Elegant And Inexpensive Do It Yourself Wedding Flowers

June 29, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

There are so many expenses when planning a wedding that any suggestions to save some money are very welcome. One idea is to have do-it-yourself wedding flowers. It can be really inexpensive but yet elegant, beautiful and unique.

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But where to begin if you haven’t arranged flowers before? Let alone making boutonnieres and corsages (which by the way are not nearly as difficult as you may think!)

The following points may be a motivation for you to do this:

  • Save money on your wedding flowers
  • Have a truly unique bridal bouquet design
  • Have exactly the color or colors you prefer
  • corsage1

    You will have to learn about:

  • When different flowers are more
    available
    and therefore less expensive
  • Different types of flowers
  • How to treat flowers to make them
    last longer
  • How to tape flowers
  • What tools you will need
  • It is a lot of new information but fortunately there are step-by-step directions available online with clear pictures and directions with every step. So if you are ready for do-it-yourself, inexpensive but elegant wedding flowers, help is at hand. You go girl!


    Inexpensive Wedding Flowers: Do It Yourself Wedding Bouquets

    June 27, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    I have never been to a wedding where the bride did not have a bouquet. And although this tradition has been around since ancient times when brides carried bouquets made of herbs to keep away evil spirits, there is no reason why you cannot have inexpensive wedding flowers by having a “do-it-yourself” wedding bouquet.
    pink-bridal-bouquet1
    purple-pink-bouquet1

    Designs have become bolder and more unique which is a wonderful thing. More and more interesting materials are being used in bridal bouquets and it gives the designer (you) a lot more to work with besides various flowers.

    The bridal bouquet is certainly the “focal point” of all the flowers for the wedding and it can be either something really special and elaborate or very plain but elegant. Here are some ideas for do-it-yourself wedding bouquets:

  • There are many ways to personalize your bouquet like adding a monogram to it. You can for instance have the groom’s first letter of his last name (or both the bride and groom’s) printed on the ribbon that will be used for the bouquet. Another way to include monograms is to use piping or wiring shaped in the relevant letter and inserted in the bouquet among the flowers.
  • The latest trend is to go with really bold colors and to mix it up as well. Orange and hot pink, purple and red or a mix of citrus colors. You don’t have to use pastels or light colors anymore. Or you can have a monochromatic theme and use just one favorite color. This is a fun touch to any wedding and the bouquet really pops against the dress!

  • A very practical (but beautiful) solution for keeping cost down in these hard economic times is to make use of a “breakaway bouquet”. Although this appears to be one big bouquet, it is actually two or three in one which can be taken apart easily and be used separately for the tossing bouquet and to give to the matron of honor or even as decorations at the reception.
  • If you really want to go with something different, you must think texture. And not just in the flowers but using different materials to add texture to the bouquet. This adds a three dimensional feel which is very unique. Select flowers that have different textures to use together. Then maybe add some special elements to enhance the dimensional look.


  • There are many ways to save and have inexpensive wedding flowers and one way is to have a do-it-yourself wedding bouquet. It can still be very elegant but also unique and besides you will have the satisfaction of having done it yourself (not the mention the extra money for something else – like shoes!)

    Wedding Favors: Unique And Personalized But Wholesale And Cheap

    June 20, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    wedding-favor-candles1
    To have or not to have. Wedding favors that is! It can become a dilemma as to whether you should have wedding favors at your wedding or not. Many people will feel it is a waste of money especially at these trying economic times. But what if you can buy unique and personalized wedding favors cheap because it is wholesale?

    That should change the picture all together right? It does add a nice personal touch to any wedding after all – just a little keepsake to thank people for joining you in your celebration. And it will be even a whole lot better if it is something practical and useful.


    Unique and elegant wedding favors

    Here are some ideas to get your mind going:

  • An eco-friendly set of bamboo coasters (4 for $1.50)
  • Mini pillar candles (4 for $1.80)
  • Seashell scented soaps (great for a beach wedding – 2 for $1.90)
  • Personalized bottled water for $1.35 (this will be especially welcome on a hot summer’s day!)
  • Boxed and scented heart-shaped soaps for $1.80
  • 21030-heartsoap_s

  • Stainless steel heart-shaped cookie cutters for $1.75
  • A three-in-one glass picture frame/coaster/name card holder for $1.84
  • Personalized travel candles for $2.50
  • This is just a few ideas that jumped out at me. You can find a lot more ideas for cheap, but very unique and personalized wholesale wedding favors here. Enjoy the planning!


    Second Wedding Etiquette On Different Topics

    June 17, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    Etiquette is basically the “rules” set by society to do things a certain way that is acceptable to all. In this post we will take a look at different aspects of the correct etiquette for second weddings. gift-registry

    1. With a second wedding it is assumed that the couple already
    has most of the items necessary for running a household and
    therefore it is not considered correct etiquette to register for
    gifts. Having said that it has become quite common to
    give gifts for encore weddings.

    Your friends may feel they want to give you something anyway
    and you can indeed register for gifts like for your first wedding.
    You may want to specify themes like art, linen or any
    other area you may have a need.

    2. The same etiquette applies to a bridal shower for
    second weddings.
    A great idea for a second
    wedding shower is to ask for items to stock the liquor cabinet
    like glasses, ice buckets, shakers or a favorite bottle of
    liquor which you can all enjoy together at some later date!


    3. Next we will look at the correct etiquette on the cost
    of a second wedding.
    You should not ask your
    parents to pay for the wedding since they presumably already
    paid for your first wedding. If they offer to help out it is okay
    to accept.


    MySpace Money Icons Graphics

    You and your partner should discuss all the expenses in detail
    and determine who will pay for what. Another way to do this
    is to split all the expenses and pay equal amounts since you
    are both getting married. I find the Wedding Cost Estimator
    quite helpful.

    Hopefully these rules on etiquette for second weddings helped to clarify some issues for you. You can read more about second wedding etiquette here.

    Ideas For Wedding Dresses For A Second Marriage

    June 12, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    Used to be that it was frowned upon if a bride wore white or a traditional wedding dress when getting married a second time. Not so anymore. You will certainly hear various opinions on which way to go with second wedding gowns. Use your own discretion and find out what the correct etiquette is for wedding dresses for a second marriage.

    Basically you can wear any color you want in any style you want. Your choice will be affected by several factors like:

    1. If you eloped the first time, maybe you are still dreaming about that fairytale dress and would like to wear that now

    wedding-dress2

    2. Perhaps your first wedding was your dream wedding and you would like to be a bit more subtle this time

    3. Even if you had your perfect gown the first time, there’s no reason why you cannot have it again


    The choice is entirely yours and heaven knows there are so many designs to choose from. You know your body type and what will suit you or not. Does it go with your personality and do you feel comfortable in it? You are wiser and more mature now and your taste probably changed from when you got married the first time anyway.

    Here are some ideas as to which direction you may want to go:

    A stylish brocade suit in any color

    A sexy cocktail dress

    A floor length elegant sheath dress

    sheath-dress

    Or that designer number you love and looks great on you but does not justify the cost. Well now you have the perfect opportunity to buy it without feeling guilty!

    You can certainly go to town with all the wedding dresses available for second marriages. Have fun and enjoy the selection process. After all it does not happen all that often that one gets a chance to play with second wedding gowns!

    Second Wedding Ideas That Include Children

    June 11, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    Many people are finding love a second time and are searching for second wedding ideas that include children from previous marriages. The children will most likely be a part of your new married life and it will make them feel special and valued if they are included in some way in the preparations and/or the ceremony and reception.
    children-in-wedding4

    The thought of you getting married again may be a very unsettling idea to any child. They may feel like they have to take second place and how you handle the situation will to a large extent determine the bond of the family after the wedding. Including children in either the ceremony or the reception is a small token that can really go a long way to pave the way for a happy marriage.

    Apart from the regular ways to include children in weddings like inviting them to be a ring bearer, flower girl, best man or maid of honor depending on their age, here are a few different ideas of including children in your second wedding:

  • Including them in a family vow after the bride and groom’s vows
  • Include their name or names on the invitations reading something like:
    “Samantha Locklear and Jonathan Emery invite you to celebrate their wedding with them and their children Joshua, May and Heather as they become one family.”
  • girls-at-wedding

  • If they are old enough, have them read something at the ceremony
  • One of them can propose a special toast at the reception
  • Some couples prefer to give a small piece of jewelry to the children. Then after the exchanging of the rings by the bride and groom, there will be an exchanging of the gifts with something like: “This gift is a symbol of our new family and of our love for you.”
  • If this is too over the top for you, you can simply ask the officiant to bless the new family.
  • As you can see there are several second wedding ideas that include children. You have to decide which will work for your wedding and which will suit different children’s personalities.


    Etiquette And Ideas For Planning A Second Wedding Ceremony

    June 8, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    One of the first choices you will have to make if you are planning your second wedding will be if you want a traditional, religious or civil ceremony. There are many ideas and etiquette for second weddings nowadays and any of these will be acceptable.
    ceremony2

    Although the person conducting the ceremony will play an important role in putting the ceremony together you will be able to put your own personal spin on it. Perhaps you do not want a traditional wedding but want to make a few subtle changes. It is often refreshing to change things a bit. It will keep your guests interested and prevent them from becoming bored.


    These are some things you will have to think about regarding the ceremony:

    1. Music

    2. Literature, poetry or readings from the Bible

    3. The processional or entrance of the bride and groom or bridal party

    4. Wedding vows (more about this in the next post)

    5. Exchanging of rings or gifts

    6. Attendants to sign the marriage register

    7. Lighting the unity candle or similar ceremony

    8. The first kiss the-kiss

    9. The recessional or leaving the church

    Remember that this is only a guide. You can mix things up and add your personal touch. It is your wedding and you certainly do not have to repeat what has been done before. Collect etiquette and ideas for second weddings from different sources to provide more options.

    Ideas And Etiquette For Planning A Second Wedding: Invitations

    June 3, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    You are getting a second chance to plan a wedding that suits your relationship, personalities and style. Make sure you gather ideas and information about the etiquette for planning a second wedding. This post will cover the details of the invitations.

    Firstly you have to decide who will be invited to the wedding. Of course you can invite anybody you want but the deciding factor will probably be your budget.


    I would advise against inviting ex-spouses or former out-laws (just kidding!) even if you are on good terms. Because of your previous ties they may get melancholy and make other guests uncomfortable which may spoil your special day.

    Etiquette for announcing a second wedding is pretty much the same as for the first. It is commonly done by the couple nowadays but the parents can make the announcement if they wish.

    The norm is to use heavy card stock for formal weddings, verbal invitations for informal events and any of an enormous array of invitations for semi-formal occasions. The same etiquette applies to second weddings.


    Find your wedding invitations

    You can find samples of wording for second wedding invitations hosted by the couple at http://www.idotaketwo.com/invitation_1.html

    or if it is hosted by the parents at http://www.idotaketwo.com/invitation_2.html

    and if it is hosted by the couple’s children at http://www.idotaketwo.com/invitation_3.html.

    Even if you do not want gifts please do not say that on the invitation. This implies that you were expecting gifts. This is not considered correct etiquette but you can convey the message by word of mouth or by mentioning it on your wedding website if you have one. These can be created easily and is a great way to share your whole happy story with others.

    As you can see there definitely are differences between the etiquette for planning the first and second weddings.

    Ideas For Planning A Second Wedding: Announcing The Engagement

    June 1, 2009 by Francina · Leave a Comment 

    engagement-joy

    There are certain subtle differences between the etiquette and ideas for the second wedding compared to the first wedding. This post is the second in a series on planning a second wedding. The first was about announcing your marriage to all children, grandparents and ex-partners involved.

    Next you will want to break the news to all friends and family. You can do this via newspaper, email, by phone or by having an engagement party.


    Although this is generally the rule with a first marriage, the parents will probably not be hosting the second engagement party but you may have some friends and family who would like to do it.

    It is not etiquette for the couple to be hosting an engagement party but you can have a party and then announce that you are engaged. There is a difference and this will not be a gift-giving event.

    Gift registry is quite acceptable for a second marriage. Even though you may not need a lot for your household, many people will feel like celebrating with you by giving you something and they would appreciate the guidance.

    Diamonds International

    The upcoming wedding should be a celebration of your love for each other. Your family and true friends will be happy for you and will certainly be delighted to help you discover new ideas and the correct etiquette for planning your second wedding.