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With technology increasingly shrinking the size of our world and bringing people from diverse cultures together, there are an increasing number of couples who are left wondering how to organize a cross cultural wedding. Many feel that they need to go exclusively with one person's culture over the others, but this simply is not the case. The best way to organize a cross cultural wedding is through large amounts of compromise and a little curiosity.

The Vows 
This might be the most important part of the entire wedding, as it frames the reason for there even being a wedding in the first place. This important ritual is present in almost all weddings around the world, but the customs can vary widely. Some couples might choose to have two separate ceremonies in order to please "traditional" families who may not be receptive to merging two cultures into one ceremony. But other couples are more progressive, and should try mixing each culture's vows together. Be sensitive to the concerns of the families involved, and do what's best for long-term peace and unity among yourselves and your loved ones.

The Music 
Unlike wedding vows, which can be an especially sensitive and sacred part of the wedding, the music played at the wedding and reception is celebratory and fun. This is where cross cultural weddings shine, as they can be both a matrimonial ceremony and an educational experience. Bring the best of each culture -- an Italian opera singer, a Salsa band, a pop group -- and have fun.

The Food 
Each culture has its own food, and each culture's weddings has its on traditional dishes. Give your guests the option of a traditional dish from each culture when they're picking what to eat at your wedding reception. This will satisfy the traditionalists of both families, but the diverse options will entice the more adventurous members of each family to try something new and exciting.

The Decorating 
A lot of people don't take into account that there are great disparities in wedding decorations based on cultural heritage. This part of the wedding is often overlooked in favor of the bigger photo moments, like walking down the aisle or taking the first dance.

But consider that Asian cultures prefer a darker color scheme -- deep reds and golds, for example -- while traditional American and European weddings consider the affair a joyous one deserving of bright colors or pastels. These customs can seem a little diverging, and newlyweds would be right to be intimidated at the thought of merging two cultures which view the event so differently.

However, think of your wedding decorations as your biggest opportunity to show that two distinct people -- with two distinct cultures -- are coming together. With "fusion" restaurants being all the rage at the moment, try a "fusion" decorating scheme. Bring traditional elements from both cultures into the reception. A good way of doing this would be to decorate some tables with traditional elements from one culture, while the other half of the tables sport an entirely different look familiar to the other family.

This will be a literal way to show the effects of a "melting pot" society, as each family learns about each other over the course of the reception. They'll be intrigued by the opposing culture's decorating sensibilities and traditions, and they'll want to know more.

Success 
Turning a cross cultural wedding into a success is relatively easy to do. A little essential compromise, combined with curiosity and lots of fun, will result in a great experience for both families and their heritage.
 
Nicole has been blogging for 3 years on a variety of topics ranging from finding the best ways for couples to start a savings account to where to find the best designer eyewear online. 


Image: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Creating the ultimate theme wedding can be a creative and fulfilling way to make your wedding dreams come true. However, deciding on a theme and choosing the perfect décor, menu, flowers, and wedding ensembles can be a little tricky. Luckily, we’ve compiled some expert tips that will help you get started. Whether you’re planning a tropical destination wedding or a jovial medieval celebration, we can help you prepare for a special ceremony and reception that will dazzle your friends and family. We hope you enjoy this quick guide to planning the perfect theme wedding:

1.) Tropical Destination Wedding Tips
Many couples decide to plan a destination wedding, for a variety of practical - and romantic - reasons. Palm trees, mango-scented breezes, and white-sand beaches can make this sort of wedding unforgettable…as well, it can be less expensive to plan a destination wedding, as there are usually fewer guests to feed and entertain. The most important thing you need to know about planning a tropical destination wedding is how to get organized well in advance. Save the date cards should be sent out months before the event, and follow-ups should be sent out regularly – use Facebook or Twitter to stay in touch.

Also, be certain to get comprehensive travel and medical insurance, and try to choose a venue or resort that is positively reviewed and rated by customers and trade associations alike. Once you know your RSVP numbers and have a workable game plan, you can begin to think about the fun stuff.

A Tropical Destination Themed Wedding
Simple, lightweight wedding attire will be most appropriate – a thin chemise or slip-dress can be a perfect, inexpensive wedding gown…the groom will look great in a white linen shirt and pale beige linen trousers. Flowers in the bride’s hair should be linked with your location – a colorful hibiscus or elegant orchid may be all you need. Makeup and hair should be beachy, tousled, and fresh looking. Aim for a sun-kissed glow.

For décor, use nature…it’s already there, and it can provide a spectacular backdrop for photos. Consider a sunset beach ceremony, with a few burning torches or a pretty trellis strewn with blossoms. Guests should wear anything light, colorful, and festive – keep it casual and relaxed. Your dinner should feature fresh seafood, roasted or barbecued meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to keep foods local for an authentic feast. Consider a Hawaiian-style luau or Caribbean-inspired menu (jerk chicken, plantains, etc.) Offer a typical wedding cake to keep a sense of tradition.

2.) Medieval Wedding Tips –
Medieval Architecture
These fun weddings hearken back to the days of brave knights and fair damsels. You’ll need to do some serious planning to get a “period” effect at your wedding. Watch films from this era (Much Ado About Nothing, The Other Boleyn Girl), and TV shows, such as the Tudors. Remember, you’re aiming for romance and historical accuracy. Consider renting costumes for your wedding party –you can probably negotiate a group rate, and this will add an element of masquerade and whimsy to this sort of wedding. If you’re going Medieval, it helps if your guests come along for the ride.

For the bridal gown, look for empire waist dresses or corseted styles. Cap sleeves or long, bell-shaped sleeves can also be very lovely for the bride. Look for bridal jewelry that captures old-fashioned elements – Irish or Celtic engagement rings often feature ancient symbols that look perfect with Medieval outfits. Use ancient symbols to add flair to wedding favors, invitations, and place settings – for example, classic Trinity Knots are a symbol of the Holy Trinity, and they look beautiful when added (perhaps in a nice bronze metallic paint or ink) to wedding invitations or vases.

For your wedding ceremony, choose Medieval poetry or Olde English wedding vows to add a sense of authenticity. The groom can be as dressed up or down as he likes – from velvet tunics and poet shirts, to simple breeches with a dark top.

Your reception should feature Medieval music, interspersed with some modern classic that still have an old-world feel. Some progressive rock has plenty of Medieval elements – Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven is one fine example. Hire local musicians who are versatile enough to play different types of music. If you’re using a DJ, be sure to play some elegant, soft chamber music (such as Greensleeves) while people dine.
Candlelight, buffets featuring roast pork, roast beef, and platters of simple vegetables, and rich velvet draping can work well for a Medieval reception. Flowers are perfect centerpieces – try to choose wildflowers or lush roses to add visual impact. Look for wooden plates and silver goblets to make things more fun. The little details will make all of the difference. A traditional honey or spice cake can make for a lovely wedding dessert – it can be a wedding cake that doesn’t require almost-inedible fondant. Use cream cheese or butter frosting, and add ancient symbols and sugar flowers with contrasting frosting colors.

For a medieval wedding, a bride may want to wear a rich jewel tone, such as ruby red, purple, or emerald green. Anything goes when the spirit of Medieval times is reflected at the ceremony and reception. Wedding favors can be charming and whimsical as well – consider homemade beeswax candles, homemade wine with a Medieval-style label, or organic honey and tea in gift baskets. Celebrating nature and the romantic, chivalrous spirit of yesteryear can be the key to a perfect Medieval wedding.

Ciara O'Brien writes for Irish Celtic Jewels, an online Celtic jewelry store. On her blog she writes about all things Irish and Celtic including information about weddings and the Claddagh ring.


I’m talking about a specific type of bridal shower favor, although this favor is a super thank-you gift for any all-girl get-together, like girls’ night out! True story—I gave these favors as gifts at a gals-only holiday party. When one of the guests opened the wrapping and saw the favor, she screamed with delight, saying she had just seen one being used in a restaurant, loved it and wanted one!

The favor is a purse valet, which comes in a variety of styles. This clever, purse-size gadget isn’t something we’d go out of our way to purchase, but when we receive one, we soon wonder why we didn’t get one of these handbag holders before.

Here’s why! With a purse valet, which fits on the edge of a table, you never have to worry about holding your purse on your lap, placing it on a grungy floor or slinging it over the back of the chair, where it’s out of your sight and unprotected. The purse valet keeps your purse close to you, yet out of the way, off the floor and right where you can keep an eye on it.

The handbag holder in the photo is a photo holder itself! The design lets you insert a favorite photo, making this favor both personal and practical. And you’ll be amazed at how much weight a purse valet can hold! Some handbags can get pretty hefty, considering all the essentials women need to make it through the day, so purse caddies are designed to accommodate some significant weight. (If your purse breaks one of these babies, it’s definitely time to clean out your purse and take some of that burden off your shoulders!)

You’ll find purse valet styles that are elegant, some trendy and casual, and some are just pure fun. When you give them to the girls (most of whom probably never even thought of getting themselves a purse holder), be sure to notice how many of them will reach in their handbag, grab their purse valet and hang it up the next time you visit a restaurant for a girls’ night out!


Susan Hawkins is a writer for My Wedding Favors, Google’s number-one online site for unique wedding favors, bridal shower favors, wedding accessories, bridesmaid gifts table décor and a library of articles filled with helpful wedding planning ideas. 

Most people tend to go fairly traditional when it comes to weddings.  Sure, the modern bride may add a little color to her white gown in the form of a sash, embroidery, or other embellishment, but by and large, many happy couples still walk down an aisle of some sort, have someone pronounce them married, and then proceed to get roaring drunk at the reception.  Have you ever been to a wedding that doesn’t have at least a few of these classic elements?  But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, you simply have to think outside the box to ensure a wedding that’s as distinct as you and your partner are (just look at the lady in Taiwan who married herself, becoming her own life partner when she got fed up with failed relationships).  In fact, the sky is the limit when it comes to planning unique nuptials.  Here are just a few ways to spice up your special day.
  1. Location.  If your stomping grounds don’t hold much appeal and you’re bored by the thought of the cliché Hawaiian wedding, then you’re in luck, because the world is full of interesting destinations to host your service.  Why not do an impromptu guerilla ceremony in the mall courtyard where you first met (with a hundred guests crowding around)?  Or pile into Stonehenge to do it where the Druids did?  The point is, you don’t have to confine yourself to a church, courthouse, or sandy strip of beach.  The world is your oyster when it comes to a wedding locale.
  2. Mixed bridal party.  Forget the notion that the bride must have girls and the groom must have guys in attendance.  In this modern world, you’re likely to have a mixed bag of close friends who should be at your side.  So get guy friends and girlfriends on both sides of the aisle.  And just to be fair, they should all get bouquets!
  3. Marry yourselves (not like the lady in Taiwan).  It’s easy enough to become ordained online these days, so if you’re not particularly religious, make your wedding into a totally unique event by getting certified and marrying yourselves (as in, you co-perform the ceremony).  You can go totally free form with your vows, even opting to sing, recite poetry, or put on a skit for the assembly.  It’s bound to be a lot more entertaining than the average yawn-inducing nuptials you’re accustomed to.  And at the very least, your wedding will stand out in the minds of all attending as one of the most distinctive marriages in memory.
  4. Activity reception.  Skip the ho-hum dinner and dancing and opt instead for an exciting activity to kick off your married life.  Think about renting out a bowling alley if you want to accommodate friends and family of all ages and ranges of motion.  Or head over to your local sky-diving field and see if you can get a deal on a couple hundred jumps.  Also fun (and probably less expensive) is a bonfire at a local wilderness campsite.
  5. Vegan desert.  So many people these days are allergic to gluten and dairy, eschewing sugars and fats for their health, or simply trying to stay svelte.  Accommodate them all with a totally delicious vegan cake or fruit and vegan-pudding parfaits.
Sarah Danielson is a writer for Adiamor Engagement Rings where you can find loose diamonds, engagement ring settings, and other fine diamond jewelry at affordable prices.

Planning your wedding can be a huge headache if you do not have a set plan. It is very easy to leave out important details (You forgot the wedding cake? Oh no!). Having a list of what you need might just ease that headache and save you from forgetting essential services, people or items.
Here is a general guide to see what you have already have covered and what you still need for your big day.

Get the Free Printable Wedding Checklist






HTML Friendly Version:
  • Planning

    • Date of Your Wedding
    • Engagement Announcement
    • Bridesmaids
    • Ceremony Site Location
    • Flower Girls
    • Flower Arrangements
    • Groomsmen
    • Honeymoon Arrangements
    • Music Coordinator
    • Officiant
    • Place Cards
    • Reception Cards
    • Reception Location
    • Reply Cards and Envelopes With Stamp
    • Ring Bearer
    • Save the Date Cards
    • Wedding Invitations
  • Ceremony

    • Bouquets
    • Boutonnière
    • Candles
    • Chairs
    • Corsages
    • Decorations
    • Dressing Room Area For Bridal Party
    • Dressing Room Area For Groomsmen
    • Flower Girl Basket
    • Gratuities
    • Guest Book Table
    • Kneeling Bench
    • Marriage Certificate
    • Marriage License
    • Music
    • Officiant Fee
    • Parking Area
    • Pen & Guest Book
    • Permits (Special Occasions, Photography etc.)
    • Photographer
    • Picture Stand
    • Pillars/Pedastal
    • Programs
    • Ring Pillow
    • Transportation
    • Unity Candle/Holder
    • Unity Sand (If having a sand ceremony)
    • Videographer
    • Wedding Rings
  • Reception

    • Bartender
    • Cake Knife
    • Cake Topper/Decoration
    • Candles & Holders
    • Centerpieces
    • Chairs
    • Dance Floor
    • Decorations
    • Dinnerware
    • DJ/Live Band/Sound System/Music
    • Drinks/Lemons/Sweeteners
    • Flatware
    • Glassware
    • Guest Favors
    • Hors d'hoeurves
    • Ice
    • Napkins
    • Place Cards
    • Punch Bowl
    • Serving Staff
    • Tables & Linens
    • Tent If Outdoors
    • Throw Away Bouquet
    • Caterer
    • Toasting Glasses
    • Parking Area
    • Pitchers of Water
    • Wedding Cake/Groom's Cake

HEY! Easy on the rice there, buddy!
Ah, the wedding reception is successfully over. It is about time for the bride and groom to make their exit to their own personal happily ever after. One last decision - to throw or not to throw? Here are a few pros and cons on traditional and not-so-traditional items to throw at the bride and groom upon their wedded exit.



What can you throw?


Rice
Throwing rice has been a tradition at weddings for centuries. Although, lately there has been talk buzzing about environmental threats that rice throwing can cause. In turn, many suppliers have come out with a biodegradable rice that can be thrown that does not harm the environment. Don't forget, rice can also be a slipping hazard.

Birdseed
Throwing birdseed has been another environmentally-friendly popular choice. There is a downside though, it can cause grass or whatever other type of seed it is to grow wherever thrown if the birds don't gobble it up first.

Flower Petals
Always a pretty choice. Just remember that rose petals can stain concrete if stepped on. If it is an autumn wedding, how about throwing fall leaves.

Confetti Poppers
A messy but fun idea is party poppers that shoot out confetti. Great for a colorful wedding.

If the location does not allow anything to be thrown, have no worries. There are a several alternatives.

Bubbles
Blowing bubbles as the bride and groom leave have become extremely popular since so many locations have such stiff regulations on throwing items. A perk with blowing bubble is that there is absolutely no cleanup afterwords involved.

Sparklers
Sparklers are a sight to see in photographs, especially if it is a night wedding. Make sure of the fire laws in your state if you want to choose this option.

Noisemakers
It could be like New Years Eve all over.

Ringing Bells
Another good choice if you are not allowed to throw anything. Plus, they are also known as "Kissing Bells". Oh la la...

Picture Taking
The bride and groom are the celebrities on this day...why not have their own paparazzi? Takes lots and lots of pictures. You can find cheap disposable cameras online for the guests to us. Downside? Try not to blind the couple.

Releasing doves or butterflies
This idea could become a bit costly, but rememberable.

Final thought- many of the reception locations have regulations on what can and cannot be thrown. Make sure to find out any of the regulations before making your decision.

"Love That Grows" Flower Seeds
Flower seed pouches are a sweet and easy Do-it-Yourself wedding favor. As they are both memorable and sentimental, your guests will love this gift that truly keeps on giving.


What you will need: 
- Bulk Flower Seeds
- Mini wire stemmed roses or ribbon
- Plastic our tulle pouches
- Paper/Ink/Printer


First, in choosing what kind of flower you give out at your wedding, you want to consider a few of things. Do you want to give ones with a significant meaning? If so, you can find flower meanings at AboutFlowers.com. Also, do you want the flowers to be annuals (blooms for one year) or perennials (returns year after year) or bloom a certain color? A good choice is the wild flower seed that they sell at Walmart in the big tubs.

Next, gather quotes. Quotes on love, life or being happy. In Microsoft Office or Open Office create a table as a template and put an individual quote in each table cell. Make sure to choose a font and color that goes with your wedding theme for the quotes. Use the table as a guide to cut out the quotes.

Then, 2 tablespoon or so of seeds in each bag and slip the paper with the quotes in the pouch. Tie with either/or the wire stemmed roses or ribbon. Lastly, gather all the pretty little pouches in a large decorative basket and there you have it- an easy to do wedding favor with a personal touch.


You know that slot of time between the ceremony and the reception that the guests are just waiting around? How about keep your guests entertained by adding a salsa bar to your reception. Your guests can mingle at the salsa bar while waiting for the newlywed's arrival. A perfect choice to keep their hunger at bay before the actual reception begins.

To kick off your caliente reception, add a couple large serving bowls of chips and several smaller bowls of different salsas and queso cheese dips.

You can find several tasty salsa recipes at Great-Salsa.com.

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Stand Apart from the Crowd with a Little White Dress

When most people think of white, they think of a few things: don’t wear it after Labor Day, don’t wear it unless you’re a bride and don’t spill anything on it. These all have powerful associations.

When you were young, your grandmother, and then your mother too, told you that it was a sartorial sin to wear white after Labor Day. No one ever really explained why, of course; It’s just one of those things that was understood, like that when you hit your teenage years, you had to start shaving your legs and wearing mascara, and how suddenly it wasn’t cool to wear velvet anymore.

Brides are expected to wear white, because white is pure – it’s the color of virginity – and while many a non-virgin bride wears white, it’s often thought of as a color that should be restricted to brides and brides only. These days, however, more and more women – even those that aren’t brides, are wearing white – and they’re daring to wear it after Labor Day! Without a fear of spilling on it!

In fact, a little white dress is a great way to stand out from the crowd, because everyone else will be wearing jewel tones or, even worse, black. Rarely do women think of white when it comes to buying their next sundress or that perfect cocktail dress, but white is practically universally flattering – it works with all skin tones! There’s really no woman out there who can’t rock white, so forge on, stylish ladies, and see how you can be the next one to wow the crowd in a little white dress.

Forget the little black dress. These days, it’s all about the little white dress. Start a style revolution by donning a white dress and watch as the heads in the room swivel and look towards you. One of the most popular looks is a white paillette dress. This strapless style is great for a summer picnic – say, perhaps, the first time you’re meeting his family?

It’s white hot with the thinnest of spaghetti straps (these are detachable so you don’t have to worry about tan lines), and is made of a silky white knit fabric that features paillette detailing along the hemline. There’s also a satin sash with a tie back to help accentuate the empire waist look of the dress. Careful you don’t get any ketchup on it while you eat that hot dog!

A ruffled one-shoulder dress is also a great look – this one is perfect for your first date with that new guy you met in line at Starbucks, or perhaps your birthday dinner out with your best friends. In crisp, clean white with just a hint of metallic, this ruffled one shouldered dress hits just above your knees. It’s at once sophisticated and timeless and yet fashion forward. The waist features belted detail to create an hourglass silhouette (let’s face it, you’ve got to fake it until you make it), while the metallic sheen of the dress gives you the look of luxury.

Marilyn Monroe popularized the white halter dress many years ago, and there’s a reason that the look has stuck around – it’s a classic. At once chic and modern and yet totally timeless, this stunning white dress hits just above the knee and is ever so slightly sheer, for a hint of sexiness. This is the kind of dress that will spin as you twirl around on the dance floor with the girls on a late night out, but it would also work well for a holiday dinner or even a birthday party. That’s the great thing about white – it’s extremely versatile!

There’s also nothing more classic than a long, white silk gown. Simple, chic and oh-so stunning, this look is great for a formal event, like a black tie party or a gala of some sort. Pour yourself into this confection and you’ll find yourself resembling the fabulous movie stars you see on television – your husband will wonder what you’ve gone and done with his wife! Don’t pair any jewelry with a long ivory silk gown – let the slinky fabric and the classic color speak for itself. If you feel you have to add something, consider a large pair of stud earrings.

As you can see, there are tons of great white dresses out there to help you stand out from the crowd. Just like black, white is the perfect blank canvas. But unlike black, it’s not a mellow, sorrowful color. Instead, it projects happiness, confidence and light – what’s not to like? Next time you’re gravitating towards a new colored dress, consider a white one instead, and let your accessories and your natural beauty do the talking! You’ll be surprised at how great you feel, even without a colorful dress.

Matt Milovale is a freelance writer who writes about weddings, fashion, and specific products such as the little white dress.

Author: Gareth Hoyle
Keep your guests amused at your wedding and let a Caricature Artist draw their pictures

This is wedding entertainment at its finest and it provides plenty of fun for family and friends. Hire the services of a Caricature Artist and they’ll draw Wedding Caricatures at your drinks reception. More often than not, you’ll be busy as the bride and groom having your pictures taken and the guests are left to intermingle amongst themselves. Whilst they are enjoying a glass of fizz the Caricature Artist can work their magic capturing hilarious caricatures of all of your friends. Pay for the services of the Caricature Artist and all of the Wedding Caricatures they complete are included in the price.

Some guests will miss out won’t they?

No they won’t. You can book the services of the Caricature Artists for your drinks reception prior to the wedding breakfast and they can draw Wedding Caricatures after the meal as well. This way all of the guests that want Wedding Caricatures can be satisfied. It takes around 4-5 minutes for each drawing to be completed by the Caricature Artist and they can easily cater for 60 guests per hour. The quality of the work provided by the Caricature Artist is amazing and your wedding guests will find the process highly entertaining. If you are looking for a fun service to be included as part of your wedding day, look no further than the talents of the Caricature Artist.

Can I book the Caricature Artist for a private party?

Sure can. As well as Wedding Caricatures the Caricature Artist regular attends private functions, birthday parties and a host of special occasion. The work of the Caricature Artist has been seen on the television and they have mixed with numerous celebrities and drawn caricatures for their pleasure. As well as television work the Caricature Artists is an illustrator for the TV Times, such is the quality of their artwork. Plan a special party in the future and ask the Caricature Artist to provide you with a quote for their services; your guests would love to be entertained by this talented professional.

Wedding-artist.co.uk creates stylish, charming and highly entertaining wedding entertainment; visit our site today for more information on Caricature Artist and Wedding Caricatures .

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