A popular way to celebrate a friend’s last days as a single girl is to honor her with a bachelorette party, otherwise also known as a “hen party”. This event is usually hosted by one or more members of the wedding party, or any friend in honor of the bride-to-be. Although the bachelorette party is never hosted by the bride-to-be, you can participate in its planning.
Generally people think of bachelorette parties as a night of alcohol and watching male strippers. Now a days, it is becoming more of an opportunity for “female bonding” with activities that are fun and appropriate for bridesmaids and friends of any age. If you are looking for alternative activities for your bachelorette party, here are four great ideas for that special girls’ night out.
1. Spa Night
A night at the spa is a popular theme many brides are choosing for their bachelorette parties. Spas are now opening up for private events and will cater to the party requests of soon-to-be brides. Many women find that a facial, pedicure, manicure, and massage not only helps them to de-stress before the big day, but is also an activity that tops a night out in a crowded smoky club. The next day you and your girl friends will be glowing and refreshed instead of nurturing a hung over.
2. Sleepovers
Sleepovers are no longer for thirteen year old girls. Today’s brides are inviting over their best girl friends of all ages for a night of chick flicks, pizza, and secrets. Play some games in between the movies and trading secrets. One such game is “toilet paper bride”. Women team up in pairs of two, each team gets a roll of toilet paper, and the teams try to come up with the prettiest toilet paper wedding gown. You, as the bride-to-be gets to pick the winning team. Another version of this game is to see which team can wrap up their “bride” the quickest with the toilet paper, mummy style. These ultra hip slumber parties aren’t just limited to houses either, for a fun twist have the sleepover at a hotel and order ice cream from room service.
3. Karaoke Bar Fun
For bridal parties that still want to party but want to skip the traditional strip club, a karaoke bar is a fun alternative. You do not need to be an “American Idol” to stand up and belt a tune or two. Who knows, you, one of your bridesmaids and / or girl friends might have a hidden singing talent that is waiting to be discovered.
4. Group Cooking Class
For the undomesticated bride, group cooking classes are a unique idea. Not only will the bride learn some handy kitchen skills, but she can also learn a tasty recipe to cook up for her new husband. If the bride cooks like a pro, substitute the cooking lessons for group scrap booking classes. The bride can learn how to make a beautiful wedding scrapbook instead of having to pay a professional. Bridesmaids can also discover their inner scrap booking or cooking talents in the group class.
Bachelorette parties are no longer just about drinking and watching male strippers. Brides are skipping the traditional party themes and instead are going with a more modern approach. No matter which party theme you choose, you’re wedding group is bound to have a blast!
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It used to be an “in-thing” to have disposable cameras readily available for guests to snap photos at weddings. The wedding couple purchases the disposable cameras in bulk, sets them on the tables, the guests take photos, leave the camera on the table and a few days after the wedding the bride and groom remember to have the photos developed. These days, it is no longer fashionable to distribute disposable cameras because you can never be sure how the photos will come out in the hands of novice photographers. You might get dozens of photos of your guests’ feet or the ceiling, over exposed or under exposed photos of otherwise great pictures. In the end, you wasted your money on the cameras plus the cost of developing useless photos.
An Alternative to Disposal Cameras
A new alternative to buying disposable cameras is renting high quality digital cameras for guests to use. I found several companies that offer such services, but Camera Renter is by far the best that I found. This online store offers a photo package for weddings that includes the rental fee for the cameras, shipping fees to you and return shipping, damage insurance, a CD of your photos, unlimited photo downloading for you and your guests, photo hosting, and photo sharing.
Why Use Rented Digital Cameras
Your typical disposable wedding camera holds less than thirty photos, while cameras from Camera Renter hold an average of 450 photos and can take a 15 minute video. A teen sitting at the table may take 10 photos of their date before they realize they just used half the role of a disposable camera. With a digital camera, they can still take 440 more photos or they have the option to delete the photos they just took. You can even order the camera early so you can use them for the rehearsal dinner, too.
The online photo sharing is convenient as guests and family who couldn’t make the ceremony can view your photos and still share in your wedding experience. You can send them an online invitation and they can even view the videos your guests took with the cameras.
For DIY Brides: A Good Alternative to Hiring Professional Photographers
While renting a digital photo package may cost more than disposable, when you add up everything that’s included it’s actually a pretty great deal. Disposable cameras run around $3-10 per camera, plus shipping and handling if purchased online. You run a risk of the film not turning out and having to pay for processing photos you don’t really want. A 10 camera photo package from Camera Renter is $495 and allows you and your guests to take many more photos, videos, and have better quality prints. This is a good alternative for a DIY bride who does not want to spend thousands of dollars for a professional photographer.
Hand Rented Digital Cameras to Trusted Friends or Family
If a cheap disposable camera is lost or broken, it’s not a big deal. If a camera from Camera Renter is damaged you’re covered under the 100% damage insurance included in the photo package. On the other hand if one of the rented cameras goes missing there is a $100 replacement fee. With disposable cameras you would be comfortable letting anyone use them, but with the rented digital cameras you might want to only hand them out to close family and friends who will keep track of them.
In Addition to Professional Photography
For those of you who plan or already have a professional photographer for your memorable event, let him/her handle the official pictures. Give your trusted friends or family relatives these rented digital cameras to capture intimate moments in pictures or in video of your closest friends and family at your rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony or reception. You will be happier with the number and quality of photos, and enjoy sharing them online with family and friends.
Photo Credits: Camera Renter. This article is written without monetary or other compensation from Camera Rental. It is a service for soon-to-be brides.
Traditionally all wedding responsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of the beaming bride. Sometimes the bride has a wedding planner that helps her make decisions and insures that all goes smoothly. Historically the groom’s single responsibility has been to show up at the wedding on time in his tuxedo, as the wedding day is known as the “bride‘s day“.
Today’s grooms are taking a more active role in the wedding planning and supporting their soon to be brides. Couple’s realize that a wedding marks the beginning of the rest of their lives together and see the wedding plans as a way to start off their relationship completely committed to each other. Planning your wedding together as a couple, with or without the help of a wedding planner, can be a way of bringing the two of you closer on your big day.
If your fiancé seems hesitant to get involved in your big plans you should first ask him what areas of the wedding he is comfortable with planning. Make sure you bring out the positive aspects of each job you suggest for him. For example, if he decides to help you pick out your dream wedding cake he’ll get to sample many delicious cakes and frostings. If your future husband helps you audition djs or bands he’ll have a say in what type of music is played at the reception.
To start off the list of tasks, below are typical responsibilities that are given to the groom:
- Organize his and his groomsmen’s attire. Pick the color (with your input, of course), schedule the fitting, and delegate someone to return the attire after the wedding
- Arrange transportation for the entire wedding party from the ceremony to the reception venue
- Plan the rehearsal dinner, which is traditionally incurred by the groom’s parents.
- Plan the details of on your honeymoon after you’ve chosen the venue. This can include transportation to and from the airport, sightseeing tours or even romantic dinners.
It can be a win-win situation for both of you. You get to spend quality time together, he gets involved in the decisions, it takes some of the stress off you, and he feels as if he is an active participant and not just a spectator at your wedding.
The role of the groom has certainly evolved in the areas of wedding planning for the better. While your fiancé’s input in the wedding plans aren’t necessarily required, it will make the two of you feel closer as you plan to say to take the vows that will forever bring you closer.
Photo Credit: Nathan Wilton, an award winning photographer. Visit his site at Dreamtime Images
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Men's Personalized Gift
Selecting the right gift for your groom and groomsmen is part of your wedding planning. It is usually difficult to find gifts for men compared to choosing gifts for women. One of the best choices you can make is to give your men personalized gifts that not only show you cared enough to add the personalized touch, but also you’ve given them gifts that are useful and practical.
This brown distressed leatherette men’s grooming kit fits those criteria. It is a great gift that will keep the gents organized on the road or at home. With the kit measring 12″x19″ when opened and 12″x8″ when closed, it is perfect for holding full bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc.
You have the option to add up to three initials on a gold plate or stamped in gold ink.
The Men’s Grooming Kit may be personalized with up to three initials on a gold plate or stamped in gold ink . Gold plate has adhesive backing for placement of your choice upon arrival. For more gift choices visit Bridal n’ Beauty online store.
]]>Let’ not forget those ladies and gentlemen who meant a lot to you and/or your fiancee. You’ve asked them to be part of your entourage, they agreed and have chosen their gowns and tux. Time for your to plan on how to reciprocate their willingness to share in your memorable day. So, how can you do this without breaking the bank? We have a few suggestions.
Wedding Attendants
92. Buy your attendant gifts online – Shop online at CW Bridal Mall our online bridal mall with more than 40 different vendors or at Bridal ‘N Beauty to find great deals on attendant gifts. Gifts range from Most offer free personalization.
93. Have a small wedding party – Opt for only asking your two or three closest friends to be in the wedding party. The fewer attendants you have, the more personal your experience will be.
Read All Previous Topic:
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 1: Wedding Planing
More to Come:
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 15: Wedding Ceremony
101 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding - Part 16: This and That
Bridesmaid Jewelry
Whether you decide on necklaces, bracelets, earrings or a combination of both, there is a great formula to follow to coordinate your bridesmaids’ jewelry with your wedding colors. To begin your shopping process, keep in mind the colors of your wedding. Do the flower bouquets that the girls will be carrying include one solid color flower, or are there multiple colors or shades? Are all of your girls wearing the same dress, or will they be donning different dresses within the same color scheme. These are the details to look for when selecting your bridesmaids jewelry.
For earrings, it’s quite simple. Figure out what color palate you are working with, whether it’s shades of browns, pinks, oranges, reds, greens, blues, whatever the color scheme keep that in mind. Then browse through a wide variety of earring styles to find a different style for each maid in your wedding. If you have a bridesmaid that always wears big hoops or chandeliers and loves that bold statement on her ears, then pick out earrings that go well with her fashion choices. For the bridesmaid that is more understated and likes a simple and classic look, choose a simple drop style earring for her.
After you have selected a different pair of earrings to match the unique personalities and styles of your bridesmaids, you can then create your color palate coordination. Try to keep all of the color choices within the same color theme of your wedding colors, bouquets and gowns. If you have a brown colored dress, then light to darker shades look well and compliment each other nicely. For each pair of earrings, pick the same color pearls or crystals for a congruent look.
Another idea to give your ladies a different look to match their own style is a variety of necklace styles. Depending upon the dress style you’ve selected for your bridesmaids, choose complimentary necklaces. For instance, a v neck style gown looks fantastic with a y drop or pendant style necklace. Choose a different necklace for each maid and color coordinate the crystals and pearls to match your color scheme.
The above article is written by our guest blogger, Bonnie from BonitaJ. Visit her online store and get 15% off your entire order with this code: BLOG15.
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Chinese Wedding
The Ceremony:
Traditional Chinese weddings are filled with ritual. There were many symbolic ceremonies which had to take place before the wedding itself even began. After extensive preparation, the wedding ceremony would be conducted at the family altar. Here the couple would pay homage to their ancestors and gods. The couple would share tea, then bow to each other. In many cases this completed the ceremony.
Though many Chinese ceremonies today are more modern, traditional influences are abundant. Guests will usually wear at least a small hint of red to symbolize luck and prosperity for the couple. The symbol of double happiness is also often spotted in the decorations. This character symbolizes happiness for the newlyweds.
Traditions:
The hair dressing ritual was one of the most important traditions in a Chinese wedding. On the day of the wedding, the bride bathes in pumelo-infused water to cleanse her or evil influences. The bride’s hair was then carefully dressed into the style reserved for married women. After the hair dressing, the bride would dress in a jacket and shirt and wear a special pair of red shoes. Her face was also covered by a red veil.
Today, Chinese wedding ceremonies may feature a variety of clothing styles, but red is still a prominent color. Red will often be used as the color for the bridal party or even the bride’s wedding dress.
Installing the Bridal Bed:
One of the key roles that a groom has in traditional Chinese weddings involves the installation of a newly purchased bridal bed before the wedding day, usually on the day or a few days prior to the wedding date. Once the bed is in place, children were invited onto the bed as an omen of fertility. Fruits and nuts such as red dates, lotus seeds, peanuts, etc., are scattered on the bed for the children to scramble and eat.
After the wedding ceremony, the bride and the groom together with their bridal entourage pose on the bed for photos as part of the photographic keepsakes of the wedding.
Menu and Reception:
The menu at a Chinese wedding feast will feature many items which symbolize prosperity and long life. A traditional meal will feature eight courses. The dragon and phoenix symbolize the yin and yang, or male and female aspects of our nature, in Chinese culture. Therefore, many appetizers may feature these designs. The main course will generally be duck or geese, as these are birds that mate for life. Sea cucumber is popular side dish as this represents harmony. Tea will be served with the meal, as well as a variety of other beverages.
Collage Credit: Polyvore
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Thumbnail Photo : Courtesy with apologies to jenngray.
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Wedding Planning with your Groom
Many brides have spent so much of their life thinking about their dream wedding that they tend to just take over when it comes to planning the big day. Add a overbearing mother-of-bride, an anxious mother-of-the-groom, and many men end up showing up to the event with little more than an idea of the time and location. Instead of taking over all the preparations for the big day, you can use some of these tips to make sure that your wedding is an event that expresses the hopes and dreams of both the bride and groom.
- Discuss and share your plans from day one. Before you select a location, a theme, or wedding colors, you should sit down with your husband-to-be and find out what you’re each picturing for your big day. This is the time to let your ideas flow freely. You may later find out that some of your ideas are too expensive or don’t fit with the overall theme, but there’s no harm in sharing them now. You may be surprised at how much you agree on.
- Leave the groom and groomsmen attire up to your man. This can be hard for some brides, but relinquishing control of the men’s attire can take a huge load off your shoulders. Just make sure that you’ve agreed on the wedding colors, and if necessary, you can still step in to give your man’s fashion the final approval.
- Go to tastings together. What could be better for your husband-to-be than an event that involves delicious food? Another good part of participating in tasting together is that he may be better able to identify foods that some of the guests from his side of the family may enjoy or dislike.
- Forego a bridal shower and have a joint bash. Many couples are now having a party for both the bride and groom in place of a bridal shower. If you have a lot of joint friends, and can enjoy this kind of shared event, this may be the perfect option for you.
- Give over some of your planning tasks to the groom entirely. Obviously, there are many things that you will not want to give up control of. However, the wedding is meant to be a special day for both of you. I f your future husband has a great ear for music, let him select the musicians and book a DJ or band. You may also want to put him in charge of things such as the limo arrangements. Since the groom’s family traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner, this is another event that you can leave up to him.
- Write your vows together. Writing individual wedding vows is a popular option among some couples. But one thing you should consider, which can bring you and your sweetheart even closer, is to write your vows together and both repeat them.
- Go through a premarital counseling course together. Many officiates require that couples go through counseling prior to the wedding. However, even if you aren’t required to do this, it can be a good foundation for your marriage. If you can’t find a course you like, consider investing in one of the many books on this subject and reading it together.
- Let him surprise you with the honeymoon and wedding night. The honeymoon is another event that is traditionally paid for by the groom. If you like surprises, consider letting your vacation location be kept a secret. Even if you do want to make the big location decision together, you can leave details such at hotel bookings up to your fiancé.
- Work on guest lists and seating arrangements together. This is absolutely essential to putting together a successful event. You should make sure that your fiancé gets to invite all the people most important to him, regardless of the fact that the brides family is probably footing the bill. Once you get your RSVP’s back, you should also sit down together and discuss which guests will be best seated together.
- Let him select the gifts for his groomsmen and family. Customarily, the bride and groom will present all members of the wedding party with a gift. Some couples will also present gifts to their parents and other important family members. If your groom does not want to select these gifts alone, you should at least undertake the task together. This should never be a job performed solely by the bride.
Bridal Jewelry
In our article Choosing Your Bridal Jewelry we pointed out that the bridal jewelry you choose should coordinate with the wedding gown that you have selected to wear for your big wedding day. We also gave you a series of tips on How to Choose Your Bridal Gown. Now that you have chosen your bridal gown, it is time to explore what bridal jewelry will match the style of your wedding gown.
Read our suggestions below on what style of bridal jewelry will match your style of wedding dress, specifically your bridal gown neckline. Refer to our article Popular Wedding Gown Necklines to review the different bridal gown necklines. Download a pdf file of our ‘Necklace Length Guide‘ here to see the length of the bridal necklace mentioned below.
Bateau Neckline
Bateau Neckline
The bateau neckline, also called boat neck or Sabrina, closely follows the collarbone and is formed by a straight line between the shoulders, often dipping in the front. These necklines sometimes have a high back to them, but also can have a low or no back at all. This classic neckline calls for a simple necklace of one or two strands worn close to the throat: collars or chokers with or without a pendant. The choker style necklace is a tight fitting necklace that will wrap tightly around the upper neckline.
Square Neckline
Square Neckline
The square neckline has a straight horizontal bodice that meets with straps in a 90-degree angle. The depth of the horizontal bodice can vary from just a few inches below the collar bone to several inches towards the cleavage area. A bridal choker will soften the right angles of the neckline and shows off a great neck. The choker can be a simple, single strand or double stand bridal jewelry necklace. For low square neckline choose a choker with a pendant.
Halter Neckline
Halter Neckline
The halter neckline consists of two triangular points of fabric that rise along the chest and join in some fashion at the back of the neck, creating an upside down V. The width of the points may vary by design. If the halter is low and wide, consider a front tied lariat or Y-drop necklace or pendant necklace. If the halter top rises close to your throat, nix the necklace. Wear chandelier earrings and stunning bracelets instead.
Jewel Neckline
Jewel Neckline
The jewel neckline has a high round neckline at the base of the neck. For this type of neckline, choose a collar or choker necklace that fit close to your throat. If the jewel neckline is already embellished with beads, pearls or rhinestones, do away with the necklace and use gorgeous bracelet and/or chandelier earrings instead.
V Neckline
V-neckline
For a V neck style wedding gown, use a necklace that takes the same angles as the V neck wedding gown line such as the Y-drop necklace. A single or double strand necklace or a choker style necklace will work just as well.
Scoop Necked Gown
Scoop Neckline
Scoop necked gown is a versatile neckline and almost any style of necklace that fits close to the neckline will compliment the gown. A round necklace is recommended for this neckline as it mirrors the scoop neckline. It could be a multiple stand necklace or a single strand pearl necklace.
Strapless Gown
Strapless Neckline
A strapless neckline highlights the shoulder and neck region. Many necklaces suit this versatile neckline, but keep the length under 18 inches so the necklace frames both your neck and your strapless neckline. Choose from choker to multi-strand to Y-drop or pendant necklace. This types of necklaces also works for gowns with spaghetti straps.
Sweetheart Neckline
Sweetheart Neckline
A sweetheart neckline begins 2 inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart. It may or may not be strapless. The vertical dip of the neckline elongates the face and gives balance to larger proportions making it the most popular style of wedding and evening gowns. The choice of necklaces is similar to the strapless gowns – choker to multi-strand to Y-drop or pendant necklace under 18 inches of length.
Off Shoulder Neckline
Off the Shoulder
An off the shoulder neckline sits below the shoulders front and back accentuating your collarbone and shoulders. Any style of bridal jewelry necklace works well with this neckline. Choose a choker to accentuate your face or a Y-drop necklace to bring focus to the gown and the bride who is wearing it.
No matter what bridal jewelry necklace you choose, make sure that you are comfortable with it and that it makes you feel gorgeous when you put it on. The bridal jewelry you choose is one of the details that will complete your look and bring the entire ensemble together.
For more bridal jewelry ideas, visit Bridal ‘N Beauty’s bridal jewelry selections.
Photo Credit: Unique bridal jewelry collections from Michal Negrin.
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