INDEX 

“PLANNING, IDEAS, AND WORKSHEETS”

It’s All About the Dress

The Perfect Wedding Ring

Why Attend a Bridal Show?

Countdown Calendar

Before Shopping for your Wedding Dress

Before Choosing your Wedding Colors

Having a Perfect Hair Day

Beautiful Skin on your Wedding Day

The Perfect Engagement Ring

Hiring a Wedding Consultant

Invitations & Calligraphy

Everyone Loves a Party

Planning the Perfect Reception

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Chapel

The Catered Food was Unforgettable

Questions to Ask the Caterer

Reception Planning Worksheet

Hiring a Wedding Florist

Questions to Ask the Florist

Wedding Cake Design

Sweet Talking – Your Vows

Memorable Wedding Toasts

Great Rehearsal Dinner Tips

Decorating with Bling

Choosing your Wedding Photography Style

Pre-Wedding Photography

Photos Not to be Missed

Photo Booth

Rewind those Special Moments

Your Wedding Video

Choosing a Professional DJ

Live Music for your Reception

The Money Box

The Money Dance

Your First Dance

How to Get Your Guest Dancing

Your Honeymoon in Paradise

Together Forever

How to Have an Affordable Wedding

How to Budget for your Wedding

Responsibilities of the Bridal Party

Saving Money on your Wedding

Easy Budgeting

Avoiding Common Planning Mistakes

Common Wedding Planning Mistakes

Tips for your Wedding

Vendor Information Sheet

Wedding Day Schedule/Sequence

Wedding Trends

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It’s all about the Dress

Choosing the Right Dress to Wear on Your Wedding Day!

You Found the Right Guy, and You’ve Set a Date. In selecting your bridal gown, keep in mind the time of year and the formality of your wedding. Weather is also a good thing to consider. In cold weather, it is smart to have long sleeves. Looking at bridal magazines will let you compare the various styles and colors. If you see a gown you like, call boutiques in town to see if they carry that line. Always try on a gown before ordering. You can rarely see, buy and take home the exact size and color gown that you want. It needs to be ordered from the dress manufacturer by the Bridal Shop. It is sewn after you order it. Because other bride’s orders are ahead of yours, you can understand the necessity of ordering your gown early. It’s wise to have your order in at least 7 to 8 months before your Wedding Day. Don’t delay looking at what is out there. It’s very seldom that a dress will be a perfect fit and be the right length. There will be a cost for alterations and pressing. No matter your shape, there is a Perfect Wedding Dress for You! A good rule of thumb for brides with problem areas is to try to draw attention away from them. Accentuate your own good features, as well as the great features of the dress, such as an exquisite neckline. A sexy low-cut back is great on all brides or fancy ornate sleeves. 1. If you are tall and want to appear shorter, you can wear a bouffant skirt or a dress that is tight-fitting and flares out on the bottom. (The mermaid effect) A sash or different color at the waist is also a good selection. 2. If You would Like to Look Taller – A general rule about designs is that you wear a dress that is a closer fit to your figure rather than a Cinderella-type dress. If it is a straight line to the floor, it adds length to your stature. Well-Rounded Figured Brides – A V neck, keyhole, or open neckline with a straight skirt achieve contrast in all the right places. A vertical line is also great for slimming. Anything that is going up and down whether it is stitching, stays or a pattern is a good choice. Many designers are putting stays or ribs in wedding dresses for that very reason. A large gal needs to be careful about strapless gowns. Be sure that you can put your arms up when you are dancing, throwing the bouquet, or posing for pictures, without coming out of your dress. A little strap is safer than none. Valuable Tips for the Slender Bride – Keep an open mind when it comes to your best choice. Strapless dresses are not the best style for everyone. A dress with straps that go behind the neck gives you more coverage and so is very flattering. If you are small in the waist, you will love a style with draped material moving in a pattern that is horizontal. It adds pounds and is very stylish. For you Short Waisted Brides – Enjoy the Basque waistline because it falls a bit below your actual waist giving your body the appearance of a perfect hourglass figure. You will sometimes notice that the lowered waist comes to a point in the middle. A Long Line Push-Up Bra – Is a wise purchase for a lot of brides. At least try one on before you decide on your undergarments. You don’t want a gap in the front between you and your dress and it will add fullness where you may need it. Be open to trying different shapes and styles that you would not expect to wear you may be pleasantly surprised! Many designers are now offering more than a basic strapless gown. Be open to the idea of a dress with sleeves. There are beautiful and stylish jackets available. Whether you’ve got super lanky limbs or a bit of a jiggle, arm yourself with a standout sleeve! Sleeves add pounds to your frame and take pounds away. If you are not pleased with what you see to purchase, consider having a jacket or dress made for you. There are a lot of advantages in having a dress designed and made just for you. You can pick the fabric and the design of your choice. You don’t need to spend a lot of time shopping and there is no charge for alterations because the gown is perfectly fit to your figure!! If you are dieting, remember that losing weight on the scale does not necessarily mean losing inches. It’s difficult to lose 10 or more pounds of fat. If you are between sizes, order the larger one. The seamstress can take it in but making it larger is more difficult. It is always easier to downsize. Be sure the Bridal Shop indicates on your order form when the gown should arrive. To have time for fittings and alterations, it should be delivered At Least five to six weeks before the wedding. Keep in mind that you will not be the only bride from your bridal shop getting married on your Wedding Day. Choosing your Wedding Dress Color – It’s popular to have a wedding dress that is not stark white and there are many beautiful hues to pick from. How do you pick the right color for you? The color of your eyes and skin may give you a clue as to what color will be the most complimentary. Usually, ladies with blue or brown eyes look best in champagne, ivory, and white dresses. Green & aqua blue eyes usually indicate a little more yellow in the skin & eyes and so gold & beige colors look magnificent. Be very careful about color. Put the dress under your chin and look at yourself in the mirror. Do you have rosy cheeks or did your skin take on a green or sallow look? An untrained eye may find it difficult to tell. When you go to try on dresses, be sure to take your mother or a valued friend.

If it makes you feel Beautiful and Gives you confidence, it Must be the Right Style and the Perfect Wedding Dress for you!

The post ALL ABOUT THE DRESS appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

Advertise right now through December 31, 2022. The rate is $350 for a full-page ad, including a Special Offer listing.

Your company’s ad will be listed in your State and Category.

This Special Offer listing can be changed 4 times a year! On the Special Offers page, your company logo will be used as

a hyperlink to your website. It includes your company name, address, and contact phone number. Check out the Special Offers listings.

When you advertise you will automatically be entered to win 2-pages free in 2023. Live drawing on Instagram Jan 1, 2023, at 12 pm MST.

To register, go to the home page, and click Vendor Registration on the menu bar to start the advertising process.

Get your Ad in before December 31, 2022, to be eligible for the live drawing!

The post Affordable Wedding Vendor Advertising appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

I am currently looking for Real Weddings layouts & Romantic Proposals write-ups. You must be Newlyweds!

Logistics: 2-3 page layout, of your wedding day photographs, including honorable mentions for the Wedding Venue, Photographer, Wedding Dress Boutique, Florist and Bakery!

I need the Mr & Mrs name at the top and the date and location of your wedding, with pictures in 300 dpi or higher.

I need to hear about your Romantic Proposals in 1-2 pages, including pictures, the name of the location, the date you got engaged, and the maiden name of the

Bride-to-be with her fiance’s name, on the top of the article. DM me Alma 435-494-9426, when you clicked Bridal Registration at the top of the home page.

Currently looking for Newlyweds! Engaged Couples will sign up too, but they have a drawing on Jan 1, 2023 at 2pm MST, because there will be many who are signing up

for these free gifts, that I will draw names for, in the 2023 Edition!

The post FREE BRIDAL GIFTS appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

The roles of attendants still hold their special place

in the planning and execution of a wedding!

I have always preferred the title “honor attendant,” because it should, indeed, be an honor to participate in the special event of loving friends or family.  I also prefer the word responsibilities to the word “Duties,” because it too evokes a special commitment to fulfill a special role.  To be an attendant means to attend to the bride. Every bride should choose her attendants with extreme care!

• Delegate responsibilities carefully to those you trust, otherwise, you will miss your own wedding.

The Maid or Matron of Honor – Will tend to as many needs of the bride as possible. Her help and emotional support can make the day more stress-free for the prospective bride.   It would be a good idea to let her know what your expectations are so that she can decide if her time is available to be there for you.  If not delegate responsibilities to others you can depend on.

• She may help the bride with details ranging from addressing envelopes to decorating, shopping, and making favors.

• She often plans and throws a shower for the bride, alone or in conjunction with the bridesmaids.

• She always has tissues at the bride’s disposal.

• She is ready for a Touch-up for wedding photography C

• She provides emotional support during all of the wedding-related events.

• Attends the rehearsal and the accompanying rehearsal dinner

• She holds the bridal bouquet during the ceremony.

• She helps the bride get ready before and after the ceremony. She bustles up the train of the Bridal Gown and helps the bride get out of her dress before leaving for the Honeymoon.

• Always watchful, she straightens the bride’s veil and trains at various times . . . including during the ceremony, as needed.

• Goes down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the Flower Girl.

• Carries the rings the groom’s ring with her to the ceremony.

• Acts as a legal witness to the signing of the marriage certificate

• Takes a place in the receiving line at the reception

• He contacts the concierge of the hotel & provides rose petals on the bed, scented candles & a bottle of iced Champaign with stem glasses. 

• He can carry cash for tips, etc.

The Brides Maids – Provide backup assistance to the matron or maid of honor and a support system for the bride before, during, and after the wedding. They help the maid or matron of honor in performing their responsibilities.

• Assists in making the preparations for and shares the cost and responsibilities for a bridal shower.

• They function as mini hostesses, mingling with and assisting the guests, at the reception.  They can distribute bubbles or birdseed for greeting the couple as they are leaving the church.

• Attends the rehearsal and accompanying dinner

Junior Bridesmaids – Ages 8-14 It allows an opportunity to include younger female relatives or daughters of special friends.  They simply walk down the aisle and look fresh and young.

The Flower Girl – Ages 2 ½ -7 provides a natural tension breaker and “Announces” the bride.  She and the Ring Bearer go down the aisle hand & hand just before the bride.  It is important that the flower girl and ring bearer have practice on where to stand during the ceremony.  You don’t want to have them unprepared.

• She may carry a basket of flower petals down the aisle and scatter them as she walks.

• She may hand individual flowers to guests with aisle seats.

The Ring Bearer – Ages 4-7 years provides a “foil” for the flower girl.  He may walk down the aisle alone, carrying phony wedding rings on a satin pillow, or he may hold hands with the flower girl.

The Best Man – Tends to as many needs of the groom as possible.  This list suggests just some of the responsibilities the best man can provide to make the day more stress-free for the prospective groom.

Provides emotional support and a presence during all the wedding events and assists the groom with all preparations. Assists with the arrangement of and shares the expenses of the Bachelor Party.

• Attends the rehearsal and accompanying dinner

• Helps the groom get ready and dress for the wedding.

• Acts as timekeeper to make certain The Groomsmen –Ushers and the Groom arrive at the ceremony location at least one hour early. Takes charge of the ushers by briefing them on special seating arrangements and all their other duties.

• Handles payment of the fee to the Wedding Officiant. ($100 or more cash in an envelope)

• Acts as a witness for the Marriage License and holds it and the bride’s ring for safekeeping.

• Prepares and proposes a toast in honor of the Bride and Groom.

• Takes care of the couple’s luggage (brings it to the checkroom at the hotel or to the car or Limo, the couple will use for their Getaway. This is, of course, because the usually very prepared Groom is not himself.

The Groomsmen or Ushers – Provide backup assistance to the Best Man and a support system for the groom before, during, and after the wedding.  Groomsmen and junior groomsmen may wait at the head of the aisle, with the best man, while the bridesmaids enter single file.  Or, if you prefer for the Processional, the Groomsmen may walk down the aisle in pairs followed by the Bridesmaids coming down the aisle one at a time.

• Assists with the arrangement of and shares the expenses of the Bachelor Party.

• Attends the rehearsal and accompanying dinner

• Arrives at the ceremony at least an hour in advance of the wedding.

• Ushers’ family members and guests to their seats.

• The Head Usher escorts the mothers of the bride and groom to their reserved seats. If you desire, Grandmothers can also be escorted to seats of honor with their grandfathers following behind them.

• Hangs aisle ribbons or cording for reserved seating and rolls out the white bridal carpet. After the wedding ceremony, Ushers individually escort the bridesmaids down the aisle.

• Makes and assists with travel and transportation arrangements to the reception for the bridal party and guests who haven’t their own transportation.

• Helps the bride and groom make their “getaway” after the wedding and usually decorates the car. Flowers on the car are a nice touch. You can buy garlands to drape.  Consider a stick-on sign.  Be careful of permanent damage to the paint.

Junior Groomsmen – Ages 8-13 provide an opportunity to include younger male relatives and sons of close friends.  Their responsibilities are simply to walk down the aisle looking handsome.

We hope Those chosen for your Bridal Party,

will meet all your Planning Expectations!

The post RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BRIDAL PARTY! appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

Heartfelt, Witty, Inspired, or Poetic, however, you want your Wedding Toast to be Remembered!

The words will not automatically roll off your tongue without prior thought.  Taking time to think about it will pay big dividends on the Wedding Day!  Think about what you want to share with friends and family.  Evaluate why you want to speak.

 When you are planning what to say, take time to acknowledge those who made the wedding possible.  Remember to mention your parents, in-laws, and those family members who traveled a distance to be there in attendance.  Don’t spend time at the reception thanking your best friends and members of the bridal party.  Those special thanks are best done in a more private setting such as the Rehearsal Dinner or Bridesmaid’s Luncheon.  You can quickly thank your friends at the wedding reception, but the wedding day toasts should be centered on the parents and grandparents.

Express what the day has meant to you. Try not to be gushy and over intimate because it can make your guests uncomfortable.  Stay positive and convey real feelings.  The Wedding Toast is not the place for inside jokes or embarrassing personal information to be broadcast.  Be tasteful and respectful.  Don’t use slang or foul language.

The last thing you want to have happened is for boredom to set in, so it shouldn’t be too long.  Two or three minutes should be enough time for a toast.  If you are worried about your choice of words, try your little speech out on a friend first.

A short story about how you met or a moment from each of your childhoods that destined you to find one another is charming.  Sharing special moments that brought the happy couple together helps bring the wedding guests a little bit closer in heart to the newlyweds.

Once your toast is composed, you should review a few fine points before delivering your toast on the big day.  Please be clear-headed – No more than 1 or 2 drinks before the toast.  Don’t mention past relationships, marriages or how long you lived together before you got married.  The purpose of the toast is to honor the 2 people who have chosen to cleave only unto each other.

Be sure everyone has been poured a toasting beverage first.  It’s smart to have a wireless microphone from your DJ. or Master of Ceremonies.  The DJ or Best Man can announce the toast and ask everyone to stand after liquids have been poured.

The Best Man is the first to toast, followed by parents of the Bride & Groom, the Maid or Matron of Honor, and then anyone else who cares to toast.  Speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear you.  Don’t talk too fast.  By previous preparation, you won’t be too nervous.  Make eye contact with the Bride & Groom during the toast.  Be careful not to turn your back on the guests.

Each person who speaks should be individually announced so that everyone knows who is expressing their feelings.  Have him or her introduced to the guests such as The father of the bride Mr. Henry Pulsipher would like to convey a few words at this time.  It may take a little preparation to get the right pronunciation of the names.  A written list is not uncommon.

Special Toasting Glasses are often purchased by the bride and groom and then kept as mementos.  They are sometimes put into a special glassed case or shadow box with preserved flowers from the bride’s bouquet.  The wedding invitation can also be put with glasses or flowers.  

Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare it! 

We Know You Will Enjoy these Memories from This Special Day for Years to Come!

The post WEDDING TOASTS! appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.

Having financial guidelines and limits will give the two of you, a feeling of confidence, and it will keep the stress under control.  It’s very helpful to know you have enough money for everything.

Please look at our (Worksheet) Budgeting section in the Planning & Ideas section of our Home Page. Try to get a total amount of money including credit cards and money from a family that you intend on spending for your wedding.  Divide your money up using our guidelines.

It used to be that the bride’s parents paid for the whole shebang.  Currently, couples are older when they marry and sometimes pay for part or all of the costs. 

The modern guidelines, if you care to follow them, still dictate that the bride’s parents pay for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception.  The groom’s parents host and pay for the cost of the Rehearsal Dinner.  The bride is traditionally the groom’s financial responsibility once the “I Do’s” have been said and so he pays for the Honeymoon.

The cost of a wedding in 2017 on average couples spends between $19,323 to $36,000. Whoever has the money can allow you to pay for it.  This might include grandparents if they want to help.  Without a plan, couples tend to spend way overboard in one area and cry real tears towards the end of the engagement when the funds are gone.  Flowers seem to be one of the budgeting surprises.  The cost may be way over what you allowed for.  Don’t be afraid to violate your budget.  It isn’t a crime but be aware of it and adjust the money.  Don’t hide your head in the sand and be sorry later.    

Budgeting is a real training ground for future marital finances but, be careful and tactful: it can also become a great battleground. The important thing is that the two of you agree about the total budget and how the money will be spent.

Make a rule to start with; no arguing about money.  No finger-pointing about who spent too much on what. Talk to your fiancé constantly about your expectations and involve him as much as he is willing to do. Do take his advice.  Be sure that he knows how important his input is to you. Be careful with credit cards; they are also money!  The biggest cause of divorce is money problems, so be sure you are not over your head.     

Go to the bank and open a checking account into which all wedding funds go, and from which all charges are paid.  

Have a checkbook with duplicates.  Be sure you write hard enough to read the 2^nd page. If you are using a debit card, be sure to tally all costs as you go because it’s easy to overspend with a Debit card.  Keep all contracts & receipts together in a three-ring binder along with bank statements. Be sure to read the Worksheet Budgeting! 

If you are careful, you will be successful in keeping within your budget

and be on your way to a successful marriage!

The post HOW TO BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING! appeared first on Wedding Extravaganza Magazine.