The prospect of an upcoming wedding is a cause for joy and also a time of planning. Traditionally speaking, it was the bride’s family that paid for the wedding (or at least paid for most of it) but also did the majority of the wedding planning.

In modern times it would seem unfair to expect the bride’s family to handle all of the financial responsibilities for a wedding, which is why most couples choose to fund their own weddings today. This is also the case when it comes to the wedding planning stage.

It is common for the couple to draw up a list of which wedding tasks are assigned to which person. For example, the bride might be responsible for the flowers and the cake, while the groom might book the church and the hall for the reception.

Most brides do wish to have their family members play a role in the planning of the wedding. Suggestions and advice from family can be very beneficial to the bride, as she is probably feeling overwhelmed by all of the work ahead of her. Having her mother, sister, and/or grandmother help her pick out the right wedding dress and choose a color scheme is something that many brides welcome.

The bride’s family can enjoy close family ties and the bonding experience that wedding planning brings, as they do such things as make suggestions about the décor for the wedding and sample different types of cakes. Help from those who love the bride is generally greatly appreciated as the pre-wedding planning gets into full gear.

It is up to the bride how much involvement she wants her family members to have in the planning of her wedding. She and the groom can sit down and discuss this issue, if she is unsure what to do. Some brides want lots of input from their loved ones while others prefer to do most of the planning with their future spouse. This is also dependent upon the size of the family, how close they are and where they live. If you need help, ask for it, but do not let your family get carried away either! The important thing to remember is that this is your wedding and you should take the biggest role in the planning of it.

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Bachelor and bachelorette parties are most often held anywhere from one to three weeks before the wedding day. In most cases these pre-wedding events are hosted by the best man and the maid of honor respectively. They tend to be focused on the celebration of friendship as opposed to the celebration of family. With this said, should the parents of the bride and the groom be included on the guest list?

A bachelor party is a time when male bonding occurs. A bachelorette party also provides an opportunity for women to bond as friends in their own unique way. It is also a way for women to celebrate the upcoming union.

There are some men that decide to invite their fathers and/or their fathers-in-law to be to the bachelor party. The decision to do so rests on how the groom feels about this. Many men are nervous about having their future father-in-law at the party because they feel that they must be on their best behavior and must be more restrained than they would be otherwise. On the other hand, inviting the groom’s father may provide him with the chance to feel young again and to really cut loose!

Traditionally speaking, neither the mother of the bride nor the mother of the groom is invited to the bachelorette party. This pre-wedding bash is all about the bride and her closest female friends. It is the bridal shower held in the bride’s honor and not the bachelorette party that both mothers are invited to attend. The two events are different. A bachelorette party is an opportunity for the bride to let her hair down and to relax and have a good time with her closest gal pals. She may feel that this would not be possible if she were under the watchful (and sometimes very scrutinizing) eye of her mother or future mother-in-law.

When the guest list is drawn up for both parties the bride and groom should let the host/hostess know to whom they wish to extend invitations. The final decision to invite or not to invite parents to the bachelor/bachelorette parties rests with the bride and groom. Bear in mind that there are plenty of other opportunities for the parents to be a part of the joyous celebration of the marital union.

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There are a few moments in your life that you want to look and feel like the most stunning princess in the room, and your wedding is one of them. A large percentage of your time and budget will be spent on achieving that beautiful bride look. But like most things involving the wedding, it takes time, often several months worth of planning. Luckily, here is a checklist/timeline of things that you will probably want  to do beforehand to ensure that you look like the beautiful bride you are.

Six Months Ahead
If  you want to lose a little weight before the big day, now is the time to start. Check with your main physician before starting any plan, so she can assist and monitor your progress.  You  can cut back on red meat, dairy, and sugar products, but make sure you replace them with healthier options like vegetables, fruits, seafood, and whole grains. Up your intake of pure water as you cut back on sugary beverages and alcohol. It would be wise to start an exercise ritual at this time.

Four to Five Months Ahead
Start looking in bridal magazines for hair ideas and makeup ideas. If you’re going to be doing your own hair and makeup on the big day, now would be the best time to practice. Stop by a cosmetics store or counter and pick up a few new items to try. If you’re going to a professional for your big day look, schedule an appointment now. Don’t forget to meet with several makeup artists and hairstylists before actually scheduling an appointment.

Two to Three Months Ahead
If you haven’t scheduled your appointment yet, then do it now. Go ahead and start getting a few facials and spa treatments now to relax. If you have major skin problems such as acne or eczema, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a solution.

Six Weeks to 1 Month Ahead
Several weeks before the big day, call and make sure your beauty appointments are still scheduled for that day. Schedule a spa day one or two days before your wedding to get a facial, manicure, and pedicure. And on the actual day? Smile and have a good time!

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Selecting your bridesmaids can be tough to do, particularly if you have a lot of close friends or come from a large family with a lot of sisters. Getting caught up in the excitement also can make you prone to selecting a maid of honor or bridesmaid that is less than par.  Being a bridesmaid is more than an honor, its also a big responsibility. That is why you cannot choose just anyone, and you certainly don’t want to choose someone who will let you down. How do you select your bridesmaids and maid of honor? Read on.

Stay Local
It just makes more sense to choose bridesmaids that live in your vicinity simply because staying in touch with them is easier, plus they are more able to help you out. But if you insist that your best friend who lives clear across the county become one of your bridesmaids, make sure that she knows and is more than willing to help out with her duties.

Try To Keep The Number Under 6
Choosing five or six bridesmaids is ideal for moderate to large weddings. If you’re having a smaller wedding, you might want to keep that number under three plus a maid of honor. The same applies to those under a strict budget, because having less bridesmaids means less flowers and attendant gifts to purchase. Choose a number wisely and stick with it.

Make Sure Your Bridesmaids Are Reliable
Don’t choose any of your fair-weather friends, and don’t choose anyone that you cannot trust. A bridesmaid (particularly a maid of honor) has to be someone who will help you through the tough times and remain a trusty ally when you’re struggling with wedding related issues.

Remember That You Don’t Have To Choose Your Relatives
Its okay if you don’t choose your sister as a bridesmaid, if you are not that close to her. The same applies to cousins, future in-laws and step-siblings. Only ask your closest relatives that you trust or your sister if you cannot imaging not having her by your side as you plan this dream day. Remember that reliability is still number one with family.

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Wanting the love and support of those who are a part of your life is important to most couples. We invite wedding guests not only to be witnesses to the blessed union but also to share in the joy attached to it.  If you would like to make your guests more a part of the ceremony, read on for some ideas.

If you are having a small wedding ceremony, you may ask your guests to bless your wedding rings. You can do this by handing the rings to a person in the front row and asking they be passed from person to person and then brought back to the front. Each person can imbue the rings with love and good tidings. If you are having a larger ceremony and still wish to do this, then choose a few people and ask them to hold your wedding bands and bless them for you.

Having a candle ceremony is another way to incorporate those closest to you into the marriage celebration. It is very similar in nature to a unity candle ceremony, only in this case not only are two families joining but you are doing something that unites each and every individual in the entire room. Every guest is given an unlit candle when they arrive at the wedding ceremony. When the time comes either the officiant of the wedding or the bride and groom walk to a person in the front row and light that candle. This person then lights the candle of the person next to them and so on. Once every guest’s candle has been lit, the last person then passes the candle to the bride or the groom who then brings it up to the front of the church and lights the biggest and brightest candle that is centrally located. Many couples have their candle ceremony right before the procession takes place. The sight of so many lit candles is truly joyful to behold for everyone in attendance.

Another way to involve guests is to ask them to turn to their neighbors near the end of the ceremony, shake hands and offer peace or support to one another, such as by saying, “Peace be with you.”

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Most engaged couples choose a spring or summer wedding, but there are still plenty of people who choose to get married during winter.  A winter wedding can be just as romantic as a summer one, perhaps even more so, not to mention that tying the knot off peak season thoroughly has its advantages, like off-peak discounts and the chance to coordinate your big day with a holiday, such as Christmas, New Year, or even Valentine’s Day! That said, there are a few disadvantages to be had, like selecting the floral and fauna. Fortunately, you still will find a lot of terrific ideas and options, even if you don’t live in Florida. Read on.

Go With the Classic Choices
Many of your favorite flowers are available in the winter. Go for the classic rose, the popular daisy, the unique snowball, or even the flower that’s not really a flower- the poinsetta. Other great options include tulips and jasmine. Talk with your local florist which are local and/or in season, so they can help you make a wise choice.

Have Fun with Color
While there may be an abundance of wedding flowers, the color choices? Not so much. But this is when creativity really pays off! If you’re going for a theme, of course you will want the flowers’ colors to reflect this. Regardless of choice, the hottest flower color choices include reds, deep purples, and creams/white. And don’t forget to add a touch of greenery with the flowers or décor; winter’s top picks in greenery include pine cones, holly, ivy, and magnolia leaves.

Add More Than Flowers to Your Centerpiece
Stretch your budget by incorporating other décor options for the centerpiece. Try candles- red or deep pink candles look fantastic for a Valentine’s wedding.  Or maybe try faux snow in vases for a holiday themed wedding.

Use Flowers That Have a Meaning
A flower is never a flower as each flower (and sometimes a certain color of flower) has a different meaning. Ivy means fidelity, a red rose means passion, and a purple tulip means royalty. If you want, choose a couple of flowers for your bouquet that mean something significant.

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Not every engaged couple is going to want fine china, crystal, and a new blender. Many  a couple these days don’t spend much time in the kitchen, and even less time actually cooking. Why make a list of gifts that will probably end up collecting dust in the pantry? If a gift registry is not your (nor your fiance’s) thing, then what options do you have? Aside from asking for money (not a bad idea once you know how to phrase it well), there are more creative options out there.

1. Ask Them to Chip in for Honeymoon Expenses
The whole wedding is pricey, and so is the honeymoon. Why not let them help pay for the romantic getaway of your dreams? With website like Buy Our Honeymoon, you easily can make a list of experiences, accommodations and more. Then your family and friends can select what they want to pay for, which saves you more money in the long run.

2. Have Them Donate to a Meaningful Charity
Perhaps you and your fiance are involved in a charity that means a lot to both of you. Why not politely ask guests to donate money to your preferred charity in your honor? This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, plus they can donate a little or a lot. The I Do Foundation is just one website specializing in charity registries.

3. Ask Them to Purchase the Big Picture
If what you really want is a new couch, who says that a new piece of furniture or maybe a new kitchen appliance doesn’t make a great gift? Now, since these are probably the most expensive and largest of gift idea, you might ask for everyone to pitch in together to purchase that big screen television or new china hutch.

4. Money Is Always Welcome
If you really need financial assistance or just would like to start a saving account, then make sure the word gets out that you would like financial gifts.  One method includes mentioning this on your wedding website, but word of mouth is always best!

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When I hear the word elope I immediately think of 24-hour wedding chapels in Las Vegas. I also think of young people who are deeply in love but whose parents do not approve of the union. I also think of soap operas. The whole idea of elopement seems to be clandestine, incredibly romantic and chillingly exciting!

To elope is to run away to get married. For many it is a secretm, and it happens out of the blue. However, it is quite possible for a happily in love couple to decide to elope even when their parents approve of their relationship and no matter what their ages are.

One of the most common reasons that couples elope is because they want to get married in a very simple manner and do not want have to deal with all of the preparations and headaches that come with planning and having an extravagant wedding. This is especially the case if they realize that someone else is calling the shots for their upcoming wedding day.

Eloping is kind of like getting married incognito. It might seem like a devilish adventure, but bear in mind that you risk upsetting certain people if you decide to forego marriage in the traditional manner and run off to be wed elsewhere.

Deciding to elope should not be a decision that is made spur of the moment. It should be something that the two of you discuss at length. Planning still needs to be involved when you are leaning towards eloping. You will be embarking on a couple’s adventure, but first make sure that this is what you both want. If one person is just giving in to make the other one happy, then perhaps you need to do some more talking on the subject.

Keep in mind, too, that just because you elope does not mean that everyone who is special to you must be excluded. Even if you plan to have a very basic wedding ceremony in city hall in a town a few miles away (or in another state), you can still invite a handful of loved ones and close friends to come along. In fact, there are certain areas in both the United States and Canada where you must have a marriage license and two witnesses in order to make your marriage legal.

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You are getting married, and you couldn’t be happier! As you think ahead to your special day, you realize that the budget you have for your wedding is much smaller than a shoestring- it is more like a piece of dental floss! Instead of panicking, realize that you are not the first couple to get married on a very small budget. Don’t let money worries put a dent in your wedding preparations. Here are some tips for how to manage when your budget is more minuscule than you wish!

There are expensive wedding gowns that are beautiful, but then there are also second hand wedding gowns that are just as lovely. There is nothing wrong with buying a gown that has been worn by another bride. No one has to know! If that is not to your liking, then consider renting a wedding gown for your special day or wearing your mother’s or another family member’s. It is not uncommon for men to rent tuxedos as opposed to buying them, so why not wedding gowns?

Flowers are generally seasonal, and some are pricier than others. One option is to choose a lower cost flower that closely resembles your number one choice that is out of your budget. Another option is to see if anyone in your neighborhood or community grows flowers. You might be able to buy flowers for your wedding at a fraction of the cost. Friendly neighbors tend to charge much less than flower shops, and their flowers are just as beautiful!

Hiring a photographer and/or videographer can be expensive. If you know someone who takes pictures for weddings or if there is someone you know who is good with a camera, then hire him for your wedding day. You might want to hire more than one person to take photographs at different angles simultaneously. Your pictures will turn out gorgeous, and your wallet will not be hurting!

Unless you have a family member or close friend who is a hair stylist you probably will have to go to a salon to get your hair done professionally. However, you could enlist the help of someone close to you to do your makeup and your nails.

Have someone make your cake instead of ordering it from a bakery. This should cut costs tremendously.

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The best man in a wedding is generally the brother of the groom. If the groom does not have a brother or stepbrother, then he may choose either a close friend of his or the brother of the bride, if she has one and if the two men are close.

It is the job of the best man to be the groom’s right hand man. He is the person who takes care of the groom’s needs and must be a responsible individual who is good at organizing. The role of best man is one that must be taken seriously.

It is the best man who throws the bachelor party for the groom. He can accept input and help from other people involved, but the crux of the responsibility falls on his shoulders. The best man must buy or rent his own tuxedo and shoes for the wedding, and in most cases he must pay for his own travel and accommodations if he is coming from afar.

He also is expected to act as a guide or leader for the groomsmen in making sure that everything to do with the tuxedo fittings goes as smoothly as possible, including making sure each one knows the date, time and place.

If the groomsmen are acting as ushers in the wedding, then the best man needs to be able to organize the gentlemen and coach them on their jobs where he sees fit. The best man and maid of honor traditionally are supposed to work together in organizing any special dinners being held for the bride and groom and/or the wedding party. It is their task to decide on a location and a date and time, as well as any extras that are needed for the occasion. The best man and maid of honor typically pay for the meals of the bride and groom while each member of the wedding party pays for his/her own meal.

In some weddings the best man escorts the maid of honor down the aisle. It is also the best man who gives a speech at the reception and makes a toast to the newlyweds. Of course, the most important job of the best man’s is to be a friend and confidant to the groom!

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