Looking back 50 years ago when lives were simpler, weddings actually only consisted of a cake and some punch. However, in the last 20 years, these occasions have become extravagant and elaborate that simply a cake and a punch would not be enough.

Needless to say, weddings have become very expensive. But this does not make it okay for you to deplete your life savings for this one-time event. There are various ways a bride and groom can do to cut down the expenses, one of which is to ask the family to contribute for the wedding.

Asking your family to contribute to your wedding should not be too difficult especially if you are close to them and if they are comfortable in the money department. But just to make sure that everything goes smoothly when you do, here are some tips on how to ask your family for contribution for your wedding day.

Right Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to making requests such as financial assistance. It is imperative that you find the perfect moment to bring this topic up. See to it that your parents are in a happy mood, there are no signs of distress within the family, and the atmosphere is relaxed and at ease. For example, it would not be a good idea to mention this during a situation where your mom and dad are having some arguments about the household bills. Even if they would want to help you, the current situation might make them say no.

Perfect Place

In addition to the timing, it is also a must that you bring your family to a quiet and relaxed place where you could talk. You can take them out for a dinner in a peaceful and lovely restaurant or invite them to a picnic in a park near your home. Do not attempt to discuss the matter in the house with the kids around unless there is a place there where you can sit and talk peacefully.

Appropriate Words

The right words can also make a big difference. You should be able to express your request in the nicest way possible. Never sound as if you are making a demand. After all, it is you who are asking for their help. It is also not advisable to use guilt-trip strategies wherein you would bring up all the good things you did for them in the past.

Appreciation and Gratitude

If your family does say yes to your request, be sure to show your appreciation and gratitude. No matter what amount of money they give you, be happy that they are willing to help you in any way they can. Never force them to offer beyond what they can afford.

Surely, your family would be more than happy to help you with your wedding. However, it is possible that they may not be willing or capable to extend financial assistance. If this is the case, do not be mad. Instead, show them other ways by which they can help. Remember, there are many other ways they can show their support and it is not just through financial means. They can help organize the reception, design invitations, create wedding favors, and so on. The possibilities are endless!

Autumn Elegance Laser-Cut Fall Leaf Favor Box

If there is one positive thing that the global financial crisis has brought to the world of weddings, it is probably that it encouraged soon-to-wed couples to look for creative and resourceful ways on how to maximize the wedding budget.

Even wedding suppliers are now encouraging couples-to-be to purchase wedding items that serve double/multiple purposes. For example, wedding favors today are not simply for souvenirs anymore. They can be used as table centerpieces, reception decoration, and even for the groom’s cake! How is this possible? Here are some ways on how you can use the wedding favor boxes for the groom’s cake.

Idea # 1: Use favor boxes as decoration for the cake

You can surround the cake with fancy favor boxes that can also serve as decoration. If you would browse at the different types of favor boxes available in most online stores, you would find it hard to make a final choice, as all of these boxes are truly eye candies.

Idea # 2: Put mini cupcakes inside the favor boxes

Instead of having the traditional groom’s cake, you can have a bunch of mini cupcakes placed inside the favor boxes.

Idea # 3: Complement the choice of favor box with the theme of the wedding

Choose favors boxes that would be suitable for the theme that you have picked for your wedding day.

Asian Favor Boxes

Some Favors Boxes you can use for the Groom’s Cake

• Organic Green Woven Favor Boxes – If you are going to have an eco-wedding, (a theme that is very popular these days), these are the perfect embellishments to put into the cake.

• Natural Miniature Woven Beach Bags – These are also ideal for green weddings but you can also use these favor bags for other types of themes because you can change the content to fit whatever theme you are having. For example, you can fill up the bag with shells, sand, and pebbles if you are having a beach wedding, and then place these bags around the cake.

• Metal Boats – Speaking of beach weddings, these striped and polka dotted metal boats are great for beach weddings with nautical themes.

• Miniature Athletic Bags – As most guys are athletic, the groom will probably love these items to go with his cake. These are also great favors for a bunch of jocks attending the wedding.

• Romance Design Paper Cups – These paper cups, which come with a bottom text that reads, “Our love is forever” is great for cupcakes and other types of food products like chocolates and candies.

• Miniature Travel Suitcase Container – These favor boxes would surely be a hit for destination weddings, and also for couples who love to travel a lot. Aside from this one, you can also use the miniature travel trolley with wheels and retractable handle.

• Miniature Metal Watering Cans – These ones are fun galvanized miniature watering cans that are perfect for garden weddings.

Wedding favors boxes are not only for wedding souvenirs. They can also be used as cake decoration such as for the groom’s cake. Make sure that you choose something that your groom would love.

Looking for the perfect gown was not easy. You had to spend countless hours visiting numerous bridal stores and fitting an endless array of wedding gowns. But all your efforts were worth it because just when you were about to collapse in exhaustion and despair, you spotted the ideal gown with at the right style, trimmings, fit, and color. One look at it and you knew it had that magic you were looking for all this time. Now that the wedding is over, you feel sad that you have to say goodbye to this wonderful dress. But this is not necessary, as there are so many things you can do to preserve this gown and make it last for a very long time.

Clean the Dress

Clean the gown immediately after the wedding (or the honeymoon) to prevent stains such as food spills, body oils, and perspiration from seeping into the material. The longer you leave the stains on, the more difficult they would be to remove. Check the care instructions on the wedding gown to know the right process of cleaning it. Some types of gowns especially those that contain sequins and beads cannot be dry cleaned while others such as silk, acetate, and rayon are recommended for dry cleaning. Many wedding gown experts would advise gentle washing of the gown with hand using specialized gentle cleaners to remove visible stains.

Store it Properly

Keep your precious gown in a clean, acid free tissue. Place the acid-free tissue in between the folds of the dress and around it. This would help prevent permanent folds and wrinkles. Remove shoulder pads, metal buttons, and buckles, and anything made of foam that is attached to the gown as these materials do not have excellent shelf life. Do not store the gown in plastic bag because this has poor air circulation. It is also not a good idea to hang your wedding gown. Instead, store the gown in a pH-neutral box in a secure place free of insects and away from heat sources. Take out the dress from times to time to examine it.

Hire a Professional

If you do not have time to care for your gown or you feel you do not have the skill to preserve it efficiently, it would be a smart move to hire a professional gown preservation service so that it would be able to maintain its original beauty. Yes, this may be a little more costly but at least you would not have to worry about your much-loved wedding dress. You can be assured of expert specialized cleaning and storing procedures.

Preserving your wedding dress is one of the important things that you have to do after the wedding. You have to ensure proper cleaning and safe storage. It would also be a good idea to hire a professional gown preservation service. Who knows? In the future, your daughter may want to wear your gown and she would be very thankful that you did everything to maintain its original condition.

Where can I find wedding guest books to match my theme? After all, using a themed guest book adds a professional feeling to your wedding reception. When the reception is over, your guest book will be a valuable resource for writing thank you notes to your guests and may even become your first marital phone book.

A wedding guest book is a focal point at your reception. Usually the guest book is displayed on their own table so the guests can comfortably sign it at their leisure. Decorative, themed accessories decorate the guest book table and a matching, attractive pen is displayed so guests can easily write a few words.

After the reception ends, the wedding guest book is a wonderful way to capture the day all over again. As you read all the statements made by your guests, both of you are certain to laugh and cry. The guests include their names, addresses and telephone numbers so you can write thank you cards without a hitch. Once your thank you cards are sent, your wedding guest book will be the place you turn when it is time to write holiday cards or make a call to invite a few people over for dinner.

So where can I find wedding guest books to match my theme? Online resources are the best place to start. You can shop anytime at your convenience because the Internet never closes. Peruse your options in your pajamas or during your break at work. You can select a lovely item to match your style, order it and have it delivered right to your door.

Destination weddings are increasingly popular. As more celebrities visit exotic locations to tie the knot, more everyday couples also choose to exchange their vows at the beach. If you have a sensational seaside wedding with your toes in the sand, a seaside allure traditional guest book is the perfect touch. With a starfish embellishment, everyone will have a seaside feeling when they sign it.

Many girls dream of a fairytale wedding when they grow up and they imagine themselves twirling around with Prince Charming just like Cinderella. Bring that thought to your wedding reception and beyond with a fairy tale dreams traditional guest book. Much like a chariot and elegant gown, no Cinderella wedding is complete without a matching guest book.

Western weddings are a fun way to include guests of all ages at your wedding. From little ones to seniors, everyone has a good time an old-fashioned hoe down. Have your reception in a renovated barn, wear cowboy hats and hire a caller for square dancing. Make sure you include a romantic vintage western traditional guest book so all your guests can write how they feel in their own words.

Are you a military member? Are you proud to be marrying a military member? Show off your pride by using a discerning camouflage traditional guest book. All your guests will salute you with their words in this attractive camouflage guest book, which will be a perfect accent on the coffee table in your new marital home together.

Couples often choose a wedding theme to reflect the season. While summer weddings are a classic choice, many couples prefer the ambiance of other seasons. During a spring wedding, everyone feels the excitement of new life. Often butterflies are released at spring garden weddings to celebrate the moment when the couple exchanges their vows. A butterfly dreams traditional guest book captures names, sentiments and the vision of your wedding day. For a fabulous fall wedding, an autumn splendor guest book is an eye-catching accent at your reception.

The spirit of an Irish wedding brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. From green accents to lacy trim, the atmosphere at your wedding reflects Celtic cheer. Place a Celtic charm traditional guest book on a lovely table with a doily so your guests can write their own unique messages to you. After the reception, this cheery Celtic charm guest book will be a treasured keepsake for the rest of your lives. Where can I find wedding guest books like this? At easy-to-shop online retailers such as My Beach Wedding.

Eden Bridals #2248

Every year, new and exciting style changes keep wedding dresses fresh and interesting. Once again designers have worked their special magic to make 2010 wedding gowns hotter than any we’ve seen in season’s past.

As with any type of garment, it is important to choose the right style for your body. Having said that, how do you pick the right dress while keeping with this year’s hottest trends?

Ruffles

The hottest trend in bridal wear for 2010 is by far the ruffle. Ruffles will be present in all aspects of bridal attire from the veil to the hemline.

If, however, you fall under the category of petite or full bodied, you will have to be very careful when choosing a dress with ruffles. Stay away from horizontal tiers on the dress or even on just the skirt, as this style will make you look shorter, yet wider framed. Also, ruffles along the skirt’s hemline will make you look stouter.

A good look for you this year would be a skirt with vertical ruffles or choose a style with ruffling on just the hem of the bodice or sleeves.

Both horizontal tiers and vertical ruffles look great on slim, tall and athletic figures. If you fit under this category, choose a style with ruffles on the skirt or both the bodice and skirt. You can’t go wrong with any type of ruffling as this trend was meant specifically for you.

Eden Bridals #2361

Crystal Beading

Crystal beading will also be a hit for 2010. Remember, petite brides have to keep the embellishment to a minimal as too much of a good thing will, in turn, drown your petite figure in too much bling. Keep it simple and select styles with minimal beading in appropriate areas, perhaps on the neckline or waistline. Less is more in this case!

Alfred Angelo

Tall brides can take the beading trend one step further than their petite counterparts by adding crystal embroidery on the bodice and skirt.

Gathered Skirts

One more trend of note for 2010 wedding dresses is folded or gathered skirts. This is an excellent way to add drama and texture to an otherwise plain skirt.

Alfred Angelo

Thankfully, with pleated, folded or gathered skirts, petite brides have as many options to play with as the taller gals. In this case, you have to play around with various styles to see how much of this trend you can carry around with you all day, as these dresses are made of heavy satin or taffeta; so the dress itself is heavy compared to the ruffles made primarily of lighter chiffon.

The 2010 wedding season is soon upon us with a variety of new trends and ideas. The wedding dress is no different. Scope out all the latest trends and have fun finding just the right one for you.

Wedding Planning Membership Site, TheBridalCoach.ca, Changes the Landscape of the Online Wedding Industry

Canadian brides, for the first time in internet history, can do all of their wedding planning online with certified wedding planners guiding their every step. No longer do modern brides have to search around outdated websites for out-of-date wedding information. The first wedding planning membership site in North America, TheBridalCoach.ca opens its door on November 10th, 2009, combining cutting edge technology with experience and expertise of certified wedding planners.

(PRWEB) November 5, 2009 — The old paradigm is still alive and well on the internet. Bride’s are going online to search for information to help them plan their wedding. What they find is outdated wedding planning checklists, vague promises of wedding solution ebooks, online wedding magazines full of beautiful wedding gown pictures, forums where they can get answers from other brides, and funny YouTube entrance dance wedding videos. But none of this gets them any closer to planning their wedding—mostly it gets them more confused and plants the seeds for bridezillas to emerge.

Wedding Planning Membership Site

Angela Fiebelkorn states that the membership site offers a unique combination of cutting edge technology and years of wedding planning expertise.

TheBridalCoach.ca is opening its door as a response to this disfunctionality in the online wedding market. It is the first and only wedding planning membership site in North America. Their stated mission is to provide the modern bride and groom one place on the internet to find everything they need to plan their wedding the right way, in a timely manner, with the least effort and from the comfort of their home. This entrepreneurial group of wedding planners is launching its membership site on November 10, 2009, just at the beginning of the wedding planning season for most brides and grooms.

“The launch is a massive internet marketing event,” says Angela Fiebelkorn, wedding planner and CEO of www.TheBridalCoach.ca. “This membership site offers a unique combination of cutting edge technology and years of wedding planning experience and expertise.”

She further states that “a team of certified wedding planners share their collective wisdom in countless short videos that tell the bride and groom what they need to know each step of the way…

Read full story here:  Wedding Planning Membership Site, TheBridalCoach.ca, Changes the Landscape of the Online Wedding Industry

The real world secrets behind the most beautiful (and inexpensive) weddings around…

This one-of-a-kind Wedding Planning and Coaching Membership site (www.thebridalcoach.ca) is all about you and your perfect wedding. Everything here will support your dream and help you to really get there. Our team of virtual wedding planners is committed to provide you with what you need every step of the way, with your vision, with your theme, how to get things done, how to deal with your relatives and friends, and so much more. You have everything in one place and you can do it all from the comfort of your home.

Click Here to Learn More!

We will keep you up-to-date with newest wedding trends through our weekly webinars, and we connect you through our members’ forum with other brides and wedding planners so you aren’t doing this alone. The wedding planning checklists accompanied by how-to videos will get you organized, which in turn reduces all the stress brides report when planning their wedding. You will be confident that you will have done everything on-time and in the most creative way, and best of all, the money you spend for our membership site will be put back into your pocket many times over by following our time-proven money saving tips with vendors.

Click Here to Learn More!

Here is what you will receive when you order a membership with TheBridalCoach.ca TODAY!

Time-proven wedding planning checklists

The first cluster of information in the members only area called Start Here explains through text, videos, and checklists the following: engagment, wedding vision, wedding budget, legal stuff, reception site, ceremony site, photographer, videographer, bridal party, wedding gown and encore weddings.

Comprehensive wedding planning videos covering every aspect of your wedding

The second cluster Build On It includes bridal party attire, honeymoon, stationary, guest list, florist, wedding cake, personal grooming, bridal registries, ceremony musicians, reception musicians, wedding rings, and bridal suite.

Daily answers to your questions by our wedding planners in the members’ forum

The third cluster called Finalize explains through text, videos, and checklists the following: transportation, reception and catering, ceremony and vows, rental items, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, parties, guest accommodation, finalize contracts, and spousal gifts.

Weekly webinars with the latest trends, ideas, and information

Virtual wedding planners in the forums and on the weekly coaching calls

Almost There is the 4th cluster of modules where you will be guided through topics like wedding invitations, decorations, wedding favours, itineraries, music selection, toast to parents, wedding announcements, thank you gifts, more legal stuff and attire tryouts.

Wedding planning timeline to keep you on-track

Money saving video series for every part of your wedding—gowns, caterer, flowers, musicians, wedding favors, and much more

The final cluster is called Countdown and that’s where we coach you through topics like seating plan, task assignments, bridesmaids’ luncheon, groomsmen outing, vendor payments, wedding day kit, rehearsal, decorating, and final confirmations.

Click Here to Learn More!

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Wondering how to entertain the kids at your wedding? Here is a great idea from The Knot. Source: http://community.theknot.com titled: Reception Idea for the Kids – Engagement Photo Coloring Books:

This couple made coloring book pages out of their engagement photos for all their younger guests. I. Am. A. Fan.

Photo: Mathew Morgan Photography (Matthew-Morgan.blogspot.com)

> Get more wedding ideas for kids!

Whether you are looking for a way to save money on your wedding cake, or just want the most amazing cake you can find, this post by “The Knot” will give you some ideas to plan your perfect wedding cake.

We are always looking for newsworthy articles for our wedding news blog, and this article fits the bill!  Read on and follow the links to learn more.

Source: http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/blogs/wedding_style_file/archive/2009/10/07/wedding-cake-ideas-macarons-as-cake-decorations.aspx

Title: Wedding Cake Ideas – Macarons as Cake Decorations

It’s two desserts in one: Colorful macarons (aka macaroons) on the outside and tasty cake on the inside. What guest could resist?

>See more of our favorite wedding cake trends.

Photo: Ira Lippke (http://www.iralippke.com)

Cake: Payard (http://www.payard.com)

What an original idea, look for yourself what we found on MyDiyWeddingDay.com:

Source: http://www.mydiyweddingday.com/2009/10/idea-we-love-menu-wheel.html

Title: Idea We Love: Menu Wheel

This idea won us over. Instantly! Yep, that is an actual menu sitting on that plate. Amazing! As soon as we spotted this on designspongeonline.com,we couldn’t wait to share it with all of you.
The best part? Once you have all of the supplies, you can be as creative and imaginative as you like. Let us know if you try one of your own.