Wedding Dress | Wedding Ideas

Attending a bridal show can be most helpful in planning your wedding. You will be able to meet and ask questions from many wedding professionals all under one roof. You will want to gather information, compare prices and services, register for prizes, see the latest fashions, get great new ideas and just have fun.

Here are some tips that will help you get the most from your bridal show experience.

Register before the show. When you register before the show, some shows offer a discount toward the purchase of your ticket.

Research the show ahead of time to see what vendors will be there. Look specifically for the one's you need. Many vendors offer discounts on their services if you book them at the show.

Decide to concentrate on one vendor (Minister/Officiant, floral designer, photographer, deejay, etc.) and do your research ahead of time. At the show, gather info from other vendors too, but spend most of your time talking with the ones you researched.

If the bridal show has a wedding fashion show, check the times of the shows when you arrive, so you don't miss out.

Bring a list of questions to ask. Don't just rush by booths that have services you still need. Don't just listen to sales pitches. Ask lots of questions, that's what the vendors are there for. They want to help you and you are under no pressure to buy from them, so find out everything you need to know.

If their product or service is one you need and they are busy talking with someone else, stand close and just listen.

It may seem a little overwhelming at the show, but most vendors love to spend time with you and answer your questions. They will talk to you about their products and services in as much detail as you want. However, the shows are very hectic and noisy, so if you find a vendor that you like, it's best to set up an appointment and meet with them later.

Start a conversation with the people at the booths. Don't be shy. You will know right away if they are someone you would want to work with in planning for your special day. It is very important that you "click" with the vendors you choose.

Bridal shows are big. Some have more than 400 exhibitors. Come early. Don't be in a rush. Plan to spend a minimum of 4 or 5 hours in order to see all the exhibits. Take your time. Make a day of it. Don't hurry!

Visit every booth even if the exhibitor offers something you're not interested in right now. You might decide in the future to include it and you'll have the information readily available.

Walk up one aisle on one side and check out the vendors, then walk down the other side of the same aisle to make sure you do not miss anyone. You may miss the very wedding service you were looking for if you try to wander from side-to-side down the same aisle.

A great idea is to bring a camera. Snap a photo of the Minister you spoke to, or take a picture of an exhibit that you want to remember. Use these photos to jog your memory about something that grabbed your attention.

Bring your fiancè with you for at least one trip to the event, then go again with your Mother and girlfriends. Going twice allows you to really take in everything you need to see.

Do your best to stay together. If you are the bride and the groom is somewhere else, if may be difficult to make a choice later about a specific service unless both of you were present to hear the information.

If you are the mother of the bride and are gathering information for the bride and groom, make notes on the business card, brochure or flyer that you think might interest them the most. Bringing a small notebook and pen to make special notes is helpful.

If a vendor gives you information that you especially like and want to follow up with at a later date, put that information in a special bag, not with all the other stuff you may collect. Bring your own light-weight carrying bag. Some vendors will give you one, however, use your "own" bag to separate vendor information that is of special interest to you and use the vendor bag for everything else.

Another idea is to bring a red pen and mark that vendors information in a special way that will indicate your level of interest. Make notes on business cards, the brochure or flyer for easy reference later.

Bring a small notebook and pen. You never know what tips or ideas you'll find out and want to write down. There's so much to see that by the time you get home, you may forget.

Bring your personal planner so you will have your bridal shower, rehearsal, wedding and other important dates handy. It can also be helpful if you choose to make an appointment with one of the vendors. Ask about the exhibitors availability if you are interested.

Be sure not to make speedy judgments on whether the information offered might be of interest to you. Take one minute to listen to their offer and if a vendor offers you literature you do not want, don't take it! Be polite. Just say "No, thank you" and walk on. Vendors appreciate your candor because they spend a lot of money on their wedding flyers, promotional pieces, etc.

Some vendors offer drawings for prizes. Prevent writer's cramp! Bring address labels to save time in filling out registration blanks. Computer savvy? Make your own labels (or business card) on your computer.

It is helpful to include your name, the grooms name, complete address, your wedding date & location, phone numbers and e-mail address. This is very helpful to the vendor when you request additional information. If you don't bring labels, print very clearly when registering for anything.

Don't register for everything! If you know you will not need the service, don't register, otherwise you may be receiving unneeded information from their mailing list for many months to come.

Wear a Bride or Groom sticker to receive special attention from vendors.

Bring your checkbook in case you want to book any services or give a deposit to hold a date. If you are comfortable with the vendor, by all means, go for it. You will often find great discounts that are available only at the show. Proceed with caution and choose wisely. Read the fine print.

If you see one of the vendors you have already hired at a show, ask them for referrals to other reputable vendors you need. They may have worked with them at previous weddings and can make a valuable referral.

Don't be afraid to tell someone that you already have booked their service with another vendor. Take a minute and visit with them anyway. Who knows? You make pick up a tip or suggestion you or your vendor hadn't considered.

Most vendors respect your decisions and would never push their services on you if you already have another provider. Vendors respect each other. Don't worry, it takes a lot to hurt our feelings.

People often walk past booths because they fear the vendor will pounce or be overly aggressive. Some are. If a vendor tries to "pressure" you into booking their services or placing a deposit with them "right now," keep walking! Do not accept any pushy sales pitch to sign now!

Enjoy the food, get a soft drink and socialize. Plan a "rest break" about every hour. Pick up free samples, magazines, sample menus, business cards, brochures, and catalogs to take with you and review them later in the privacy of your own home.

Wedding shows are not supposed to be stressful or overwhelming. There is so much to see and so many vendors. Taking your time to view each exhibit will help reduce the stress. Remember wedding planning is preferably done over time, not in one day. It's one decision at a time.

Many of the exhibitors book up rather quickly on popular wedding dates, so don't wait too long after the show before you decide to call or utilize their services. Generally speaking, there is a rush of appointments and often their calendars fill quickly immediately after a bridal show.

Remember, if you go in with a plan of action, you most likely will get most of your planning done in one afternoon or at least gather enough information to make an informed decision when reviewing the info at your leisure.

Be sure to dress casual and wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared for sore feet.

Grooms take note!   You may want to make arrangements for a foot massage for your future bride or arrange a visit to the hot tub when the day is through.

By Larry James

There are a handful of traditions, superstitions and customs that go with weddings. You probably know a lot of them, but do you know how they started? A lot of these traditions have been passed down through the ages and have survived because they promise fortune and future happiness. There's nothing wrong with a bit of that!
DID YOU KNOW?

* The world 'wedding' actually comes from the gothic word 'wadi' and the Scottish word 'wad' which means 'to pledge'

* The phrase 'to tie the knot' comes from Roman times. In this age, a bride's mother would tie up her daughters undergarments in a very difficult knot. This was to provide a challenge to the groom on the wedding night.

* To this day many brides wear white. This started in the 16th century and is a symbol of purity. Queen Victoria decided against the royal tradition for Royal brides to wear silver. Instead she chose to wear a white gown for its symbolism.

* The promise of marriage is represented by an engagement ring before the wedding day. The ring is meant to represent never ending love. Gold symbolises the strength and purity of the love. The ring is worn on the third finger on the left hand as the Romans believed that the vein on this finger runs directly to the heart.

* In the past evil spirits were thought to prey on brides, and as such most wedding customs began as a means to protect these voulnerable women. For example, wearing a veil was thought to disguise the bride from evil spirits. During the 1800's in Britain however, the veil came to symbolize modesty and chastity.

* Jokes and pranks on the newlywed couple is another example of a tradition that began with the intention of warding off evil spirits. Friends of the couple would play pranks on them in the hope that the spirits would take pity on the couple for already being tormented enough, and leave them alone.

* Tying tin cans to the back of the newlywed's vehicle were intended to make such a loud noise that it would scare away evil spirits.

* The tradition of having members of the wedding party dress alike was started with the hopes that this would cause confusion for the spirits, and so they would leave the bride alone.

* Throwing rice at a couple represents fertility. Some cultures will throw small pieces of crumbled cake with the same meaning. Nowadays, confetti or rose petals are thrown in place of rice due to a number of practical and environmental reasons.

* A newlywed couple symbolise their unity, shared future and lives together by cutting the wedding cake together. The traditional fruit cake originated in Britain, with the fruit and nuts being a symbol of fertility.

* Victorian times saw the origins of the phrase, "Something old, Something new, Something borrowed, Something blue". Traditionally, the "old" would have been the garter of a happily married woman, with the thought being that her good fortune would be passed down along with it. The "new" stood for the couple's new bright and happy future together. "Something borrowed" was usually an item from the bride's family. It symbolized prosperity within the new union, but would bring that good fortune if it was returned to the family. "Something blue" came from an ancient tradition in which the bride would wear a blue ribbon in her hair as a symbol for fidelity.

by asfa

Brides who know it all need go no further into this article than this paragraph, because it is not for them. Neither is it for those who are satisfied with where they are in their wedding planning and the progress they've made so far. You've got the dress. You've got the man. The caterer's booked, along with the photographer and the D.J. Are you still worried about your wedding day?

Will your guests enjoy themselves? Most importantly, will you enjoy yourself? After all, it is your day! Whether you have the next year or a limited time for your wedding, your event can still be just as spectacular as those seen in the magazines and TV Shows.

Yes, you can impress your family and friends with your celebrity-style wedding. I am going to show you how.

1.) Remember Your Guests. Your family and friends will have gone to some expense to enjoy your nuptials with you. Make sure that you show your appreciation and include them-guests like to feel like they belong. If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, be sure to provide them with a welcome basket in their rooms. This can be done on your own (or you can buy pre-made) by adding inexpensive staples and mementos of your host city. If you opt not to provide a basket or gift for your guests, at least supply them with an itinerary. Guests who come to another city for a weekend for only one event will want to see more of you and share in your wedding events. Inviting them to your rehearsal dinner or a postwedding brunch is a very kind and generous gesture.

2.) Get a Theme. When a bride comes to me, one of the first questions I ask is "What is your theme?" When they say they don't have one, I must admit, part of me knows this will be an uphill battle. Ever heard of the saying, "If you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything?" The same is true with themes. If you don't have one, you will find yourself (subconsciously) with five different unrelated things in your wedding. It's horrid. Pick a theme. The theme doesn't have to be big-look at who you and your fiancé are. What are your hobbies? What do you do for a living? Golden Age of Hollywood, Mardi Gras Masquerade, Country, Mediterranean, etc. The possibilities are endless! And just to simplify it, yes, your colors can be a theme. However, you must consistent. If your "theme" is going to be green and pink, decide on what shades and stick to it-no forest, chartreuse, lime and mint all over the place. We're at a wedding, not a kaleidoscope. Should you pick colors, try to pick a maximum of three and make sure that they complement each other. Try to pick "in-season" colors as well-pastel pink at a November/December wedding is a bit odd. Your theme will pull your whole event together-from food to favors, everything will coordinate in style.

3.) Décor. Even if your place is low on the totem pole of venues, you can still make it look like a million bucks. Are you wishing that Christopher Lowell or Martha Stewart could come in and work their magic? They can-pick up an interior decorating book at your local bookstore or library. Pay attention to lines, textures and silhouettes. How do they make you feel? Is that what you want to convey at your wedding? Implement things like flowers, candles, sashes, seashells, etc. into your décor. You will save money but also give your theme some authenticity. Find out from your venue what type of restrictions you are working under (i.e., no open flame, etc.). If you have some money to play around with, invest in some props to go with your theme or a lighting and staging company to help bring it all together.

4.) Get Personal. Being unique definitely sets you apart in the minds of your guests. Step out of the ordinary with personal vows and toasts. Share your relationship with your guests-name your assigned tables after places that you and your fiancé have traveled, favorite foods, movies, etc. Display pictures as centerpieces and to spruce up a cake or gift table. Celebrate who you both are by incorporating ethnic and family traditions. For example, if you have a very close relationship with your extended family, and your guest list is small, opt for the American/Family style dinners-where the dishes are sat in the middle of the table and guests serve themselves. If your culture calls for a special wedding dress, have the best of both worlds and wear your gown to your ceremony and your traditional dress to your reception. Include your guests in ethnic rituals like jumping the broom, the Hindu vermillion powder ritual, etc. Guests love to see picture shows! These are very easy to do, and give your guests an opportunity to get to know you.

5.) Don't Skip the Cocktail Hour. While you are off being in love and grasping the concept that you are a "Mrs.", your guests are left at your reception site awaiting your arrival. Be generous and have sumptuous treats to greet them. Create an environment conducive to mingling and conversation with soft music playing in the background. You do want people to get to know each other and talk-so don't blast it. Opt for Jazz classics, songs that make people feel like they are at something important. Another thing you should definitely consider springing for is extra wait staff. It is quite a hassle to have to repeatedly go to the bar, and once there wait in line. It also adds a sense of refinement to your event with butlered drinks being passed-it makes your guests feel important. Here is a chance to incorporate your personality by having a signature drink passed and available at the bar. Put up a little sign in a silver plated frame explaining the significance. Your guests will feel included and also get the chance to try something new!

6.) Don't Skimp on the Food! Food and drink make the event. Good food and drinks make the party! I understand that budgets are limited, but there is no need to have your 300 guests fighting over Ritz crackers and spray cheese at your 7:00 p.m. reception. The reception (including food) should take a big chunk out of your budget-and it should show. If it doesn't what it will show is that you are cheap, and your guests will leave to find food elsewhere mid-reception. Who wants to stay at a party hungry? If your choices and funds are tight, ask your caterer what they can do to help you out. Ask if you can provide your own recipes (pick up a nice cocktail book. I personally love "Cocktail Food" by Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford with Lori Lyn Narlock). Bulk up on the presentation-that may mean for you, no ice sculpture or five foot eagle made out of lox, but you could add fresh flowers and candles. Add variety with themed stations, convenience with buffets and elegance with plated dinners.

7.) Have Assigned Seating. I know a lot of planners are against this, but it does work out better for your guests. Of course keep your couples together, but do encourage single guests to get to know others at the reception. I have seen where there has not been assigned seating, a single guest finds his/her way back to their seat to find someone's coat or purse in their seat with five people talking that all know each other. A bit intimidating.

8.) That's Entertainment. Whatever you choose-a band or a DJ, make sure that they mesh with you and your personality. You also want them to reflect the overall theme and formality of the group (for example, no harpist at a country western wedding). When interviewing a DJ, ask to see pictures from prior events, if available. What does their guest pool look like? Is it similar to the one that will be at your own wedding? What does their selection and library consist of? You will need someone who is not too low-key that they put everyone to sleep, and not so over-the-top that they want to rush to the nearest exit. You need a professional to gauge and tempt the crowd. Definitely make sure that you keep music playing through their breaks. The dead silence will definitely murder the fun at your party.

9.) Get the Party Started. Nobody likes to be the first on the dance floor. But it is your party! You will be the center of attention, as you should be, and everyone will follow your lead. If you get up and dance, your guests will too. While your DJ maybe fantastic, your guests know you-your excitement will be contagious and they will not be able to resist joining in. Make sure that you are social. Instead of the boring receiving line, you and your new husband can go from table to table to say your "hellos" and "thank yous".

10.) Get Help. It is always fun to meet someone who wants to hear about your wedding-all the time. Get your creative juices flowing, take advantage of vendor discounts and learn secrets of the industry by enlisting the help of a professional wedding planner. Everyone will have a job to do at your wedding. Yours will be to be the bride and to enjoy the first few hours of married life with your family and friends. While you may think you can handle an emergency during your wedding, more likely you cannot. Definitely enlist the help of a wedding planner to do your Day Of coordination.

by Terrica R. Skaggs

The Bride today is often busy in day-to-day life. She may find that the more time she can save in planning her wedding, the better! At the bridal Expo, a bride can her entire wedding in just one trip, if she goes prepared and is ready to get the job done. Her are a few tips to the brides as well as the grooms on how to get the most out of your local bridal shows.

First of all, you will need to have a budget plan. Make a list of what you need the most, and what your budget will allow for this particular item or service. When you go there (Bridal Show), go to those service providers who have what you need the most, first.

Remember, some wedding professionals can only do one or two weddings a day. The will be the ones who will fill up their date books first. Some professionals who can only do one or tow weddings a day are: Videographers, DJ's, Banquet Facilities, Balloon Decorators, Photographers, and wedding consultants.

Plan to spend the day there. The more time you can spend, the more you can plan. Some shows offer up to 6 hours to shop. Also, be prepared to make decisions. Bring some of the major decision makers with you. If you are the major decision maker, bring someone you can "bounce" ideas off of. Other important items to bring are swatches of material, and ribbon in the colors of you wedding. This will assist the florist, balloonist, baker, and many of the other professionals in helping you plan your event. A checkbook and date book is also necessary. If you are going to book that perfect photographer, you will need to give them a deposit. A date book is need to schedule appointments with potential service providers. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. There is no doubt that you will be doing a lot of walking.

Often times, the exhibitors will have a drawing boxes available for you to enter for a chance to win prizes. To avoid having to write your name, address, phone number, and wedding date 50 times; it would be a good idea to have some address labels or a rubber stamp made up. Most of you local print shops can do address labels , and rubber stamps or you can look in the phone book. You may want to just have your name, address, and phone number printed so you can use them after the show as well. When you find the right professional to hire, ask if they offer a show special. If they do, it may benefit you to give them a deposit then. The more you can book at the show, the less you will need later.

The important thing to remember is that the show is there to assist the bride in every aspect of planning her wedding. When used to the fullest extent, you can plan your entire wedding in just a few hours without having to fight traffic, and drive all over town.

By Bridal Billy