Signature Grand Weddings

In recent years, it has become very popular for bridal couples to involve their beloved dog(s) in their wedding ceremony.  After all, they are part of their family and the most loyal friend.  There are many things to consider when planning a wedding with a canine or other pet in the bridal party.  While no one can blame you for wanting your special friend in attendance, here are a few things that can help the day run smoothly for all involved.

Most importantly, when selecting the ceremony and reception sites, the couple needs to make sure that the establishments they choose will welcome their furry friend at the event.  Some venues have restrictions on pet attendance.  It is also important to plan ahead for the pet’s behavioral needs.  Select a trustworthy person to be in charge of the pet, to ensure that he is fed, watered, walked and given appropriate chances to have those much needed bathroom breaks, preferably before the ceremony.  Some extra training may be necessary for your pet and the attendant who has been chosen as the guardian.

Want to add a bit of flair to your wedding plans? If you’ve chosen a specific theme for your ceremony and reception, consider carrying it through to your honeymoon for an added element of fun and excitement. As you plan each event, you may find yourself discovering new ideas to add to the other. For example, as you look at pictures of Fiji, you may come across a shade of blue that you’d love to use on your maid of honor’s gown. Or if you’re planning a Hawaiian honeymoon, maybe you’d like to distribute leis at your reception.  

While the special memories of your wedding day will last a lifetime, your carefully chosen bridal bouquet will soon be a distant memory unless you take action to preserve it.Whether you choose a professional service or one of the do-it-yourself preservation techniques below, you’ll be able to savor the beauty of your bouquet and keep it as a meaningful keepsake for decades to come.

When choosing which method to use, consider how you would like to display your flowers after they are dried. Will you be showcasing the entire bouquet in a shadow box or vase, displaying a single blossom, or incorporating it into a wall décor piece? Also, before you tackle your bridal bouquet, it’s a good idea to practice each method with the flower types you’ll be using in your bouquet, so you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

If you’ve always dreamed of a big wedding but are sent into a tailspin at the prospect of being the center of attention, don’t despair. With a few simple considerations and accommodations, even the most painfully shy bride or introverted groom can pull off the wedding of their dreams. Here are a few tips and techniques that will ease even the most panic inducing moments:

Walking Down the Aisle: Want to avoid the whole, “Yikes! Everyone is looking at ME!” moments? Consider greeting and mingling with guests as they arrive, and then have your priest or minister lead you and your attendants down the aisle together.  Or, start your married life together and walk down the aisle hand-in-hand.

Exchanging Vows: If the thought of memorizing vows flips you out, why not write them down and read them instead? Or, plan to have your officiate do most of the talking during the ceremony, and limit your speaking to “I do.”

What better way to follow a jitter-free wedding ceremony than with a low-stress reception? Here are a few ways to