie you like.

Or maybe tickets to a place you know you both like and want to go.

Just remember this is the your, as the bride, most important time with your closest friends and family as you all celebrate your coming wedding and the special bond you have with everyone; make it just that.

Let me hear some of your great St. Valentine wedding shower ideas below; it’s such a special shower theme!
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A Beautiful White Wedding Centerpiece for YourTable

Brides are starting to choose an all white wedding theme both for its simplicity and elegance. If this is your choice you can incorporate its use in just about any aspect of your wedding decor and we are concentrating on wedding centerpieces in the article.

White is a color and reflects all colors of the visible light spectrum to the eyes.

This color can be used during any season of the year and you might even want to add pale tints of a peach, blue, pink or green for a bit of interest. Here are some lovely ideas to help you along.

There are shades of white you may use such as bright white, ivory, cream, snow white to mention only a few.

White centerpieces can span the entire range from casual to elegant in their look and be expensive or inexpensive as you want and you can even easily create do-it-yourself centerpiences!

Elegant Centerpieces

Here are some elegant centerpiece ideas:

A Lovely White Candle Centerpiece

• White roses and stephanotis in a clear vase with white votives placed around it.
• White calla lilies either in a tall vase using 1 to 3 stems or a bunch of calla lilies in a larger vase. A candle on each side finishes the look.
• White hydrangea with stem cut close to the bloom and floated in a clear bowl and faux crystals scattered around the base of the bowl.
• How about all white candles in various shapes and sizes arranged on a reflective mirror with faux crystals scattered around them.

Casual Centerpieces

And here are some more casual centerpieces:

• A mason jar filled with pretty white daisies and surrounded with white votive candles
• White sunflowers from 1 to 3 stems cut and arranged in a medium tall vase and placed on a reflective mirror with white confetti sprinkled on it.
• Small white painted pots of live flowers such as white baby roses, tulips or daisies and white confetti scattered around them makes a very pretty centerpiece.

Other Centerpiece Ideas

Remember that when you are deciding on your centerpieces they should be low enough for guests to see over them or tall enough for the guests to see across.

Another idea for your reception white wedding centerpieces is the use white balloons arranged attractively.

You may have the balloons in heart shapes and personalized for your special day.

Check out other shapes and ideas as it is an inexpensive and striking way of doing a centerpiece.

A tasty idea for an all white wedding centerpiece is to fill interesting jars and bowls with different kinds of white candy in an arrangement and, to make it more inviting, use some tiers to place the candies on.

Invite the guests to enjoy the candy as the reception goes on.

White frosted and decorated cupcakes placed on a tiered cupcake stand is another way of using food as a centerpiece and letting the guests enjoy; the cupcakes served are especially nice if you offer various flavors so the guests have a choice.

As you can see there are many ideas to make a white wedding centerpiece very special and beautiful.

Hopefully this will start your creative juices going and you will come up with other ideas.

Please share with me any other white wedding centerpieces that you have seen and enjoyed; just comment below and thank you.

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