Three Wedding Themes You Might Not Have Considered

We’ve discussed how knowing your wedding style can make or break your Big Day but brides who choose and adhere to a specific theme can transform their wedding day.

There is no shortage of fun wedding themes on the Internet. Favor Ideas lists 11 themes that can help you save money, Your Wedding Company lists 30 fun ideas and WedThemes.Com lists wedding themes they claim “suit many tastes.” All great ideas. But here are three more wedding themes you might not have ever considered.

1. First Love Wedding
Nothing compares to the innocence of a first love, so bring back the days of puppy love and paper Valentines with a First Love themed-wedding. Complete with bright, bold primary colors, this theme reminds wedding guests of grade school crushes and of the unending promise of first love.

Invitations
Choose invitations with the image of a young couple, such as Precious Moments stationery line. These invites are the epitome of innocence and are guaranteed to set the tone of your first love themed wedding. Model the reply card after a traditional children’s love note. (For example, “We hope you can come. Can you? Yes, No, Maybe.”)

Cakes
Instead of traditional wedding cake, serve brightly colored cupcakes.

Decorations
Think of over-sized crayons, hearts and a teacher’s blackboard.

Attire
Dress your attendants in brightly colored knee-length dresses that reflect the fun and innocence of your theme.

2. New Year’s Eve Party (any night of the year!)
Any night can be New Year’s Eve as long as there is fun, friendship and fireworks – oh, and champagne! Ring in your wedding night by inviting your family and friends to celebrate your wedding New Year’s Eve style.

Invitations
Choose invitations that evoke the lively celebration your guests can expect at your wedding. Consider including a champagne glass and bubbles and telling them that you will celebrate New Year’s Eve a little early this year. Make sure your wedding date is listed prominently on your invite. You don’t want invitation-skimming guests to miss the Big Day or show up on December 31.

Food and Drink
Your options here are limitless. Have a full sit-down dinner with several courses, host an all-night buffet or serve heavy appetizers for dinner, followed with a breakfast buffet post-midnight. Whichever food option you choose be sure to have plenty of cocktails and champagne to go around.

Extras
- Have a party hat for each guest.
- Drop confetti at midnight and play “Auld Lang Syn.”
- Ask your maid of honor and best man to give a brief toast just before midnight.
- Countdown to midnight and pop open another bottle of champagne.

3. Murder Mystery Romance
Surprise your friends with a Murder Mystery party turned wedding celebration. Imagine their surprise when they arrive for your “party” and get to see you and your future spouse tie the knot.

Invitations
Choose invitations that reflect the theme of your murder mystery story.

Food and Drink
About halfway through the murder mystery, invite your friends and family members to dinner. You can either choose to serve something that reflects the murder mystery theme or serve items from your favorite dinner menu.

Attire
Dress your attendants in character costumes and ask them to play important parts in the murder mystery show.

Extras
Give your guests a wedding favor that either echoes the murder mystery theme or choose “detective-type” gifts such as a magnifying glass. Have fun with this!

Are you having a wedding theme? What is it? What is your favorite wedding theme?

Personalized Thank You Gifts Your Attendants Will Thank You For

I think it is safe to say I am a big proponent of pampering your attendants. From Day One when you pop the question and throughout the weeks and months leading up to the Big Day, you should show your bridesmaids and ushers how grateful you are for their services.

I know money is tight and you can't treat your attendants to free lunches or dinners or possibly even drinks when they are helping you plan your wedding. They know that and they don't expect you to foot the bill each time they are with you. However, sending them cards-even ecards-is a great way to boost their motivation and let them know you appreciate them. The last thing you want is an attendant who feels overworked and under-appreciated helping you at your wedding.

Most brides know they should give their attendants a thank you gift following the wedding. Some brides choose a one-size fits-all approach and buy like-minded gifts for each person. Other brides select individual gifts based on each attendant's personality.

I don't think one way is better than the other in regards to how to buy gifts but one thing is certain ... show your attendants your appreciation and do it with a thoughtful gift that will reflect your friendship.

You've probably heard successful business people say that everyone loves to hear his or her name aloud. That is why professional salespeople often repeat your name several times throughout a conversation ... research shows it works.

Well it also works with your friends. And what better way to say thank you for all of their hard work and dedication than with a personalized thank you gift?

The selection of personalized photo gifts available at Photoworks.com ensures even the most discerning bride can find something for everyone on her list. From mugs to canvas prints to woven throws your wedding attendants are sure to love whichever gift you choose.

Here are four of my favorite personalized photo gifts for under $30 each that I would have loved to receive when I was a bridesmaid.

* Personalized Photo Journal, from $14.95

Find a flattering picture of you and your attendant goofing off, hanging out or participating in a shared-interest activity (like playing tennis or drinking coffee) and splash it across the cover of their personalized journal. You can also create a jpeg version of a thank you note to include in the bottom section.

* Photo Coasters, from $24.95

For this gift idea, consider waiting until after the wedding and choosing a photo of the two of you together in your Wedding Day attire. They will be a fun conversation piece and a sentimental reminder of your special day.

* Photo Keepsake Box, from $29.95

Depending on how long you and your attendant have been friends, you might want to find an old picture of the two of you when you were younger. Pull out those old high school photos or ask his or her parents or spouse for other interesting photo ideas.

* Photo Wine Box, from $29.95

You can choose up to the three photos for the wine box gift and I suggest finding three different photos that reflect your friendship with your attendant. If possible, consider giving this gift at a later date and including a photo of the two of you at your wedding. This is a perfect gift for both the men and women in your wedding party.

What are some of the best gifts you have ever receieved for being in a wedding? Why did that gift mean so much to you?

Wedding Style: Three Reasons Why You Need to Know Yours

You have style, you have grace and no one wants a perfect wedding more than you. I know. I've been there, too.

But there is more to a perfect wedding than choosing pretty colors and buying a beautiful ballgown. A perfect wedding aka, a stylish wedding, is one where all of the components come together to tell a story. Your story. Your love story. So get ready to choose the style of that story and plan the wedding of your dreams.

Not sure what your wedding style is? No worries. Brides.com has a fun, interactive quiz that will help you discover if you are a Roman-inspired romantic or a blushing Bohemian bride. IVillage has a wedding style quiz as well, or you can visit My Jean M and take their quiz. Heck - take ' em all-the more you do, the more ideas you will have to help you envision your ideal wedding style.

Go ahead and take them now. I'll wait.

All done?

(That was quick!)

So now you have a better idea of what your wedding style is ... but you might still be wondering WHY you need one. So, I will help you out. Here are THREE reasons why knowing your wedding style just might save your wedding.

1. Narrow Your Focus

I think one of the first things brides should do (after all the brainstorming and idea-gathering) is to decide on the style of their wedding. Why? Because it will save your sanity. You have seen the abundance of choices available to brides, right? It is downright mind-blowing. However, once she has selected her style, her options become more narrowed and she can focus in on the choices that best suit her.

For example, if you are a casual couple and you want your wedding to reflect the style of you and your future "Mr.," then you won't even have to look at the cakes that are topped with gold glitter or Swarovski crystals.

Knowing your wedding style will help you eliminate odd-fitting options and help you make the best decisions for your wedding.

2. Keep it Together

When I was planning my wedding, I read about a bride whose main responsibility at work was planning parties. She had a host of experience and envisioned throwing the wedding of a lifetime for herself and her future husband. However, she couldn't focus her options and the end result was a hodgepodge wedding she was ashamed of.

Her mistake was choosing everything she liked and not considering how-or if-the elements blended.

Knowing your wedding style will help you make wise decisions. As you progress in the wedding planning stages, continue to look back at your quiz results or make notes about the style you and your groom have chosen. This will help ensure each choice you make fits in with your overall style idea.

3. Set the Tone

Ok, I am from Texas so maybe this is just a southern girl thing, but how many of you have ever received one of those cute, laid-back, ultra casual wedding invitations (you know the type, like the ones with Precious Moments kids kissing or sitting on a bench wearing a cowboy hat) and assumed you would be attending a casual wedding?

I know I have.

You can imagine my surprise at showing up and seeing the bride in an elegant slim-fitting dress and the bridesmaids in long formals, with a full dinner and night of dancing following the ceremony. They just don't together.

Knowing your wedding style will help you set the tone of your event so your guests will know what to expect.

Do you have a style for your wedding? If so, what is it? How did you choose your style?

Budget Business: When to Splurge

Savvy brides know there is more to planning a perfect wedding than selecting centerpieces and creating a menu. Weddings take work. In fact, some brides claim to have spent more than 500 hours planning their weddings.

That is a lot of time!

Although your newly married status might be reward enough, it would be nice if you could treat yourself to something special or offer yourself a bonus for all of your hard work.

That is where today's tip comes in.

Anyone who has created her wedding budget knows that unexpected expenses creep up and things often cost more than you anticipate. You may have started with a guest list of 200 but had to cut it in half. Maybe you wanted a limo, but have to settle for a friend's cool Vette. Or maybe you always dreamed of a fully-stocked open bar, but can only afford to serve beer and wine.

All of these compromises can get a bride down. I know. I was there.

My mother, in all of her mother-of-the-bride-wisdom, got tired of my compromises and asked me to make a wish list.

So I did ...

I made a list of all of my "dream" wedding components, things I'd always wanted or new ideas I wasn't sure I could afford. Items such as

- miniature individual wedding cake for each guest
- limo rental for the bride, groom and wedding party
- bridesmaid luncheon and spa day
- morning-after brunch
- old-time photo booth
- live musicians

These things could easily bust a budget and none of them is as important as say ... a wedding dress or, oh I don't know ... a marriage license.

However, they were important to me and I didn't want to give up on all of them. So I scrimped a bit and saved a little ... and then I splurged.

My list helped me focus my priorities and I ended up with 4 out of the 6 items I'd written down.

Let's see what items are on your splurge wish list and determine if they are worth your sacrifice.

1. Grab a pen and piece of paper and write "WISH LIST" across the top.

2. Fill in the next several lines with items you would love to have at your wedding, but aren't sure you can afford.

3. Get quotes, or at least an average cost, for each item and write it beside the item name.

4. Insert the list into your wedding planning binder.

Now you will always have access to your list and can easily keep track of your dream wedding goals. This will help you organize your priorities and will give you something to think about before you splurge for something that isn't on the list.

It works like this ...

If "video" is on your list and you know you can find someone for around $1,000, you can try to save that money on other items by choosing less-expensive options or cheaper alternatives.

For example, you can choose the least expensive baker knowing the $400 you save will go towards your video. Likewise, it will be easier for you to trim your guest list, shorten your cocktail hour or do your own make-up if you know the end result is an item off of your wish list.

So what do you think? Do you think a dream wish list will help you know when to splurge and when to save? Come on, I shared my dream wish list with you. What items are on your dream list and what are you willing to sacrifice to get them?

Photos courtesy of Quo Vadis and sparktography

Make Her Say YES! Ask Your Bridesmaids with Style

We've spent a lot of time talking about the wedding party ... who to ask, who not to ask and what they should wear. All important topics, I must say.

But let's back up just a tad and think about how you can ask them.

Although many girls would take out their youngest cousin's 12-year-old daughter to be a bridesmaid, it is a tough job. If you have been a bridesmaid - you know that.

Bridesmaid 101 lists almost two dozen job responsibilities and ClassyWeddingFavors.Com says bridesmaids should expect to dish out up to $200 for the shower alone. Eek.

For this reason, I suggest brides pamper their maids every chance they get ... starting with Day One.

Instead of picking up the phone or swinging by your friend's house after work, consider throwing a cocktail party, girls' night or lunch date and invite all of your potential bridesmaids to join your wedding party at one time.

American Greetings has a wide selection of e-vites to set the tone. Choose a theme, either wedding-related or something that relates to all of your friends. For example, if you and your potential attendants love reading books and hanging out at Starbucks, choose a cafe-related e-vite and ask them to meet you at your favorite coffee house for lattes.

Here are a few other party themes that could help you pop the question.

- Martini Madness
Choose an e-vite decorated with martini glasses and use colors such as dark green, maroon and brown. Invite your potential bridesmaids over for a night of Sex in the City reruns and cosmos. Make a toast for them proclaiming how much they mean to you and ask them to be in your wedding party.

- Mexican Fiesta
Send a Mexican-flavored e-vite and ask your friends to join you for lunch at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Hand write a note for each girl and ask the waiter to deliver it, along with her favorite dessert (that you have pre-ordered) at the end of the meal. Who could say no to that?

- Girls Gone Goofy
Invite your potential attendants to a pre-bachelorette party bash by choosing a girls' night-themed e-vite. Ask them to meet at your house for dinner or appetizers before you hit the town. When they have all arrived, let them know how much their friendship has meant to you and tell them that there is no one you'd rather stand by your side when you say "I do," than them. Celebrate by going out dancing, to a karaoke bar or to your favorite pub.

Since you know how much work is involved and how expensive things could get for your bridesmaids, be sure to tell them they don't have to answer you right away. I suggest for you to insist they think about it for a few days before giving you an answer. You don't want one of your potential bridesmaids to get caught up in the moment and say "yes," only to tell you a few weeks later that she can't afford it.

Pamper your bridesmaids from the start and they are sure to repay the favor every chance they get.

Have you already asked your bridesmaids to be in your wedding party? Did you do something special for them? If so, what did you do?

Photos courtesy of Saquan Stimpson and Adam

How to Handle Would-be Attendants Who Didn't Make the Cut

Ouch.

Touchy subject ... I know. But as we have said, you have to consider your personal wedding vision when selecting attendants and well, no matter what some people say you CAN have too many bridesmaids.

You know you can't-or shouldn't-ask your 3rd cousin, Jenny or your old assistant, Pam, but you also know they'd like to be invited into your wedding party.

What do you do?

I think basic standards of etiquette and the notorious Golden Rule apply in most situations and this, my friends, is no exception. You should always try to be a gracious bride and consider the feelings of those who might be hurt without allowing others to push you around, bully you or make you defend your decisions.

This isn't an easy line to walk, but here are 4 tips and suggestions for helping you reach the other side.

* If She is a Close Friend

Sometimes a bride might really want a friend to be in her wedding, but family obligations or a tight budget prevent it. The best thing to do is to have a heart-to-heart with your friend and tell her the truth.

It is absolutely vital you do this early. If she is a good friend, she might be expecting-or at least anticipating-you popping the question. Get the issue out in the open as soon as possible to avoid any uncomfortable situations or awkward moments.

* If She is a Close Relative

Follow the same suggestions as you would if she was a close friend. It might be more difficult, however if your relative wonders why some friends and cousins made the cut and she didn't. I never feel that a bride has to justify her choices, but if you think you should, then be open and honest with her. It is okay to tell her -if you feel you should-that you feel closer to "cousin #1" and that is why she was included in your wedding party.

It is a nice gesture to ask close relatives who aren't in the wedding party to perform a reading during the ceremony or be included in some other way. I personally think it is insulting to ask someone who wanted to be a bridesmaid to serve cake ... but that is just my opinion.

* If She Thinks You Are Closer Than You Are

This is tough ...

Tell her that you value her friendship, but you have to include your closer friends and relatives in your wedding party. However, try to include her in other wedding planning activities, such as dress shopping, cake tasting or scouting locations. *Do not ask her to help you chose bridesmaid gifts or to help you with bridesmaid-only activities. That is just mean.

* If She Asks You

I mentioned before that I had someone call me and more or less demand to be in my wedding.

That was not a fun day.

Since she luckily called months before I had asked anyone, I was able to get away by telling her I hadn't even thought about my wedding party. I later took the easy way out and had my grandma tell her ... not something I am proud of, but hey, she put me on the spot!

If I could do it over again, I would talk to her one-on-one and follow the advice I am giving you today.

In the end, no matter who it is or what the circumstances might be, it is never easy to tell someone she won't be in your wedding. Try to think of how you would want your friends to tell you and as always, let your conscience be your guide.

Have you had to do this? How did it go? What did you do or say?

Photo courtesy of Hessam

How to Maximize Time at a Bridal Show

Weddings are a big business and there is no shortage of vendors anxious to help the newly engaged novice spend her dough. As we've said before, the list of stationery needs itself is mind-boggling. Throw in venues, caterers, floral, bakers, transportation and attire options and even a level-headed bride could lose her cool.

This is when a well-timed bridal show can save the day.

A savvy bride will devise a plan to maximize her bridal show experience, depending on which planning stage she is in - early planning or late-stage planning. Here are a few tips to help you create a plan, no matter where you are in the wedding planning process.

Early Planning

You will get the most benefit from a bridal show if you can attend early in your engagement. Here are three tips to help you maximize your time and get the most benefit from your next bridal show.

1. Collect Information

If you haven't been around the wedding biz in a while you will want to update your knowledge of what is available. Be sure to carry a journal or notebook so you can take notes and collect business cards and brochures from as many potential vendors as possible.

2. Register for Prizes

Most vendors try to entice couples to their stands with the promise of a free add-on, an upgrade or a free giveaway. Since you are in the early planning stages and likely haven't committed-or more importantly, signed a contract and paid a deposit, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to win some freebies and trim your budget.

3. Make Connections

Many vendors agree there is more to a potential client than how much money they plan to spend.

No, seriously.

Think about this ...

A popular caterer is regularly booked months-if not more than a year-in advance. They spend an enormous amount of time and energy with each couple and feel invested in that couple's success.

Since they are pretty confident they will be booked by someone, and hence earn the money, other factors, such as personality, character, likability and chemistry are important to them. Yes, it might be their "job" to cater weddings, but no one wants to work with Bridezilla ... trust me.

When you meet a potential vendor, spend a few minutes getting to know them. Listen to what they are saying and try to find common ground by sharing interesting facts about you or your fiancee. When you call them to get a quote, remind them of who you are by mentioning your common interests or by reminding them of something the two of you talked about.

This works!

My husband and I own a bed and breakfast overseas. I reminded everyone I contacted that I was the bride who lived in Italy they had met at the bridal show in Beaumont, Texas in January.

I'm convinced I saved $150 off entertainment, received a free upgrade on our Old Time Photo Booth and received between $800-$1,000 in free alcohol upgrades from our caterer, only because they wanted to work with us.

Late Planning

It is important for couples who attend bridal shows late in their engagement to have a clear set of goals established before they go. If you have already booked a venue and photographer, then politely skip those tables. Focus only on what you need. Time is of the essence!

It is okay to have tunnel-vision at this point ... in fact, I think you should. Otherwise, you will likely waste valuable time you need to be spending elsewhere.

It is no secret that bridal shows are fun and recently betrothed couples can get valuable information, free upgrades and innovative ideas, but bridal shows can also be overwhelming. So be sure to maximize your time by focusing on the decisions you need to make and make bridal shows work for you.

What are some of the best ideas you have found at bridal shows

Photo courtesy of Allegro Photography