Bouquets help complement your dress and the style of your ceremony.  They come in different shapes, colors, sizes and styles.  What’s right for you depends on the design of your dress, the style of your celebration and your body type.

No matter what you decide, keep in mind that beyond flowers, bouquets can also incorporate beading, crystals and ribbons.  You can add decorative accessories, such as a pearl or rhinestone pin in the throat of each blossom or for another dazzling touch; you can place sparkling crystals on wires between the flowers.  There are so many pretty design elements for your floral arrangements. The options are limitless.

And why not finish the bouquet handle as another special detail?  They can be wrapped tightly in a carefully braided ribbon or a gorgeous piece of fabric that corresponds to the color scheme of your wedding.

What details are your adding to your bouquet?

Music sets a mood, creates a memory, and renews a spirit like nothing else.  Whether you’re kicking things off with a string trio playing at valet parking, or having fifty violins at the cocktail hour, music creates energy and controls the flow of the celebration.

No matter what you choose, remember to balance the size of the musical group with the size of your reception facility.  For example, a live band is ideal for a grand ballroom, while your backyard calls for a smaller ensemble, such as a jazz quartet, a flute and keyboard duo, or the angelic sounds of a harpist.

What music do you have planned?

Sure you can serve wine and champagne at your reception, but why not go for something special like a signature drink?

A skilled bartender can craft a cocktail to serve before dinner, during the meal, or at your dance party. Consider a glamorous martini, a peach sangria or a mojito.  If you have more than one, perhaps each cocktail can be named after a bridesmaid or groomsman.

Speak to your venue staff beforehand about offering your signature drinks and be sure to have the costs agreed upon and the recipes in your tear sheet.

What signature drinks are you doing?

Serve up one of your favorite family recipes at the rehearsal dinner, during the cocktail hour or at your reception.  Whether it’s a satisfying eggplant made from your grandmother’s recipe, or it’s your dad’s renowned gazpacho, enjoy these dishes and the special people who inspired them.

It’s not uncommon for brides to select a dress from a favorite fashion designer or boutique rather than a bridal shop, or to order a one-of-a-kind custom gown to show off all her best features.  When creating a custom gown, keep in mind that women with fuller figures tend to appear more attractive in an A-line cut, while simpler styles are generally more becoming to petite women.

The shade of your gown should work with your skin tones; nowadays shades of off-whites and pastels are frequently offered in addition to the traditional white and ivory.  

When it comes to gown design, less is definitely more.  Use a professional to help you look your best; plus no one else will have the same design.  You’ll be the center of attention, just as a bride should be.

Make your celebration last longer than a day!

Invite family and friends to join your and your guy for a weekend full of activities.  Consider a BBQ, a ballgame outing or a trip to a local hot spot or museum.  Anything to keep the party going -

What are your weekend wedding plans?

One of this springs hottest colors will be light yellow.  This stimulating color is refreshing and cheerful. Its warm tones represent happiness, optimism and idealism. Brides who want to decorate in yellow will show off their imagination when they accent their ceremony with it.  If you are still looking for a brilliant yellow accessory, check out this tear drop citrine and diamond ring from Amgad.  It’s the perfet accent for you or your bridesmaids.

Your girls will also love this crinkle chiffon full length strapless gown with gathered front detail and a twisted waistband. It is shown here in canary yellow but comes in several more colors.  Find this and many other new arrivals at Priscilla of Boston.

Where are you buying your dress and accessories?

Save-the-date cards are messages with a brief request asking your out-of-town friends and family to mark your wedding on their calendars.  This way, these special people can plan their vacation time, take advantage of good airfares and whatever else needs to be done to make a major trek cross-country or to your destination wedding.

With such cards, you can be as creative or as simple as you like.  For example, one bride, whose wedding took place in Mexico, sent a card with the pertinent details inside a sealed, see-through plastic bag, along with sand and a seashell.  This clever touch was in keeping with the theme of her wedding.

Another idea would be to have save-the-date magnets made, so that prospective guests will be reminded of the upcoming nuptials on a regular basis.  Include the standard who, what, where and when and the earlier you can send them, the better.

Do you have any creative ideas for Save-the-Date cards or magnets?

Remember the fun of squeezing into a photo booth with your friends and taking all kinds of goofy pictures?  Relive the hilarious fun at your wedding with the ultimate in retro ice breakers.  Part favor, part entertainment, a photo booth lets your guests in on the excitement… You can have a guest book made out of the photo booth photos – sure beats the disposable cameras on the table, and your guests get to take home some shots from a special day.

Are you  in favor of photo booths?