Desire a destination wedding? Domestic destinations offer beauty, value

Desire a destination wedding? Domestic destinations offer beauty, value

(ARA) – Every wedding is as special as the bride who takes her vows that day, no matter if the setting is a centuries-old church, a hotel ballroom or the bride’s own backyard. But if you dream of saying your “I do’s” beside the gentle tide, or greeting your guests from the top of a staircase that looks like it’s straight out of “Gone With the Wind,” then a destination wedding might be right for you.

Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular,  but dragging your wedding dress, favors and all the guests overseas can be pricey for brides and grooms on a budget.  However, many domestic destinations right here within the continental U.S. can offer the same breath-taking scenery, diverse settings and luxurious amenities you would expect to find – and pay more for – if you go abroad.

What kind of domestic destination should you seek? Here are a few popular, cost-effective options that don’t require a long trip for your guests or you to spend a lot of money:

Beauty at the beach

When it comes to versatility in a natural setting, it’s hard to beat the beauty of the beach. A beach wedding can capture the romance of the sea, evoke the party atmosphere of an island escape, and tap the depth and power of Mother Nature in all her glory.

With miles of beautiful beaches on both coasts, the good old U.S. of A. offers plenty of locales for your beach wedding. On the East Coast, Myrtle Beach, S.C. is a popular spot that offers a wide range of versatile venues and accommodating lodging for you and your guests. The region is a reasonable drive from just about anywhere along the eastern seaboard. Plus, you can find affordable direct flights to the nearby Myrtle Beach International Airport.

For a pure beach wedding, check out Myrtle Beach State Park, which offers pristine white beaches and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Or, to marry the beauty of the beach with elegant style, check out Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in nearby Murrells Inlet, S.C.

Keep in mind if you’re holding your wedding on a public beach or park, you’ll likely need to obtain permits from the appropriate city or county agency.

The charm of the Old South

She might have had trouble staying happily married, but “Gone with the Wind” heroine Scarlett O’Hara sure knew how to throw a romantic wedding. You can recapture the grace, elegance and romance of Scarlett’s bygone era with a plantation destination wedding. Throughout the south, you’ll find representations of the gracious architecture that personified the classic southern plantation, with grand staircases, sweeping front porches and sprawling green gardens.

You can build an entire wedding theme around the locale, with attire that evokes the elegance of the Old South and southern colors like peach and lavender. A simple online search will yield numerous plantation-style venues, like Litchfield Plantation and Pawley’s Plantation, both in Pawley’s Island, S.C., or Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, S.C.

To the sea, to the sea

If you relish in the beauty of the sea but not the idea of the sand that comes with it, holding your wedding at an oceanfront hotel may be the perfect way to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the beach.  Many oceanfront hotels and resorts offer event venues with great views of the beach and ocean.

Plan to hold your wedding in one of Myrtle Beach’s many oceanfront hotels, and you can savor the benefits of a beach destination with all the comforts, conveniences and luxuries of top hotels. These resorts cater to brides with comprehensive wedding packages, creative menus and breathtaking views.

By looking for a domestic destination, you can have a dream wedding without a nightmare price tag – or the inconveniences of traveling abroad with your wedding party and guests.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage

Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage

(ARA) – Weddings are one of life’s most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itself. One of the most-remembered details is what guests are served, so the wedding menu should reflect the couple-to-be’s unique style and personality.

Aida Mollenkamp, host of the popular Food Network show “Ask Aida” says, “The food you serve should be like your dress – reflect you and fit you like a glove – so, if you prefer a cupcake tower to a cake, go for it!”

Tips for a memorable wedding menu

* Find your inspiration. Couples should think back on their relationship, and choose a meaningful place or a time that will inspire their food and wine choices.

* Indulge. This is a celebration so forget about calories and choose the food and wine that truly reflects the couple.

* But don’t lose yourself. Remember, the wedding day is supposed to reflect who the bride and groom are. If they aren’t fans of foie gras and caviar, now is not the time to serve it.

* Personalize. Consider displaying menus at each place setting that describe the couple’s food and wine pairings – and include anecdotes for why they were chosen.

* Last all night. It’s a marathon to make it from the ceremony to the reception for the bride and groom and their guests. Make sure the food is substantial enough to keep everyone filled, yet light enough that they don’t slip into a groggy fog.

* Ah, dessert. It might be your guests’ favorite course, and for a wedding, it can truly be a showpiece. Let the dessert reflect the couple’s sweet tooth, and remember Riesling is a lovely accompaniment to most wedding desserts.

David Mirassou, sixth-generation of America’s oldest winemaking family agrees. “Riesling is a delicious wine pairing option for wedding desserts. It may also help a couple’s budget too, because it can be paired with both the first and main courses, as well as dessert.”

For more wedding inspiration, as well as video tips, Aida’s recipes and David’s food and wine pairings, visit Mirassou.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Food and wine: How to create a perfect marriage(ARA) – Weddings are one of life’s most celebrated occasions. For brides- and grooms-to-be and their families, an incredible amount of creativity and planning is poured into this all-important day: from the wedding gown to the ceremony, from the invitations and flowers to the wedding cake itself. One of the most-remembered details is what guests are served, so the wedding menu should reflect the couple-to-be’s unique style and personality.

Aida Mollenkamp, host of the popular Food Network show “Ask Aida” says, “The food you serve should be like your dress – reflect you and fit you like a glove – so, if you prefer a cupcake tower to a cake, go for it!”

Tips for a memorable wedding menu

* Find your inspiration. Couples should think back on their relationship, and choose a meaningful place or a time that will inspire their food and wine choices.

* Indulge. This is a celebration so forget about calories and choose the food and wine that truly reflects the couple.

* But don’t lose yourself. Remember, the wedding day is supposed to reflect who the bride and groom are. If they aren’t fans of foie gras and caviar, now is not the time to serve it.

* Personalize. Consider displaying menus at each place setting that describe the couple’s food and wine pairings – and include anecdotes for why they were chosen.

* Last all night. It’s a marathon to make it from the ceremony to the reception for the bride and groom and their guests. Make sure the food is substantial enough to keep everyone filled, yet light enough that they don’t slip into a groggy fog.

* Ah, dessert. It might be your guests’ favorite course, and for a wedding, it can truly be a showpiece. Let the dessert reflect the couple’s sweet tooth, and remember Riesling is a lovely accompaniment to most wedding desserts.

David Mirassou, sixth-generation of America’s oldest winemaking family agrees. “Riesling is a delicious wine pairing option for wedding desserts. It may also help a couple’s budget too, because it can be paired with both the first and main courses, as well as dessert.”

For more wedding inspiration, as well as video tips, Aida’s recipes and David’s food and wine pairings, visit Mirassou.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Three secrets to creating your dream wedding

Three secrets to creating your dream wedding

(ARA) – Wedding season is here and millions of couples are finalizing plans for their big day. But what many couples don’t know is that there easy ways are to avoid stress while planning a wedding.

By following these tips, you can focus on all that is special about your wedding and reception, and avoid the headaches that sometimes come along with them.

Turn your dream into reality

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and is most likely one you’ve spent hours, days or even years dreaming about. When the time finally comes to start planning the big day, you don’t want to cut corners or settle for a run-of-the-mill, impersonal event. With the help of the American Rental Association (ARA) and your local rental store, you can be sure your wedding day will be one that will be remembered by all.

Rental opens the doors to options you may have never even considered due to time or budget constraints. A romantic outdoor wedding is possible any time of the year with large  tents and elegant canopies, equipped with heating or cooling equipment. Make a statement by skipping the traditional tiered cake and going with something more unique, like an impressive chocolate fountain with brownie or cheesecake bites or an ice cream cart complete with all the fixings. You can even create dramatic scenery on the walls and ceiling of your venue with a variety of accent lighting options.

Don’t break the bank

While your wedding day may be the most important day of your life, there is no reason why it has to be the most expensive. You can save money on seating, centerpieces and more by renting. Why buy all your wedding supplies when you are only going to use them once? Why bother paying for their storage and upkeep after the big day is over? Simplify your wedding and your budget by letting the rental store take care of the cleanup, maintenance and storage of all your decorations and supplies.

And forget about running all over town, wasting time, energy and money – make one stop at your local rental store and get everything you need. ARA members, which include more than 7,000 rental businesses and 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers, are located in every state, so you can get all the supplies you need in one stop. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, ARA offers RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest and most comprehensive rental store locator. Here, people planning their wedding and reception can find the rental store nearest them, read how-to tips and get ideas and inspiration for their event.

Enlist the experts

To make planning your big day even easier, some ARA member rental businesses offer Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs). And most offer on-site support, relieving much of the stress associated with planning a wedding. These professionals are ready and willing to share their knowledge and experience with you, from pre-wedding set-up all the way through the day of the event.

Deadlines, budgets, decor – these are all aspects of a wedding that need to be managed and sometimes are better left to the professionals. CERPs know what needs to be organized right away, and what can wait until later. They will think of that one detail that never would have crossed your mind and keep your budget in check.

Enlisting the help of a CERP from your local rental store will not only ease the stress and tension of planning an entire wedding, but it will also ensure that the wedding you always envisioned is the one you will remember for years to come. From the latest trends and themes, to innovative budget saving strategies, CERPs know the ins and outs of planning a wedding.

Don’t let the burden of planning your wedding overwhelm you as you approach one of the most memorable days of your life. Make it an enjoyable experience with the help of ARA and your local rental store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fall in love with these fall wedding ideas

Fall in love with these fall wedding ideas

(ARA) – Spring and summer may be the seasons that first come to mind when you begin planning a wedding, but autumn has a lot to offer brides too. From cooler, dryer weather and the glorious backdrop of fall colors to the opportunity to land a great deal on a reception venue, fall delivers many rewards for couples on the road to wedded bliss.

“We’re seeing increased interest in fall weddings,” says Raymond Miller of My Wedding Reception Ideas.com, a leading online resource for brides seeking unique wedding favors and other items. “Brides love the natural colorfulness of the season and the weather tends to be more reliable and comfortable for outdoor weddings. In fact, autumn may soon surpass spring as a preferred month to hold a wedding.”

If you’re planning your nuptials for harvest season, Miller offers some advice for incorporating the best elements of the season in your big day.

Cash in on color

Vibrant reds, dazzling oranges, glittering golds and bold browns – fall’s palate is a glorious profusion of colors unique to the season. Autumn brides should revel in the season’s colors, drawing the hues of fall into all aspects of their weddings, from bridesmaid gowns to table linens, floral arrangements and fall wedding favors.

“Fall colors offer many advantages when it comes to planning a wedding,” Miller says. For example, it’s easy to mix and match more than one fall color because they tend to naturally complement each other. For a spring wedding, it might be difficult to find just the right floral colors to enhance a particular shade of lavender bridesmaid gown. But pair bronze gowns with flowers that sport autumnal reds and golds, and you’ll have a sure win.

Favor the fall

Brides looking for truly unique wedding favors will find that the variety of fall wedding favors available makes it easy to put their personal stamp on their wedding. “Favors are an important part of any wedding,” Miller says. “After all, they’re the keepsakes that will hopefully remind your guests for years to come of how much they enjoyed your special day.”

Whether they’re whimsical (pear-shaped scented soaps), practical (oak leaf keychains) or sophisticated (bronze metal fall leaf wine bottle stoppers), fall wedding favors are a great way to underscore a wedding’s autumnal theme. Choosing favors that allow for optimum personalization – like personalized candy apple boxes that you fill with a homemade version of the classic autumn treat – will also help guests remember your wedding with warmth and fondness. You can find ample fall wedding favor ideas at My Wedding Reception Ideas.com.

Accessorizing with autumn

Don’t forget to continue your autumn theme throughout your wedding with fall themed wedding accessories. You can find leaf-motif unity candles, napkins and guest towels in fall colors, autumn-themed invitations and save-the-date cards, cake serving sets with maple leaf details, and a host of other items that all play to a fall theme.

Floral arrangements also offer a chance to convey an autumn theme and do something unique at the same time. Whether you opt for arrangements that feature fall flowers, like mums or gardenias, or out-of-season flowers that sport fall colors, you can accent arrangements with brightly hued leaves, branches, berries, cornstalks, hay and other natural or nature-inspired touches that are special to the season.

For more fall wedding favors, accessories, and decoration ideas, visit www.myweddingreceptionideas.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In today’s economy, is there a need for a wedding planner?

Save Time With a Planner

In today’s economy, is there a need for a wedding planner?

(ARA) – Weddings can be one of life’s biggest expenses. In the current economic climate, it’s no surprise that couples are looking for ways to cut down the costs.

“Most people are so busy that they don’t have time to plan an event with everything else they have going on in their lives,” says Deborah Wallace, instructor with the Event Management Diploma Program at The Art Institute of Vancouver, who thinks it’s important to see time as a precious commodity, as opposed to just dollars.

Wallace reflects that it can be difficult to explain the time saving as a justification to couples; for example, it’s easier to explain to a company how much they would save in staff wages through hiring a professional to plan an event. “It’s hard to make this clear for a bride and groom,” she says. “A company knows what their employee’s time is worth, but what are your friends’ and family’s time worth?”

Wallace also questions the wisdom of asking loved ones to help out with those important wedding responsibilities, such as picking out linen or choosing the flowers. “It can turn a celebration into a stressful experience for the helpers, who feel like they’re working while everyone else is enjoying the festivities,” she says.

“People spend a huge amount on weddings, and often the Wedding Planner is actually a fraction of the overall costs,” says Amy Alto, whose company, Clear the Floor, organizes first dances for wedding parties. Wedding Planners can actually help couples save some much-needed dollars, through discounts with suppliers and services they use regularly. In Alto’s experience, the Wedding Planner will also tend to get the best service from vendors for their client. “The planners give them a lot of business, so you can feel confident that your cake will arrive on time and the flowers will be fresh,” she says.

Mike Granek (CSEP), academic director for the Event Management Diploma Program at The Art Institute of Vancouver, suggests that training as an event planner can provide the skills needed to plan weddings and leave career options wider. Transferable skills, such as project management, financial management, customer service and risk management, are all used in planning a wedding. For example, managing a stressed or sensitive bride takes customer service skills, and financial planning helps to keep all the wedding costs within budget.

Richard Markel, director of the Association for Wedding Professionals International, doesn’t predict a slowdown in the increasing numbers of wedding planners anytime soon. He estimates that there are currently 60,000 professionally registered wedding planners in the US.

So is there a need for wedding planners? “Absolutely,” says Granek. “There are always people wanting to get married. As long as there are people getting married, there will be a need for wedding planners.”

To learn more The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Secrets every bride can use to make her wedding unique

Unique Wedding Decorations

Secrets every bride can use to make her wedding unique

(ARA) – Every bride-to-be dreams of putting her unique stamp on her wedding day.  Blending her chosen wedding colors into many of the occasion’s elements is just the first step toward a creative and beautiful event. Brides in gorgeous gowns, bridesmaids and groomsmen decked out in the wedding party’s colors and striking flowers are the perfect accompaniment to the colorful landscape of the summer and fall wedding seasons.

Selecting the perfect ways to feature wedding colors is a very personal representation of the bride and groom. If you’re a bride-to-be, picture homemade jewelry embellishing your wedding dress, table decorations that match your wedding theme and colors perfectly, or all your guests looking over unique programs that you made at your kitchen table.

“Making wedding decorations or even gifts for the wedding party allows you to put a lot of creativity and personality into the project. And, because you made it yourself, you’ll have a customized, one-of-a-kind item that perfectly matches your wedding and its decor,” says Courtney Talkington, manager of education and inspiration for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. “Another idea for your DIY wedding is to involve your family, friends and wedding party in making the projects, allowing everyone to be included in the fun and creativity.”

Using a centuries-old technique of quilling is one way to create a homemade necklace with a unique look in beautiful colors. Not only does the rolled paper look beautiful in decorative flower shapes, it’s also a great way to incorporate keepsakes such as ticket stubs or love letters from the dating and engagement years into meaningful, wearable art. Are you new to quilling? Quilling classes will be offered at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores starting in September.

Quilled memory necklace

Supplies and tools:

Thin paper strips for quilling: scrapbook papers, ticket stubs, old love letters and other paper mementos

Quilling tool

X-Acto knife and cutting mat

Tacky glue

1 spool tiger tail

1 package each of 3 mm and 4 mm Blue Moon glass pearl beads

1 clasp set

Crimp beads

Crimp tool

Bent-nose pliers

Wire cutter

2 6 mm jump rings

1/4 yard Tulle

1/4 yard of 1/4 inch wide Organdy ribbon

Hand sewing needle

Thread

Optional book: “The Art of Paper Quilling, Designing Handcrafted Gifts and Cards”

Directions:

1. Using paper strips for quilling, make several flower shapes in various sizes and colors.  Set aside.

2. Cut two pieces of tiger tail about 12 inches long.

3. Attach one end of one tiger tail strand to clasp using crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire.

4. String glass pearl beads for about 8 to 9 inches.

5. Attach one jump ring to opposite end using a crimp bead and crimp tool. Trim excess wire. Set aside.

6. Repeat steps three to five for second tiger tail strand.

7. Cut two pieces of tiger tail – one 8 inches long and another 10 inches long.

8. Attach tiger tail strands to jump ring. Adjust the 8 inch strand to measure approximately 6 inches and the 10 inch strand to measure approximately 8 inches.

9. Lay paper flowers out on work surface so they fit nicely between the two pearl strands and on top of the two tiger tail strands.

10. Cut two pieces of tulle slightly larger than your flower layout, following the outline of the flower shapes. Cut two large strips of tulle – about 3/4 inches wide and 3 inches long – to tie onto necklace at the sides.

11. Sandwich the two tiger tail wires between the tulle. Hand stitch the tulle together close to the tiger tail wire.

12. Tie the tulle onto the necklace at jump rings. Trim tulle to desired length.

13. Cut two pieces of organdy ribbon each 2 1/2 inches long. Tie onto necklace at jump rings. Trim.

14. Glue paper flower in place on top of the tulle following desired layout. Let dry.

15. Add glass pearl beads to flower centers. Let dry.

If you’re looking for something for your guests to take home with them, consider designing your wedding programs with a keepsake envelope. The directions below use fall burgundy colors, but feel free to mix and match the colors to personalize the program to your wedding.

Personalized wedding program

Supplies and tools:

8 1/2 inches by 11 inches of Burgundy suede cardstock

12 inches by 12 inches of Black Magic cardstock, black/red two-sided

12 inches by 12 inches of Burgundy suede paper

Lime green cardstock

12 inches by 12 inches Vellum sheets, translucent clouds

2 shades of purple, narrow ribbon

5 round beads, grape

5 seed beads, grape

Silver leaf charm

Silver “Follow your heart” charm

5 headpins

2 jump rings

Silver heart brad

20-gauge Silver wire

Grape leaf template

Paper trimmer and scissors

Corner rounder

Hole punches, regular and large

Vellum tape

Adhesive dot runner or glue stick

Jewelry tools: wire cutter, round-nose and chain-nose pliers

Computer (to generate text)

Ruler and stylus (or bone folder)

Directions

1. Cut burgundy suede cardstock 5 1/2 inches by 12 inches. Score 4 inches up from bottom edge and fold, using ruler and stylus, to create a pocket. If left and right edges are not quite even, trim them now, up to 1/2 inch total. Punch top four corners of folded pocket with corner rounder.

2. Using included pattern, trace a grape leaf on the back of the pocket flap and cut out with scissors. Print the bride’s and groom’s names and wedding date on vellum, so that it will fit the leaf shape. Attach the vellum to the inside of the pocket with adhesive dot runner. Attach a panel of lime green cardstock behind the vellum for a subtle green hue. Cut a thin strip of burgundy suede cardstock to fit behind top of pocket. Round corners and attach so the back side of the paper is visible behind the suede pocket. Using large hole punch, punch a notch on the left and right sides, using photo as guide for securing ribbon.

3. Print vellum panels with wedding information, no wider than 4 1/4 inches. Mount on burgundy suede paper and Black Magic cardstock; round top right corner of vellum.

4. To create bead grape cluster, string a green seed bead on a headpin, followed by a round green bead. Make six to eight. Create a wrapped loop at the end of each. Curl one end of 20-gauge wire and string on grapes and leaf charm. Create a wrapped loop.

5. Wrap narrow purple ribbons around the wedding program pocket and tie in a knot to the right of the leaf cut-out. Slip the bead cluster onto a jump ring and attach over the knot. Tie the ribbon, catching the jump ring, to prevent it from sliding. Attach the “Follow your heart” charm to a second jump ring and attach it to the first jump ring.

6. Punch a hole through all three layers of the program and insert a silver heart brad.

“There are so many ways to take your wedding from mainstream to magnificent” advises  Talkington. “A little inspiration is all you need to incorporate your ideas into the wedding of your dreams.”

For additional ideas for unique ways to personalize your wedding through crafts, visit www.joann.com/wedding.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Healthy eating year round for head-to-toe beauty

Healthy eating year round for head-to-toe beauty

(ARA) – From award shows to a simple coffee run, movie and television stars are known for looking photo-ready at any moment. While their appearances may seem difficult to maintain, experts behind the scenes say achieving head-to-toe beauty simply starts with the foods we eat.

Carrie Latt Wiatt, nutrition consultant to Hollywood’s elite and author of “Eating by Design: The Individualized Food Personality Type Nutrition Plan” and “Portion Savvy,” works daily with celebrities like Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson and other red carpet beauties to ensure their bodies are always ready for high-profile events.

“You can work toward desired health and beauty goals by following a balanced and portion-controlled eating regimen that can be maintained year round,” says Wiatt. “A  healthy diet can help keep skin looking more youthful, hair more vibrant and waistlines trimmer. No matter the occasion, following this approach offers long-term success.”

With so many glamorous events, such as weddings, vacations and dates, dotting the calendar each year, a long-range view on beauty is especially important.  One in three women begin to prepare for moments like these a month or more in advance, according to a new poll by the Florida Department of Citrus.

Wiatt fully understands how strongly women feel about looking their best at key moments and says the tips she shares with her clients are the same she would share with others.

“The first thing I tell my clients is to keep a food journal to identify and eliminate diet de-railing habits, such as late-night snacking, sugar addictions or baked goods at the office,” says Wiatt.

With increased awareness of daily food consumption, Wiatt then works to integrate the following healthy lifestyle habits into daily regimens:

* Fill up on fiber. Dietary fiber can help keep you feeling full for longer. An entire medium grapefruit has 4 grams of dietary fiber, some of which is soluble fiber (pectin), which helps support healthy cholesterol levels.  Enjoy half a grapefruit for breakfast and another half after your evening workout.

* Prepare your portions. Be mindful of portions by downsizing dishes at home. Measure correct portions the first time, so you have a visual blueprint in your mind.

* Shake up snack time. Eating well is all about flavor, texture and variety. For an energizing afternoon snack, try pairing a fruit or vegetable you love with a serving of walnuts to add protein, omega-3 fatty acids and a satisfying crunch.

* Eat your way to great skin. Your overall diet and health regimen may contribute to smooth, supple skin. The vitamin C found in Florida grapefruit and 100 percent grapefruit juice supports collagen production to help keep skin looking youthful, glowing and picture-perfect ready for whatever the day throws your way. Collagen breakdown in the skin may contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.

* Eat smarter. To regulate caloric intake, practice mindful eating instead of automatic eating. First, consult your brain: are you feeling hunger or boredom? Second, wait five to 10 minutes after experiencing diet-derailing cravings to see if they pass. Finally, when its mealtime, take your time and monitor for satiety – then stop when you are satisfied.

“The results of a balanced diet can be rewarding – especially when you reach a point where you’re no longer afraid to reach into the closet, try on a favorite outfit and know you’ll be ready for those planned or spontaneous special moments,” Wiatt adds.

Visit www.GoFloridaGrapefruit.com for more healthy lifestyle tips and delicious recipes featuring nutrient-rich grapefruit.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to add classic traditions to a modern wedding

How to add classic traditions to a modern wedding

(ARA) – Every bride remembers the age-old saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” and considers how to incorporate these elements into her wedding.

This English poem – believed to be from the Victorian era – was created to provide the bride with several good-luck tokens for her new life with her husband. Here are a few ideas to help the modern bride incorporate some classic traditions into her wedding:

Something old: No, you don’t have to attempt to fit into or resurrect from the back of the closet your mother’s, or even your grandmother’s gown. You might discover one of them wore a unique headpiece that you can incorporate into your veil. Or your husband-to-be’s aunt has a ring you could wear, or an embroidered satin handkerchief you can blend into your bouquet. Vintage purses, antique lace threaded into your veil or wound around your bouquet, or even a squirt from a bottle of your grandmother’s perfume also work well to classically merge the “something old” tradition into your ceremony.

Something new: The pearl necklace is a classic look that complements a wedding dress perfectly. Since ancient times, pearls – with their unblemished perfection – have been tied to weddings as a symbol of innocence.

“Because they are considered a symbol of purity, pearls work perfectly to complete a bride’s wedding-day look,” says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.com, the world’s largest online pearl company. “Akoya pearls have the perfect round shape with soft, neutral colors, while freshwater pearls shine with more of an intense, natural metallic luster, perfect to complement an embroidered gown.”

Visit www.PearlParadise.com to see the differences between Akoya and freshwater pearls and to find the perfect pearl necklace for your wedding day.

Something borrowed: This is an excellent way to get your best friend or a close relative more involved in your special day. But don’t think that something borrowed must be clothing or jewelry. You could borrow a back yard for the wedding reception, or a purse your sister used when she got married. Another potential item is to borrow the family Bible for readings during the ceremony. Other ideas include borrowing candles for the ceremony or reception, a cake knife set, music from your friends to play at the reception or even the toasting glasses you and your new husband will click together to celebrate your marriage.

Something blue: One popular idea is for brides to incorporate blue into their garter belts, but the idea can stretch much further. Nail polish, makeup, shoes, embroidered flowers on the gown, small pieces of jewelry, a wrap or even blue flowers woven into the bouquets offer plenty of alternatives. If you want to create something a little more surprising, consider wearing blue lingerie. And if you really are planning a modern wedding, you could always wear a blue dress, since blue is a symbol of love, purity and fidelity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Beyond the basics: How to create a one-of-a-kind wedding

Beyond the basics: How to create a one-of-a-kind wedding

(ARA) – Summer is right around the corner, and that means one thing – wedding season. Spring is crunch time for millions of couples planning their summer wedding, but what many couples don’t know is that there are easy ways to avoid stress while planning their big day.  

Turn your dream into reality

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and is most likely a day you’ve spent hours, days or even years dreaming about. When the time finally comes to start planning the big day, you don’t want to cut corners or settle for a run-of-the-mill, impersonal event. With the help of the American Rental Association (ARA) and your local rental store, you can be sure your wedding day will be one that will be remembered by all.

Rental opens the doors to options you may have never even considered due to time or budget constraints. A romantic outdoor wedding is possible any time of the year with huge tents and elegant canopies, equipped with heating or cooling options. Make a statement by skipping the traditional tiered cake and going with something more unique, like an impressive chocolate fountain with brownie or cheesecake bites or an ice cream cart complete with all the fixings. You can even create dramatic scenery on the walls and ceiling of your venue with a variety of accent lighting options.

Don’t break the bank

While your wedding day may be the most important day of your life, there is no reason why it has to be the most expensive. You can save money on seating, centerpieces and more by renting. Why buy all your wedding supplies when you are only going to use them once? Why bother paying for their storage and upkeep after the big day is over? Simplify your wedding and your budget by letting the rental store take care of the cleanup, maintenance and storage of all your decorations and supplies.

And forget about running all over town, wasting time, energy and money – make one stop at your local rental store and get everything you need. ARA members, which include more than 7,500 rental businesses and 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers, are located in every state, so you can get all the supplies you need in one stop. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, ARA offers RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest and most comprehensive rental store locator. Here, people planning their wedding and reception can find the rental store nearest them, read how-to tips and get ideas and inspiration for their event.

Enlist the experts

To make planning your big day even easier, some ARA member rental businesses offer Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERPs). And most offer on-site support, relieving much of the stress associated with planning a wedding. These professionals are ready and willing to share their knowledge and experience with you, from pre-wedding set-up all the way through the day of the event.

Deadlines, budgets, guest lists – these are all aspects of a wedding that need to be managed and sometimes are better left to the professionals. CERPs know what needs to be organized right away, and what can wait until later. They will think of that one detail that never would have crossed your mind and keep your budget in check.

Enlisting the help of a CERP will not only ease the stress and tension of planning an entire wedding, but it will also ensure that the wedding you always envisioned is the one you will remember for years to come. From the latest trends and themes, to innovative budget saving strategies, CERPs know the ins and outs of planning a wedding.

Don’t let planning your wedding cast a cloud over the springtime sunshine. Make it an enjoyable experience with the help of ARA and your local rental store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Engaged? How to experience all the excitement of this special time

Engaged? How to experience all the excitement of this special time

(ARA) – Congratulations – you’re engaged! This is a special time, leading up to the big day that will change your lives forever. Don’t wait for the nuptials to arrive, however, before you bask in the bliss. Savor every minute of your engagement experience.

“Brides may find that making wedding plans can distract them from the simple joy of being engaged,” says Raymond Miller, a wedding planning expert with the Web site My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. “But some advanced planning and creative ideas can help them fully enjoy their engagement while still preparing for the wedding day of their dreams.”

Miller offers brides-to-be some simple advice for getting the most enjoyment out of being engaged:

Announcing your big news

News of your engagement is one of the most exciting pieces of information you’ll ever share with family and friends. Get creative and fun with your engagement announcement, but don’t overlook practicality. You want to announce your engagement and wedding date in a way that will be quick and easy for you – and memorable to those receiving the message. Save the date magnets can be a great way to get the word out and put your wedding date front-of-mind for those who are invited.

Traditional engagement announcements in local newspapers limit your creativity and the reach of your news. Save the date wedding magnets can relay information about your wedding plans across the country to distant loved ones. And because we all have a tendency to hold on to magnets (How many pizza delivery magnets do you have on your refrigerator?) in conspicuous places in our homes, your guests-to-be will see a constant reminder of your special day.

My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you create customized wedding save the date magnets that reflect your individuality, convey the theme of your wedding and keep your date on the minds of friends and family.

Sharing the celebration

Sure, your maid of honor and other girlfriends will probably throw you a bridal shower. But you don’t have to wait to begin celebrating the good news. You and your fiancé can involve loved ones in the celebrating – and do it at a time you choose – by hosting your own engagement party.

Staging your own party allows you to share the excitement sooner. Plus, you can use the occasion as an opportunity to “test drive” wedding day seating arrangements or check out a restaurant you’re considering for the rehearsal dinner. You can also experiment with linens and décor; using colors you’re considering for your wedding will give you an idea of what these decorator items will look like in an elegant setting. Or, use the engagement party as way to preview your wedding theme – for example, host the party at a seaside location for a beach-themed wedding.

And don’t forget to celebrate as a couple, as well. If planning starts to feel too stressful, consider taking a pre-honeymoon trip that will help you decompress and reconnect as a couple. Time away together will help remind you what all your wedding planning is really about – your love for each other. The break could be as simple as a weekly date night or as elaborate as a weekend getaway.

Be resourceful

The Internet has made wedding planning easier than ever. Use online resources, like sites that allow you to experiment with seating charts for receptions, compare color schemes and create sample menus. My Wedding Reception Ideas.com can help you pick and plan personalized wedding favors, accessories and gifts for your wedding party. The site also provides tips on different kinds of napkins and how to choose them, and other useful planning hints. Visit www.myweddingreceptionideas.com to learn more.

“Planning a wedding should be part of the enjoyable experience of being engaged,” Miller says. “With creativity and some expert help, it’s possible to make the months of your engagement as memorable and special as the wedding day itself.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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