Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner-for-two, a chic New Year’s Eve party or just want a unique look for your reception tables, you’ll love these super-cool paper shades from dipotter.com. Not only do they look fantastic, they’re also economical (six shades for $22). Simply put a battery-operated tea light (six for $15) in a wine or champagne glass, and place the appropriately sized shade over the glass for a soft, dreamy glow.

You can choose from silver, white, gray and parchment tones to graphic black and white shades:

You can even have them monogrammed:

You might want to select shades that complement your wedding colors, like this pretty green grouping (other colors available include navy blue, isle blue, orange and yellow… take your pick!):

Place them on your reception tables or near the bar:

Or even in the cocktail hour room:

 

What do Rita Wilson, Michael J. Fox, Ellen Barkin and Kevin Bacon have in common? They all had weddings 25 years ago! Not only have some of their marriages gone through changes, so have nuptials overall. Weddings used to be very safe and for the most part, traditional — AKA boring! Gone are the days of super-traditional weddings with no personality or elements of surprise. Today’s couples are thinking outside the box, as they should. Breaking the rules doesn’t mean there still isn’t a formula to follow, but rather more opportunities to add your own personal style.

They say there are only two things that are for sure in life: taxes and death. Well, I’m going to add a third—and that’s budgets. I’ve never been very good with that word, but it isn’t going to go away and we are all faced with it, especially when it comes to weddings. Twenty-five years ago, the average wedding was between $5,000 and $10,000. Today, it’s closer to $30,000. It used to be a given that the bride’s parents would pay for the wedding, but now many groom’s parents or even the couples themselves pay for or split the costs. The one thing that hasn’t changed is that whoever is paying usually has the most opinions as well!

One of the biggest changes in weddings, thankfully, is in the dress itself. Wedding gowns come in thousands of styles, fabrics and colors. Did you know there are about 200 shades of white? Plus, today’s bride is just as likely to walk down the aisle in a pale pink gown (or grey, purple or red, for that matter). And while 25 years ago, a bride might change into a “going away” dress or suit, today’s brides are changing into party dresses—just to be able to be comfortable and make a bigger statement. Bridesmaid’s dresses are more fun and fashionable, too, and many brides are choosing dresses for their attendants that can actually be worn again—it’s not a myth anymore!

Wedding and event design, which is where I got my start, is forever changing. The ’80s were flashy and shiny, the ’90s were over the top with florals everywhere, and now, it’s as far as the imagination can take you. I pride myself in creating one-of-a-kind weddings and always pushing myself creatively as an artist and designer. On “My Fair Wedding,” as well as with my private clients, I’m constantly surprised by my brides’ outrageous ideas and requests, and love to put my own spin and style into them to make their dreams come true. It’s a constant reminder that I love what I do.

Technology has also evolved by leaps and bounds. Photographers no longer have to develop film and “hope” to see amazing photos in the end. Results can be seen immediately; later, photos can be finessed and manipulated into masterful works of art (thank you, Photoshop!). You know how the saying goes, “You’re only as good as the tools you have.” Well, bravo for the digital age!

Wedding registries  are also an entirely new beast of their own. It’s no longer just about getting your wedding china and silver—couples are now registering for everything from items at Lowe’s and Home Depot to charities and honeymoons to everything in between. If you can buy it, you can register for it!

The most important change I’ve been able to experience and see throughout my own 25 years of experience is how unique and personal these celebrations have become. And this is as it should be. Hopefully it’s the one—and only one—day that will remain every couple’s dream. I remember my own wedding like it was yesterday (now almost 10 years ago) and there’s not one thing that I would change. It only makes me impatient for the next big thing—a huge anniversary celebration!

► Plus, take a look back at weddings through the ages, from the early 1900s through today.

Loverly is the heart of weddings: a visual inspiration search engine designed to help brides discover ideas, people to hire, and things to buy. Loverly makes finding beautiful wedding inspiration easier than ever! Their images are powered by the best wedding publishers and wedding shopping partners on the web. Maybe it’s the whole “sitting in a tree thing,” but for whatever reason, birds just make for super sweet wedding décor. And they are so versatile! You can do adorable songbirds at a vintage wedding, earthy nests for a rustic wedding, or exotic feathers for a black-tie affair. Here are our favorite bird décor ideas.

Stationery
Set the tone for a fun and classic wedding with this bright bird save-the-date:

For a rustic wedding, choose invites with a more natural, organic feel. Or, for a modern wedding, fold colorful paper into cranes and use them to prop up your escort cards:

Guests would love to open this stationery suite sealed with a silver bird charm:

The pretty birds and flowers on these table numbers remind me of illustrations from my favorite books growing up:

Let guests sign in with a thumbprint leaf on your tree:

A variety of little birdhouses in a row are great on the escort card table at an eclectic wedding:

Flowers & Décor
You can’t go wrong with this neutral feathered bouquet; it’s as beautiful on the beach as it is in a barn:

Birdcages are gorgeous anywhere. You can put candles in them on tables, hang them from the ceiling, or just use them as a pretty prop:

Wedding Cakes
This rustic cake is so beautiful — love the twig accent!

Don’t limit yourself to the cake’s topper; let a flock of birds cover your cake. Watercolor-style birds turn this cake into a piece of art. And the white accents on the right would look good at any style of wedding:

Two different ways to do birds on top of cupcakes. First, teeny birds on top of a shredded coconut nest. Or go for patterned chickadees (each one is handmade and totally unique!):

Accessories
Peacock feathers are surprisingly versatile! This bride’s look is bold and dramatic. A peacock feather tucked into a boutonniere is subdued against a neutral suit:

This skinny gold bangle would look great on you or your bridesmaids. And a spray of feathers makes this fascinator quite possibly the best “something blue” I’ve ever seen:

A golden bird with a tiny heart cutout and feathered wings is an unexpected (but gorgeous!) hair accessory:

It’s every bride’s and groom’s dream on their wedding day to have a long and happy marriage. You picture yourselves raising a family, sharing adventures and celebrating future milestones together. It’s certainly the ideal, so when I recently learned about a couple who have been married for over 60 years I decided to reach out to them to get some marital advice to share with you. This wonderful couple, Dr. Titus Plomaritis, who has written an autobiography aptly named Titus, and his wife, Claire happily obliged.

Dr. Plomaritis, a retired chiropractor, also served as President of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. He met Claire, former representative of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, in 1948. It was love at first sight for Titus, so he began his “relentless pursuit to win her over.” As Titus states in his book dedication to Claire, “She is the love of my love and best friend.”

Lowell High School Senior Prom in 1949

Wedding date: December 1, 1951

Today, they are the parents of four grown children and the proud grandparents of eight. Here’s a snippet of my conversation with them.

Q. Were there rough spots during your married life? If so, how did you overcome them?
A. Yes, we had arguments and disagreements, but we overcame them by never going to bed angry.

Q. What are some of the best things about being married?
A. Sharing, as parents, the growth and development of our children, as well as sharing the disciplining component of good guy/bad guy. We also enjoy Saturday night dates and joint tax returns!

Q. For newlyweds today, what is your one bit of advice for a successful marriage?
A, Respect one another’s opinion, and never go to bed mad.

Q. Does marriage get even better with age?
A. In our case, yes! Our children live all across the U.S.A. from Cape Cod to Alaska, so we share time with all of them and reminisce, which is always refreshing. Claire and I always walk away holding hands with smiles on our faces and achievement in our hearts.

Q. What do you love most about Claire?
A. Her love and affection and always giving of herself.

Q. What do you love most about Titus?
A. His tolerance and willingness to compromise.

The couple also shared their top ten tips for newlyweds: 
1. Be honest with one another
2. Be faithful to one another
3. Be respectful
4. Be unselfish
5. Be helpful
6. Avoid criticizing each other
7. Avoid blaming each other
8. Avoid nagging
9. Avoid demeaning each other
10. Following an argument: a kiss, a hug and “I’m sorry.”

Happy 61st anniversary, Titus and Claire! You are an inspiration for all of us, and we hope you enjoy many more anniversaries.

 

It’s finally starting to feel like spring here in NYC, and we’ve caught a serious case of spring fever. Since more than 40% of BG brides get married between March and June, we pulled together some of our favorite trends for these wonderful warm-weather months.

Embrace the Rainy Season
You know what they say — “April showers bring May flowers.” Be prepared for a rainy day, or add some creative touches to your décor, like upside-down umbrellas suspended from the ceiling.

Bold Bouquets
With so many flowers in season during the spring months, your options are nearly endless when it comes to your bridal bouquet. We love using bold warm tones:

Play Ball
For fans of America’s favorite pastime, one of the best things about spring is the return of baseball season. If you two can’t get enough, add a few touches to your wedding — from subtle nods, like a cake topper, to naming your tables after MLB parks:

Planter-Inspired Centerpieces
Spring is a wonderful time for gardening; for your centerpieces, consider a suspended planter or cute takeaway succulents that guests can plant at home:

Cherry Blossoms
One of the most anticipated times in our nation’s capital this season is when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom – and the blooming period only lasts up to 14 days. Incorporate these spectacular flowers in your décor, recreate them on your cake or, if you’re getting married in DC during the blooming period, be sure to take a few photos under the cherry blossoms!

Lighten Up, Grooms!
Embrace the warmth of the season by ditching black formalwear in favor of a lighter hues for the groom and groomsmen. We love this groom’s seersucker suit and these groomsmen in tan:

Butterflies & Birds
As the butterflies leave their cocoons and the birds return home, many couples opt to include nods to these fluttering creatures in their spring wedding décor — from bridesmaids dresses to cake toppers to centerpieces to place cards:

Open-Air Transportation
Take advantage of the season’s warmth by riding from your ceremony to reception on a bike — either motorized or build for two.

Dream Location: Garden
A garden is a perfect location for a springtime wedding — flowers are blooming all around you, the grass has never looked greener, and the slight breeze in the air will keep your guests cool. Many couples opt to bring indoor elements out, like gorgeous chandeliers.

Vibrant Shades for Bridesmaids
Pastels are always popular for spring, but we love going for the bold; try a cobalt blue or vivid pink instead.

Q. For my bachelorette party, my bridesmaids and I are thinking of going on a day cruise — but some are concerned about the price. Are they expected to pay for their own tickets? Do you have other ideas that may be less costly? 

A. Bridesmaids are expected to pick up the tab for a bachelorette party, whether it’s a cruise, a dinner at a restaurant or a night on the town. If it’s an expensive ticket, don’t be surprised if some of them beg off for financial reasons. However, there are some equally festive and less pricey options for you and your friends:

• Weather permitting, have a pool party and barbecue and ask everyone to contribute a dish.
• Plan a bowling night or go to an amusement park.
• Stay home and have a spa slumber party, in which you treat yourselves to facials, manicures and pedicures, watch movies and reminisce.
• Consider a wine-tasting party and let each attendant bring her favorite bottle of wine. Serve cheese and crackers, fruit and a variety of hors d’oeuvres, and finish with a chocolate fondue.
• Take the party outdoors and go horseback riding, camping or hiking or rent New York Limousine.

Remember, just being together and having an opportunity to share this special time will make any gathering with your ’maids fun and memorable.

 

The biggest wedding season, June through September, is right around the corner. We asked celebrity event expert Brian Worley, co-owner of Your BASH! Event Production, for his take on what the hottest trends (no pun intended) will be for summer celebrations. Brian has not only created weddings for Hollywood celebrities, but he’s also hosted a number of TV shows including WE tv’s Platinum Weddings and TLC’s Battle of the Wedding Designer.

Here are Brian’s top three trends:

1. Go Bright: Summer weddings will encompass bright colors using various hues of green and bold jewel tones such as emerald, which is the color for 2013. Outdoor weddings will pull upon vibrant colors to act as natural electricity rather than lots of bright lighting.

These electric weddings will incorporate beautiful linens that pop and flowers that contrast the linens and really act as a centerpiece of color.

Weddings that use these bright colors will be a bit more whimsical and have a playful, not-so-serious theme. There’ll be mod fabrics and designs that have a modern twist. These exciting patterns should be used tastefully as accents to the overall décor.

   

2. The “Restoration Hardware” and “Anthropology” trend will also make a big splash this summer. Unlike the mix and match vintage look that has been so popular for the last few years, this trend has a more sturdy, refined and stylized look. It’s about taking something new that has a modern and eclectic twist, rather than finding items in a thrift store and looking for a way to marry the pieces together. Colors encompass shades of brown, ivory and gray, and the décor features oversized couches and fabrics with interesting and natural textures.

Other details include chunky wood tables, lots of candles tassel centerpieces and olive branches as filler. This trend is deliberately haphazard but looks buttoned up and tailored.

3. Lastly, 2013 summer weddings will start to see a huge influx of Art Deco design once The Great Gatsby movie is released. Much like Moulin Rouge did for wedding design years ago, Art Deco will become a staple for 2013. This flashy and over-the-top trend will be executed with style.

Look for lots of metallic and black and white. Pearls will replace the ever so popular crystal from the last few years. Ultimately, this trend will replicate the parties that are seen in the movie and will give a nod to the Roaring Twenties and all of its excesses.

 

Few things make a bride and groom more anxious than thank you notes—there are just so many of them to write out for different gifts, favors, and assistance with the wedding plans. Many couples worry about coming up with wording that is genuine and truly expresses their gratitude.Tackle this last wedding task with confidence by avoiding these common blunders:

1. Getting the names wrong. Nothing is worse than writing a thank you note to guests you don’t know very well and spelling their names wrong! If their names aren’t clear on the wedding gift card, check back to your master invitations list and contact a loved one who can provide the correct spelling.

2. Forgetting about the children. If a gift comes from a family with kids, be sure to list all of the childrens’ names in your thank you card. If their wedding card doesn’t include all of them—sometimes guests are informal and write “…and family” or “and the girls”—call a parent or friend for the full list and correct spellings. Every family (especially large, extended families) has an in-the-know relative with all of the details.

3. Writing generic messages. Avoid the phrase “Thanks for your generous gift,” which sounds like something you would see on a greeting card. Instead, personalize your note by telling your guests how you’ll use the gift, if it reminds you of a great family memory or if it was your favorite item on the registry. Honor your guests’ generosity with a well-thought out message. You could even take it a step further and thank them for a special moment that you shared with them at the wedding.

4. Focusing on the money. Although your guests may have been generous, it’s a big no-no to gush about the cash value in your note (e.g. “Thank you for your gift of $200″). People, not gifts, come first: Focus instead on your gratitude for their support and say how terrific it was to spend time with them at the wedding.

You could also share what their gift will be used for (guests LOVE hearing this part), such as the down payment on your dream home or a special honeymoon adventure. Important: If you’re using their gift to pay off a crushing credit card debt, keep it to yourself. Guests prefer to hear that they’re making a dream come true for you, not digging you out of a hole.

5. Forgetting guests weren’t actually there. Some people send gifts even if they can’t attend the wedding. When you’re writing thank you notes, don’t lose focus and thank them for their presence at your special day when they didn’t actually make it (you would be surprised how often this happens!). This can be a tricky one if you have a large guest list and some of the names are unfamiliar to you.

Check the card that came with the gift to see if they wrote any hints (as in, “Wish we could have been there!”). If not, then check with your parents or partner regarding that particular guest’s presence or lack thereof. If it’s still unclear, skip the “presence” part and just focus on their generosity.

6. Ignoring plus ones. Your thank you notes need to address both recipient’s names. If you didn’t find out their guest’s name during the invitation stage, do a little research. Joe Smith’s date probably signed the wedding card that came with your gift. If not, it’s perfectly fine to call Joe up and ask him for the correct spelling. They’ll both be glad to get the co-addressed thank you note.

7. Inconsistent photos. Create a plan for all of your guests when it comes to inserting your pictures. You can’t enclose wedding portraits in some notes but not all; there should be no favoritism towards those who were able to give larger cash amounts. Your loved ones will notice if someone else receives a “real” wedding portrait and they got a flimsy photocopy — or no photo at all.

8. Typing your thank you notes on the computer. While it’s acceptable to print thank you notes on a computer, always leave room to handwrite your message. This personal touch is always the best etiquette, because it shows guests that you took the time to write out your thank you notes. It’s perfectly okay for either you or your husband to sign both names using the same handwriting.

9. Sending thank you notes too late. Yes, we know that sometimes your bridal portraits can take a while to come back from the photographer, but there’s no reason to take 10 months to send your thank you notes. You may have heard that you have up to a year to send them, but guests appreciate a speedy response. Aim for sending your cards out within two weeks of your bridal shower and two months of your wedding.

10. Resorting to electronic thank you notes. Sure, the graphics on e-cards are cute and it’s ridiculously easy to compose a note and blast it out to your guests. However, emails can sometimes get lost or stuck in a spam filter, so don’t take the easy way out and steer clear of this over-casualization. Plus, guests devoted a lot of time to your wedding (providing gifts, traveling to your reception, joining in your joy on the dance floor), so devoting a few nights to writing thank you cards is a fine gesture of gratitude.

Great entertainment can really make your wedding unforgettable. A fabulous DJ or a live band keeps your dance floor packed and the energy up. Those ultra-special moments like your first dances and your cake-cutting become even more special with a stellar introduction. And surprise live performances are sure to wow your crowd.

Entertainment can be one of the most expensive parts of the wedding budget, however, and it’s not always the easiest place to cut corners. But fear not, there’s definitely wiggle room when it comes to number crunching — and we’re here to give you the scoop.

The Number-One Question: DJ vs. Band

You’ve always heard that DJs are less expensive than live bands. After all, there’s only one person to hire and feed, so that has to be less, right? Not always. According to the American Disc Jockey Association, rates can soar to $5,000 and beyond for top-tier master-blasters. But yes, in most cases, DJs can be less expensive than bands since there are fewer people to book and feed.

And yet: “Think about the experience you want to have at your wedding,” says planner Courtney Hammons of A Magical Affair in Brentwood, Tennessee. You may be aiming for the energy that fills the room when a live band plays hit songs. Or it may be that you really prefer the original artists’ renditions of songs, as played by a DJ. You may want the festive look of a nine-piece orchestra, versus the tech-heavy presence of a deejay.

And of course, you might be among the many couples that choose both. They’ll have a band play for the dinner hour and the start of the reception, then have a DJ step in and rev up the energy with club music. And—surprise—this can save money. Read on to see how.

Typical Costs

• DJ: $525 to $1,400
• Live band: $1,200 to $3,000-plus
• Specialty musicians, soloists and ensembles: $400 to $1,000-plus

These are national averages. Depending on your reception entertainment choices, such as a 12-piece orchestra, you could be looking at prices double these, if not more.

Budget Basics

Professional entertainment will cost less during the off-peak months of October through March, and at non-peak times such as a Sunday wedding, a Saturday afternoon wedding or on a Friday, with prices dipping 20 to 40 percent or more for these less in-demand times.

Avoid booking for too few hours. Andy Kushner of Andy Kushner Entertainment in Rockville, Maryland says, “Four hours is the standard length, and anything else will go too quickly.” Overtime fees can be very expensive, often hundreds of dollars.

Booking a DJ and band to split the time can add up to less. Michael Swerdloff, AKA DJ Mystical Michael of the New York tri-state area says, “I have performed in between the band’s sets and then did the last hours of the reception, which can save 25 to 75 percent over hiring a band for the whole event.”

Ask your wedding planner and additional wedding vendors for recommendations. Katherine Stimson, entertainment specialist with Suman Entertainment Group in Miami says that some vendors offer package deals among “friends” in their vendor circle, saving you 10 to 20 percent.

Ask your entertainer if you can get a discount for paying your entire fee in advance. Some experts will give you 5 to 10 percent off a package price if you pay everything up front.

Ask about specialty discounts. DJ Mystical Michael granted a 50 percent discount to a military couple, and reports that he often gives a discount for last-minute planners just to book the date.

Check entertainers’ social media sites for discounts, says Gregg Hollman of Ambient DJ Service in Princeton, New Jersey. These special online offers will typically save you 10 to 15 percent.

Get more out of your dj by having him take a break during the dinner hour, says Kushner. “Then negotiate for him to play non-stop during the dancing hours.”

Choose a one-man dj operation, rather than paying for a two- or three-member team. This can save you 15 to 25 percent depending on the agency, says Swerdloff.

Look for multi-tasking band members who play more than one instrument to get even more bang for your buck. See if one of your reception band’s musicians will also play at your ceremony, and negotiate a percentage off what it would cost to book a separate musical act.

Don’t be afraid to go big: “It’s always best to negotiate with an established entertainment company rather than go to a lesser-known agency,” Kushner says. Larger agencies often have a greater ability to meet your budget needs.

Save by Going Off the Beaten Track

“Check with local colleges’ music departments to find student musicians who need the credits and additional live experience, and may not charge anything,” says Hammons. (Do give them a nice gratuity after the show.) Some students do charge, but far less. Mark Kingsdorf, director of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants in Philadelphia agrees, saying that music school student entertainment can cost one-third less than pro musicians.

Hammons also suggests checking with your church’s musical director, who can suggest excellent pianists and other musicians they use during services, who you can hire for 30 to 40 percent less than the prevailing professional rates.

Professional entertainment companies keep a roster of specialty musicians and dancers, who you may be able to add onto your music package for a 10 percent discount.

Look to venues like Irish pubs or Indian restaurants for specialty entertainment options such as fiddlers, step- or belly dancers. Hammons says she has found stellar entertainers through local restaurant owners, saving her clients 40 to 60 percent.

Contact local cultural associations to book singers, musicians and dance troupes for 25 to 50 percent less than the going professional rates. This is a great way to add global flair to your reception. If you hear a great musician at a local club or coffee shop, always ask if he or she does weddings. These artists often charge a low per-hour rate that can save you hundreds of dollars. Bonus: you already know their sound, which may be perfect for your cocktail-hour music, if not your ceremony.

Hot Tip: Many DJs and bands offer specialty lighting effects as part of their package; often their basic lighting accents are gratis, with customized lighting for an added fee. Ask if you can use non-custom effects such as light projected in a snowflake pattern on your dance floor at no charge—rather than commission lighting effects with your names.

Many newlywed couples say that the rehearsal dinner, traditionally a way for the bride’s and groom’s families to get acquainted, was their favorite part of the wedding weekend. Why? It’s a celebration that allows you to rejoice and mellow out with your loved ones before the excitement of the big day. Here’s how to pull yours off perfectly.

When is it? 
Even though most people hold their rehearsal dinner on the evening before the wedding immediately following the ceremony run-through, you can choose to have yours whenever it suits you.

Who pays? 
Traditionally, the groom’s parents plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner. These days, however, many couples shell out for the shindig themselves or ask both sets of parents to share the cost. If you feel strongly about the venue that’s chosen for the dinner, now is the time to discuss everyone’s plans.

Who’s invited?
Your dinner must include: all members of the wedding party (and their spouses or dates); parents of flower girls or ring bearers in the wedding, if the little ones are invited; all parents, stepparents and grandparents of the bride and groom, plus siblings who are not in the wedding party (and their spouses or significant others); and often the officiant and his or her spouse. Out-of-town guests should also be invited, but if you prefer to keep the gathering more intimate, schedule an event for them at another location—perhaps at a restaurant or at the hotel where they’re staying, or informal cocktails at the home of a relative or close friend.

How formal should it be?
The degree of formality is at the discretion of the hosts, but it should never exceed the formality of the actual wedding. Whatever your rehearsal dinner’s style, send invitations after you’ve received wedding RSVPs.

Where do we have it?
Strive to keep it simple. Appropriate places include a restaurant, preferably with a private room; someone’s backyard; or even a clam shack or pizza parlor for a super-casual affair. Be creative, because anything goes as long as you and your guests are relaxed, comfortable and having a good time.

Not-to-miss moments:

• Toasts: The groom’s father, if he is the host, can welcome guests with a formal toast. Ditto the best man. At that point, other well-wishers can take the floor (toasts can be a bit longer and more humorous on this night than at the wedding). Be prepared to rise and thank all of those who have toasted you! Later, you and your fiancé may also want to take a moment to toast each other and to thank your hosts.
• Gifts: Distribute your thank-you presents to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, especially if it’s something you want them to wear at the wedding.
• Performances: If secular readings (a special poem) or popular songs (a favorite of yours from when you were dating) aren’t appropriate for your ceremony, the rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to include them.
• Special Presentations: Many rehearsal dinners feature videos incorporating footage from the bride’s and groom’s pasts. Have a techno-savvy pal set up and display

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