Summer Wedding Flowers

By Eddie Tobey, SITE

Since summer is the most popular time for weddings, it is very important to decide in advance the type of wedding flowers wanted by the bride. Since the florists are bound to be busy with many other weddings, the bride should be sure of her choices.

One good thing about summer weddings is that just about any kind of flower is available at the time. Favorite pastel colors include cool blues and pale yellows. Bold purples, brilliant reds and oranges really suit this season.

Roses give a very traditional summer wedding feel. Orange, red and yellow roses in the bouquet or the hair gives the feel of bright sunny days. Sunflowers are perfect for a modern summer wedding. It can bring the feel of the sun to the wedding with its vibrant colors.

Some popular choices for summer weddings are: foxglove, hyacinth, bachelor buttons, geraniums (pink, red, white, blue), hollyhock, moss rose, lilies, poppy (red, orange, yellow), carnations, daisy, pansy or berries (Blueberry or Raspberry).

Outdoor locations are very popular for summer weddings, and can determine the flowers used in the wedding. If the wedding is being held in a botanical garden, the kind of flowers in the garden can be used in the bouquet. If the wedding is by the seashore then the deep blue iris or bachelor buttons along with sand-colored tulips can be a perfect choice. Sunny yellow and fiery red poppies can also be appropriate. When paired with green ferns, white lilies can have a striking effect.

With so many choices, it is very important to understand the feel and mood expressed by each of these flowers, and choose accordingly.

Tips on Selecting Your Wedding Party

Your Wedding Party

By: Lawrence Reaves

When planning your wedding one of the things that you will have to decide is who will make up your wedding party. The wedding party is a selected group of your close friends and family that you want to have next to you at the wedding ceremony. Usually, the wedding party also joins you at the head table at the reception. There are no set rules to the number of people you should have, it depends on what type of wedding and how big a wedding you are planning to have. It makes it simpler if you have an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you have siblings and are close to them they are usually included in the wedding party. If you are selecting friends you want to make sure they are reliable and will be there for you.

If you are having trouble picking between two people you might want to pick the one who is close to where you live. That way if you need their help it will be a lot easier to coordinate things with them.

The traditional number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is three each. The reason for this is because it is an even number and works well for wedding photos and seating at the head table at the reception. Since you have three groomsmen that will give you two ushers and the best man can be used as a spare usher.

Just keep in mind that the less people you have in your wedding party the easier it is to coordinate. It is also easier to please all the bridesmaids when selecting their dresses. If you are on a pretty tight budget the less people in your wedding party the less gifts you will have to buy.

You can show your appreciation to your wedding party by giving them a small thank you gift. This should be different than the wedding favors; because everyone gets them. There is no right gift; it is whatever you want to give them to remember this special occasion. You can also have something engraved to commemorate your wedding. The choice is up to you.

Traditionally, bridesmaids pay for their dress but the bride selects the dress or at least the color and general style. Nowadays it is popular for brides to just select the color and let the bridesmaids choose their own dress. The best man and groomsmen will be required to dress as the groom and they also pay for their suit or tux rental. It is easier if you rent the suits or tuxedos so everyone will look the same. To make sure that the groom stands out from his groomsmen you might want to have his tie or vest a different color.

This is your day and there are no set rules of who has to be in the wedding party. You can pick whoever you want to be standing beside you when you say your vows. You can also include a flower girl or ring bearer to be part of your wedding. It just depends on the type of wedding and your preferences. This will be a special day you will remember forever.

Wedding Favor Tips

By: Elizabeth Cuadrado

Wedding Favors are small gifts given by the bride and groom to their guests as a token of their appreciation for sharing their happy occasion. Many new couples are a bit confused about the giving of these small gifts. Many questions arise such as to whom should they be given to, when they should be given, what type of favors should be given, when they should be purchased, and even if they are necessary.

In the past, wedding favors have been given one per each guest. Today with our trying economy, it is considered equally appropriate to give one to each couple. This is of course, with the exception of edible favors such as chocolates or candies which should be given to each guest. These small offerings are usually given out during the reception. The most popular way, is by displaying them on the tables along with each guest's place settings. This way, they help emphasize the couple's theme. Another more unique way, would be to set up a special table just for the favors and to hand them out individually as the guests are leaving. Depending on the wedding theme, this table can be decorated accordingly. For example for a fairy tale wedding, the table could include a giant castle surrounded by little miniature replicas that would be given out as favors.

The type of wedding favor to give out mainly depends on the wedding theme, the formality of the wedding, the wedding budget, and the couple's style. A large variety of favors are available in today's market. Sometimes, this large selection can be overwhelming. That is why; couples must try to filter through. Wedding themes can be influenced by the seasons, culture, professions, hobbies, personal style, color schemes, destination, and dreams. There are many favors for the seasons such as spring, summer, fall and winter wedding favors. Cultural wedding favors include Asian, Celtic, and western wedding favors. The most popular wedding favors today seem to be those that are useful and practical. Examples of these are bottle stoppers and coasters that come in a variety of designs to fit each theme.

Wedding favors should be purchased at least one month prior to the ceremony. Many couples choose to personalize them to add that special touch. If any mistakes occur, the couple should make sure they have plenty of time to replace the favors. Although these little tokens are not a necessity, they will definitely be appreciated by your guests. It will give them something to remind them of this happy occasion. Wedding favors date back several centuries and continue to be an important part of today's weddings.