on Wednesday 30 May 2012

You will want to treasure your wedding photographs for years to come. You will want to look at them and show them over the years to help you recall everything - the first kiss, the first dance and all the many other things that made the day special. You will want to show your wedding photos to your children and your grandchildren, therefore selecting the wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, and this takes time and attention.

You will not get a second chance at this and it is therefore crucial to find a reliable professional, who is in tune with your vision for the day and is confident that he or she can capture this.

It is very important to book your wedding photographer as soon as you have set the date - some popular photographers are booked out a year or more in advance, especially if you are planning a summer wedding. It would be a good idea to book your wedding and reception venue, as these may influence the style and content of your photographs. You should also set a budget for the wedding photographer - as a rule of thumb, the wedding photographs can cost around 10 per cent of the total wedding budget.

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You should give careful thought of how you want your wedding photos to look. Do you prefer posed shots or do you like the idea in images that have been captured on the spur of the moment, often with the subject being unaware that they are being photographed? A modern trend is to present the wedding and reception as a story told in sequence - the choice is entirely up to your taste and preference.

When searching for your wedding photographer you could ask recently married friends for suggestions, or you could ask your wedding planner for advice. If you cannot get a personal recommendation try the numerous wedding magazines, they all carry ads for wedding photographers. Many wedding photographers have websites where you can check out their previous work. This is particularly useful if the wedding photographer does not live near you.

After doing your research you should draw up a shortlist and contact the various photographers by phone. This will establish whether they are available on your wedding date and whether they are within your budget. Most wedding photographers will be happy to send you a portfolio of sample images, either as prints or digital files, before your first meeting. Make sure that the groupings are from recent weddings and are taken at a similar venue to yours and also that they were taken at the time of day when you are having your wedding - the light can make a huge difference to the finished shot.

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When you meet with your potential wedding photographer try to find out who will shoot the pictures. Larger studios employ a number of photographers and even single-person outfits usually have an assistant. Sometimes the assistant takes the pictures of the wedding guests while the main photographer concentrates on the bridal party. You should request to see the work of the actual photographers that will be handling your wedding.

You will need to discuss the fees. Some studios charge an hourly rate and then charge for any pictures you may want while others quote a flat fee that includes a specified number of prints. Often you have the choice of several different packages. Make sure you understand what is included in the package. Once you have selected your photographer, you need to discuss terms of payment - you usually need to pay a deposit to secure your date and don't forget to check out the refund or cancellation policy. You should also try to establish who owns the negatives. Some photographers hand over the negatives with the wedding photos, while others keep them to make more prints on request. While it might be tempting to keep the negatives yourself, bear in mind that a professional photographer will have more experience regarding their safe storage.

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The most important thing is to take up references before you engage your wedding photographer. Check out whether previous couples have been happy with their wedding photos and whether they would be prepared to recommend that particular wedding photographer.

After the wedding your photographer will select an agreed number of images to show you. Depending on what you agreed in the contract your photographer will send printed proofs or post images online at a password protected site. This is really useful, as family members can order their own prints. You could also receive your images on a CD. Printed proofs (small examples of the photographs) will arrive as contact sheets or as numbered prints in a display album, known as a proof book. You make your selection from this and your actual wedding photos will arrive in due course.

There is a great deal to consider when selection a wedding photographer. Taking the time to choose one carefully is an investment worth making. Every time you look at those wonderful images of the day, you will be very glad that you took the time and trouble to do your research before engaging your wedding photographer.

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When you start looking through the bridal magazines, you will likely notice that most of the models have long hair. This allows them to wear any type of hairstyle, from an updo to soft and flowing. Long hair can also be styled to accommodate any type of headpiece. But not every bride has long hair, and there are certainly some wonderful headpiece styles available for short hair.

One great style to shop for is a headband. This type of headpiece fits to your head, and doesn't need the hair to provide an anchor. A headband could also serve as a base for a veil instead of the usual comb. Headbands come in numerous styles. A wide fabric covered band has a classic, innocent 1950s look. A dainty headband can be covered in Swarovski crystals and pearls for a more contemporary look. A great idea is to coordinate the details of your headpiece to your custom bridal jewelry. If you are choosing to wear a headband, beware of styles with flowers attached, as they can make you look like a flower girl.

Another easy-to-wear style for short hair is a wreath. Wreaths tend to work best for brides with an earthy style, or those having Medieval themed weddings. They can also be a terrific choice for a tropical destination wedding. Fresh flowers are one possibility, but they can be the toughest to pull off. One reason is that fresh flowers can just be too big to wear on your head, and there is the wilting issue, as well. A better option is tiny paper or porcelain flowers. They can be woven to create a wreath that is much more dainty and wearable. A wreath made of lasting materials is also nice if you have a sister or friend who might want to borrow it for their wedding in the future.

wedding tiara headbands

Depending how short your hair is, there are additional types of bridal headpieces that may work. If you have enough hair to pull the front back, you will have a world of options. Your hairdresser can use a clear ponytail holder to sweep back the front section of hair, which will give you a place to anchor your headpiece and veil. Pieces attached to combs will tend to work very well with this hairstyle, and they are plentiful. You will have your choice of a wide variety of designs.

wedding tiara headbands

For a formal wedding, a comb adorned with beautiful materials like crystals and pearls will be perfect. It can be low to the head, or have more height like a tiara. If your custom bridal jewelry is more glitzy, then choose a comb with crystals and rhinestones. A more demure bride could select a piece handmade with sterling silver flowers and tiny seed pearls. If you coordinate your headpiece to your bridal jewelry, it will look perfect.

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A full tiara may not be the best choice for a bride with short hair. For one thing, it will be difficult to stabilize the weight of the piece without a lot of hair to put the side combs into. The other factor to keep in mind is that a giant tiara will just be overwhelming if you do not have a big hairstyle to balance it out visually. Brides with short hair will also definitely want to rule out hairpins as their ornament. The ends of the pins are likely to show, and they are sure to fall out of your hair in short order.

wedding tiara headbands

Having short hair does not mean that a bride cannot wear a headpiece or veil. Happily, there are numerous styles from which to choose. Whether your style is classic, contemporary, or earthy, there will be a perfect headpiece for your wedding day.

The bridal veil is a lovely accent to the wedding gown. It definitely says, "Here comes the bride"! To make the most of your veil, you will need to choose a headpiece and hairstyle which complement it. These are some suggestions for beautiful bridal veil and wedding hairstyle combinations.

Many wedding gowns are shown with matching veils. This can be the perfect finishing touch for your gown, especially when the veil is adorned with a detail pulled from the bridal gown, such as a matching lace applique. The perfectly matched veil and wedding dress set, however, can become very formal and a bit stiff, so always feel free to select an alternate veil which looks pretty with your gown without being an exact match.

Once you have the veil and gown worked it, it it time to put the rest of your look together. In general, the more veil you have, the more grand or large your hairstyle should be. You do not want to end up looking like a bald lady swallowed up by an enormous veil! So if you have selected a veil with several tiers, for instance, opt for a wedding hairstyle which also has fullness and a strong presence. A sleek ultra modern bun would not hit the right note, whereas an updo with a bit of a bump to it would be well balanced with a fuller veil.

wedding tiara headband

A full veil also needs bridal hair jewelry with some presence. If your wedding is formal, a sparkly tiara can be placed right up against the front edge of the veil, which should be worn right on the top of the head or just back a pinch on the crown of the head (more narrow veils can be worn further back). Brides who plan to remove their veils after the ceremony can opt for bridal hair jewelry worn in the back of a fancy updo, where it will really shine once the veil is removed for the reception. A large crystal comb or a scattering of sparkly hairpins could be just right.

wedding tiara headband

When deciding on your wedding hairstyle, it is important to consider where on your head you wish to wear your veil. If you like the look of a long veil flowing behind you, but prefer not to have any veil near your face, opt for a style like a braided bun in the center back of your head. The veil can be placed below your hairdo, and your headpiece directly above it. Great hair jewelry for this bridal hairstyle and veil combination include a jeweled circlet which goes around the edge of the bun or a large feather flower set on one side of the hairdo.

wedding tiara headband

Brides with short hair will have a different set of considerations. You may well end up wearing your hair in its everyday style, if you have a short haircut tailored to a specific look. It is still worthwhile to have your hair professionally styled on the day of your wedding to make sure it looks its absolute best. Besides, hairstylists have tricks that can add volume to even the shortest haircut or give a perfect sleek finish to styles like modern bobs. When you have less hair, a single layer veil looks the best, as too much fullness will be overwhelming. Anchoring a veil in short hair can be tricky, but if you select a double headband as your bridal hairpiece, it will be much easier. The comb of the veil can be nestled between the two bands of the headband to prevent the veil from sliding down the back of your head.

wedding tiara headband

A final tip is to have your veil and headpiece selected before having a hair trial at the salon. This will help your hairstylist to guide you to the hairdos which will be the best match to your accessories. You will be ensured of coming up with a veil, headpiece, and bridal hairstyle which all look fantastic together.

When you are a short haired bride, you may wonder if you are going to be able to wear a special headpiece on your wedding day. While your options may be fewer than if your hair was long, there are actually some truly gorgeous adornments for short hair. These are some suggestions on the most fabulous headpieces for short haired brides.

Veils are one of the loveliest accessories for a bride, but they can be challenging to affix to short hair. Any bride who has tried to secure a long veil in her short hair has probably experienced firsthand how the veil simply slides down the back of her head. A wonderful alternative to a long veil is a short cage veil made with a wide netting. It is a very chic look with a retro flair to it. One of the prettiest ways to attach a cage veil is with a little barrette on the top of the head. Look for one that is decorative, such as a bow with a piece crystal or rhinestone bridal hair jewelry on it. This elegant style looks especially nice with a smooth and sleek hairstyle.

Sometimes when you are working with less hair, you might want to consider creative options for your bridal hair jewelry. If you adore the look of a sparkly crystal clip or barrette, but it slips out of your hair, try anchoring it in the front of your hair at the part. This is a very pretty way to bring the attention to your beautiful face, right where it belongs.

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Often you can have bridal hair jewelry modified to suit your needs. For example, if you found a set of hairpins that you really love, you might think that you are simply out of luck, as they need to be anchored into an updo. However, if the pieces that have caught your eye are handcrafted, you might be able to order a replica of the hairpin design on small alligator clips, which work well for short hair.

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One style that is a guaranteed success for a short haired bride is a headband. Headbands are one of the hottest trends in bridal accessories this season, so you will find yourself with many fantastic pieces from which to choose. Soft fabric headbands are especially big, and if your hair is at least as long as a bob, this can be a beautiful finishing touch for you. Look for a wide silk headband that can be tied around your hair with soft tails flowing down the back, slightly to one side. You can keep it very simple, or add an embellishment like a crystal or pearl brooch for even more style and a unique flair.

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If you prefer a more dainty headpieces, a delicate headband is lovely for any short haired bride. Pieces with an open and airy design are wonderful, particularly when they have a nature inspired design, such as a leaf and vine motif. These headbands are usually handmade from Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls, secured to a very narrow frame with sterling silver wire. The headband frame is generally a lit bit flexible, so you can really mold it to fit the size and shape of your head for a non-slip fit.

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Short hair can be just as lovely on a bride as longer locks. There are plenty of gorgeous hairstyles and headpieces available to short haired brides these days, so there is no need to grow out your pixie or bob. Embrace the modern and chic look of short hair and the fabulous hair jewelry that will help you to shine on your wedding day.

Party Favor Ideas to help you select the perfect party gift for your guests.

Party favors are a nice way to thank your guests for coming to your party, and they are a nice remembrance to go home with. There are all kinds of fabulous ideas you can use, and if you have your party theme already you can find many wonderful ideas for homemade party gifts.

What kind of party are you having? Is it a kids' birthday party, an over the hill party for an adult or a baby or wedding shower? Each party theme has a couple unique favor ideas that are perfect! There are silly, elegant or practical ones. I like practical ones. I like to be able to use any party favor I get, whether it's homemade or a purchased one. After all, if you are going to spend the money, your guests should be able to use the gift!

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Kids Party Favor Ideas are:

Free printable coloring pages, homemade cookies, terracotta pot craft projects or some kind of personalized party favors. You can incorporate these right into your party activities. Let the kids make them! It will be so much fun watching them learn a new craft or decorating their own cookies. If you make the pots you can personalize it for them by writing their name on it.

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Adult Party Favor Ideas:

Food related ideas include: Tea baskets, homemade food gifts, homemade candy or homemade beer or wine. First, you get the fun of making up the baskets, candy or brewing your own beer or wine. Second, all these items can be consumed. That's a great idea if you don't like to waste your money. People always enjoy food gifts because they can eat or drink them. It's such a treat to receive and it's always fun to give...so these work out well for everyone.

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Baby Shower Homemade Favor Ideas:

You can make baby shaped cookies, baby themed candies or put together a picture in a frame as a gift. Your guests will be able to eat the first two ideas, and a picture is always a treasured keepsake. A picture can go right into a photo album and every time your guest sees it they will be reminded of the good times at your baby shower.

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These are just a few suggestions. Once you begin to think about all the favor possibilities, your going to have a difficult time making up your mind! Just give it a little time, and think about which favor idea you come up with fits your party theme perfectly! You can find the perfect homemade party favor for any party theme. Whether you decide to buy them or make one of your own, make sure it's something your guests will enjoy.

on Friday 18 May 2012

The wedding cake. The bride and the groom cut the cake. This is always a very emotional moment. But how do you decorate your cake table so it stands out from the crowd? Here are a few tips and ways to create a focal point to make the cake stand out

Christmas lights are a very effective and affordable way to make the cake table get noted. Just place them on the wall behind the table.

Another great way is to use candles and votives in white and create a half or full circle around the cake.

The general rule when it comes to decorating a cake table is. Don't overdo it! It is tempting to do tons of decoration to bring attention to it, but in general you should keep the table as simple, soft and as elegant as possible. Remember, you spent a lot of money for your

wedding cake tops

wedding cake and the grooms cake, so your cakes should be the show pieces.

That's why it is recommended to keep it simple in color. White or cream are usually the best choices.

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So here is another great thing to do. If you use linen drapes, take twinkle lights and place them underneath the linen. Make sure that the linen drapes go all the way down to the floor and place the twinkle lights behind the linen drapes on the floor. It's an incredibly effective and extremely affordable way to bring some extra magic to your cake table.

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Another suggestion is asking your rental company to deliver the cake on a table with wheels. The great advantage of a movable cake table is mobility. Let your wedding planner or the person of your choice wheel the table onto the dance floor. This is a great place to cut the cake and you can be sure that you have everybody's attention. This is a real smart way to cut your wedding cake. Think about it. You can use the dance floor decoration as a backdrop which usually looks just great and on top of it saves you extra decorating time and money.

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Whatever way you choose, please keep in mind that the wedding cake is one the stars on your big day. Keep your table decorations simple and don't forget to order a cake table with wheels. It's worth it.

blue wedding cake
rs are traditional for spring, and they work wonderfully for weddings. Pale pink, robin's egg blue, seafoam green, and light lemon yellow are all soft colors which can be easily incorporated into your wedding design, either alone or in combination with one another. Take a look at these ways to use pretty pastels for spring weddings.

Pink is the most feminine of all the colors, and it is a bridal favorite year round. For a spring wedding, choose the palest, most delicate shade of pink as your main color. There is virtually nothing you cannot do with it. For the wedding flowers, masses of peonies make a gorgeous bouquet for the bride. Many other springtime blossoms are available in pretty pinks, including roses, azaleas, sweet peas, and hyacinth. If you are a May bride, a delicate posy of pale pink lily-of-the-valley makes an exquisite pastel bouquet.

There are many additional ways to plan a spring wedding around a soft blush pink. Certainly it makes a lovely color for the bridesmaid dresses. For the bride, take a look at some of the pearl bridal jewelry sets which are available in a soft rose hue. Sets of pink pearl bridal jewelry are just as feminine as traditional white pearls, and are very flattering on most skin tones. You can also use pink for tablecloths and as an accent color on the china. One of the nicest ways to bring in this pastel is as lighting; a soft rosy wash over the reception room will make the space absolutely enchanting.

blue wedding cake

Robin's egg blue is a true spring classic. It works very well for a wedding when you like the idea of a pastel but prefer to stay away from pink. Once again, the bridesmaid dresses are the place to introduce your signature color. White flowers tied with pale blue ribbons make lovely bouquets and could perhaps be the bride's "something blue". There are several great styles of wedding cakes which can be based around this special shade of blue. One fun idea is to play up the robin's egg origins of the hue by having a white wedding cake decorated with a tiny faux nest on the top, complete with gum paste "eggs". Or use the robin's egg blue to create an elegant scroll design over smooth ivory fondant for a more formal spring wedding cake.

blue wedding cake

Pale lemon yellow is a very cheerful color to use in a wedding. It is one of the colors which truly says "spring", no more so than in the fresh flowers of the season. Bouquets of mini daffodils, creamy spray roses, and classic yellow tulips would all be beautiful. Yellow and white ribbon striped dresses would be darling for the bridesmaids at a spring ceremony, especially an outdoor service. And for the wedding cake, a light as air lemon cake would be divine.

blue wedding cake

The other pastels of spring such as pale lilac and seafoam green also make gorgeous additions to springtime nuptials. The soft colors are easy to mix and match without fear of making a mistake, and set a romantic stage for a wedding. That is why feminine pastels are an enduring favorite of spring brides year after year.