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outdoor location etiquette

Terri — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:33:49 GMT

I have recently started taking some senior pictures (for friends) and I am wondering if it is okay to use the same outdoor location as another photographer uses? Is is considered "bad etiquette" to do this or because it is a public area is it okay?
Thanks!

Forum: Wedding Etiquette Advice

Videography - Timeless Treasures Productions

Videographers — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:43:58 GMT

Timeless Treasures Productions (Videography) 2079 W. Bullard Ave. Fresno, CA 93711 (559) 307-9186 CONTACT US HERE Timeless Treasure Productions' owners, Kory Brown and Mari Saavedra, are dedicated and determined in providing professional grade videography for any occasion. Being California natives we've worked in Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Merced, Visalia, Selma, Tulare and even Los Angeles. We started by videotaping our friends and families' events during college. After becoming "Apple Certified Editors", our creative techniques were recognized and recommended by those who had seen our work. CLICK HERE TO CHECK DATE AVAILABILITY & GET MORE INFO. Timeless Treasures Productions does not only provide a service, but an experience. Our professional grade videos not only have the unique touches of your personality in them, but also a high quality product that is produced through the most recent technology. Timeless Treasures understands the importance of maintaining creativity and uniqueness in each of our videos. Once in a lifetime moments should not be treated lightly, but with care and professionalism. Special events may not be experienced everyday, but can be re-lived over and over again with our videos. CLICK HERE TO CHECK DATE AVAILABILITY & GET MORE INFO. For questions regarding our videography service or inquiries about one of our full length wedding demos please call our Fresno office at (559) 307-9186." If you would like to visit our store come to the Pavilion West Shopping Center at 2079 W. Bullard Ave. Fresno, CA 93711. For all other questions about our video services please email us here.

Forum: Visalia Videographers, Wedding Videography

Recommended Wedding Locations

Visalia Weddings — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:31:01 GMT

Approved, and Recommended Wedding Locations:

Bonnie B Ranch (near Yosemite) Ceremony site, and ranch resort - Web

Lakeshore Resort (Shaver Lake) 559-893-3193 Ceremony and Reception location - Web

Pardini's Catering And Banquets (Fresno) 559-224-3188 Ceremony Site, Catering, And Banquet Room - Web

Fig Garden Swim & Racquet Club (Fresno) 4722 N. Maroa Ave. Fresno, CA 93704 - Web

Paradise Springs (Wedding and reception location ,Oakhurs, Bass Lake, near Yosemite and Fresno) - Web

Golden Palace Banquet Hall (Fresno Wedding & Reception Location) - Web

Wonder Valley Ranch Resort (Fresno, Sanger Garden Wedding And Reception Hall) - Web

Ridge Creek Golf Club (Central Valley California, Weddings & Receptions Dinuba, CA) - Web

Forum: Wedding Locations Visalia

Stress-free Bridal Shower Planning

Bridal Showers — Thur, 05 Mar 2009 11:10:42 GMT

(ARA) When your best friend or sister announces she's engaged and wants you to be her maid of honor, of course you jump up and down with excitement for her. But inside, you're starting to cringe. Dresses, presents and planning at least one bridal shower you can feel the pressure building up.

If the thought of the bridal shower creates more stress than satisfaction, theres help. Culinary expert and newlywed, Kendall McFarland, research and development manager at Simply Organic, suggests cutting down on hassles with these five timesaving tips for simple but sensational shower refreshments.

* Take smart shortcuts. For enticing flavor without fuss, keep a supply of natural dressing and dip mixes on hand for fresh, homemade appetizers and snacks. Add a dip or dressing mix, such as creamy dill, French onion, guacamole, or ranch to equal parts of low-fat cottage cheese and non-fat plain yogurt and mix in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serve with fresh veggies you can buy already cleaned and cut up at the store.

* Dress up everyday favorites. Special dishes don't require hours in the kitchen. Make your easy-to-prepare favorites and dress them up with special, wedding seasonings. Try distinctive seasoning blends like red pepper and curry, apple and basil, pineapple and cilantro, or orange and ginger for a gourmet touch. For example, simply add a liberal dose of a spice (like oregano, basil, or cayenne) or seasoning blend along with some garlic and Parmesan cheese to your usual mashed potatoes, and you'll instantly serve something outside everyday fare.

* Plan and shop wisely. Forget about shopping 'til you drop. Develop your menu, including impromptu snacks, ahead of time. Then pick up everything non-perishable at the same time, eliminating those last-minute treks to the grocery store. To save even more time, order ingredients online. For example, Simply Organic carries culinary items like organic spices, seasoning blends, baking extracts and flavors, gluten-free baking mixes and other cooking ingredients and supplies which they will ship to you within a few days of your order.

* Accept help. When the bride's mother or other guests ask if they can bring anything, say yes! Ask them to bring something you don't especially enjoy preparing or something you know is that person's specialty which the bride really loves. Or have each guest bring a dessert or appetizer, so you can focus solely on the rest of the party and fun. Offers to help are gifts, so allow other bridesmaids or friends to assist if they offer. Working together can add to the shower fun, and give you stories to share as you continue down the wedding planning road.

* Make it healthy the bride, her bridesmaids and the mother of the bride all want to fit into their dresses when the big day finally arrives. The best meal you can offer your guests is a delicious and healthful one. Provide great-tasting, nutritious snacks that go easy on salt, fat, sugar, and other potentially unhealthy ingredients and your guests will fondly remember your hospitality.

Here are two great examples of healthy bridal shower dishes from the Simply Organic recipe Web site that are easy to prepare:

Fruit Chutney
Serves 8

Ingredients:
1 cup peeled and diced mixed fruit
1 package Apple Basil Dressing Mix
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Directions:
In a medium bowl, mash fruit or use a food processor and blend. Add Apple Basil Dressing Mix and vinegar and mix. Chill and serve as a relish.

Italian Egg Bake
Serves 6

Ingredients:
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 package Italian Dressing Mix
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced vegetables (tomatoes and mushrooms are good choices)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk and Italian Dressing Mix and whisk well. Add cheese and vegetables. Pour into a greased 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until center is firm. Top with diced tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra special flavor.

For more delicious, healthy and easy recipes, visit http://www.simplyorganicfoods.com and click on the recipe drop-down menu.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Forum: Wedding Planning Articles

Ridge Creek Golf Club

Near Visalia CA — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:14:18 GMT

Visalia Reception Hall - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA
Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Picture your perfect event at Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, lush vineyards and orchards, Ridge Creek is your Central California Valley venue for hosting your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Outdoor tent weddings at Ridge Creek are the perfect way to entertain your guests, while surrounded by our lovely greens, and the clubhouse offers a warm, intimate and inviting setting as well. Our clubhouse is surrounded by beautiful views of our pristine emerald green golf course, perfect for memorable photo opportunities. CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION Click here to review our Banquet Packages and Policies.




Watch A Video About Us Below - Adjust Your Volume



Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba CA - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA

Forum: Reception Halls Visalia

Ridge Creek Golf Club - Dinuba, California

Catering Visalia — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:12:44 GMT

Catering Near Visalia - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA
Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Picture your perfect event at Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, lush vineyards and orchards, Ridge Creek is your Central California Valley venue for hosting your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Outdoor tent weddings at Ridge Creek are the perfect way to entertain your guests, while surrounded by our lovely greens, and the clubhouse offers a warm, intimate and inviting setting as well. Our clubhouse is surrounded by beautiful views of our pristine emerald green golf course, perfect for memorable photo opportunities. CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION Click here to review our Banquet Packages and Policies.




Watch A Video About Us Below - Adjust Your Volume



Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba CA - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA

Forum: Catering Services Visalia

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba, CA

Dinuba Wedding Venue — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:11:26 GMT

Visalia Wedding Venue - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA
Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Picture your perfect event at Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, lush vineyards and orchards, Ridge Creek is your Central California Valley venue for hosting your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Outdoor tent weddings at Ridge Creek are the perfect way to entertain your guests, while surrounded by our lovely greens, and the clubhouse offers a warm, intimate and inviting setting as well. Our clubhouse is surrounded by beautiful views of our pristine emerald green golf course, perfect for memorable photo opportunities. CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION Click here to review our Banquet Packages and Policies.




Watch A Video About Us Below - Adjust Your Volume



Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba CA - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA

Forum: Wedding Venues Visalia

Dinuba Golf Club Ridge Creek

Dinuba Weddings — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:05:42 GMT

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba CA - Visalia Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding
Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US
Near Visalia California.
Picture your perfect event at Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club. Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, lush vineyards and orchards, Ridge Creek is your Central California Valley venue for hosting your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Outdoor tent weddings at Ridge Creek are the perfect way to entertain your guests, while surrounded by our lovely greens, and the clubhouse offers a warm, intimate and inviting setting as well. Our clubhouse is surrounded by beautiful views of our pristine emerald green golf course, perfect for memorable photo opportunities. CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION Click here to review our Banquet Packages and Policies.




Watch A Video About Us Below - Adjust Your Volume



Ridge Creek Dinuba Golf Club 3018 Ridge Creek Drive Dinuba, CA 93618 Map & Directions Phone: (559) 591-2254 Toll Free: (877) 465-3891 CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US

Ridge Creek Golf Club Dinuba CA - Wedding Location, Wedding Venues Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba, Country Club Wedding Venues Central CA

Forum: Wedding Locations Visalia

A New Approach to the Family-oriented Wedding

Visalia Weddings — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 05:16:48 GMT

A New Approach to the Family-oriented Wedding

(ARA) - Moving their relationship from dating to marriage was a big step for Lynn Lehman and Cliff Simonelli. One primary concern was how their respective children -- Lynns two young sons, ages 5 and 8, plus Cliffs three youngsters, ages 9 to 15 -- would come together as a family.

Cliff and I were both divorced, explains Lynn, a 38-year-old marketing manager. Divorce turns kids lives upside down. My boys didnt verbalize anything, but I knew they were worried. Thats one reason why Cliff and I decided to do something during our wedding to communicate to all the children that we were creating a family that would be there for them. We wanted them to know that they could trust that our marriage and our new family would not fall apart.

But finding the perfect family wedding ceremony was not as easy as Lynn had anticipated. She spent hours surfing the Web only to find a lot of so-called blended family products with more sizzle than substance. Eventually Lynn found exactly what she had in mind: a simple and emotionally satisfying family service that gives children a meaningful role in the wedding celebration.

This five-minute ceremony -- known as the Family Medallion service -- can easily be integrated into any religious or civil wedding ceremony. It differs from the traditional wedding in only one respect, after the newlyweds exchange rings, their children join them for a special service focusing on the family nature of a marriage. Each child is given a Family Medallion pendant (or ring) with three interlocking circles, a symbol that represents family love (for ceremony information, see FamilyMedallion.com).

The Wheaton, Ill. couple liked the message of the family ceremony, which included a pledge to love and care for all the children either spouse brings to the marriage. We were making a commitment to the children, and we wanted them to make a commitment to work through the challenges that our new family would inevitably face, Lynn adds.

The Simonellis say they will never forget the special family service that was the highlight of their September 2008 wedding. The justice of the peace called each child forward and, while he read the words of the ceremony, Lynn and Cliff placed the medallions around the necks of their children. There was a lot of hugging and tears.

I could tell by the way the kids reacted that on some level, they understood, Lynn says. For example, Lynns youngest son, 5-year-old Christopher, clutched his medallion and beamed at his stepdad Cliff. This is cool, dude, he said. I love you. Cliff, a 41-year-old salesman, had been concerned that his teenage son and daughter might not warm to the idea of a family service. But once we gave them the medallions, I could feel in them a palpable sense of relief -- that they knew everything was going to be OK.

Most of the guests attending the Lehman-Simonelli wedding were awed by the family ceremony. We got tons of compliments, says Lynn. People told us that they had never seen such a unique and beautiful way to recognize children.

More than 15,000 couples annually use the Family Medallion ceremony to help strengthen the bond between parents, stepparents and children. I was very impressed with the Family Medallion ceremony, says Rev. David Schaal, a Minneapolis minister. When I recently used it during a wedding, I could see the pride and happiness in the face the little boy who received the medallion. Its my feeling that when children are involved, its important to do something tangible to recognize them during the wedding.

Lynn and Cliff believe that their decision to have a family wedding will strengthen their family bond for years to come. As our kids grow older, I hope they appreciate the value of family and what we did to assure them that they would always be an integral part of our lives, Lynn says.

Andrew Lehman, 8, isnt thinking much about the future. He wears his Family Medallion every day and refers to the wedding as, The day my mom, my stepdad and all of us kids got married. My medallion means family. Thats what we are.

For additional information about Family Medallion products or the family wedding ceremony, visit FamilyMedallion.com or call (800) 237-1922.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Forum: Wedding Planning Articles

Choosing The Right DJ Service

Visalia DJs — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:08:04 GMT

How to Choose a Mobile DJ for your Wedding or Event
by: Chris Pointon

This article is intended to give anybody looking to book a mobile dj, some ideas of what questions to ask, and what areas to look for, when choosing a Mobile Dj for their Wedding. Although written to advise a client looking to book a Mobile Disco for a Wedding Reception, the various points made within, may also be suitable for many other family functions where the services of a Mobile Disco may also be employed.

One of the first things you should look for when choosing a Mobile dj, is the information which is given in the Brochure / Website. Has the Dj taken time to provide pictures of his / her roadshow, have they written in detail about the services that they provide and taken the time to publicise how long they have been in business, what music they play, and any testimonials or professional affiliations they have. What are your first impressions of the DJ and the business they run?. Even at this early stage you should trust your instincts.

Another area, you should look for is the availability of information, does the DJ clearly advertise their contact information. DJ's who conduct business purely through a hotmail or yahoo address, or those who choose only give a throw away mobile phone number as a sole point of contact, should perhaps be avoided.

The next is to contact the Mobile dj by email or phone, to assess their suitability for your fuction. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions which you feel are important to you, and it is often a good idea to either email these, or have them written down when you make the call. The DJ is a service provider, and will have allowed plenty of time to address any questions or concerns which their clients may have. Look for descrepencies in areas where the information provided by the Dj doesn't quite match up with that given on the website!.

When considering booking a Mobile dj, you should expect the DJ to play a mixed music selection suitable for all of the age groups attending. At most Wedding Receptions, with family present this usually means a wide and varied evening of music suitable for young and old tastes alike. Avoid booking any DJ who seems only interested in playing one type of music, or who will play music which may be unsuitable for the age groups in attendance. Ensure that the DJ has a comprehensive music collection, and seems knowledgable and confident on all eras of music. Again, any Dj who askes you to describe what Motown or 70's music sounds like, is not really experienced enough and should perhaps be best avoided for this type of function.

If required, your DJ should be able to incorporate a playlist, containing your favourite requests into the evening disco. However don't make this list too long or specialised, since a lot of DJ's work by "reading" the dancefloor reaction and ensuring continuity of music depending on which types of music the audience are responiding to. Since all people and audiences are different, and all individuals have different musical tastes, it is impossible to create a playlist of music before the actual function with a guarantee that running order will work with your guests.

Most DJ's like to also invite and include the requests of the Wedding Guests too, as well as those requested in advance by the Bride and Groom. Remember, when booking a DJ, you are also paying for his / her experience as an enertainer, so please be prepared to allow a little flexibility and continuity in your personal music choices, and any request list which you may choose to provide your DJ with.

At most Weddings it is often a custom for the Bride and Groom to choose the first dance, and this signals the start of the actual Evening Function. At some Weddings the Bride and Groom may also choose a second track too, and this can be used to invite other guests onto the dancefloor to join the happy couple, or for the Bride and her Father to share a dance. Occasionally a third track for another key family member could also be incorporate as well, if required. Remember to ensure that this information and any request list is sent to the DJ, well ahead of the actual function date.

When choosing a Mobile Dj, don't just base your requirements and expectations on price alone. At many Wedding Receptions, large amounts of money have usually already been spent on the venue, the venue decor, flowers, food, and of course the Wedding Cake and other services such as a photographer, and some may think nothing of spending hundreds on extras such as a chocolate fountain whilst skimping on the entertainment!. Whilst these areas are important, many clients do make the mistake of booking a cheaper disco as a way of saving money and are then disappointed with the results.

Realistically, it is false economy to just book the Mobile Dj who comes in with the lowest quote. Don't forget that the evenings entertainment, will play a big role in the success of any Wedding Reception, and an inexperienced DJ, or one who doesn't turn up at all, may ruin an otherwise pefect day. Equally a Dj who plays too loudly or who plays unsuitable music may chase away your guests early and ruin the enjoyment of those who do remain until the end. When bookng a DJ, you are paying for the difference between a jukebox in the corner and a professional entertainer, and the latter will of course expect a professional fee for their services.

A Good Dj will be able to create a positive atmosphere and have the experience to make the function work. Remember that it is the Dj's experience you are paying for, and not just the flashing lights. When booking a Mobile DJ also ask them if they have public liability insurance. This is important, should any accidents occur between the Disco Equipment and your guests, which is at the liability of the DJ you have the reassurance that they are covered. Just as importantly, a lot of venues and hotels will not allow a Mobile dj to enter their premises unless this certificate can be produced. Therefore it is in your own interests to make sure that the DJ who you book, has this minimum requirement, otherwise you may see your disco being refused entry and be unable to carry out his obligations, leaving you without a dj, on the evening of your function. In the UK, Mobile DJ's are also required at some venues to produce PAT (Electrcal Safety) certificates and so, if you live in the UK or other countries which require this, then make sure that your mobile disco has the level of requirements expected by your hotel or Wedding venue.

Most DJ's will dress accordingly depending on the formality of the event, at Wedding Receptions the usual dress for a function would be a Tux or a suit. If you have any special requirements for attire, such as black tie or if the function has a theme or fancy dress, then any DJ worth their reputation will dress suitably for the function or theme if instructed.

This is YOUR function and YOUR special day, so any mobile disco should be flexible as to the arrangements and your music requirements, so it is important to discuss these requirements prior to making a confirmed booking. Most DJ's structure their fee according to how many hours they work, so give some serious considerations to the timescale of the event. Remember that the Evening Function and its start time is reliant not only on other earlier activites such as the ceremony and the wedding breakfast running to schedule, but also the arrival of any guests for the Evening function who may be running late. So don't book your disco to start too early in order to allow for some inevitable over running and late arriving guests.

When considering the finishing time for your dj, also consider how long most of the guests have been in attendance, will they have the energy to dance until 1AM, if they have been at the ceremony since 1PM?. Do you have a function with a lot of young children or elderly relations who may leave the venue early? have any relatives travelled a long distance to be there, and who may too need to leave early in order to return home?. All these are important considerations which decide whether your Wedding Disco finishes at Midnight or runs on well into the early hours!, and again the duration of the function will reflect in your DJ's fee.

Also remember to mention to the DJ any special requirements. Do you want the use of the Microphone and P,A system for the speeches?, Do you want background music during any meal or buffet breaks?, is the DJ sharing the reception with a band?. Is the Dj expected to set up in a marquee?, is there limited space at the venue or limited access to set up?

Above all, always trust your insticts when contacting Mobile Discos, consider how much interest the DJ showed in your function, did they ask any questions?, did they appear professional and courteous?, how long did it take them to respond to your enquiry?, did they answer your questions in detail?.

Remember that how long a Mobile dj has been in business is an important factor, if in doubt you should always remember to ask the DJ if they can provide references from clients who have booked them for similar events. Please remember that is not always practical to see a Mobile DJ working, especially if that DJ only provides mobile discos for weddings, and of course in this situation it would not be ethical or professional for a working Dj to invite potential clients to other peoples private functions for viewing purposes

When you choose your Dj and book the event, then expect to pay a small deposit in order to secure the date of the function. It's also very important that your booking details and terms are sent to you in writing, and that you have some form of contract with the DJ.

I hope that this article has proved useful in giving some basic information on what questions to ask, what to look out for, and the various areas of planning which should be considered when booking a mobile disco for your event.

Forum: Wedding Planning Articles

Ideas For Wedding Reception Tables

Reception Ideas — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:02:05 GMT

Ideas For Wedding Reception Table Arrangements You Want To Know
by: Amy Spade

The trick with making floral arrangements for your reception and other areas is that you need to have either some advice or some professional help. Looking in bridal magazines and in floral magazines is all well and good, but those are pictures of no-budget arrangements. You, on the other hand, cant necessarily spend your entire budget on the flowers.

On the tables

At your reception is where the majority of the flowers will go. Each of the tables, as well as the head table, will need a variety of arrangements to add color and style. And while there really arent any rules for what arrangements you can have, you will want to keep a few things in mind.

If youre thinking about what kinds of arrangements to put on the head table, think about what pictures will be taken there. If your arrangements are so complicated that they will be distracting in a photo, then you may want to rethink your plans. Again, a florist can help you out with this kind of logistic problem, especially if theyre local. Many will already have experience in any reception hall, so they know what they need to do.

And for your guests, though large floral arrangements can look great in the reception hall, you have to consider that they will be sitting down at one point. Having larger floral arrangements blocking their view of the other side of the table or of the dance floor or head table is not a very good setup. Think about where your guests will be sitting and what they will be able to see. They may have brought cameras to take pictures themselves, so you dont want to hinder their view.

Ideas you can use

When it comes to creating drama and yet realistic floral arrangements, you will want to think about the height above all (no pun intended). A newer trend in floral arrangements is to have tall, think vases with a few stems of flowers in each, creating a larger bouquet at the top of the vase. This looks like a garden from the overall perspective, while giving your guests the ability to talk to each other.

On the other hand, you may also choose floral arrangements that are lower to the table. Some couples like to choose a combination of floating flowers and candles to add a little warmth to a table. And they also serve as conversation pieces as well.

Floral arrangements dont have to come from bridal magazines or shows in order to be useful at your wedding. Look around and see what kinds of arrangements can be done. Talk to florists about what you need and see what they suggest.

Forum: Wedding Planning Articles

Wedding Cakes: A Ceremony by themselves

Wedding Cakes — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:54:40 GMT

The Wedding Cake: A Ceremony by Itself
by: Joy Cagil

When my son and daughter-in-law held a knife and cut the first slice out of their all traditional, butter-cream frosted, lavish, and very expensive wedding cake, I couldn't help smiling. If we had been in the early Roman times, the wedding cake would not be one huge, tasty, decorative creation, but many small, possibly cupcake-sized, salty wheat cakes. In addition, the guests wouldn't be eating the cakes but throwing them at the bride or crumbling it over her head for fertility and single women would try to catch the crumbs for the same reason they catch the bridal bouquet today.

In the olden times when children didn't make it to adulthood due to childhood illnesses, fertility was important, and that is probably the reason the wedding cake tradition was born. Later on during their empire, Romans turned their salty cakes into sweet cakes. This time, they made a slightly larger bridal cake with many smaller cakes surrounding it. The smaller cakes were brought as gifts by the guests. These cakes everyone ate, but still crumbled some of those over the bride.

After the Roman conquest of the British Isles, Roman customs influenced the natives who baked dry cakes for their weddings and drank their ale with them. In old England and Ireland, there also was, and still is, the custom of a groom's cake, dark in color and made of dried fruit.

When the English sent their pioneers into the new world, they also sent their customs with them. First European settlers in the Americas made fruitcakes for their weddings because their preservation was easier.

The fancy wedding cake with several tiers was created through the initiative of the French, and although scorned by the English at first, it was later adopted and became the norm through all Europe. The wedding cake, owing to its long history, became an individual affair for a modern wedding party, with different shapes and styles and with a rich variety of flavors, fillings, and icings.

A wedding cake, after the vows, has become a vital part of wedding ceremony in our day. It is assumed that a wedding cake reflects the style, elegance, and delicacy of the couple's upbringing, in addition to their enthusiasm for their marriage.

Not only the ingredients and the making of the cake, but the ceremony of its cutting has become another reception by itself. Traditionally, the bride and the groom cut the cake together, with groom placing his right hand over the bride's right hand to cut the first slice. Then, they feed each other that first slice while everyone applauds. Sometimes, the top tier is saved for the first anniversary or the birth of the couple's first child, whichever comes first.

In some new world weddings nowadays, smearing each other with the icing has been taking hold as a custom, adding hilarity to the reception. My favorite wedding cake anecdote is a real one that may have seemed like a disaster at the time; however in hindsight, it has become an amusing joke. Yet, since the marriage has lasted, the incident might have been a good omen.

Several years ago, we attended a large wedding reception. Over the several steep stairs to the main reception hall, the wedding cake had to be carried rather than wheeled. I don't know why nobody thought of a ramp but two waiters, one on each side, took the cake up the steps.

Suddenly, a waiter tripped and the cake fell on the floor, but with luck or heavenly intervention, the top two tiers stayed intact. A pandemonium broke out with the bride's mother fainting and maintenance people scurrying about. Since the reception hall was part of a big hotel, the management came up with their version of a wedding cake. Several small cakes were arranged as the bottom layer with the two top layers of the original cake placed over them.

Judging from that experience, I think it might be a good idea to have a just-in-case second cake. After all, cakes are loved by most anyone and they don't go to waste.

Forum: Wedding Planning Articles

Cash Bar At Reception

Stacy — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:48:14 GMT

Is it OK to have a cash bar at my reception for my guests. We are paying for wine for the tables, but do not want to foot the bill for beer, and other heavy liquors. Please advise. thanks.

Forum: Wedding Etiquette Advice

Wedding Attire Etiquette

Wedding Attire — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:45:16 GMT

by: Cori Locklin

Attire Etiquette:

While rules for modern wedding attire have evolved with the times, there are still traditional standards for fabrics, lengths and styles. Here are some guidelines:

The formality of your bridesmaids' dresses should match that of your wedding dress. Although traditionally the dresses were the same length as the wedding gown, the rise in popularity of tea- and knee-length bridesmaids' dresses has relaxed that rule. As long as the fabric and overall style matches the formality of your floor-length gown, shorter bridesmaids' dresses are perfectly acceptable.

For evening weddings, guests should dress for a nice dinner or event - which includes suits (or black tie) for men and dresses or skirts in sophisticated colors and fabrics for women. Lengths can vary according to the style of the event and location. Female guests may now wear black, but never white.

Forum: Wedding Etiquette Advice

Gift giving Etiquette

Wedding Gifts — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:43:18 GMT

by: Cori Locklin

Gift-giving Etiquette:

Yes, we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion for gift-giving. Friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment of the newly betrothed by showering them with gifts. As the happy couple, just remember to always feel privilegednot entitled. So, let's review a bit of etiquette as it relates to wedding gifts...

1) Never mention gifts (gift choices or gift registry) on the invitation.

2) Publicize your registry information by word of mouth. It's also acceptable to include it on a wedding website or shower invitation (since showers are not typically hosted by the bride or groom)

3) There is no polite way to ask for cash gifts. This can only be done through word of mouth.

4) Honeymoon registries are appropriate.

5) Do not use any gifts until after a wedding.

6) All gifts, even shower gifts, must be returned if the wedding is cancelled or annulled before living together as a married couple.

7) Gift giving for vow renewal, reaffirmation ceremonies or encore weddings is not mandatory, but is a nice gesture.

8) There is no special formula for determining the appropriate amount a guest should spend on a gift. The idea that each gift should cost as much as one plate at the reception is an impractical misconception.

Forum: Wedding Etiquette Advice