Qualifying For Success

The wedding ceremony is where two individuals unite to become one. Choosing the location for this event would seem a simple task, but it’s actually one that requires much planning and coordination, especially if a non-traditional ceremony is being planned.

Many couples will hold the wedding ceremony at a house of worship, usually one that the bride, the groom, or some other family member attends. When this is the case, selecting the location is fairly easy, provided the date is available. But what happens when the bride- and groom-to-be are of different denominations? More tricky still, how is the situation handled when the couple doesn’t have any religious affiliation?

That’s when the couple needs to get together to discusses their wedding ceremony location options. And there are many. Selecting the location of the ceremony should happen well in advance of the wedding date, up to 12 months if possible. If you wait too long to reserve the location, you may find it’s already booked.

Besides a house of worship, wedding ceremony locations can be practically anywhere - at home, at a country or yacht club, outdoors at a local, national or state park, on a yacht, on a tropical island, at a mountaintop retreat, in a medieval castle, at Disney World - you name it, it’s probably capable of accommodating a wedding ceremony.

Before selecting a location, however, you’ve got to make sure it’ll accommodate your needs. Is the location large enough to accommodate all your guests? Are dressing rooms available? Are there electrical outlets for acoustics and/or music? Is the location easily accessible, especially for those with special needs? Can you find someone to officiate at the location?

The amount you’ll pay will vary from location to location. When you’re finding out the costs, be sure to ask what is included with the price. Make sure the items mentioned are written out on the contract, too. You’ll likely be asked to provide a deposit to reserve the date. This needs to be reflected on the contract as well as the balance amount and due date.

There’s more to consider about the wedding ceremony than just the location. The music and the vows need special attention, especially if you wish to break out of the ‘traditional’ mode. The music may be included with the location. For example, oftentimes a church will use its own organist. However, if your budget allows, you may wish to write your own wedding songs and hire a soloist and accompanist to perform them. Or you can hire musicians to match the theme of your wedding. If these types of arrangements are in your budget, be sure to reserve the talent far in advance, right after you’ve secured the wedding ceremony location.

You can also write your own vows or make modifications to traditional vows. This puts a truly personal touch on the event. Just be sure to give a copy of your version of the vows to the person officiating so that everyone knows what to say.

Finally! James Calvin has released A Simple, Step-By-Step Guide To Throwing The Most Unforgettable, Wedding - And How You Can Literally Save Thousands In The Making Of YOUR Wedding! Go to www.WeddingSavings4U.com NOW.

A gifted cake designer can go a long way in determining the quality and the character of the wedding cake.

For one, theme weddings can be a portal to truly creative wedding cake ideas. A medieval theme wedding would warrant a cake to be laced with pearls and a golden crown. An adventure-loving couple could have a cake topped with miniature figurines of the newlyweds in a small plane or a motorcycle. A Victorian theme wedding, for that matter, could have a cake adorned with bows and Victorian roses. For an Oriental-themed wedding, a cake with two tiers topped with a vase filled with edible handmade orchid is perfect.

Also, the theme for a wedding cake could depend on one’s favorite flower, whether it is sunflower, pansy, bird-of-paradise, rose etc. A talented cake designer can replicate bridal bouquets on the cake or a garden akin to one’s yard, complete with picket fences.

Then there are seasonal themed cakes. Seasonal themes give the cake designer license to let his imagination run free. For weddings that are set for the fall season, the cake can be adorned with grapes, grape leaves and chrysanthemums. The summer-themed wedding cakes can be accentuated with bows and white daisies.

Also, there are wedding cakes based on one’s favorite jewelry. The diamond lover can have a stunning diamond themed cake, though that can be an expensive option. For the jade lover, the cake can be made to look like a stack of complex shaped jade boxes. Also, there are wedding cakes based on china patterns.

For a truly unique wedding cake, it is best to talk to the cake designer, preferably weeks before the wedding date. Though there will always be that urge to come up with that particularly outstanding design yourself, there is no harm in picking the brains of a professional who does it for a living.

Wedding Cakes provides detailed information on Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cake Toppers, Wedding Cake Designs, Unique Wedding Cakes and more. Wedding Cakes is affiliated with Wedding Decoration Ideas.

So you have decided to tie the knot for a second time. Take a deep breath and let the wedding plans begin! Planning a second wedding can oftentimes be more difficult than planning for the first. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration as you make the most important wedding planning decisions of all…What is the wedding budget, when to have the wedding, where to host the wedding, and who will be invited?

What is your wedding budget? Since this will be your second wedding, it is likely that you will be absorbing the entire expense. You are a little older and wiser this time around. So determine the type of wedding you would like, then determine the type of wedding you can afford. Do you want a traditional wedding, a non-traditional wedding, an extravagant formal wedding, a formal/semi-formal wedding with only family and your closest friends present, or a romantic wedding retreat to a chapel? There are many different options available to you that vary in expense. Whichever option you choose, plan your wedding in a manner that expresses your unique style and celebrates your love.

If you have yet to set your wedding date, it is best to allow a minimum of six to eight months to plan your wedding. If you intend to have a large formal wedding and reception, you may wish to begin your planning a year in advance. This will allow you time to save money, reserve the ceremony and reception locations, minister, DJ or band, order dresses and complete any alterations, get the men fitted for tuxedos, and the list goes on. Keep in mind that many vendors are booked up to a year in advance. So you will need to reserve your date as soon as possible.

For many couples, choosing a wedding ceremony location is the easiest decision of all. Those that are members of a local church often opt to have a traditional church wedding. Others choose all-inclusive wedding chapels. If you prefer a different ceremony setting, you might consider hosting your wedding at a local hotel banquet room. Hotel banquet rooms vary in size and may accommodate thirty to three hundred guests. Most rooms are large enough to host your wedding ceremony on one side of the room while providing an elegant setting for your reception on the other side of the room. A flat rate is usually charged to rent the room, then you can add appetizers, lunch or dinner service to create an all-inclusive package. Most banquet rooms can provide a dance floor and accommodate a DJ. Be sure to call several different local hotels to check pricing, availability and menu options. You may be surprised at how much the prices vary. A more scenic option is to host an outdoor wedding at a local bed and breakfast. Search the yellow pages and the internet to find them and call for information. Some properties feature flower gardens or gazebos and a bed and breakfast offers you the option of a low to moderate-cost honeymoon right on the premises.

Who should you invite to your wedding? To answer this question, you must first decide where you will host your wedding. If you will be escaping to a romantic getaway to get married in a wedding chapel, you might want to invite only your closest family members to attend your vacation wedding, or you may want to reserve the special day for just the two of you. For medium to larger weddings, it is appropriate to include your close family members, extended family and closest friends. If your budget allows it, expand your guest list to co-workers and other friends. If you are on a tighter budget, make a list all of the people you wish to invite, then trim the list down leaving names of those with whom you maintain a close relationship(immediate family, best friends). If you have children from a previous marriage, consider the role, if any, that you would have them take in your wedding. While romantic getaways are tempting, if you have children, it is important to include them in your wedding plans. Give them a special role in your wedding, such as a bridesmaid, best man, or flower girl. Your new marriage can be a difficult and transitional time for your children. Even for those who welcome your fiance’ with open arms. Having your children share in your wedding day will send a message that they will always be special and play a leading role in your life, regardless of the changes that may come.

While most of your loved ones will offer you support and encouragement, some friends or family members may urge you to tone down your wedding because this is your second marriage. Ultimately it is up to you and your fiance’ to decide what is best for your situation. Just remember that while this may be your second marriage, you have been through alot to get to this point in life. Both of you have every reason to celebrate your love, and your love has no lesser value simply because you found one another the second time around. Thank goodness for second chances!

M. Dawn is a content writer for SouthernCraftworks.com. Shop at http://www.southerncraftworks.com for personalized wedding keepsakes, wedding accessories, favors, jewelry, custom unity and gift candles and personalized gifts for all occasions.